BBC Antiques Roadshow expert issues urgent appeal to viewers over mysterious background of guest’s item

Antiques Roadshow expert Adam Schoon pleaded with viewers to get in touch when an item linked with a mysterious story was brought in to be valued.

The fine art specialist was intrigued by the item in the classic 2021 episode of the BBC favourite, which is due to be repeated by the broadcaster on Sunday evening.

Schoon was presented in the episode with the Scottish Cup, the world’s oldest cup, and he gave a staggering valuation for the special item.

“For Scottish viewers, this has to be one of the most recognisable and important pieces of Scottish, historical silver, the Scottish Cup,” he explained.

Turning to the owner of the cup, he continued: Speaking to the guest who’d brought the item along, he continued: “Richard, you have kindly brought this cup to show us.”

“The player in question was Andrew Watson,” Richard explained as he delved into the backstory of the cup.

The guest continued: “He is little known but is the world’s first black international football player.

“He was a superstar in an emerging game in the 1870s and 1880s and he won this magnificent trophy no less than three times.”

When asked to explain more about Andrew, he continued: “Andrew was from Ghana. He was brought over to the UK at a young age with his sister and he was very well educated.

“He was certainly from a wealthy background. By the early 1870s, football started to catch his attention.”

He went on to describe Andrew as an all-round athlete who won several trophies.

However, he admitted not very much was known about the footballer.

“Right well, we can appeal to our viewers,” Schoon decided before asking: “Has anybody got anymore on Andrew Watson, any leaflets? Any old printed materials?”

Concluding his appeal, he enthused: “We would love to hear from them,” to which Richard added: “Absolutely, that would make my day.”

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When it came to the valuation, Schoon revealed: “I’ve got to put a value on this piece, which was actually made in London in 1873.

“It was made by Martin Hall and Company. Very well-known makers.

“Should it go to auction, it would make a figure of around £1million.”

The eye watering value left Richard stunned as responded: “That is quite a sum and obviously for us, we are very privileged to look after it.”