ANTIQUES ROADSHOW APPRAISES DICKIN MEDAL

 

In a resurfaced episode of Antiques Roadshow, Paul Atterbury was presented with a "truly rare" medal which was bestowed upon a pigeon who escaped a plane crash in World War Two and found its way home. The bird was affectionately named Cologne and was the recipient of a Dickin Medal for its bravery. The BBC guest who owned the medal was stunned when she discovered how much it could fetch at auction.

"I heard about this story and it is wonderful to me for two reasons.

"One, I have never held a Dickin Medal before and it's somehow very powerful when you know what went on and what the story was like, and how that extraordinary pigeon achieved so much to justify this medal.

"Superficially, giving medals to animals makes you think, 'Well why?'

"But this is exactly why, and of course, it is important to remember that the Dickin Medal goes on being awarded as animals are still doing extraordinary things as they always have done.

"This is the only way we can acknowledge that."

He revealed the other aspect which excited him was that the medal was "very rare" and from a "great period in history".

Paul revealed: "Such a medal is likely to fetch around £10,000. Did you know that?"

His guest was speechless and started smiling in disbelief before saying: "No, not as much as that. We didn't realise it would be worth as much as that."

Paul replied: "They are truly rare and, of course, it is all to do with the story.

"So he was a wonderful pigeon, you could say he was the most expensive pigeon ever."

To read the complete article, see:
Antiques Roadshow guest speechless after valuation of pigeon's 'truly rare' bravery medal (https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1714338/antiques-roadshow-pigeon-bravery-award-valuation-10000)

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