Is it possible to keep finding cigars that once used to belong to Sir Winston Curchill?

[JohnS]

As the thread title says, I am amazed how often this type of story comes up sixty years after Sir Winston Churchill passed. Then again, perhaps in this case the story below is true!

BBC Antiques Roadshow expert in disbelief as nan shares 'iconic' item found in her loft

Story by Holly Clarke - 21st of April, 2025

A screengrab from Antiques Roadshow © BBC

A guest on Antiques Roadshow wowed expert Mark Smith with one "iconic" item her grandchildren had found in her loft. The expert was in disbelief as the guest revealed who the item once belonged to.

Fiona Bruce hosted another edition of the popular BBC programme on Sunday night. The latest episode was set at an antiques roadshow in Crystal Palace park as another batch of guests arrived to get their treasured items valued.

Expert Mark Smith was thrilled when he was presented with a box a guest had found in her loft. The guest explained she had retrieved a box of medals belonging to her late father in law, who fought during World War Two.

As well as the impressive selection of French medals, the guest also found a small tube. She explained: "My two grandsons were up in my loft and they found a small old box.

"They came down very excited to say, not only had they found three medals in the box but they'd found this tube, which as you can see is addressed to Monsieur Poulet, and it says to Maurice from Mr Churchill."

The guest continued: "We slid the contents out carefully, and there inside, we found this cigar. Then another of my grandsons ran down to say he had found a newspaper article in the same box."

A screengrab from Antiques Roadshow © BBC

Mark was thrilled to hear the cigar belonged to former Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. He served as leader of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and 1951 to 1955.

The expert said: "So you actually have one of Mr Churchill's cigars, isn't it fantastic." He added: "Well, the cigar is worth £2,000." The guest was shocked to hear the value of the item. She said: "No, oh my goodness, really?"

A photograph of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill © Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Mark explained: "His cigars are so iconic and people just want to own one of them." Churchill's use of cigars became one of the most recognisable parts of his public image. The large cigar size known as "Churchill" is named after him.

He was often seen smoking during important moments in history, so it comes as no surprise that his cigars are highly sought after at auction.

Source: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/tv/bbc-antiques-roadshow-expert-disbelief-31479195