In an astonishing reveal on , a contestant presented a Norman Rockwell painting with a valuation that rocked the audience-pegged at a whopping $500,000 (£386k). But the shock evaluation came with even more eye-watering news as experts revealed it could fetch even more, potentially soaring past the million-dollar mark. Despite the high hopes, the contestant grappled with a further catch that it could dip below expectations, depending on the calibre of the buyers on the big day.

During a stop in Eugene, Oregon, this thrilling discovery came to light when the contestant brought forward the 1919 masterpiece, The Little Model, which had famously adorned the cover of Collier's magazine. This piece of American history was personally gifted by Rockwell himself to the current owner's great-grandmother more than 90 years ago, making it not just a valuable item but a storied heirloom. Nan Chisholm, of Nan Chisholm Fine Art in New York City, assessed the painting's worth.

"This was a very rough estimate, as original Rockwell paintings have sold in a wide range of prices at auction, from the low five figures to over one million dollars," she explained, underscoring the uncertain fate that awaits this iconic piece at sale.

This appraisal tied for the second highest in the history of the show. The highest estimate recorded was $1,000,000 (£772k) for 18th-century Qianlong jade and celadon pieces in Raleigh, 2009, which sold for under $500,000 (£386k).

Similarly, a 1937 Clyfford Still painting presented in Palm Springs in 2008 also ranked second.

John Jordan, the show's publicist, said he could not reveal the identity of the painting's owner but confirmed the person lives in the Springfield area.

The Antiques Roadshow continued its tour across the US, uncovering hidden treasures and delivering drama along with jaw-dropping valuations that keep viewers glued to their screens.

On a recent episode of the US version of the show, a guest admitted to getting "shivers" after finding out the true worth of a present she received when her house burnt down.

Visiting the North Carolina Museum of Art, a guest brought in a stunning plateau which instantly caught the attention of PBS expert, John A Hays.

Explaining how it came to be hers, the guest commented: "Our house burned down, we built a new house and our friends gave us a housewarming party and our dear friends brought us this object."

The appraiser explained that the unique item, a rare tabletop item called a plateau, would see the mercury disappear but the gilding would adhere to the bronze mounts.

"They don't do it anymore, because it's rather dangerous to do it but this piece was actually made in Paris in about 1820."

He added: "Now, plateaus are so rare, we would give this an auction estimate of $50,000 (£38k) to $70,000 (£54k)."

The guest was understandably lost for words: "Oh my gosh John. No. No. You give me shivers."