BBC Antiques Roadshow shock as old long johns fetch surprising valuation

A gobsmacked Antiques Roadshow participant was in for a surprise as a pair of vintage undergarments fetched a jaw-dropping valuation.

During the BBC programme, expert Chris Yeo was accompanied by a descendant of a local mill owner, who brought to the show an intriguing pair of long johns along with a historic contractual document related to the purchase of a Derbyshire mill.

In the broadcast on Sunday, Chris greeted the man, saying: "I'm looking at two items here that answers the question, what does Florence Nightingale have in common with a pair of long johns? And the answer is a company called John Smedley, the oldest manufacturers of clothing in the country. You're from there, tell me more."

The guest disclosed proudly: "John Smedley was my great great great grandfather. He was a spinner of cotton in the mill in Derbyshire, which he rented from the Nightingales and in 1893, bought the mill from the Nightingale family."

Both the guest and expert then scrutinised the deed, which bore the signature of none other than Florence Nightingale herself, reports the Mirror.

"And this is the deed here, and there is the signature of the woman herself - Florence Nightingale. Widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing and there she is. So how does that connect with this pair of long johns?" Chris inquired.

The guest then revealed the fascinating history behind the long johns, stating: "This was made for the Emperor of Japan in 1916. These are vicuna long johns, vicuna is a very fine wool from a llama-like creature. It is the best of the best. We made 365 pairs, one for every day of the year. We kept an example of everything we make, including these."

Chris then had the task of providing a valuation. He shared his thoughts, saying: "In my career, I've never been asked to value a pair of long johns. I think probably £500 but the deeds here - Florence Nightingale's signature comes up sometimes and normally makes between £500 and £750. Because it's in these documents linked to the firm, I think it gives it another level and I can see it reaching £1000 to £1500. So there you are, a pair of long johns and a document."

*Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.