0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Cash In The Attic, the programme that hunts for antiques
0:00:05 > 0:00:07in your home and sells them at auction.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12Today, I'm in Colchester, which has the distinction of being the oldest town in Britain,
0:00:12 > 0:00:16because it has records going back to AD77.
0:00:16 > 0:00:21With a mixture of both ancient and modern standing shoulder to shoulder,
0:00:21 > 0:00:24it's still home to a number of historic sites.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27This magnificent fortress is Colchester Castle.
0:00:27 > 0:00:35It was built around 1070, and it's the largest Norman keep in the whole of Europe.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39Over the years, this Norman stronghold has been used to incarcerate criminals,
0:00:39 > 0:00:45interrogate suspected witches, and now entertains over 100,000 visitors every year.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48This is a truly spectacular historical site,
0:00:48 > 0:00:52but I'm sure our next location is also going to be pretty fascinating.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18'Coming up on today's Cash In The Attic, we're seeking help in unusual places...'
0:01:18 > 0:01:19- No!- Come on out, Vivienne.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23'..getting up to no good, given half a chance...'
0:01:23 > 0:01:26No tobogganing down the stairs on it, Paul.
0:01:26 > 0:01:27OK, Oh, you spoil all the fun!
0:01:27 > 0:01:30'..but still trying to impress at auction.'
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Well, get your best frock on, Norman. Here they come.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36'Will all our efforts pay off at the end of the day?
0:01:36 > 0:01:39'Find out when the hammer falls.'
0:01:39 > 0:01:42I'm on my way to meet a fascinating lady.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46She's a gardener, a traveller, and a former catwalk model.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50'For nearly nine years, this fine suburban residence has been home to Gail Butler,
0:01:50 > 0:01:55'who, after travelling extensively around the world during her modelling career,
0:01:55 > 0:01:57'loves to spend most of her time out of doors.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02'Now retired, her garden is her pride and joy, and gets most of her attention.
0:02:02 > 0:02:08'But in the last couple of years, she's been grateful for a reliable pair of hands to help her out.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11'Neighbour and fellow gardener, Norman Clark,
0:02:11 > 0:02:16'has been roped in to assist today, to get her home ready for the winter months.'
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- Hello, hello.- Good morning Paul, I'm very well indeed.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21I think we're going to have a great day, she's got some nice things.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25She's got some very fashionable items, yes. Are you ready for this?
0:02:25 > 0:02:29I am indeed. We've a model contributor, and a model for an expert.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Oh, well, there you are, thank you very much.
0:02:34 > 0:02:40Gail, Norman, two friends united with a love of gardening, I think, yes?
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Yes, we are.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- That's very true, we are. - So, Gail, why have you called in Cash In The Attic?
0:02:46 > 0:02:51Over the years I've accumulated so many bits and pieces, not just from my travels,
0:02:51 > 0:02:57but things handed down from my family, and I just felt it was time for a clear out, really.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- So we'll have a good rummage today, then?- Oh, yes. I'm in for that.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Right. So what are you going to spend the money on?
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Well, I'm hoping to do up this room,
0:03:06 > 0:03:12- and particularly have one of those log-burning stoves here, the gas log-burning stoves.- Right.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15So I'm hoping to raise enough money to have one of those put in.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21Norman, as you seem to be the person who does the odd jobs around here, will you have to fit the new fire?
0:03:21 > 0:03:24No, I stick to the small jobs. I'll leave that to the professionals,
0:03:24 > 0:03:27and come down with some wine and christen it!
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- THEY LAUGH - So, how much is this going to cost?
0:03:29 > 0:03:33In the region of about £500, I think. Something like that.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38I think we ought to be able to raise £500, because you have some smashing things in the house.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Let's go and see what we can take to auction. Come on.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46'Gail's beautifully decorated home offers a wealth of rooms rich with collectables.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49'So we should have no problem finding enough to take to auction.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54'However, we are going to need the advice of expert Paul Hayes to identify the best goods possible,
0:03:54 > 0:04:00'and he's way ahead when it comes to valuations, having been born into the antiques business.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04'Although he's not the only leader of the pack on our rummage today.'
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- He's at work already. What have you found? - I've found something unbelievable.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- It's a letter from Winston Churchill. - Where did this come from, Gail?
0:04:12 > 0:04:16My cousin used to send a birthday card to Winston Churchill every year,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18because she shared the same birthday.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- And then one year he replied with this letter.- What does it say?
0:04:21 > 0:04:25It says, "It has given me great pleasure to receive
0:04:25 > 0:04:32"your kind message on my birthday. Winston Churchill, Nov 30th, 1947."
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Is something like that very collectable?
0:04:34 > 0:04:39It's extremely collectable. Churchill is very important in British culture.
0:04:39 > 0:04:40He's an iconic figure, isn't he?
0:04:40 > 0:04:44I think if there was anybody that summed up the 20th Century,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I think Winston Churchill's near the top. He's the main man.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52He spent most of the war wearing the boiler suit, and with the big cigar, always, of course.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56Well, he was Prime Minister twice. Once during the War, and then in the 1950s, 1951 to '55.
0:04:56 > 0:05:02So he's got a lot going for him, as a statesman, as a fantastic character.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05And it's very unusual to have a signed letter like that.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- Yes, hand written.- What do you think we might get for it at auction?
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Well, these things are very rare, and it's hard to authenticate.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15What you need with any bit of memorabilia is provenance.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18You know that, your auntie, did you say, wrote?
