Ep 20. Melksham

Antiques Roadshow UK season 23 episode 20 takes the viewer on a journey to Melksham, a town in Wiltshire with a rich history. The show begins with Fiona Bruce introducing the beautiful location, with shots of the town's charming architecture and picturesque countryside. As always, the Roadshow experts are on hand to appraise an array of items brought in by members of the public, hoping to discover the true value of their antiques.

The first item to be appraised is a set of silver spoons, found by the owner's grandfather over 100 years ago. Expert Mark Hill is impressed by the quality of the spoons, which turn out to be Georgian and bear the mark of renowned silversmith Hester Bateman. Next, glass expert Andy McConnell examines a delicate vase, which captures the attention of the crowd with its intricate design and exquisite colours. Will it prove to be a rare example of British Art Nouveau glass?

There is excitement in the air as the Roadshow welcomes the owner of a collection of vintage Dinky toys, which may well be worth a small fortune. Specialist Simon Shaw is the man to assess their value, and he is delighted to see some rare examples including a miniature fire engine and a model of the iconic Lotus F1 car. Meanwhile, ceramics expert Eric Knowles is drawn to a pretty porcelain figurine, decorated with flowers and leaves. As he scrutinizes the detailing, he notices an intriguing signature: could this be the work of the famous Meissen factory?

The Roadshow never fails to surprise, and this episode is no exception as an unusual item comes to the fore. A walking stick with a carved snake handle is presented to militaria specialist Bill Harriman, who reveals its intriguing origins. The stick was said to have belonged to an officer in the Crimean War, and Bill is intrigued by its links to the famous Charge of the Light Brigade, which took place in 1854. Could this be a genuine piece of a significant historical event, and what might it be worth?

Finally, the Roadshow takes a look at a beautiful piece of furniture: an antique chair with intricate carving and a plush velvet cushion. Expert Lennox Cato is impressed by its quality and fine detailing, which could indicate its origin as somewhere in the Low Countries. But will this piece of furniture live up to its impressive exterior and have a surprising history and value?

As always, the Roadshow concludes with a collection of the experts' favourite finds from the day, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the world of antique collecting and the delight of finding hidden treasures. Melksham proves to be a fascinating location with locals bringing an array of interesting and unique items, providing viewers of the show with their regular dose of thrills from the most exciting antique show on British television.