0:00:02 > 0:00:08Welcome to Cash In The Attic, the show that searches homes for hidden treasures and sells them at auction.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11I'm in Dedham, Essex, known as Constable country,
0:00:11 > 0:00:18but also renowned for painters like Sir Alfred Munnings, and this is his house.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22The largest collection of his work is here,
0:00:22 > 0:00:25Castle House art museum, his former home.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Famous for paintings of race horses,
0:00:28 > 0:00:32Munnings was an influential painter of his generation,
0:00:32 > 0:00:37with a career spanning more than 70 years until his death in 1959.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41His wish was to leave his pictures and estate to the nation
0:00:41 > 0:00:45and Lady Munnings set up Castle House as a memorial.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48It's open to the public from Easter to October
0:00:48 > 0:00:52and one of the highlights is Munnings' garden studio,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55left much as it was when he painted here.
0:00:55 > 0:01:00There can be no questioning the quality of Munnings' work.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04We'll be looking for quality items in the hunt
0:01:04 > 0:01:08for antiques and collectables that we can sell at auction.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30'Coming up,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34'our expert's getting some insider knowledge...'
0:01:34 > 0:01:37What do you say? ..I think you're worth that.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41'..and some items bring out the magpie in him.'
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Jingle, jingle, jingle! We definitely like that!
0:01:45 > 0:01:48'But not all our lots find new homes at auction.'
0:01:48 > 0:01:54- I do wear it occasionally.- You'll wear it more than occasionally now!
0:01:54 > 0:01:58'So, will we have made our target when the final hammer falls?'
0:01:59 > 0:02:05I'm in Thorrington, Essex, to meet a couple who've called in the team
0:02:05 > 0:02:09to help them raise funds for the smallest member of the family.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13'This cosy bungalow in a quiet corner of Essex
0:02:13 > 0:02:18'is home to retired electrician Frank and his wife, Lynn.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22'They have been married for a fantastic 45 years
0:02:22 > 0:02:26'and have a close-knit family with two children and four grandchildren.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29'Since moving from their previous family home,
0:02:29 > 0:02:34'the couple have more collectables than they have space for.'
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- Morning, James.- Morning, Lorne. Cold old day today.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42At least the sun's out. Great family today.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47Inherited stuff from 14 aunts and uncles! Loads to go through.
0:02:47 > 0:02:53- I've got some idea of what's in store. - Are you up for it?- Of course I am.
0:02:53 > 0:02:59- Good morning.- Hello. - Nice to see you're ready for us(!)
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Obviously, you've called Cash In The Attic in. Who did that?
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- I did.- Oh, did you?- Yes. On a whim!
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- Did you think it would happen?- No.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15Shows how wrong you can be! What did you want us here for?
0:03:15 > 0:03:19We've down-sized and we've got a lot of stuff in the loft.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Thought we'd see if we can make something on it.
0:03:22 > 0:03:28So you brought things you thought would fit in and now they can't?
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- Yes.- The items we're going to sell, where are they from?- Inherited.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35From aunts and uncles.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40My mum was a widow so I had a lot to do with my aunts and uncles.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43That's where a lot of bits have come from.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Frank, what do you want to raise money for?
0:03:47 > 0:03:49We'd like to raise £500
0:03:49 > 0:03:53for our youngest granddaughter's princess bed she's keen on.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57She's two years old and that's her dream.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01So we'd like the money for that and to decorate her bedroom also.
0:04:01 > 0:04:07Let's see if we can make the £500 for Hannah. Let's find the expert!
0:04:07 > 0:04:11'Lynn and Frank sound like doting grandparents.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14'What a fantastic target today.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19'With so many collectables, I'm glad our expert James Rylands is here.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22'No saleable treasure will fail to catch his eye.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25'He's made a start already.'
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- Hello, James. There you are.- Hi.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31Lynn, I've seen loads of Royal Doulton figures.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37- Where are they from?- I collected some but a lot are from my aunts.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- They had them in their houses? - When I was young.
0:04:41 > 0:04:47Both of these ones, the balloon seller and old balloon woman,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49were both modelled in 1940
0:04:49 > 0:04:52by a well-known modeller called Leslie Harradine.
0:04:52 > 0:04:58She revolutionised the figures at Doulton with bright primary colours
0:04:58 > 0:05:02and very decorative figures.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07Each one is marked with a HN number.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09For instance...
0:05:12 > 0:05:18For a collector of these, it means you can identify which model it is.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22That, in the past, is what's made them so popular at auction
0:05:22 > 0:05:24on internet sites as well.
