0:00:02 > 0:00:06We often inherit pieces that we love but don't really need.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09That's the case with the lady I'm about to meet.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Let's hope her heirlooms turn out to be treasure.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36'Coming up on Cash In The Attic,
0:00:36 > 0:00:39'an unusual 19th-century tea caddy.'
0:00:39 > 0:00:43This is a nice box. I don't recall one with three compartments.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48'A stunning Qing dynasty bowl gets a surprise valuation.'
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Holy smoke!
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- Are you surprised?- I'm shocked!
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Have you changed your mind?- No!
0:00:55 > 0:00:59'And an insight into the mind of an antiques expert.'
0:00:59 > 0:01:04When he says he's quietly confident he knows what he's talking about!
0:01:04 > 0:01:08'Will we be smiling at the end of the day?
0:01:08 > 0:01:10'Find out when the final hammer falls.'
0:01:12 > 0:01:17I'm in rainy Berkshire on my way to meet Carol and her friend Joy
0:01:17 > 0:01:20to raise some cash in the attic.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24'Keen gardener Carol Warren grew up in North Yorkshire
0:01:24 > 0:01:28'before moving to the south of England in the 1950s
0:01:28 > 0:01:31'where her parents opened a barber shop.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34'Carol didn't follow in their footsteps
0:01:34 > 0:01:39'and, after working for a diamond company, she sold double glazing,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42'which led to a career in interior design.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46'Today, Carol lives near Maidenhead in Berkshire,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49'where she brought up her family.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54'Her daughters have flown the nest and Carol's decided it's time for a clear-out.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59'With help from Joy and Cash In The Attic, we hope she can do just that.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02'Our expert John Cameron's eager to get started
0:02:02 > 0:02:04'so I'll meet the ladies.'
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- They had me out rocking. - Did they?
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- Did someone mention rocking? - Oh, hello!- How are you?
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- Joy and Carol?- Yes. Carol and Joy.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- You planning an evening out?- Yes. Windsor theatre's just up the road.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- Why did you call Cash In The Attic? - Well, I retired in October.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30I've got so many bits and pieces around the house, lots of clutter
0:02:30 > 0:02:33that I never use except Christmas or whatever.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37I thought I'd try and get rid of some of it and have a holiday.
0:02:37 > 0:02:43- How much money are you planning to raise?- Maybe 1,500, if we could.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47We've got John Cameron on hand. He's already having a rummage.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- Let's, hopefully, get to that £1,500 mark. Let's get on with it.- OK.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56'Carol's set her mind on that holiday in the sun.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00'With a hefty £1,500 target, we need to get to work
0:03:00 > 0:03:03'and hope we can find plenty of goodies.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07'One man who's not going anywhere, except maybe into the attic,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09'is John Cameron.'
0:03:09 > 0:03:14- Morning.- Hiya, guys.- What have you found?- An interesting picture.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- It's not your only one by this artist.- I've got two more.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22You've got an expansive landscape and a still life.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- Who's the artist?- Anne Harcourt.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28They belonged to my mother-in-law.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31She spoke as if she'd either met her or knew her.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35That's all I know. Of the three, that is my favourite.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39It's possible that your mother-in-law did know the artist.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42They're certainly contemporary.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46She may have bought them from the same gallery.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50There's a chance she knew her or became a fan of her work,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53so bought three different pictures.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55I have come across her work,
0:03:55 > 0:04:00though there's not a lot of history about her paintings at auction.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Interesting that she can paint in different ways.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Those three paintings are completely different.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10She's got the still life down quite well.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14She was a member of the Society of Women Artists
0:04:14 > 0:04:18and the National Society of Painters, Sculptors and Printmakers,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21so she would have had academic training.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- What about the scene? - It looks like the south of France.
0:04:25 > 0:04:31I'd agree. It's possibly Antibes or Port Grimaud in the south of France.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Let's talk about money.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Carol said it's her favourite. It's my favourite.
0:04:37 > 0:04:43Collectively, you're looking at around...
