Antiques Road Trip favourite Angus Ashworth has opened up about his ultimate professional fantasy: uncovering a set of exceptionally rare military medals that could be worth a staggering £80,000.
The Auctioneer's Ultimate Dream Find
The seasoned antiques specialist and BBC regular, who also fronts The Yorkshire Auction House, has handled countless valuable items. However, his passion for military history defines his personal 'holy grail'. "I love military history, so my dream find would be a Victoria Cross or an Army Gold Medal from the Napoleonic Wars," Ashworth confessed. He estimates that an Army Gold Cross medal from that era could fetch between £60,000 and £80,000 at auction.
Unearthing Hidden Value in Homes and Sheds
In his other series, Yorkshire Heritage Hero, Ashworth helps families uncover valuable pieces tucked away in their country estates. He noted a significant shift in the market, stating, "No one has an 'antiques sale' anymore - these days it's always a 'country house sale'." This trend for a quintessentially British look fuels a thriving second-hand market for dark furniture, lighting, and soft furnishings.
He also offered a surprising tip for potential treasure hunters: "There's one place in particular worth checking: the garden shed." Ashworth highlighted a booming interest in decorative garden items like plant pots and benches, which can hold real auction value.
Nostalgia Drives Modern Collecting Trends
The expert pointed out that nostalgia is a powerful force in today's antiques and collectables market. Items from the 1990s, such as vintage games consoles and first edition Harry Potter books, are highly sought after by buyers looking to recapture their youth.
This sentiment even extends to the classic car world. "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," he observed, illustrating how personal memory shapes value.
Ashworth's revelations follow another memorable Antiques Roadshow moment last month, where a guest declined to sell his father's valuable Speedmaster watch despite learning its eye-watering worth, proving that sentimental value often outweighs even the most impressive price tag.
