0:00:02 > 0:00:08Welcome to Cash In The Attic, the programme that hunts for antiques and collectables in your home
0:00:08 > 0:00:12and then sells them with you at auction. Today I'm in County Durham.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16This area is credited with being the birthplace of the railways,
0:00:16 > 0:00:20because it was here in nearby Darlington in 1825
0:00:20 > 0:00:28that the very first steam locomotive made its maiden journey at a remarkable 12 miles an hour!
0:00:28 > 0:00:34And before we go full steam ahead to our rummage location, we've stopped off at nearby Redworth Hall,
0:00:34 > 0:00:36a magnificent Jacobean mansion.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40It was owned by the same family for hundreds of years
0:00:40 > 0:00:44and was once the site of bloody battles in the Civil War.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49But in the 20th century, it was converted into a luxury hotel.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Throughout history it's attracted royalty and the aristocracy.
0:00:53 > 0:00:59But recently it's been a favourite haunt of a different kind of royalty - millionaire footballers.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24Coming up on today's Cash In The Attic - a family with an appetite for antiques.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29I used to take them off the dressing table and chew them a little bit.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Our expert has food on his mind.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Didn't Napoleon say that his army should march on their stomach? Yes.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Mine is making some funny noises. You need some food, John!
0:01:40 > 0:01:44And we're served up some successes at auction.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49That's brilliant! That's great! I didn't think it would come to that.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54But will we have reached our target when the final hammer falls?
0:01:54 > 0:01:58I'm meeting a lovely lady who used to have her own antique shop,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02so her house should be a veritable treasure trove.
0:02:02 > 0:02:08This cosy house in the historic town of Darlington is home to Margaret Cracknell and her daughter Karen.
0:02:08 > 0:02:14Margaret's late husband was in the armed forces and the couple moved house numerous times,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17living all over the world.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21But since Karen and grandson James moved in with her a year ago,
0:02:21 > 0:02:26they are running out of space for their combined possessions.
0:02:26 > 0:02:32Angela, how are you? I'm very well, John. We've got a crack mother and daughter team to meet this morning.
0:02:32 > 0:02:38So what do you know about them? Mum used to have an antique shop, so she knows a bit about the business.
0:02:38 > 0:02:45So hopefully we'll find a few gems today. Well, you go and look for the gems, I'll go and meet the mum. OK.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52Karen, Margaret... Hello, Angela. You're talking about your grandson here?
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Yes, we are. He's a gem, you know, he really is.
0:02:55 > 0:03:01Now, I gather, Margaret, that you used to be in the antiques business yourself, didn't you? That's right.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04In a very small way. I just dealt with porcelain.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09And it was a small shop, but it was a little gem for me because I enjoyed it.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14It went off very well and the villagers liked it. This was up in Scotland?
0:03:14 > 0:03:21In Drymen, near Loch Lomond. So you must've been brought up around beautiful things and antiques?
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Yes. I've grown up with antiques. I love antiques.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30And we have done antique fairs, the odd boot sale, which are great fun.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32It's been a great part of my life.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35So now, why have you called us in?
0:03:35 > 0:03:39Mum's had large houses and she's downsized and downsized,
0:03:39 > 0:03:46so she's got rid of a lot of things already. But it's now that you really want to empty your cupboards.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50I want rock bottom actually. I don't want any more!
0:03:50 > 0:03:54So have you helped your mum buy some of these things over the years?
0:03:54 > 0:03:58Um... Well, I've been present at times, but mainly... Antique shops?
0:03:58 > 0:04:03We've done the antique fairs and sometimes the odd boot sale.
0:04:03 > 0:04:10Dad was a good partner for that, because he used to do all my buying and stuff, so he was good at that.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14And how much do you want to raise? About 500. That would be fine.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17And what are you going to spend it on, Margaret?
0:04:17 > 0:04:24Well, I've got a sister-in-law that's really been thoughtful and kind since my husband died
0:04:24 > 0:04:30and I would just love to give her a nice treat. And she's got the same interests as me, art and things.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36And she doesn't know nothing about it yet, so... So this will be a surprise? Yes. I hope so.
0:04:36 > 0:04:42It'll be a lovely surprise. She has been so kind. And it'll be nice for them to spend some time together.
0:04:42 > 0:04:49So ?500 is the target. I think we've got our work cut out, so shall we get started? OK. Come on. Thank you.
0:04:50 > 0:04:56Treating sister-in-law Dorothy to a day out sounds like a very worthwhile cause.
0:04:56 > 0:05:03And with Margaret's background in antiques, we should have a veritable feast of treasures to choose from.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07And we've got our expert on hand. John Cameron is based in Portsmouth,
0:05:07 > 0:05:12but has driven all the way across the country to lend us his years of experience as a valuer.
0:05:14 > 0:05:20John... Good morning. This is Margaret and Karen. And I see you've got an armful of babes there.
0:05:20 > 0:05:27It's not the first time you've caught me with dolls on my arm(!) Where did these come from, Margaret?
0:05:27 > 0:05:34The oriental ones come from Kuala Lumpur as we lived there for a while. They must be over 50 year old.
0:05:34 > 0:05:41That's interesting as a lot of the great European doll manufacturers did make oriental dolls.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44And that was due to fashion again.
