Antiques Roadshow teen’s jaw drops as he learns life-changing value of box wrapped in tablecloth by maid – as expert admits ‘I’ve never seen anything like it’

Antiques Roadshow teen's jaw drops as he learns life-changing value of box wrapped in tablecloth by maid - as expert admits 'I've never seen anything like it'

As a dedicated follower of Antiques Roadshow for years, I’ve seen my fair share of jaw-dropping moments. However, the episode featuring the stumpwork box from Milton Manor took the cake! The sheer excitement and disbelief on the teenager’s face as he learned his simple-looking box was worth a staggering £50,000 to £70,000 was nothing short of electrifying.


In my line of work as a lifestyle connoisseur, I once came across an unforgettable moment on an old episode of Antiques Roadshow. To my amazement, a guest was left utterly spellbound!

During a visit to Caversham by a popular afternoon TV show, a teenage boy was left speechless upon discovering that the package he’d thoughtlessly wrapped in brown paper and a tablecloth held an astonishing value of five figures.

Skilled craftsman John Foster was given an exceptionally beautiful stumpwork box while discussing its details, stating: ‘Over time, we’ve encountered numerous examples of stumpwork and embroidery on the Roadshow. Stumpwork refers to the elevated portions within this box.’

He continued: ‘You can date it quite easily to the reign of Charles II, so 1675-ish because his image is on top.

“Given that it’s typically worn out or damaged when we encounter similar items, what is it about this one that has managed to endure for such a prolonged period in this state?”

Antiques Roadshow teen's jaw drops as he learns life-changing value of box wrapped in tablecloth by maid - as expert admits 'I've never seen anything like it'

Antiques Roadshow teen's jaw drops as he learns life-changing value of box wrapped in tablecloth by maid - as expert admits 'I've never seen anything like it'

The visitor shared that the box originated at Milton Manor, located in Oxfordshire, a place where they serve as a tour guide. Interestingly, the manor had remained vacant for an impressive 40 years.

Later on, upon returning, a housemaid stumbled upon an object hidden in the chamber of an ancient servant, covered with a piece of brown paper and a cloth resembling a tablecloth in one of the rooms.

‘So she brought it down and said ‘ta-dah!’

“Gazing upon this marvel, I find myself at a loss for words, compelled to exclaim, ‘It’s simply breathtaking! I could rave about it endlessly.'”

Overwhelmed with excitement, I couldn’t contain my awe as he unveiled the true worth of that masterpiece. “Unbelievable!” I exclaimed, “This is museum-worthy at its finest… The estimated value, at auction, ranges from an astounding £50,000 to £70,000!” As a dedicated fan, every fiber in me was vibrating with anticipation at the thought of owning such a treasure.

The teen’s jaw fell agape at the figure, leaving him speechless, searching for a way to articulate his emotions.

He joked: ‘Wow. Shame it’s not mine, I can’t believe it’s travelled down in our car and it spent the night in our sitting room.’

John added: ‘I’ve never seen anything like it and I don’t think I will in a long, long time.’

Antiques Roadshow teen's jaw drops as he learns life-changing value of box wrapped in tablecloth by maid - as expert admits 'I've never seen anything like it'
Antiques Roadshow teen's jaw drops as he learns life-changing value of box wrapped in tablecloth by maid - as expert admits 'I've never seen anything like it'
Antiques Roadshow teen's jaw drops as he learns life-changing value of box wrapped in tablecloth by maid - as expert admits 'I've never seen anything like it'

During last Sunday’s broadcast from Dundee, a guest found themselves speechless when they encountered a man whose father was a member of the Special Air Service (SAS), as expert Mark Smith presented his authentic military papers, medals, and insignia – items frequently counterfeited globally.

The man showed a black and white photograph of his father, called David Cargill, before being sent to France with the BEF. 

Astonished by the display before him, Mark exclaimed, “This morning you mentioned your father was a soldier, and as you began pulling out these items, my excitement grew. Turns out, this guy was part of the Special Air Service – incredible!”

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it this way: “I’m examining a Territorial medal here, which suggests that its owner embarked on a war journey in France. Interestingly, he also bears the Dunkirk medal, indicating his initial foray was from a beach known as Dunkirk. So, I’m curious, what military force did he ultimately join?”

As a devoted follower, I might say: After enlisting in the Parachute Regiment, completing my training, and earning my wings, I promptly volunteered for the Special Air Service (SAS) and was fortunate enough to be accepted.

Mark added: “Now, if you come across these badges or items here, including SAS wings, they’re often not genuine. However, you possess a Kings Crown Parachute Regiment emblem.”

As a history enthusiast who has spent countless hours poring over military artifacts and memorabilia, I have rarely come across something as unique as the shoulder titles for the 1st SAS that I recently stumbled upon. It’s not every day that I get to see such rare pieces of history, let alone hold them in my hands. Although I haven’t had the chance to examine these particular titles up close before, their authenticity and significance in the annals of special forces history is undeniable. These artifacts are a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who served under the 1st SAS, and they serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our forebears in defense of freedom.

Antiques Roadshow teen's jaw drops as he learns life-changing value of box wrapped in tablecloth by maid - as expert admits 'I've never seen anything like it'
Antiques Roadshow teen's jaw drops as he learns life-changing value of box wrapped in tablecloth by maid - as expert admits 'I've never seen anything like it'

Mark found the beret belonging to the guest’s father quite remarkable due to its authentic features, notably the small badge that he mentioned is frequently replicated everywhere.

Mark commented: “It’s truly amazing to be able to physically interact with these items, as they rarely appear for sale. Standing here and touching the genuine article is simply fantastic!”

As a connoisseur of all things related to a well-lived life, I’d like to shed some light on the value of an extraordinary collection. This esteemed individual, hailing from the BBC, mentioned that the medals in this set were approximately £200 each. However, when you consider the entire collection, it boasts a staggering worth close to £8,000.

The guest was stunned by the valuation and said to Mark: ‘My father would be very surprised.’

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2024-08-07 16:06

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