0:05:24 > 0:05:30Value on the three, at the moment, is in the region of £60 to £100.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- They have been worth more in the past.- Yes.- They really have.
0:05:34 > 0:05:40The popularity has dropped back a little bit in the last few years.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- They're still very saleable but not quite as much.- An acquired taste.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48'It may be our first money in the kitty,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51'but £60 doesn't seem like a huge amount.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54'I think Lynn was hoping for more.'
0:05:54 > 0:05:58I'm not certain I want to let them go for his valuation.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01I might put a higher reserve on them.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06They have been in the family a while and I'm sorry to see them go.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10'Lynn's quite attached to the balloon sellers
0:06:10 > 0:06:14'so we'd better get on with the hunt for more items.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18'Frank's in the kitchen and has come up trumps with a gold necklace
0:06:18 > 0:06:24'which James hopes could bag us a handsome...
0:06:24 > 0:06:29'Lynn's got another lot to add - three more Royal Doulton figurines.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33'They top up our fund by...
0:06:33 > 0:06:40'Back in the kitchen, Frank's got another lot our expert might be interested in.'
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Frank, I hope you're not having a cigarette, are you?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46That's what it is, isn't it?
0:06:46 > 0:06:49I'm not quite sure what this is.
0:06:49 > 0:06:55It's a Vesta case. They were popular towards the end of the 19th century.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00On the original ones, you'd have had lots of non-safety matches.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05There would have been a ridged surface where you could strike them.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10This one, because it dates to the 1920s, they've taken it further.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12See these lugs?
0:07:12 > 0:07:16That's where you'd have slotted in a book of matches.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19You flipped open the book, strike your match
0:07:19 > 0:07:21and off you go.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25Cigarette cases have always been collectable.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Faberge made cigarette cases.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33Gold, silver, diamonds. Some very richly ornamented.
0:07:33 > 0:07:39What I like about these is they're nice and plain, almost timeless.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45I can see "Boodle & Dunthorne, Lord St, Liverpool".
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Very up-market jewellers. They're still going.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Their headquarters are in Regent Street, London.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55And they're still in Lord Street, Liverpool.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- Let's look at the hallmark. - They must be 60 years old.- They are.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Here we've got an anchor,
0:08:03 > 0:08:06which means it's hallmarked in Birmingham.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10A lion passant, which means it's silver.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13And an X, that's the date letter. 1922.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18I don't know what it would cost to fill these with cigarettes now.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22What do you think the two are worth empty?
0:08:22 > 0:08:24I wouldn't like to say.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29- Is the value in the silver? - There is value in the silver.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Silver is trading quite high.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34I think they're worth more than melt price.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38Bear in mind they're well made examples.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Probably £30 to £50. How does that sound?- Very reasonable.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47It was interesting what James said about the cigarette and match cases.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Valuation I thought was quite good as well.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55Also, the information that he came out with about the retailer.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59He traced it back to its origins, which was interesting.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04'Our couple's bungalow has treasures tucked away all over the place.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09'I leave Mr Rylands for now and catch up with our grandparents.'
0:09:09 > 0:09:12So, how did you two meet?
0:09:12 > 0:09:15In a pub at Manor Park.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- He followed me home.- Really? - And I dawdled!
0:09:19 > 0:09:21LORNE LAUGHS
0:09:21 > 0:09:23How long have you been married?
0:09:23 > 0:09:2645 years next February.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30And we knew each other three years before that. It's a long time.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35- Where are you from, originally? - I'm from Manor Park.- Plaistow.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38What made you come up this way?
0:09:38 > 0:09:42We had a touring caravan, which we bought in 2000.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Unfortunately, it got stolen.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49We decided to get a static caravan cos we thought they can't take that.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54We bought one at Bentley Country Park, which is this area.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56We just liked the area.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00When Frank retired, we moved out here.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- What made your grandchildren move? - Because they came to our caravan.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07And they liked the area.
0:10:07 > 0:10:15They were going to buy a house together so they picked this area because it was cheaper at the time.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18You're from a large family?
0:10:18 > 0:10:23There was a lot of aunts and uncles. My mother came from a family of 11.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27She was a widow. Our dad was killed during the war.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32The aunts and uncles, I spent a lot of time with, they looked after us,
0:10:32 > 0:10:36me and my two sisters, during our growing-up years.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39They were always there for us.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42One of the aunts, when she died,
0:10:42 > 0:10:46left her house in Gidea Park to her four nieces.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50So some of it was there. The rest sort of came...
