0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Cash In The Attic, the programme that helps you hunt
0:00:05 > 0:00:08for hidden valuables in your home then sells them with you at auction.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Today I am in County Durham in the north-east of England.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14It's an area that is home to a spectacular cathedral,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18historic coal mining and the first-ever steam train.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22It's currently here at the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum,
0:00:22 > 0:00:44which has recently undergone a ?1.7 million facelift.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08I'm on my way to meet a lovely lady and her daughter who live in
0:01:08 > 0:01:11the heart of the countryside just outside of Darlington.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14They called in the Cash In The Attic team to help them raise money
0:01:14 > 0:01:19to fund a project that means they'll get even more pleasure out of this beautiful countryside.
0:01:21 > 0:01:27'Coming up on today's Cash In The Attic - John whets our appetites with some tasty valuations.'
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Is it a bread-and-butter price, John, or can we put some jam and cream on it?
0:01:30 > 0:01:34'A fine old piece of naval history sets sail for auction.'
0:01:34 > 0:01:53Taking a last look at Grandfather's desk? Yes. Second thoughts about it?
0:01:53 > 0:01:57of Darlington is the home of keen photographer Helen Crute.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01It's the ideal location for Helen to indulge in her passion for photography,
0:02:01 > 0:02:06whilst her daughter Lisa uses the spacious grounds as a paddock for her three Shetland ponies.
0:02:06 > 0:02:13This mother-and-daughter duo just love the outdoor life, but we're here to hunt for antiques.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16So I just hope it doesn't prove to be too much of a struggle keeping
0:02:16 > 0:02:18these girls indoors today.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20Good morning, John. Good morning, Angela.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25I see you wearing your city slickers pin-striped suit, but look, we're in green welly country here.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29I'm sticking out like a sore thumb. If you'd have told me, I'd have brought my wax jacket.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Interestingly, the family we're about to meet have lived in this area for years,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35but they've got a strong sea-faring connection.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39Ah, well, let's hope we find some hidden treasure today.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41I'm sure we will, John-lad. So lead the way.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Permission to go ashore?
0:02:43 > 0:03:06Permission granted, John, because with such stunning surroundings
0:03:06 > 0:03:08And that's the River Tees?
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Yes. It is such a fabulous location.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14We're delighted to be here, but why have you called in Cash In The Attic?
0:03:14 > 0:03:17Well, I am a hoarder.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20I come from a family of squirrels, and I just have so much stuff.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23I've got thimbles. I've got cameras. I've got pens.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25I've got plates. I've got mugs.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28My children keep saying, "for goodness' sake, Mother, get rid of it."
0:03:28 > 0:03:30So it seemed like a good idea.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Is this a good idea, Lisa? You want her to have a clear-out?
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Yes, it's long overdue. There's a lot of stuff to sort through.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41When we've sold it, what are you hoping to spend the money on?
0:03:41 > 0:03:48Well, Lisa is very into horses, and she has three Shetland ponies, which she likes to drive,
0:03:48 > 0:03:53and we need a new carriage for one of them, so we thought we will try and aim to get one of those.
0:03:53 > 0:04:12Get a new carriage. How much is a new carriage going to cost you?
0:04:12 > 0:04:15?700 is the target for Lisa's new carriage and one
0:04:15 > 0:04:22person who has already cracked the whip on our search for collectables is antiques expert, John Cameron.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24John, I'd like you to meet Helen and Lisa.
0:04:24 > 0:04:25Hello, Helen, Lisa. Hello.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30What a pretty little table. What's the story behind this one? It was my grandmother's table.
0:04:30 > 0:04:37My grandmother lived with us from me being about three and I don't remember it not ever being around.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Tell us all about it, John? It's called a tilt-top table.
0:04:40 > 0:04:47They're often called supper tables or wine tables, even tea tables - tripod, snap-top, tilt-top.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49You hear a variation of names there.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53A pretty standard format, but the good news is the top and base are
0:04:53 > 0:04:57original together and there are a couple of tell-tale signs.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00One, if it's been used on another table, you'll often see the redundant screw holes.
0:05:00 > 0:05:21But this is a perfect fit. There are no redundant screw holes.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26In the auction house these days I would expect this to make around ?120-180, something like that.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31Is that the kind of price you would be happy to see it go at, Helen? I guess, yes.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36I wouldn't be happy to see it go, but I would rather it went to someone to have it and use it,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39instead of trying to find a corner. Yes, it does stand in the corner,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42but it looks daft stood in this corner!