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- This could do a bit better.- I'd like to put a reserve on this one.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Not the other two. - That would be your prerogative.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53If you stipulate that you want that separated
0:04:53 > 0:04:57and you want a reserve of X amount, I'm sure they'll be happy.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02You're selling a sunshine scene so you can get into the sunshine.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- You'll have to find something to put on the wall.- I'll have to wash it.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12I'm glad you said that! Come on, plenty more rummaging to do.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15'That's a pretty good way
0:05:15 > 0:05:20'to kick off our day - let's hope it's a sign of things to come.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22'Joyce starts her search upstairs.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27'She spots some costume jewellery, including Christian Dior pieces.
0:05:27 > 0:05:33'Christian Dior's designs burst onto the world stage in the 1940s.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37'Soon, he was the most recognised name in fashion.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41'John thinks this collection could fetch...'
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Have you got those out for a polish or to send to auction?
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Something you can send to auction!
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- I was thinking how heavy they were. - They are.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57They are silver, but not solid silver.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02They've got these felt bases. Inside there is a resin mixture.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05It's put in to give them weight.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08I had some candlesticks which were silver.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13I did a stupid thing. I cleaned them and they were still a bit damp.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18I've got a fan oven, so I popped them on a shelf and put the oven on.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Then forgot about them and came back to find
0:06:21 > 0:06:26that the black resin had all gone on the bottom of the oven.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- You've got hollow candlesticks? - Almost hollow candlesticks!
0:06:30 > 0:06:34These are the bigger ones. They can go to auction, certainly.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Looking at the hallmarks,
0:06:37 > 0:06:42I would date those to 1918, so we're George V.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45They're in a style known as "Adamesque".
0:06:45 > 0:06:52They're of octagonal section, but the slender and elegant shape
0:06:52 > 0:06:58is a revival of Robert Adam's famous neoclassical style of the 1770s.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01After his trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05where he studied Roman villas, interior and the architecture.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09They've got their detachable drip pans, which is nice.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- These sometimes get lost. - And it's hallmarked.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16They do have the hallmarks, as they should.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20Those should correspond with the hallmarks on the base.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25They're rather nice items. Good that you've got a pair.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30They are in nice condition, no dents and nothing loose inside.
0:07:30 > 0:07:36At auction today, I would see no problem in them making...
0:07:36 > 0:07:41'Let's hope John's right and the candlesticks shine at auction.'
0:07:41 > 0:07:43200. Start me at 150, then.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48150 bid. 160. At 160. 160, 170...
0:07:48 > 0:07:52'Stay tuned to find out how much they make.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54'I've been searching the lounge
0:07:54 > 0:07:59'and found this rather attractive silver lined pedestal rose bowl.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01'It was assayed in London in 1925,
0:08:01 > 0:08:05'and was an item Carol inherited from her mother-in-law.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10'John thinks it should fetch as much as...'
0:08:13 > 0:08:18Everywhere you look in your house, you see lovely pieces.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- Would you say you're a hoarder? - Yes. Probably.
0:08:22 > 0:08:28I haven't got rid of stuff that belonged to my mother or mother-in-law.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32You mentioned your mother-in-law, what sort of character was she?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Very strong-willed.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Used to speak her mind, but I got on extremely well with her.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43She thought I was a daughter she didn't have.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45She had two sons.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- Are you originally from this area? - No, I was born in North Yorkshire.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- Wensleydale.- What did your parents do?- My father was a barber.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59My mother was just a housewife, really.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03We came down just before I was 12, to the end of the road here.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- That's a journey and a half.- It was.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11I remember that we sat on a sofa in the back of the furniture van.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16The budgie hanging up in its cage. We got very funny looks!
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Do you remember your parents having a clear out before the move?
0:09:20 > 0:09:25I don't remember. I do remember things my mother did have.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27She had wonderful brass and copperware.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32Some years later, she sold to - or gave them, I think -
0:09:32 > 0:09:35to somebody who had a house in the south of England.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38I keep thinking, "I wish I had those now."
0:09:38 > 0:09:43How will your two daughters feel about you giving this stuff away?
0:09:43 > 0:09:48They won't mind because I've asked them and I know what they do like.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51So they will have those anyway.
0:09:51 > 0:09:57- When I have gone, things they don't like, they can call Cash In The Attic!- Course!
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- Listen, we've procrastinated long enough.- We have.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- I've bent your ear enough.- No! But we've got to carry on.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07All right, then.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12'Whilst we've been relaxing, John's been working hard in the search.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17'He's found three sets of cutlery, bridge pencils and a Vesta case.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21'These were more items inherited from Carol's mother-in-law.