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- Cousin. - Your cousin wrote off to him.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24Lots of celebrities today have people signing things for them when they get letters.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26But this does look like the real McCoy.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30I've come across his signature before, and it is identical to that.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Provenance is important? - Provenance is very important,
0:05:33 > 0:05:38you get lots of fakes of these sorts of items. This seems very genuine. It's on House of Commons paper.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42So I think that's dead right. And as a collectable, it is very collectable indeed.
0:05:42 > 0:05:48I'd say at least £150, and I would expect it to bring several hundred.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- Does that make any sense? - Yes, not bad!
0:05:50 > 0:05:55What else have you got tucked in the nooks and crannies of this house?
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- Let's go and see what we can find. - Let's soldier on.
0:05:58 > 0:06:05I had a vague idea that was the sort of figure, the bottom figure should be around £100, £150.
0:06:05 > 0:06:11And I'm very aware that the final price depends on how many people are interested on the day.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Let's hope there are loads of people interested.
0:06:13 > 0:06:19'With valuables and an expert of such high standard, I don't think that's going to be a problem.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21'But with a £500 target to meet,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24'we're going to need plenty of quality goodies to entice our bidders.
0:06:24 > 0:06:31And in the home of such a fashion-conscious lady, Paul's stylish find comes as no surprise.'
0:06:31 > 0:06:33I must say, these are fantastic, aren't they?
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- They're gorgeous. - Are these a family heirloom?
0:06:36 > 0:06:38No, they belonged to a lady I knew,
0:06:38 > 0:06:46and I believe it was probably an insert on a beautiful dress she wore in the '20s, sort of flapper style.
0:06:46 > 0:06:52The 1920s was the age where people used to recycle, materials were very expensive.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56So what they would do, they would have items like this that would sew on to your dress,
0:06:56 > 0:07:00and once your material had worn away, you could reuse it, and put them on something else.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02But this is all beadwork.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Yes, it's magnificent. This is jet, I understand.
0:07:05 > 0:07:06Well, it's a French jet.
0:07:06 > 0:07:12Jet is quite distinctive when you look at it, this is shiny, almost glass-like.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15And it tends to be made in France.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20And what they would do was to make these wonderful patterns, and sell them separately.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22so you could go along, and you could buy any design.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25But this is very 1920s, very Art Deco.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31- Oh, yes, very. And would those have been hand sewn?- All hand sewn. - That's what I thought,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33because they're minute, these little ones here.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Yes, it's taken someone an awful long time to do that.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38But the whole jazz era was like that.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41You had the short haircuts and the slim dresses.
0:07:41 > 0:07:47I mean the dances that they had, the cocktail parties, the motor cars, it sums up that era.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Well, if we said at least £40. Does that sound OK?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Yes, that sounds good.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- Great, let's hope we find a good home for them.- Good.- Excellent.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02I've always thought it was hand beaded, but I was never really sure, because it's such an amazing thing,
0:08:02 > 0:08:08when you look at it there must be thousands and thousands of beads there, all sewn on by hand.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11So Paul did clarify that for me.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15'There are so many exquisite items on display in Gail's home,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17'that choosing what goes and what stays is no easy task.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22'Eagle-eyed Paul thinks this French brass-cased carriage clock,
0:08:22 > 0:08:26'which has stood on the mantelpiece since Gail was a child,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28'could fetch £50 to £80.
0:08:28 > 0:08:35'Gail's home is far removed from her exuberant past, and I'm keen to find out more about those early days.'
0:08:35 > 0:08:40Gail, you have such a wonderfully colourful home.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43It's vibrant with colour everywhere.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- I love it, yes. Mediterranean. - Is that what the influence is?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Yeah, I'm pretending I'm in a hot country.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52But is that because of all the travelling you've done as well?
0:08:52 > 0:08:57Probably, yes. I love bright colours and bright-coloured flowers, and that sort of thing.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00You were a model. How did that come about?
0:09:00 > 0:09:02It was really from a friend at school.
0:09:02 > 0:09:10I really wanted to do languages, and her mother's best friend was in fashion in London.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14And they nicknamed me Long Shanks, because I was tall and skinny,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16and said, "You should be a model."
0:09:16 > 0:09:19I went to modelling school, and the rest is history.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23But you were a catwalk model, what did that entail?
0:09:23 > 0:09:28Well, looking snooty and wearing gorgeous clothes, really.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30You must have had some fantastic times as a model,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33but is there one occasion that stands out in your memory?
0:09:33 > 0:09:39Probably the show we did for Princess Margaret.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41She was the guest of honour. it was a charity show.
0:09:41 > 0:09:48Each model was given a detective who was in charge of her at her booth.
0:09:48 > 0:09:55And you'd go out onto the stage in your full-length chinchilla, and bedecked out in all the diamonds,
0:09:55 > 0:09:59and directly you got back to the booth, the fur coats were dragged off you by one guy,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02and the diamonds and the necklaces were torn off you by another,
0:10:02 > 0:10:07and you were left standing there in your cami knickers, and waiting for the next fur coat to be put on.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09So these guys had quite a giggle.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11And because Princess Margaret was there,
0:10:11 > 0:10:15not only was the security horrendous for the jewels and the furs, but obviously for her as well.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Now, your house is not just colourful, it's full of wonderful things.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24Are these things you've inherited, or that you've kind of picked up on your travels?
0:10:24 > 0:10:30Mostly inherited. Mostly family, my mother's family had some lovely bits,
0:10:30 > 0:10:35and obviously my mother now is unfortunately no longer with us, so I've now got them.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38We have a £500 target to get a new fire for your front room.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Your friends all think that's a bit of a special room.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46Yes, they do. They call it my "posh room," and I never know why, really.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50I feel I should make more use of it, and once I have the fire,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53that will be a focal point, and make it really special.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58If we're going to raise that money, I think we should take our tea with us, and see what else we can find.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01'Getting Gail's home warmed up for winter, though,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04'means that lots more precious bits and bobs need to be found.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09'Tucked away in a cupboard, I find an exquisite Art Deco tea set for two,
0:11:09 > 0:11:11'which once belonged to her mother.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14'This could top up our funds by at least £40 to £50.
