BBC Antiques Roadshow box

During a recent episode of Antiques Roadshow in Caversham, a teenager was stunned to learn that a stumpwork box, wrapped in brown paper and a tablecloth, is valued between £50,000 to £70,000. Expert John Foster examined the box, dating it to around 1675 from the reign of Charles II, and remarked on its excellent condition, which is uncommon for such items. The box was discovered by a maid in an unoccupied Milton Manor, where the teenager works as a tour guide. Foster noted that the box likely belonged to the Calton family, who owned the manor for about 100 years. The young guest humorously responded to the revelation, acknowledging that it was not his property but had spent the night in his living room. Foster expressed his amazement, stating, 'I've never seen anything like it,' highlighting its museum-quality significance.