The original script to the celebrated Four Candles sketch by British comedy duo The Two Ronnies is valued at £40,000 ($53,432) in an upcoming sale.
For our non-British readers, the hugely popular skit (originally broadcast in 1976) sees a man entering a shop asking for “four candles”. After much confusion, it emerges he’s actually after “fork handles”.
The lot includes a pair of spectacles worn in the show - Image: Chloe Humenko / Hansons
Also known as “Annie Finkhouse”, the sketch regularly tops polls of the best moments in British comedy.
There’s even a pub named after it, The Four Candles in Oxford.
The script is written in Ronnie Barker’s handwriting, under the pseudonym Gerard Wiley.
It was recently authenticated by Ronnie Corbett.
Hansons Auctioneers consultant Marc Allum said: “I saw the script in 2006 and filmed it for the Antiques Roadshow at Carters Steam Fair in north London.
“It was then subsequently shown to Ronnie Corbett who confirmed its authenticity. On the day when I filmed it, I was completely amazed.
“To hold Ronnie Barker’s handwritten script for one of the most iconic comedy sketches in history was beyond words.”
The script has previously sold for £48,750 ($65,154) back in 2007, a figure it's almost certain to exceed when it hits the block on December 20.
The lot includes a pair of spectacles from the show and a signed letter from Barker.
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