0:11:14 > 0:11:20'Although, if we don't raise enough money today, we may still be needing Norman's next discovery.'
0:11:20 > 0:11:21What have we got, Norman?
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Candlesticks, we've got a pair of them here.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- What do you think? - That's quite nice, isn't it?
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Are these something that you use a lot, or just now and again?
0:11:29 > 0:11:32They have a candle in them and they sit on the mantelpiece,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35and I usually light them at Christmas time.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37That's exactly what people do with them.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42The candlestick itself goes back well before electricity and gas.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45This was the only form of light at one point.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48These are French. Have you any French connection?
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Not as far as I know.
0:11:50 > 0:11:56They were always in my grandmother's home, and my mother used to joke and say, "Mind the Rouen candlesticks."
0:11:56 > 0:11:59So she wasn't far out when she said Rouen,
0:11:59 > 0:12:01so she obviously knew perhaps they were French,
0:12:01 > 0:12:05but obviously I was too young to appreciate anything like that.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09So, no, I've never lived anywhere where they haven't been there on the mantelpiece.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Funny you should Rouen, actually, cos that is the region where these come from.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18It's known as faience, actually, in French, it's a type of earthenware.
0:12:18 > 0:12:24What you've got to remember is that the Chinese had the secret of making real porcelain for over 2,000 years.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27All the European factories were trying to make that.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30And the way that this particular model was done,
0:12:30 > 0:12:34is that you would have an earthenware body, almost like a brick, like rough clay,
0:12:34 > 0:12:38and they covered it with a tin glaze, which is this white glaze.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40And the way to tell it, it's very easily damaged,
0:12:40 > 0:12:46if you look at the edge, you get lots and lots of little chips, and that's a trademark of this style.
0:12:46 > 0:12:53- But very colourful, these colours are typically French, probably 1890, 1900, that sort of time.- Really?
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Yeah. So let's have a look at the other one, Norman.- A good find, then?
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- There we are, yes.- Well done.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Oh, this one's a little bit damaged. - Yes, I know.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06Right. If I said sort of £30 to £50, does that sound all right?
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- Yeah.- All right with you, Norman? - Yes, that's fine by me.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12All right, so let's keep looking.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17The price, obviously,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21I'm not... I don't know what they're worth.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25I wish they were in perfect condition, and then they'd be worth a lot more,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27but there you are. There you go.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30'Perhaps if Gail had listened to her mother and "minded the Rouen,"
0:13:30 > 0:13:33'the faience candlesticks might be worth a bit more.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38'But we'll need extra treasures if we're going to hit that £500 target.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40'Norman comes across these five
0:13:40 > 0:13:43'19th century leather-bound miniature ambrotypes,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45'or photographs on glass to you and me.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48'We're hoping to put a smile on their faces, and ours,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50'to the tune of £60 to £70.'
0:13:50 > 0:13:56'Meanwhile, it looks like Gail's got designs on our Paul in the bedroom!'
0:13:56 > 0:13:58All right, what about this, Paul?
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Ah, look at that, wow!
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- There's a history to that.- Really?
0:14:02 > 0:14:03Go on then.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07I wore that in two fashion shows in London,
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- and it was made in Paris by Cerruti.- OK.
0:14:12 > 0:14:18At the time, I was modelling for ICI, who were, with DuPont,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20at the forefront of promoting man-made fibres,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23which, strangely enough, this is.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Probably crimplene, I don't really remember to be sure.
0:14:27 > 0:14:33That's amazing. ICI did actually try and pioneer that whole nylon and polyester clothing,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35it was the new fabric.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38This was one of their huge shows to promote the fabrics.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Really? So it's quite an early sort of work, right.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Do you know whether these would have been expensive at the time?
0:14:44 > 0:14:48Well, that would have been quite pioneering and probably, yes,
0:14:48 > 0:14:52expensive to produce, because they were made it Paris for us specially.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55As were a load of things that were in this particular show.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59The firm is best known, actually, for employing Giorgio Armani.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Really? I didn't know that.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03So it's got a great pedigree.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08And they went on to produce lots of things for movies, like Pretty Woman and The Witches Of Eastwick.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Well, there's certainly an interest there,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14anything that's the first of anything,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16if we came across the first miniskirt by Mary Quant,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20or, I'll tell you what's having tremendous success at the moment, is Vivienne Westwood.
0:15:20 > 0:15:26Of course, she went through all that punk era, and those old punky items now are worth a fortune.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29So, fashion does dictate it slightly. This is very elegant,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32but not as striking or off the wall as some of these other creations.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36But if that goes to auction, again, if I try to be a little conservative,
0:15:36 > 0:15:42it's not got the following like Westwood or Chanel or Dior, or any of the big names,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- but I think somebody would wear that today, and that's in its favour.- Yes.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49If we said £50 to £80, that sort of price?
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Yeah, that sounds good.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Great. You don't have another one in there have you?- No, sorry!
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Let's have a look just in case!- No!
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Come on out, Vivienne!