0:05:44 > 0:05:51There was a huge fascination with oriental styles from the 1870s right up until the 1930s.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55We see a lot of oriental porcelain, a lot of lacquer, Japanese prints.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59And children even started to play with oriental dolls.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04So these could quite easily have been European examples.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Did you play with them when you were a little girl, Karen?
0:06:08 > 0:06:13Yes. Unfortunately, I did use to take them off the dressing table and chew them a bit.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17They're a bit worse for wear. Is that all she did? Chew them? Yes.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22Their noses and things. Thank God you're here to tell the tale today!
0:06:22 > 0:06:25And you haven't done too much damage.
0:06:25 > 0:06:31Fascinating history about the dolls, John, but what would their 21st-century price be at auction?
0:06:31 > 0:06:35If I were putting these into auction, I'd keep them together.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39There's no individual huge value. I'd put them in at ?40 to ?60
0:06:39 > 0:06:43and see where we go from there. Hopefully, it would be upwards.
0:06:43 > 0:06:50Pleased with that? That's good. And maybe if you hadn't chewed their noses off? It's my fault again!
0:06:50 > 0:06:58But what a nice start to your ?500 target. Yes. Let's see what else we can add to the pot. Come on, guys.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02'?40 for the dolls is a cracking start to today's search.
0:07:02 > 0:07:09'But with a ?500 target, our expert wastes no time in getting down to the business of rummaging.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13'Straight away this heavy cut-glass decanter catches his eye.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15'It has a lovely silver top.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19'And John gives it a sparkly ?60-?80 price tag.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23'In the living room, Karen spots our first piece of porcelain today.
0:07:23 > 0:07:29'It's a soup dish and plate made by Royal Worcester who have been producing bone china since 1751.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33'John estimates its value at ?30 to ?40.
0:07:33 > 0:07:40'Meanwhile, Margaret and I have spotted something that I hope will really excite our expert.'
0:07:40 > 0:07:45John, look at this wonderful collection of porcelain figurines.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48May I see? Bonaparte and his generals.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51I'd say they're German.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54German porcelain. And 19th century.
0:07:54 > 0:08:00It's very similar to Sitzendorf or one of the German factories like that from Bavaria.
0:08:00 > 0:08:06They do look grand with all the gilding on their epaulettes and on their medals. Absolutely fantastic.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10Well, collecting-wise, they'd be very popular,
0:08:10 > 0:08:14because they'd not only appeal to collectors of porcelain figures,
0:08:14 > 0:08:21but also the Napoleonic Wars in general provide such a diverse area for collecting.
0:08:21 > 0:08:27And also for people with a fascination in one of the most important periods of French history.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31The one person that is missing from this team, though, is Josephine,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35because the French soldiers believed that she was their lucky talisman
0:08:35 > 0:08:40because while Bonaparte was married to her, he never lost a single battle.
0:08:40 > 0:08:46So, John, bearing in mind that they are French and have such an association with French history,
0:08:46 > 0:08:50how much do you think we might get for them in a British auction house?
0:08:50 > 0:08:57I think they should have no problem, seven of them together, making about ?150 to ?200. Oh, brilliant.
0:08:57 > 0:09:04?150, Margaret, a great deal to put in the pot. Your sister-in-law is going to have a great day out.
0:09:04 > 0:09:10That's lovely. Good. Now, didn't Napoleon say that his army should march on their stomach? Yes.
0:09:10 > 0:09:16Talking of which, mine's making funny noises. You need food, John. You've got to look after the troops.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19We better get you in the kitchen!
0:09:19 > 0:09:26'That was a brilliant find. And our lovely lady heads off to give John a snack and a cuppa to keep him going.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30'We've made a good start towards the ?500 for their day out.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34'But before settling in this pretty village near Darlington,
0:09:34 > 0:09:42'our retired antique shop owner has lived all over the country and the world. I'm keen to find out more.'
0:09:42 > 0:09:47Margaret, after a lifetime of travelling around the world with your husband,
0:09:47 > 0:09:54you've settled in a lovely village community in England. It must be lovely to put down roots.
0:09:54 > 0:10:00Yes. And hopefully I'll never have to move again. How many times did you move in your life?
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Oh, it must've been 35.
0:10:02 > 0:10:09Really, I mean, I can't tell you... But sometimes there's been houses, three or four in the same area.
0:10:09 > 0:10:16But the places... We've done most of Britain. You know, we've lived in most of Britain. We've lived abroad.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21And Germany. This is because your husband was in the army? Yes.
0:10:21 > 0:10:27Is that why you've got so much sort of military memorabilia in the house? Well, it could be, yes,
0:10:27 > 0:10:32because my husband loved carvings. And he just bought a lot of carvings.
0:10:32 > 0:10:38I mean, we haven't got half as many now as we did do because of downsizing all the time.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42But he was the culprit for some things and I like the ceramics.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48Now, your husband Robert died last year, didn't he? Yes. How long were you married? 54 years, yes.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54And you had four lovely children? Yes, four lovely children, so I've not missed out on anything.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00And had a happy life. But you miss him dreadfully, don't you? Yes, I do, very much, yes.
0:11:00 > 0:11:06But your sister-in-law Dorothy has been a particular help to you, hasn't she? Absolutely.
