0:00:02 > 0:00:06Welcome to Cash In The Attic, the show that finds treasures in your home and helps you sell them.
0:00:06 > 0:00:12Today I'm in the heart of the Cotswolds here in Gloucestershire and this is the Somerset Monument,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14known locally as the Hawkesbury Monument.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19It was built to commemorate the life and achievements of General Lord Robert Somerset,
0:00:19 > 0:00:24the son of the Fifth Duke of Beaufort and a veteran of the Battle of Waterloo.
0:00:24 > 0:00:29This impressive landmark was built in 1846 in a bold, Italian style
0:00:29 > 0:00:33and stands proudly on the ridge of the Cotswolds escarpment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36The national trail here stretches for more than 100 miles from
0:00:36 > 0:00:40the historic city of Bath to the Cotswold market town of Chipping Camden.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44The tower is still privately owned by the Beaufort family,
0:00:44 > 0:00:49who famously have their ancestral home nearby in Badminton.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Well, if you're a seasoned walker, it's just a stroll down the hill
0:00:54 > 0:00:57from here to my destination today, the village of Hawkesbury.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Coming up on today's Cash In The Attic...
0:01:20 > 0:01:22an antique that leaves me slightly baffled.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26So is this for a human and not for an ox or two?
0:01:26 > 0:01:29..another that really tugs at the heartstrings...
0:01:29 > 0:01:32I don't think my dad would ever forgive me if I sold that.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35..and not all our items find new owners at auction...
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- You could take it home and do your ironing on it!- Yes, on the train!
0:01:38 > 0:01:42So how will we have fared when the final hammer falls?
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Well, I've made it to Hawkesbury and I'm about to meet
0:01:46 > 0:01:49a very hardworking lady who's longing for a break.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53It seems she wants to swap the rolling hills round here
0:01:53 > 0:01:55for the rugged landscape of Scotland.
0:01:55 > 0:02:01This period cottage in South Gloucestershire is home to retired head teacher, Liz Howard.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05She is a passionate supporter of the local community, from the WI and gardening groups
0:02:05 > 0:02:10to taking part in amateur dramatics with her friend, Jenny, who lives nearby.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Liz has a wonderful collection of inherited antiques
0:02:14 > 0:02:17and she's called us in to help turn some of them into cash
0:02:17 > 0:02:18for a well-earned holiday.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Hey, you look very at home!
0:02:21 > 0:02:23- Come on, yes, come on in! - Oh, thank you very much!
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- What a fantastic house!- It is picture-perfect, it really is!
0:02:27 > 0:02:29This is a lovely part of the country.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33What I know about the lady we're going to see is that she used to be a headmistress, so...
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- OK... - Yeah, you've got to behave today!
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Otherwise it will be detention. I'll try and find some good stuff.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- Let's do that.- OK.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45What a lovely, lovely garden!
0:02:45 > 0:02:51- Hey, who's Liz, which one is Liz? - Hi, Jennie, nice to meet you.
0:02:51 > 0:02:52Hi, and you are?
0:02:52 > 0:02:53Hi, I'm Jenny, Jennie!
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Jenny, Jennie... this is going to be a good day. And you're the gardener, are you?
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- Yes, yes.- This is fantastic!
0:03:00 > 0:03:06I love gardening. It's all been re-landscaped about three years ago and it's just about at its best.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Why have you called me in?
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Well, I'm hoping to raise some money to go to Scotland.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14It's 25 years since I visited Scotland for the first time
0:03:14 > 0:03:19and I fell in love with it and Killin, Loch Tay, that sort of area
0:03:19 > 0:03:24and I hope to perhaps spend some money on a really nice hotel overlooking Loch Tay
0:03:24 > 0:03:27and also do some, perhaps, hill-walking.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29How much money do you think you need?
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Well, probably about £500 would cover it, but if it is anything extra, it will be a bonus.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Has Liz got some nice pieces, do you think?
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- Is she a bit of a hoarder? - Yes, I think she is.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42She is, definitely. There's some really nice things...
0:03:42 > 0:03:48nice tables and chairs which I quite fancy and yeah, some nice antiques.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- And do you know much about antiques? - No, not at all.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Aha! Well, I know a man who does and I think we ought to go and find him!
