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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Antiques Roadshow guests speechless as family item valued at £300,000 in 'show first'
Antiques Roadshow aired the incredible moment one family learnt the staggering value of a precious heirloom Antiques Roadshow expert, Mark Smith, was left stunned over a "show first" on Sunday's episode. During the latest episode, which was a repeat and filmed at Portchester Castle, a couple wanted to learn the history and value behind a priceless family heirloom. Expert Mark couldn't hide his delight and amazement as he said: "This is a unique moment on the Antiques Roadshow. In all the years I've been on the Roadshow, we have never had a Victoria Cross. The highest award for gallantry this country has. Who was this man?" To which the guest explained: "This was my wife's grandfather. Unfortunately, I wasn't privileged enough to meet him but my wife knew him when she was a young child." This prompted the guest's wife to recall: "I have very vague memories, because I actually was only coming up to my fifth birthday when he passed away. I'm very proud of him, obviously, with what he achieved." Expert Mark pointed out he fought in the Battle of Passchendaele and then read the citation that detailed the heroic actions of Sergeant Ockendon, which led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross. It read: "In the attack on the morning of October 4, 1917, east of Langemark, Sergeant James Ockendon was acting company sergeant major. "Noticing the right platoon held up by an enemy machine gun which was causing many casualties, he, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, immediately rushed the gun, killed two of the gunners and followed and killed the third, who was making his escape across no man's land. "He then led a party to an attack on a trench. This party was heavily fired on as it advanced. Sergeant Ockendon dashed ahead and called upon the garrison to surrender. "They, however, continued to fire, and with great boldness, Sergeant Ockendon then opened fire himself. Having killed four of the enemy, he forced the remaining 16 to surrender. During the remainder of the day, Sergeant Ockendon displayed the greatest gallantry." Mark added over the achievement: "Wow. For that, he is awarded the Victoria Cross. It's a very humble medal." The expert went on to explain that Queen Victoria wanted the medal made out of inexpensive material like bronze as "it's not about the medal, it's about the deed behind the medal." Revealing the value of the precious items, Mark said: "As we said, Queen Victoria, she didn't want it to be worth money. They do have a value. Do you have any idea what they might be worth?" To which the guest insisted: "Not really. It's something that will never leave the family..." and it was at this point Mark declared: "£250,000 to £300,000." The couple were left completely speechless as they let out a gasp before laughing in disbelief over the value. The stunned guest said: "I didn't think it would be that much! I need a stiff cup of coffee!" to which his wife joked: "I'm a bit like my husband... shocked. I didn't expect that at all." Talking about the future of the medals, the guest confirmed: "We'll be returning the medals to the bank and keeping them in a safety deposit box there" to which expert Mark said: "I think that's probably wise. That day, he deserved that." Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Antiques Roadshow star left completely speechless in history-making valuation
An Antiques Roadshow guest was left stunned when they received a staggering estimated value for a historic medal, instantly making history for the BBC programme One lucky Antique Roadshow guest made history on the BBC programme after receiving a staggering valuation for a historic medal. The hit BBC show headed to Portchester Castle for its latest instalment with Fiona Bruce at the helm. She was greeted by hundreds of guests who took along their most prized possessions to receive an expert valuation. Expert Mark Smith met a couple who headed to the castle, with medals from the man's grandfather from the early 1900s. Expert Mark told the couple that one medal was extremely unique, as they had never had a Victoria Cross feature beforehand. He informed the couple that it was the "highest award for gallantry in this country," as he became inquisitive about who it had belonged to originally. "This was my wife's grandfather," the male guest said. He went on to add: "Unfortunately, I wasn't privileged enough to meet him, but my wife knew him when she was a young child." However, Sergeant James Ockendon died when the woman was just five, as she revealed her memories are very vague. Mark explained: "Well, he did this during the Battle of Passchendaele, and when we think about the First World War and we see those photos of those men in those mud-filled trenches, this is where he was." He went on to read the citation which explained the bravery and heroism that Sergeant Ockendon had shown while in service. It said: "In the attack in the morning of October 4, 1917, east of Langemark, Sergeant James Ockendon was acting company sergeant major. Noticing the right platoon held up by an enemy machine gun, which was causing many casualties, he, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, immediately rushed the gun, killed two of the gunners and followed and killed the third, who was making his escape across no man's land. "He then led a party to an attack on a trench. This party was heavily fired on as it advanced." Mark went on to explain that Ockendon had opened fire and forced 16 enemies to surrender while in conflict. "During the remainder of the day, Sergeant Ockendon displayed the greatest gallantry," the citation ended. Shocked by the achievements, Mark asked the couple if Ockendon had been injured. They replied: "Yeah, evidently, he got shot in the head. "He was gassed not long before the end of the war, and then he was medically discharged with honour from the army." However, the couple admitted they had no idea how much the collection of achievements would be worth and revealed that they would "never leave the family." Expert Mark revealed that the collection could fetch a staggering fortune between £250,000 and £300,000, with the man joking that he needed a "stiff cup of coffee". The couple also confirmed that the medals would not be sold, and instead, were being returned to a bank vault where they have been securely persevered.
