The Antiques Roadshow values Mearns man’s medal haul at £10,000
ByRichard Watt
A Titanic rescue medal and war honours bestowed on a Mearns fisherman were estimated to be worth £10,000 on The Antiques Roadshow.
John Cargill was an 18-year-old quartermaster on the Carpathia when it helped the Titanic’s survivors in 1912.
He later served in both world wars with The Black Watch and Royal Navy before returning to Gourdon.
In that time he gained a Military Medal and several fighting honours as well as a gallantry card, all of which were kept in a “Christmas box” by his family.
His grandson John Henderson was “surprised” to be given the valuation, based on what militaria expert Mark Smith described as “one of the most amazing groups of medals” he had seen in 45 years as a collector.
He said: “In all the years I’ve collected medals this is the only one of these I’ve ever held you made my year.”
Mr Henderson, who lives in Invergordon and decided to visit the BBC show when it came to Balmoral, promised to keep the medals in his family.
He said: “The medals are unique.”
Mr Cargill died in 1980, two years after his wife Mary.The programme is available to watch on the iPlayer.
The Antiques Roadshow values Mearns man’s medal haul at £10,000