0:00:02 > 0:00:06Welcome to the programme that looks for antiques in your home and sells them at auction.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10I'm sure we've all got things which, when we look at them, bring great pleasure
0:00:10 > 0:00:15and great memories of those people who gave them to us or from whom we inherited them.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20But what happens if you redecorate and then find there just isn't room for them any more?
0:00:20 > 0:00:23That's a dilemma facing the couple that we're about to meet.
0:00:23 > 0:00:28I rather hope we're going to help to be able to turn their family treasures into real money
0:00:28 > 0:00:31on today's edition of Cash In The Attic.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56Coming up on today's Cash In The Attic, we learn to play a Chinese board game from the 1930s.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Are you a mahjong player?
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Regular. On Saturdays and Bank Holidays, yes!
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- I take that as a no then. - I've never played in my life.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08We have a lesson in mathematics from the days before calculators.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- What have we got here then? - It's a maths book.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Well, that's appropriate for a teacher, isn't it?
0:01:14 > 0:01:18But how will our cash add up come auction day?
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Five over your top estimate.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- Fabulous. That's more like it, isn't it?- Terrific.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Find out when the final hammer falls.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Today I'm in Sutton in Ashfield,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33which is just off the M1 in Nottinghamshire.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36I'm about to meet Linda and Paul Roach,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38who called in Cash In The Attic because they'd like to
0:01:38 > 0:01:42give their son a bit of a helping hand on his way to university.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46It was second time around when Paul and Linda married 20 years ago.
0:01:46 > 0:01:52They already had two children each and then had their son Kieran who is studying for his A-levels.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Paul's a teacher and Linda a family support worker.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59They love spending time in Spain where they have their own casa, a great holiday home.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04But their family home has recently been redecorated because it was severely water damaged.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Lots of their ornaments no longer fit into their new modern decor.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10They've decided to have a good sort out.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Hi, Linda and Paul. Well, I can see somebody has been busy with the paintbrush.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- Yes!- This is part of all the redecoration of the house, is it?
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Yes, it is. We've had a bit of water damage to the roof
0:02:20 > 0:02:24and it's meant redecorating several of the rooms inside and this is one of them.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28And in fact the redecoration is one of the reasons why you've called us in, isn't it?
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Yes, we've had to get rid of some of the furniture
0:02:31 > 0:02:35and the display cases and some of the stuff that was in have had to go.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- But where did it come from originally?- Paul's parents. Yes.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43When they died, we inherited it We've looked after it and cared for it and now it's time for it to go.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46So, what are we actually raising money for today?
0:02:46 > 0:02:50My son's going to university, which we hope will happen next September
0:02:50 > 0:02:54and it's to help to support him through the start of that.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56It's an expensive business, isn't it?
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- And how!- Yes. Very.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02So, how much do we think we might want to raise?
0:03:02 > 0:03:06About £700, I'd like to be able to get if we can.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- And that'll go into the university fund?- Yes.- Absolutely, yes.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Well, I can see from the house that you've done a great job.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16So I'm expecting there's quite a lot of stuff you want to get rid of.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20And I've got just the man who can put a value on it - Paul Hayes, let's go and meet him.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- Come on.- That's great.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- Ah, hello. Hi. - There's Paul. Paul, meet Paul.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- Hello. How are you? - Pleased to meet you.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Paul, you look like a cinema usherette with that. What have you got there?
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Certainly not popcorn and hot dogs, is it?
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- What is it?- It's a fantastic Noritake coffee set.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- How lovely!- Wonderful, isn't it?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- It is nice, yes. - Where did this come from, Paul?