Daily Record
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Antiques Roadshow six figure family heirloom makes history leaving couple stunned
Antiques Roadshow expert Mark Smith was left stunned as he revealed the value of a family heirloom which had never been seen on the BBC show before. An Antiques Roadshow expert was thrilled by a "unique moment" in the show's history as he disclosed the remarkable value of a family heirloom. BBC valuer Mark Smith was at Portchester Castle in the latest episode. He met a couple curious about the significance of a grandfather's esteemed decorations, reports Cornwall Live. "This is a unique moment on the Antiques Roadshow," the expert declared. The expert continued: "In all the years I've been on the roadshow, we have never had a Victoria Cross. The highest award for gallantry this country has. Who was this man?". The husband shared: "This was my wife's grandfather. Unfortunately, I wasn't privileged enough to meet him but my wife knew him when she was a young child". His wife reminisced: "I have very vague memories, because I actually was only coming up for my fifth birthday when he passed away. I'm very proud of him, obviously, with what he achieved". Smith remarked: "Well, he did this during the Battle of Passchendaele and when we think about the First World War and we see those photos of those men in those mud-filled trenches, this is where he was." He then proceeded to read the citation which outlined why Sergeant Ockendon was awarded the Victoria Cross, adding: "In the attack in the morning of October 4, 1917, east of Langemark, Sergeant James Ockendon was acting company sergeant major. "Noticing the right platoon held up by an enemy machine gun which was causing many casualties, he, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, immediately rushed the gun, killed two of the gunners and followed and killed the third, who was making his escape across no man's land. "He then led a party to an attack on a trench. This party was heavily fired on as it advanced. Sergeant Ockendon dashed ahead and called upon the garrison to surrender. "They, however, continued to fire, and with great boldness, Sergeant Ockendon then opened fire himself. Having killed four of the enemy, he forced the remaining 16 to surrender. During the remainder of the day, Sergeant Ockendon displayed the greatest gallantry." After hearing the citation read aloud, Smith responded with understated awe, as he proclaimed: "Wow. For that, he is awarded the Victoria Cross. It's a very humble medal". He explained that Queen Victoria wanted the decoration made from modest materials like bronze, believing it was "about the deed behind the medal". Smith went on to reveal that the soldier also held a military medal and took part in the first assault wave on the opening day of the Gallipoli campaign. When asked whether he suffered wounds, the guest disclosed: "Yeah, evidently, he got shot in the head. "He was gassed not long before the end of the war and then he was medically discharged with honour from the army, and led a quiet life until the Second World War, then he joined the Home Guard," which secured him a defence medal. Nearing the end of the discussion, Smith noted: "As we said, Queen Victoria, she didn't want it to be worth money. They do have a value. "Do you have any idea what they might be worth?". "Not really. It's something that will never leave the family", the gentleman affirmed as the expert disclosed that the medals were estimated at an astonishing £250,000 to £300,000. Both were visibly shocked before dissolving into laughter, with her whispering: "Golly. I didn't think it would be that much", the gentleman admitted, to which Smith replied: "Easily." The visitor joked: "I need a stiff cup of coffee." His wife commented: "I'm a bit like my husband - shocked. I didn't expect that at all." The husband stated his intention to return the medals to the bank for safekeeping in their security deposit box. "I think that's probably wise. That day, he deserved that," Smith concluded.
