BBC Antiques Roadshow guest makes bold claim after mind-blowing valuation

On Antiques Roadshow, there was astonishment all around when a guest's collection of cycling badges received an impressive valuation from expert Paul Atterbury. The episode aired Sunday (22 September) and featured mementos from the heritage of a one-armed cyclist who achieved the extraordinary feat of biking from Swindon to London and back in under nine hours.

The family piece belonged to the guest's great-grandfather, William Albert Cooper, born in 1888 and who lost his arm in the First World War. Cooper, a devoted road cyclist, was affiliated with the Swindon Wheelers Cycling Club.

Paul Atterbury admired Cooper's vintage bike, noting, "To me [his bike] looks like a fairly conventional gents' tourer it's got drop handlebars, it probably had three or four gears, and it was heavy."

He continued to underscore the importance of club cycling during that era, saying, "Of course he was a member of this club the Swindon Wheelers Cycling Club. Club cycling was so important in those days there were clubs all over Britain, competitions... it's not like it is today."

When it came to the badges, Paul illustrated their significance: "That's what takes us to all these badges, that he won in various competitions. Some of them are local, some of them are national. In a sense this is the history of his career," reports the Express.

Pouring through the memorabilia, Paul highlighted the certificate documenting William's remarkable eight-hour, 55-minute cycling journey.

Marvelling at Cooper's feat, Paul reflected: "It's unbelievable. Just think about that. It's about 84 miles in nine hours, a one-armed man on his own on a fairly old fashioned bicycle. How did he do it?"

The guest beamed with pride as she commented on William's unwavering spirit, acknowledging: "I'm very proud," Expert Paul was then poised to reveal the collection's 'true' worth, illustrating: "What you've got to think about are these badges. Some of these are gold. They're all dated and they all relate to particular events."

He went on to indicate the significant sum, "There's probably getting on for £1,000 worth there. Think of the weight of the gold ones!" Despite the impressive estimate for her small trove, the owner remained resolute in her decision, expressing her gratitude and intention: "Thank you. It's not going anywhere, as everyone says."