An Antiques Roadshow guest was left speechless after learning the astonishing value of a family heirloom that had been locked away in an attic for eight decades.
Surprising Discovery at Swansea Museum
In a previous episode of the beloved BBC programme, filmed at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, locals brought their antiques and fine arts for expert appraisal. One guest presented specialist Serhat Ahmet with a precious Chinese tea set that had remained untouched for 80 years.
Examining the box, Serhat remarked: "Well, I find nothing more intriguing than an unopened box. Shall we take a look inside?" Upon peering inside the deceptively simple green box, he gasped, "Wow."
The Story Behind the Tea Set
The guest explained that the tea set belonged to Margaret, a family member who died at age 94. "I believe the tea set's been in the attic for about 80 years. I don't think she liked it very much, so she didn't use it, and it was on its way to the charity shop when I said, 'Hang on, can I have a look?'"
She recounted how Margaret's father, a captain in the merchant navy, bought the set in Shanghai. "All the crew would have got off the ship to buy their family gifts. He bought her the tea set with her initials engraved on this box."
Expert Appraisal
Serhat noted the original wrapping paper from Lee Wah Porcelain Co Ltd on Nanking Road, Shanghai, and a Chinese newspaper dated 1947 preserved with the set. The set includes six saucers, six cups, a teapot, sugar bowl with lid, and a milk or cream jug, all adorned with Qing dragon sgraffito on ruby enamel.
"We are looking at the very high end of teaware production in this period," Serhat said, before revealing a valuation between £1,500 and £2,500.
Stunned Reaction
The guest was utterly amazed, exclaiming: "Really? You're not serious! I said to my husband earlier, '£100'. So that's... Are you serious? That's outrageous! Well, goodness me. I don't know what to say. Can't get over it!"
Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