0:05:42 > 0:05:45It will look lovely in somebody's house. We've got a great start.
0:05:45 > 0:05:52We're out of the starting gate with an estimate of ?120 for the tilt-top table.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Let's hope we can keep up the good work and that there's no shortage of items to look at.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Lisa examines this 1920s sheet music cabinet,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03hoping it might add nicely to the fund,
0:06:03 > 0:06:07but sadly John values it at a modest ?25, hardly music to our ears.
0:06:07 > 0:06:31We'll need to do something better than that if we're to afford the new carriage for her pony.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35What's the story behind them? My mum had a thing for Doulton figures.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39She had a lot. My mum-in-law liked them as well.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42This particular figure here, Diana, there's about four or
0:06:42 > 0:06:47five versions of Diana that Doulton have produced over the years.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50This is the first version.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Now, of the first version, there are three varieties.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56You have the first one, which is pink and turquoise.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59The second variety, which is just turquoise.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02And then the third which is pink, and I think this is the third version.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Sadly, the other two versions are more expensive.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10They're all fairly early figures.
0:07:10 > 0:07:16They were all introduced kind of pre-war and enjoyed different lengths of production.
0:07:16 > 0:07:22Well, I think these particular two here are probably slightly more valuable than those two.
0:07:22 > 0:07:41I would put these in at about ?50-70 each and those at about 40-60 each.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45So you would be happy for them to go at that? Yes, I think so.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46Yeah? Yeah.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Let's put them down somewhere safely before there were three! Yes.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55It's disappointing these figures are not the most desirable of the Diana range of
0:07:55 > 0:08:00Doulton ware, but nevertheless, ?180 is not to be sniffed at.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Lisa's determination to raise the money for
0:08:03 > 0:08:09her pony's carriage is obvious, but she fails to find anything of interest in the spare room,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13but Mum, Helen, has more luck - finding a ship's barometer valued at ?30-40.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17As Helen and John continue to hunt for valuables, I head to the paddock
0:08:17 > 0:08:21to find out more about Lisa's beautiful Shetland ponies.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Lisa, have you always been wanting to ride and drive horses?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Yes, as all young girls, I think I always wanted a horse when I was
0:08:28 > 0:08:50a child, always going for riding lessons, you know?
0:08:50 > 0:08:53But three ponies and all three have different personalities.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57You can tell when you get to know them. Shetlands always look so cute when they're in the shaft
0:08:57 > 0:09:01in front of a little trap, but what was the attraction for you of learning to drive?
0:09:01 > 0:09:03It's just the love of the Shetlands.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06They're such lovely ponies, such characters.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09I have three and each one has a different personality.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Obviously I can't ride Shetlands, so driving is the next thing to do.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15What sort of a trap are we going to see you and Coriander in?
0:09:15 > 0:09:18I'd like to get something I can take to shows.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22I've got a little carriage at the moment, but it's basically an exercise cart.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27It has got old motorbike wheels on it. It's not very pretty, but it's functional.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30I'd like something that's a little bit smarter that's going to
0:09:30 > 0:09:33make her look nice - nice and new and shiny.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37And bring home the rosettes. That would be nice!
0:09:37 > 0:09:39OK, bye, Coriander.
0:09:39 > 0:10:00We're just going to raise some money for your new trap.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03since the mid '60s, and values it at ?50-100.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05'And I may just have found something myself.'
0:10:05 > 0:10:10John, come and join us a moment because I think you might want to look at this desk.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Helen, tell us about the history, the family background to it.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19Yes, my grandfather, as you know, was a captain, and he used to go to sea and take his desk with him.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22This was the desk he used to take on board ship with him.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27He was the captain of the Empire Windrush, which was the ship that brought the first immigrants from
0:10:27 > 0:10:34the Caribbean in June 1948, and there's a very good chance this desk was aboard ship with him.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38It looks a little bit tired, if I'm brutally honest, but then that's
0:10:38 > 0:10:42consummate with the wear and tear that it's undergone and its age.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46Nice to see those handles. They're original, but where you've got those little loops
0:10:46 > 0:10:50going down and they knock the wood, if you have a look, you
0:10:50 > 0:11:09can see there's bruising under each one of those handles, which shows they've been there all that time.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13about ?100-150, might make a bit more, but that's where I'd want to start the bidding.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Is ?100 acceptable, do you think, Helen?
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Yes, because it does need work doing to it.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22I'd rather it went for ?100 and somebody restored it than have it
0:11:22 > 0:11:26sit in my storeroom festering and deteriorating as it has.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31And it'll take not just the desk, it will take all that history with it for that ?100.