0:15:58 > 0:16:03I suppose I had kind of second thoughts a little bit about the Cerruti trouser suit,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07because it brought back memories of how special those days were,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11and strutting our stuff, and feeling really great in it.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16But I think it should go to a good home where they'll appreciate the nostalgia that goes with it.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21'I'm sure it will, Gail, but unfortunately, fires don't come cheap,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25'so we must plough on and find heaps more valuables to take to auction,
0:16:25 > 0:16:27'like this beautiful Indian gold
0:16:27 > 0:16:30'and turquoise brooch in the shape of a floral spray,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32'which could bring us another £40 to £50.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35'Gail's home is in immaculate condition,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39'and that's partly thanks to her handyman friend and neighbour.'
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Norman, how did you and Gail meet?
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Well, we, generally, when we walk up and down the street,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48as people who live in the street, we would say good morning,
0:16:48 > 0:16:52and that's how it starts off, and then one thing led to another,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55and then she me got involved in doing little jobs for her,
0:16:55 > 0:17:00and watering the plants when she was away on holidays, like she quite often is.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02She likes to go abroad as much as she can.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06And then she returns the favour for me. Comes up when I'm away in the caravan.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11So, gardening is a sort of mutual interest?
0:17:11 > 0:17:15Well, it's just nice to see things growing, and it's relaxing.
0:17:15 > 0:17:16It takes your mind off it.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21I used to do a lot of fishing when I was younger, but it's a bit too cold sitting on the river bank.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25At least in the back garden I can nip in the shed now and then and have a little...
0:17:25 > 0:17:27SHE LAUGHS
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Have a beer in the garden shed, can't I?
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Have you been to an auction before?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I haven't been, no. I'm looking forward to it.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38What do you think you're looking forward to most about the auction?
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Just the ambience and the excitement of it, the people,
0:17:42 > 0:17:46watching the people after something specific that they want and...
0:17:46 > 0:17:49You know, bidding away for it. Yeah, I'm looking forward to it.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53Well, that room where she wants the fire seems to be the social centre for you,
0:17:53 > 0:17:57your family, and everybody else around here.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59I think it's going to make it really nice.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02We have a coal effect gas fire, and it's nice,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05it makes it homely to sit around.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- You'll have some good nights in there, will you?- Absolutely, with or without the fire!
0:18:10 > 0:18:12I think if she's going to get that fire,
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- we should go and see what else we can find to take to auction, don't you?- Absolutely.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19'We're edging closer to our target,
0:18:19 > 0:18:25'and Gail's dream of wintry nights in front of a new fire could soon be a reality if all goes well.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27'No longer in the dark is this unusual collection
0:18:27 > 0:18:32'of Irish Freemasons ephemera, handed down from a great uncle,
0:18:32 > 0:18:36'and Paul is making no secret of his estimated price of £50 to £60.
0:18:36 > 0:18:42'But help from Gail's relatives doesn't end there.'
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- Gail, this is such a cute little nursing chair, isn't it? - Yes, I love it.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47How did it come into the family?
0:18:47 > 0:18:50It belonged to my grandmother and her husband,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53and it was my grandfather, apparently, so the story goes,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55he and his brother used to use it as a toboggan.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Considering that, it's hardly damaged at all, is it?
0:18:59 > 0:19:01It's not too bad.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05But I just love it. I can never remember it not being around.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- I think we should get Paul to take a look at this. Paul!- Hi, hello.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- What do you make of this, then? - That's quite nice.- Isn't it sweet?
0:19:12 > 0:19:17It's an old nursing chair, and the reason it's so close to the ground is so people could nurse the baby.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22And what would happen, would be the nanny of the house would look after the small child,
0:19:22 > 0:19:27and she would sit and recline close to the ground, so if she did drop the baby, it wouldn't go too far.
0:19:27 > 0:19:33It's actually beautifully decorated with these sort of little roses, and the banding down there.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37Those are ormolu mounts, and it looks like what they call Empire style.
0:19:37 > 0:19:42Right at the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon tried to be the Emperor of Europe,
0:19:42 > 0:19:44which is where the name comes from.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48And he was inspired by things he found in Rome and Greece, and places he was visiting.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52One of the famous throne chairs that were found is in the shape of an X.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56So that's the basic design, this sort of scroll back here. They would decorate them in black,
0:19:56 > 0:20:01with gold or ormolu mounts, and that gave the contrast, and that's the style at the time.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06It's actually quite elaborate, then, for something that a member of staff would have used.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11Don't forget, if you had a member of staff in 1820, you were obviously quite wealthy.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14The reason why it's so narrow is if you had a large padded area,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17it would sag in the middle, so they made them quite narrow.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21This is before the time of the spring. After 1840, they could support it.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24So that dates it to before that time.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27If it went to auction, what sort of price would it make?
0:20:27 > 0:20:32Well, it's seen better days, but I would say at least £40 to £60.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- Does that make any sense?- Right.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38£40 to £60, would you be prepared to let it go to auction for that, Gail?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41That's a hard one. I'll have to think about that.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46If you're going to think about that, we've got to look for some other things to take.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48So, let's put the chair back.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51No tobogganing down the stairs on it, Paul.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Oh, you spoil all the fun!
0:20:54 > 0:20:58The nursing chair is definitely something I'm really not sure about.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01I've never been without it in my entire life.
0:21:01 > 0:21:06My grandfather brought me up, and the connections with him are pretty strong,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09so I've got to do some serious thinking about that.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12'That's understandable, and we certainly wouldn't want Gail
0:21:12 > 0:21:15'to part with anything she's not 100% sure about it.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21'But we will need a final push to secure enough top-notch treats for the saleroom.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26'These six hallmarked silver teaspoons in a boxed set by James Walker have caught my eye,
0:21:26 > 0:21:30'and Paul values them at very substantial £80 to £100.