Daily Mirror
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Antiques Roadshow guests' jaws drop at 'show first' as heirloom given staggering value
An Antiques Roadshow expert revealed the staggering value of a family heirloom that was making show history. WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow. In a remarkable episode of the BBC 's Antiques Roadshow, an expert was left astounded by the historical significance and value of a family treasure. Filming at Portchester Castle, the Antiques Roadshow aficionado encountered a couple eager to learn the history behind a grandfather's distinguished military decorations. Smith declared: "This is a unique moment on the Antiques Roadshow," revealing his excitement. "In all the years I've been on the Roadshow, we have never had a Victoria Cross. The highest award for gallantry this country has. Who was this man?" The husband recounted: "This was my wife's grandfather. Unfortunately, I wasn't privileged enough to meet him but my wife knew him when she was a young child." His wife added her memories: "I have very vague memories, because I actually was only coming up for my fifth birthday when he passed away. I'm very proud of him, obviously, with what he achieved." Smith responded: "Well, he did this during the Battle of Passchendaele and when we think about the First World War and we see those photos of those men in those mud-filled trenches, this is where he was." He then read the citation that detailed the heroic actions of Sergeant Ockendon, which led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross: "In the attack in the morning of October 4, 1917, east of Langemark, Sergeant James Ockendon was acting company sergeant major. "Noticing the right platoon held up by an enemy machine gun which was causing many casualties, he, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, immediately rushed the gun, killed two of the gunners and followed and killed the third, who was making his escape across no man's land. "He then led a party to an attack on a trench. This party was heavily fired on as it advanced. "Sergeant Ockendon dashed ahead and called upon the garrison to surrender. "They, however, continued to fire, and with great boldness, Sergeant Ockendon then opened fire himself. "Having killed four of the enemy, he forced the remaining 16 to surrender. "During the remainder of the day, Sergeant Ockendon displayed the greatest gallantry." Following the recitation of the commendation, Smith simply declared: "Wow. For that, he is awarded the Victoria Cross. It's a very humble medal." He revealed that Queen Victoria insisted the decoration be crafted from an inexpensive material like bronze, believing it was "about the deed behind the medal". Smith continued by highlighting that the soldier also possessed a Military Medal and participated in the initial assault wave during the opening day of the Gallipoli offensive. When questioned about injuries sustained, the visitor revealed: "Yeah, evidently, he got shot in the head. "He was gassed not long before the end of the war and then he was medically discharged with honour from the army. "And led a quiet life until the Second World War, then he joined the Home Guard," which secured him a Defence Medal. Nearing the segment's climax, Smith explained: "As we mentioned, Queen Victoria, she didn't want it to be worth money. They do have a value. "Do you have any idea what they might be worth?" "Not really. It's something that will never leave the family", the gentleman replied before the expert revealed the medals carried an eye-watering valuation of £250,000 to £300,000. The pair's faces dropped in astonishment before bursting into giggles, with her gasping: "Golly. "I didn't think it would be that much", the gentleman admitted whilst Smith confirmed: "Easily." The visitor quipped: "I need a stiff cup of coffee." His spouse added: "I'm a bit like my husband - shocked. I didn't expect that at all." The husband confirmed he'd be taking the medals straight back to the bank's safety deposit box where they'd been stored. "I think that's probably wise. That day, he deserved that," Smith concluded.
