0:00:02 > 0:00:06Welcome to the show that finds your hidden treasures and helps you sell them at auction.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09If you're a collector like me, and you love the auction scene,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13it's very easy to fill your house up pretty quickly with lots of stuff.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15What happens when it's time to downsize?
0:00:15 > 0:00:17What do you keep and what do you sell?
0:00:17 > 0:00:20That's the dilemma we're facing today on Cash In The Attic.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Coming up on Cash In The Attic...
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Our rummage today is full of Eastern promise.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50What else can we find from the four corners of the world in your house?
0:00:50 > 0:00:53We want to see the biggest show of bids on auction day.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58In your case now, we want to make sure hands are raised.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01So, will the auction take off or make a crash-landing?
0:01:01 > 0:01:03HE GASPS
0:01:03 > 0:01:05We're straight in at £250.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Find out later in the show.
0:01:07 > 0:01:08And sold!
0:01:08 > 0:01:12I've come to Romsey in Hampshire to meet a lovely gentleman
0:01:12 > 0:01:15who's called in the Cash In The Attic team to help raise some funds
0:01:15 > 0:01:20so he can treat a very special younger member of his family.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24This five-bedroomed house is simply stunning
0:01:24 > 0:01:29and it's home to Tony Philpott, who's lived here for six years.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32He shared it with his wife, Yvonne,
0:01:32 > 0:01:36who sadly passed away in 2007 and what makes it so special
0:01:36 > 0:01:40is they designed and built it together many years ago.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44Tony has three grown up children and five grandchildren,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47all of whom he's very close to and he wants to raise some cash
0:01:47 > 0:01:49to show them just how much they mean to him.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54John and I can't believe our eyes.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Oh, my goodness. Wow!
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- I'm impressed already.- Look at that.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Something tells me we're not going to have
0:02:02 > 0:02:05too much trouble finding rooms or nice items today.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- It's huge. - You could get lost in here.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- The billiard saloon. - Hi, Tony. This is lovely.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16Don't put him off his shot, Lorne.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Do you play very often here?
0:02:18 > 0:02:21No, not as often as I would like to.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25Fancy having a house this big that you can house something like this, it's fantastic this place.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- Yes.- Obviously, we're here now and I've brought John with me.
0:02:29 > 0:02:30How much is it you want to raise?
0:02:30 > 0:02:34At least £1,500 if possible.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Right, OK, so there you go John £1,500, please.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40We've spotted a couple of nice items on the way in,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42so that's certainly achievable.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- Do you want to have a look round? - Is that my cue?
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Yes that is your cue. Goodbye!
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- That's it.- Now, obviously, you want to raise the money
0:02:50 > 0:02:53for something in particular, what is it?
0:02:53 > 0:02:58Yes, it's really because I have a family, children and the idea is
0:02:58 > 0:03:02I can't give them furniture, but I can give them money.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05And also, perhaps to have a nice day out in Folly Farm,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09which is in West Wales, which my grandson really adores going.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12He will go there as much as he possibly can.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16That's really the base of it.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- Right, how old is your grandson? - He's coming up for six in January.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- Oh, that's a great age. - He's lovely.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Tony, what do you think your wife would think
0:03:23 > 0:03:25of what you're doing today?
0:03:25 > 0:03:27I don't think she would mind at all.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31We were very close and communicative and I think she would understand.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- Well, anything you don't want to go, let us know.- Yes.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36It looks like a treasure trove to me.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- Shall we go and see whether John's found anything yet? - Yes, sure.- Come on, then.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43This house is impressive,
0:03:43 > 0:03:48but Tony feels it's time to downsize and move on.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51His decor has a strong Eastern influence
0:03:51 > 0:03:55and I'm amazed by the abundance of antiques and collectibles
0:03:55 > 0:03:57placed thoughtfully in each room.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01It looks like John's managed to navigate his way around the house.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04With over 20 years in the antiques and collectibles business,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07his experienced eye has already clocked something
0:04:07 > 0:04:09very grand in the hallway.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13John, it hasn't taken you very long to find something, then.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15No, I spotted this as I walked through the door.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17I was hoping, Tony, this might be something
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- we could consider for auction. - We certainly can.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- Are you happy to get rid of this? - I think so, yes.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25And why are you happy for it to go now?
0:04:25 > 0:04:28When we acquired it, it wasn't working
0:04:28 > 0:04:31and we had an expert in to repair it for us.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36At the time he did say you shouldn't move them very much,
0:04:36 > 0:04:40too often, so therefore it would be better going
0:04:40 > 0:04:43to a house where it's going to be put in one place and it stays there.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47It's an interesting clock, it's very distinctive.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50It is in the style known as chinoiserie, which is basically
0:04:50 > 0:04:53a European interpretation of Chinese styles
0:04:53 > 0:04:57which were very popular from the beginning of the 18th Century.
0:04:57 > 0:05:03It was imitating oriental lacquerware but this has been painted and gilded.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05It is often betrayed when you look at the figures
0:05:05 > 0:05:09that they don't quite have that Oriental look about them.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13The actual clock and components I would put to the first half
0:05:13 > 0:05:17of the 18th Century which would be in keeping with that particular style.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20On close inspection, there are one or two things that I think
0:05:20 > 0:05:25set alarm bells ringing in terms of condition or its originality.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27It has some nice features.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31The subsidiary seconds dial, I like, and this calendar aperture.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35But, looking overall at how that face fits the glass,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38we want it to be nice and snug but we've got some
0:05:38 > 0:05:41alarming gaps around there suggesting that, possibly,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44movement and case are not contemporary.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47The other thing I find slightly alarming is the arch.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51It's in two pieces and the scene there's being hidden
0:05:51 > 0:05:53by these gilt spandrels here.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Much easier to cut that in one piece
0:05:55 > 0:05:58so one would wonder why you would cut it into two parts.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00That said, it's still an attractive thing.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04I think it will appeal to a private buyer, rather than the trade.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07At auction, I think in today's market,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I would pitch an estimate of £600-£800 for it.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13I think I'd give it house room on its aesthetic appeal
0:06:13 > 0:06:15so we should be home and dry with that.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18But when the clock arrives at auction does it make John's estimates?