0:03:40 > 0:03:44I think it was a wedding present to my parents just at the beginning of the war.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Right. OK, well, that fits in.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Noritake, a massive, massive factory.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53If you look underneath, you have the blue stamp. That actually was discontinued in about 1939.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55You're looking just before the war.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- Is this painted with gold leaf or what?- These are all hand-painted with gold leaf.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02There can be hidden symbols there too.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07I'm not sure what the swan means, but the butterfly is the symbol of the soul. You live for ever.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09It's a wonderful thing to have.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11It's eggshell, it's very delicate.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15They haven't survived in large numbers and it is nice to find them in this condition.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Perfect condition. Lovely story to go with it.
0:04:19 > 0:04:25- What's the price tag?- Well, I think, if I was being conservative, if I said around the £100 mark.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- Oh, wow!- If I said 60-100 to give it a chance at auction.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30I'd be delighted. Great.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35Well that should see Kieran through, what, probably his first week at university?
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Let's go and see what else we can put in the pot.- OK.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40'Well, that's a great start to our day.'
0:04:40 > 0:04:46In the spare bedroom, I come across a box of British Royal Mint coins
0:04:46 > 0:04:49that Paul's dad started to collect in 1972
0:04:49 > 0:04:52and continued until he died in 1990.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Each set has its own certificate
0:04:54 > 0:04:59and Paul says we can BANK on them getting £150-£200 at auction.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Our expert also makes a discovery in the bedroom.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09It's a hallmarked, silver cigarette box which Paul's father picked up at an antique fair.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14Our Paul values it at a far from sterling £30-£45.
0:05:17 > 0:05:18What have you got there?
0:05:18 > 0:05:22Something you might like to have a look at. It's a mahjong set.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Mahjong? Ah! Do you play mahjong?
0:05:25 > 0:05:27We used to with my parents when I was a child.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29But that was a long, long time ago.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32How about you, Paul? Are you a mahjong player?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- Regular. On Saturdays and Bank Holidays, yes. - I take that as a no, then!
0:05:36 > 0:05:40I've never played in my life. It's too complicated. How do you play?
0:05:40 > 0:05:42It's a bit like...
0:05:42 > 0:05:44collecting tiles of sets.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48You try to collect as many as you can.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52They go on a stand, so you can keep them secret from your opponents
0:05:52 > 0:05:57and then when you get a set, you put them on the top of the stands so you can see whether you've got a set.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Well, again it's in wonderful condition, Paul.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04It looks complete. I love the fact that you have the original instructions -
0:06:04 > 0:06:07very important for somebody who's starting out and wanted to buy this.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08What are these made of?
0:06:08 > 0:06:11It looks like Bakelite, actually.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Originally these were made from bone and ivory.
0:06:13 > 0:06:20By the 1920s and 1930s, this new material was out and this is imitation bamboo, isn't it?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22That's the idea. This sort of colour.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24But whether it's a Chinese invention...
0:06:24 > 0:06:29Legend has it that Confucius himself actually invented this game about 500 BC.
0:06:29 > 0:06:30But how true it is, we don't know.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- I think it's a good bit of PR for Confucius.- It probably is, yes.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35What sort of age would we put on this?
0:06:35 > 0:06:40We're looking at 1920s-1930s. The golden age of Bakelite. That's what you're looking for.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42What sort of price if we took it to auction?
0:06:42 > 0:06:47I could see... It's a travelling set, sometimes you get them in mahogany boxes.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49It's a nice, usable example.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53If I said around the 70 to 100 for an auction estimate, how does that sound?
0:06:53 > 0:06:54- I'd be pleased.- OK.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59Linda has unearthed eight sets of cutlery, seven of which are hallmarked.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04They're in excellent condition, though some of the boxes are a bit bashed.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08And our expert suggests a £100-£150 valuation.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Also winging its way to auction
0:07:10 > 0:07:14is this black slate mantel clock, inlaid with green malachite.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16It used to belong to Paul's mother,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20and the couple had it restored after she died.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23We're hoping it's going to make £60 to £100.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27What do you think about these? Do you think they could go to auction?
0:07:27 > 0:07:30These are nice, aren't they? Is this your collection of snuff boxes?