0:10:50 > 0:10:55My mum and my older sister went to live in the house at Gidea Park.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Then they moved to Somerset so bits went with them.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04Eventually, unfortunately, they've gone, and I've got it.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07How important is this bedroom to Hannah?
0:11:07 > 0:11:11She's looking forward to her princess bed.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14She was in special care when she was born
0:11:14 > 0:11:20for a few days, which was worrying, because her lungs weren't formed.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24But she's fine now and is going to be a princess!
0:11:24 > 0:11:26How often does Hannah come round?
0:11:26 > 0:11:30I look after her two or three times a week,
0:11:30 > 0:11:35depending what my daughter-in-law's doing and if Tommy's at school.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37She's here quite often.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41'I feel Hannah will be over the moon with her bedroom.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46'We need a few more finds before our princess can sleep in style.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51'Our prince of the antiques world has valiantly carried on the search.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56'He's found a silver bracelet...
0:11:56 > 0:12:00'And it seems we've got a jewellery theme.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03'I've spotted another sparkling lot.'
0:12:03 > 0:12:05James, Lynn. Are you there?
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I take it this isn't yours.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- No. Bit too big for that! - This is Hannah's.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- I bet this isn't Hannah's. - No. That is mine.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- Where did that come from?- That was given to me by my father-in-law.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26What a nice father-in-law, handing out gold left, right and centre!
0:12:26 > 0:12:30Gold it is. It's a nice gold sovereign.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32They're called sovereigns
0:12:32 > 0:12:36because you've got the sovereign, Queen Victoria,
0:12:37 > 0:12:40looking magnificent towards the end of her life.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Looks like her later years. - Can you read that date?
0:12:43 > 0:12:45No.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47I think it's probably the 1890s,
0:12:47 > 0:12:51looking at her portrait on the back.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55When these were in circulation in Victorian times -
0:12:55 > 0:12:58they revived making them in 1817 -
0:12:58 > 0:13:03the average shelf life for a sovereign was 15 years.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07After that, a bit of gold had been rubbed off.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09They enacted a law in 1895 saying
0:13:09 > 0:13:14if your sovereign wasn't the correct weight, you could trade it in.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19In other words, they were re-circulating them all the time.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23They reckon there are only a million sovereigns in circulation
0:13:23 > 0:13:26which are in mint condition,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29the same condition as when they left the mint.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33From a collector's point of view, that's quite important.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35This one, for instance,
0:13:35 > 0:13:39has been put in a gold mount and worn as a necklace.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42What that's done, of course,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45it's probably damaged the edges of the sovereign.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50So from a collector's point of view it doesn't have as much value.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54This was £1 in the 1890s, so what's that worth today?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- What do you think?- 100?
0:13:57 > 0:14:04Not bad. Probably about £150 would buy you the same thing now.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09In terms of value of THIS coin, it's probably between £100 to £150.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- What do you think? - Yes. That's very good.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18A lot of that is dependant on the value of gold at the time.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20It's been going up and down.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Anybody interested in this, they'll weigh it
0:14:24 > 0:14:28and work out what the gold cost is on the day of auction.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- Are you happy with that valuation? - Very happy.- Good. Let's crack on.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37The sovereign that James valued, I thought that was excellent.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42Courtesy of my father-in-law cos he gave that to me. That was great.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47That's a fifth of our target in one go.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50'We're moving towards £500 for Hannah's bed.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55'Grandmother Lynn adds another few pounds to the kitty
0:14:55 > 0:14:59'when she decides to send this Spode vase to auction, too.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06'And I made a timely find when I spot these three gold watches
0:15:06 > 0:15:08'in one of the bedrooms.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13'They top up our fund by...
0:15:13 > 0:15:16'And James spotted an unusual lot next door.'
0:15:16 > 0:15:19What's this? Ooh, look!
0:15:19 > 0:15:22You suffocated him in a plastic bag!
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Poor little chap! Where did he come from?
0:15:25 > 0:15:30That came from Lynn's sister for my eldest son, and he's 42.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32So it's 42 years old.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- How did she get hold of it? - She worked for Merrythought.
0:15:36 > 0:15:42She worked for Merrythought. There's the sign.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47- Now ceased trading.- Brilliant. - It's done the rounds of the family.
0:15:47 > 0:15:53- Each of your kids had it?- Yeah. And my oldest two grandchildren.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- You can see it's been a bit... - I think he survived remarkably well.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01He had a refurb. The eyes are new.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04And the tail has a more contemporary look!
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- That was done by Merrythought. - She took it back?- Yeah.
0:16:08 > 0:16:14One of the perks of working there was to get things done on the sly!