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- Oh, great!- Paul's here already, so let's get cracking.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Let's get cracking.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Getting this busy lady some time away sounds like a good idea to me,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05and with such a beautiful home to search through,
0:04:05 > 0:04:09I think we're in for a treat and I'm sure that Paul will feel the same.
0:04:09 > 0:04:15In fact, it looks as if something has already caught his eye, although I'm not exactly sure what it is!
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- Hello!- You found him!- How many pints?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- A few gallons either side, I think! - What a great thing!
0:04:23 > 0:04:28- It's brilliant, isn't it, yes!- What is it?- Do you know what it is?
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- Oh, yes, yes. - There we are.- What is it?
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Been used many times. It's a yoke.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35You put it around your shoulders and you have your pails of water
0:04:35 > 0:04:40or milk there and it's a nice, easy way of carrying water and milk...
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Well, it was, 150 years ago, not so much now when you've got taps.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46So it is for a human and not for an ox or two?
0:04:46 > 0:04:49No. I'll give you a demonstration here.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51It goes on your shoulders and you're right...
0:04:51 > 0:04:55either side here we'd have two buckets and it's a great way of carrying things.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56Often used by ladies.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00They used to sell milk, door to door and the farming ladies
0:05:00 > 0:05:03would go around the village and try and sell the milk.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05It's a great country item,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09it's very visual, and if I said at least £20 up to £50,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11I would expect it to go for that sort of price?
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Yes, that sounds good.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15If you could get it to 50 or more,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17that would be even better, but that's sounds great.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21That was a good start. I think you're being mean with your estimate.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23It's going to make more.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- It would be great if it did! - Let's go and find some more things.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28Yes, let's.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Well, what an unusual item to start our day
0:05:30 > 0:05:34and give us our first few pounds towards that trip to Scotland.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Upstairs, Jenny has found a gorgeous teddy bear.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Liz has had it since she was just 10 years old,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42but she's decided to part with it
0:05:42 > 0:05:46and Paul sends it to auction with a price tag of £30 to £60.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Next door, Liz has another item she thinks our expert might like.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- Paul.- Uh-huh?
0:05:51 > 0:05:53What do you think about this?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Oh, wow! Look at that!
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Has that come with the house? It looks ancient, doesn't it?
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Almost as old as the house.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Yeah, look at that!
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Well, if you have a look at the construction of this, it's wonderful.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08It's very sturdy, very durable, it would outlive me and you
0:06:08 > 0:06:12and it's lasted 300 years, and it will last another 300 years
0:06:12 > 0:06:16and it's known as a stretcher table for these four planks along the bottom...
0:06:16 > 0:06:19They're the stretchers, they hold it together and give it its strength.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23And if I open the drawer here, you can see just the age.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27For the last 300 years, people were putting things in that drawer,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30you can see across the top, and this is actually oak-lined
0:06:30 > 0:06:36and what you'll find with copies is they put a pine lining in the back and just do the fronts.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39This is all original, it's dead genuine.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40What a cracker, it really is!
0:06:40 > 0:06:43That's a very functional piece of furniture
0:06:43 > 0:06:47and it's absolutely perfect for a room like this and for a house like this,
0:06:47 > 0:06:52so I think you must be looking at £300, maybe £500, that sort of price, then.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Yeah, that sounds good!
0:06:54 > 0:06:58Is it sentimental? Are you sure you're willing to part with it?
0:06:58 > 0:07:03Yes. Like anything, you know, furniture, you're always sad to get rid of any furniture,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07particularly things like that has memories when you were young
0:07:07 > 0:07:10and it was at the cottage, but you can't take it with you,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12so I might as well sell it and use the money now
0:07:12 > 0:07:15for the family and for myself while I'm still here and alive.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17That's just the right attitude.
0:07:17 > 0:07:23The 17th-century table really is an amazing find, and Paul comes up trumps as well
0:07:23 > 0:07:28when he finds these signed original paintings which he hopes could make £20 to £30 at auction.
0:07:28 > 0:07:34He seems on top form, so I leave him to it and catch up with our two busy ladies.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38You two seem very involved in village life?
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Yes, too involved sometimes, Jennie!
0:07:40 > 0:07:44They say you need an eight-day week in this village, and you do.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49Yeah, I think since Liz has been retired, she's never been as busy, she's so involved.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- How long have you been retired? - Last July.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Oh, I see! It's quite new?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Took early retirement.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59I bet you wonder how you ever found the time to work!