0:11:06 > 0:11:12She's been such a stalwart as far as feeling as though there's someone else there that cares,
0:11:12 > 0:11:18so that was lovely for her to be like that. And she has lost her husband, so she knows what it feels like.
0:11:18 > 0:11:25She's a lovely person anyway. We're going to raise money to give your sister-in-law a surprise day out.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Shall we see what else we can find? OK.
0:11:28 > 0:11:34'Dorothy was clearly a big support to Margaret over what must have been a very difficult year,
0:11:34 > 0:11:40'so I can't think of anything better than raising money for them to have a day trip together.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42'I hope the others have been busy.'
0:11:42 > 0:11:46John? John, what do you think about this?
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Oh, a sampler? Yes.
0:11:48 > 0:11:56It's an interesting piece and they tend to have information on them about the maker and the date.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57And we can see here at the bottom,
0:11:57 > 0:12:03"Elizabeth Brown finished this work, August 1847." That's lovely.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Samplers like this were very popular in the 19th century and earlier.
0:12:07 > 0:12:13You do see 18th century and 19th century samplers. And they tended to be produced by young ladies.
0:12:13 > 0:12:19And the word "sampler" comes from the Latin "exemplum", meaning "an example to follow".
0:12:19 > 0:12:23It was considered a real skill to be able to produce this.
0:12:23 > 0:12:29And you can understand why collectors really do covet good quality samplers, can't you? Yes.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34Condition of samplers - very important. Right.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39The two biggest sources of damage to a sampler - sunlight.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43And we can see the colours in this are pretty good. Oh, right.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49Never hang it in direct sunlight. Always keep a sampler on a shaded wall and the colours will last.
0:12:49 > 0:12:55So this has been looked after. And the other thing is the moth larvae which will eat away.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00So there's no moth in here. Good. And the colours are pretty good,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02although it's quite a plain sampler.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07Value-wise, I think we ought to be looking at ?60 to ?80 for it. Yes.
0:13:07 > 0:13:13But somebody might push it over 100. With current demand considered, that's where I'd pitch an estimate.
0:13:13 > 0:13:19So what do you think? Yes. I think that's another one for the auction. Yeah? Great. Great news.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24Good find, but we're not there yet. Let's see what else we can turn up. OK.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27?60 for that pretty sampler.
0:13:27 > 0:13:33That's a cracking find. I think Karen has inherited her mum's eye for antiques.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36She also spots these ceramic figures in the hall.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41John hopes they could bag us a tidy ?25 to ?45 when they go to auction.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46And we'll also be sending this collection of Welsh china.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Margaret's eye for ceramics is doing us proud
0:13:50 > 0:13:52as John values it at ?50-?80.
0:13:52 > 0:13:58And in the living room, John spots yet another interesting looking piece of porcelain.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Margaret? Karen? Come here a second.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06I want to talk to you about this little cream pot, this little porcelain cream pot.
0:14:06 > 0:14:13Oh, yes. So you're the porcelain buff, aren't you? Well, I try to be. So what can you tell me about it?
0:14:13 > 0:14:18It's Meissen by the swords on the bottom. It's a really pretty colour.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22I don't know whether it's hand-painted or not,
0:14:22 > 0:14:25but it does look like it.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29It's not a transfer print. That's hand-painted.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33It's pretty. There's real skill and artwork gone into that piece.
0:14:33 > 0:14:40And that's very typical of a fashion in the rococo period in the 1720s and '30s.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45This scene of this courting couple with their musical instruments
0:14:45 > 0:14:49is very typical of the French artist, Watteau.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Again, the little moulded finial of the flower rose at the top there,
0:14:53 > 0:14:57all very typical. This is a very typical Meissen piece.
0:14:57 > 0:15:04This little intertwined handle here, like little branches intertwined there, again, very typical.
0:15:04 > 0:15:10Damaged there. But I think even in this condition it should make about ?30 or so.
0:15:10 > 0:15:16So, Margaret, can we sell it? Oh, yes, I think so. Now, Mum, are you sure you'd like to get rid of it?
0:15:16 > 0:15:23You have enjoyed it. Well, I've had my time with it, so it can go. All right. Are you happy with ?30?
0:15:23 > 0:15:28Yes, that could be all right. Well, if you're happy with it then, yes.
0:15:28 > 0:15:34'I'm glad Margaret's willing to let that piece go as every pound counts towards our ?500 target today.
0:15:34 > 0:15:41'Whilst Margaret and John carry on looking for saleable treasures, I catch up with daughter Karen.'
0:15:41 > 0:15:47Karen, you and your mum are quite a team as you were a great support to her during her bereavement.
0:15:47 > 0:15:53But she's been a great support to you because after your divorce, you and your son moved in with your mum.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57How did your mum take to having a six-year-old running around?
0:15:57 > 0:16:01Well, to begin with, it did break the peace and quiet.
0:16:01 > 0:16:08But Mum has melded into it now and I don't think she'd be without him. She just absolutely adores him.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12And he brings a lot of life and a lot of fun into the home.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16And they do spend a lot of time laughing.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19And generally, the different generation gap,
0:16:19 > 0:16:24Mum is James's playmate, really, now. So that's how it's ended up.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27So he loves having Granny around? Absolutely, yes.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31We really have turned out to be quite a good team, actually.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36We've had adjustments to make, but we've made them and come up tops.
