Defiant Treasure: BBC Antiques Roadshow Guest Clings to Medal Worth £30,000!

In a delightful twist on the age-old charm of antique appraisal, Antiques Roadshow expert John Baddeley found himself in a rather unexpected position last Sunday. He encountered a guest determined to hold on to her family heirloom, even when faced with a staggering five-figure valuation. You see, this wasn’t just any trinket; it was a tangible piece of history, and sometimes, history feels like a comforting weight we simply cannot part with—even when justified by a hefty payday.

The latest episode introduced viewers to a veritable treasure hunt, featuring an eclectic mix of items, including a charming 18th-century "Harlequinade" children's flip book, a collection of vintage trainers that you'd think belonged to a time traveler, and—wait for it—a flying helmet straight from the tense, historical airspace of the Battle of Britain. Alastair Chandler discovered a unique pocket that could probably tell more stories than a well-read novel, while Marc Allum was utterly enchanted by a premier program for the sci-fi classic, Metropolis.

However, it was Baddeley who truly had his breath taken away. As he listened intently to a guest who had brought forth a medal honoring the valiant work of a suffragette from the early 1900s, I could almost hear the collective gasps from viewers. The guest introduced her great grandmother, Gertrude Metcalfe Shaw, who was born in 1864 and played a fiery role in the tumultuous suffragette movement—a time filled with bravery, banners, and a fair bit of drama.

With eyes gleaming in anticipation, Baddeley couldn’t help but inquire about the intricate little shield at the top of the medal. “Can I just see this?” he asked with the enthusiasm of a child who has just uncovered a hidden treasure in the attic. "It’s got 'votes for women' on it, along with the initials WSPU, Women’s Social and Political Union. So, my dear, it seems she received this from the union around 1903?”

As the guest divulged her family history, the stories began to weave together like the most compelling of novels. “I’m not certain when she received it,” she began. “But in April 1913, she was involved in what could only be described as a daring publicity stunt at the monument.” Her voice danced with pride as she explained how her great grandmother had barricaded herself in, unfurling the WSPU flag and handing out pamphlets to a crowd that had gathered—a moment that must have felt electric, akin to the thrill one feels on a first date.

With genuine surprise, Baddeley noted a portcullis on the medal and asked, “Do you know anything about this?” The guest responded, with a hint of awe, “We understand this is called the Holloway Brooch. It was awarded to those suffragettes who spent time in Holloway prison.” The medal, a piece of rebellion wrapped in bravery, carried with it tales of resilience. “She was imprisoned for breaking Scotland Yard’s window and was sentenced to three weeks. But here’s the kicker—she immediately went on hunger strike and was released after just five days.” Ah, the audacity of revolt!

Baddeley, now clearly besotted with the medal, continued unraveling its story. “And look at this—a complete set! The original ribbon, which reads ‘For valor, for bravery.’ The bars indicate rarity. And hunger strike—let me tell you, those weren't pleasant days for her—likely some rather unpalatable force-feeding.” It’s a testament to the trials endured for the sake of freedom, which is quite romantic in a way, like a love story but with less hand-holding and slightly more angst.

“I would estimate that this group of three in its original box, complete with the dedication and the photograph, could fetch between £25,000 and £30,000 at auction.” Depending on the week’s grocery bill, such figures might make one’s head spin like frantically turning pages in a suspense novel.

The guest, overjoyed yet resolute, smiled broadly but quickly confessed, “Wow. Wow. But we have no intention of selling it.” In that moment, Baddeley’s genuine understanding shone through as he replied, “Of course, you don’t—this is an irreplaceable part of your family’s narrative. Thank you ever so much for sharing it with us.”

And thus, amidst the clutter of treasures and tales, another episode of Antiques Roadshow closed with the timeless reminder that while some treasures may tempt us with their worth, the true value often lies in the stories they tell and the love that binds them to our hearts.