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Exactly!
0:08:01 > 0:08:05What was it like being a school inspector, which you were at the end.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Yes, an adviser and education consultant.
0:08:08 > 0:08:14It was fun, I used to enjoy working with colleagues, head teacher colleagues and advisers.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19That's what I miss, actually, talking to interesting colleagues on education.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Tell me a bit more about this love of Scotland?
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Well, I went 25 years ago for the first time.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29It's somewhere you go and you feel as if you've been there all your life, but you haven't.
0:08:29 > 0:08:35I just love it, particularly up in the Highlands, the mountains and walking, hill-walking.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39As it's 25 years, I thought we could go up, my friend Sam and I,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41because she's Scottish, from Paisley
0:08:41 > 0:08:45and we'd stay in a really lovely hotel we've had our eye on,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47on the side of Loch Tay.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- Aah, you know where you're going!- Yes.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- Perfect.- Right opposite Ben Lawers, one of the Munros in Scotland,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57which we climbed and stay there for a couple of nights
0:08:57 > 0:08:59and go and climb Ben Lawers, hopefully...
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Well, part way up, I think!
0:09:01 > 0:09:04I don't think we've got the energy to go right to the top.
0:09:04 > 0:09:10Well, we need all our energy right now if we're going to get Liz that £500.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14Luckily, Paul has spotted a lovely oval tilt-top table
0:09:14 > 0:09:17which he values at a very respectable £30 to £40.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Meanwhile, Liz and I are tackling one of the bedrooms.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23I see you found the music box!
0:09:23 > 0:09:27I have! Isn't it lovely? It looks so old.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31Yes, it is. I think it must be, oh, last century sometime, I think.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- Does it work?- Yes, it does. Let's see if we can get it going.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36MELODY PLAYS
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- It plays four tunes.- Oh, I see, yes... one, two, three, oh!
0:09:40 > 0:09:44I think it's lovely; it's really, really nice!
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- Can I hear some music?- Yes, you can!
0:09:46 > 0:09:48You'll love this, you will, it's gorgeous.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51These are one of my favourite things.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54I think these are wonderful items, they are, and this one is running.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59It's been a while since I've seen one working. Normally they've all frozen up.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Well, that's great. It's called a cylinder music box.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06So is this like a family heirloom, then?
0:10:06 > 0:10:10Well, I've inherited it. I think it was through my grandfather.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12He worked for the Liverpool City Mission
0:10:12 > 0:10:17for many years and in his role as minister, he used to be given gifts from his parishioners
0:10:17 > 0:10:20and I think this might have been one of the gifts.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- Wow!- But I'm not absolutely certain.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27This is great to find, an old original like this, a good, genuine, late-19th-century box.
0:10:27 > 0:10:33The one I picked up recently was about £130, so if I said around that sort of figure, sort of £80 to £120
0:10:33 > 0:10:36and see how that goes. I mean, does that sound all right with you?
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- That sounds very good, yeah. - Is that music to your ears?- It is!
0:10:41 > 0:10:46He couldn't resist, could he? But with another £80 towards the Scottish trip,
0:10:46 > 0:10:47I'll let him off for now.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51Liz also decides to send this large drop-leaf table to auction.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53It used to belong to her grandmother
0:10:53 > 0:10:58and Paul values it at a fantastic £180 to £250.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03In the study, his artistic eye has helped him make another find.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08I've had a real shock here. I thought this was just a print, but it's an original painting!
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Oh, yes!- Where has this come from?
0:11:10 > 0:11:15Well, it's come from my mum who inherited it from this lady herself.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Never! So you actually knew who the lady was?
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Yeah, yeah. Her husband was artist Phil Hyde from the Liverpool School.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23He looks very competent.
0:11:23 > 0:11:29The way that the artist has done the face or features here is fantastic, I think, I really do.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- You've never had it valued before, or...?- No, no.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37Right, well it's a difficult one, really. I mean if I was to err on the side of caution,
0:11:37 > 0:11:41I think its value as a decorative piece, it's a nice watercolour,
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- it's a great subject, I think you're looking around the £100 mark. - That sounds fine.- Right.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- Perhaps put a reserve on something for that, and see if we can get a bit more.- Yeah.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53I'd like to find out more about the artist.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57We'll get it into the auction for now, get a reserve of £100 on it
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- and then hopefully see more on the day.- Brilliant!
