Norton Cash in the Attic

Welcome to the programme that helps you hunt for treasures

and then sells them at auction.

It's really sad when a life partner dies and leaves you on your own.

It's tough, especially when it comes to making decisions by yourself.

What happens if you decide you're going to downsize?

There are things you're going to have to keep

and others you're going to have to part with.

And it's difficult deciding which ones should go,

especially when many of them have sentimental associations.

But those are the problems facing a lady

I'm about to meet on Cash In The Attic.

Coming up on Cash In The Attic...

some rather cheeky 20th-century cartoons.

You've quite a few risque ones here!

We'll have to put some sticky tape on at the auction. Censored!

Our expert shows off his knowledge of 18th-century sculpture.

I can tell you what it is, it's a statue!

And unexpected interest in '70s silver at auction.

I have got 11 bids.

But will we still be smiling at the end of the day?

You'll see when we crack that gavel.

Today I'm on the outskirts of Doncaster, where I'm about to

meet a lady called Annette who has called in the team to help her

raise money for two special trips.

Annette Norton left school at 15 to join her parents, who worked for Sheffield steel.

And in 1980 she married Derek Norton,

a notable figure in the British steel industry,

who sadly died in 2008.

Joining Annette today at her Doncaster home is her youngest sister, Andrena.

The two share fond memories of childhood holidays caravanning in Bridlington.

But Annette is planning a trip that's somewhat more adventurous.

She's called in the Cash team to help.

-Hi, Annette! And this is one of your sisters.

-This is Andrena.

-You've another sister as well.

-Yes, Arlene.

Your mum must have had a sense of humour calling the three of you with As.

All ADs, actually. Andrena Diane, Annette Delicia and Arlene Denise!

-That must have led to complications!

-It did a little.

It did when I was younger.

I was the first one in from school so the post arrived

and anything address to Miss AD Clark, I opened them!

-So, I knew what the boyfriends were saying before they did.

-She did.

-And you still stayed friends.

-We did.

-Amazing.

-You're going to help us today.

-I'll try.

So why, Annette have you called in Cash In The Attic?

We're hoping a world cruise with the family

and visit my pen friend of 58 years.

-I've never been over to see her.

-Where is she?

-She's in Texas.

-How much you think that's going to cost? Quite a lot.

-A lot.

How much do we hope to raise today?

-Hopefully about £1,000.

-Well, I've brought just the man for the job.

It's Paul Hayes and I know he's already started

looking for things we can take to auction.

Why don't you go and see what you can find and we'll meet Paul?

Great!

With two rather expensive holidays on the cards,

£1,000 should be just the ticket.

Our expert, Paul Hayes, is a bit of a bloodhound with

a good nose for antiques. Nearly 30 years in the business

has taught him to follow a lead, to canine-themed etchings like these.

There we are, here's Paul. I told you he'd be hard at work already.

-What have you found?

-Some risque pictures. Cover your eyes, ladies.

Where did these come from?

My husband, Derek, was chairman of a company in Sheffield

and a member of the board bought these for him.

He thought they resembled the board members.

-Which one is Derek?

-The bulldog!

-Who else could it possibly be?

But these are quite famous cartoons, aren't they?

Yeah, these were popular in the 1920s and 1930s.

There were two artists, one called Hubert and one called O'Klein.

You've got the O'Klein version.

But they all capture this French Parisian scene.

They're always doing toilet humour. There's all sorts of humour. Could you translate that for me?

It's colloquial French but what he's saying is, "Oh, to be a free dog!"

You've got all these little dogs that aren't on leads

chasing this rather attractive little bitch here.

-Unfortunately, he's got the lead on and can't join them.

-Right.

That's the tamest of the ones I've seen.

They are quite valuable, aren't they?

Yes, they're very collectible.

The more risque they are, the more desirable they tend to be.

And you've got quite a few risque ones here!

I'll put some sticky tape on at the auction. Censored!

But joking apart, I'd say around the £100 mark.

70-100 will give them a chance.

-Hopefully somebody will want to spend a penny!

-Oh, Paul!

-And it's so early in the day.

-I know! Sorry about that!

Andrena has been hard at work and thinks this 19th-century

mahogany side table might be worth our consideration.

It used to belong to Annette's mother-in-law and Paul reckons

it could fetch in the region of £100 to £150 at auction.

Also winging its way to the saleroom

is this African carved wooden chess set, which was a present from a friend.

Annette has never played, so she's happy to let it go

for £25 to £45.

-Paul?

-A-ha?

-Can you have a look at this?

What have you got? Oh, I wasn't expecting that!

Look at that! So, who plays the saxophone?

Well, Derek was trying to learn to play.

Well, this is a very versatile instrument.

It was designed for military brass bands.

Of course, you'd have to be heard over the noise of the drums.

-Is it something you wanted to take up yourself?

-No, I don't think so.

It's boxed, in mint condition

and I imagine it's been quite expensive when bought.

To give it a chance at auction I'd like to put it in with

an estimate of less than £100.

If I said £60 to £100 as an estimate and go from there.

-How does that sound?

-Yes, fine.

-Is that music to your ears?

-Yes!

I hope that Paul's right

and the saxophone hits all the right notes on sale day.

We've got three bids on it now.

He started at 70!

As our rummage continues, I notice more of the wonderful things Annette has collected.

I'd like to know more about her -

the distant pen pal she mentioned and those childhood holidays with her sisters.

We can take the weight off our feet for five minutes.

The thing I love about you is you're going on this cruise together

but you've grown up being really close.

Yes, we have.

All our younger lives especially.

And you always went on holiday together?

We did, we had some great times.

We went to Bridlington for the same two weeks every year.

-It was great.

-It was wonderful.

Annette, tell me about this pen pal of yours,

because you've been writing to each other since you were seven.

We started writing to each other because a girl from America

came into my class at school and she was a friend of hers.

I joined in and wrote to her.

And over the years she's been to visit me twice

but I've never felt able to go over there.

I'm making the effort this year and I'll visit.

Tell me about this holiday. Whose idea was it that you were going to go together?

It was mine, I'm afraid!

We were talking about the fact

we'd follow it through and I'd do this world cruise

so they decided they would come along and spoil it for me!

-So, we need that £1,000 to get you on your way.

-We certainly do.

Well, I think Paul has been quite busy finding things to take to auction.

-Shall we see how he's doing?

-Yes.

-Good idea.

It looks a bit drizzly outside.

Here in the lounge, Paul can't resist finding Annette's favourite

creatures of the deep.

Presents from colleagues of her husband who knew of her love

for dolphins - this pair of decorative tables will

hopefully entertain the bidders for £100 to £140

without the auctioneer jumping through too many hoops!

Don't blink! I think she just moved.

Perhaps she wants a brolly.

Angela, we've had this statue in the garden for quite some time.

It's rather splendid. Shall we have a look?

-Yes.

-Oh, hang on! It's pouring with rain out there. Paul!

-Uh-huh!

-Can you come and join us?

-Hello.

-Paul, you see out there in the garden?

-I do.

There's this lovely statue. Would you like to go and take a look at it?

I shall. Thank you very much.

-Bleurgh!

-While he's having a look at it, where does it come from?

She was actually in an apartment that Derek was living in,

in Sheffield, when I first knew him.

-And...

-Where, in an apartment, would you keep that?

She was actually in the entrance hall.

The first time we moved into our own house,

she moved into the garden. And there's she's been ever since.

Each time we move, she's moved with us.

Why have you kept her, though? What was the sentimental value?

We thought she was lucky. And so, wherever we went, she came with us.

And we called her Moliath. We gave her a name.

-Moliath!

-So, Moliath moved everywhere.

-Instead of Goliath?

-Correct.

Paul! Do you want to come and tell us about the statue then?

I'll tell you what it is. It's a statue. It's quite a nice one.

-So, how long have you had it yourself?

-30 years.

-OK.

-Was it new then...?

-No, no!

-No.

-Right.

-If I said, sort of 300 to 500, how does that sound?

-Great.

Here's hoping lucky Moliath's patina

is pretty enough for bidders at the auction.

Time to find Andrena again.

Scouring the kitchen, she's found these shop scales -

inherited from Derek's mother.

They were made by Avery, an old West Midlands company.

They're in imperial measurements.

The weighty reading of £40 to £60 takes us

closer to our target.

In this display cabinet, I spy a delicate Japanese tea set,

which Annette bought for £30 in 1982.

Paul values it still at around £30 to £40.

No time for slacking. Come on! This is nice, isn't it?

-It is. It's beautiful.

-Look at that!

It's a type of captain's chair.

-Have you heard of that expression before?

-I haven't.

Oddly enough, that was Derek's nickname.

-Was it really?

-The Captain!

-The Captain!

-Right, it's really suitable, isn't it?

-Absolutely!

They swivel around. You can imagine a sea captain who is able to get at all his controls

and his wheel and so on. That's where the inspiration comes from.

And in about 1840/1850, they started to produce this wonderful, quilted leather.

Everything was stuffed and comfortable.

They had these shorter arms for the simple reason,

if you're a Victorian lady and you had crinoline dresses,

all your dress would be able to wrap around the sides here.

But, it's in remarkable condition. It's hardly been used.

It is - it's beautiful.

If I said, at auction, maybe £150 to £200, how does that sound?

-That sounds OK to me.

-OK. Let's keep looking.

I'm sure The Captain won't mind if we send his old chair to auction.

This landscape was found in a box of odds and ends 40 years ago.

The signature is unclear but Paul still thinks that,

due to the quality, condition and the scene, it could do well.

He values it at a very promising £120 to £160.

This silver salver was made by the prestigious Sheffield silversmiths Walker and Hall

and is hallmarked 1977.

Paul is impressed

and values it at a very pleasing £70 to £120.

-Now then, Annette, I wanted to ask you about this clock.

-Yes.

Is this really sentimental or can this go?

-Um, it is sentimental, but it can go.

-Right, I see.

-So, is it a family heirloom?

-Er, no.

I bought it from an antique shop for Derek one Christmas.

Well, this is a very old clock.

Have you got any idea how old this is?

-I was told it was around 1700 and something?

-Well, you're dead right there.

This dates from the middle to the late 18th century.

We can tell that because of the square dial. By the year 1800,

all the grandfather clocks tended to have this arch dial.

Sometimes you'll see a sun and moon or a different effect on the top.

And it is in good condition. There's no sort of cracks or splits or anything.

It's a nice, solid oak. It's a Georgian piece.

Are you sure you want to part with it?

Um, I think so, yes.

-OK. Well, if I said between 400 and £600, how does that sound?

-Mmm.

I wouldn't like to take less than 500.

-So we'll put a reserve of 500?

-Yes.

-OK, we'll give that a go.

-Do I hear £500?

-You certainly do.

-Well, for the clock?

-For the clock, yes.

That's a splendid-looking... Were you with your sister when she bought this?

-I was.

-So how do you feel about it leaving the house?

I won't to be sorry to see it go.

-I take it it's not your taste then?

-No!

Someone who'll be happy to see the bidding go up,

-but £500 you're going to put on as a reserve?

-I think so, yes.

OK, if we add that to all of the other things that he's looked at today

and again take the lowest estimate...

You want to raise £1,000, but if all goes well at auction,

we should be able to make at least £1,565.

-Oh, wow!

-That's great.

And that is only his lowest estimate,

so if we get more than that for any of the items, then,

going to Las Vegas will be a treat, darling.

-Marvellous.

-Fantastic.

We've had great fun here in Doncaster with sisters Annette and Andrena,

finding a splendid variety of items to go to auction.

There's the rather cheeky set of dog prints

that might tickle the bidders' fancy at 70 to £100.

The splendid captain's chair, which Annette's husband adored.

We're hoping the bidders will love it too and pay upwards of £150.

And my particular favourite, Moliath, that enigmatic statue.

She's been a firm fixture in Annette's life,

but she's leaving the garden for good

with an estimate of 300 to £500.

I've got no doubt she's going to be the centre of attention again.

Still to come on Cash In The Attic...

the bidders are queuing up to get their hands on our items.

260. 270. 280. Up 270, on commission, 280 now.

-As for others, we'd struggle to give them away.

-£40?

-I'll take it home.

-A little bit too much, I think.

So, will we make that all-important target? Be there when the hammer falls.

You join me now at Bamford's Auctioneers in Derby, where

I'm waiting to meet up with Annette and her sister, Andrena.

It's almost two weeks since we joined them

at Annette's home just outside Doncaster.

And I have to say, I was fascinated

to hear about the career of her late husband in the steel industry

and to join with her in the excitement of the world cruise

she's planning with the whole family. So let's hope that her items

really appeal to the bidders today and that they'll help us

to make that £1,000 target.

Bamford's Auctioneers hold a general sale in Derby several times a month

and there's always a rich variety of items on offer.

And while Annette and Andrena have been saying goodbye to Moliath,

Paul and I have received some unexpected news from the auctioneer.

I think the girls are going to want to hear this.

I have some good news. I've had a chat to the auctioneer,

he's had a bit of time to study this statue and he thinks it's fairly old.

It could be a genuine item of antiquity.

It could be a couple of hundred years old, all right?

-And that makes a big difference to the value.

-Really?

Now, we said 300 to 500, but he thinks it could do very well

and he thinks rather than sell it here today, put it into a fine art sale.

-Fantastic.

-Well, he's talking in the thousands.

-No!

-Straight up, yes.

Quick, book another cruise!

Moliath, well, she's going to be here for a few weeks yet,

but that is going to be such an exciting sale,

-as I hope this one will be, so let's take our places.

-Thank you.

So, exciting developments regarding Moliath.

But whilst we were carried away with that news,

Annette forgot to mention that she's decided

not to bring her long case clock

or one of the two dolphin tables.

That means we're three lots down,

so we're going to need luck on our side

if we're still to reach that £1,000 target.

With the auctioneer in position and the sale under way,

we take our places.

Eyes down, everyone for the stylish African chess set.

Lot number 50, 20th-century...

African chess set.

-And I have got four bids on it.

-Ooh!

-I can start at £35. 38, I'm bid.

At £35, and eight now. At £35, 38. 40. 2. At 42.

At £40, on commission and two now.

At £40, a very pretty lot indeed.

45. 48.

Selling at £45, eight do I see?

At 45, on commission and selling. At 45. 48 bid.

At 48 to the right. 50 now.

At £48, all done and selling? At 48.

-48.

-Yes!

-Fantastic.

-Well done.

Well, that's certainly how we like to kick off a day at auction,

£3 above top estimate

and our first contribution towards the holiday fund.

Let's hope our good fortune continues

with the sale of our second lot. It's the Japanese eggshell tea set.

I think this is a cracker. Was this like a family heirloom?

Um, I bought it myself in Scarborough.

From Scarborough. Not very exotic, was it?

Early 20th-century Japanese eggshell tea service.

And £30, please. £30. 20 then. £20?

15 then, let's start it. 15 bid. 18 now. 18. 20. 20? Two.

25? At 22 in centre. Five now. £22 and five, do I see? 25. 28.

At £25 now. All done at 25?

I could see people rubbing their noses, but they weren't bidding, I'm afraid,

they were just rubbing their noses!

So lots of fidgeting going on in the crowd.

But not a lot of buying.

The bidders soon perk up for the set of scales.

45, 48.

48. And 50?

-Go on.

-At 48. Shake of the head at £48. 50 now.

At £48, all done and selling?

-I think you can afford a new pair of scales.

-Absolutely. Good idea.

And they sell for £8 over Paul's lower estimate.

Next it's the turn of Derek's saxophone,

which is in such good condition,

it looks as if it's never been played.

Lot number 80.

It's a Stagg brass saxophone with a strap fitted with a hard case.

It's a good saxophone, this one.

We've got three bids...

-There you go.

-Start at 70...

-He started at 70!

At £70. And five, five in two places.

80. Five, either of you?

At £80 on commission. And five now, at £80 and five do I see?

In its case, at £80, five now?

All done at £80.

-Bang in the middle of your estimate, Paul.

-Fantastic.

Paul's valuations have been right on the money so far today.

The cartoon characters in our next lot

have raised plenty of smiles whilst on display.

It's the set of five rather cheeky comic dog prints.

A set of five 20th-century comical prints.

I have got seven bids.

THEY GASP Oh, my God.

£140.

EXCITED CHATTER

At £140, 150 do I see?

150. And five?

At 150 on commission, five do I see?

On commission at £150.

-That's a real collector who went for those.

-Exactly.

-Someone with a great sense of humour.

-Absolutely.

What a terrific result,

selling for over twice the lower estimate.

We've had a super first half to our auction

and I can't wait to tell Annette and Andrena

just how much we've raised so far.

-So how much do you think you've made?

-I don't know.

Well, I'll tell you.

So far we're up to £351!

Wow, well done.

And we've still got stuff to go.

If you're thinking of heading off to auction,

then do remember that fees like commission will be added to your bill.

So it's worth checking the small print with your local auction house to avoid any surprises later.

Our next lot is the silver salver,

which Paul valued at £70 to £120.

What a quality item. Have you ever used it?

Occasionally, yes, we did. When we had drinks parties we'd carry them in.

These were used by butlers.

When people came to the house you would leave your business card in them.

-He used to dress up as a butler.

-Did he really?

Lot number 100.

A good lot. Elizabeth II salver.

At £180, 190 do I see?

At 180, 190, 200.

At £200, a great lot and selling.

At 200.

That's fantastic!

It was worth getting dressed up as the butler for that!

A fabulous start to our second half of the sale.

The Derbyshire bidders do seem very appreciative of Annette's items

and long may it continue.

I know the sale of our next item

is really going to tug at the heartstrings.

All aboard for the captain's chair

that Annette's late husband, Derek, so adored.

Lot number 110 is the leather swivel armchair.

Buttoned and studded green leather, a very, very handsome chair indeed.

We have four bids on commission. I can start at £150, 160 do I see?

At £150, 160 now.

At 160, 170, 180,

190, 200,

210, 220. 230...

-Wow, terrific!

-It's amazing.

Commission 240 now.

240 new place.

250, 260, 270.

At 270 on commission, 280 now.

At 270. All done at 270.

-Amazing!

-Worth every penny.

I think Derek would have been pleased with that impressive result.

Next up, it's time for Annette's much-loved dolphin table

to go before the room.

Lot 120 is the modern circular mahogany tripod table.

Leather top with jumping dolphins in waves.

At £100, please.

50, then, £50?

£50 for it. 40? £40?

-No.

-I'll take it home.

-A little bit too much, I think.

-Didn't want to part with it?

Not really, no.

Annette may be happy taking that home,

but the no-sale isn't helping our total.

We could do with our next item grabbing the bidders' attention.

Fortunately, it's the lovely mahogany side table

and Paul is quite a fan.

OK, now it's the turn of the proper antique.

It's a 19th-century mahogany side table.

It should be in a living room in pride of place on show.

We're looking for about 100 to 150 for this, a real antique.

Lot 130 is a 19th-century mahogany side table.

-We've got three bids on commission...

-Three bids already!

Start at £130, 140 do I see?

At 140, 150, 160, 170, 180.

170 on commission, 180 now.

At £170, 180? A very popular lot throughout the view.

At 170, 180 do I see?

170 on commission, and selling at 170.

-I can't believe it.

-I can't.

Who said antiques were out of fashion? Fantastic.

-That means we're still in fashion, then!

-Exactly.

-"Exactly"?!

-Sorry.

You just watch what you say, Paul. Cheeky blighter.

But that last sale has put us right back on track

and the target is well within our sights,

which is just as well, as we only have one lot to go.

It's that landscape by an unknown artist.

Paul stuck his neck out with his estimate on this one of £120,

so this could be interesting.

At £30.

40, 50, 60, 70, 80.

80, 90, 90, 100.

At £100 near the dresser. 110, 110 new place.

120, 130, 140,

150, 160.

150 in the centre of the room, 160 now.

In the centre of the room, we're selling. All done at £150.

-£150!

-There you go!

That's a fantastic end to our sale.

So, now it's time to reveal the final total.

Well, £1,000 was what you wanted.

With all those things missing...

what you've made is...

£1,141.

I can't believe it!

How are you going to celebrate?

I'm going to crack the champagne when we get home.

It's been a few weeks since the girls' big day at auction

and Annette has been enjoying the fruits of their labour.

She's just returned from a trip to the States

where she was reunited with her old pen pal.

It was marvellous to see Leah again.

It was so exciting, because that's the first time I've been over there.

We also had three nights in Las Vegas, which was a bit expensive

because we couldn't keep off the slot-machines.

Plus, there's more good news for Annette.

Her enigmatic statute, Moliath, was entered into a fine art sale.

She totally stole the show, selling for an incredible £4,400.

As a result, Annette is now busy planning a world tour

with her two sisters and brother-in-law Peter.

Well, someone needs to keep an eye on them.

I am excited.

I can't believe how quick it's coming round.

Visiting some fantastic places, it's going to be absolutely superb.