0:11:31 > 0:11:37Shall we go and see what else we've got lurking in this house?
0:11:37 > 0:11:41So it's off to auction for this quite historic piece of furniture.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44'On the mantelpiece, I discover this Ancient Order Of Foresters
0:11:44 > 0:11:50'transfer-printed bowl which John thinks could fetch between ?30-40.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53'There are collectables all over Helen's house, and John thinks
0:11:53 > 0:11:55'this collection of brassware
0:11:55 > 0:11:56'could fetch between ?20-30.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59'But it's not just the house that's full of interesting items.
0:11:59 > 0:12:18'There's more to see in the grounds.'
0:12:18 > 0:12:20I happen to think it's a load of rubbish.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23So you got me in here to get this fireplace out?
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Yes, you know, that would be good.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28It used to be in the house when we first moved in.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31It was in the living room, had an open coal fire in there.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36Mum and Dad did some alterations about eight, nine years ago, and it's been dumped in here ever
0:12:36 > 0:12:41since, and it's in the way and really, if we could get rid of it, it would be great.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45These fireplaces date from the 19th century.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49They're made of cast iron and they were made literally in their millions by big foundries.
0:12:49 > 0:12:55Iron founders, like Colebrook-Dale and many others and it kind of went along with the explosion in
0:12:55 > 0:13:02the population and the growth, the amount of housing that was going up, and so every household in the land
0:13:02 > 0:13:07had a cast-iron fireplace of varying sizes, and some were grander than others, but they were made
0:13:07 > 0:13:27to standard sizes, so you'd be able to go and
0:13:27 > 0:13:29But nevertheless, it's still a sellable item.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Sometimes you can come across an original fireplace
0:13:31 > 0:13:35where the tiles would actually be worth more than the fire surround. Really?
0:13:35 > 0:13:38They were made by people like Minton and Doulton and many other
0:13:38 > 0:13:43well-respected household name potteries from the Staffordshire area.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47Occasionally you'll find the tiles are worth more than the fireplace.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50But I think we can sell this. It seems to all be there.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Not huge sums because not everyone is looking for a big cast-iron
0:13:53 > 0:13:57fireplace, but I still think we'd get ?60-80.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00On a good day, possibly ?100, but certainly ?60-80.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03That would be brilliant. I just hope my mum will let me sell it!
0:14:03 > 0:14:06You just want it out of here. I do, definitely!
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Come on. Let's see what else we can find. This looks like a virtual TARDIS in here.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17?60-80 isn't bad for an item that has been left out in the cold.
0:14:17 > 0:14:40Let's hope it heats up the auction room.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43This sounds like a right trip down memory lane here.
0:14:43 > 0:14:49These are photographs from your early days because you were an industrial photographer? I was.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51What is that, exactly?
0:14:51 > 0:14:53It can be all sorts of things.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56I was employed to take photographs inside the glass tanks.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58We did visiting dignitaries.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02We did passports of the directors and scenes of accidents,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05which in a glass works, there was quite a lot of.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08It could have been a bit gruesome, I think.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09It was on one particular occasion.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13There was somebody chopped the end off his finger in a lathe
0:15:13 > 0:15:16and they wanted a photograph of the lathe with the finger in it.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21And I had to go and take the photos, and all the men were standing in a big semicircle, around watching me,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24"Oh, yeah, what's going to happen here?"
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Waiting for you to pass out? Yeah, I think so.
0:15:26 > 0:15:46But you didn't. Oh, no way!
0:15:46 > 0:15:51'Thank goodness for that. I think one hobby is quite enough for Lisa, and with the pony's
0:15:51 > 0:15:53'carriage still some way out of reach,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56'we need to get back to looking for goodies to take to auction.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59'We'll leave no stone unturned today and Helen comes across
0:15:59 > 0:16:01'something gathering dust in the study.'
0:16:01 > 0:16:05John, you know I said I came from a family of squirrels?
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Yes. Well, I seem to have squirreled these away. Are they worth anything?
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Fountain pens. I know you've all been working hard, ladies,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14don't think I'm not a gentleman, but do you mind if I have this seat?
0:16:14 > 0:16:17I think I've been working harder. OK. Where did these come from?
