Antiques Roadshow expert John Baddeley left one guest refusing to sell her family heirloom despite offering up a five-figure valuation.
During a new episode which aired last Sunday, treasures such as a quirky 18th-century ‘Harlequinade’ children’s flip book, a vintage trainer collection and a flying helmet from the Battle of Britain were found.
Alastair Chandler came across a unique pocket whilst Marc Allum was captivated by a premiere programme for the classic sci-fi film Metropolis.
However, it was Baddeley who was stunned by a medal marking the work of a suffragette in the early 90s.
Revealing what she had brought along for Baddeley, the guest explained: “These belonged to my great grandmother, Gertrude Metcalfe Shaw. She was brown in 1864 and during the Suffragette movement she was involved in various acts of militancy.”
Unable to wait to take a look at the medal, Baddeley asked: “Can I just see this little shield at the top?
Antiques Roadshow guest left John Baddeley stunned
BBC
“It’s got the votes for women on it, and the initials WSPU, Women’s Social and Political Union. So, she got given this by the union round about 1903?”
Delving into her family’s history, the guest revealed: “I’m not sure when she was given it. What we know is that, in April 1913, she was involved in a publicity stunt at the monument.
“She barricaded herself in and unfurled the WSPU flag and distributed lots of hand pamphlets to the huge crowd that had gathered at the bottom.”
Baddeley noticed a portcullis on the medal and asked if the guest knew anything about it, leaving her to note: “We understand this is called the Holloway Brooch.
The guests great-grandmother was part of the suffragettes
BBC
“[It] was awarded to those suffragettes who spent time in Holloway prison, and on the medal three we have the dates of the two periods that she was imprisoned.
“She was imprisoned for breaking Scotland Yard’s window and was sentenced to three weeks imprisonment.
“She immediately went on hunger strike and was released after five days. Then a year later, by which time she was 50 years old50-years-old, she was again imprisoned, we don’t know what for at that time and then yeah, received this.”
Knowing a little knowledge about the medal, Baddeley added: “And then we get the medal as a whole, and it’s got the ribbon, the original ribbon.
“And it says ‘For valour, for bravery’. And then it’s got the two dates – two bars makes it rarer still. And ‘Hunger Strike’. Now hunger strike.
“I mean, she was only there quiet a short time, but it was not pleasant. We assume, you know, they force-fed her.”
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Antiques Roadshow's John Baddeley valued it at £30,000
BBC
He continued: “I would say this group of three in the original box, with the dedication and the photograph, we’re talking about a figure at auction between £25,000 - £30,000.”
The guest immediately smiled but quickly admitted: “Wow. Wow. Oh, well, we have no intention of selling it.”
Pleased at her answer, Baddeley replied: “I’m sure you don’t because that is such an important part of the family. Thank you so much for bringing them in.”
