An Antiques Roadshow guest was left 'disappointed' before a show expert revealed their item's staggering worth.
Expert Christopher Payne appeared on the BBC show, where he was joined by a guest who had a tea caddy they wanted to get valued. The expert was instantly taken by it, telling the guest: "I am absolutely speechless, where on earth has this come from?"
The guest then revealed it was from their family, adding that "it is an old family piece that was commissioned I think for a wedding in 1838." They then added that "presumably it was unique" and showed that it had the family crest on it.
"So 1838 is the date on the silver is it? And BS for Benjamin Smith, I know him, a well-known maker. It is a tea caddy, and this is clearly an important family piece, what is the family?" the expert asked.
The guest then explained the family history, adding: "We are the Cornwallis family, so historically we go back to the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1200. My ancestors were responsible for surrendering America in 1781 which has always made us very popular over there... And one of his children had this commissioned, that is as much as I know really."
The expert then admitted they were probably "disappointing" the guest by their next statement.
"So that, 1838 is a wedding gift. I am going to disappoint you, it is not 1838 at all. It is George III, 1780s, well the outside is. This is one of the most wonderful tea caddies I have ever seen in my life. It is the most extraordinary rectangular Bombay shape, with the most incredible markings. Just take the front here, these lovely flowers all hand cut on this what is called sycamore ground," he said.
"Like the back of a violin, it is the most expensive wood you can imagine. On the sides, we have ivory, and on the top ivory flowers to enlighten it a little bit. We are seeing it in its old, rather shall we say sad deteriorated condition, it is very faded. When it was made originally it would have been very bright colours and I think we probably wouldn't like it."
He went on to explain how it was probably more attractive to buyers now.
Christopher added: "I think it would be far too bright and far too colourful, no doubt about it that the silver would have been put in later, as you say perhaps to commemorate the marriage which makes total sense.
"Let's look at the box itself, with time I can probably find out exactly who made it but my initial reaction would be a London firm, very important makers, with this wonderful marquetry. People recognise me on Antiques Roadshow they say, what is the best thing you have ever recorded, and I have never been sure. I have come up with one or two wonderful things."
He added: "I have seen many models over the years, but this is, without doubt, the best piece I have ever seen on Antiques Roadshow. It appeals to me academically, aesthetically and historically, as an object with the crest dare I say £20,000 to £30,000."
The guest was stunned by the valuation, and was left open mouthed as they said: "Oh god. Thank you very much."