0:06:18 > 0:06:22At £700, have we got £700 in the room anywhere. At 600.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25We want the prices to go higher, not lower.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Have we got 600? 500, have we got 500 on the phone?
0:06:28 > 0:06:30We've got 500 on the phone, thank you.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34We've got a lot to do today. As we're in such a big place,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37I suggest we all take on a section of the house
0:06:37 > 0:06:41to ensure we get the most out of our day's rummage.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43John gets to work in the front room
0:06:43 > 0:06:46and spots this set of four daily prints
0:06:46 > 0:06:50mounted in gilt frames by Leicestershire artist, Sean Aherne.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54They were bought in an antique shop in Southampton about seven years ago
0:06:54 > 0:06:58and John puts a £30 to £40 value on them.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Many of the items in the house belonged to Yvonne
0:07:01 > 0:07:05who had a passion for antiques so it is important that Tony is absolutely
0:07:05 > 0:07:08certain that he's ready to say goodbye
0:07:08 > 0:07:11to some of the fabulous pieces she collected over the years.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13John, what about these?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Let's have a look, Tony.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I'm already starting to get the picture that you have a love
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- of all things Oriental. - Yes.- Am I right?
0:07:20 > 0:07:24It was my wife's influence, mostly. She really loved Oriental things.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28First of all, what can you tell me about them, where are they from?
0:07:28 > 0:07:31They came from my wife's parents, well, her father.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34He used to travel a lot on the old liners,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, as one of the top chefs.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41So, naturally, he would call into various oriental places
0:07:41 > 0:07:44and this is part of the collection he brought back.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47The pottery we are looking at is known as Satsuma.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50It's made in Japan. It falls into two categories.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54The types that are very, very fine and seldom seen outside of Japan
0:07:54 > 0:07:59and pieces of lesser quality that were made purely for export,
0:07:59 > 0:08:00such as these pieces.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05Often, the quality is where you can tell the difference.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07If we take these as an example,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11they would have been potted by hand, heavily potted earthenware.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15It's distinctive by certain features on the piece.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Most noticeably this crackle glaze.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Yes. So, it's not a fault, the crackle?
0:08:20 > 0:08:22No, it's actually a desired effect
0:08:22 > 0:08:25that was developed by the Chinese during the Song dynasty.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28You first get the crackle glaze perfect,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30then you have to apply the high relief.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33These would have been produced in moulds and applied.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35What do you think the value of these are?
0:08:35 > 0:08:38At auction, I would put them in at about £40 to £60.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40That should get the bidding started.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42I think you get a lot for your money, don't you?
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Yes, definitely.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Well, not bad, certainly something we can take, but it's nowhere near
0:08:47 > 0:08:49the target we need to hit so, come on,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- let's see what else we can find in this beautiful house of yours.- OK.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Tony accepts the value,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57so we all move on and continue with the search.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02John's doing a great job, but it's not long before I find
0:09:02 > 0:09:05these three Japanese porcelain Satsuma figures.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09They're ornately coloured and should catch the bidder's eye
0:09:09 > 0:09:11with a price tag of £60 to £100.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Tony and Yvonne were not only husband and wife,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16they were the best of friends too and they were
0:09:16 > 0:09:20brought even closer together by her brave battle with cancer.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Tell me how you met your wife.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27Strange story, we both had a friend.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31My wife used to see me walking past or riding past where she used
0:09:31 > 0:09:35to wait for her bus home, usually with her mother.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39And then the friend...
0:09:39 > 0:09:41through my wife's asking,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45asked if he could make arrangements for us to meet.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49So he actually decided we should meet up at the picture house.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Really, it went on from there and we've never looked back.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55How long were you together?
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Last year would have been our 50th wedding anniversary.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Tell me what happened with regard to her illness because, unfortunately,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- she didn't see her 50th wedding anniversary?- No, she didn't.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09She had trouble with swallowing.
0:10:09 > 0:10:15And um, she went to the doctor who in turn sent her to the hospital
0:10:15 > 0:10:20and straightaway they diagnosed and told us what her problem was.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22The informed us that my wife would be lucky if
0:10:22 > 0:10:26she had six months to live because she was classed as terminal.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31She actually lived for 18 months.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Tell me about the things that you've done together?
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Obviously, you done a lot of travelling.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40We did a lot of travelling, quite a bit of America we've covered.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43We travelled up the Amazon, 1,000 miles.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46She hoped to see a lot more parrots, but we only saw two parrots
0:10:46 > 0:10:49in 1,000 miles which kind of upset her a bit.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51What was it about her that caught your eye?
0:10:51 > 0:10:53She was fun to be with.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55She got on well with people.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00She made a marvellous job of bringing our children up.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02What more can I say, really.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05She was just very good all-round.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07She was brilliant.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09I miss her terribly.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Tony's decision to downsize could not have been an easy one,
0:11:14 > 0:11:18but, as beautiful as this house is, it is rather large for one person.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24He soon decides the two red Victorian gilt emblazoned
0:11:24 > 0:11:28parlour chairs on the landing could also go,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31adding another £60 to £80 to the family fund.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34This next find might just cause the saleroom to erupt
0:11:34 > 0:11:36in a bidding frenzy.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38What do you think of these, John?