0:21:30 > 0:21:36'And after years of hard graft, has our expert finally been rewarded for all his efforts?'
0:21:36 > 0:21:40This is a fantastic medal. Who does this belong to?
0:21:40 > 0:21:43I think it was an uncle.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- A great uncle.- Really?
0:21:45 > 0:21:47And he worked for the railway, I believe.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Got you. Well, that fits in, actually. This is an MBE,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53which is a Member Of The British Empire.
0:21:53 > 0:21:59And they're given to people for outstanding achievements, or dedication to a particular job,
0:21:59 > 0:22:04or maybe they've raised lots of money for charity. It's a way officially recognising that.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08And there's a hierarchy. It's like a ranking system.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10The top one is where you become a Knight or a Dame,
0:22:10 > 0:22:14and it works all the way down to this particular medal, which is the MBE.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17It says, "To his Majesty the King,"
0:22:17 > 0:22:19so that's one of the Georges. Now, a little tip, here actually.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23This is made by Garrards, who were the Queen's jewellers,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27and they had an office in Calcutta, can you see that?
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Yes.- Which they closed in 1930.- Oh.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- So we know that this medal is definitely before that. I would say that's George V.- Yes.
0:22:34 > 0:22:35The whole thing's solid silver.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40The only unfortunate thing is it hasn't got the gentleman or the lady's name.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42No, I thought they were, actually.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45I thought the names were printed on the back of the medals.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49You find a lot of First World War, a lot of military medals are issued to a person,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51and they have the name quite clearly on there.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55But these are still collectable, and what you've got is the actual medal itself.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57You've got one, and a miniature.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00You would wear that at a black tie, or an evening event.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04And the fact that it's solid silver, it's made by a reputable company,
0:23:04 > 0:23:09and it's collectable little item, actually. If I said at least £100, maybe £150?
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- Is that what I would get? - That sound all right?- Yes. Excellent.- Let's tell Norman.
0:23:14 > 0:23:15Norman, Angela.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Here we are, we've found a nice medal.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- What is that? - It's an MBE, isn't that fantastic?
0:23:21 > 0:23:26How terrific. So, it's nothing you want to keep in the family, we're going to take it to auction.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- How much is this worth? - A minimum of £100.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30Wow, that's absolutely terrific.
0:23:30 > 0:23:36I can tell you what, the total is that we think you're likely to get now then, Gail.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40Because if we add that £100 to everything else that we've looked at today,
0:23:40 > 0:23:42and take Paul's lowest estimate,
0:23:42 > 0:23:49we should expect to raise £690.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- Ooh, that's not bad, is it? Very good.- It's getting better.
0:23:52 > 0:23:59It gets even better, because if we take the little nursing chair as well,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01that will take us up to £730.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- Oh, even better! - You could get that cruise after all!
0:24:04 > 0:24:06THEY ALL LAUGH
0:24:06 > 0:24:09I think you've got to get the fire in first though, Norman.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13'I've had a marvellous time looking around Gail's colourful home today,
0:24:13 > 0:24:17'and it's provided us with an eclectic mix of choice finds.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19'The birthday thank-you to Gail's cousin
0:24:19 > 0:24:24'from Winston Churchill, valued at an astounding £150 to £300.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27'Hoping to get the bidders in a flap, those hand-sewn
0:24:27 > 0:24:32'1920s beadwork panels, with a price tag of £40 to £60.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36'Strutting its stuff, the divine Cerruti trouser suit
0:24:36 > 0:24:41'worn by Gail at a fashion show in the 1970s, and now worth £50 to £80.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44'And finally, another £40 to £60,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47'for the Victorian scroll back nursing chair.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50'But Gail's still uncertain about letting that one go.'
0:24:52 > 0:24:57'Still to come on Cash in the Attic, we're generating surprises all round.'
0:24:57 > 0:24:58That's put a smile on your face.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01'Living life on the edge.'
0:25:01 > 0:25:03All will be revealed.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06'But end up creating more jobs for ourselves.'
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- You might have to work on that in your shed, Norman. - It's looking that way.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12'Will everything go according to plan?
0:25:12 > 0:25:14'Find out when the final hammer falls.'
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Just last week we were with Gail in that wonderful house that she's got in Colchester,
0:25:24 > 0:25:28looking for antiques and collectables that we could sell today,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30here at the Chiswick auction rooms in west London.
0:25:30 > 0:25:36She wants £500 so she can buy a new fireplace for her front room.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41We're hoping that we're going to be able to turn the heat up today, when her items go under and hammer.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46'If we want to have a successful day, we're relying on these bidders having deep pockets,
0:25:46 > 0:25:48'and an eye for quality goods.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53'And, no stranger to the finer things in life is our very own Paul Hayes,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55'who's already checking out Gail's valuables.'
0:25:55 > 0:26:00- Ah, hello.- They are so pretty, aren't they, those faience candlesticks?
0:26:00 > 0:26:03They're beautiful. They remind me of Norman in a way, cos he found them.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05He found them, didn't he?
0:26:05 > 0:26:09But Gail was such a stylish lady, she had some really lovely things.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Yeah, very elegant. You can tell that she's been in that sort of fashion business.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15The trouser suit was amazing.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17She had lots of things. A real panache.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22But I tell you what I haven't seen, and that's that very pretty little nursing chair,
0:26:22 > 0:26:26which had very strong family associations for her.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Yes, I think I would be quite reluctant,
0:26:28 > 0:26:32because she has an idea who had that originally, and that's priceless sometimes.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35I suspect that that probably won't arrive.
