The BBC One show “Antiques Roadshow” recently made a stop at Alexander Gardens in Cardiff, where it featured a variety of intriguing items, including a valuable Welsh rugby shirt and a historically significant item related to the transatlantic slave trade.

Among the highlights was a rugby shirt worn by Gwyn Nicholls, captain of the Welsh national team during the historic match against New Zealand in 1905. This match holds a significant place in Welsh rugby history as it was the first time Wales faced the All Blacks, who at that time boasted an undefeated record on their international tour. Wales achieved a momentous victory in the match, marking it as the only loss for New Zealand on that tour.

Expert Lisa Lloyd examined the shirt, which was previously estimated to be worth between £25,000 to £30,000. A similar shirt from the same historic match, previously belonging to a different player, sold for an impressive £19,000 a few years prior. This context adds to the profound historical significance of Nicholls’ shirt, showcasing its value not just as memorabilia but as a piece of sporting heritage.

The episode also contained a segment that stirred emotional and moral reflections. Expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan confronted an item linked to the transatlantic slave trade, which he described as one of the most challenging subjects he had ever discussed on the programme. The item, a disc that acted as an endorsement for an African slave trader, was shown during the episode, prompting Archer-Morgan to make a clear stance against the trade in ivory. “I want to make it absolutely clear that myself and we and the Antiques Roadshow wholly and unequivocally disapprove of the trade in ivory,” he stated. He continued to express discomfort with the item’s historical implications, saying, “But this ivory bangle here is not about trading in ivory, it’s about trading in human life.”

While he acknowledged the item’s historical significance, Archer-Morgan refused to provide a valuation, stating that the true value lies in the lessons it can impart rather than in monetary terms.

In another poignant segment from the same episode, Liverpool-born expert Wayne Colquhoun evaluated memorabilia belonging to Iorwerth Price Jones, a notable football referee. The collection included badges, uniforms, and a 1973 match programme from a controversial game featuring Leicester City and Liverpool FC, presided over by Jones, who disallowed a crucial goal that incited discontent among those present. Colquhoun recalled the match vividly and issued an apology for having likely shouted at Jones during the event, demonstrating the personal connection between the pieces and the experiences tied to them.

Colquhoun provided a rough estimate for the combined items, attributing a value of around £1,000. However, he emphasised the importance of the cultural history behind the memorabilia rather than their market value. The woman presenting the items remarked on her father’s philosophy regarding refereeing, which emphasised ensuring players did not focus on the referee but rather the game itself, illustrating the passion and dedication he brought to his role.

The programme, which showcased a rich tapestry of stories connected to Welsh culture and history, continues its tradition of revealing the stories behind cherished items while highlighting the impact of personal narratives and historical contexts.

Source: Noah Wire Services