Antiques Roadshow UK Season 27 Episode 21 HMS Victory Special
- January 23, 2005
- 53 min
Antiques Roadshow UK season 27 episode 21, titled HMS Victory Special takes viewers on a special voyage through the historic warship, the HMS Victory. This episode sees Fiona Bruce and the Antiques Roadshow team travel to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to explore the treasures onboard this iconic naval ship.
As the only surviving naval ship from the Battle of Trafalgar, the HMS Victory has a rich history and viewers get a sneak peek into some of the unique and valuable artefacts that have been preserved throughout the years.
Antiques experts, including ceramics specialist Lars Tharp, silver and jewellery expert John Benjamin and furniture specialist Christopher Payne, are on hand to appraise a range of intriguing finds from the Victory’s past.
One of the standout items featured in the episode is a rare bronze cannon, believed to have been used in the Battle of Trafalgar. The cannon was discovered in a garden in Southampton and brought to the show for appraisal. The chunky, bronze item is said to be worth between £5,000 and £10,000.
Other fascinating finds include a china plate with the word ‘Trafalgar’ painted on it, which was used to serve a dish to one of the crew members who fought in the battle. The team also get to see some beautiful silverware that was used onboard the ship, including a striking silver punch bowl and a collection of silver spoons.
Throughout the episode, viewers also hear from experts who explain the history and significance of various naval artefacts. Details about life onboard the HMS Victory are revealed, including how the crew ate and drank, and where they slept.
But it’s not just about the history of the ship. The programme also sees antiques specialists discussing the current market value of the various items as well as their historical significance. This gives viewers a fascinating insight into how the value of antiques has changed over time and what collectors are looking for in today’s market.
Overall, the HMS Victory Special is a fascinating glimpse into the world of naval history and antiques. Viewers will be treated to a unique look at one of Britain’s most important warships and get a sense of the rich history associated with the vessel. With expert appraisal from some of the best in the business, this episode is sure to be a hit with anyone interested in history, antiques, or naval warfare.