0:26:35 > 0:26:36- We'd better go and ask her.- OK.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40'As the prospective bidders inspect the treasures set for the auction,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43'Gail is transported back to her modelling heyday,
0:26:43 > 0:26:47'and Norman's on hand with words of encouragement.'
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Honestly, I think you should wear it.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- Hi, guys.- Good morning.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Do you know, I think Norman's got a point.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57I think if you were to model that, you know, up and down...
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Well, I'd need a fee, obviously!
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Not you, Norman, you go nowhere near it, mate.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04But it does look lovely in the saleroom.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06- Are you looking forward to today? - Oh, yes.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Yeah, very much.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12But what we haven't seen is that very lovely little nursing chair,
0:27:12 > 0:27:17- that your relatives used to use as a toboggan. Have you brought it? - I'm afraid not.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- No?- I had long a hard think about it over the weekend.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25- But no, I just want to keep it, I'm afraid.- Lots of memories, in the bedroom.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28But lots of other stuff we think is going to do well today, Paul?
0:27:28 > 0:27:30I think all your items will do well,
0:27:30 > 0:27:35but the Churchill letter, that's such an unusual item, and it's hard to put a price on it.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39To the right person, it could go anywhere. So fingers crossed.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- We just need two or three people who are interested.- Exactly.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46There are considerably more than two or three people in the auction room.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- So I think we ought to go and take our place.- OK.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53'Remember, if you're thinking of buying or selling at auction,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56'you'll be responsible for paying commission,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00'so do check with your local auction house for further details.'
0:28:03 > 0:28:05We're just about to start the sale.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10'With auctioneer Tom Keane in position, we find a spot with a clear vantage point,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13'as Gail's first family heirloom takes centre stage.'
0:28:13 > 0:28:18Lot 128 now, a pair of French decorative candlesticks, 128.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21The candlesticks are coming up, then, Norman,
0:28:21 > 0:28:23these are things that you found, weren't they?
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Yeah, these will be top notch.
0:28:25 > 0:28:26What are they worth? £50?
0:28:26 > 0:28:29£30?
0:28:29 > 0:28:32£20? Somebody give me £20, please, our first lot.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35A bid of £20.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Take 22, at £20. 22.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41Who will give me 22? 22? 25. 22.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45Take 5 at £22. £22. At £22. 25.
0:28:45 > 0:28:4928. You say no? We had three people bid, we've got £25!
0:28:49 > 0:28:53I'm selling at £25, all done at 25.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54So, £25, you're pleased with?
0:28:54 > 0:28:56- That's all right, yes.- Good.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01'It may have been a slow sale, but we got there in the end.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03'Only £475 left to go.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07'I hope that this isn't an early indication of what lies ahead,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10'as we need to be hitting our estimates if we want to warm up Gail's home.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13'And tea-loving expert Paul thinks our next lot
0:29:13 > 0:29:16'could see the bids come pouring in.'
0:29:18 > 0:29:21I think it's the Art Deco style that is really collectable with this item,
0:29:21 > 0:29:25but it has been a smashing cup of tea, I notice one of the cups has been damaged.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29- The sugar bowl.- There you go, OK. We're looking for about £40.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Start me at £40 for it?
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- 30 for it?- Come on.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38I'm bid £30. 32. 35. 38.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- Yes, come on.- 40. 42.
0:29:40 > 0:29:4342, thank you. 45. 48.
0:29:45 > 0:29:4748. 50. 52.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50At 50, the bid at £50.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Sold at £50, your last chance has gone.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- Terrific.- Excellent.- £50.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Top end of your estimate, Paul.
0:29:57 > 0:30:02Exactly, yes, that's four cups of tea, £50, we could be on the High Street.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05'At that price, I'm thinking Kensington High Street.'
0:30:06 > 0:30:11That was a good surprise, yes, one of the pieces is slightly cracked.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14But the rest is in good condition, and it's very pretty.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Looks lovely in a cabinet, even if you don't use it.
0:30:17 > 0:30:23'And maybe the person who bought our glorious tea set would like a silver teaspoon to accompany it?
0:30:23 > 0:30:26'Well, six, to be more precise.'
0:30:26 > 0:30:32There is a saying, "born with a silver spoon," and I looked at you, Norman.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34- But these are great value. - And a good make.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37And a good make, yes, James Walker.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Start me at £40. A £40 bid?
0:30:42 > 0:30:45At £40. A bid at £40.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50The lady with the baby, she wants the silver spoon to go in the baby's mouth.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52I'm going to sell at £40, a bid there at £40.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55No further interest, I'm going to sell at £40.
0:30:55 > 0:31:00'That's a disappointing result, selling £40 under Paul's lowest estimate.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02'That lucky baby bagged a bargain there.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08'To reach that £500 target and get the home fires burning,
0:31:08 > 0:31:12'we're going to need plenty of generous deals coming our way.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16'But will the bidders be going "Ooh la la" for Gail's French delight?'
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Lot number 108 now, a brass-cased carriage clock.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Where did this come from?
0:31:21 > 0:31:24That's always been around, again, on my family mantelpiece,
0:31:24 > 0:31:29and I think it was made in France. It's just something that's always been there.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31A nice little timepiece though, Paul?
0:31:31 > 0:31:37Yes, exactly. Most of the good quality carriage clocks were made in France. But there is a glass missing.
0:31:37 > 0:31:38It needs a bit of attention.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43- Well, let's watch it go. - It could be nice, £50? £30?