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Do you know who this is?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18That's Jerry, Jerry mouse.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Absolutely. Tom and Jerry.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24He's a bit bigger than you expect on the TV.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27And I can see, as you say,
0:16:27 > 0:16:32after going through all those kids, he has been through the wars.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34He's got a lot of staining.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I'm glad you had some work on him.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41It's a plush material, which a lot of bears...
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Merrythought were more well known for making teddy bears.
0:16:45 > 0:16:51They did have licences with Disney and some of the film companies
0:16:51 > 0:16:56for making their characters for a short period of time.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58They are quite collectable.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02Even though he's in not very good condition,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05I think collectors would be interested.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10- What do you think he might be worth? - I don't know. Difficult to say.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Even though he's in this condition...
0:17:13 > 0:17:17What? ..Yeah. I think you're worth that.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- Jerry says he's worth £30 to £50. - I'm sure he did!
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- And a bit of cheese. How does that sound?- Yes.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28I'm not going to put him back in the bag to suffocate.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Let's find something else.- Yes.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33'Frank seems pleased.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36'With £30 towards the new bed,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40'I've taken a fancy to Jerry mouse myself!
0:17:40 > 0:17:46'Our rummaging is nearly over but Lynn's got one more item for the auction haul.'
0:17:46 > 0:17:51Look, Lorne. I probably want to part with these. What do you think?
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Oh, very nice. A couple of charm bracelets.
0:17:54 > 0:18:00Shall we see if Prince Charming is interested? James, are you there?
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- What have you got? - A couple of charm bracelets.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08Ooh. Jingle, jingle, jingle. We like that! What have we got?
0:18:08 > 0:18:12What looks like a gold one and a silver one.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- Where are these from?- My aunt who was married to the jeweller.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19They came via him, really.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- Insider trading? - It might have been. Yes.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Each link is hallmarked 9 carat gold.
0:18:27 > 0:18:33Each charm is 9 carat gold as well, and each means something different.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Charms have been with us for thousands of years.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39The Egyptians had them.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43A medieval knight going into battle would have a charm.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Queen Victoria really put them on the map. She was very keen.
0:18:47 > 0:18:54Then it was something the nobility would collect from wherever they were going.
0:18:54 > 0:19:00Soldiers in the First and Second World Wars would bring back charms from France.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05Each of these little charms has a meaning. You've got a padlock.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- Do you know what that signifies?- No. - Your dreams will be unlocked.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- That would be nice. - Here's my favourite.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- That one with a 10 in it. - 10 shilling note!- That's it!
0:19:17 > 0:19:22I'll tell you what I love, it's written on the side here,
0:19:22 > 0:19:27"In emergency, break glass." When ten bob was worth ten bob!
0:19:27 > 0:19:31You ran out of petrol, you had your own cash supply!
0:19:31 > 0:19:36On your way to the party, you smashed the glass and had ten bob.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Probably fill up the car!
0:19:38 > 0:19:42There are people who like wearing charm bracelets.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47How many have we got? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49And that's got loads on it.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53They're quite weighty so there's quite a lot of metal.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57The two together... Do you have any idea of value?
0:19:57 > 0:20:02- No idea.- I would think the two together certainly £120 to £180.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- That's not bad.- That's very good.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Will you ever wear them again?
0:20:08 > 0:20:12I'll never wear them again. They're in the jewellery box.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15They need to go to a good home at a good price.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17That sounds like a good price to me.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22I'll call Frank in and we'll do a tot-up of the total.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Frank, are you there? Come in, my dear.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30A couple of charm bracelets have charmed our total a little higher.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Has today been good fun?- Great fun.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- You wanted £500 so you can create Hannah's princess bedroom.- Yes.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Do you think we've got near that total?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Um... I don't know, to be honest.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Frank?- Yeah. Must be, surely.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51The value of everything going to auction comes to £550.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- Brilliant. Well done.- Lovely! - Very good, yeah.
0:20:55 > 0:21:02- The next time you'll see your things will be on display at the auction house.- Look forward to it.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07'Lynn and Frank's bungalow really came up trumps for us.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12'We've got a fantastic selection of items to put towards Hannah's bed.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15'The trio of Doulton balloon sellers
0:21:15 > 0:21:20'which we hope will make the top end of James' valuation.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22'The adorable Jerry mouse
0:21:22 > 0:21:28'will hopefully win the bidders' hearts and their wallets.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31'And jewellery of all shapes and sizes,
0:21:31 > 0:21:37'with the highlight being the silver and gold charm bracelets.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41'They're our most highly valued lot.'
