Antiques Roadshow UK Season 40 Episode 24 Stormont 2

In this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team travels to Stormont in Northern Ireland for the second time in the show's history. As always, members of the public bring in their cherished family heirlooms and antique finds to be appraised by the experts.

The show starts off with a unique piece of Irish history, a silver trowel that was used during the foundation stone ceremony of Belfast City Hall in 1899. The owner inherited it from her great-grandfather who had helped build the city hall. Expert John Axford is impressed by the quality of the silver and the detailed inscription, and estimates the value to be around £2,000.

Next up is a set of World War I medals, including the prestigious Victoria Cross. The medals were awarded to an Irish soldier who had been in the British Army during the war. Expert Mark Smith explains the significance of the Victoria Cross and the heroism involved in earning one. The owner is thrilled to learn more about her grand-uncle's bravery and the medals' estimated value of £40,000 to £50,000.

An interesting find comes in the form of an antique handcuff collection, consisting of a range of different styles and mechanisms. Expert Marc Allum is fascinated by the different types of cuffs and their history in law enforcement. The owner inherited the collection from her grandfather who had worked as a police officer in London. The value is estimated at around £500.

The show also features an extensive collection of Waterford Crystal, brought in by a couple who are downsizing their home. The collection includes a range of pieces, from vases to champagne flutes and candle holders. Expert Helen Halliday appraises the quality of the crystal and its various patterns, estimating the value to be around £4,000.

Another unique item is a wartime diary belonging to a Northern Irish woman who had worked as a nurse during World War II. The diary holds many personal accounts of her experiences and observations during the war, and is expertly evaluated by expert Graham Lay. The owner is thrilled to learn more about her grandmother's life and the estimated value of £200 to £300 is a bonus.

The show also features a pair of Georgian silver vases, passed down through generations of one family. Expert Geoffrey Munn notes the exceptional quality of the silver and the intricate engravings, valuing the pair at around £3,000.

The episode also takes a look at a collection of medals and honours belonging to a war hero, including the OBE and MBE. Expert Mark Hill delves into the history of the honours system, and notes the exceptional service that the owner's father had provided during both World War II and the Korean War. The estimated value is around £800.

One particularly interesting find is a Japanese tea set, that had been passed down through generations of a Northern Irish family. The set includes a range of pieces, from the teapot to the cups and saucers, all intricately adorned with traditional Japanese designs. Expert Yasmin Khan is impressed by the quality of the set and estimates the value at around £500.

The episode ends on a high note with a rare find, a 17th-century Irish silver porringer. Expert John Benjamin notes the excellent condition of the porringer and the detailed engravings, valuing it at around £6,000 to £8,000. The owner had originally found the porringer at a car boot sale for only £5, making it a truly remarkable find.

Overall, this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK provides a fascinating look into the varied and unique antiques and heirlooms held by people across Northern Ireland. The show highlights the importance of preserving history and tradition through these cherished objects, as well as the value and significance they can hold for future generations.