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Oh, two canvases. Who are they by?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Rossi and that one is Rossi as well.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Do you know anything about the artist, Tony?
0:11:48 > 0:11:50I did try looking on the internet once.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54There were so many Rossis on there that I gave up the ghost
0:11:54 > 0:11:56and I thought I'm not going to find anything
0:11:56 > 0:11:58out about the one in particular so...
0:11:58 > 0:12:01I suspect it's like the name Smith in this country,
0:12:01 > 0:12:02so you won't find a great deal out.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06We know what the subject matter is, it's Mount Vesuvius,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09probably one of the most famous volcanoes in the world.
0:12:09 > 0:12:15With these particular ones here, they look to me to be early 20th Century.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17How did you acquire them, Tony?
0:12:17 > 0:12:18My wife's father.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Because he was on the liners in the chef business,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24he called into Italy and that's where he bought them from.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26Do you remember them at his house?
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Oh, yes, I remember them being at his house,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31but I don't think I've ever seen them hung on the wall.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35Looking at them as pictures, I mean, they are quite decorative.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I love the colours of them. Certainly, the same view at night.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42The erupting lava there really stands out, doesn't it,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- against the blue sky.- Yes.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47They are a little bit naive in places,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49certainly where the boats are concerned.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52Technically, the perspective is a little bit out.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55I think the main focus is the volcano.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Sadly, this one's suffered a bit of damage, Tony.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Did this happen since it has been in your custody?
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Yes, it happened between transit between houses when we were moving.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08It would cost a little bit to have it repaired,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10they just need to glue a bit of canvas to the back
0:13:10 > 0:13:13and a bit of over painting to cover up the tear.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Value wise, for them, today at auction,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18I would be looking at £80 to £120, something like that.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- That's fine. - Are you happy with that?- Yes.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25OK, that's another welcome contribution to our target, but we're not there yet.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29We've got something from the Orient and from Italy, let's see what else we can find
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- from the four corners of the world in your house.- OK.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37We've raised £870 so far and these two spectacular Chinese dogs
0:13:37 > 0:13:42are another good example of Yvonne's taste for impressive antiques.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44They're called foo dogs in China
0:13:44 > 0:13:49and are the ancient sacred dogs of Asia who guard Buddhist temples.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Their first appearance was in Chinese art
0:13:51 > 0:13:57which dates them back to around 208 BC to 221 AD
0:13:57 > 0:14:00and the animal is a symbol of energy and value.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Often displayed as a male and female pair,
0:14:03 > 0:14:07these two dogs are valued at around £400 to £600.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Tony...
0:14:10 > 0:14:13These two chairs, could we consider them for auction?
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Definitely, yes. They came from an antique shop in Portsmouth.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Were they your spot, Tony, or something that caught Yvonne's eye?
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Yvonne's, as always.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25What's remarkable about the chairs is the condition of them
0:14:25 > 0:14:29considering they are late Victorian, probably date to about the 1880s.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32They are close to 130 years old.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35They would have had a lot of physical abuse over the years.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Here they are in all their glory, still standing.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43The chairs themselves are what is known as Japanned,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45an imitation of true oriental lacquer
0:14:45 > 0:14:49which was very popular in Europe throughout the 17th and 18th Century.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Basically, they're trying to achieve that depth
0:14:53 > 0:14:55of blackness that you get in lacquer.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00We can see it is at such a depth it can be carved out to inlay
0:15:00 > 0:15:03these delicate pieces of mother of pearl.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- They're quite nice, aren't they? - They are nice, yes.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10The great thing about them is, I've had a check, they are fairly sturdy
0:15:10 > 0:15:14given they're well over 130 years old. It's a shame they're not a pair.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17They look like a pair, but when you have a look
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- you can see there are different. - That's right.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22And I think that would increase their value.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Any idea what they might be worth?
0:15:25 > 0:15:27No idea. I will leave it up to the expert.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- Value wise, I think we're looking at £40 to £60 for them.- That's fine.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Excellent, we're getting there.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- Starting to build up the Oriental items as well.- Slowly but sure.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Come on, let's see what else we can find.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42The oriental theme continues
0:15:42 > 0:15:46as Tony also suggests adding the Eastern style trinket cabinet
0:15:46 > 0:15:50with ornate inlay into the lots going to auction.
0:15:50 > 0:15:51It's a beautiful item
0:15:51 > 0:15:54and could raise as much as £150 in the saleroom.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58This house is absolutely amazing and even more impressive
0:15:58 > 0:16:02knowing it was designed and built by Tony and his wife.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06You've got so many lovely individual features in this house, haven't you?
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Yes.- Now,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11why have you got a drum kit at the top of the stairs?
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Mainly, it's my grandson who has a bash on it.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- Which grandson is this?- Sammy.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Right, the six year-old?
0:16:18 > 0:16:19- Yes.- Can he play well?
0:16:19 > 0:16:23He doesn't play well but he likes to have a bash.
0:16:23 > 0:16:29It was originally bought for me and now I find if I play it,
0:16:29 > 0:16:33I have arthritis in my wrist and it does upset the arthritis,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35so I have to curb that.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39Tell me how my children you and Yvonne had and how many grandchildren you have now.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43We have three children, two girls and a boy.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47We have five grandchildren, three boys and two girls.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- You're from quite a large family, yourself?- Yes, I'm one of 11.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52What was your childhood like?
0:16:52 > 0:16:57Old-fashioned one. Apart from that we had a very good family life.
0:16:59 > 0:17:00We enjoyed living together.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- Never any problems.- I understand there's a railway connection?
