Antiques Roadshow guests speechless as family item valued at £300,000 in 'show first'

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?"

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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.