0:16:36 > 0:16:42Karen, it also sounds as if your mum and dad were a terrific team. Yes, they were. First class.
0:16:42 > 0:16:49They really, really were. They just lived for each other. And they knew each other inside and out.
0:16:49 > 0:16:56And what they wanted to do were the same things and they wanted to please each other.
0:16:56 > 0:17:03They had a wonderful life together and they were very close, so it has been a huge change recently, yes.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08Well, let's get back to work and see what else we can take to auction
0:17:08 > 0:17:12to give your Auntie Dorothy that special day out. Lovely.
0:17:12 > 0:17:18'Having three generations under one roof really works here. It's lovely to see a family that's so close.
0:17:18 > 0:17:24'We're nearing the end of today's search but are still hard at work on the hunt for collectables.'
0:17:24 > 0:17:28Margaret, I'd like to ask you a few questions about this box,
0:17:28 > 0:17:33because it's interesting to know what other people know about something.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38They often give you some history, so come on. Well, really, it was a present to me.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42It was a Christmas present that my son bought me.
0:17:42 > 0:17:50And I don't know where he got it from, really. You know, that's all there is to it. There's no history.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54OK. Have you any idea about its age?
0:17:54 > 0:18:00Well, I should think it's heading on for a century, would you think so? It's a bit older than that.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03And I'll tell you for why. Do you know the wood?
0:18:03 > 0:18:10Is it rosewood? It is indeed. It's rosewood. And that was a timber much used in the Regency period,
0:18:10 > 0:18:17in the period of about 1820-1830, around the time of George III and the transition to George IV.
0:18:17 > 0:18:23Now, the other thing I find interesting about that is this brass inlay. It's rather nice, that.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27It is indeed. Again, a very typical feature on Regency furniture.
0:18:27 > 0:18:34And a feature that was popularised by a very well-known cabinetmaker called George Bullock.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39But it has suffered knocks. Some of the brass work is lifting up.
0:18:39 > 0:18:46And some of the veneers have chipped here and there. So it is a piece that's due for restoration.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48But it is a Regency writing box.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54Value-wise today, well, I'd put this into auction with an estimate of about ?50 to ?80.
0:18:54 > 0:19:00I'd be hoping it makes ?100. But I think ?50 is a tempting estimate. That's fair enough. Exactly.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04So what do you think? Can we sell it? You can. That's all right, yes!
0:19:04 > 0:19:09?50 to ?80 is certainly a price tag to write home about. Quick work, folks!
0:19:09 > 0:19:14We've left no stone unturned and no cupboard unopened in our rummage.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18And I'm pretty impressed with our haul so far.
0:19:18 > 0:19:24Margaret digs out a collection of linen from an almost forgotten cupboard.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28There are tablecloths, some dating from Victorian times.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30And John values them at ?30 to ?50.
0:19:30 > 0:19:37I spot this lovely pair of vases produced by a factory in the Gouda province of the Netherlands.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41The area is famous for its distinctive style of pottery.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46We're hoping that these vases will capture the bidders' imagination.
0:19:46 > 0:19:52We're on the home stretch for today's rummage, but John has got one last lot up his sleeve.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56Well, I don't think I've seen so many handkerchiefs in any one place.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00This is a collection that would rival even somebody like Tom Jones,
0:20:00 > 0:20:06who's probably had his fair share of hankies and other things thrown at him on stage over the years.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10But I'm intrigued to know, how did this collection start?
0:20:10 > 0:20:16Well, just by, first of all, finding a couple of pretty textiles, more than hankies.
0:20:16 > 0:20:23I just thought of them as textiles, the era of where they come from and what year and all that.
0:20:23 > 0:20:29And there's a lot of handkerchiefs from the First World War that they sent their wives instead of cards.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35Embroidered with their insignias and their badges and so on on top of them. Yes, that's right.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41People don't use handkerchiefs as much as they did. Once upon a time, every gentleman wore a handkerchief.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47And they were often used as a kind of a language. What you did with the handkerchief could signal...
0:20:47 > 0:20:51You picked one and dropped it. What did that mean? Do tell me.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55The boyfriend picked it up and there you were. Oh, I see!
0:20:55 > 0:21:01That's what that meant. I think it did. What on earth have you got here, John? This looks fantastic!
0:21:01 > 0:21:08Well, we have got a fantastic collection of handkerchiefs. God only knows how many are here!
0:21:08 > 0:21:14But I'll have to go through these if I'm to value them. How many do you think are here? About 300 to 400.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18I forget now. I did count them at one stage.
0:21:18 > 0:21:24They're wonderful. What do we think they're worth, John, if we take them to auction?
0:21:24 > 0:21:28Let's all have a stab at what we think they might be worth. Angela?
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Oh, my gosh! Phew!
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Perhaps someone would be prepared to pay...
0:21:35 > 0:21:42..?40 for them? Karen? Well, it's difficult to say as nobody really knows and it depends who's there.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47I would say 30 to 40. Yes. Margaret? Good starting block.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Come on, put your money where your mouth is!
0:21:50 > 0:21:54You honestly think they're going to make more than that, don't you?
