A Chinese urn that an auction house used as a doorstop is expected to make £15,000 when it appears for sale.

The Yuan dynasty item from between 1279 and 1368 was bought by an eagle eyed investor at a Yorkshire, UK, sale in the 70s, even though it wasn't in the catalogue.

Hugh Lambert purchased the urn, which was propping open a door, for a small sum from the auction house. It then passed to his grandson Matthew Collinson. He presented the urn for valuation at the BBC's Antiques Roadshow, where it astounded experts.

Many Chinese works of art are returning to their homeland thanks to wealthy collectors in the country

Said to be the oldest bronze ever seen on the programme, it is estimated to be worth between £10,000 and £15,000, despite a broken handle and the fact it had once been buried in a grave.

"I am going to sell it, and I think we will have a big family holiday," said Collinson.