0:10:21 > 0:10:27'John values them collectively for an impressive...
0:10:27 > 0:10:31'There's no shortage of stunning items in Carol's lovely home.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33'John's in his element.'
0:10:33 > 0:10:38This looks like something to take to auction, Joy. That is interesting.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Do you know what this is? - It's a tea caddy.- You're right.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47- Have you ever seen it before?- Yes. I did think they contained cards.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I see what you mean, definitely.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54The caddy developed in the age when tea was prohibitively expensive.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Now they're loved as decorative objects.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02This is quite an unusual one in that you've got three caddies.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Each one with a zinc lining to keep them fresh.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11I don't recall seeing one with three compartments inside.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15This is a nice box, a tour de force in marquetry,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18well, parquetry, to be correct.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Marquetry are pictures or patterns.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Parquetry is geometric patterns.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Probably from the 19th century.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Look at the woods. We've got some satinwood.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35These corners are probably stained boxwood.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39A little bit of damage here and there, nothing major.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Can that be repaired? - Yes, it can be repaired.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44It's not too difficult.
0:11:44 > 0:11:50It's a cabinetmaker's job to do it properly, so it can be expensive.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55Value-wise, we should be able to get...
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- You think she'll be happy? - She'll be well pleased. I would be.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- Jolly good... - And I'm a coffee drinker!
0:12:02 > 0:12:08'That's another terrific find and takes our total to just shy of £800.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13'With a hefty £1,500 target to reach we've got some way to go.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16'So the hard work continues.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21'Carol decides to part with her collection of crystal glass
0:12:21 > 0:12:24'made by the famous Irish company Waterford.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29'The resale value of crystal is a fraction of what it was when new.
0:12:29 > 0:12:35'Auction houses are a great place to buy but not great when selling.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40'John thinks £50 to £100 is all we can expect for this collection.'
0:12:42 > 0:12:47I'm guessing, by the fact that these were hidden, that you're not a fan.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51No, they're not my particular choice. I prefer Lladro.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- What's the story behind them? - My mother had them for years.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58I got them when she died.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02The only one I like is that one, Melody, I think she's called.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Interesting that that's your favourite.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Do you know that she collected using any sort of theme?
0:13:09 > 0:13:14- No. She just liked them.- People often collect for different reasons.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19They'll collect a series or the work of a certain modeller.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22There are great modellers from Doulton like Charles Noke,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Leslie Harradine, Mary Nicholl
0:13:25 > 0:13:30and a lady that was there for about 40 years, Peggy Davies.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- These, all three of them, are by Peggy Davies.- Are they?
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- So that's why I asked. - That's a coincidence!
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Also interesting that that is your favourite, Melody.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46From a series called Teenagers, she's the scarcest of the three.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48I'd put the three of them together
0:13:48 > 0:13:51at about...
0:13:54 > 0:13:59That gets you probably to Llandudno, so let's carry on, shall we?
0:14:01 > 0:14:06'Spurred on by that holiday, Carol adds her silver tea service
0:14:06 > 0:14:08'to the items heading to auction.
0:14:08 > 0:14:15'John thinks it could be of interest to any collectors in the saleroom.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20'He gives it a hefty price tag!
0:14:20 > 0:14:22'That's what I like to hear.'
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Carol?
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- You found my boxes. - I found your boxes.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32These would be interesting to send, if you're not too attached to them.
0:14:32 > 0:14:38Not really. That was my mother's and that was my mother-in-law's.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Bought separately? They didn't holiday together?- No.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46That's remarkable that they both bought Limoges boxes,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48identical in form and shape.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52So, would you be prepared to sell something like these?
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- Yes, providing it's a reasonable price.- We'll come to that.
0:14:56 > 0:15:02To most people, it represents high quality decorating on porcelain.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07The Limoges reputation goes back to about the 12th and 13th century,
0:15:07 > 0:15:12but a different type of enamelling, ground glass mixed with pigment,
0:15:12 > 0:15:18painted onto copper bases and then fired so it becomes glass-like.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23In the 18th century, there was a craze for hard-paste porcelain.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26The Europeans finally discovered how to make it,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30first at Meissen, and later at Sevres and in this country.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33These are true hard-paste porcelain.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38The piece has been put together. They've cut sections of slab.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Then they've been fired and then they're decorated.