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Well, to me, it's a personal thing, but 30 to 40 is fine.
0:21:58 > 0:22:04Well, the thing is, whatever you get for these handkerchiefs, it's going to be a bonus,
0:22:04 > 0:22:11because I can tell you that taking John's lowest estimate on everything that he's looked at today,
0:22:11 > 0:22:17we reckon that you should be able to make ?555.
0:22:17 > 0:22:23Wow! That's good! Which means you're on your way to a great day out with Dorothy. Oh, great.
0:22:23 > 0:22:29But depending on what we make on the handkerchiefs, this little treasure trove of textiles here,
0:22:29 > 0:22:33whatever that makes is going to be a bonus on top, which means, um...
0:22:33 > 0:22:38We'll just have to wait until the hammer comes down. Lovely!
0:22:38 > 0:22:43'Our rummaging in Margaret's home has given us a fantastic selection of items to take to auction.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44'Our rummaging in Margaret's home has given us a fantastic selection of items to take to auction.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48'We've got the 19th-century sampler, valued at ?60 to ?80,
0:22:48 > 0:22:53'Margaret's collection of dolls with a combined estimate of 40 to 60.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56'And the Napoleonic busts,
0:22:56 > 0:23:00'which we're hoping could bag us a massive ?150 to ?200 at auction.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02'But we have to wait until the sale
0:23:02 > 0:23:06'for John to reveal his valuation on the handkerchiefs
0:23:06 > 0:23:09'and see whether we were right with our guestimates.
0:23:09 > 0:23:16'Still to come on Cash In The Attic - our expert feels that his neck is on the line.'
0:23:16 > 0:23:20I hope that we get that target for them or I may face the guillotine.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22'And there are some tense moments.'
0:23:22 > 0:23:26Not a lot of money. Not a lot of money at all.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28'But John wins our ladies over.'
0:23:28 > 0:23:33You're so clever, John. No, I'm not. You're too kind, Margaret.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37'So will we have reached our target when the final hammer falls?'
0:23:41 > 0:23:47Don't you just love Margaret and Karen? What a great mother and daughter team they are!
0:23:47 > 0:23:53And they do have some lovely items, which we've brought from their home in Darlington down the A1
0:23:53 > 0:23:57to Thompsons Auction Rooms here in Harrogate.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Now our goal today is to raise ?500,
0:24:00 > 0:24:05so that Margaret can give her sister-in-law a very special treat.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10It's her way of saying thank you for the great support that she gave her
0:24:10 > 0:24:15after the death of Richard, Margaret's beloved husband of 54 years.
0:24:15 > 0:24:20So there's an awful lot riding on those items today when they go under the hammer.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24'I'm losing my voice, but nothing will hold me back from our sale.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29'And John Cameron spots me checking out one of my favourite lots.'
0:24:29 > 0:24:33Ah, there you are, Angela. Hi, John. Napoleon and his team.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37They look as if they're lined up, ready for battle, don't they?
0:24:37 > 0:24:41They look splendid up there. And you were rather impressed with them. I was.
0:24:41 > 0:24:49Not only do they need to do battle today, but so do we. We really want to do well for the family today.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Well, they were fantastic. And I do hope we get that target for them
0:24:52 > 0:24:55or I may face the guillotine.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00The sampler was wonderful. Yes, it had reserved its colours nicely.
0:25:00 > 0:25:06It was a decent sampler, a good example. I still can't get over that amazing collection of handkerchiefs.
0:25:06 > 0:25:12I've never seen anything like it. There was so much in there, it was difficult to put a value on it.
0:25:12 > 0:25:18She had some lovely commemorative examples, Victorian and Edwardian, so I'm hopeful for those.
0:25:18 > 0:25:24Not only was it difficult to put on a price, we had to guess how much they'd go for. Will you tell us?
0:25:24 > 0:25:30Patience, Angela. Let's wait till the Cracknells are here, shall we? OK. Let's go and find them.
0:25:30 > 0:25:37'Well, I've got high hopes for those handkerchiefs. We've got a fantastic variety of lots here today,
0:25:37 > 0:25:42'but how will Margaret and Karen feel when they go under the hammer?'
0:25:42 > 0:25:49Hello, Angela. Hello. How do you feel seeing all your lovely things now in a public auction room?
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Yes, but it's time they did go.
0:25:51 > 0:25:58It's a bit cluttered in my house, so you can see that it would be a relief to get rid of some of them.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02Now, John kept us all in suspense about those handkerchiefs,
0:26:02 > 0:26:10as we've never seen anything like that before, and we had to guess how much we thought they were worth.
0:26:10 > 0:26:16So are you going to put us out of our misery, John? I've actually got no idea what they're worth.
0:26:16 > 0:26:22But we have to come up with an estimate and I've gone for ?80 to ?120. Never? That's a surprise.
0:26:22 > 0:26:28Fantastic. I did take the liberty of taking a white one out just in case I need it for a surrender.
0:26:28 > 0:26:34Well, you did right there because you know what I'm like! I do. That's why I took it out!
0:26:34 > 0:26:41Let's see what everybody is prepared to pay for your lovely things as the auction room is filling up.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Shall we take our places? Oh, yes.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47?80 for the handkerchiefs - that's a fantastic valuation.