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Come on.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49No offers at £30, I'll pass the lot.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51No offers at £30. Sorry, no bids.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54Potentially that's a very good clock indeed, so don't be disheartened,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57but it's the amount of time it takes someone to do it.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- But I think he did right, rather than let it go for any less. - Definitely, yeah.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06- You might have to work on that in your shed, Norman. - It's looking that way.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08'Paul's rallying efforts are admirable,
0:32:08 > 0:32:12'but unfortunately it won't get us the £50 we expected,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15'although Gail's not totally dismissed it yet.'
0:32:15 > 0:32:20I wasn't so sure about it, it does need a little bit of attention.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25So I might even have something done to it and try to sell it later on again.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27'That's the spirit, Gail.
0:32:27 > 0:32:33'But with our rocky record so far, we're apprehensive about how our remaining lots will fare.
0:32:33 > 0:32:40'However, we put on a brave face, as we stand united, hoping for victory with our next iconic piece.'
0:32:40 > 0:32:44148 now, a Winston Churchill signed letter,
0:32:44 > 0:32:47it's dated, and on House Of Commons paper,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50together with a photograph and leather folder.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53I've seen two or three people looking at the Churchill letter.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57I think there's a lot of interest in it, and it should go fairly well.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00I hope the price is high.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- You've put a reserve on this? - Yes, of £100.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08I feel it's worth a lot more than that, but it depends who's here.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11It's a very difficult market to compare prices with,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14but when items do turn up, it does get a lot of interest.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16£100, start me, see where it goes, £100.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Should make much more than this. I'm bid £100.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22110. 120?
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- 130. 140. 150. - You've got two people who want it.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29140, say 150. At 150 there, thank you.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31New bidder.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33150. Disappointing. £150. I'll take 160.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37At 150, I'm selling at 150. You've got it at 150. Gone.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Above your reserve, £150.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45'The great man tops up our fund with a much-needed £150.'
0:33:45 > 0:33:50Obviously, I'd hoped for that to go a bit higher.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52It was a lack of bids, a lack of people.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56If we'd had two or three more people, it would have probably gone double that.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01But never mind. Obviously it's gone to someone who will appreciate it.
0:34:01 > 0:34:07'But have the buyers shown enough appreciation to take us anywhere near our £500 target?'
0:34:07 > 0:34:09Gail and Norman, it's a bit chilly today,
0:34:09 > 0:34:15so I'm sure you're both thinking how wonderful it'll be for you and your neighbours
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- to join you in the front room in front of a new fire, yes? - Absolutely.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20I can tell you that at the halfway stage,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23£500 is what you want to raise, half of 500 is 250,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26well, you've made £265 so far.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31- Oh, that's not bad, is it? - You're doing better than you thought.- Yes, I think I am.
0:34:31 > 0:34:38'That's not a bad half-time total, but there's a lot of pressure riding on our outstanding lots,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41'and I'm hoping that we'll see our funds rocket soon.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45'Can Gail's vintage treat from the 1920s jazz up the saleroom enough
0:34:45 > 0:34:48'to persuade the bidders to part with £40 to £60?'
0:34:48 > 0:34:51I have seen these framed up before, and they look wonderful.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56So anyone who wants an Art Deco theme to a room, they're very visual things.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58So, get your best frock on, Norman!
0:34:58 > 0:34:59Here they come.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Are they worth £50?
0:35:01 > 0:35:06Are they worth £30? Will somebody bid £30?
0:35:06 > 0:35:08£20? No lower, £20.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10I'm bid at £20. 22.
0:35:10 > 0:35:1625. 28. 30. £28, I'm bid at 28.
0:35:16 > 0:35:17£28. Bid so far at £28.
0:35:17 > 0:35:1830. I'll take £28.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21No further bids at £28 then? See me after.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26- Right, not sold. - Yes, he's not going to sell them, but he got a bid of 28.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28'Another unsold item.
0:35:28 > 0:35:34'That's not good news. But I think Paul's earlier suggestion has had an impact on Gail.'
0:35:34 > 0:35:36I'm really quite enthusiastic about having,
0:35:36 > 0:35:40particularly the brightly-coloured one, framed, and putting it on a wall.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42So, I'm not disappointed.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46'That no sale does mean reaching our £500 target,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49'and fulfilling Gail's dream of a cosy new fireplace
0:35:49 > 0:35:51'are looking pretty slim.
0:35:51 > 0:35:57'Surely that will all change when they see Gail's stunning Indian gold and turquoise brooch?'
0:35:57 > 0:36:00- You've put a reserve on this, haven't you?- Yes, I just think
0:36:00 > 0:36:04it's a pretty brooch, again, maybe I'll take it out of the drawer
0:36:04 > 0:36:07and start wearing it, but I'm hoping it will sell.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12£30 for it. At £30, take 2 at £30.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16That can't be it. 32. 35, 38?
0:36:18 > 0:36:20You won't buy cheaper stolen. No?
0:36:20 > 0:36:24£35 bid. 35. Do you want 38? 40? 42.
0:36:24 > 0:36:2645?
0:36:26 > 0:36:2848. 50? 5.
0:36:28 > 0:36:3050 is bid. Do you want 55?
0:36:30 > 0:36:3355. Your bid at £50. 55. You've 5 more to go, haven't you?
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Get it out of you. The bid is against you.
0:36:36 > 0:36:3855, thank you. 60.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41At £55, 55 you've got it.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43At £55.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- £55, that's a result.- Excellent.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Yes, I'm pleased with that.
0:36:49 > 0:36:55It was a delicate little brooch, and hopefully someone's bought it to give to a loved one.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57'With that result, maybe our love affair
0:36:57 > 0:37:01'with the bidders is back on track, and not a moment too soon,
0:37:01 > 0:37:04'as the Freemasons ephemera inherited from Gail's great uncle is up next,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08'and we desperately need the £50 to £60 estimate for this.'