0:15:42 > 0:15:49- Do they start with a basic colour? - They start with colours fired at the highest temperatures.
0:15:49 > 0:15:55So each time it's fired again, you're reducing the temperature.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59If we look at the bottom, the addition of "France"
0:15:59 > 0:16:01suggests early 20th century.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Because I like them and they're in good condition,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08I'd see no problem with them making...
0:16:08 > 0:16:12That sounds good.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- Thank you.- Well, we're not doing too bad.- Let's find some more.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19'Another great addition towards the luxury holiday
0:16:19 > 0:16:24'and our £1,500 target is definitely inching ever closer.'
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Come on, ladies. Let's sit down.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- I think we deserve this cup of tea. It's going well.- Yes. I'm surprised.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37You've both found treasures. You have a fantastic relationship.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- We do, actually. - We're completely opposite.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Chalk and cheese, but we get on extremely well.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- That relationship was born out of work?- Yes.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51In Windsor, we were both working in the same store.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55I was in there demonstrating double-glazed windows
0:16:55 > 0:16:58and trying to sell appointments.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02Joy was the lingerie buyer, known as the naughty knicker lady!
0:17:02 > 0:17:06The naughty knicker lady? Are you happy about that?
0:17:06 > 0:17:11I went into a local pub. "Oh! The naughty knicker lady!"
0:17:11 > 0:17:13My husband got fed up and told them.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17I said, "Don't do that. They're good customers."
0:17:17 > 0:17:20I'm sure you've got stories about that!
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Let's talk about exotic holidays. When did you start going on them?
0:17:24 > 0:17:28When my eldest daughter was living with me.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31We went to the Caribbean a few times.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36Swimming with dolphins, which scared me. I'm a terrible swimmer!
0:17:36 > 0:17:43She went to do other things and I thought, "Just cos I'm on my own, I'm still going to go on holiday."
0:17:43 > 0:17:48- You're never tempted to go with her? - Joy doesn't like a lazy holiday.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53I'm likely to go to New York or San Francisco or Rome.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- You've got to be busy?- Yeah.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00I'll be out at 9.30 in the morning until six in the evening.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- That sounds like hard work. - Well, it is.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08We need to raise £1,500 to get you that exotic holiday
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- that you're not going on and I am! - He'll go in my suitcase!
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- We should get on with it. - I think we should pack a suitcase.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21'We embark on one final sweep of Carol's house
0:18:21 > 0:18:26'and I find this stunning Victorian locket in the back of a drawer.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28'Carol bought it at auction herself.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34'It's lovely, with diamond and heart decoration and a gold necklace.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38'John thinks it could fetch as much as...'
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- Come and have a look at this. - Ooh. What have you found?
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- I think I'm in time for the Chinese New Year.- It's very sharp.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- What's the story behind this? - Um... I inherited it.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Beautiful detail. - It's unusual, isn't it?
0:18:57 > 0:19:01I presume it's Chinese. It's not English.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- It's a Welsh dragon!- I never thought of that.- You got it in special.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- We'll make it a Welsh dragon! - Looks too vicious.
0:19:10 > 0:19:16You were absolutely right. That is a Chinese dragon, a handsome one.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21You've got these beautifully cast and applied dragon handles.
0:19:21 > 0:19:27And this wonderfully embossed continuous dragon round the body.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30That's been worked by hand from the inside.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35Then they turn it over and chase all those scales in.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- Have you ever noticed the mark on the bottom?- I did.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42I wondered if it was silver.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46It's Chinese export silver.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49That name reads Hung Chong, a firm of retailers.
0:19:49 > 0:19:55They were based in Canton. They had a place in Nanking and Shanghai.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59They were satisfying the demand for Oriental items
0:19:59 > 0:20:01driven by the west.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07There was a fascination from the 1870s right up until the 1920s.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09The late Qing dynasty.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14This is a super piece and something we could do with at auction.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- Would you be sad to see that go? - Not particularly, no.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22I like it, but it comes out at Christmas time.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25You've got all the silver out.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Would it be full of 2p pieces or £5 notes?
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- Joy, what do you think of this? - It's beautiful.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36I'm not a silver person, cos I'm a lazy person.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- Cleaning silver's not your thing? - No!
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- But I think it's lovely. - What do you think this is worth?
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- 150?- What about you, Carol?
