Woman left floored by valuable item plumber finds while fixing boiler

A woman was left gobsmacked after a plumber she hired made an unexpected discovery in her home.

Helen Metcalfe, known on social media as @BlondiieMama, shared the astonishing tale with her 6,191 followers, but it quickly went viral, racking up more than 49,000 views. Helen posted: "While replacing my boiler, the plumber commented, 'That sword is the most exciting thing I've seen in anyone's attic!'".

In disbelief, Helen responded: "Sorry, what?," before sharing a snapshot of the intriguing find.

She then revealed more about the sword's history, stating: "I've so far discovered it was made between 1805 and 1954 by Wilkinson Sword Co Ltd, who used to make swords for the infantry."

The revelation sparked a flurry of excitement, with one person exclaiming: "Great find," while another speculated: "That looks like an RAF pattern sword, privately purchased by RAF officers, not issued. Bloody expensive."

Another chimed in: "This is a Royal Navy officers ceremonial dress sword - I have one for my No.1s uniform. They are not cheap, so this is a great find!"

To which Helen replied: "Thank you! It has an eagle on the crest instead of an anchor, so I think it's RAF?"

Another follower confirmed: "Yes this is an RAF officer's sword."

Some suggested that Helen should take her find to the Antiques Roadshow for a valuation. One individual exclaimed: "Antiques road show here we come!" Another chimed in with: "That is very exciting. I might be seeing this on Antiques Roadshow in the future."

What could the sword be worth?

The value of Royal Air Force (RAF) swords can vary greatly, depending on factors such as age, manufacturer, condition, and historical significance.

Modern and reproduction RAF swords typically range from about £225-£650, depending on quality and detailing.

However, older or antique RAF swords, particularly those from the George V era (1910-1936) or earlier, can fetch higher prices - ranging from £850 to more than £1,000.

Tips for judging value

• Condition: Swords in great condition, with minimal wear and original features, are more valuable
• Provenance: Documentation or a known history can significantly increase value
• Manufacturer: Swords made by reputable manufacturers like Wilkinson Sword are often more sought after
• Era: Older swords, especially those from significant periods like WWI or WWII, tend to be more valuable