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Yes, we were all railway people.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09We lived in a railway cottage.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13My father has been on the railway since the year dot.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16We lived right alongside the railway line.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Our back garden was only a matter of feet away from the railway track.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23So, sometimes the train would stop outside
0:17:23 > 0:17:26and you're looking at the people sat in the carriage.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29When did you get into construction?
0:17:29 > 0:17:33That started off very simple. I used to do odd jobs for the neighbours,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37wallpapering and painting, perhaps a small alteration of some sort.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41I eventually became my own plumber, my own carpenter
0:17:41 > 0:17:42and you name it, I did it.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46So when you moved to this house you'd already undertaken one build.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- Yes.- So were you much more confident this time around?
0:17:49 > 0:17:50Yes, we were, yes.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Well, what you've built here is absolutely fantastic.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55It's a wonderful, wonderful home.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59And it's so big, so I think we need to find John before he gets lost.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- Yeah.- Come on!
0:18:02 > 0:18:05There are magnificent pieces of furniture in every room
0:18:05 > 0:18:08and I take a liking to this one in particular,
0:18:08 > 0:18:12a Victorian mahogany chaise longue, covered in cream brocade.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15It was purchased by Yvonne 25 years ago,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18after spotting it in the paper and it was love at first sight.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24John thinks it'll fetch £80 to £120.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26So, hopefully, John... Ah, there he is!
0:18:26 > 0:18:30Poking around, doing his job. What have you got for us now, John?
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Well, I've got a rather nice music cabinet, a Victorian one.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35So called, not because they play a tune,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38but because they're used for storing sheet music.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43Is this something that you would consider selling, or do you want to take this with you?
0:18:43 > 0:18:46No, it doesn't really fit into my requirements.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48It's probably a bit too bulky.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51All right, then. What else can you tell us about it, John?
0:18:51 > 0:18:54What I love about music cabinets is they tell us about the past.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58When you think back to before the advent of television and radio,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01pianos were the mainstay of entertainment in the home.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02Most people had one.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07Most people could play the piano and from that a whole host of furniture evolved,
0:19:07 > 0:19:08hence the music cabinet.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11This one combines that with a display cabinet.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14The top deeper shelf there for perhaps music books
0:19:14 > 0:19:16or some china, as you've got.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20The lower shelves, quite narrow, for storing the sheet music.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Has it still got the original shelves,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25because a lot of these get converted over the years, don't they?
0:19:25 > 0:19:27If we open it up, Lorne,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29we can see it still does retain those original shelves.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32It hasn't been converted to a speaker cabinet.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35It's in quite nice condition.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38What I love about it are the whole host of decorative techniques
0:19:38 > 0:19:40employed in its construction.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44The main framework has been ebonised and some very delicate carving here,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47some bellflower and star lines and leaves,
0:19:47 > 0:19:49which have been very delicately gilded.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51If we look at the panel and the top,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53we've got some very nice delicate inlays there -
0:19:53 > 0:19:56yew wood, walnut, rosewood, boxwood.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58All in all, quite an elegant piece.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01So what sort of value would we put on this today?
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Music cabinets like this you can get from between £50 and £100
0:20:05 > 0:20:07but I think this is a nice example,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09I'm going to say between 100 and 200.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11And how does that sit with you, Tony, 100 to 200?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Fair enough, I'm quite happy with that.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- Music to your ears?- Yes. - Oh dear, please.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19I think you're better off doing what you did before,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23poking and prodding around. Come on, Tony, let's leave him to it.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I'm hoping that wonderful craftsmanship
0:20:26 > 0:20:30will make its top estimate of £200 on sale day.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32I'm really impressed with the items so far
0:20:32 > 0:20:36and I can't imagine finding anything else to top today's finds.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39But hang on. How can I forget one particular piece?
0:20:41 > 0:20:42Lorne and John.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Have you got something for us, Tony?
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- Well, I hope so.- Oh, I saw that when we first arrived.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Let's have a look. Let's get in there.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54So tell me the story of how you acquired this then.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58We went to an antique auction and my wife had a look at it and she said,
0:20:58 > 0:21:03"I do like that," and then the next minute the bidding was started
0:21:03 > 0:21:07and her hand was going up and eventually she gave the highest bid.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11And may I ask what the bid was that she eventually purchased it for?
0:21:11 > 0:21:12Can you remember?
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- £1,700.- That must have been a bit of a shock, wasn't it?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- A bit of a shock, yes.- John, £1,700.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20What's your view on this?
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Well, it's a modern reproduction of an original.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27I don't recall ever seeing one even half this size
0:21:27 > 0:21:28so that's the first thing.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31It is an impressive lump of bronze.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33And it was no mean feat casting this,
0:21:33 > 0:21:37because it employs a technique known as the lost wax casting.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Which basically involves, you have the original,
0:21:40 > 0:21:44they then take sectional castings of the limbs
0:21:44 > 0:21:50and they paint a thin layer of wax into the intaglio part of the mould.
0:21:50 > 0:21:56Now, when they pour molten bronze into that, the wax melts.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01It drops out the bottom but leaves that void. The copy of the bronze.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Once it's cooled and the moulds are broken apart
0:22:03 > 0:22:06and the core broken down and shaken out,
0:22:06 > 0:22:10you have these hollow components which are then parred together.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15If we look down here at the wrist of one of the acrobats, can you see the seam?
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- Yes.- Which gets hidden because these are artificially patinated to make them look a lot older.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24Right, so what valuation would you put on it today?
0:22:24 > 0:22:26I'd be a little conservative with the estimate.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29I know what you paid and I think it is worth that.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33I mean, the weight of this, it must weigh that in scrap metal.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35You know, in its bronze content.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37But I'd be tempted to put an estimate of about £400 - £600.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40I think that's cheap enough to get people interested
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- and hopefully we'd hit that four-figure mark.- How do you feel about that, Tony?
