An Antiques Roadshow guest experienced a moment of sheer astonishment after discovering the substantial monetary worth of what she believed to be the very first Christmas cards ever produced. The visitor brought the historic collection, previously owned by her great-grandfather, to be appraised by specialist Justin Croft during filming at Tarvit Mansion and Garden for the long-running BBC programme.
Examining the Historic Christmas Cards
Upon initial inspection, Justin Croft immediately noted that the items "look to be Victorian" in origin. The guest confidently asserted their significance, stating, "So yes, these are the very first Christmas and New Year cards ever produced." To this bold declaration, Justin responded with measured curiosity, "Okay, well, that's a bold claim. These are the first Christmas cards ever produced." The visitor then slightly amended her position, replying, "So I was told, so I believe."
The Established History of Christmas Cards
Justin Croft provided essential context, explaining that the Victorian era is intrinsically linked to the tradition of Christmas cards. He detailed, "And it's usually thought that the first Christmas cards came about in London in 1843. They came about, a man called Henry Cole, who was an inventor. Very, very bright man. Had a lot to do with the early postal system. And seems as though he created the first Christmas cards. So we're told. And Queen Victoria sent the first official Christmas card in 1843."
He expressed keen interest in the provenance of the guest's collection, prompting her to reveal a potentially groundbreaking detail. She believed her cards were printed in 1841, a full two years prior to the recognised first official card. Elaborating on their history, she shared, "My great grandfather was a doctor and surgeon to a bookseller, Charles Drummond. He was also a printer. And he produced these in 1841 and put them in his shop window."
A Surprising Valuation Revealed
After examining the documentation and the cards themselves, which he described as being in "really brilliant condition", Justin Croft acknowledged their potential historical significance. He carefully assessed the collection, noting, "I think you've got eight which I would consider to be genuinely Christmas cards. The others are more general greetings, notepaper."
He then delivered the remarkable valuation: "So I think we're looking at definitely £1,500 to £2,000 on this table." The guest was visibly stunned by this figure, gasping, "Wow! Wow. I wasn't expecting that."
A Second Valuable Discovery on the Show
In the same episode, originally aired last year, another guest received an equally pleasant surprise regarding a different item. He had brought a delicate gold rabbit brooch, featuring a sapphire and diamond eye, which was so small it fit between just two of expert Joanna Hardy's fingers.
Joanna remarked on its unconventional presentation, saying, "Usually people come to my table and they're showing me a jewel in a box, but you came and showed me the bunny brooch in a plastic bag." The owner admitted, "Well I only put it in that plastic bag to come here to be honest," to which Joanna humorously replied, "I'm pleased, I'm pleased about that!"
Assessing the Gold Rabbit Brooch
Joanna Hardy provided a detailed analysis of the brooch, which the owner had purchased at an antiques fair twenty-five years prior. She praised its quality, noting, "For something that is basically metal, it has life to it. And that's because it's a good quality piece of jewellery." She identified the eye as sapphire and the eyelid as set with little circular cut diamonds.
She assessed the piece as likely being from the 1960s and made of 18-carat gold, though she indicated that some engraving and marks were probably shop codes rather than maker's marks, requiring "a little bit more digging" for full attribution.
A Valuation That Exceeded Expectations
Joanna Hardy then delivered her valuation, stating, "As is, without it being attributed to a particular jewellery house, it is so beautifully made, you're talking at least £3,000." The owner was profoundly surprised, exclaiming, "Oh God!" He confessed he had speculated it might be worth "about a thousand."
She added a tantalising possibility, pointing out that if the brooch could be attributed to a prestigious jewellery house like Cartier, its value could skyrocket to "about £8,000 to £10,000."
Antiques Roadshow continues to captivate audiences with such revelations, airing on Sundays on BBC One and available on BBC iPlayer.
