Manager Jill Whittingham said they had no idea who donated the book

The book, which dates back to 1898, was discovered at the branch of Oxfam in Nantwich, South Cheshire - appropriately inside a handbag.

Staff at the shop said they had no idea who donated the items, and have put the book on sale for £650.

The book has a mark in the front cover saying it was number 349 out of a total of 1,000 printed copies.

The shop's manager Julie Whittingham said: "We have absolutely no idea who brought it in.

"That sort of thing is a one-in-a-million chance for shop like this - it's very exciting.

"Someone could have easily come across it and just put it out in the shop, thinking it was a bit battered and probably just worth about £4.99. We've had it checked and verified and it's fantastic for us."

One of the lead characters in the play is said to have been found in a handbag at Victoria railway station.