0:16:17 > 0:16:22Some of them were my father's, some of them grandfather's, some of them were my father-in-law's.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24My husband always uses a fountain pen.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30He hates using biros and he's always had dozens of pens and I just seem to have accumulated them.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35The most common one you will see, and the classic of all,
0:16:35 > 0:16:58is this one here, the Parker 51.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Well, you'd be happy to sell these?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Yes, they're just cluttering up the drawer.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06What about the cameras on the shelves? Would you be happy to sell those?
0:17:06 > 0:17:08For much the same reason.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Again, they deteriorate just sitting around in the damp.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14I know there's a strong link with photography in the family, but they're not ones you're attached to?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16No. What do you think, this lot together?
0:17:16 > 0:17:18It's a real stab in the dark, for you and me.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20What do you think they'll make?
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Lisa? Oh, I don't know. Come on. ?30?
0:17:23 > 0:17:27I haven't a clue. Come on, just a figure?
0:17:27 > 0:17:28Higher or lower?
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Um...?50.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34Well, funnily enough, you've both hit my estimate
0:17:34 > 0:17:39because I would have suggested ?30-50, so I'm happy.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41It doesn't look like I'll offend anybody.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44So, we'll go with ?30 or ?50, and we'll see who was closer, yeah?
0:17:44 > 0:18:07OK. All right. Yeah, right. I'll say ?40, I was in the middle! OK!
0:18:07 > 0:18:13John hopes that by adding the cameras to the lot, it'll appeal to a wider range of bidders.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Let's just hope he's right.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18It's been a busy old day with much to see.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23We've searched high and low and just when I thought there was nothing else to discover, an item
0:18:23 > 0:18:27turns up that's amazingly managed to remain completely unnoticed all day...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29until now.
0:18:29 > 0:18:35Helen? Now, I couldn't fail to miss this tangerine vase here.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37No, it's quite obvious, isn't it? Yes.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Now, this is something that's really eye-catching, and something that's a definite goer for auction.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Really? But we need to get your feelings about it first
0:18:44 > 0:18:46before I start helping myself to everything.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Which I am inclined to do from time to time.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Is this something you're attached to? Not specially. No?
0:18:53 > 0:19:15We bought it, I would think, in the early '70s, because at the time it went with our colour scheme and I
0:19:15 > 0:19:20It's a very modern glass, if you like, but Whitefriars is actually quite an old firm.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23It was first established in the 17th century.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27In the post-war period in this country, we were very heavily influenced,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31or our glassmakers were, by what was going on in Scandinavia and some of their organic forms and
0:19:31 > 0:19:38very subtle colours, and Whitefriars were soon to take up that lead and produce wares in that kind of vogue.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42In the 1950s they employed a talented designer called
0:19:42 > 0:19:48Geoffrey Baxter and he introduced and designed their textured range, of which this vase is one.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52Do you like this? I did. You don't now?
0:19:52 > 0:19:55I love the shape and I do love the feel of it, but I don't like the colour.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58I absolutely love this. This is my favourite colour.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03It's tangerine, it reminds me of Christmas when tangerines come out, it's like a big boiled sweet.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Are we back to food again with you, John?
0:20:06 > 0:20:23Lovely piece of Whitefriars, that, isn't it? Going to auction?
0:20:23 > 0:20:24It is very collectable.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29I think this vase, today at auction, would be at least about ?80-120.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33Really? Do you remember what you paid for it when you bought it?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35It wouldn't be anything like that!
0:20:35 > 0:20:39Well, ?80-100, that's a terrific addition to our total.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42I have to tell you, while John was talking to you about Whitefriars, I was doing a bit of maths.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43I have to tell you, while John was talking to you about Whitefriars, I was doing a bit of maths.
0:20:43 > 0:20:49If we take the lowest estimate on everything that John has looked at today, we should certainly make a
0:20:49 > 0:20:54pretty good sum towards the total that you want, a bit more than ?700,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58actually, because we could be in line for making
0:20:58 > 0:21:01?805. Wow!
0:21:01 > 0:21:06You are joking? No, I'm not. I think we should be getting Coriander,
0:21:06 > 0:21:10in the traces, ready to go, because we're that much closer to that trap.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13I was very surprised with the valuation for the tangerine vase.
0:21:13 > 0:21:36I can remember that from when I was a really small child in our house way back in the '70s
0:21:36 > 0:21:41It looks like we're on target for raising that ?700 to buy Lisa's Shetland pony a brand-new carriage,
0:21:41 > 0:21:45because heading off to auction, we have a mixed lot,
0:21:45 > 0:21:49containing an assortment of pens and vintage cameras. Estimate, ?30.
