Vintage Items Valued on Antiques Roadshow

A recent episode of Antiques Roadshow featured a remarkable valuation of a vintage pair of long johns, which were linked to the historical figure Florence Nightingale. Expert Chris Yeo examined the undergarments alongside a descendant of John Smedley, the mill owner who produced them, revealing that they were made for the Emperor of Japan in 1916 from vicuna wool. The guest shared that Smedley was his great great great grandfather, who had rented and later purchased a mill from the Nightingale family. The deed of purchase, which bore Nightingale's signature, added significant historical value to the items. Chris estimated the long johns could be worth between £1,000 and £1,500 due to their unique history and the connection to Nightingale. This valuation drew astonishment from both the guest and the audience.