WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow.
An Antiques Roadshow guest was left gobsmacked after discovering the whopping valuation of her late father’s Olympics memorabilia.
BBC‘s antiques guru Marc Allum was on hand at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery to evaluate a treasure trove of Olympic artefacts belonging to the woman’s father, dating back to the 1930s.
Her father, the “great” cyclist Charles Holland, not only competed in two Olympic Games but also took part in the Tour De France.
The guest shared with Allum: “He’s my father and he was very modest about his success as a cyclist.
“We just had a load of cups in the house and we didn’t see any of this for many years until we found a big suitcase after we were clearing the house out after he died and we found all this stuff that he kept for years and years and years.”
She recounted how, despite her dad sharing stories of his cycling days, they “didn’t dwell on it”, particularly since his career was cut short by the war and raising three children.
Allum expressed his amazement: “I look at this and I’m quite astonished to be honest with you. So what I’ve done is select a few highlights from his career in essence.”
Among the showcased items were a programme for the 10th Olympiad Los Angeles 1932, his competitor’s medallion, and a bronze Olympic medal for pursuit cycling.
Allum noted: “Well that in itself is something isn’t it? Your father won a bronze medal at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, absolutely amazing.”
The expert highlighted a collection featuring a British and Olympic shirt, along with a programme from the infamous 1936 Berlin Olympics, graced by Hitler’s presence. The guest also showcased a photo of that year’s cycling team led by her father.
“He’s a very suave looking gentleman there I have to say, he looks really wonderful”, Allum praised.
“Interestingly enough, the shirt kind of gives away his kind of size in essence. He was obviously slim, very fit, powerful person.”
In summation, Allum valued the memorabilia: “I’m going to try and put a price on this and it’s really, really difficult. And you know, I think your collection is worth £15,000 to £20,000.”
Astounded by the valuation, the man accompanying the owner uttered, “Wow”, while she gasped, “No! I can’t believe it.”
Allum confidently conveyed, “I don’t think I have any hesitation in putting that value on it, it’s amazing.”
Speaking separately, the woman’s guest said: “Amazing valuation of course and you don’t actually think what those medals are worth but you do realise how rare they are. £15,000 to £20,000 did kind of shock me.”
She added: “Me too, absolutely shocked. Wow’d by it, fantastic. I can’t believe it.”
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