0:20:47 > 0:20:51I was thinking the same as Joy, but perhaps 200?
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Well, I'd be happy to put that into auction
0:20:55 > 0:20:59with an estimate of...
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- Holy smoke!- You look surprised. - I'm absolutely shocked.
0:21:04 > 0:21:10- Have you changed your mind, Carol? - No!- That's good.- Wow!
0:21:10 > 0:21:13You wanted £1,500 to jet off into the sunshine.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18We take the lowest valuations of all the things we've valued.
0:21:18 > 0:21:24We could be making in the region of...£2,260.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- Wow. There you go. - Wow. Isn't that fantastic?
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- You can have two holidays.- I could.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- I could take both of you on holiday. - Sounds great.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39Thank you for finding that bowl, It's been the highlight of the day.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- The other highlight has been meeting you two.- Lovely meeting you both.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49'I've really enjoyed my day in Berkshire with Carol and Joy.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53'We can all be thoroughly satisfied with our day's work.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57'Carol wants a luxury holiday and, hoping to fund it,
0:21:57 > 0:22:03'we have the pair of elegant George V candlesticks,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06'the stunning Victorian locket
0:22:06 > 0:22:11'left abandoned in a drawer until I found it.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14'It could bring at least £300.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19'Undoubtedly, our star find, the magnificent Chinese bowl,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22'with its own intricately detailed dragon.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26'It could make the difference between a bus trip to Llandudno,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29'and a first class ticket to the sun.'
0:22:29 > 0:22:32'Still to come on Cash In The Attic,
0:22:32 > 0:22:37'there's disappointment, as some items fall short of their estimate.'
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- They had a great deal.- They did.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43'Whilst others exceed all expectations'
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Brilliant.- Blew my estimate away!
0:22:46 > 0:22:51'Will Carol be able to afford the luxury holiday of her dreams?
0:22:51 > 0:22:53'Find out later in the show.'
0:22:58 > 0:23:02It's been two weeks since I met Carol in Berkshire.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05We discovered lots of interesting items.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10She wants to raise at least £1,500 to go on holiday somewhere nice.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14I've brought her to Cotswold Auctioneers in Cirencester.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19Let's hope there are plenty of bidders when her items go under the hammer.
0:23:19 > 0:23:25'This popular auction house has three sales every month.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30'With 650 lots on offer today, we're hopeful for a good turnout.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35'Our dashing expert John Cameron was at the front of the queue
0:23:35 > 0:23:40'and has been making sure all of our items arrived in one piece.'
0:23:40 > 0:23:44If it's possible, you're even better looking in Cirencester.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- You say the nicest things. - I don't remember these.
0:23:46 > 0:23:52These two Limoges porcelain boxes come from the exact same period
0:23:52 > 0:23:57but Carol was given one by her mother-in-law and one by her mother.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02I've got £100 to £200 on them. She has a reserve of £80 on them.
0:24:02 > 0:24:08She has got reserves on most items, albeit under my lower estimate.
0:24:08 > 0:24:14- But I think there's one item she hasn't brought.- Really?- Yeah. - We need to investigate.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19'I hope Carol hasn't left behind one of her higher valued items.
0:24:19 > 0:24:25'We'll soon find out, and I see it wasn't the candlesticks.'
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- Here you are, ladies. Nice to see you.- And you, too.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- Saying a fond farewell?- Yes, I am.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34It's a bit sad, but they'll go to a nice home, I'm sure.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37You haven't brought one item. What was that?
0:24:37 > 0:24:42I didn't bring the Waterford glasses.
0:24:42 > 0:24:47Now that Waterford have been taken over and will be made in Italy,
0:24:47 > 0:24:52the glass made in Ireland will be worth something in a few years.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56- A bit of a hedge fund?- Yes. - She's taking this very seriously.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Either for me or for the children.
0:24:58 > 0:25:05- You've put a reserve on lots of items. How come?- On the advice from the auction house.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- I haven't made them too low.- Good.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- The auction's about to start. We should get into position.- OK.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- Fingers crossed, eh?- Yes.
0:25:17 > 0:25:23'The missing Waterford crystal puts a £50 dent in our potential takings.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27'As they weren't one of our big money items, with a bit of luck,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29'we'll reach our £1,500 target.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33'We kick off with an item that Joy found in the wardrobe,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36'the rather elegant tea caddy.'
0:25:36 > 0:25:39£100 to £200. Do you think we'll get it?
0:25:39 > 0:25:44We should do. It's unusual, in that you have three separate tea caddies.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48You usually get two and a mixing bowl so it should generate interest.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- We're about to find out.- Here we go.
0:25:51 > 0:25:57And I've several bids on the book so I must start at 100, 120.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- With me at 140.... - That's good.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03..Are we all done at 140?
0:26:03 > 0:26:07160. 180. With me again at 180.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11Commission bid, then, with me at £180.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Are you all done? Selling...
0:26:15 > 0:26:17180!
0:26:17 > 0:26:21'What a cracking start for us in Cirencester
0:26:21 > 0:26:26'with the unusual tea caddy selling for £20 short of our top estimate.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29'That's the limo to the airport!
0:26:29 > 0:26:33'Let's keep the momentum going with the sale of our second item.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37'It's the hallmarked George V candlesticks.'
0:26:37 > 0:26:39How are you feeling about these?
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Excited, actually.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46- They're rather nice, I must admit. - You put another pair in the oven!
0:26:46 > 0:26:51To warm them up, dry them off, and the resin melted inside!
0:26:51 > 0:26:55- They became hollow candlesticks. - Why did you do that, Carol?
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Stupid!
0:26:57 > 0:27:02What shall we say for these? 200? Start me at 150, then.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04150 bid. 160.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08At 160, lady's bid at 160. 170. 180.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10190. 200.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14And ten. 220. 230. 240.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17250. 260.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Lady seated at 260. 70 anywhere?
0:27:20 > 0:27:23All done at 260...? BANGS GAVEL
0:27:23 > 0:27:25The taxi back from the airport!
0:27:25 > 0:27:30'I don't know what sort of taxis they're travelling in,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33'Selling at the higher end of John's estimate.
0:27:33 > 0:27:39'Now, the paintings by Anne Harcourt and the auction house has split them
0:27:39 > 0:27:41'into three separate lots.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45'John valued them collectively. Let's see how accurate he is.'
0:27:45 > 0:27:50The first one's coming up now, the panoramic landscape.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Let's see how we do with this one.
0:27:52 > 0:27:58Start me at 50 for this. Very handsome. £50? 30, then.
0:27:58 > 0:28:03With me at £30. Who's going on? At £30. Five. 40.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06With me at 40, again. At 40.
0:28:06 > 0:28:1245. 50. 55...
0:28:12 > 0:28:14We've got a telephone bid on this.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19..At 55. The large landscape at 55. 60 anywhere?
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Be quick or I'm selling at 55.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24BANGS GAVEL
0:28:24 > 0:28:28'Despite the telephone bid, the big landscape sells some way short
0:28:28 > 0:28:31'of the £80 John hoped for.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34'Will the still life prove more popular?
0:28:34 > 0:28:38'John valued it at £30 to £60.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40'And it sells mid-estimate for £50.'
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Another good result!
0:28:43 > 0:28:46'With £105 raised for the two paintings,
0:28:46 > 0:28:50'we need the final landscape to raise £75.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53'That'll get us John's collective estimate.'
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- £90!- Could be worse.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02'It sells for the very respectable £90.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05'Our three paintings have raised £195,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08'in the middle of John's estimate.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12'I think, all in all, that's a pretty good result.'
0:29:12 > 0:29:16I'll be sad to say goodbye to three of my favourite ladies.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- Melody, Southern Belle and Valerie. - You shouldn't be greedy!
0:29:20 > 0:29:22You've got a fair point.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27- We're after 80 to 120. We should get that for these.- You would hope so.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31A few years ago, Melody alone would have made that.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35I don't think 80 to 120 is unrealistic. It's down to the room.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Nice little lot. There we are. Start me at £50.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Start me off. 40, then?
0:29:42 > 0:29:44At 40. Who's going on? Five. 50.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Five. 60. Five. 70. Five.
0:29:48 > 0:29:4980.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53At 80. Seated, at 80. At £80.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Looking for five, now. At £80, then.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Are you all done...?
0:29:58 > 0:30:03- You've got space for something else. - More Lladro.- No, don't!