0:21:45 > 0:21:50It's a few weeks since we looked around Lynn and Frank's bungalow.
0:21:50 > 0:21:56We found plenty to bring here to Sworders auction house in Stansted Mountfitchet.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00They're looking to raise £500 so they can turn one of their bedrooms
0:22:00 > 0:22:04into a princess bedroom for their granddaughter.
0:22:04 > 0:22:10Let's hope that the bidders are feeling generous when our items go under the hammer.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13'There are plenty of bidders here already.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18'Dealers or amateur collectors, I hope they like our items.
0:22:18 > 0:22:26'We've got a great collection of lots to sell, but I know James Rylands has taken a shine to them.'
0:22:26 > 0:22:31- All that glitters IS gold! Or silver.- It is! Charm bracelets.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34They're actually coming back into fashion.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Being gold, quite desirable.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- Also, while talking about gold, we've got the sovereign.- Oh, yes.
0:22:42 > 0:22:48- I'm hoping that'll also do well. - We've also got the balloon sellers.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- Three of those.- Yes. I get the feeling they're close to her heart.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54I think she's putting on a reserve.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58If you've got a really good example it'll do well.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- It's about the best and the rest. - We've got the best to help us today!
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Let's find our family.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11'James is sounding hopeful, so fingers crossed the bidders agree.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15'We catch up with Lynn and Frank saying goodbye
0:23:15 > 0:23:17'to those much-loved figurines.'
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Good morning.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- So you have brought all three balloon figures?- All three. Yes.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29- How do you feel about selling them? - Um, OK, but...
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- I've had them a long while. - Have you put a reserve on them?- Yes.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- What's the reserve?- £100. - You're very wise.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40I think they do mean a lot to you.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44We've got some nice gold but also one of my favourites, the Jerry.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- Oh, yes!- It's a long time since I've seen one.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51I don't think Merrythought made many of them.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54It's one of the rarer models.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59Let's hope somebody picks up on that. There's a lot of people here.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02So hope they put their hands in their pockets.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- Shall we get in position?- Yes. - Pop them down there safely.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09We don't want the balloon to burst.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14- No, we don't.- Not till we've sold them! Come this way.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17'With half our lots being jewellery related,
0:24:17 > 0:24:21'I hope there are plenty of magpie-like collectors
0:24:21 > 0:24:25'as we'd like to see them fighting over Lynn and Frank's lots.
0:24:25 > 0:24:31'It's time to let battle commence as our first lot takes centre stage.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34'Will it strike the right chord?'
0:24:34 > 0:24:38A silver Vesta case and a cigarette case.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43- What do we want for these, James? - We've got £30 to £50.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48Good quality, so let's hope someone's going to strike a light!
0:24:48 > 0:24:51AUCTIONEER: Start us off. £20 for the silverware.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55£20 for it. £20 is bid. The lady's bid.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59The vesta and cigarette case. 22. 25. 28.
0:24:59 > 0:25:0230. 32. 35. 38.
0:25:02 > 0:25:0540. Lady's bid at £40. 42 anywhere else?
0:25:05 > 0:25:09£40 is bid. Two anywhere else?
0:25:09 > 0:25:12All done and finished at £40...?
0:25:12 > 0:25:17- £40. That's midway point. Are you happy with that?- Yes.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Good. Excellent.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22'We're off to a solid start.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26'If we're going to get Hannah the bed of her dreams,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28'we've a way to go.
0:25:28 > 0:25:34'Hopefully, our next item appeals to the bidders' nostalgic side.'
0:25:34 > 0:25:39Next is one of my favourites, described as "a Merrythought mouse".
0:25:39 > 0:25:44But we all know it's Jerry from Tom and Jerry.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- Where's this from?- Merrythought.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52My sister bought it for my children so it's old and well used.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57Well loved! We like to say in the teddy bear trade. Not well used!
0:25:57 > 0:26:03- What do we want for this, James? - I like well loved not well used.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07£30 to £50 which, bearing in mind it's quite a rare model,
0:26:07 > 0:26:11I think that's modest. Let's see how we get on.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13I've got my fingers crossed.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18Where do we start that one? £30 for it? £20 for it?
0:26:18 > 0:26:24£20 for the mouse. Who wants that at £20? A Merrythought mouse there.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Ten?
0:26:26 > 0:26:29£10 is bid. 12. 15.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33£15 is bid. 18 anyone else now? The Merrythought mouse, there?
0:26:33 > 0:26:36At £15 is bid. I'm going to sell at £15.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41All done and finished, then, at £15.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46- I'm really disappointed with that. £15. That's a steal!- I think so.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Goes to show it is swings and roundabouts.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53That is a pretty miniature mouse price.
0:26:53 > 0:26:59'At just half the estimate, it's a disappointing result.
0:26:59 > 0:27:05'Hopefully, our third lot will get us back on track to our £500 target.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08'The description is certainly impressive!'
0:27:08 > 0:27:11"The Copeland Spode globular vase!"
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- It sounds posh.- Certainly does!
0:27:15 > 0:27:18The Japanese type decoration. Great maker.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Let's see how the punters react.
0:27:20 > 0:27:26Start us at £20. The Copeland Spode vase in the prunus pattern for £20.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30- £10 for it...? - No-one seems interested in this.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33We'll pass if there's no interest.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35No bid.
0:27:35 > 0:27:42Oh, dear. That's unsold. He couldn't get £10 for it, so I think that's fair enough.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Would you have wanted it selling for a tenner?- Not really.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Back to the mansion to reside in splendour!
0:27:49 > 0:27:53In the wardrobe!
0:27:53 > 0:27:58'The bidders weren't prepared to dig deep for the pretty Spode vase.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01'Lynn's not letting it get her down.'
0:28:01 > 0:28:04I was a bit disappointed but I'll take it home.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07It'll go back in the cupboard.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11'Onwards and upwards as we've plenty more items to sell.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14'The first of our Doulton lots is about to try its luck.'
0:28:15 > 0:28:17"Three Royal Doulton ladies.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21"Figure of the Year, Lynnette and the young Miss Nightingale."
0:28:21 > 0:28:25We start here at £40. £40 is bid.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28I'll take five in the room. 45...
0:28:28 > 0:28:30Got bidding going on here.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32..60.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Five. 70...
0:28:34 > 0:28:36£70!
0:28:36 > 0:28:38..80. Five.
0:28:38 > 0:28:4190. £90 is bid.
0:28:41 > 0:28:4395 anyone else?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Commission bid is here with me at £90. 95 anywhere else?
0:28:46 > 0:28:4995. 100...
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- Oh, my goodness! - ..£100 still on commission.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55We're selling at £100. All done...?
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- James your estimate was appalling! - Fantastic!
0:28:59 > 0:29:05It'll be interesting to see how we get on with the others, the ones that you really like.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08I must admit, I'm quite surprised.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13One of them had the head stuck on! That makes so much difference!
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- £100, that's great, isn't it? - Brilliant.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18'We're all impressed with that,
0:29:18 > 0:29:22'selling for over double James' conservative estimate.
0:29:22 > 0:29:29'The bidders didn't mind about the damage for an overdue addition to the princess bed fund.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33'Let's hope the Doulton collectors haven't spent all their cash!
0:29:33 > 0:29:38'We've an even more important set of figurines up for sale next.'
0:29:38 > 0:29:41It's our big lot.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45We've got high expectations on our three balloon figures.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49"Biddy Penny Farthing, the Old Balloon Seller and the Balloon Man."
0:29:49 > 0:29:53Lynn, you've got a reserve of £100. We know you like them.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58Let's hope they make your reserve. If not, you won't be disappointed.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02- No.- I've got a feeling they'll do OK.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05We're starting here at £50.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09£50 is bid. Five. 60. Five.
0:30:09 > 0:30:1270. Five. 80. Five. 90.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16Five. 100. Stay at five. 105. 110.
0:30:16 > 0:30:1815. 120.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Keep going. You don't have to stop.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24120 bid here. 125. 130.
0:30:24 > 0:30:2735 takes it from the commission.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31135. 140. 140, the gentleman's bid.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35Stay at five if it helps, madam.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39£140 is bid. We're selling at £140...
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- £140, are you pleased with that? - Yes. Yes.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48- Well, at that price, you're happy to let them go, aren't you?- Yes.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- Are you surprised by the prices? - Yes. I really am.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53It's good news.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57'After all our worries
0:30:57 > 0:31:01'the figurines smash through their £100 reserve.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04'Although they did have a special place in Lynn's heart.'
0:31:04 > 0:31:10I will miss them because I've had them a long while, but very pleased.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15'That's the attitude! It's all money towards the new bedroom.
0:31:15 > 0:31:22'The first half of our sale has flown by and it's time to see how healthy the princess fund is.'
0:31:22 > 0:31:26We've got a bit of a break until your other lots come up.
0:31:26 > 0:31:32I've done a quick tot-up and, so far, you've made £295!
0:31:32 > 0:31:34Excellent. That will get the bed.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- That'll pay for the bed? - The princess bed.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42All we've got to do now is worry about the rest of the room.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46At this rate, we can buy a bunk bed.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51We've got a break. James, you've got something you want to show me?
0:31:51 > 0:31:55I've got a bit of social history to show you.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59I'll show you the coffee bar and he can show me whatever he's on about!
0:31:59 > 0:32:04'While Lynn and Frank put their feet up, James won't let ME!'
0:32:04 > 0:32:09'With all these antiques on display, he simply can't stop working.'
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- What have you got there? - It's a Georgian sampler.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17The reason they're called that is often they were done by young girls
0:32:17 > 0:32:20in the Georgian and Victorian era
0:32:20 > 0:32:24and it was for them to do samples of their embroidery
0:32:24 > 0:32:28and also to learn their letters, their alphabet.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31It was a social skill to be good at embroidery.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- Can we see the age? - Absolutely, you can.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37It says "Sarah Crofts.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41"Her work in the 8th year of her age."
0:32:41 > 0:32:46She did this when she was eight! Then it's dated 1782.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- It's well over 200 years old. - That's extraordinary.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53If you look at the quality of this
0:32:53 > 0:32:56it's very fine needlework.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01They're usually done in silk or woollen stitches on a linen ground.
0:33:01 > 0:33:07The detail on this is terrific. The stitches are really small.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10As you expect from a young child.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Over the years, when they're hung in sunlight,
0:33:14 > 0:33:19the dyes they used in the wools and silks was vegetable based,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21and susceptible to fading
0:33:21 > 0:33:23in direct sunlight.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28If you own a sampler, never have it in direct sunlight.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30You can see the lion here.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35He'd have once had bright colours. Now you can barely see him.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38I love them. I think they're romantic pieces.
0:33:38 > 0:33:43Maybe this was a little girl who lived in a very grand house.
0:33:43 > 0:33:48- Your imagination runs riot. - What's the estimate on this?
0:33:48 > 0:33:53In terms of value, the problem is the moths get at these, they fade.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58There are four of these in the lot One is probably worth £20.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02That's really a reflection of the condition.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07It's such a shame, isn't it? This is a true antique.
0:34:07 > 0:34:12It should be worth more but it goes to show condition is everything.
0:34:12 > 0:34:18For me, it's a real social comment on what it was like in those days.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22'That eight-year-old girl in 1782 would have had no idea
0:34:22 > 0:34:29'we'd be looking at her sampler over 200 years later. Well spotted!
0:34:29 > 0:34:32'If James has inspired you to buy or sell at auction,
0:34:32 > 0:34:36'the sale room will add commission onto your bill.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41'Your local auction house will be able to give you the details.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46'It's time to put down the hot drinks and get back into position.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48'Our remaining lots are jewellery related.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51'I hope there are some collectors in the room.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56'First is the gold sovereign dated 1893.
0:34:56 > 0:35:03'James hoped this would be literally worth its weight in gold.'
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Going to start the bidding here at £75.
0:35:07 > 0:35:1380. Five. 90. Five. 100. Gentleman has it in the room at £100.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17Ten is next. At 110. 120.
0:35:17 > 0:35:23130. Good year 1893. £130 is bid.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27At £130. 140 anyone else? Selling at 130...
0:35:28 > 0:35:33- £130. I think that's quite good. - That is.- Good.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37'£30 over James' low-end estimate.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41'A cracking start to the second half of our sale.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44'I don't think Lynn will miss it, either.'
0:35:44 > 0:35:48The gold sovereign, I thought that was an excellent price.
0:35:48 > 0:35:54That was a present but, once again, I haven't worn it for a long while so that was good.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57'It's certainly a top-dollar price for the sovereign.
0:35:57 > 0:36:03'I hope it bodes well for the rest of our jewellery lots as we've another four.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07'Next is the trio of gold watches.'
0:36:08 > 0:36:11A Condor ladies' cocktail watch.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16Two others by Avier and Regency. £20 for these.
0:36:16 > 0:36:22All the watches there for £20. £20 is bid. At £20.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25I'll take two where, now? 22.
0:36:25 > 0:36:2825. Sells, then, in the cap.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32Are we all done and finished at £25? We're going to sell...
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Oh, dear.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38'That's half James' lower estimate.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40'But after the sovereign's success,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43'we can afford not to worry much.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47'Hopefully, the next piece will see more pounds rolling in.'
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Next is a gilt metal necklace. Where's that from?
0:36:50 > 0:36:56- I bought it in Jersey. It's Jersey gold.- Very nice.
