A guest on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow was left utterly astounded after learning the true value of an unwanted family tea set she believed was worth a mere £100.
The Swansea Surprise
The remarkable moment unfolded at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, where antiques expert Serhat Ahmet encountered the guest and her large green box adorned with ornate gold patterns. Inside, meticulously preserved, was a complete Chinese tea set in white and red china.
The woman explained the set's origins. It belonged to a relative named Margaret, who had recently passed away at 94. The tea set had languished in an attic for approximately 80 years, seemingly unloved and unused. "It was on its way to the charity shop when I said, 'Hang on, can I have a look?'" the guest revealed.
She shared the poignant history: Margaret's father was a captain in the merchant navy. While docked in Shanghai, he purchased the set as a gift for his daughter, having her initials engraved on the box.
Unwrapping History
Serhat Ahmet was immediately captivated. He noted the surviving factory wrapping paper from the Lee Wa Porcelain Company Ltd on Nanking Road, Shanghai. Crucially, the original 1947 Chinese newspaper used for packing was still present, perfectly dating the set. "That would have been just after the war and Margaret would have been about 14," the owner realised.
Examining the set, Serhat praised its quality. The ruby-coloured glaze was set against green silk, featuring a complete service for six. He highlighted the exquisite decoration, where an artist had inscribed intricate, realistic-looking Ching dragons into the enamel while it was still wet. "We are looking at the very high end of tea ware production in this period," he declared.
The 'Outrageous' Valuation
The expert then delivered his bombshell appraisal. Contrary to the family's £100 estimate, Serhat stated the custom tea set could fetch between £1,500 and £2,500 at auction—more than ten times their expectation.
The guest burst into laughter, exclaiming, "Really? You're not serious! I said to my husband earlier, £100! That's outrageous! I don't know what to say." Her shock was palpable, transforming what was nearly a charity shop donation into a significant discovery.
This episode, which aired on BBC One, followed another surprising find on the same show. In a segment dedicated to antique kitchen tools, a guest brought in a solid silver cucumber cutter, commissioned by her parents for their silver wedding anniversary. Expert Gordon Foster, who had never seen one in solid silver before, valued the unique utensil at £1,000 to £1,500.
Another guest learned that a silver item she had been using as a fruit bowl was actually a Victorian biscuit barrel, worth an estimated £200-£300. Despite the valuation, she planned to keep the family heirloom.
Antiques Roadshow continues to reveal hidden treasures and unexpected fortunes, airing Sundays on BBC One and available on BBC iPlayer.