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Well, it's not often I get taken by a painting, but I am taken with that one.
0:12:04 > 0:12:10Well, Paul is certainly a fan and with another £100 in the holiday kitty, I think I am too.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15This house is a real treasure trove and there is another addition to our coffers
0:12:15 > 0:12:19when Liz decides to sell this Georgian pine chest,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21which Paul values at £50 to £70.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27It's almost the end of our day in Gloucestershire, but not before Paul has made one final find.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Ah, now then, Liz, Jennie.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31What you got?
0:12:31 > 0:12:36Well, I've found a grandfather clock. I bet you haven't seen that before, have you?
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Wow, that is very, very handsome, isn't it?
0:12:38 > 0:12:43I did notice it earlier and I wondered if it was something which would catch your eye.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Well, it certainly is. I mean I love these grandfather clocks.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50Is this like a family piece or has it been in the family a long time?
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Well, it's got quite a few stories attached to it.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56My dad used to be an estate agent in the Wirral in the '50s
0:12:56 > 0:12:58and he used to haunt the auction rooms
0:12:58 > 0:13:01and I think he was at one auction
0:13:01 > 0:13:04and this clock was left and the auctioneer said.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07"For goodness sake, Frank, give me half a crown for it!"
0:13:07 > 0:13:09which he did, and he came home with the clock,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13which he very proudly got going and it's been going ever since.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The technical term for it is actually a "long-case clock"...
0:13:16 > 0:13:19we only refer to them as being a "grandfather clock"
0:13:19 > 0:13:25for the simple reason there was a story actually in the Victorian times where there was a clock in a pub
0:13:25 > 0:13:31and there were two brothers who owned this pub and owned this clock and one brother died and the clock stopped,
0:13:31 > 0:13:34so they wound it up again and it went for a little while.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37The second brother died, the clock stopped and never went again
0:13:37 > 0:13:41and they made a song about it called "Grandfather's Clock".
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- Yeah.- And that's where the term comes from!- Right!
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Now this really is a lovely clock.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49I mean it's got everything going for it. It's in nice condition,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52the dial is original, it's running, it's late-19th century.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- I mean value-wise, it's gone from being half a crown today...- Yes...
0:13:56 > 0:14:02So at today's value, a good quality visual clock like this with the double weights will bring around
0:14:02 > 0:14:06the £1,000 mark, so if you said sort of £600 to £1,000,
0:14:06 > 0:14:08a big chunk of your target if you wanted to do it.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- It's up to you.- I'd have to think about it carefully.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14I don't think my dad would ever forgive me.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16I would be surprised to see it here.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20However, that does actually bring us to the end of our day's rummaging.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Well, if Paul's right, and he normally is, I have to say,
0:14:24 > 0:14:27then we hope that at auction you will actually make...
0:14:27 > 0:14:29£810.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Oh! That's excellent!
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- Fantastic!- Yeah! - That's great!- Very good.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37So let us know about the clock and we'll see you at the auction.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40All you have got to do now, ladies, is pack everything up,
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- because we don't do that, do we? - No, we don't, come on!
0:14:42 > 0:14:45We've had a brilliant day here with Liz and Jenny
0:14:45 > 0:14:49and what a wonderful items we're packing off to auction.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51There's the 19th-century music box,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55which we're hoping will charm with its estimate of £80 to £120,
0:14:55 > 0:14:57and the unusual wooden yoke,
0:14:57 > 0:15:01which Paul valued at a rather modest £20 to £50,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03but we'll have to wait until the auction
0:15:03 > 0:15:06to see whether Liz parts with that beautiful clock,
0:15:06 > 0:15:10with a whopping £600 to £1,000 estimate,
0:15:10 > 0:15:15it could turn a humble hike into a five-star holiday.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17Still to come on Cash In The Attic...
0:15:17 > 0:15:20some last-minute auction advice from Paul.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Don't scratch your nose... That's sometimes taken as a bid.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27And Liz has to face taking some of the items home...
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- It's worth more than that.- Yep.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- So he's right not to sell?- Yeah.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37But will the successful sales be enough to reach our target when the final hammer falls?