0:26:47 > 0:26:54I'm not sorry we were all wrong with our guestimates. If you're thinking of buying or selling at auction,
0:26:54 > 0:27:00remember that commission will be added to your bill. So always check with your local saleroom first.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02The bidders are ready and waiting.
0:27:02 > 0:27:09The auctioneer is ready. And we've found a spot with a great view of the action, so it's all systems go.
0:27:09 > 0:27:15First up is Margaret's collection of Victorian linen which we're hoping will raise ?30 to ?50.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Start me at ?20? 20 we have.
0:27:19 > 0:27:2325, do I see? 25. 30.
0:27:23 > 0:27:2535. 40.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29No? Standing at the back at 40. Do I see...? 45.
0:27:29 > 0:27:3350. No? 50 with you, sir. 55 anywhere else?
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Gentleman's bid at 50. Are we all finished now at ?50?
0:27:37 > 0:27:45Right in the middle. Right in the middle of your estimate, John. That's fine. Oh, that's great.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49?50 is a solid start for our sale today. With a ?500 target to reach,
0:27:49 > 0:27:55I hope the bidders have plenty of cash and are willing to dig deep.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59It's our first porcelain lot up next, the pretty Meissen jug,
0:27:59 > 0:28:01which John estimated at ?30.
0:28:01 > 0:28:08Lot 120 is the late Meissen lidded jug. This is as found. Start me at ?20? ?10?
0:28:08 > 0:28:11?10 somewhere? 10 we have. 15.
0:28:11 > 0:28:1420, madam? 20. Good.
0:28:14 > 0:28:1925. Gentleman's bid at 25. Do I see 30?
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Gentleman's bid now at 25. 30, new bidder.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28No? Lady's bid now at ?30. Are we all finished now at ?30?
0:28:28 > 0:28:30John, on the button.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34Our expert's valuations are certainly proving accurate so far.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Let's hope it lasts as our ceramic figures come under the hammer.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42John valued them at ?25 to ?45.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Start me at ?20?
0:28:44 > 0:28:48?10? 10 we have. 15 do I see?
0:28:48 > 0:28:52Lady's bid now at 10. Do I see 15 anywhere?
0:28:52 > 0:28:57In the middle of the room at 10. Are we all finished now at ?10?
0:28:57 > 0:29:02?10. ?10! Not terribly good, but it does... That's all right.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07?10 is a disappointing result for those ceramic figurines.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10But Margaret isn't too downhearted.
0:29:10 > 0:29:16I just hope the porcelain collectors get a bit more excited about the rest of our lovely lady's pieces.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21But next up is the Royal Worcester soup plate and bowl.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Lot 150 is the Royal Worcester soup dish and plate.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Start me at ?20? ?10?
0:29:27 > 0:29:31Five pounds? Five we have. 10.
0:29:31 > 0:29:3515, madam? No? Gentleman's bid at 10. Do I see 15 anywhere?
0:29:35 > 0:29:39On my left at ?10. Do I see 15?
0:29:39 > 0:29:41Your bid, sir, now at ?10.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44?10, I'm afraid. Not a lot of money.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Not a lot of money at all. No!
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Another ?10 result.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Our strong start has dwindled somewhat.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Have we got our work cut out here today?
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Maybe our delicate, Victorian sampler
0:30:00 > 0:30:03will manage to get the bidders back on-side.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06John estimated its value at ?60-?80.
0:30:06 > 0:30:12Embroidered sampler dated 1847, lot 140. Start me at ?50?
0:30:12 > 0:30:15?20? 20 we have. 25 do I see?
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Lady's bid now at 20. 25. 30.
0:30:19 > 0:30:2435. Your bid, sir, at 35. Do I see 40 anywhere?
0:30:24 > 0:30:29Gentleman's bid at 35. Are we all finished now in the room at ?35...?
0:30:29 > 0:30:34Oh, that is cheap. That's very cheap. It is. Disappointing.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38But that's the thing with auctions. They're always so unpredictable.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42With just one lot left before the half-time total,
0:30:42 > 0:30:45we have no idea what will happen next.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49Well, we're into battle, Napoleon at the head of his troops.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53And what we want is a cracking good price for this, isn't it? It is.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Are you not sad to see him go because you're fond of Napoleon?
0:30:57 > 0:31:01I do really like him. You have a soft spot for him? I have!
0:31:01 > 0:31:09What do we reckon, John? Well, we're looking for ?150 for them or more if possible. But let's see how we go.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Start me at ?50? ?50?
0:31:12 > 0:31:1650 we have. 60 do I see?
0:31:16 > 0:31:2060. 70. 80. 90. 100.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23110. 120.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26130. 140. 150.
0:31:26 > 0:31:32On my left at 150. Do I see 160? New bidder - 160.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35Good. New bidder - we like that.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38180. 190. 200.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41No? 200 seated. Do I see 210?
0:31:41 > 0:31:47Gentleman's bid at 200. Are we all finished now? Seated at ?200...
0:31:47 > 0:31:51Excellent. ?200. Brilliant! Do you know how much you paid for them?
0:31:51 > 0:31:57I think it was 150 or something. We did pay a lot for them. But it's still profitable, isn't it?