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Fine, somewhere to start.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47Yeah, well I'm pleased to say,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50obviously you wanted to raise £1,500, didn't you?
0:22:50 > 0:22:55Do you feel with the valuations that John's given us today that you've reached that amount?
0:22:55 > 0:22:57I hope for somewhere near it.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- Well actually, the total comes to £1,990.- Oh, that's good.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04With a bit of luck, if we get somebody like your wife
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- who had to have this piece. - Who can't keep her hand down.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09In your case now, if we're selling it,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11you want to make sure the hands are raised.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- And the next time we see you will be at the auction.- Yes.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20I've had a wonderful day here in this marvellous house built by Tony and his wife.
0:23:20 > 0:23:26It's filled with so many memories of Yvonne and it's reassuring to know that the money raised at auction
0:23:26 > 0:23:29will make their children and grandchildren very happy.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Some of the items going off to the sale room are -
0:23:32 > 0:23:34The early 19th century long case clock
0:23:34 > 0:23:37that once belonged to one of Tony's brothers.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42It's going off to auction with a value of £600 - £800.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44The cream brocade chaise longue
0:23:44 > 0:23:47that Tony's wife had fallen in love with 25 years ago.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51John gave it an £80 - £120 price tag.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58And there's the 1870 ebonised Victorian music cabinet that will
0:23:58 > 0:24:02hopefully sing to the tune of £100 - £200 when it goes under the hammer.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08Still to come on Cash In The Attic - one of our items takes off.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Going up, going up.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13But, will the sale come crashing down...
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Well, someone got themselves a real bargain.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- Disappointing, wasn't it? - Yep, very.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- ..or surprise us all?- Very good. - That's fantastic.- Well done, Tony.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- £290.- Yes.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Find out when the final hammer falls.
0:24:25 > 0:24:26And sold.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34Now, we had a wonderful day with Tony at his house in Southampton
0:24:34 > 0:24:37and together with his late wife he collected lots of lovely antiques,
0:24:37 > 0:24:42some of which we've brought here to Tewkesbury Auction Rooms in Gloucestershire.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Now, remember, he's looking to raise around £1,500
0:24:45 > 0:24:49so he can treat his family to a wonderful day out in Wales.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52So let's just hope when the items go under the hammer today
0:24:52 > 0:24:54that the bidders are interested in the lot.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Today's sale takes place right in the centre of Tewkesbury town,
0:25:02 > 0:25:04a few minutes' walk from the Abbey.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06The sale takes place every six weeks
0:25:06 > 0:25:10and they sell a range of high end antiques and collectibles.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12From furniture to porcelain,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15as well as jewellery and other fine art pieces.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19I spot John admiring our 8ft bronze centrepiece of two acrobats,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22and I wonder if he's having any second thoughts
0:25:22 > 0:25:25on his rather conservative estimate.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- Morning, John.- Morning, Lorne. - Now, this is the real piece de resistance,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- right at the entrance here. - You certainly can't miss it.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36No, it's fantastic, isn't it? What estimate did we have on this?
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Well, we've got £400 - £600 on it which doesn't seem a lot
0:25:39 > 0:25:41for a huge piece of bronze like this.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44We did have that lovely music cabinet, now there's a true antique.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48Very nice piece - super quality and we're looking for £100 - £200 for that.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- Should do well, it's nice. - And what about the two huge dogs?
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- I haven't seen them. - I haven't seen them either.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Come on, let's go and find him.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Well, we're certainly not short of magnificent items today
0:26:01 > 0:26:05and the bidders are beginning to flock to the sale room bright and early,
0:26:05 > 0:26:06which is always a good sign.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10It's taken Tony almost two years to finally come to the decision
0:26:10 > 0:26:12to sell Yvonne's antiques
0:26:12 > 0:26:16and I think that he's had second thoughts about letting go of two of her pieces.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Good morning, Tony.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- Good morning, Lorne, John. - How are you?- How are you?
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- Fine, thank you. - This is lovely, isn't it.- It is.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Now, Tony, I've been having a look around
0:26:25 > 0:26:28and I haven't seen your bronze dogs of foo. Are they here today?
0:26:28 > 0:26:33Well, my youngest daughter, I went to have dinner with her last weekend
0:26:33 > 0:26:37and she did state the fact that she would have liked to have had them.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39She didn't realise they were going in.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42So I couldn't disappoint her so I told her she could have them.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46That's fair enough, isn't it? I'd far rather you made the decision now
0:26:46 > 0:26:48than think, "Oh, I should have held on to that."
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Right, as you can see, it's quite packed.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Shall we go and get in position, ready for the auction to start?
0:26:54 > 0:26:55- OK.- Come on then.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04So, the bronze Chinese foo dogs remain in the family and that does
0:27:04 > 0:27:06take a whopping £400 - £600 off our total.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Well, I'm hoping that won't ruin our chances today.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12The room is now full with potential buyers
0:27:12 > 0:27:15and as today's auctioneer gets the proceedings under way...
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Good luck, ladies and gentlemen.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20..we take our place ready for the first lot.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22It's the pair of Rossi oils
0:27:22 > 0:27:26in black gilt frames depicting a scene of Mount Vesuvius.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Valued at £80 - £120,
0:27:28 > 0:27:32we're hoping for an explosion of bids in the sale room.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Who'll start the bidding at 60? Have we got 60? Who'll start me off?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39let's go in at 40. They've got to be worth 40. I've got 40.
0:27:39 > 0:27:4242 I've got, 45, sir, 48, sir.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44That's 48.