0:15:42 > 0:15:46It's a few weeks since we were at Liz's lovely cottage and today we've brought everything
0:15:46 > 0:15:50we've found here to Chiswick Auction Rooms in West London.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Now, Liz is after £500 if you remember,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57so she can go for a walking holiday up one of the Munros of Scotland...
0:15:57 > 0:16:00That's a big hill, or a small mountain, whichever way you look at it.
0:16:00 > 0:16:06Anyway, I'm hoping we won't have an uphill struggle today when our items go under the hammer.
0:16:06 > 0:16:12Well, we seem to have some early birds here today, and they're all looking pretty keen.
0:16:12 > 0:16:18One man who is always on time for auction is our expert, Paul Hayes, and today is no exception.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- Hi, there!- Hello, how are you? - You're looking at the little lady?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Yeah. I think this is beautiful.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25I've tried to research the artist.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29He did do exhibitions at the Walker Gallery, which is in Liverpool.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32But there's nothing outside the Liverpool area
0:16:32 > 0:16:35and it is really all about the artist, but I think she's lovely!
0:16:35 > 0:16:39I think we might need it, cos I don't think Liz will bring that clock.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41No. Do you know what?
0:16:41 > 0:16:46I wouldn't be surprised. I mean I found with clocks and watches they do tend to become part of the family...
0:16:46 > 0:16:51People get very attached to them. It's not like a dinner set or an old painting or something.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- It's something personal.- Yeah, it is.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Anyway, let's see. Maybe I'm wrong...
0:16:55 > 0:16:59and I think they might have arrived, so let's go and find them.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01As the dealers and collectors continue browsing,
0:17:01 > 0:17:05we find Liz and Jenny saying their goodbyes to one of Liz's much-loved items.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Good morning, Liz.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- Hi, there.- And Jenny.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- Morning.- This is my favourite item of yours, the music box.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- I think it's just stunning. - Yes, it is.- Lovely!
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Oh, dear, Liz, you look a bit sad.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Well, only because it's a bit of...
0:17:20 > 0:17:24part of you that's now going to be sold to somebody else, that's all, really.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Are you having second thoughts? - No, no.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Good girl! Now, Paul wanted to ask you...
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Yes. We were wondering whether you brought the grandfather clock?
0:17:32 > 0:17:37- No, I haven't.- We're not really surprised, actually, but I assume everything else is here?
0:17:37 > 0:17:40No, not the teddy, I'm afraid.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42You decided to keep that, did you?
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Yeah, well I rang my sister in Australia
0:17:44 > 0:17:46and although it's mine, it's hers emotionally
0:17:46 > 0:17:49cos she loved it to bits when she was little and she said,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52"You can't sell Biggy Bear!" she said, "You can't."
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Biggy Bear!
0:17:54 > 0:17:55How old is your sister?
0:17:55 > 0:17:56About 48!
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- Oh, dear. And how are you feeling, Jenny?- I'm excited.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04This is my first auction, so yeah, really looking forward to it.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07They are fun, sometimes a roller coaster.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11They can be. One little tip, don't scratch your nose... That's taken as a bid!
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- Particularly your ears. - You might get a bike!
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- Let's go and find a good place then we can watch it. Come along.- OK.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23Now, if you fancy buying or selling at auction, then don't forget that the sale room will add charges
0:18:23 > 0:18:29such as commission to your bill, so make sure you check the details with your local auction house.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31The bidders are all ready and waiting
0:18:31 > 0:18:34so we find a spot in the corner and prepare for the action to begin,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36and our first lot is soon up.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40I love these oils on card, because you actually found these at an auction, didn't you?
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Yes, they were in an old chest, which is full of artist's materials
0:18:44 > 0:18:49and prints and pictures which we sat on, so none of the girls could look in it. We got it for 15 shillings!
0:18:49 > 0:18:51So it's real recycling!
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Back to the auction they go, OK. We want £20.
0:18:54 > 0:18:55I mean, they're a nice lot.
0:18:55 > 0:19:01Someone would buy these just to mess about with them, maybe frame them up so yeah, £20 upwards.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Let's see if you can make a profit.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Start me at £20, see how they go.
0:19:05 > 0:19:11£20. I'm bid at £20, give me 22, at £20, take 22, 25, 28, 30,
0:19:11 > 0:19:1532, 35, 38, 40, 42, 45.