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Fantastic.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04What a relief! ?200 is a triumphant result for the Napoleonic busts.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08And it's a great way to end what's been a rather up and down morning.
0:32:08 > 0:32:14Half-time at the auction. This is where the girls come out with the pom-poms... No, it's not.
0:32:14 > 0:32:21No, this is where I tell you how much we've made. And so far what you've made is ?335.
0:32:21 > 0:32:27So we are over the halfway mark. And as I say, lots of nice things still to come.
0:32:27 > 0:32:34But as it is the halfway point, why don't we put our feet up for five minutes? What will you do, John?
0:32:34 > 0:32:40I'm going to see a little lot I spotted as I came in. I'll tell you about it when we get back. OK.
0:32:44 > 0:32:51As we head off for a cuppa, Margaret's passion for porcelain is obviously rubbing off on John.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53And keeping with the theme of tea,
0:32:53 > 0:33:00I was delighted when I spotted this fantastic little example of early English porcelain production.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03What an absolute cracker, in tip-top condition,
0:33:03 > 0:33:07which is marvellous when you think how much abuse a teapot can get.
0:33:07 > 0:33:14Given the amount of boiling hot water that goes inside a teapot, this is in perfect condition.
0:33:14 > 0:33:20And the age? This little beauty is 250 years old. This is a piece of Worcester porcelain.
0:33:20 > 0:33:26It's not marked, so how do we know that? Worcester is very distinctive.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31There's peppering around the edge. That's a classic Worcester sign.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35And also the pooling of the glaze in the corners as well,
0:33:35 > 0:33:39that bluish tinge, is another classic Worcester feature.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43Estimate in the catalogue - ?150 to ?200. I think that's great.
0:33:43 > 0:33:49If you bought this from a specialist dealer, I'd be surprised if you had much change out of ?400 or ?500.
0:33:49 > 0:33:55A real classic example from one of Britain's best porcelain producers, the Worcester teapot.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02'The second half of the auction is already underway.
0:34:02 > 0:34:08'I hope the luck of the Napoleonic busts rubs off on our other lots.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12'Margaret's rosewood writing box is first under the hammer.'
0:34:12 > 0:34:19Margaret, tell me about this lovely Victorian rosewood writing box. It's such an elegant piece.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23Well, my son bought it for me for a Christmas present.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27And with downsizing and everything, I haven't anywhere for it, really.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31I'm sad for it to go but I have enjoyed it while I had it.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36320 is the Victorian rosewood, brass-inlaid writing box.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41Start the bidding here at ?30. 35 do I see?
0:34:41 > 0:34:4435. 40. 45. 50.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47My bid's still at 50. Do I see 55 anywhere?
0:34:47 > 0:34:53My bid now, commission bid at ?50. Are we all finished now at ?50...?
0:34:53 > 0:34:58Oh, well. Brilliant, ?50. That's good. Good price for that. Yes.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02It's a good start to the second half and we're pleased with that result.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04We've another china lot up next
0:35:04 > 0:35:08and with a ?50 to ?80 estimate it's an important item for us.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13Our porcelain sales have proved unpredictable. How will this fare?
0:35:13 > 0:35:17Margaret, as well as appreciating fine china,
0:35:17 > 0:35:23you like bright colours too, because we've got this collection of Welsh china coming up now,
0:35:23 > 0:35:27described in the catalogue as "Gaudy Welsh China". Exactly.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32Lot 330 is the collection of Gaudy Welsh China.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34I'm 25 bid. 30 now?
0:35:34 > 0:35:38My bid here at 25. Do I see 30? So interest in it already.
0:35:38 > 0:35:4330. 35. Still my bid here at 35. Do I see 40?
0:35:43 > 0:35:47Are we all finished now at ?35...? BANGS GAVEL
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Not bad. What was the price?
0:35:50 > 0:35:54?35 is 15 under estimate. Margaret doesn't seem too disappointed.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58But we do need the bidders to be a bit more flash with the cash
0:35:58 > 0:36:00for the rest of our lots.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05Will the dolls take us closer to our ?500 target?
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Now, Margaret, are you braced for this? Oh, I know.
0:36:09 > 0:36:15It's the dolls coming up now and I don't think you really want to part with these, do you? Not really.
0:36:15 > 0:36:21They've been with me for a long time. All the children wanted to play with them and I didn't let them.
0:36:21 > 0:36:27So they've been my little dolls. Well, we've got a ?40 to ?60 price tag on them.
0:36:27 > 0:36:34If they go for that, will you be happy? All right. Yes. All right. Yes, that's not bad.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Well, let's see what they do. Yes.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41Collection of English, German and oriental dolls, lot 340.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Lot 340. Start me at ?20? ?10?
0:36:44 > 0:36:4810. 15. 20.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Five. 30. 30 with the lady.
0:36:51 > 0:36:5835 anywhere else? Lady's bid now at 30. Are we all finished now? In the doorway at ?30...
0:36:58 > 0:37:02BANGS GAVEL 30. 30.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04Oh. Oh...
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Never mind. It's fine.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Margaret's putting a brave face on things.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11?30 may be only ?10 under estimate,
0:37:11 > 0:37:15but it was really tugging at her heartstrings to let them go at all.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19I really do wish they'd made a bit more money for her.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21And things don't get any better
0:37:21 > 0:37:25when the pair of Gouda vases fail to make the bidders dig deep.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Are we all finished now at ?10...?