0:27:44 > 0:27:4650, 5, 60, 5,
0:27:46 > 0:27:4870, 5, 80.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- Yes.- With you at £75, sir. Thank you, have I got 80 anywhere?
0:27:52 > 0:27:54That's £75 on my left, I'm selling it at £75.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Going once, twice, and sold to you.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00£75. Now what do you think of that price, are you happy with that?
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- That's fair, yes.- Yeah.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Yes, that was more of a rumble than an explosion,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09but selling at £75 is a good start to the day.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13We've got the Oriental cabinet with mother of pearl inlay coming up next
0:28:13 > 0:28:16and at £100 - £150 it's a real bargain.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23It is modern, it's 20th century but it's fantastic quality and the detail, well, it's exceptional.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26There have been a lot of people looking at it
0:28:26 > 0:28:29so if the interest transfers into bids we should be laughing.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32A fantastic item, ladies and gentlemen.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35I'm going to start the bidding at £250 on that.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- Straight in at £250.- Very good.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Do I see 270? 270 I've got, 290 anywhere?
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Have I got 290, 290 I've got, 290.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Have I got 300, have I got 300?
0:28:45 > 0:28:49I've got £290 and I'm selling at £290.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53Selling at £290, have I got any offers above 290?
0:28:53 > 0:28:54Otherwise I'm selling at 290.
0:28:54 > 0:29:00- Here and now, going once, going twice, at £290.- Wow, very good.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- That's fantastic.- Well done, Tony. - £290.- Very good, yes.
0:29:03 > 0:29:04Well, it was superb quality.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09- It was a nice thing, wasn't it? - It was well looked after. My wife looked after everything.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Such a beautiful item and its immaculate condition
0:29:12 > 0:29:15caught the bidder's eye. We're on a roll,
0:29:15 > 0:29:16but will our next lot,
0:29:16 > 0:29:18the set of four coloured prints
0:29:18 > 0:29:21of a boy and girl with boats, by Sean Aherne,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24make their top estimate of £40?
0:29:24 > 0:29:27They're a very nice little lot. Who will start me off at £30?
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Got to be cheap at £30. Have I got 30 anywhere? At £30.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- 20 someone start me off at 20. - Come on.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36Got to be worth 20. 20 at the back, thank you very much, madam, 20.
0:29:36 > 0:29:37Have I got 22 anywhere, 22?
0:29:37 > 0:29:39I've got 22 at the back. 25, madam, 25.
0:29:39 > 0:29:4328's in the door, 28, 30.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Got 30. 32, 35?
0:29:45 > 0:29:48With you at £32.
0:29:48 > 0:29:49Have I got £35 anywhere?
0:29:49 > 0:29:52I've got 32. I'm selling at £32. Have I got £35 anywhere?
0:29:52 > 0:29:54I'm going to sell at £32.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Going once, going twice, at £32.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Thank you very much, and the number, sir.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03Not quite the amount we'd hoped for but the auctioneer really pushed
0:30:03 > 0:30:06for the best possible price and finally secured
0:30:06 > 0:30:08its lowest estimate, making £32.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11We have very high hopes for our next lot.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14It's that wonderful early 19th century long case clock
0:30:14 > 0:30:19with oriental figures that Tony's brother kindly gave to him.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Well, time will tell as they say, and it's nearly that time now,
0:30:23 > 0:30:28because that beautiful clock of yours is going to go up for sale.
0:30:28 > 0:30:29It looks magnificent here, I think.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33It does and I know we put £600 - £800 on it as an estimate,
0:30:33 > 0:30:34which doesn't seem enough
0:30:34 > 0:30:38and I'll be surprised if nobody wants to give it house room.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42If it doesn't better my estimate, I'll eat my catalogue. How about that?
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Can we start, ladies and gentlemen, at £700.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Have I got £700 in the room?
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Have I got 700 somewhere, I've got 600. At 600. Have we got 600?
0:30:50 > 0:30:52500? Have we got 500 on the phone?
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- Oh, you're joking.- 500? We've got 500 on the phone. Thank you.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58£500 on the phone.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Have we got 550 in the room, 550 in the room?
0:31:01 > 0:31:02550 we got 550 in the room.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Do we have 600 on the phone? Thank you, 600 on the phone.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- On the bottom estimate. - Do we have 650?
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Thank you, 650 in the room. 700?
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Thank you, have we got 750 in the room? 750 in the room.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Have we got 800 on the phone?
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- Thank you, 800 on the phone. 850 in the room, sir.- 800 on the phone.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- Going up.- 800. And I'm going to sell at £800 on the phone,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26going once, going twice, at 800 on the phone.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- Thank you.- £800.- That's fine.- Yeah.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31That's fine, yes. At least it will go to a good home, hopefully.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36Quite unusual because of its colour, they've made quite a few in red, green and black.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39There's not many blue ones around and I think the colour sold it.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43We had a telephone bid and someone in the room. Bob's your uncle, we got the price.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46The buyers are a generous bunch today
0:31:46 > 0:31:49and Yvonne's fabulous taste in antiques has paid off
0:31:49 > 0:31:53as we have an eclectic selection of quality items to lure in the bidders.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55So, will our good luck continue?
0:31:55 > 0:31:57It's the pair of 19th century Satsuma vases,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59depicting warriors with elephants.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03John valued them at £40 - £60.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Nice pair of vases, ladies and gentlemen.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Who wants to start at £60? Have we got £60 for these vases? £60.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Have we got £60? 50, they've got to be worth 50.
0:32:12 > 0:32:1350, 40 then,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16start me off at 40, they must be worth 40.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18We have got 30 anywhere? 30? We've got 30.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20£30, OK we've got a bidder.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- That's something, that's a start. - 35, thank you, 35.
