Michael Baggott, the renowned antiques expert, author, and television personality, was a familiar face on BBC’s Flog It! for over 17 years. Born in the UK, he built an impressive career as a specialist in antique silver, smallwork, and early spoons, working with prestigious auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s before transitioning to television.
Sadly, Michael Baggott passed away on January 28, 2025, at the age of 65, following a heart attack, just months after suffering a stroke in October 2024. His vast knowledge, passion for antiques, and warm personality made him a beloved figure in the antique community.
As of 2025, Michael Baggott’s estimated net worth was $1.5 million, earned through his television career, book sales, consultancy work, and antiques dealing. In this article, we explore his net worth, income sources, early career, personal life, and enduring legacy in the antiques world.
Michael Baggott Net Worth and Income Sources
How Much Was Michael Baggott Worth?
At the time of his passing in January 2025, Michael Baggott had an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. His wealth was accumulated through television appearances, book sales, antique consultancy, and private dealing.
Income Breakdown
- Television Career
- Best known for BBC’s Flog It!, where he featured as an antiques expert from 2004 to 2018.
- He also made appearances on Antiques Roadshow, adding to his media presence and earnings.
- Auction House and Consultancy Work
- Worked at Christie’s auction house during his university years.
- Later, he became head of Sotheby’s southern silver department, significantly boosting his career and earnings.
- After leaving Sotheby’s, he operated as a private antiques consultant, specializing in silver and smallwork.
- Book Sales and Publications
- Author of “An Illustrated Guide to York Hallmarks 1776-1858”, an important reference for antique collectors.
- Contributed numerous articles to The Finial, the journal of the Silver Spoon Club of Great Britain.
- Social Media and Online Presence
- Maintained an active YouTube channel and X (Twitter) account, sharing expert opinions on antiques.
- His engagement with antique enthusiasts helped sustain his career post-Flog It! cancellation.
- Antique Dealing and Research
- Conducted independent research on provincial British silver, with a particular passion for early spoons.
- Bought and sold rare antiques, contributing to his net worth.
Michael Baggott’s Net Worth Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 million |
| Primary Income | Television, Antiques Dealing |
| Book Sales | An Illustrated Guide to York Hallmarks |
| TV Career | Flog It! (2004–2018), Antiques Roadshow |
| Auction House Work | Christie’s, Sotheby’s |
| Social Media Presence | YouTube, X (Twitter) |
Michael Baggott Short Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Baggott |
| Profession | Antiques Expert, TV Presenter, Author |
| Date of Birth | 1960 |
| Age at Death | 65 years old |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Zodiac Sign | N/A |
Early Life and Career
Michael Baggott’s passion for antiques started at an early age. He bought his first antique, a Chester silver Vesta case, for £22 while still in school, saving his lunch money for over a month to afford it. This early dedication led him to study antiques and join Christie’s auction house while still at university.
Rise to Fame in the Antiques Industry
- After graduation, Baggott ran Sotheby’s southern silver department for four years before establishing himself as a private consultant.
- His expertise in antique silver, smallwork, and early spoons made him a respected name in the industry.
Television Career and Flog It!
- Baggott became a household name when he joined BBC’s Flog It! in 2004.
- He remained one of the show’s most recognizable experts until it was canceled in 2018 after 17 seasons.
- His deep knowledge, sharp wit, and engaging presentation style made him a fan favorite.
Family and Relationships
Michael Baggott was described as a “dearly loved son, brother, nephew, and uncle.” Though private about his personal life, his family confirmed his passing through a heartfelt statement.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Eye Color | N/A |
| Hair Color | N/A |
| Tattoos | No |
Lesser-Known Facts About Michael Baggott
- He saved his school lunch money for over a month to buy his first antique.
- He ran Sotheby’s southern silver department before moving to TV.
- He specialized in early English hallmarked silver, particularly provincial British silver and smallwork.
- He wrote articles for The Finial, a journal dedicated to silver spoons.
- He continued engaging with fans on YouTube and social media after Flog It! ended.
- He was highly critical of Antiques Roadshow’s valuation inaccuracies.
- He spent over five weeks bedbound in hospital following his stroke in 2024.
- Despite his health struggles, he continued sharing his expertise online.
FAQs About Michael Baggott
Q: What was Michael Baggott’s net worth at the time of his death?
A: His estimated net worth in 2025 was $1.5 million.
Q: How did Michael Baggott die?
A: He passed away from a heart attack on January 28, 2025, after suffering a stroke in October 2024.
Q: What was Michael Baggott known for?
A: He was best known as a silver antiques expert on BBC’s Flog It! and for his deep knowledge of early English silver.
Q: What books did Michael Baggott write?
A: He wrote “An Illustrated Guide to York Hallmarks 1776-1858”, along with many expert articles.
Q: Was Michael Baggott still active before his passing?
A: Yes, he continued posting about antiques on social media and YouTube until December 2024.
Conclusion
Michael Baggott’s passing is a great loss to the antiques world. His contributions to silver research, television, and antique consultancy made him a respected and beloved figure. From his humble beginnings saving lunch money to buy his first antique, to his prominent role on Flog It!, his journey was one of passion, dedication, and expertise.
His legacy will live on through his books, television appearances, and the many people he inspired in the world of antiques. Rest in peace, Michael Baggott.