0:21:49 > 0:21:55A tilt-top table valued at ?120-180.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59A vintage dress discovered by John deep in an old wardrobe
0:21:59 > 0:22:02with an estimate of ?50.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05And the Victorian desk which once sailed the high seas
0:22:05 > 0:22:08aboard the steamship Windrush.
0:22:08 > 0:22:14Still to come on Cash In The Attic, concerns grow as items fail to light up the auction room.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17We go up in smoke this time at ?15.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20And dreams of a new carriage hang in the balance.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23A bit disappointing. Oh, never mind.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48at Golding Young's auction house.
0:22:48 > 0:22:54Their goal is ?700, because they want a smart trap for those Shetland ponies of theirs.
0:22:54 > 0:23:00Let's hope that today we get some really brisk bidding when their items go under the hammer.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03All of Helen and Lisa's items have arrived safely,
0:23:03 > 0:23:08and hoping that they prove popular with the bidders is our expert John Cameron.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Morning, John. Morning, Angela.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12That is the most amazing colour.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16Do you know, I think it's the most vibrantly coloured thing in the room today.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18It's a real tangerine dream. Isn't it?
0:23:18 > 0:23:21I wonder if it's going to be a bit emotional for Helen,
0:23:21 > 0:23:25because she is getting rid of things that have a strong association with her grandfather.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Yeah, but they've got the bit between their teeth,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30and they really want that cart, don't they?
0:23:30 > 0:23:35They do, don't they? I bet Lisa will be glad to see the back of that fireplace from her tack room.
0:23:35 > 0:23:56Let's hope the bidders warm to it.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57Yes. Second thoughts about it?
0:23:57 > 0:23:59No.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00Not really. It's got to go.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05One and a half thoughts, but not second thoughts. Have you put a reserve on it?
0:24:05 > 0:24:10Yes. I would hate it just to go for buttons, so I've put a reserve of ?100 on it. That's a good idea.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14I'm glad you took my advice and put a note of provenance there about the desk.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17That should help. That explains the background to it.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22That's really good, because anybody that buys this now knows it belonged to Captain John Graham Almond, OBE.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24And they're buying the story.
0:24:24 > 0:24:31Yeah, and I stuck a photocopy of his captain's ticket in the drawer just so they can see that as well.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33You'd make a good auctioneer.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35I doubt it!
0:24:35 > 0:24:38She's not auctioning today, but the auctioneer is in place,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41and the sale room's filling up, so shall we go and take our places?
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Yep.
0:24:43 > 0:25:02'As the bidders have one final look at today's lots,
0:25:02 > 0:25:10Lot 121A, our 16 assorted character jugs, Doulton and Beswick factories and various others.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Who's going to start me at ?100? ?80? ?50?
0:25:14 > 0:25:16?30? Come on!
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Thank you, ?30. Somebody in the room, starting him off at ?30.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20?35, bid ?40? ?40 bid.
0:25:20 > 0:25:27?45. ?50, 55, 60, 65, 70.
0:25:27 > 0:25:305 now? At 70 bid. 72, if you like?
0:25:30 > 0:25:3172?
0:25:31 > 0:25:35No, last call then, down here all finished. 72. Two fresh bidders.
0:25:35 > 0:25:3875, 78, bid 80. 80 bid. 80? No.
0:25:38 > 0:25:4178, we're over here. Bid 80?
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Going at ?78.
0:25:44 > 0:25:45That's not too bad.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48?2, under my estimate.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53I tell you what, it was more than a ?2 sigh of relief!
0:25:53 > 0:26:11The character jugs, obviously, they were just below the low end estimate,
0:26:11 > 0:26:16'Next up, it's an item that I'm hoping will have really caught the bidders' attention.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18'Well, they could hardly fail to miss it.'
0:26:18 > 0:26:25Now, I'm waiting to see what happens on the bidding for this tangerine Whitefriars vase,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29because it looks pretty outstanding in this room, doesn't it, John?
0:26:29 > 0:26:32It does, it glows. It does rather.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34No second thoughts about it, now it's here?
0:26:34 > 0:26:36No, I'm quite happy to see that go.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39It's grown on me a bit. Seeing it in the room today,
0:26:39 > 0:26:42it looks so nice and shiny, it's quite nice.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46'Well, fingers crossed that Lisa's not the only one
0:26:46 > 0:26:49'who's been won over by the vase. We're looking for ?80.'
0:26:49 > 0:26:56Lot 129A is a Whitefriars tangerine vase with a rustic finish to it.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58What shall we say? Start me at ?100?
0:26:58 > 0:27:00?50 anyone?
0:27:00 > 0:27:0250. ?60 do I see?
0:27:02 > 0:27:22At 60. ?70, do I see?
0:27:22 > 0:27:27'but we can't be too downhearted, it is another ?60 in the kitty.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31'Next up, a lot that's not quite so garish as the Whitefriars,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34'but something that caught my eye nonetheless.'
0:27:34 > 0:27:38I found this next lot, which is a whole box full of brassware, isn't it?
0:27:38 > 0:27:41You're obviously not somebody who enjoys cleaning brass?
0:27:41 > 0:27:45No, we cleaned it all to come to auction, and we were exhausted!
0:27:45 > 0:27:49'Let's see if all that polishing has rubbed off on the bidders.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52'We're looking for ?20-?30.'
0:27:52 > 0:27:56Lot 137A is brassware, a good selection in there.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Everything you can imagine, if you want a piece of brassware.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05Who's going to start me at ?30? ?30? ?20 to go then, surely? ?20? ?10?
0:28:05 > 0:28:07It'll scrap for more than this. ?10?
0:28:07 > 0:28:13Ten? Fiver? Just need you to scrap for it now. Five bid, eight now.
0:28:13 > 0:28:32Do I see it, at ?5 I'm bid,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35'So, the brassware fails to shine in the auction room,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38'selling for ?5 under estimate.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41'I must be losing my touch!
0:28:41 > 0:28:43'Maybe we'll fare better with our next item,
0:28:43 > 0:28:47'the somewhat neglected fire insert, which John has valued at ?60.'
0:28:47 > 0:28:53I'm guessing, Lisa, that you'll be glad to see the back of this Victorian tiled fire insert,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56cos it's been taking up room in your tack room, hasn't it?
0:28:56 > 0:29:01It has. It's been in my way for quite a number of years now, so I'm quite glad it's gone.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03And nowhere in the house that you could use it?
0:29:03 > 0:29:08No, it doesn't fit in with our design any more.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11So, have you filled the space where it's stood?
0:29:11 > 0:29:13I think my saddle's standing there now.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Let's hope we don't have to take it back!
0:29:15 > 0:29:21Lot number 145A is a Victorian fire insert with tiled fields to either side.
0:29:21 > 0:29:42Who's going to start me at ?50? 50?
0:29:42 > 0:29:4415. Only takes two to join in.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46?20 now? ?20 bid? No, at ?15.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48?18 now, do I see?
0:29:48 > 0:29:51At ?15 bid. Are we all done and finished at ?15?
0:29:51 > 0:29:54We go up in smoke this time at ?15.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57I think he got it right, went up in smoke there.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59They got themselves a bargain, I think.
0:29:59 > 0:30:06I can honestly remember back in the mid '80s and early '90s, they were going for several hundred pounds.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08It's quite shocking.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10'Failing to set the auction house alight,
0:30:10 > 0:30:14'we achieve just a quarter of the estimate for the fire surround.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17'But somehow I don't think it's going to be greatly missed.'
0:30:17 > 0:30:21Somebody's got a bargain there, haven't they, ?15 for that?
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Can't say I'm that bothered, at least it's not in my tack room any more.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28'Next, an item to which the girls may have more of an attachment.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30'It's their seafaring family history,
0:30:30 > 0:30:50'the ship's barometer, which we're hoping will fetch upwards of ?30.'
0:30:50 > 0:30:5332, do I see? At ?30, your bid, sir. At ?30 bid,
0:30:53 > 0:30:542 anywhere else? Nobody else?
0:30:54 > 0:30:57All done and finished, then, going at ?30.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04?30. Now, you are really nervous about this auction, aren't you?
0:31:04 > 0:31:06I am. I'm terrified. Why?
0:31:06 > 0:31:09That nobody wants my things!
0:31:09 > 0:31:16'Well, someone certainly wanted Helen's ship's barometer, paying ?30 for it, bang on estimate.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19'Our next lot is something that I think is really rather special.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23'It's the 1960s ball gown with elegant gold embroidery,
0:31:23 > 0:31:27'and it comes complete with a pair of matching satin gloves.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29'John's valued it at ?50.'
0:31:29 > 0:31:34153A is the satin and gold thread work evening dress and gloves.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Start me at ?50. 50.
0:31:37 > 0:31:4030 to go, then, surely? ?30, anyone, 30? 20?
0:31:40 > 0:32:00?20 bid. 22, do I see now?
0:32:00 > 0:32:03All done and finished at ?48.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08Just again, ?2 under our lowest estimate.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10I've got the ?2, I'll put it in.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14'I think we should be quite satisfied with that result.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16'Just ?2 short of its estimate,
0:32:16 > 0:32:20'which seems to have been a theme at this auction so far.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24'With six items sold, it's time for me to do my calculations,
0:32:24 > 0:32:30'and find out how much we've raised towards the ?700 target for that new pony carriage.'
0:32:30 > 0:32:32We've reached the halfway stage,
0:32:32 > 0:32:37and I think it's true to say that we've had a few surprises and a few disappointments as well,
0:32:37 > 0:32:41but at the halfway point, we've only made ?246 so far.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44So there's a way to go yet, but no problem.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48All the best stuff's yet to come, so why don't we just go and take a breather?
0:33:10 > 0:33:13I like to hold books, I like to smell them.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17There's a wonderful feel about them. And look at how beautiful they are.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22Some of these old books have amazing illustrations and work on the covers. I just love old books.
0:33:22 > 0:33:29When you go to auctions, a lot of general auctioneers, they pile books in boxes,
0:33:29 > 0:33:32and I think the person that really can spend some time looking through,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36and knowing what they're looking at, is really likely to uncover a gem.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40So what should we be looking for? There's a table full of books here.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44What should we be looking for to know this is something that's worth buying?
0:33:44 > 0:33:46You want classic titles in early editions.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50You want beautiful bindings like this, and any sort of provenance that can go with it.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52But it's a fascinating area of study.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55I really could spend hours looking through books.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59So, never be in a hurry when you're looking at your books.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27Number 321A are the four Royal Doulton figures as catalogued.
0:34:27 > 0:34:33There we go, the four Royal Doulton figures, they ought to be, what, ?150, ?200 minimum?
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Who's going to start me at ?100, and we just count from there?
0:34:36 > 0:34:41?100 bid. Oh, good! 10 now for the four Doulton figures?
0:34:41 > 0:34:46110 surely? At 100 bid, 110, 120, 130. At 130, 140.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Well done. 140, 140. 5 do I see?
0:34:50 > 0:34:51?140 bid. 5, surely?
0:34:51 > 0:34:54At 140 bid, 5 anywhere else?
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Going at ?140.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59And it was a gentleman that bought them.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02We were hoping for more than that, weren't we, John?
0:35:02 > 0:35:05That's ?10 each less than I'd expect them to make.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08A little disappointed with the Doulton ladies.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09We were a little under estimate.
0:35:09 > 0:35:27But I guess the market isn't there that used to be there.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32'which John has valued at just ?25. Surely it's got to be worth that?'
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Lot number 328A is the music cabinet.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40Nice music cabinet on cabriole legs with dropped front drawers.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Who's going to start me at ?50? 50? 30?
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Surely ?30? We all need dropped front drawers at times. 30?
0:35:46 > 0:35:5120? ?20. At 20 bid, 2 now do I see?
0:35:51 > 0:35:542 anywhere else? 22, 25 now. 25 shown at the front.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56You can see it being held up.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01At 25 now, 22, bid 5 anywhere else? 22 bid. 5 now do I see?
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Go on, have another one! At 22 bid.
0:36:03 > 0:36:065, surely? At 22 bid, 5 or not?
0:36:06 > 0:36:1022 bid, all done? Going then at ?22.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12THEY SIGH
0:36:12 > 0:36:14That's just under.
0:36:14 > 0:36:1722. You were hoping it might make 25.
0:36:17 > 0:36:39So I suppose we weren't too far off, but I suppose unless you do have sheet music at home,
0:36:39 > 0:36:44Lot 336A is the Ancient Order Of Foresters, a transfer-printed bowl.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46Who's going to start me at ?30? 30?
0:36:46 > 0:36:4920 to go then, surely. ?20? 10 if I must.
0:36:49 > 0:36:5110, 12, 15 bid, 18, bid, 20 now?
0:36:51 > 0:36:56At 18 bid. 20 now, surely? 20, do I see? ?20 bid.
0:36:56 > 0:36:5822, front row. 5 do I see? 28 and 30 now.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00There's two people who want it!
0:37:00 > 0:37:06You're out again everywhere else. At 28? Front row bid then, selling at ?28. Thank you very much.
0:37:06 > 0:37:1028. Oh! Nearly there.
0:37:10 > 0:37:11Just under, isn't it?
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Not another ?2, is it?