0:19:15 > 0:19:23£42 there. 44, 48, 50, 5, 60. Your bid at £55. Take 60.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25At £55 all done at 55 and going...
0:19:25 > 0:19:27at £55 then, your last chance.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Sold at £55.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- Woo!- That's good, that's brilliant! - That's a real result!- Yeah!
0:19:32 > 0:19:35That's a great return for Liz's 15-shilling investment
0:19:35 > 0:19:38and the first step towards our target of £500.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Second under the hammer
0:19:40 > 0:19:43is one of our favourite and most unusual items...
0:19:43 > 0:19:46it's the wooden yoke that Paul valued at £20 to £50.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Now's your chance.
0:19:48 > 0:19:55£20 for it. I'm bid £20. Who will give me 22? At 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, 32, 35, 38?
0:19:55 > 0:20:00Yes, or no? At £35, your bid at £35. I'm selling at £35. Are we done? Last chance.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- Oh!- That's all right. - That's all right.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04It's another good result
0:20:04 > 0:20:07and another few pounds banked towards that Highland holiday.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11So, will our next lot also get the sale room buzzing?
0:20:11 > 0:20:13It's certainly an emotional lot for Liz.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15This was part of your childhood.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Yes. I can remember playing "Oh, Come All You Faithful" on Christmas Day.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23So how do you feel about the fact it's going out of your life, we think?
0:20:23 > 0:20:27A bit sad, but as long as it makes a good profit, I shall be pleased.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32Lot 59 now. We have the music box, now, the 19th-century mahogany music box and start me at £100 for it.
0:20:32 > 0:20:40Come on, start me at £50 for it. We're in at £50, 55, 60, 5, 70, 5, 80, 5...
0:20:40 > 0:20:45At 85 looking for 90 £85. 90 back in. 5... £90 are we done?
0:20:45 > 0:20:47At £90 and gone then.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Last chance and gone at £90.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52There you go! That's in the middle there, isn't it?
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- Yes... it was a good bargain there.- Yes.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59It's not a bad result, but I think it tugged at Liz's heartstrings,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02and a few more pounds might have eased the blow somewhat...
0:21:02 > 0:21:06but there's no time to dwell on it, as that lovely painting
0:21:06 > 0:21:09by the Liverpudlian artist is about to be put on the rostrum.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Will it reach Paul's valuation of £100?
0:21:12 > 0:21:14The Phil Hyde watercolour.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19£100 to start me.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21£50 for it.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24£30 for it, see how it goes. I'm bid £30, £30, take 32.
0:21:24 > 0:21:2532 there, take 35.
0:21:25 > 0:21:3038, 40, 42, 45, 48... You're at £45.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Do you want 48? 48, 50?
0:21:33 > 0:21:39Yes, or no? At £48, here with me at £48, take 50, at £48. Are we done at £48 and selling all done.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Ooooh!
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Well, that is disappointing, isn't it, £48, but...
0:21:45 > 0:21:46Well, we'd all hoped for more
0:21:46 > 0:21:50but the painting just didn't catch the bidders' attention today.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52With any luck, it's just a blip
0:21:52 > 0:21:54because we've still got four lots to go
0:21:54 > 0:21:56and it's the furniture section up next.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59We're hoping to sell your dining room table, now...
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- Yes.- But this is quite special, isn't it?
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- Yes. It's one my granny did her ironing on!- Oh!
0:22:05 > 0:22:09I know you're quite fond of it, so you've put a reserve on, haven't you?
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Yes, a flexible one, so it's up to the auctioneer's discretion really if it goes.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15£180, so, fingers crossed.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19OK, so you reckon, Paul, 180?
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Yeah, I mean that's the minimum really.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22I think you're right.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25It's a good-quality item, it's got nice hairy-paw feet!
0:22:25 > 0:22:29The mahogany period Pembroke table, number 780A.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32780A for the Pembroke table.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Is that worth... £100 for it? £100 for it, £100 for it?
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- They'll withdraw it. - If no-one is going to start me at £100, I'll pass the lot.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42No-one's here to £100, then?
0:22:42 > 0:22:44No bids of £100, surprising!
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- That's a bit of a disappointment, isn't it?- Yes, it is.- What are you going to do?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Perhaps leave it in next week and see if it will go.