0:32:23 > 0:32:2638 at the back? 38? We've got 35 here at the front
0:32:26 > 0:32:30and I'm selling at 35, going once, going twice, at £35.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33The auctioneer struggled to get the right price for them,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36selling well under John's lowest value.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42Now, next up is our star item. It's the magnificent 8ft bronze statue
0:32:42 > 0:32:44depicting two young boy acrobats.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47John gave it a moderate value of £400 - £600.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51But I think we're all hoping it'll make a lot more.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Well, what can I say about this next lot? You can't miss it.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57You couldn't miss it in your hall and you can't miss it here.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Standing at 8 ft tall, that's taller than David here.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Absolutely superb, ladies and gentlemen.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Who will start the bidding at 1,500? Do I have £1,500?
0:33:06 > 0:33:07These cost over 5,000 new.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Someone start me off at 12 then. 1,000, have we got 1,000?
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- He's going backwards. - Have you got a 1,000 anywhere? 800?
0:33:14 > 0:33:16We've got 800? We've got 800.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- £800, that's great.- The phone bidder starting the bidding at £800.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24We've got 800 on the phone, do we have 900 anywhere else in the room?
0:33:24 > 0:33:25We've got 800 on the phone.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Is there any bidders at 900? I'm going to sell it. Have you got 900?
0:33:28 > 0:33:30850? I've got 850 in the room.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33850 in the room, thank you.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35900 on the phone, 950? 950.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Have we got 1,000 on the phone?
0:33:37 > 0:33:411,000. 1,100?
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- 1,100 in the room.- Wow, we're there.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45Going up, going up.
0:33:45 > 0:33:471,200 on the phone. 1,300 in the room.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- It's creeping up.- Yes, very good.
0:33:49 > 0:33:511,400 on the phone.
0:33:51 > 0:33:5314, thank you. Have we got 1,500?
0:33:53 > 0:33:561,400 on the phone, do I have 1,500 in the room?
0:33:56 > 0:33:58I'm selling it at 1,400 on the phone.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- Going once, going twice, to a great home, and sold.- Oh, well. Very good.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- Fantastic. - 1,400, I'm so pleased.- Yes.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06- That's fantastic, isn't it? - Very pleased.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10I know you paid a lot for it but it's out of your hair.
0:34:10 > 0:34:11- Yes.- And to bank £1,400...
0:34:11 > 0:34:14You know you said you were planning to go to Wales.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Can I suggest maybe you can look further afield?
0:34:17 > 0:34:19- Yes, why not?- Yes.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21I felt sure it probably would go,
0:34:21 > 0:34:25but I was very surprised at the price it went for.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27I was very pleased with the price it went for.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31That's incredible at £1,000 over John's lowest estimate,
0:34:31 > 0:34:34we're bowled over with that sale.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37It's been an exhilarating day with Tony's star items -
0:34:37 > 0:34:42the long case clock and the bronze statue - stealing the show.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46I have a feeling we've done really well but let's save the surprise until the end of the day.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55With some time to spare we prepare ourselves for this afternoon's sale.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59Now, if, like Tony, you've got a special reason to raise some cash
0:34:59 > 0:35:03and are thinking of heading to auction, please remember
0:35:03 > 0:35:08that commission and other charges may apply. Check the details with your local auction house.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Now, John said he had something silky to show me.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14So I'm rather intrigued to find out just what it is.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- Wow, that's lovely.- Do you think this would suit me in my garden pagoda, Lorne?
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Well, who am I to say, but I must admit,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24I think it's a beautiful piece of vintage clothing.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Well, it's made of silk, it's Chinese
0:35:26 > 0:35:29and it dates from the early part of the 19th century.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32And I'm saying that, because have a look at that decoration,
0:35:32 > 0:35:36peony flowers, fruiting blossoms, very typical of the sort of decoration you see
0:35:36 > 0:35:38on Canton and Famille Rose porcelain.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Amazing colours - clearly never worn I suppose.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44I just caught a flash of this underside here as well.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- Look at that. - The detail. Amazing, isn't it.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48That's so beautiful.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52That's been completely worked by hand in silk. Remarkable, isn't it?
0:35:52 > 0:35:54There's all little flower pots and...
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Wonderful. What's the estimate?
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Well, the auctioneers have got it in at £30 - £40,
0:35:59 > 0:36:02but I've seen a growth in demand for oriental items of late
0:36:02 > 0:36:07and good quality period textiles like this are doing quite well. So I think it'll do a bit better.
0:36:07 > 0:36:13- So what do you think it's going to go for?- I think it ought to make between £100 and £200.- Really?- Mm.
0:36:13 > 0:36:14OK. All right.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16I hope you're right.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24It's the start of the second half of the sale
0:36:24 > 0:36:26and the kimono makes an early appearance.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31We've got 320 on the phone. Can I open it up now...
0:36:31 > 0:36:33And John was right to predict more for it.
0:36:33 > 0:36:34..Sold for 320.
0:36:34 > 0:36:41As it topples its £30 - £40 estimate, making a jaw-dropping £320.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45I'm hoping that the sale of the kimono is an indicator of what's to come this afternoon
0:36:45 > 0:36:49as next up are the pair of Victorian ebony boudoir chairs
0:36:49 > 0:36:53with mother of pearl inlay and cane seats.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Now I valued them at £40 - £60, but when you see them there,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59not a pair, but in good nick, attractive. It doesn't sound a lot.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04- In a dealer's shop, I'd expect you to pay about £80 - £100 each for those.- Yes.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08But, we're at auction, I've said 40 - 60, I'd like to think they'll do better than that.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11We're starting at 45, 45 I've got.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14We've got £45. Have I got 48 in the room anywhere, 48? I've got 45.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Have I got 48? 48 in the room there, 48, thank you.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19£48, have I got 50 anywhere?