0:37:28 > 0:37:32Selling well under their ?30 to ?40 estimate.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35With just two of our items left today
0:37:35 > 0:37:40and a big chunk of our target still outstanding, it's fingers crossed.
0:37:40 > 0:37:46OK. Next up is our nice, heavy, cut-glass decanter with the silver-mounted top.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51Really nice thing, this. And I know new, these are ?150, ?200 easily.
0:37:51 > 0:37:57And you quite like this decanter, don't you? I do like the decanter. I think it's a really nice piece.
0:37:57 > 0:38:04So how do you feel about your mum getting rid of it? It's up to Mum. There's plenty more in the cupboard!
0:38:04 > 0:38:08I am 30 bid. 35 now? My bid here at 30.
0:38:08 > 0:38:1135. 40. 45.
0:38:11 > 0:38:1450. 55. 60.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16Still my bid here at 60. Do I see 65?
0:38:16 > 0:38:21Commission bid now at 60. Are we all finished at ?60...?
0:38:21 > 0:38:27Oh, that was all right. That's fine, yeah. ?60, which was the bottom end of your estimate, John.
0:38:27 > 0:38:34So you were once again right on the nose. You're so clever, John. No. You're so kind. That's the problem.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38The decanter sale has cheered us up immensely,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41topping up our fund by ?60. Let's drink to that.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44It's almost the end of the sale
0:38:44 > 0:38:48and the collection of handkerchiefs are last to go under the hammer.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52And I for one can't wait to see how they do.
0:38:52 > 0:38:58John, you put them in at between ?80 and ?120. Is that because you think there may be people
0:38:58 > 0:39:04who collect the particular handkerchiefs that are tucked away in that pile?
0:39:04 > 0:39:08Well, I didn't want to over-price them or under-price them.
0:39:08 > 0:39:15Let's hope they've been displayed in two boxes, so that people would have had a good look through them.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20Start the bidding here at ?30. 40 do I see? My bid here at 30. 40 we have.
0:39:20 > 0:39:2450 now? Lady's bid at 40. Do I see 50?
0:39:24 > 0:39:2750. 60. 70.
0:39:27 > 0:39:3080. (80!) 80 still on my left.
0:39:30 > 0:39:3590 do I see? On my left at ?80. Are we all finished now at ?80...?
0:39:35 > 0:39:40Oh, well. Well done. That was good. That was a bit of luck there. Yes.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44As opposed to method in my madness, if I'm honest. That was good.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46?80 is a good final result.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49After such a mixed day at auction,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52it's time to see how we fared overall.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56Margaret, I think it's an absolutely wonderful thing that you're doing,
0:39:56 > 0:40:00this very special thank you that you're giving to Dorothy
0:40:00 > 0:40:04for being so close to you after your husband's death.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08Have you worked out exactly what you're going to do with the ?500?
0:40:08 > 0:40:15Yes. I'd like some to go to Butterwick. They helped my husband in his last days, which was really nice.
0:40:15 > 0:40:21That was a hospice? A hospice. And then the rest I would like to give Dorothy a nice day out.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25And my daughter. Well, that's what you were going to do with ?500.
0:40:25 > 0:40:32So what do you think you'll be able to do with what you've made, which is ?600?
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Wow! That's brilliant! That's great!
0:40:34 > 0:40:39Oh, I didn't think it would come to that. That's brilliant.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44Well, it did. So that's a wonderful donation to the hospice.
0:40:44 > 0:40:49Yes. And a great day out for you, your sister-in-law and your auntie!
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Yes, that's right. That's brilliant.
0:40:55 > 0:41:01Well, it's a few weeks since Margaret and Karen raised a fantastic ?600 at auction.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06And today they're taking Dorothy for a surprise day out in Yorkshire.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10Welcome. Thank you. Welcome. Hello.
0:41:10 > 0:41:17So we're at Ripley Castle for a start. And then we're going to look round the castle and the gardens.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22And then off to Harrogate to the tearooms for a nice cream tea.
0:41:22 > 0:41:29The ladies share a keen interest in history, so waste no time in getting a guided tour around the castle.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33Do you see the writing on the back of the wall? Yes.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37That's very important because it helps to date it for us.
0:41:37 > 0:41:43They also both love art and paintings, so a stroll around the gardens provides inspiration.
0:41:43 > 0:41:51They're so hard to paint, though, Dorothy, those things. They are very hard to paint. I know, I tried it.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54After a history and culture-packed morning,
0:41:55 > 0:41:59the three ladies head off to Bettys Tea Rooms for a slap-up meal.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04The tea rooms welcome more than one million customers every year.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08Margaret's keen to treat Dorothy to some of the famous teas and cakes.
0:42:08 > 0:42:15It's been great to bring Dorothy out today because she does appreciate it. She's a lovely person.
0:42:15 > 0:42:22She's been such a comfort to me. And if I could do more, I would, you know, because she's worth it.
0:42:46 > 0:42:51Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2009
0:42:54 > 0:42:57# Blue skies, smiling at me... #
0:42:57 > 0:43:00It was a war between two different ways of life -
0:43:00 > 0:43:03a war of ideas, a war of shadows.