0:22:51 > 0:22:57I'll have a word with the auctioneer and with Paul afterwards and see what they advise, really.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- You could take it home and do your ironing on it!- Yes, on the train!
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Oh, well, it is a bit of a hole in our target.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Yes, it is!- Never mind!
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Liz is putting a brave face on things,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11but it is a big blow to our Highland fund.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Will our large Elizabethan table suffer a similar fate?
0:23:15 > 0:23:1717th-century oak side table.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Is that worth £200 for it? Start me for it. £200 for it.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23£200 for it. I'm bid at £200, give me £210, at £200 take 10.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27That's the bid so far at £200. Take 10 at £200, 10 or not?
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- At £200 are we done?- He won't sell it.- At £200 disappointing.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Any interest at £200, then?
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Are we done at £200? Come and see me after.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Well, he hasn't sold it.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- He hasn't sold it. - Yeah, it's worth more than that.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- Yeah.- So he's right not to sell? - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47We've had two unsold furniture lots today
0:23:47 > 0:23:49and have another two furniture lots to go.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Our highly-valued tables may not have sold,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55but perhaps our more modestly-priced tilt-top offering
0:23:55 > 0:23:57will be what the bidders are looking for.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59We're hoping for just £30 to £40.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Tiny little table, is that worth £50?
0:24:01 > 0:24:03£50 for it, should make that.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06£50 for it, £30 for it?
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I'm bid at £30, £30, give me 32. At £30, bid me at 32, take 2.
0:24:10 > 0:24:1132, 35,
0:24:11 > 0:24:1738, 40, 42, 45, 48, yes, or no?
0:24:17 > 0:24:2048, 50, 5. I'm bid £50.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24At £50 then last chance. At £50 all done, £50 and going.
0:24:24 > 0:24:25Your bid at £50 all out.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- £50, that's good. - Within the estimate.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Yeah. Phew! That's a long overdue addition to our holiday fund.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33We've just one lot left...
0:24:33 > 0:24:37the large wooden chest which Paul valued at £50 to £70.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40A Georgian pine chest. It's got the original paint and patination on
0:24:40 > 0:24:42which makes it quite desirable.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44£50 for it. Should make much more.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47£50 for it. £40 for it.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I'm bid at £40, 42, 45.
0:24:50 > 0:24:5448, 50, 5, 60, 5, 70, 5.
0:24:54 > 0:24:5770 I'm bid, I'll take 5, at £70, 5 I'll take, all done.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00At £70 cheap, and going for £70. Are we done?
0:25:00 > 0:25:05- Very good!- You did empty it out, didn't you, before you came?- Yes!
0:25:06 > 0:25:10Excellent! Selling for the top-end estimate, it's a relief for us all.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13After those successful final sales, it's time to see
0:25:13 > 0:25:16whether our roller coaster day has ended on a high note.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Now I know you've been quite worried about making your target.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23£500 you want to go up that Scottish Munro.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28Well, you haven't made the £500 I'm afraid. You've actually made £348.
0:25:28 > 0:25:29That's not too bad.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32With the items that have been sold, that's pretty good.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- So, are you happy with your £348? - Definitely, yes!
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- And have you enjoyed yourself? - It's been fascinating. I've had a really good day.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48A few weeks later and Liz is finally taking that well-deserved Highland break at Loch Tay,
0:25:48 > 0:25:5160 miles from Glasgow, along with her friend, Sam,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55and it looks as if it's bringing back some happy memories.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00I came to Scotland for the first time 25 years ago and just fell in love with it,
0:26:00 > 0:26:05so this is 25 years going back to visit the places that I enjoyed most in Scotland.
0:26:05 > 0:26:12After a relaxing night in a luxury hotel, the ladies head off to explore the Scottish countryside.
0:26:12 > 0:26:18Liz is clearly loving having some time to relax and to reflect on her auction experience.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Everything has turned out really well,
0:26:21 > 0:26:25you know, the rummage, the auction, the money it made has enabled me
0:26:25 > 0:26:30to come up here and it's turned out excellently, brilliant!
0:26:30 > 0:26:33It's going to be a holiday I shall remember for a long time,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36so perhaps we'll come back again in another 25 years
0:26:36 > 0:26:40and you can film us crawling on all fours up here, no, in our wheelchairs, I suspect!
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd