Hasthorpe Cash in the Attic

Welcome to Cash In The Attic.

I'm sure that some time or another, many of you have moved house.

And if you have, you'll know that that's when all sorts of things turn up that have just got to go.

So you decide to sell them and hopefully make some money on them.

Well, that's the situation that's facing the family that I'm about to meet.

'Coming up on Cash In The Attic, it's a case of facing up to the fact that all eyes are on us.'

-So which is Frank's eyes?

-Is it this one?

-Could be.

-Or on the shark perhaps?

'Who would have guessed one of Hollywood's biggest stars would make an appearance?'

-"From your one and only Clark."

-'At auction, could a small slip-up ruin our couple's chances?'

-I think he's left it unsold.

-He's left it unsold!

-Oh...

'Find out what happens when the hammer falls.'

Today I'm in Grimsby,

where I'm about to meet three generations of the same family

who've decided to sell up and move.

And I must admit, I've already been having a look in the house,

and I've come across these pieces from a rather unusual chess set. They're going to auction,

but are they going to make us a king's ransom or go for just a few pawns?

We'll soon find out.

'Heather Hasthorpe grew up and lives in Grimsby,

'but her heart belongs to Canada.

'Heather's mother was raised in Winnipeg

'but came to this country as a young woman to marry Heather's father.

'Heather was happy in the UK but considered a move to Canada in her early twenties.

'However, like her mother before her, love stopped her in her tracks.

'Because she met her future husband Frank and continued to live in England.

'Now proud grandparents, Frank and Heather have had a good life together.

'But it's time for Heather to fulfil her dream and live in Canada.

'Their grandson, Charlie, and son-in-law Dan have come round to help today.

'And our expert Paul Hayes is also here to find any antiques that they have around the house

'that they want to take to auction.'

-Who's that, Charlie?

-I think we've got a veritable bumper bundle of Hasthorpes here.

-And I bet you're Charlie, are you?

-Nah...

-You're not? So who are you?

-Charlie.

-You ARE Charlie.

-How old are you?

-Three.

-You're three!

-And you're going to be helping Granny and Grandad today?

-Yeah.

-Ah, I thought you were. And this is Granny Heather?

-That's right.

-And Frank?

-Yes.

-And son-in-law Dan.

-That's right.

-Right!

Why have you called in Cash In The Attic?

To actually go to Canada. I'd love to go there for a holiday, or I'd like to live there, actually.

-What's this fascination with Canada?

-My daughter lives there

and my mother was Canadian.

You've got two daughters, haven't you?

-Cos Charlie's mum's here.

-That's right, but my other daughter lives in Vancouver.

Frank, how do you feel about going to Canada?

I'd like to go. I would.

-Dan, you're married to Frank's other daughter Kelly.

-Yes.

-Are you all moving to Canada too?

-We'd love to. We'd do it at the drop of a hat.

It's just down to cost at the moment,

but we love it. It's beautiful,

and we believe it'd be a better standard of life for Charlie.

-It'd be a great place for Charlie to grow up in.

-Oh yeah. Fantastic, yeah.

So how much do we think we're going to raise?

-About £500.

-500?

-Yes.

Charlie? You're going to go and help Granny and Grandad find some things around the house?

-Yeah.

-Tell me where you're going to look, then.

-Under the bed.

-And where else?

-In the cupboard.

-You are going to find the best things in there, aren't you?

-Yes.

-Yes!

He's going to be our super sleuth today.

I brought Paul Hayes, who is already having a look round

to see what we might be able to take to auction.

We don't want to leave him on his own for too long, cos you never know what he will come up with.

So how are you doing there, Charlie?

'The Hasthorpe home is immaculate.

'So what's likely to be hidden away in cupboards or under the bed is yet to be seen.

'But Paul's already spotted something.'

-Ah, hello!

-There you go, I told you he'd be hard at work already.

-Would you like to buy a balloon?

-Oh yes, definitely. I like that yellow one.

They're lovely, aren't they? Very famous figure. Where did you get them from?

They came from Aunt Rae's in Canada. We went over there for her 100th birthday.

But... Unfortunately, she didn't make it.

So when we went there, we were offered them. We said we could take what we wanted.

And what was it that appealed to you?

The balloon sellers I remembered on my auntie's fireplace.

So these figurines have great memories for you,

-not just of your aunt, but of Canada.

-Yes.

This is one of the most popular figurines that Royal Doulton did.

And it's called The Old Balloon Seller.

It's part of a series called The Street Sellers.

So they had people selling flowers, matchsticks and so on.

-She looks like Old Mother Riley, doesn't she?

-She does.

But the modelling is absolutely superb. It's a guy called Leslie Harradine.

He was head at Doulton for a long time and he came up with all these wonderful designs.

And this one dates from early 1930s, just before the Second World War.

How much might the three of them make together?

If I was being conservative here... These turn up between £40 and £60 a figure.

So if we said that at least for each three,

that's £120. How does that sound?

-Fine.

-Sounds OK, doesn't it?

-It does, yeah. Really good.

Well, I think 120 is a very good foundation

on which we're going to build the £500 we're going to raise today.

-So let's go and see what else we can find.

-OK.

'Dan's found a 20th century Lladro piece.

'Since 1953, Lladro porcelain has been known for its distinctive design and soft colouring.

'Will this lady attract £60-100?'

-Hi, Paul!

-Hello, you two! Come and join me - just in time.

What have you got here? The famous Fischer-Kasparov game?

I don't think that's what it is, no.

This is a re-enactment of the American War of Independence.

It's obviously a chess set,

but we've got America here and Great Britain over here.

It looks like 18th century. I think that's what it is.

We've got George Washington on his famous white horse,

the minutemen and the eagle of America lined up against

the British lion and the famous redcoats.

Isn't that fantastic? What a great thing.

So you've got a war game and a game of chess, all in one.

I think we know who wins...

-But maybe not every game.

-Yeah, I'm afraid it's not us.

Are you great chess players in the family?

No, neither of us play.

We play chequers with them, but we haven't played any chess.

It's very unusual,

but they do make chess sets in all sorts of different characters.

If you think of a subject,

there will be a chess set made around that subject.

But the actual game was developed in India in about the 6th century.

It was called chaturanga,

and they used elephants and chariots for the bishops and the rooks.

They had infantry and cavalry, but very similar game to what we have now.

The detail in the painting is absolutely exquisite, isn't it?

It's such a quality item.

The board itself is rosewood. It's beautiful.

The sandalwood in the middle gives its contrasting colours.

I just think it's super, really.

So if we sell it, how much do you think they might make?

As an auction estimate, to give it a real chance,

if I said between £60-100...

I think someone who really takes a shine to it...

You've got the American history enthusiasts here

and a chess player as well, and it's complete.

'Living in Grimsby, it's clear that Heather and Frank treasure the seaside.

'This colourful beach scene was painted by a local artist

'and Paul thinks someone would love to take it home for £40-£60.

So Heather, just explain to me what this fascination with Canada is in a bit more detail.

My mother lived in Canada for most of her life.

My parents were pen friends and she came over here to get married.

So your father must have been very persuasive. So when did you first visit the country?

When I was 20,

and travelled coast to coast on the train and saw all my relations, who are splattered all about Canada.

-Is that what made you feel you wanted to stay there?

-Yes, I did apply to emigrate at that time.

Unfortunately after that, or fortunately, I met Frank.

-So how did you two meet?

-We met at work, didn't we? We both worked for the same company and...

Now you've decided you really do want to live in Canada.

If I won the lottery, I'd be there tomorrow. ANGELA LAUGHS

You won't win the lottery,

but I know that Charlie and Dan and Paul have been hard at work,

so shall we go and see how much they've managed to find?

'Frank's found another thing that'll help them wing their way to Canada.

'This 19th century station clock is in perfect condition,

'which means we can ask for £100-£150.

'Dan and Paul eye up an Art Deco oak hall stand.

'Designed to hold a coat, hat and umbrella,

'it even has a box for gloves.

'We're hoping it's going to make £40-£60.'

'It's important to have a place to hang your hat, but come auction day,

-'I wonder if the bidders will feel the same way.'

-FRANK CHUCKLES

'As we continue our rummage in Grimsby, I've enlisted the help of Charlie.

'He's got the hang of it now and points me in the right direction.

'Heather bought this cameo brooch piece in an antique shop years ago.

'The 9-carat gold and pink shell inset reflect its classic Victorian design.'

'If Frank and Heather are happy to let it go, it could fetch £60-£100.

Now then, Heather... What have you found? Something good?

-Lots of postcards that my mother collected.

-All right.

I love postcards. Where are they all from?

-All sorts of places.

-Was she well travelled?

-Yes, she was. And there's that one as well.

-OK. Who is this, then?

Clark Gable. I don't think it's really from him. You read it.

It says here, "My own darling Irene,

"just a line hoping you are always thinking of me as I am of you

"from your one and only Clark." So did she have a relationship with Clark Gable?

I don't think so.

I think it was a joke. I think my uncle, she said, had sent it.

Because he went to the movie studios, and it was at that time she received that from Clark Gable.

-But she never did find out.

-She never met him or anything like that?

-No.

It definitely is a publicity shot that you'll get of all the Hollywood actors at the time.

But what an interesting thing. What else have we got here?

-Some funny ones. Mabel Lucie Atwell, have you heard of her?

-Yes.

Very famous 1930s cartoonist.

Ah! This is what you're looking for. Look at that.

Anything to do with transport. Trains, planes, automobiles...

All that sort of thing. Shipping lines are very popular. That's a White Star Line as well.

Aquitania. That's very collectable.

-Nothing sentimental here at all?

-No. No.

OK, I'll tell you what we'll do. These will be sorted out by the auctioneer,

he tends to put them in certain categories, in certain orders.

If we put these in as a lot... If I said £30-£50, how does that sound?

-That sounds brilliant.

-In the meantime, what I think we should do,

is to try and get a copy of Clark Gable's signature,

see if we can match that up.

Cos that potentially could be a very collectable thing.

All right, so we're looking at £30 plus Clark Gable.

-That sounds brilliant.

-All right. We don't say that every day, do we?

'Heather's decided to let these five 19th century prints from Vanity Fair Magazine go.

'The publication started in the late 1800s,

'and Paul hopes that someone will take them off our hands for £30-£50.

'Paul's found another beautiful seaside painting.

'A watercolour of Whitby harbour.

'This was painted by a local lighthouse keeper, Desmond G Sythes.

'Paul estimates it might raise £50-£100.'

I must admit, Frank, I've found one of my favourite items.

This beautiful settee. Where does this come from?

I bought it five or six years ago from my sister-in-law.

She used to do antiques at one time...

-Ah...

-A few years back, and it was in a bit of a state.

There was all hair hanging out and we had it recovered.

That's what I was going to ask you. Normally by now, the stuffing's coming out

or they're a bit worn. This one is in absolutely mint condition.

-How long ago was that?

-About five or six years ago.

Really? It's held up well, hasn't it?

-What was it that attracted you?

-We liked the frame, the shape. It caught our eye.

That's what you call the Aesthetic Movement.

They use black and gilt. That's very architectural.

It's not so much organic, like the Art Nouveau style.

And if you think about it, the old Georgian furniture

was very spindly, very uncomfortable, more for show.

By the time you get to about 1850 onwards, they're all for comfort.

Ladies would sit on here and spend hours and chat in their parlour and do their daily activities.

Value-wise, if I said between £400 and £600, is that what you were thinking as well?

Could we put a reserve of, say, £500 on it?

-On the understanding if it doesn't fetch that, it comes back with you.

-That's fine.

Let's keep looking.

'So far, we've collected some really good items for auction.

'With several paintings in the mix,

'I wonder if the Hasthorpes have some artists hidden in their family tree.'

It's funny little trousers, isn't it?

Are you going to have a look at this for us?

-Blimey! What a colourful picture.

-That's some picture, isn't it?

-It's of Auckland, New Zealand.

-New Zealand? Right, I've got you.

-It's done by my nephew.

-So is he a well-known artist?

-He probably is in New Zealand, but...

-He did some stamps.

He's done some stamps, yes. First cover stamps and...

Of course, while I was there, he took a photograph of my eyes and...

So you think you might be in this picture somewhere?

-So which is Frank's eyes?

-Is it this one?

-Could be.

-Or on the shark perhaps?

I love his style. That's the modern method.

It's almost like a collage, but using photography,

so they've taken your still and your snapshot

and made them into these animals that do wonderful things.

It's fantastic, actually. It's very well done.

What I have noticed here is Hallmark, they're a massive greeting card chain.

He must have had a contract with them at some point.

Is this something that's likely to have a value at auction?

Limited edition prints can do very well most times.

The fact that we've got a good artist here...

He must well-known in New Zealand to be on the cover the stamps. That would be amazing.

But if I said £60-£100, that sort of price band...

That sound all right to you?

Sounds good.

Let's add that to everything else we've seen.

But before I tell you how much we think we're going to make,

let's call in the rest of the family.

Dan and Charlie, do you want to come and join us?

And then you can all hear how much we think we might make at auction,

taking Paul's lowest estimates on everything.

500 is your target to get everybody over to Canada for a holiday to see your other daughter.

But with a bit of luck, Charlie, we should be able to make

-£1,050.

-Ooh!

-Wow!

-Bit of a difference, isn't it?

Thumbs up, Charlie!

'We've had a great day,

'and there are some fantastic items heading off to auction,

'including...

'the chess set, valued at £60-£100,

'which just might inspire a bidding battle.

'The cameo brooch, a classic collectable

'that will hopefully fly off the shelf for £60-£100.

'And the three Royal Doulton figurines

'inherited from Heather's aunt with an estimate of £120-£150.

'Still to come on Cash In The Attic,

'a Hollywood heart-throb seems to attract the bidders.'

-HAMMER BANGS

-There you go.

-Excellent!

A Clark Gable fan, perhaps? You never know.

'And later, a surprising outcome.'

-Oh dear...

-Oh!

-Not sold!

-Wow.

'Find out what happens when the hammer falls.'

Well, it seems like only yesterday that we were rummaging in Heather and Frank's home in Grimsby,

looking for items that we could sell at auction that would help them to realize the dream

of first a holiday in Canada and then possibly relocation to that country.

In the meantime, we haven't travelled quite that far.

We've just come to Derby, to Bamfords Auctioneers.

Let's hope that we're going to get some really enthusiastic bidding today, to help us make our target.

'This is one of the biggest auction houses in Derbyshire and has regular weekly sales.

'It's well-known in the area

'and it looks like there are the usual flurry of interested buyers here today

'eyeing up what's on offer.

-Now, then...

-I see you're taking a look at that wonderfully sunny Antipodean scene

on what is a very, very cold day here.

I'm glad you said that and not me, Angela.

-You've put reserves on a couple of things, haven't you?

-Yes.

We put £500 on the chaise and we put some money on the chess set.

-How much?

-£100 reserve.

-Did you bring Charlie with you?

-Yes, he's about somewhere.

-Just make sure he doesn't bid for anything.

-THEY LAUGH

-We'll keep his hands locked.

-As you can see, the place is starting to fill up,

-so follow Paul and let's go and take our places.

-Come on!

'Let's hope that our bidders are a bit more awake than young Charlie today.

'Frank and Heather want to raise £500 and, with a bit of luck, we might get above that figure.'

'If you'd like to raise money at auction for something special,

'do take note that houses usually charge a commission

'and fees vary from saleroom to saleroom,

'so it's always best to inquire in advance.

'The bidding is already under way and our first lot,

'the chess set, is about to take the stand.'

I have to announce a change of reserve.

We've increased the reserve, and I have to ask £100.

£100? £80 then?

70 then?

£50 to start it?

-£50.

-Oh, here we go.

At £50 and 5 now.

65, 70, 75.

-80.

-Oh, it's creeping up. It might do it yet.

-At £80, can I sell it?

-Can he sell it for 80?

-No!

-No?

-85, 90.

90. 95.

100. £95. 100 now.

At 95? Good to sell it?

All done at 95.

-Yeah.

-Ah, screw it.

-I think he's left it unsold.

-Oh, he's left it unsold?

-Oh!

-Oh, right.

What happens, when you put a reserve,

if it doesn't fetch that reserve, you do get to take it home.

-I thought there was a bit of leeway.

-We'll take it home.

-We're not disappointed.

-Are you sure?

-That's fine.

So Charlie is going to have to start learning

how to play chess a bit quick, isn't he?

-Yes, he can teach us!

-OK.

'I think that "no sale" was meant to be.'

OK, now I really like this next lot, actually.

It's those five fashion prints,

and they all date from the Victorian period,

and it's wonderful for people to get an indication how designers

-and what the fashions were of the day.

-£30?

-£30 for them.

-Oh!

20, then. £20 is bid.

At £20 with the cap. And 2, do I see?

-Go on, 28! 30.

-30.

And 2. At £30 and selling.

-There you go.

-On the nose. £30.

-Yes.

'Our first money in the pot, and we're up and running.

'And up next, it's the Oscar-winning Clark Gable.'

OK, it's the turn now of that job lot of postcards and memorabilia,

and of course, there's a photo in there that's signed,

somebody called Clark. It wasn't Clark Gable, I don't think.

We can't say it definitely is, so we're going assume it isn't.

And it's going in at £30-£50.

At £25. 28?

30? 32? 32 takes them.

That was quick.

At 32, standing right at the back.

And selling. Up £32.

-32.

-Excellent!

-A Clark Gable fan, perhaps.

-That's right.

-You never know.

So, Clark Gable was irresistible,

even if he was just a photograph.

'Auctions are always unpredictable, though.

'The painting by Frank's nephew failed to attract any interest,

'but the colourful fairground painting proved popular,

'going for £55.

'Well, let's hope that the bidders are feeling

'a bit livelier than Charlie. It's his find up next.'

Charlie and I had a good hunt round your house,

and he actually came across a very pretty little cameo.

Where did this one come from?

It was mine. It was just stuffed in a drawer.

I think I've worn it once, that's it.

-And actually, cameos come in and out of fashion, don't they?

-Yes.

Well, it's out of fashion with you, but let's hope it's in fashion

with someone here in the auction room,

Paul, because you've got it at £60-£100.

£50?

-Well, 40, then. £40.

-Oh, dear.

£40?

Oh, dear.

-Not sold!

-Well.

'That took us all by surprise,

'but obviously it's not fashionable in Derby either.

'We've made just £117 towards our £500 target so far,

'but with six lots still to sell, there's everything to play for.'

Coming up now is my favourite item

of all of yours that are in the auction today,

and that's that wonderful harbour at low tide, the watercolour,

which is actually signed, 20th century.

We've got £50-£100 on it, Paul. Let's see how it does.

At £30. 32, do I see?

£30. It's worth that, surely?

32, thank you, madam.

35. 38.

40. And 42. 45.

48. 50. 52?

At 50, on commission and selling at £50.

-Hooray!

-Yeah!

-OK?

Well, I tell you what, I think they've got a bargain.

'With a sale that meets Paul's estimate,

'it looks like we've started the second half on the right foot.

'The 1920s hall stand is modestly priced at £40-£60.

'It's an Art Deco piece,

'and it's sure to give someone a place to hang their hat in style.'

-Would you be sorry to see it go?

-Not really.

-No, no.

At £60. We OK?

At £60 in the room.

Gentleman standing. All done.

Against commissions and selling at £60.

-There you go. How's that?

-There's real surprise in your voice.

-I'm amazed. I mean, I wouldn't have given it house room.

-Well, you did.

-You did for a while.

-Well, I did for a while.

'It's a double whammy when you sell well

'and get rid of something you didn't even like.

'And Heather's pleased to see the back

'of the Lladro figurine too...'

Gentleman's bid at £80.

'As it sells right in the middle of Paul's estimate.

'Now, more ornaments. Will they do as well?'

Three Royal Doulton figurines coming up now

that you brought back from Canada, that had belonged to your auntie.

We're hoping these will do very well as a trio.

It'll be interesting to see how they do in the heart of the Potteries.

90. 95. At £90 on commission and selling. At £90...

He's going to let them go.

At 95 I see. All done at £90.

-The three have gone together.

-Yes.

-No more balloons.

The balloons burst there, I think.

'£90 was a tad less than we'd hoped for,

'but it all adds to the pot for Canada.

'It's time now for the much talked about sofa.

'It could make or break today's outcome.'

OK, now. This is the real show stopper.

It's that beautiful settee.

-Fantastic.

-But you've put a reserve on it, haven't you, of £500?

£500, yes.

Now, if it doesn't make that, you do realise you'll have to take it home?

-Yes.

-That's right.

-How do you feel about that?

-Fine.

The prettiest piece of furniture in the room by a long way.

My favourite thing. >

It's a superb thing. I have got nine bids on commission.

-Nine bids!

-Nine?

-They range from a poor bid of £75...

Dear me!

..and I start on commission at £420. 450?

-420.

-That's a start.

£420. 450 now. At 420 on commission.

450, may I say, superb sofa.

At £420. 450.

450. 480. 500.

490 for you. That's £480.

A superb sofa.

At £480 on commission, and we're selling.

Nod of the head. All done.

At 480.

-Brilliant!

-Well done.

-Couldn't survive another one of them.

-£480.

The auctioneer was brilliant. He used his discretion. That's great.

I thought you'd lose it for a minute,

It stopped at 440, and I thought, "He's not going to sell it."

Then it stood there, didn't it?

That was a nail-biter.

And now it's time for our final lot,

and we're looking for at least £100 for the classic station clock.

At £75. 80, may I say?

At £75, then, all done...

-80, new place.

-80!

85. 90. At 85, on commission still and selling.

All done at 85.

Brilliant!

Oh, well, that's not bad.

That is a terrific total.

-Things you don't expect.

-No.

Let me tell you how much we've made in total

towards the £500 that you want for this wonderful family trip

you're going to make to Canada. So, Dan, Charlie, come and join us.

There we go.

At the halfway stage, if you remember,

we'd barely made a quarter of your £500.

That's right.

It got a bit dodgy there for a minute, but we have made...

£962.

-9...wow!

-Wow.

-Charlie!

-Charlie!

-Wow.

-Wow.

THEY LAUGH

With the £962 raised at auction,

the Hasthorpe family have got a fair chunk of cash

towards that trip to Canada.

Ice hockey is Canada's national sport,

and they are the current Olympic gold champions.

So, to get them into the swing of things,

the Hasthorpes have come to see an ice hockey game

which is a bit closer to home.

I didn't know they did ice hockey in Grimsby,

and it's absolutely brilliant.

We've loved every minute, haven't we, Charlie?

-Thumbs up!

-Thumbs up!