0:07:30 > 0:07:33No, it's my parents again.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36When my father retired, they pottered round the antique shops.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40I think these are a couple of things they picked up that took their fancy.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- Do you know who that is there? ABD? - No, I don't at all, no.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Somebody's initials there, whatever that means.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49This one means something to all of us - "For Auld Lang Syne".
0:07:49 > 0:07:50- Yes. New Year.- That's great.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52The collectability is endless.
0:07:52 > 0:07:58I've seen all different shapes and sizes and materials. Snuff was THE pastime really of the gentry.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02When you go back to the 18th century, every gentleman had a snuff box.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06Basically it's compacted tobacco, which you would partake.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07But the idea is you would share it,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10so if you could pull out a nice silver snuff box
0:08:10 > 0:08:13and share it with your business partner or with your friend,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- you were accepted into the circle. That was the idea.- Right.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- I can open this one. How do you open that one? - It took me ages to figure it out.
0:08:20 > 0:08:26- What you actually have to do is give it a squeeze at the end and it pops open like that.- Engineering.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27- Isn't that brilliant?- Amazing.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29If I said 60-100 for the pair?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Better than I thought. That's great.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35But will we even get a sniff when they go to auction?
0:08:35 > 0:08:39£50. 20. £20. Bid at £20.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42'Let's hope the bidders don't turn up their noses.'
0:08:42 > 0:08:45He starts low but he manages to get them up, doesn't he?
0:08:45 > 0:08:48'Find out what happens on auction day.'
0:08:50 > 0:08:54Continuing the silver theme, Linda has brought out the silver tea set,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57which again belonged to Paul's parents.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59At £200-£250,
0:08:59 > 0:09:05I reckon we might be getting pretty close to their £700 target.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09So I find Linda and Paul to ask them about something that I spotted earlier.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14Linda and Paul, when I was rummaging around in your kitchen earlier,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17I found this rather lovely orange tree.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Not everybody has got an orange tree in their kitchen. Very Spanish.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24But there are strong associations for you with Spain, isn't there?
0:09:24 > 0:09:27We've got a house in Spain that's amongst the orange groves.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28Do you both speak Spanish?
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- (No.) - THEY LAUGH
0:09:30 > 0:09:36So presumably Kieran, who speaks Spanish and wants to study it at university, is a great help to you?
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- Oh, gosh, yes.- Yes.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42It's fantastic. I don't go anywhere without him.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43THEY LAUGH
0:09:43 > 0:09:48But I gather, Paul, that you've got a bit of a hobby that's got quite a strong Spanish link?
0:09:48 > 0:09:54Yes, that's right. Ever since I was a teenager I've been playing the guitar,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57but I just about managed three chords I could strum,
0:09:57 > 0:10:01but I'd like to play properly and I'm hoping to find some time in my retirement to do that.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- And do you think you might retire to Spain to do it? - I'm sure we will, yes.
0:10:05 > 0:10:12- So you could play the guitar and Linda, you could do the flamenco. - Well, yes. Who knows?
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- The perfect combination.- Absolutely.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19And your son could sell tickets to come and watch you in Spanish. No, we're going too far.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- But it's a thought. But in the meantime, we've got to get him through university.- We have.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28So shall we leave the oranges to the English sunshine
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- and see what else we can find in the house?- Yes.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Paul is back upstairs and has found this Victorian wooden writing box
0:10:35 > 0:10:38that's been in the Roach family for generations.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43The writing box was a staple piece of furniture for the wealthy in Georgian and Victorian Britain.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45At £45-£60,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49a bidder wouldn't need to be too well off to afford this one.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53I wanted to show you this. I don't know whether this would be good for auction?
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Wow, that's a beauty, isn't it? Look at that. This is fantastic!
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Is this something you've bought, or inherited?
0:10:59 > 0:11:03No, it was part of the furniture in my parents' home. Ever since I've been around.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04What do they use it for?
0:11:04 > 0:11:11It was just in the lounge, covered with a tablecloth and with ornaments on it, a jar of flowers.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14I was going to say, because it is in fantastic condition.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17The fact that your mum's covered it with a cloth has made all the difference.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20This is a walnut table.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24And you can tell that... The base here is a very dark colour.
0:11:24 > 0:11:30The top has been inlaid with burr walnut, but it only ever grows in small sections.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34So what they have to do, for an area this size, is use it in the veneer form,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37obviously very thin, but they repeat the design.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39The piece of veneer they've used
0:11:39 > 0:11:43is actually that big, there. Just that corner.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45And they've used a process called quatro veneering,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48where they've taken this piece, in slices, they've turned it that way,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51turned it that way, then turned it that way.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53You end up with almost like a herringbone effect,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56like a butterfly. Isn't that beautiful?
0:11:56 > 0:11:57It's really nice, yes.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02It's probably not the most fashionable item today, probably fair to say,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05but if I said at least £200 up to maybe £400?
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- Fantastic!- Sound all right? - That sounds brilliant to me.
0:12:08 > 0:12:14'That's a cracking valuation, so we must be close to our £700 target with that.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16'But before I get a chance to work out the total,
0:12:16 > 0:12:21'Paul comes up with something that just might help me with the maths.'
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- I wondered if you'd like to have a look at this.- Let's have a look.
0:12:25 > 0:12:26What have you found, Paul?
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- It's an old book.- Oh, right. Now then, you two.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31What have we got here?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33It's a maths book.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34Well, that's appropriate, for a teacher.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Is this something you've picked up at a junk shop?
0:12:38 > 0:12:42No, this was in a box of books that I brought back from my parents' house.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- I think it's really quite old. - Is it old, Paul?- It certainly is.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48It's fantastic, actually. 1710.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51What a fascinating thing. So you've the Marrow Of Mathematicks,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54and it's everything you'd understand about mathematics at that time.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57I love the fact that "mathematicks" is spelt with a K.
0:12:57 > 0:13:03- Can I see?- Yes.- It's not in the best of conditions and, as you always tell us, condition is everything.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06You can get things like bindings replaced,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10and that can be done sympathetically, and it doesn't really harm the value as such.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13What I am worried about with this one is pages missing.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17If you've got any content missing, that's irreplaceable, and the book
0:13:17 > 0:13:20then is just a fun item to have rather than an investment piece.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- Can I read you something?- Go on. - Look at this.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26Who on earth would want to multiply by 23...
0:13:26 > 0:13:31463,298,765?!
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- That's your mileage, Paul, isn't it? - Yes, I think you're right!
0:13:34 > 0:13:37What a fascinating book! It's just extraordinary.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40So we could take...could we take this to auction?
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- Yes, certainly. - How much do you think it might make?
0:13:43 > 0:13:47The meanest price that I could give is probably at least £20, £30,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49but if two people really take a shine
0:13:49 > 0:13:51to it, I think it could take off, and fetch a realistic price.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- How does that sound? - That sounds good.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- That sound all right to you? - It certainly does.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Well, I'm going to do some maths now.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02Not with the aid of this book, because it's much too complicated for me.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06I'm just going to do a quick bit of mental arithmetic and tot up
0:14:06 > 0:14:09the lowest prices that Paul's given us on everything we've seen today,
0:14:09 > 0:14:14Even on Paul's lowest estimate, we should be able to make...
0:14:14 > 0:14:16£995!
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- That sounds fantastic! Really good. - Brilliant.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- But don't tell Kieran just yet!- No.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Let's wait until after the auction. - He'll start to spend it now!
0:14:26 > 0:14:30'In just a few weeks, we'll find out if that old book does summon up a bidding war.'
0:14:30 > 0:14:36So here's a reminder of some of the other items that Paul and Linda will be selling.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39The 1920s or '30s Bakelite mahjong set -
0:14:39 > 0:14:43hopefully the bidders will play the game and offer £70-£100.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47The pre-war Noritake coffee set that was given to Paul's parents
0:14:47 > 0:14:50as a wedding present, that should add another £60-£100.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53And what about that table that Paul's mum kept
0:14:53 > 0:14:54in pristine condition?
0:14:54 > 0:15:01That's one of OUR Paul's highest valuations today, at £200-£400.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Still to come on Cash In The Attic...
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Paul feels tea should be taken in style.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10As you may have noticed, they are selling bacon sandwiches and mugs of tea down there.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13I think what they do need is a solid silver tea service.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16I hope this old book reveals a fantastic secret.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- Maybe there was something hidden in it like a map that Indiana Jones might find.- Yeah!
0:15:21 > 0:15:24If it was Harrison Ford's pay cheque, we'd be laughing.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Find out on auction day.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37Oh, didn't we have fun when we were rummaging around Paul and Linda's house?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Finding things mainly that had come from Paul's side of the family,
0:15:40 > 0:15:46including that very delicate Noritake tea service and the fun mahjong set.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Remember, they're hoping to raise £700 towards their son's university fees.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55So we've bought all of those items and more here to Brettells Auction Room
0:15:55 > 0:16:00in Shropshire. And let's hope there are lots of eager bidders then, when their items go under the hammer.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05There are 377 lots in this auction today, so the potential bidders have
0:16:05 > 0:16:08much to examine if they arrive nice and early for the viewing.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12We soon find Linda and Paul right in the midst of things.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15No time for a last cup tea, I'm afraid.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- No.- But it looks rather good.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22It looks amazing. It's a perfect present. Thank you very much(!)
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- Have you been to auctions before? - Yes, we have. Locally, but nothing quite like this.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29So today's going to be quite exciting?
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Yes.- It is. Quite an event. - Looking forward to it.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- Shall we go and take our places? - Let's go.- The auction's about to start.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41'The countdown begins for the first of Paul and Linda's 11 separate lots.'
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Will the bidders be tempted to tick off £60-£100
0:16:44 > 0:16:48for the Belgian slate mantel clock?
0:16:48 > 0:16:49Who'll start me, then?
0:16:49 > 0:16:5130 or 40? 20 will do.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- £20, I'm bid, at 20.- 20, we're in.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59- At £20, I'm bid. At £20. - At 20?- Come on!- Goodness.
0:16:59 > 0:17:00- At 25.- 25.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03£25 only bid. 25.
0:17:03 > 0:17:0525 is disappointing.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- It definitely is. - Very disappointing.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Oh, dear. Well, that timepiece obviously looked too heavy
0:17:10 > 0:17:12for most bidders' mantelpieces.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Will we have more success when the Victorian writing slip goes under the hammer?
0:17:16 > 0:17:19At 55. Anybody left of me now?
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- At 55 and going to be sold. - That's great.- At 55...
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- That's good. Yeah.- Hammer down at 55.- Definitely good, yes.- Better.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32Selling for a healthy £55, that's much more like it.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35I wonder if the pre-war Noritake coffee set,
0:17:35 > 0:17:39still in its presentation case, will be just as lucky for us.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43As Paul said, it made a lovely present - originally, of course, when it was given to your family.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46So maybe that's what someone will buy it for now. Let's see.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48We'll start at 20.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49At £20 I'm bid. At £20.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- £20 I have for the Noritake. - No, come on!
0:17:53 > 0:17:55£20 bid, £20. 5 anywhere?
0:17:55 > 0:17:595, 30, £30... One more, Debbie, please, and help me.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- 35, he's trying.- At £35.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Anybody else in this room? At 35 the bidding is right in front of me now.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- He's going to let it go. - Last chance.- Yeah.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- 35.- So that's gone for 35.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- 35.- What a shame.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Indeed. Sadly no Noritake collectors here today.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Let's hope the smokers aren't outside.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23They might be the only ones who fancy the silver cigarette box.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27We'll start where? Who'll start me, then, at £20?
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- £20 bid. At 20, 30...- Ooh.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32£30. 5?
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- 35, 40.- 40, there you go.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40- It's moving around the room. - £50 with me.- £50!
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- Good.- Excellent!
0:18:42 > 0:18:44£50, last time for everybody.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47At £50, all done, then. We're going to be sold at 50.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52That's more like it! Our first item to sell over its top valuation.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57'Now, our next item is one that I think deserves to do really well.'
0:18:57 > 0:19:01Now, I love books and I particularly love your book of mathematics.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Not in excellent condition, Paul. - No.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- You've put quite a low price on it.- You'd have thought it would
0:19:07 > 0:19:10be worth more, but this is the going rate for these books.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14I must say, Paul and I did start to fantasise a bit about it
0:19:14 > 0:19:17and say maybe there was something hidden in it, like a map
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- that Indiana Jones might find.- Yes.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23If it was Harrison Ford's pay cheque, we'd be laughing!
0:19:23 > 0:19:2518th-century bound volume.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30The Marrow Of Mathematicks. And this one's dated 1710.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35Who'll start me, at...30?
0:19:35 > 0:19:40Interesting... Educate yourselves with the wonders of mathematics! £20.
0:19:40 > 0:19:4210, then? Surely?
0:19:42 > 0:19:44It's 1710, for goodness' sake!
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- £10 and start me off. - Can't believe that.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Oh, £10. There you are. There's a tenner over there.
0:19:49 > 0:19:5310, 15... I have £15. You'd better bid again now, Ian!
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- At £15, 20.- Great!- £20 I have. At £20.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Interesting book. £20. 5, 25.
0:20:01 > 0:20:0225 right in front of me.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Anybody else in the room?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Sold at 25.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- There you go. - What an education for £25! Yes.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Maybe the crowd just don't like maths.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17Perhaps they'll prefer games. We're looking for £70 for the mahjong set.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19£25 all done, Sarah, then.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22At 25. Going to be sold. Right in front of me now.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24£25 only bid.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Oh, gosh.- £25?- Yes.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- That's a real disappointment. - It is, I'm afraid.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35Oh, dear. The mahjong went for a song.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37We're halfway through the sale
0:20:37 > 0:20:42and have made just £215 towards our £700 target.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46There's plenty left to sell though, so it's onwards and upwards.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48If you'd like to try to raise money at auction,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50do bear in mind that there are charges to be paid,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53such as commission.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57These can vary from one saleroom to another, so it is always worth checking in advance.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Our next lot is those boxes of silverware.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02There's a great collectors' market for these items.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04And they are boxed and in nice condition.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Eight sets, I think we looked at, so £100 is great.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09Just over a tenner each.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12I'm bid. 50 for you? 50, thank you.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- 50, we're in.- It's a good start. - 60? 5.
0:21:17 > 0:21:2270? 5. 80? 5. 90? 5.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Wow!- Yes, come on.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29£100, lady on my left. £100 bid. 100 on my left. It will be sold.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Down this line, last chance.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35At £100 on my left. 100.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Mmm!- Nice one!- Good price.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41That went down very well, thank you,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43serving us up another £100 for our fund.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Will the snuff boxes have similar luck?
0:21:47 > 0:21:53Start me at, what, £50? 20? £20 bid. At £20. The snuff box. 5?
0:21:53 > 0:21:5630. 5. 40.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- He starts slow, but he manages to get them up.- Yes.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Where are we going now for the silver? 50?
0:22:01 > 0:22:035! 60?
0:22:03 > 0:22:06£60 at the far end of the room. 65?
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- Yes.- Another fiver...
0:22:09 > 0:22:13£65. Will be sold this time round. 65.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- Nice little collection for £65. - It is, yes.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Well, a little more would have been nice,
0:22:20 > 0:22:24but it was still above Paul's lowest estimate.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28Unfortunately the same can't be said for the coin collection...
0:22:28 > 0:22:31At 70, 75...
0:22:31 > 0:22:35..which sells for just half its estimate.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37What a disappointment.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40I hope this isn't a sign of things to come, as it's the turn of the
0:22:40 > 0:22:44silver sea tea set next, and we've all got high hopes for this lot.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46They're selling bacon sandwiches
0:22:46 > 0:22:49and mugs of tea down there. What they do need
0:22:49 > 0:22:51is a solid silver tea service.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Raise the tone!- Yes. You've brought one in today, haven't you?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56They do make a perfect cup of tea, actually.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Paul's an expert. He knows!- Yes.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02I've put this on at £200, but we have a reserve on this.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Yes, we have.- At 200?
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Yes, we understand that's the scrap value of the silver.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- So anything else is a bonus? - Absolutely.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13200?
0:23:13 > 0:23:15200?
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Scrap's more, I'm sure. We'll start at 100. Bid 100, bid 100.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- 100, the silver tea set. 120? 140? 160?- That's better.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- £200.- Good. Made your reserve already.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29I'll take a tenner off you.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32At £200, bottom right. At £200. Shout if I miss you now.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- 200 is your reserve.- It is, yes.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38£200. Quickly, bottom right.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40It will be sold this time round. At 200.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Yes!
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- Made your reserve. Well done. - That's great.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49The silver polished up well, due to its beauty or its scrap value?
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Now to the final lot of the day and our star item,
0:23:52 > 0:23:57the walnut veneer table, also reserved at £200.
0:23:57 > 0:24:03We have a phone bid on this and we have commission bids also.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05Who'll start me for that? 200, 300?
0:24:05 > 0:24:10£200? £100? 100 bid, 100, 100.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12100, 100.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14100. Anybody else now?
0:24:14 > 0:24:1820. 120 left of me. 40? 140.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20140. You're out on the phone.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24140. 60. 160. 80?
0:24:24 > 0:24:28180. You're out on the phone at 180.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30200 on the phone.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- You've made your reserve.- Yes. - They're on the phone.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37220. 220, I have. 220.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42230? 230. Up to you now. 40?
0:24:42 > 0:24:44240. Sat there. 240.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47240. Up to you now...250.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- Wonderful! - That's brilliant.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Shakes his head and says no. At 250 on the telephone.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54At £250. Going to be sold, then.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59- Last chance.- It's great when it goes up like that!- Yes! Exciting!
0:24:59 > 0:25:05- 260. 260.- They're not out yet. - It's in great condition.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09260 I have. At £260, left, right and centre.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13Last chance on the phone. At 260.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Fantastic!- Brilliant!- It's really good, isn't it?
0:25:16 > 0:25:21Someone laid out £260 for that well-preserved table.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23What a thrilling end to the day!
0:25:23 > 0:25:27But of course we're all dying to know the final total now.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30But we are still reeling from the adrenaline rush of that last sale.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- Did you enjoy that?- Yes, I did! It's exciting!
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Good! I've got more exciting news for you!
0:25:36 > 0:25:38£700 was your target.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42We didn't make even the halfway point at the halfway stage, did we?
0:25:42 > 0:25:45But you've ended up being able to take home with you,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48towards your son's university education...
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- £915.- Oh, wow! - That's better than I thought.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54That's brilliant.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03The money Paul and Linda raised will be going towards son Kieran's university fund.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08So they've all come to Lancaster where he hopes to start later in the year.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12We're really pleased with the amount we managed to make at auction
0:26:12 > 0:26:17and hope it will go towards making life more comfortable for Kieran when he is here at university.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22So does Kieran have a clear idea about what he's going to be doing once he gets here?
0:26:22 > 0:26:24I've heard that in each college they've got a bar,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27so I'd definitely like to have a look at the nine different bars
0:26:27 > 0:26:32and check out what societies they've got here. It seems pretty good.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd