Antiques Roadshow expert left stunned over 'show first' as he values item at £300k

Antiques Roadshow specialist Mark Smith was left absolutely astonished by a "programme first" during Sunday's episode.

Throughout the latest instalment, which was a repeat filmed at Portchester Castle, a married couple sought to discover the background and worth of an invaluable family treasure.

Specialist Mark couldn't conceal his excitement and wonder as he declared: "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?"

The guest responded: "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 encouraged the guest's wife to remember: "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."

Specialist Mark highlighted he battled in the Battle of Passchendaele and then recited the citation that outlined the courageous deeds of Sergeant Ockendon, which resulted in him receiving the Victoria Cross.

It stated: "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 remarked about the extraordinary achievement: "Wow. For that, he is awarded the Victoria Cross. It's a very humble medal."

The specialist continued by explaining that Queen Victoria desired the medal to be crafted from affordable material such as bronze because "it's not about the medal, it's about the deed behind the medal."

Disclosing the worth of the treasured artefacts, Mark stated: "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?".

The guest replied: "Not really. It's something that will never leave the family..."

At that moment Mark announced: "£250,000 to £300,000."

The pair were rendered utterly speechless as they gasped before bursting into incredulous laughter over the valuation.

The astonished guest exclaimed: "I didn't think it would be that much! I need a stiff cup of coffee!" whilst his wife quipped: "I'm a bit like my husband... shocked. I didn't expect that at all."

Discussing what would happen to the medals next, 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 responded: "I think that's probably wise. That day, he deserved that."