0:37:19 > 0:37:23Selling at £48, going once, going twice, at £48.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24That's not too bad,
0:37:24 > 0:37:28but the Victorian ebonised chairs with red velvet seats
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- failed to wow the bidders... - Going once, twice, thank you, madam.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35Making a disappointing £38.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39Sadly, furniture has taken a bit of a hit in the auction rooms.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Unless it's very rare and of exceptional quality,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45we're just not seeing the figures achieved.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48That explains the poor performance for the two lots of furniture
0:37:48 > 0:37:51but what's the general feeling about porcelain?
0:37:51 > 0:37:54We're about to find out as our three ornately coloured
0:37:54 > 0:37:59Japanese figurines, valued at £60 - £100, go before the room.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02I've got 50, 50 at the back. Have I got 55, anywhere? 55?
0:38:02 > 0:38:03- Come on.- 60.- Yes.
0:38:03 > 0:38:0670? 5, 80,
0:38:06 > 0:38:085, 90.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10- We're at 90. We're over our estimate.- 100.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- Yes.- 110? 110, 120, 30?
0:38:13 > 0:38:17120 with you, madam, I've got 120 over here,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21selling at 120, going once, going twice, at £120.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23That's a really good result, are you pleased?
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- Very pleased, yes.- Good. - That was a surprise, that one.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29I bought the three ma figures,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32which is actually what I wanted most of all today.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35They were absolutely beautiful. I love them.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39And I love oriental work, especially ma ware, good stuff.
0:38:39 > 0:38:40So I was very pleased.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44We really can't complain as we've already hit our target,
0:38:44 > 0:38:47but Tony wants to make as much money as possible
0:38:47 > 0:38:50for the antiques that meant so much to Yvonne.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55And this next lot is another exquisite piece.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58I love this music cabinet and it's in virtually untouched condition,
0:38:58 > 0:39:00on the shelves and everything, John?
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Although you wouldn't use it today for music, it's fantastic
0:39:04 > 0:39:06to store and display anything.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Who'll start me off at £100? Have I got 100 on this cabinet?
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Have we got 100 anywhere? 80 then.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Have we got 80? 60, then, let's get it going at 60, 50?
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- 50 I've got. Have I got 55 anywhere? - I should hope we get 50, crikey.
0:39:18 > 0:39:2155 anywhere? I'm selling it at £50, do I have 55 in the room?
0:39:21 > 0:39:25Selling at £50 a commissioned bid at £50, going once, twice, at £50.
0:39:25 > 0:39:26Thank you very much.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- Someone got themselves a real bargain.- That was my disappointing.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32Very. Should have been worth twice that.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35You see regularly, music cabinets that are half as nice as that,
0:39:35 > 0:39:36making that sort of money,
0:39:36 > 0:39:41but something as decorative and condition wise as that, you'd expect that at least to make 150.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Oh dear. We really expected it to make more than that.
0:39:46 > 0:39:47It's such a shame.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50We're coming to the end of our lots and I hope this Victorian
0:39:50 > 0:39:54mahogany cream brocade chaise longue that Yvonne fell in love with
0:39:54 > 0:39:56will make more of an impression.
0:39:56 > 0:40:02Tony has also revealed a little secret. He actually upholstered it.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05At £80, the lowest estimate, you get a lot of chair for your money.
0:40:05 > 0:40:11So hopefully it'll do a bit better and I'll tell the buyer that if they want it recovered, here's your man.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Going to start the bidding at 65, £65.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16I've got £65. 65, have I got 70 in the room anywhere,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18have I got 70?
0:40:18 > 0:40:2270, 5, 80, 5, 90, with you at 90,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- 90, have I got 95 anywhere, 95? - That's still not good.- Yes. Yes.
0:40:25 > 0:40:2790 with you, madam.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Have I got 95 anywhere? Selling to you, madam,
0:40:29 > 0:40:33going once, going twice, to you at £90. Thank you, madam.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36That's £10 over John's lowest estimate
0:40:36 > 0:40:39and although we would have liked more for the chaise longue,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42especially now we know how much work went into it,
0:40:42 > 0:40:46we're all extremely happy with how today's auction has panned out.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Now, obviously, you know that we've beaten your target of £1,500,
0:40:50 > 0:40:53because we'd managed to do that at the halfway stage.
0:40:53 > 0:40:59Overall though, I'm very pleased to report you've made almost double that amount - £2,978.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01That's very good. I'm very pleased with that.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05So, that's a lot of money. What are you going to spend it on?
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Well, the money will be given to my children.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10And we're going to have a day out at Folly Farm.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Well, we hope the weather stays very nice for you
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- and you'll have a fantastic time. - Thank you very much.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27For Tony, spending time with his family is extremely important
0:41:27 > 0:41:31so they're all enjoying a day at a local adventure park.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35And seeing six year-old grandson, Sammy, so excited,
0:41:35 > 0:41:37makes Tony very happy.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41There's so much for the family to see and do, from go-karting
0:41:41 > 0:41:46to playing around with a full-scale proper mechanical digger.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49And little Sammy cannot resist spending time
0:41:49 > 0:41:51with a few fluffy friends.
0:41:51 > 0:41:56But he looks rather worried when he sees the slithering millipede.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Although granddaughters, Sarah and Cara,
0:41:59 > 0:42:01seem to be taking it all in their stride.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05When I was holding the millipede I felt nervous,
0:42:05 > 0:42:09because of all of them legs but I gradually got used to it.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11I'm pleased with the way it went.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15And I'm pleased we all came together and this was really nice,
0:42:15 > 0:42:16to have them with me.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Yeah!
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd