Michael Baggott, a renowned BBC antiques expert who appeared on the popular show “Flog It!” from 2017 to 2020, has died of a heart attack at Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham. He was 55. Before his death, Baggott had been hospitalized since October after suffering a stroke.
Known for his extensive expertise in British silver, boxes, and early spoons, Baggott established himself as a respected figure in the antique world through positions at prestigious auction houses, including Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
His fellow “Flog It!” expert, Nick Hall, praised him as “a true connoisseur and ambassador of the antique world” and “a font of knowledge and generous with his knowledge.” The BBC’s head of daytime and early peak commissioning, Rob Unsworth, highlighted Baggott’s “unrivaled knowledge and enthusiasm for antique spoons and silver.”
After his initial hospitalization in October, Baggott spent five weeks bedridden at Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham. During this extended stay, he had shared concerns about his care. In December, he posted a video from his hospital bed describing his struggle with dehydration. “I’m dying of thirst,” he said in the video, expressing frustration about the lack of water provided. While praising the nursing staff and junior doctors, he criticized senior management at the hospital for what he perceived as inadequate treatment. However, his outlook improved after receiving proper hydration, and he shared an update expressing more optimism about his care.
Throughout his career, Baggott contributed significantly to the field of antiques through his writings. He authored numerous articles for The Finial, the journal of the Silver Spoon Club of Great Britain, and published several books on antiques and silver.
His colleague Charles Hanson described him as “a giant of our antique industry” who was “never afraid to call out ‘an expert who got it wrong.'” Online followers praised his knowledge, passion, and personality, noting how he brought “a touch of irreverence & humor” to the antique industry.
His expertise made him a valuable addition to “Flog It!” until the show’s cancellation in 2020. Though the series is no longer in production, his appearances continue to be enjoyed by viewers in reruns. Before his television career, Baggott had built an impressive reputation in the antiques trade. He worked at Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction houses, where he developed his deep knowledge of silver and other collectibles.
Beyond his television appearances, Baggott was known for sharing his expertise through various channels. He conducted valuations and appraisals, wrote extensively about silver collecting, and was particularly renowned for his knowledge of early spoons, a specialized area of silver collecting. His contributions to The Finial helped educate collectors and enthusiasts about the intricacies of silver collecting and authentication.
His family announced his passing by describing him as a “dearly loved son, brother, nephew and uncle.” They also announced plans for a memorial service to celebrate his life and contributions to the antiques world.