0:37:08 > 0:37:10It's there at £32.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12£32 it is. That's it. £32.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- Presumably you didn't want them in the house any more?- No.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19- You'd rather have the £32?- Yes. - That's bought a couple of logs, hasn't it?
0:37:19 > 0:37:23'Well, there certainly wasn't much luck of the Irish with that little lot.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26'But it could be worse, at least it made us some money,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29'and today we've got to be thankful for small mercies.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34'It just goes to show, you never can tell what's going to happen at auction.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37'If we need Gail to be warming herself by a new fire though,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40'we need her fashionable past to change her future.'
0:37:40 > 0:37:42378 now.
0:37:42 > 0:37:48A Cerruti ladies trouser suit, 1970s design.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Now, let me tell you, you could not go down to Bond Street
0:37:51 > 0:37:53and buy a Cerruti trouser suit for between £50 and £80,
0:37:53 > 0:37:58- which is the price you put on this lovely suit that you wore in that fashion show.- Yes.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- So we're hoping for good things from this?- We certainly are.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03All will be revealed!
0:38:03 > 0:38:07And can we have £50 for it?
0:38:07 > 0:38:09£40 for it? It's all gone quiet over there. £40?
0:38:09 > 0:38:13£40? No bids of £40? I can't believe it. £40? No bids at all.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15At £40, I'll have to stop.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17Come and see me after if you change your mind.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Ah, there you go.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24I'm surprised there wasn't any interest whatsoever. But there again,
0:38:24 > 0:38:28I shall take it home and treasure it for a bit longer.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Maybe wear it.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34'With a £500 target to make for Gail's roaring new fireplace,
0:38:34 > 0:38:38'we can't afford to be taking things home with us.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41'So the Victorian leather-cased ambrotypes need to sell,
0:38:41 > 0:38:43'and ideally bring us no less than £60.'
0:38:43 > 0:38:47For £60, your last chance. It sells, all done.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- That's put a smile on your face.- Yes.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51'And not before time.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55'A very majestic £60 goes towards Gail's fire fund.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00'There's no escaping the fact that today's auction has dealt us some real low blows,
0:39:00 > 0:39:04'and I think Gail and Norman deserve an award for their valiant efforts.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09'Maybe if our last lot of the day sells, it'll be reward enough.'
0:39:09 > 0:39:14Lot 398 now, a case of hallmarked silver MBE medals.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19I had a word with the auctioneer, Paul, and he says if you were able to get provenance of this,
0:39:19 > 0:39:24the certificate or letter that went with it, then the sky is the limit on the price,
0:39:24 > 0:39:26- but you don't have any of those things, do you?- No.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30What a shame, but nevertheless a nice thing in its own right in its case.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Yes, as it is I've tried to be conservative just to get it to auction,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35but let's see how we get on, eh?
0:39:35 > 0:39:39£80, I can see you twittering a bit first.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Now, you've a reserve on this of £100, haven't we?
0:39:42 > 0:39:4585. 90. 5. 100. £110.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Past your reserve.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49£110. Another bid, £110. Take 120.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53£110. Thank you, a new bid. At £130.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57At £120, take £130, selling. All done at £120.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59There you go.
0:39:59 > 0:40:00£120, pleased with that?
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- Yes, yes. - You don't sound too convinced?
0:40:03 > 0:40:07No, I'm a little bit disappointed.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10I thought it would make £150, I really did.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Never mind.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14It hit your reserve plus some.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- Yes, yes.- So, £120 for the MBE.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21'Well, after the day we've had, £120 is a refreshing change.
0:40:21 > 0:40:26'But have the erratic sales taken their toll on our final result?'
0:40:26 > 0:40:31Well, Gail and Norman, an interesting day today. Three no sales.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- I hope you've brought a big enough bag to take them all home in?- Just.
0:40:35 > 0:40:41Well, £500 was the target so that you could have that new fireplace in the posh front room,
0:40:41 > 0:40:43and in spite of the three no sales,
0:40:43 > 0:40:49I can tell you what you've actually raised today is £532.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Oh, that's not too bad, then, is it?
0:40:52 > 0:40:53Not a bad day's work, is it?
0:40:53 > 0:40:58- Yes, not bad.- A fireplace, and maybe a little something to christen it?
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- Oh, definitely.- Yeah, just a little!
0:41:07 > 0:41:13'Well, it's been a few weeks now since we raised £532 at auction for Gail to buy a new fireplace
0:41:13 > 0:41:15'to warm her front room,
0:41:15 > 0:41:20'and today she's come along to her local showroom with Norman and his wife Mita.'
0:41:21 > 0:41:26My intention is to try and buy a log-burning gas powered stove,
0:41:26 > 0:41:30and I've come here today to look around, see what they've got,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33and see if I'm going to be able to afford it, that sort of thing.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- Hello, there. Hello, I'm Gail. - I'm Justine.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42'With so many to choose from, it's not long before Gail spots one she likes.'
0:41:42 > 0:41:48I think that's gorgeous, but it's probably not right for my house, unfortunately, don't you think?
0:41:48 > 0:41:54'Well, in that case, how about something more traditional?'
0:41:54 > 0:41:58I think that, frankly, is probably as near as what I'm going to get.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03In a matt black, and with logs, not with coals.
0:42:03 > 0:42:10'With just over £400 spent on the fireplace of her dreams, Gail's still got cash to spare.'
0:42:10 > 0:42:14Right, I've sorted it all out, chosen a fireplace,
0:42:14 > 0:42:18and now Norman and Mita and I are going off for a drink to celebrate.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- To your new fireplace.- Thank you.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd