Angus

Antiques Road Trip’s Angus Ashworth shares ‘holy grail’ military medals worth up to £80k

Antiques Road Trip star Angus Ashworth has shared the items he would most like to find in his work, including rare Victoria Cross and Napoleonic War medals

Antiques Road Trip’s Angus Ashworth has disclosed his ultimate discovery – and it could command a staggering price. The seasoned antiques specialist and auctioneer, a familiar face on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip and his own programme, The Yorkshire Auction House, has encountered countless valuable treasures throughout his career.

However, he’s opened up about specific pieces he’s particularly keen to stumble upon. “I love military history, so my dream find would be a Victoria Cross or an Army Gold Medal from the Napoleonic Wars,” he revealed. “That’s the holy grail for me.”

When discussing potential values, the expert estimated between £60,000 and £80,000 for an Army Gold Cross medal. Angus also presents Yorkshire Heritage Hero, which follows him exploring Yorkshire’s magnificent country estates, assisting families in discovering valuable pieces from their properties.

READ MORE: Ex-BBC boss calls for Strictly Come Dancing to be paused to ‘save show’s reputation’READ MORE: Gordon Ramsay’s scathing digs at Adam Peaty’s family ‘filmed for Netflix show’

He pinpoints critical repair needs and generates funding for restoration projects by unearthing and auctioning concealed treasures found within these historic residences.

The presenter observed: “No one has an ‘antiques sale’ anymore – these days it’s always a ‘country house sale’. People have really bought into the idea of this quintessentially British interior look. The public fascination provides potential to keep things above water.

“There’s a huge second-hand market for items such as dark furniture, lighting and table lamps, and soft furnishings – so curtains, cushions and rugs,” he added. “And there’s one place in particular worth checking: the garden shed.

“There can be real value in the garden and what’s in the shed – my day job is as an auctioneer, and I can see a huge interest and value in decorative pieces for the garden, from plant pots to benches.”

He also highlighted that 90s nostalgia items like games consoles and Harry Potter first editions are hot commodities among buyers looking to recapture their youth.

“You can even see it in the classic car world,” he added. “The market for people who dreamed of owning an MG has shrunk, while Ford Escorts are now far more desirable because that’s what people remember wanting.”

Last month, viewers of Antiques Roadshow watched in amazement as a man was adamant he wouldn’t sell his family heirloom, despite learning its eye-watering value.

As experts looked at a timepiece, horological expert Alastair Chandler hailed it “a real classic”. The Speedmaster watch belonged to the guest’s father, who only wore it on special occasions throughout his son’s childhood.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads



Source link

Leinster v Ulster: Angus Bell starts and Stuart McCloskey returns for Ulster’s Aviva Stadium trip

Australia prop Angus Bell will make his first Ulster start in Friday’s United Rugby Championship game against Leinster at Aviva Stadium (19:45 GMT).

Short-term signing Bell, who came off the bench in the Challenge Cup fixtures against Racing 92 and Cardiff, starts at loose-head with Ireland internationals Tom O’Toole and Tom Stewart completing the front row.

Centre Stuart McCloskey returns from the groin injury he sustained on Ireland duty last month. He is joined in midfield by Jude Postlethwaite, who missed last weekend’s defeat by Cardiff because of concussion.

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has recalled several players after rotating his squad for the Cardiff game, with Nick Timoney and Juarno Augustus returning to the back row.

Jacob Stockdale is restored at full-back, while Rob Baloucoune – who has scored five tries this season – returns to the right wing. The first-choice half-back pairing of Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy are also recalled.

Ethan McIlroy is set for his first appearance since January from the bench after recovering from a knee injury.

Ireland forward James Ryan will earn his 100th Leinster cap in Friday’s interprovincial derby.

URC holders Leinster will be captained by Jack Conan, who came through graduated return to play protocols, with Caelan Doris not named in the squad.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has changed his front row after last weekend’s Investec Champions Cup win at Leicester, with Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani and Gus McCarthy named to start.

New Zealand international Rieko Ioane will play his first URC game after a couple of Champions Cup appearances, while Sam Prendergast is restored at fly-half after Harry Byrne was preferred for the Leicester game.

Ulster have won four out of five URC games this season while Leinster have three wins and three defeats from six. Leinster won both meetings last season, including a comprehensive 41-17 win at Aviva Stadium in April.

Leinster: Frawley; Kenny, Ioane, Tector, Lowe; Prendergast, McGrath; Boyle, G McCarthy, Slimani, Deeny, Ryan, Soroka, Penny, Conan (capt).

Replacements: Sheehan, P McCarthy, Furlong, J McCarthy, Deegan, Gunne, Byrne, Moloney.

Ulster: Stockdale; Baloucoune, Postlethwaite, McCloskey, Kok; Murphy, Doak; Bell, Stewart, O’Toole, Sheridan, Irvine, McCann, Timoney (capt), Augustus.

Replacements: Andrew, Crean, Wilson, Hopes, B Ward, McKee, Flannery, McIlroy.

Source link