0:37:14 > 0:37:17'John's going to be out of coins before long at this rate.
0:37:17 > 0:37:18'?28 for the bowl.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23'Again, it's just short of its estimate, but it's good enough.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25'The bidders aren't fighting over our items,
0:37:25 > 0:37:29'which doesn't exactly fill me with great confidence when it comes to our next lot,
0:37:29 > 0:37:49'Helen's collection of old pens and classic cameras.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53At 40 bid, 2 anywhere else now? 2, do I see? It's your bid, make no mistake.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56At 40, we're done, we're finished and selling at ?40.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59That's good, top of the estimate, John.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01There's always a first time!
0:38:01 > 0:38:04'Well, that's more like it, a terrific result,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08'and not before time. ?40, top estimate.
0:38:08 > 0:38:09'Is this be the sign of things to come?
0:38:09 > 0:38:14'I certainly hope so, because coming up next we've got the most sentimental lot of the day.'
0:38:14 > 0:38:22You've actually put a reserve on this, haven't you?
0:38:22 > 0:38:26Of ?100. If you have to take it home, where would you put it?
0:38:26 > 0:38:28I don't know, but I'll find somewhere.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Just to keep it in the family?
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Yeah. I'm not prepared to let it go for anything less than ?100.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37344A is a late Victorian twin pedestal desk.
0:38:37 > 0:38:58The provenance of this lot, which you have seen on the caption,
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Please, please, please. ?50 bid?
0:39:00 > 0:39:0260 do I see? At ?50 bid, 5 bid.
0:39:02 > 0:39:0360 bid, 5 bid, 70 bid, 5.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07At 75, we're going into headwind now. 75 bid.
0:39:07 > 0:39:1280, 85, 90, and 5 now. 95, may I say?
0:39:12 > 0:39:16At 95? 100 now, surely? 100, do I see?
0:39:16 > 0:39:19100? 100 bid. Great. So it's going.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22At 100 bid, any more now? At 100, we're done, we're finished?
0:39:22 > 0:39:26All done and finished, and going at ?100. Thank you very much.
0:39:26 > 0:39:31Did it. You were right to put that ?100 reserve on it, and that was what it went for.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Your judgment was absolutely right on that.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Oh, well, it's gone!
0:39:37 > 0:39:40It needed some restoration, so that was probably fair.
0:39:40 > 0:39:47'So, the historic desk is bang on its reserve, and not a penny more.
0:39:47 > 0:40:09'Time for our last lot of the day, the tilt-top table,
0:40:09 > 0:40:13No, it just stood with two of the Doulton ladies standing on it.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Lot 353A is a Georgian supper table,
0:40:16 > 0:40:20this time with nice tilt-top and tripod base.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Who's going to start me at ?150? 150? 100 to go, surely?
0:40:23 > 0:40:26?100 bid. 110 now, do I see? ?100 bid.
0:40:26 > 0:40:2710 now, surely? At ?100 bid.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Any more now? At 100 bid, 10 anywhere else?
0:40:30 > 0:40:33110, 120, 130. 40 now?
0:40:33 > 0:40:37I'll take 5 anywhere else. At 130 bid. 5 anywhere else now?
0:40:37 > 0:40:42130. Going at ?130. Thank you very much.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44The lady in the front, ?130.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Pleased with that? Yes.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49'And so am I. What a relief! ?10 over estimate,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52'and another healthy contribution to the carriage fund.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54'Phew, what a day!'
0:40:54 > 0:41:21End of the auction, and a bit like your ponies, Lisa, we galloped towards the finishing line there.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24?706.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26So we got there! Just!
0:41:26 > 0:41:29So, can I have my ?6 back?
0:41:34 > 0:41:39It's been two weeks since Helen and Lisa made a fantastic ?706 at auction,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41and they've been out to buy the new trap.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Really looking forward to getting it out for the first time,
0:41:44 > 0:41:48and putting Cori in it for the first time for our first drive.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52Hopefully she'll take to it all right. Fingers crossed, everything should be great.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57Cori definitely seems to approve of the new, lighter, streamlined piece of kit,
0:41:57 > 0:42:02and the ladies waste no time in heading out onto the road for a test drive.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04'It's great getting out for the first time.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06'I was quite excited when we got going.'
0:42:06 > 0:42:28Cori was a little bit nervous and impatient when we were first putting her in.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30Hopefully we're going to get a lot of use
0:42:30 > 0:42:32and a lot of pleasure out of it, aren't we? Yeah.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd