0:00:00 > 0:00:03Hello and welcome to the programme that searches out
0:00:03 > 0:00:07treasures in your home and then sells them with you at auction.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Now, we've all heard the saying "Out with the old, in with the new."
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Well, that could not be any more appropriate for the lady
0:00:14 > 0:00:17that we're about to meet here on Cash In The Attic.
0:00:38 > 0:00:43On today's Cash In The Attic, John comes up trumps with an early 19th century card table.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Girls. Got any money on you?
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- Oh!- Fancy a game of cards?- And I'm serenaded with a Cole Porter song.
0:00:50 > 0:00:58# Every time we say goodbye I die a little. #
0:00:58 > 0:01:02On auction day, the bidders appeared unimpressed by a Japanese print.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04In with £100 for it?
0:01:05 > 0:01:08No bidders. Start me at £100 or I will pass the lot.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Find out if it gets any bids when the hammer falls.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15I've come to Croydon
0:01:15 > 0:01:18to meet a lady who is ready to make a brand new start.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21And she's called in the Cash In The Attic team so that
0:01:21 > 0:01:23we can help her raise funds to finance
0:01:23 > 0:01:26the first important few steps in that new life.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Sarah Gray has had quite a varied career.
0:01:31 > 0:01:38She's tried her hand at journalism, singing on cruise ships, nursing and even a fishing project in Somalia.
0:01:38 > 0:01:44She works as a civil servant in Whitehall but the past year has been a tough one for Sarah.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48So, that's why we're here, to help her make a fresh start and move north.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53She's also lost a lot of weight and so she needs to buy some new stylish outfits.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57Our expert John Cameron is hoping to help her pile on the right sort of pounds,
0:01:57 > 0:02:02and he wastes no time at all in getting our search for valuables underway.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- Hi, Sarah. - Hi.- And who's this little cutie?
0:02:06 > 0:02:08This is Bobby.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Hello, Bobby. He's a little sweetheart, isn't he?
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Sarah, I know you're a lady who's travelled all over the world,
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- but you've been here in Croydon for how long? - I've been here three years.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24We moved here so that my daughter could go to Brit School and
0:02:24 > 0:02:28she's just gone to university now, so I don't need to be here any more.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33Now I know you want to start a whole new life, so how is Cash In The Attic going to help you?
0:02:33 > 0:02:40- Why have you called us in? - I've had quite a traumatic year and I had an operation late July.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43The week after, I had a heart attack.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48And that was quite a shock. I hadn't had any heart problems before that.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51And I also had my 50th birthday.
0:02:51 > 0:02:57I was advised to re-evaluate, change my work-life balance.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59And I thought, well, now or never.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01So how much are you hoping to raise?
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- It would be nice to get about £1,000, but...- And what are you going to spend it on?
0:03:05 > 0:03:10Well, some of it's going to help me to move, because that's quite expensive, moving.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15But also, I've lost 20 kilos since July and I'm going to be losing more
0:03:15 > 0:03:19so I need to get some more clothes. I need a new wardrobe, basically.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23You know what they say, Sarah, when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26A bit of serious retail therapy is clearly what you need.
0:03:26 > 0:03:32John has started work inside already so let's go and see how much of that £1,000 he can help you make.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36Come on. You can come too, Bobby, come on.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41There are interesting items all over Sarah's very tidy house.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44John's already looked at quite a few things but the first one
0:03:44 > 0:03:48to catch his eye is in the lounge and is rather exotic.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53I see you're helping Sarah move already, John, taking things off the wall. What have you found there?
0:03:53 > 0:03:56We have an interesting print here, but firstly, Sarah,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59what do you know about it and how did it come to be in your possession?
0:03:59 > 0:04:02This was bought when we were in Australia when I was a child.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04My mother bought it.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08I think she bought it in '73, which is when it was painted.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12And it's by a Japanese chap called Hoshi who specialised in doing
0:04:12 > 0:04:18tree pictures in the '70s, I think from '70 to '79 when he died.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22It's a lovely memento of your time in Australia. John, what can you tell us about the artist?
0:04:22 > 0:04:27As you've said, it is a Japanese artist, Joichi Hoshi, who was born in about 1913.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32The first and longest part of his career he spent as an astronomer,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34studying and painting star consolations.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38It was a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41And in fact he went to places like Mongolia where he believed
0:04:41 > 0:04:44the sky was as black as it could be and the stars would really stand out.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47And those are works that are quite highly prized.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52They're sometimes often abstract but as you said, around about 1970,
0:04:52 > 0:04:57he completely switched and started painting studies of trees.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Something like this, I would expect to make
0:04:59 > 0:05:01about £200 to £300 at auction these days.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Wow, did you expect that, Sarah?
0:05:03 > 0:05:05No, no, I'm really pleased about that.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10That'll buy a few pairs of shoes, darling, I can tell you. Let's continue our search.
0:05:10 > 0:05:16Sarah's home contains not only her own collection but also that of her mother and grandparents,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20and the place is full of knick-knacks everywhere you look.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24In the bedroom, I come across something that belonged to Sarah's grandparents.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27It's a walking stick with a carved ivory head.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Now there are very strict international rules
0:05:30 > 0:05:34governing the sale of ivory but happily, this Victorian cane meets them,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37something that a gentleman of distinction
0:05:37 > 0:05:39would not have been seen without.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42It should fetch a very respectable £80 to £120.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47All these ornaments are going to take quite a lot of packing when Sarah moves to Staffordshire.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50John, what you think about this one?
0:05:51 > 0:05:55Let's have a look, Sarah. Royal Doulton's Bonnie Lassie.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Whereabouts is it from?
0:05:57 > 0:06:03My grandma had them, I can remember from a very small girl, seeing those. And I used to dust them.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- You've just got the one of them? - No, I've got Balloon Lady up there as well.- The Balloon Lady.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12The iconic Balloon Lady. Probably one of the most common Doulton figures you'll see at auction.
0:06:12 > 0:06:18Let's talk about this one for a second. Modelled, both of them, in fact, by Lesley Harradine.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Very, very important potter in Doulton's history.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26Joined the factory in about 1902 and could boast that he was trained under George Tinworth.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31Again, very important and the first resident sculptor at Doulton.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36Both these figures enjoyed different production runs.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Bonnie Lassie here, I think she was issued in about 1934.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43There was only one version of her and she only stayed in production
0:06:43 > 0:06:47until about '53, so about 19 years in production.
0:06:47 > 0:06:54So she's much, much scarcer than the Balloon Lady, which as we said, also modelled by Harridan.
0:06:54 > 0:07:01But that, I think that was issued in about 1929 and continued right up until 1998.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04I have noticed some damage to this particular one here.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Can you see just around the flower buckets there, there's a crack that spreads?
0:07:08 > 0:07:12If you look onto the base, it goes right across. That will affect value.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16The balloon seller, as we've said, slightly more common.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Value-wise, about £40 to £60 at auction.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24Bonnie Lassie, if she was in good condition, I think we'd be looking at about £150, £200.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28But because of that crack, I'm going to be a little more cautious and say about £80 to £120.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32So put the two together, I think we're looking at about £120, £180,
0:07:32 > 0:07:33- something like that.- That'd be great.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- That'd be OK?- That'd be fine.
0:07:36 > 0:07:42Which means were up to £400 and that's really good going after just three finds.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45If we carry on like this, we'll reach Sarah's target in no time.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Both Sarah's grandparents had good taste.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53This mahogany round corner cupboard which would have been used to house a chamber pot,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56was bought by her grandfather who owned a car repair business.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00It's from the late 19th century and it's veneered.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05The marble top has been added by Sarah and complements it nicely.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09John thinks it should make between 100 and £200 at auction.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14I leave him to continue his search, while I catch up with our globe-trotting singer
0:08:14 > 0:08:15under Bobby's watchful gaze.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19Sarah, you've had a most extraordinary life.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21You seem to have been everywhere and done everything.
0:08:21 > 0:08:27But music has played in a really important part in your life, hasn't it, and it's very important to you.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31It certainly is. My grandmother was a singer.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33I was a singer.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36My father is involved in musical theatre.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39And my brother also likes playing music and singing.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44My daughter's now a singer and now she's at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46that Paul McCartney used to go to.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48And Paul McCartney now sponsors that school.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50And she's doing singing there, so...
0:08:50 > 0:08:55So have you ever sort of sung together like a family? I mean, I'm thinking of the Jacksons here.
0:08:55 > 0:09:01We sang at each other's weddings as a family.
0:09:01 > 0:09:02But not otherwise.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- So how did you start singing? - I used to sing on cruise ships.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09It give you an opportunity of travelling around the world,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11but apart from singing around the world,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15you've moved around the world and done all sorts of different jobs.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Well, I spent some of my growing up in Australia.
0:09:18 > 0:09:24I also worked in Somalia and I recently went to Trinidad and Tobago and Tobago is just so lovely.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26It's so unspoilt.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31So you don't want to live in Australia or Trinidad and Tobago.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34You're going to settle in Staffordshire? Why?
0:09:34 > 0:09:39I'll be close to my daughter and after my health problems and my 50th birthday, which I've just had,
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- as good a time to go now as any, I think.- Do you still sing?
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Do you want me to give you a little blast?- Oh, yes please, yes.
0:09:48 > 0:09:55# Every time we say goodbye, I die a little. #
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Good old Cole Porter.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00But we're not actually going to say goodbye just yet
0:10:00 > 0:10:03because we've got a long way to go before we make that £1,000.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08So shall we go and find John and see how many more things we can take to auction?
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Come on. Well, John has certainly not been slacking.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15And in the spare bedroom, he's come across a mahogany pedestal desk.
0:10:15 > 0:10:21It's a 19th century Georgian-style reproduction, which Sarah inherited from her mum's partner.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25John thinks it could quite easily draw in £80 to £120.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32But at auction, how close is John's estimate?
0:10:32 > 0:10:34£80, start me for a weak bid.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36£80 there, first, 85, 100.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38How high does it go?
0:10:38 > 0:10:40We're up at 120, 130, fantastic.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- 150, 160.- Find out later.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47All that drama is still to come.
0:10:47 > 0:10:54But as our rummage continues, Sarah comes up with something that she hasn't worn for many years.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56John, you might like to a look at this necklace.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- I hope this is something we can send to auction.- It is something you can send to auction.- Oh, good.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- This is a very delicate piece. It looks Edwardian. Where is it from? - It's been in the family some time
0:11:06 > 0:11:09but I wore it on my wedding day as my something blue.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Oh, something blue, something borrowed, something new. How good.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- So do you remember who in the family it might have come down to you from? - My maternal grandma.
0:11:16 > 0:11:23I don't know whether she had that first or if it came from somewhere else beforehand.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Well, it is Edwardian. Very typical of the Edwardian period.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31Quite light and delicate. And this use of sea pearl and topaz.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35They came en suite with matching earrings and a brooch and so on. Were there other pieces?
0:11:35 > 0:11:42Earrings. But one of the earrings got lost and they changed the other one into a brooch.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- You've still got that?- Yes. - Jolly good, that's excellent.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50Well, looking at it, we can see that it's been set with these natural sea pearls.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55And we can tell they're sea pearls because of the slight variation in colour which you don't get
0:11:55 > 0:11:59so much with cultured pearls. And this predates cultured pearls anyway.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01The little central faceted stone
0:12:01 > 0:12:05and this little cut pendant at the bottom are topaz,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08which we often associate with blue.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11But you also see green topaz
0:12:11 > 0:12:13but, less commonly, yellow topaz,
0:12:13 > 0:12:18which is referred to as sherry topaz, and pink topaz. Those two are quite prized and quite rare.
0:12:18 > 0:12:24But this is a nice piece, nice and delicate. And the good thing about Edwardian jewellery is just that.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Because it's light and delicate, people are still happy to wear it today.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33And if worn around the neck, it was believed to dispel bad omens,
0:12:33 > 0:12:38improve your eyesight and calm anger. So if you had a blind fury,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41you were quids in if you had a necklace like this apparently.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Probably I should have worn at all the way through my marriage then.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Yes, very, very good. Well, value wise,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49I would say at auction,
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- probably about £80 to £120, something like that.- Super.- OK with that?
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Very pleased with that. - Jolly good. Another good find.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59So come on, let's go and have a look at this little brooch.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03What a good idea, to turn a lone earring into a brooch.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05The gemstones can then still be enjoyed.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09And it could earn Sarah £30 to £50 at auction.
0:13:09 > 0:13:16John has found this Victorian nursing chair with a sprung stuffed over seat and a deep-button back.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19It belonged to Sarah's mum who re-upholstered it herself.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22John thinks she made a pretty good job of it
0:13:22 > 0:13:25and values it at £50 to £80.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Sarah and her family have collected some very impressive items over the years.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33And I think that's going to be reflected in our end total.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39John, there's a painting here that my mother bought that I'd like you to have a look at.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Right, OK.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44It's a watercolour. We can see its Jenny Wheatley, signed '85.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48What can you tell me about the picture, Sarah? Where did it come from?
0:13:48 > 0:13:55It came from the Bourne Gallery, which is in Reigate, which is Jenny Wheatley's gallery of choice.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57And I think it's quite an early one.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00I think her work's changed quite a lot in recent years.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04My brother's got a series done in Venice which is much more
0:14:04 > 0:14:08structured and architectural, with more pastel colours.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11This one's quite bright and vibrant, as you can see.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15The nice thing about Jenny Wheatley is her signature is,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18having painted the painting, she drops water
0:14:18 > 0:14:21on to the painting and it sorts of diffuses outwards
0:14:21 > 0:14:25and gives this very soft feeling, which I think is lovely.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- It is very bright. - I see what you mean, it is very distinctive of her style.
0:14:30 > 0:14:36And, academically, she often undermines the true principles of perspective and space.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Still a living artist, still living and teaching today.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43And her work is very well known in certain circles.
0:14:43 > 0:14:49But I believe the Queen Mother was a fan and also had one or two of her paintings, as well.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52But her secondary market isn't huge.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55You don't tend to see too many of them at auctions,
0:14:55 > 0:14:59I guess because they're in corporate places where they don't need to sell them.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02And so I'd be tempted to put something like £200 to £300 on it
0:15:02 > 0:15:05and see where the bidding went from there.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- How would you be about that?- That's fine.- Are you sure?
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- Yes, absolutely.- I wish all my clients were as easygoing as you!
0:15:10 > 0:15:13What a fantastic addition to our fund.
0:15:13 > 0:15:20Jenny Wheatley is a member of both the Royal Watercolour Society and the New English Art Club.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Her paintings have been known to command a four-figure sale price.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27John carries on with his search, and I find Sarah
0:15:27 > 0:15:31already making space for the new outfits she's going to be buying.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37My goodness, you are serious about making a fresh start, aren't you?
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Out with the old...in with the new.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43So, what size were you, then?
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- Shall I show you?- Yeah.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49I was a size 28 to 30.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51This is one of my skirts.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54I can't wear it now at all.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- Wow, look at that. Crikey. - See the difference?
0:15:57 > 0:16:00So that's definitely going in the bag.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Yes, that goes in. So, is there much in there, then, that's got to go?
0:16:04 > 0:16:08These are the worst ones. I couldn't wear these now.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09It just would fall off, I think.
0:16:09 > 0:16:15- Shall I show you?- Yes. Oh, my goodness. Actually, you could almost get into one side of them, there.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- Yes, I could.- Wow, what an achievement!
0:16:18 > 0:16:23What an achievement. Now, give those to me, because I think we going to put those in the bin.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26You've had a pretty tough year one way and another, haven't you?
0:16:26 > 0:16:29I have, I have indeed. But, you know...
0:16:29 > 0:16:31You had a gastric band fitted, yes?
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Gastric band and a gastric sling.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37But that was because of medical problems, not just because you wanted to lose weight?
0:16:37 > 0:16:39That's right. A combination of the two.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41And, of course, losing the weight helps.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46And then, a week after I had the gastric banding operation,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50I had a heart attack which came completely out of the blue.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53I do have quite a busy life.
0:16:53 > 0:16:54I work up in Whitehall.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57So it's three hours commuting a day.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02So, now you're going to get your work/life balance in balance?
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- That's right.- By moving to the north.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- That's right.- How is that going to change life for you?
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Well, I'll have three more hours a day. It'll take me 15 minutes
0:17:11 > 0:17:14to get to work instead of the current three hours.
0:17:14 > 0:17:20And, I'll just be working, I presume, in a local JobCentre Plus.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24And I think it'll be a lot calmer. I'm looking forward to it.
0:17:24 > 0:17:30I can go to the Peak District, and the Potteries. So I'm really looking forward to it.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35So we can get rid of these oversize trousers, because you're not going to need those any more.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40We're going to get a whole new wardrobe for a new you in a new life.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- That's right.- Let's go and find John.- Let's do that.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47John is getting a bit spoilt for choice now.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50He's trying to fight a real gem.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55I spot an attractive collection of 13 Victorian cut crystal sherry glasses,
0:17:55 > 0:17:59which belonged to Sarah's grandmother. Although they'd only fetch £20-£30,
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Sarah is more than happy for them to go to auction.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05We're all taking
0:18:05 > 0:18:11another look around the lounge when Sarah produces another of her mother's Oriental purchases.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18Angela, John? My mother brought this back from China, is that of any interest?
0:18:18 > 0:18:23- What an exquisite piece of carving that is, John.- It is, isn't it?
0:18:23 > 0:18:24Is that one solid piece of jade?
0:18:24 > 0:18:26It certainly looks like it, Angela.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31And when you think jade is an extremely hard material to carve, it's mind-boggling that
0:18:31 > 0:18:36somebody has actually taken a raw piece of gemstone and carved that.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- The work is absolutely amazing. - Is China one of the places that you've visited on your travels?
0:18:40 > 0:18:42No, I've never really been to the Orient at all.
0:18:42 > 0:18:48- So, what's your fascination with it? - I love the art, and I like dragons and I like goldfish.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- Well, you can say that again because you've got loads of it around the house, haven't you?- I do.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57This is very typical of the sort of thing people were bringing back from the late 19th century
0:18:57 > 0:19:03right into the 20th century. I'd say this is probably 20th century. Certainly the most prized pieces
0:19:03 > 0:19:07are those that were made for the Imperial Court and carry the Emperor's seal.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12One was sold recently at auction, a carved figure of a recumbent cow,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15which I think made over £2 million at auction.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Well, I don't think we're going to be anything like our Emperor's cow.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22But certainly it's a saleable object.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26I think if we put this to auction, it's in good condition, wonderfully carved.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- I think we'd be looking at £100 to £150.- Would you be happy with that?
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- Oh, yes, absolutely. - Another great valuation there.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36We must be close to our £1,000 target.
0:19:36 > 0:19:42But, before I can work it out, John puts his chips on the table.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Girls? Got any money on you?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- Oh!- Fancy a game of cards?
0:19:46 > 0:19:52- Oh, a card table.- At least, I hope it's a card table. It is?- It is. - Jolly good.- Where's this one from?
0:19:52 > 0:19:54This one my mother always had, and my mother and father
0:19:54 > 0:19:58used to play bridge a lot, so they used to use it for a card table.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Do you have happy memories playing cards on it yourself?
0:20:01 > 0:20:07I can't remember playing cards. I can remember cleaning the blooming thing and dusting, all the bits underneath.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- All those tiddly bits down there? - That's right, yes.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- Gosh.- There we are, we can see it in all its glory opened up as a card table.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17They did come in pairs, the other not having the baize top.
0:20:17 > 0:20:23And that's referred to as a folding tea table. And, once stored away as occasional side tables,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26they can be placed either side of a nice big window at a grand house.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28This is the card table,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31the most popular type of the two.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34And quite easy to turn it back.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- Beautiful figuring to that top. Mahogany.- Lovely grain on it.
0:20:38 > 0:20:39Absolutely gorgeous.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43Right, structurally very sound. The great thing about it,
0:20:43 > 0:20:48this top leaf hasn't bowed, which often happens, it's nice and flat.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Also, look at the original colour of that.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55So often, they turn up at auction and they've been completely stripped down and repolished.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59And, although this has one or two little scratches there,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02that's perfectly original, and lovely depth of colour.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06Date-wise, it's William IV, so we're talking about 1830, 1837, something like that.
0:21:06 > 0:21:12On the front, we've got some lovely carved acanthus leaves down here. Standard form,
0:21:12 > 0:21:17with a lovely turned column with, again, foliate carving down to that circular band of egg and dart.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20And, wait for it,
0:21:20 > 0:21:21a concave quadripartite base.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24You've waited all day to say that, haven't you?
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Terminating with these lovely acanthus scrolled feet.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Overall, a really attractive card table.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33So, is this a piece that's going to move house with you?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Or are we going to take it to auction?- I'm not sure.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Well, if I had to put a value on it, at auction today, I'd expect a card table
0:21:40 > 0:21:43like this to make about £400-£600.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- Tempting? Food for thought?- Well, I am very fond of this table.
0:21:48 > 0:21:55While you're thinking about whether or not you'd like to take it to auction, let me add to the sum total
0:21:55 > 0:21:59of your food for thought. Because, if we take the lowest estimate on everything
0:21:59 > 0:22:05that John has looked at today, bearing in mind that you'd like £1,000 for this shopping spree,
0:22:05 > 0:22:13including the table we could perhaps make at auction £1,460.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18Without the table, easy sum, £1,060.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- But, still enough for you to have a great day's shopping on, isn't it? - Sounds wonderful.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27Will Sarah be able to part with this family heirloom?
0:22:27 > 0:22:29We'll find out at the auction in a couple of weeks' time.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34In the meantime, here's a quick reminder of some of the other things that Sarah will send there.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38The woodblock print that Sarah's mother bought in the Seventies,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42when they lived in Australia. That should raise £200-£300.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44The chamber pot cupboard
0:22:44 > 0:22:46that belonged to Sarah's wealthy grandfather.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49That would add another £100-£200.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53Plus, that amazing carved jade bird
0:22:53 > 0:22:55which Sarah's mother bought in China.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Estimated at between £100-£150.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06Still to come on Cash in the Attic: John is getting a little confused.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09I've got to say, for the first time, I'm almost as well
0:23:09 > 0:23:12wishing that it doesn't sell, so let's hope it doesn't sell.
0:23:12 > 0:23:18And, will Sarah regret putting a £400 reserve on that William IV card table?
0:23:18 > 0:23:23360. 370. 380...?
0:23:23 > 0:23:24380?
0:23:24 > 0:23:29Find out how they all get on when the final hammer falls.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37Well, it's been a week or two since we were with Sarah Gray at her home in Croydon in South London.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40She wants to raise £1,000, so that she can start
0:23:40 > 0:23:44a whole new life in Staffordshire with a brand new wardrobe.
0:23:44 > 0:23:50That's my girl! So we've taken all of her things to the Chiswick Auction Rooms in West London.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Now, unfortunately, I couldn't be at the auction.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56But, no problem, because she was in the very capable hands of John Cameron.
0:23:56 > 0:24:04There are 800 lots in this auction, so the potential bidders are very busy eyeing up everything on offer.
0:24:06 > 0:24:12Sarah hasn't arrived yet, so John has time to catch up with today's auctioneer, Tom Keane.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16I wonder how he rates Sarah's chances today?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19This William IV card table, what do you think of it, Tom?
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- It's not going to be yours for much longer.- Hopefully not.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26We've got an estimate of £400-£600 and a reserve on the lower estimate. How do you think it'll do?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28It'll make the bottom of the estimate.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Might make five on a good day. It's a nice, clean model. I like the base, I like the scrolling
0:24:32 > 0:24:37and feet. It's in good condition. And the patination is quite good, so, yeah, you'll be all right.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39An auctioneer that recognises quality.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Anything of our other items that you think might do well?
0:24:42 > 0:24:47I like your nursing chair. I looked twice, because I thought it was reproduction.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50It's a Victorian one. Should make £100-£120. What's your estimate?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- We've got 50 to 80. - Yes, that's out of the door.- Good.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56Are there any of our items that you're a little bit concerned may not sell today?
0:24:56 > 0:25:01Yeah, the Japanese print. There's no Japanese print buyers in today.
0:25:01 > 0:25:07- I can't see any so far, so I'd be nervous about that for you. - I know you're a busy man.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- You've got to get ready for the auction and I'm off to meet Sarah. I'll see you in a bit.- See you.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15Well, Sarah is taking a last look at some of her items,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18and I wonder if she's put a reserve on anything else that she's brought?
0:25:20 > 0:25:26I have reserves on this and on the Jenny Wheatley picture with the palm trees.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Is there anything you haven't brought?
0:25:28 > 0:25:33I didn't bring the cane. My brother wanted that so I left that behind.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38- Hopefully something else will sell to help us fill out that wardrobe. - I hope so.- Is there anything
0:25:38 > 0:25:43- you're going to be really sorry that's going to be sold today? - I think actually the jade bird.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48- I loved it when the light shone through it.- Hopefully we'll have a buyer and it'll make our estimate.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51The auction is about to start, so let's put this down,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54I hope we're not taking it home today, and get ourselves into position.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01Sarah's decision not to include the walking stick means that our chances
0:26:01 > 0:26:06of making her £1,000 target are already down by around £100.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11So fingers crossed that this auction crowd are in a mood for rigorous bidding.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Sarah, we're here. The auction is about to start, and we've got our first lot coming up.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- Are you nervous?- A bit. - Well, don't be. We're in the hands of the gods now.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22It's all a natural process. And just hold on to your hat. Here we go.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25I do hope Sarah does well today.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29The two Royal Doulton figurines, estimated at between £120 and £180,
0:26:29 > 0:26:31are the first items on the list.
0:26:31 > 0:26:36We've got the Balloon Seller, quite common, and our scarce figure, the Bonny Lassie, but she's damaged.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- So a bit concerned about this. This came from Grandma Alice, didn't it?- Yes.
0:26:40 > 0:26:45- Are you nervous?- I am nervous, but nervous about the damage, see what difference that makes to it.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50- Fingers crossed.- We're looking for 120 to 180. Let's see what difference that damage makes.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52For these two, start me at £100, please.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57Start me, £80 to go. Seems cheap. £80? Thank you for £80. 80. 85?
0:26:57 > 0:26:5985 over there. 85.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01You're 90? 90. 95. 100?
0:27:01 > 0:27:05100. 110. 120. 130. 140.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07We're over or estimate. That's good news.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09130, I'm selling at 130. Are you out?
0:27:09 > 0:27:12At 130. All done at 130. Your last shot. It's 130 only.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14The lot, 130.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18Do you know what, for a minute I thought she'd go down like a lead balloon seller,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20but she got there in the end. £130. That's fantastic.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Very good, John! I thought you were going to say,
0:27:23 > 0:27:25"At least it didn't fall between the cracks."
0:27:25 > 0:27:28I wonder how the early 20th century necklace,
0:27:28 > 0:27:32estimated at £80 to £120, is going to do?
0:27:32 > 0:27:33Next up is our Edwardian
0:27:33 > 0:27:38- 15 carat gold and topaz pendant. This you wore on your wedding day, didn't you?- I did.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40I wore it on my wedding day. Something blue.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43It's supposed to give you luck, but I'm not married any more
0:27:43 > 0:27:48- so I don't know what that says!- Let's hope it changes our luck today.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50£80 for it? Here we go, £80 for it.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Got a bid straight away at £80.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56At £80. Take 5? £80. 85 for it? At 85.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Thank you. 90. 5?
0:27:58 > 0:27:59100. And 5?
0:27:59 > 0:28:03- Bid at 105?- 105.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06105, somebody else. 105. 110. 115?
0:28:06 > 0:28:08110 bid. At 110. Take 110.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10The bid is at £110.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12And going. All out, finished.
0:28:12 > 0:28:17Just £10 under John's top estimate. That's a great result
0:28:17 > 0:28:21for that pretty piece. I think Sarah is beginning to get the swing of things.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Next up, the 19th century Georgian style
0:28:24 > 0:28:29mahogany reproduction pedestal desk on which Sarah kept her computer.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33So John's mind is on her home office solutions now.
0:28:33 > 0:28:39- What have you done with your computer?- I've got a horrible MDF white plastic thing.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43Oh, dear. So you won't be disappointed if this doesn't sell?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46All right, well, we're hoping it does and we're hoping for £80 to £120.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49A green leather top, nice and polished, ready to go.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53Handles on it as well. It's going to make more than the estimate, I should think. £80.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Start me for a weak bid. £80 there.
0:28:56 > 0:28:5885. 90. 5.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02I see you bidding. 100. 110. 120. 130.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04- 140.- Fantastic.- 150. 160.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08170. 180. 190. 200. And 10?
0:29:08 > 0:29:10At £200. You want 210?
0:29:10 > 0:29:12You were waving.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17At £200. And 210? At £200, all out. Are we done? £200 for the desk,
0:29:17 > 0:29:19going... £200 and gone, then, all out?
0:29:19 > 0:29:22£200. Fantastic.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24I'd be hugging John at that incredible result.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26£80 over his top estimate.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30There are obviously some furniture fans in today, so let's hope
0:29:30 > 0:29:33that bodes well for Sarah's other table later.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35Next we have that distinctive
0:29:35 > 0:29:39signed watercolour by Jenny Wheatley. I do hope
0:29:39 > 0:29:42it exceeds John's estimate, again at £200 to £300.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44- You like this, don't you? - I do, I like it a lot.
0:29:44 > 0:29:49- And this was bought by your mum. - That's right. 25 years ago.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- Bought it direct from the artist's gallery.- That's right.
0:29:51 > 0:29:57OK, it's a lovely picture. We know what her paintings sell for, but we're in a quite unknown territory.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01She doesn't turn up a huge amount at auction. Let's hope that the appeal of the picture
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- will sell it for us today. You've got a £200 reserve.- I do have a reserve on that.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09OK, we want it to sell, but if it doesn't make the money you get to take it home again.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12210A, is that worth £200?
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Anyone with £100 for it?
0:30:14 > 0:30:18Thank you, £100 in the middle of the room. £100. 110? Take 110 for it?
0:30:18 > 0:30:21110? A bid at 110. 120. 130.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23140. 150. 160?
0:30:23 > 0:30:26160. 170. 180.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30190. 200. And 10?
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Yes or no, please.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Right in the middle at £200. At £200.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38At £200, are we done? At £200m, all out? For £200. Going again. All out.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43- Thank you.- Fantastic. £200. - Absolutely wonderful.- You're happy with that, aren't you?- I am.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46That beaming smile says it all.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49I think we can safely say that Sarah was very happy.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53John certainly seems to have the Midas touch with his estimates today.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Let's hope it continues with the next item, the Edwardian nine carat gold brooch.
0:30:57 > 0:31:02- This was part of the necklace set, wasn't it?- That's right.- You lost one of the items,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04and it was cleverly turned into a pendant.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Great use of an odd piece of jewellery.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10We're looking for £40 to £60. Let's hope it brings us some good luck.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14£50 for it? £30 for it?
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Start me £20. Shall we go £20 for it? No bid at £20?
0:31:17 > 0:31:19I'm bid at 20. And 2.
0:31:19 > 0:31:2022 there. 25?
0:31:20 > 0:31:2225. 28. 30?
0:31:22 > 0:31:27At £28. I see you bid at £28. Take 30? All out at £28?
0:31:27 > 0:31:30No further bids. £28? Not selling for that, it's worth more. Not sold.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34The auctioneer thought it deserved to reach John's estimate
0:31:34 > 0:31:37and would not sell it for a penny less. Sarah's next lot
0:31:37 > 0:31:40is the Japanese woodblock print that her mother bought in Australia.
0:31:40 > 0:31:48John's valuation is £200 to £300, so let's see how he does this time.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52There's a £200 reserve. If it doesn't sell, are you happy to take this home?
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Yeah, I don't really know what I'm going to do.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59- We'll see what happens.- Have you started getting used to it not being there?- I have, actually.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03Let's hope the Japanese print collectors are in and and let's hope it makes £200. Here goes.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08A Japanese print there, is that worth £200 for it?
0:32:08 > 0:32:10£100 for it?
0:32:10 > 0:32:16Start me at £100 or I pass the lot. Thank you, bid of £100. £100. 110 over there.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18We've got two people. 110. 120. 130.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23140. 150. 160. 170. 180.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25190. 200.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27And 10? 210?
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Against you. 200 at the back.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32210? Are you waving or bidding?
0:32:32 > 0:32:34At 200. At £200, all out?
0:32:34 > 0:32:38At £200, are we done? The bid is there at £200. Thank you.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Did you see that? At the beginning, the auctioneer couldn't get a bid.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45Once he started, they both knew what it was worth, both started bidding.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47£200 is what we got. Brilliant.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50I think John was a little worried there
0:32:50 > 0:32:52that his luck might have run out.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Maybe the Japanese print collectors snuck in at the last minute.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59I can't wait now to hear how well Sarah has done so far.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02We're at the halfway mark. How do you think we've done?
0:33:02 > 0:33:05I think we've done better than I thought to start off with.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07So yeah, very pleased, very pleased.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11I'm pleased to tell you, at the halfway point, we were looking for 1,000.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13We've actually got £840.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Wonderful, that's great.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Really pleased about that.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23When you consider how very difficult it is to shift large pieces of furniture these days,
0:33:23 > 0:33:28getting £200 for that mahogany desk was absolutely terrific.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33Even bonnie lassie managed to make more than John's lowest estimate, in spite of the damage.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38Of course, there are still a lot of lovely things to come from Sarah's home, and we're pinning our hopes
0:33:38 > 0:33:41on that William IV card table
0:33:41 > 0:33:44which could make anything from £400 to £600.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45If we keep on at this rate,
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Sarah isn't just going to be buying a few new clothes,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52she could afford a whole new walk-in wardrobe.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56If you've been inspired by Sarah's progress and would like to try
0:33:56 > 0:34:02and raise money at auction yourself, do bear in mind the charges to be paid, such as commission.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07These do vary from one sale room to another, so it's always worth checking in advance.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11Sarah and John are back in the auction room again, so let's join them
0:34:11 > 0:34:14for the next lot, the Victorian mahogany nursing chair.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Estimate, £50 to £80.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- What was the story behind this? - It's always been in the family,
0:34:21 > 0:34:25but my mother actually reupholstered it, so I have always liked it.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29It's a really comfortable chair to sit in as well, albeit very low. So we shall see, won't we?
0:34:29 > 0:34:33Let's hope the auctioneer is right and it does better than our 50 to 80. Here it goes.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35£50, but it's worth more.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37£50. £50. Take 5. £50 for the chair.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40£50. Take five. May double this.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42At £50, take five.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45At £50. 5. 60. 5.
0:34:45 > 0:34:4770?
0:34:47 > 0:34:50No. At £65. See you at £65. Selling at £65.
0:34:50 > 0:34:51Are we done? At £65.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Going.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56The Victorian nursing chair
0:34:56 > 0:34:58I was a bit sad to see go.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03Personally I think it was worth more, as did the auctioneer.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07So I can't get too wound up about these things, it is what it is.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Somebody has got a real bargain, so that's good.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13They certainly did. But at least it passed John's lower estimate.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17Let's see if the next lot, the Victorian chamber pot cupboard,
0:35:17 > 0:35:21reaches his valuation of £100 to £200.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24You did a little restoration job on this, didn't you?
0:35:24 > 0:35:28I put the marble on the top. It was best to have something.
0:35:28 > 0:35:34I didn't know what. Originally, I sort of got some white marble, had a look but it didn't look right.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36So I think the brown was much better, actually.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Dare I say it, this is coming from someone who used to be a joiner,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42I fancied myself as a bit of a restorer,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44you did a very good job on this. I'd be proud myself.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49A great little marble top on there now, and I think it should do £100 to £200. Let's see.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52It's got to make more. Start me at £100 for it.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56Thank you, £100 is bid on it. The bid is at £100. 110? A bid of 110.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58120. 130?
0:35:58 > 0:36:00120. A bid at 120. 130?
0:36:00 > 0:36:03130. 140. 150. 160.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- 170? Standing bid of 160. 170?- 170?
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Done for 160 and selling? Your bid at 160, and gone.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12That's somewhere in the middle.
0:36:12 > 0:36:17It's just over the middle estimate, and I think it was your green marble top, Sarah.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Both the corner cupboard and the lot before it,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22the nursing chair, were restored,
0:36:22 > 0:36:26so it just goes to show that with a bit of skill, value can be added to antiques.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Next up, the Victorian sherry glasses.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32They're listed in the catalogue at £20 to £30.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Sarah is going to be happy see see them go.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37It seems she's lost her taste for a tipple.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39They're too small, you can't get a good drink in them.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42I suppose my daughter could use them as shot glasses.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47- When the doctor says, "One glass a day," you make sure it's a big goldfish type bowl.- Yes.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49You can get two glasses from a bottle.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51That's my kind of glass.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54At £20 the lot. £20? £10?
0:36:54 > 0:36:57£10 or not? No bid at £10, I'll pass it.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01£10? Give me a starting bid at £10 or I pass the lot. No-one at £10, then?
0:37:01 > 0:37:02No bids, no offers.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06Well, I wouldn't have given you anything for it either.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11- I'm sorry to say, you've got to take these home, and you didn't want to, did you?- No, I don't.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14I can leave them here, can't I?
0:37:14 > 0:37:16You can leave them anywhere you like.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18What a tease John is.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Sarah can take them back with her and celebrate
0:37:21 > 0:37:25because she's well on course to making her target. But John is keeping that a secret
0:37:25 > 0:37:28at the moment. The penultimate piece is next up.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32It's the Chinese bird carved out of a large piece of jade,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35priced at £100 to £150.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Sarah is starting to have second thoughts
0:37:37 > 0:37:39about putting it into the auction.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43I'm getting the feeling you secretly don't want to sell now, Sarah.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Exactly! I'd like to keep it.
0:37:45 > 0:37:51- If it doesn't sell, I'll be secretly very, very pleased indeed. - I can say, for the first time,
0:37:51 > 0:37:53I'm almost, as well, wishing that it doesn't sell.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Let's hope it doesn't sell.
0:37:56 > 0:37:5950 to buy it. £50 for it?
0:37:59 > 0:38:02No bid at £50? I'll pass the lot. No-one willing to buy £50?
0:38:02 > 0:38:05I'm bid at £50 in about four places. 55 there. 60.
0:38:05 > 0:38:075. 70. 5. 80?
0:38:07 > 0:38:1075. Selling at a bid of 75. £75. 80?
0:38:10 > 0:38:14At £75, are we done? £75. No further interest than £75?
0:38:14 > 0:38:16£75. 80 for it? 75 and going.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Not enough for that, please.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- Wonderful. So pleased. - I feel pleased about that.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25The auctioneer got it up to £75 but he hasn't sold it.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27- Good.- You look ecstatic.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30The jade ivory bird, I was so pleased it didn't sell.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32I've an emotional attachment to it.
0:38:32 > 0:38:38I'm going to have even more of an emotional attachment because it's going to be a real reminder of today.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42It's something beautiful that's going to really remind me of the whole experience.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46What's that saying, that you don't know what you've got until it's gone?
0:38:46 > 0:38:51And, luckily for Sarah, the bird hasn't flown the nest.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55Now to the final lot of the day. What's John's bet?
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Right, now it's the big one.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00It's my favourite piece in the sale.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03It's your William IV mahogany folding card table.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- You were really fond of this, weren't you?- I'm fond of it.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09I've had it. Now somebody else can have it and enjoy it.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11We're looking for £400. Here we go.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Will you start me trading at £300 for it? It's a good table. £300 for it?
0:39:14 > 0:39:17I'm bid £300. £300. Take 10. At £300. Take 10.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21310? I'm bid at 310. 320. 330. 340. 350.
0:39:21 > 0:39:27360. 370. 380? 380.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Have a think about it. It's cheap. 380. 390. 400.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- Yes, come on.- And 10? 410?
0:39:33 > 0:39:36At £400 bid. At £400. Take 10. Are we done?
0:39:36 > 0:39:39At £400, are you out for sure? At £400. At £400. Take 10.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42All done? At £400 for the table, and gone.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47What a great end to the day. Sarah's items have flown out of the door.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48I'm sure we all want to know
0:39:48 > 0:39:51what she's finally made.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55I don't know about you but I feel exhausted.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00- Absolutely drained.- It's the end of the day, you'll be glad to know, and I think you know
0:40:00 > 0:40:03we've had a fairly good day, but how do you think we've done?
0:40:03 > 0:40:09I think a bit more than I was looking for but not loads more. A bit more, I think.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13We were looking for £1,000 to help with some of those moving costs,
0:40:13 > 0:40:16but I think more importantly it was about buying some nice new clothes.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20What do you think the ratio is going to be of moving costs to clothes?
0:40:20 > 0:40:25I'd like to buy more clothes but I think I might have to do more moving expenses.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28I'm delighted to tell you that we didn't reach our £1,000
0:40:28 > 0:40:30and you still get to take your jade bird home.
0:40:30 > 0:40:36- We actually reached £1,465. - Wonderful.- That's fantastic. - That's great.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- So happy, thank you so much. - It was an absolute pleasure, Sarah.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44You won't have to worry too much about spending more money on your clothes than the moving costs.
0:40:49 > 0:40:55So Sarah has left South London and she's moved into her new house here in Staffordshire.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00I've now moved. I'm going to meet up with my daughter in Liverpool and we're going to do a bit of shopping.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Her daughter Eleanor is studying at LIPA,
0:41:03 > 0:41:08the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, so Sarah has travelled into the city centre
0:41:08 > 0:41:10to meet her for a girls' shopping day.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12It was lovely seeing my mum today
0:41:12 > 0:41:14because I haven't seen her in ages, so it's always good to see her.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17Sarah still has plenty of cash
0:41:17 > 0:41:20left over from the auction to buy
0:41:20 > 0:41:22lots of new outfits for her slimmer self.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26- What about something like this? - With a waist belt. Maybe a tan waist belt?
0:41:26 > 0:41:28That would be quite nice.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32If it's a bit low we can always put a little vest top inside there.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35You can dress it up or you can wear it casually and put it with boots.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38No...
0:41:38 > 0:41:40No, it's not the right colour.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Just no.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48Can't really say much else.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Ooh, I like that. I like the colour of it.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- That's pretty.- OK. This is a maybe then, OK?
0:41:55 > 0:42:00'After this I think Eleanor I are going to go out and have a meal together and just chat'
0:42:00 > 0:42:03and catch up and just chill out, basically.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05'It's been a lovely day.'
0:42:17 > 0:42:21Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd.