BBC Antiques Roadshow guest makes history as expert stunned by ‘very rare’ Yeomanry Sword: ‘Best ever’

Antiques Roadshow expert Bill Harriman was left stunned when one guest brought along his ancestor’s cavalry officer’s sword – which fetched a staggering four-figure value.

During the latest episode, treasures included a collection of rare football shirts, a brooch found in a sock drawer and a quirky bird clock.

Joanna Hardy was captivated by a platinum brooch which was found in a sock drawer, whilst Hilary Kay got a kick from seeing a mule-themed money box.

Will Farmer unleashed a greyhound figurine from one of Staffordshire’s best-known pottery studios, while Justin Croft discovered a rare 18th-century journal with a direct link to Cromford Mills.

However, it was Harriman who was left stunned with one guest’s items and noted: “You have brought in today a very interesting looking cavalry officer’s sword, and I’m guessing that it was owned by this chap here?”

As the camera panned to a portrait of a man, the guest laughed and explained: “Very much so. He was my great uncle, four times over, and he was Captain William Wright, born in 1764.

“He became captain of the Chesterfield Troop of the Derbyshire Yeomanry Cavalry in 1807, and they sort of predated the police force because they coped with civil unrest.”

Delving into the deep history of the sword, Harriman explained: “They were there for the defence of the country, and they were chosen from what was known as the sort of yeoman class, because it was felt they had a stake in the country, you know.

“They were minor landowners and, because they were relatively well off, the state didn’t have to buy their uniforms, buy their horses.

“It supplied some arms to them, but it was very much a local thing. And I have to say I have never seen anything from the Derbyshire Yeomanry on the Roadshow.

“And it is just great that it has come here in Derbyshire – my home county. I looked at the sword and I thought ‘Ooo, there’s something odd about that’.”

Harriman noted that the scabbard was etched which was “very rare” before asking if the inscription was for a special event.

The guest explained: “It was a presentation sword for his services to the troop in Chesterfield so it was really a thankful present.

“I have found a newspaper article that described it as being a very costly sword and it had been made by Elizabeth Gill in Birmingham.”

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Noting that his ancestor was highly regarded, Harriman went on to express his gratitude for the item and valued it.

“It’s an absolute cracker and I’ve just noticed, as I turn the blade, you can see the back of it – it’s gilt. So the whole of the back of the blade would have been gilded.

“But I have to say this is probably one of the best swords we’ve had on the Roadshow. Certainly in my time. I think with the picture of the owner, that would be £5,000 easily.

“I can’t think of enough superlatives, if I had a thesaurus I couldn’t do it,” leaving the guest to note: “Thank you very much indeed.”