0:36:56 > 0:36:57Let's see how we get on.
0:36:57 > 0:37:03The gilt metal costume necklace. Where will we start that? £20?
0:37:03 > 0:37:08- The costume necklace for £20... - Surely we can get that for it?
0:37:08 > 0:37:12Costume necklace for £10. Any interest at all at ten?
0:37:12 > 0:37:16None whatsoever? We'll pass on that, I'm afraid.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- Unsold!- I do wear it occasionally.
0:37:19 > 0:37:24You'll be wearing it more than occasionally now!
0:37:24 > 0:37:30'Lynn's looking on the bright side but it's our second unsold lot.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34'With another two jewellery items to sell, I'm a bit concerned.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37'We haven't reached our £500 target.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40'Although our couple has made enough for the new bed,
0:37:40 > 0:37:45'we need to make the rest of the makeover fit for a princess.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49'Perhaps silver will be more to the bidders' taste.'
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Our next lot is a silver bracelet.
0:37:52 > 0:37:57- Birmingham 1961, before my time! - JAMES LAUGHS
0:37:57 > 0:38:02- I don't know why you're laughing. - It's within my time!
0:38:02 > 0:38:06Start it off. Silver bracelet. £20 for it.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10£20 for the silver bracelet. Who'll start me at £20? Ten?
0:38:10 > 0:38:14- Ten for a silver bracelet...? - Oh, dear.
0:38:14 > 0:38:20£10 for it? Ten for the bracelet? We'll pass on that, then. No bid.
0:38:21 > 0:38:29Hm. That's not sold, either. It seems that we don't have jewellery dealers here on the lower end.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31We were fine with the sovereign.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36But on the purely decorative level, it doesn't seem to be here.
0:38:36 > 0:38:42'Two unsold lots in a row. It's not good news for our target.
0:38:42 > 0:38:49'Our couple can take them home but we'd all have liked a few more pounds instead.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53'If the bidders won't splash the cash, there's nothing we can do.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58'We've just one item left to sell so we are all hoping James was right
0:38:58 > 0:39:04'about there only being collectors of top quality jewellery here.'
0:39:11 > 0:39:15Two charm bracelets. One with 21 charms and one with nine.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19Where will you start that? £100 is bid.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21£100 is bid. I'll take ten where, now?
0:39:21 > 0:39:24£100 is bid. 110 where for the charm bracelets?
0:39:24 > 0:39:27110. 120. 130. 140.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32150 in the corner has it. 160 anywhere else?
0:39:32 > 0:39:34160. 170.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36180. 190.
0:39:36 > 0:39:41Gentleman's bid in the corner and selling at £190.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Are we all done at £190?
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- Brilliant!- £190!
0:39:46 > 0:39:48That's lovely. Yes.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53- Frank, are you happy with Lynn not wearing that?- Yeah.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57- But you've got to buy her lots more jewellery?- No.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Careful!
0:39:59 > 0:40:04'Frank may seem like a tough cookie, but I've a feeling he's a softie.
0:40:04 > 0:40:09'The bracelets charmed the bidders and it's a fantastic final sale.
0:40:09 > 0:40:16'Time to see whether the charm bracelets have taken our total to a royal level.'
0:40:16 > 0:40:19That's your last lot sold.
0:40:19 > 0:40:28You wanted £500 and the total, bearing in mind we've had a couple of no sales, comes to £640!
0:40:28 > 0:40:32That's brilliant! That will do the room as well.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- Well done. Excellent. - Pleased with that?- Very good.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41There we go, then. I hope she enjoys her bedroom. How wonderful.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- She can afford to be a real princess!- Yes!
0:40:48 > 0:40:52'A couple of weeks after raising £640 at auction,
0:40:52 > 0:40:57'Lynn and Frank have been doing a spot of bed shopping.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00'And their guest of honour is due to arrive soon.'
0:41:00 > 0:41:05We've just got back from the shop. Hannah is on her way round.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10Frank had better get that bed made. I'm going to put the kettle on.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15'While Lynn relaxes with a cuppa, Frank starts putting it together.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19'It's not an easy job, but Granddad soon gets the knack.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24'Before long, the bed is ready for the seal of approval
0:41:24 > 0:41:26'from its special owner.'
0:41:26 > 0:41:30That's the bed made up. I think it looks really good.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32I hope Hannah feels the same.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35There's nothing in there!
0:41:35 > 0:41:38You'll have to put something in at home.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42Hannah is very pleased with the bed, absolutely over the moon.
0:41:42 > 0:41:48I can't wait to see it in her newly decorated room - probably by granddad.