Scotsman
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Heroic WWI soldier's Victoria Cross medal withdrawn from sale
A fascinating medal group belonging to a heroic First World War soldier has been pulled from sale after being up for auction. Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The honours of James Ockendon, a recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), were due to go under the hammer at Nesbits Antiques Auctions in Portsmouth next Wednesday (May 21). John Cameron, managing director and auctioneer, said the lot has been withdrawn despite a 'very good offer' being put on the table. He said: 'The medal is currently on hold until further notice. We had an offer come in which was above our initial estimate, but the family have since made the decision to withdraw it. We did our job. We had a very good offer, but the family wanted to reconsider. I understand though, these things happen.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The medals of a Portsmouth soldier honoured for his heroics in the First World War are going up for sale in Southsea, including a Victoria Cross. | Contributed James Ockendon's medals were given an estimated value of between £220,000 and £260,000. Mr Cameron, known for making regular TV appearances on BBC shows such as Bargain Hunt, Cash in the Attic and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, said the medal group received considerable interest. Ockendon's Victoria Cross was showcased on an episode of BBC's Antique's Roadshow at Portchester Castle, where it was given a value of between £250,000 and £300,000. Mr Cameron added: 'This sale was already planned and this medal was a late addition. It would have been the star lot by a long way, but we've got lots of other great medals.' James Ockendon - a First World War hero Ockendon's was presented with the VC by King George V at Buckingham Palace on December 5, 1917. This followed his acts of heroism during the First World War. Part of the citation read by the King said: 'On October 4, 1917 east of Langemark, Belgium, Sergeant Ockendon was acting as company sergeant-major and on seeing the platoon on the right, held up by an enemy machine-gun, he immediately rushed the gun and captured it, killing the crew. He then led a section to the attack on a farm, where under very heavy fire, he rushed forward and called on the garrison to surrender. As the enemy continued to fire on him, he opened fire, killing four, whereupon the remaining 16 surrendered.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad James Ockendon's medals which are going up for auction, including his Victoria Cross. | Contributed James Ockenden Victoria Cross Stone in Yorke Street, Portsmouth, Southsea. He took part in the Battle of Gallipoli, and in the Dardanelles Campaign where he received a bullet wound to his forehead. The soldier was then awarded a Military Medal (MM) for bravery on September 28, 1917 during the opening stages of the Third Battle of Ypres. He led his company into the trenches during a heavy enemy bombardment to relieve another company who had become trapped and disconnected from their commanding officers during the previous day's battle. Other items in the withdrawn lot included his discharge certificate, real photographic postcards, and a hallmarked silver badge issued to VCs by Conservative MP Sir Alfred Butt. Mr Cameron, born in Portsmouth, added: 'This sale was already planned and this medal was a late addition. It would have been the star lot by a long way, but we've got lots of other great medals.' Arthur Pilbeam and Captain Scott One of the most fascinating lots which is on the lips of collectors is a Polar Medal 1904 to LDG SEAMAN Arthur Pilbeam. Having joined the Royal Navy in Portsmouth on March 7, 1896, the Hastings native joined polar explorer Captain Scott on his Discover Expedition between 1902 and 1904. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Arthur Pilbeam's Polar Medal 1904, alongside his Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal. The lot is up for auction in Southsea, Portsmouth. | Contributed A signed copy of Captain Scott's The Voyage of The Discovery from 1905, addressed to Arthur Pilbeam. | Contributed Much of the North Pole was mapped, with a possible route to the Pole ascertained alongside geological specimens. Pilbeam later moved to Royal Naval Fleet Reserve until the First World War, where he joined HM Trawler Saxon Prince. Requisitioned by the Royal Navy in August of 1914 and converted into a minesweeper. Saxon Prince proceeded to disappear in a SW Force 12 storm off Dover on March 28, 1916, with Pilbeam on board. The ship was lost with all hands. Alongside Pilbeam's Polar Medal and Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal, a signed copy Captain Scott's 'The Voyage of Discovery' from 1905 - personally dedicated to him - is also on sale in a separate lot. Both groups have a combined estimate of up to £7,500.