0:30:03 > 0:30:06'Not quite the bidding frenzy for the Royal Doulton,
0:30:06 > 0:30:11'but Carol's happy to finish the first half of the auction
0:30:11 > 0:30:15'with another healthy contribution towards the holiday fund.'
0:30:15 > 0:30:18OK, half time.
0:30:18 > 0:30:23You've done remarkably well. You're after £1,500 for that hot holiday.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27That you're going on alone cos Joy doesn't like hot holidays.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30You've actually raised £715 so far.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- Really?- So we're halfway there, almost.- That's good.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38We should recharge our batteries. Have a cup of tea.
0:30:38 > 0:30:44- You should find something interesting.- I already have. I want a closer look at it.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49'If you're heading to auction to raise money for something special,
0:30:49 > 0:30:53'do remember that fees like commission and VAT may be added,
0:30:53 > 0:31:00'so do check with your local auction house first to avoid unwelcome surprises.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04'Now, what's the item that's got John all excited?'
0:31:04 > 0:31:08I've come to look at this Victorian two-door display cabinet.
0:31:08 > 0:31:14It's a typical Victorian piece featuring walnut veneers to the top
0:31:14 > 0:31:19and these gilt metal mounts, typical of the French empire style.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22It's a very typical Victorian piece.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26The auctioneers have put £300 to £500 on this and that's interesting.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30For nice antique furniture, it doesn't seem dear.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34However, this furniture has been out of fashion for some time.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37I've seen pieces like this selling for £100.
0:31:37 > 0:31:42It's had a piece out the back and there are scuffs to the veneers.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46Either the Cotswolds is a good place to sell furniture
0:31:46 > 0:31:50or recession-proof antiques are a sound investment.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53People may be coming back and pushing up demand.
0:31:53 > 0:31:59If you can get £300 to £500 for this, I'll be quite impressed.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04'We don't have to wait long for the Victorian display cabinet.'
0:32:04 > 0:32:08680. Bid's in the room now at 680. Against you on the phone.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12In the room at 680. Are we all done? I'm selling...
0:32:12 > 0:32:15'It sells above its top estimate.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20'Could this mean that, in the Cotswolds at any rate,
0:32:20 > 0:32:24'antique furniture is certainly very much in demand?'
0:32:24 > 0:32:26'Time for the second half of our sale.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31'Up first, the pair of Limoges trinket boxes Carol inherited -
0:32:31 > 0:32:37'one from her mother and the other from her mother-in-law.'
0:32:37 > 0:32:42- Have you put a reserve on these? - Yes, I have. 80.- Seems fair enough.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Very fair. They're two nice boxes.
0:32:45 > 0:32:50They'll make a nice display in someone's bijouterie cabinet.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54- I think they're worth it. - I love it when you say "bijouterie".
0:32:54 > 0:32:58Start me at 50 for these. Very decorative lot. £50.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Start me off someone. £50.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Anyone coming in at 50?
0:33:03 > 0:33:07If not, we will move on. BANGS GAVEL
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- They didn't sell.- Didn't get a single bid, which is surprising.
0:33:11 > 0:33:16'A disappointing start to the second half of the sale.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20'When the bidders aren't there, there's not much you can do.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23'They head back to Berkshire with Carol.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27'Let's see if we have more luck with the costume jewellery.
0:33:27 > 0:33:33'John says he's quietly confident we'll exceed his £50 estimate.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37'Let's just hope the jewellery bidders are out in force.'
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Start me at 30. 30 bid.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42And five. 40.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Five. 50.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46Five. 60.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Five. 70. Five. 80. Five.
0:33:48 > 0:33:5290. Five. 100. Ten.
0:33:52 > 0:33:5420. 30. 40.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56And 50. At 150.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00On the right at 150. 60 anywhere? At 150, then, standing...
0:34:00 > 0:34:03Are we all done...? BANGS GAVEL
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Brilliant!- Blew my estimate away.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11When he says he's quietly confident, he knows what he's talking about.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13What's why he's the expert.
0:34:13 > 0:34:18'That really is a fabulous result. Three times the lowest estimate.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21'Another great contribution to the holiday.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24'The next item is something that I found.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27'The silver pedestal rose bowl.'
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- What's the story behind it? - I inherited it.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- You've done well. - Yes. I was very lucky.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36We're asking £100 to £200 for this.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41It's nice, dated London 1925 and I think it's quite decorative.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Let's see how we get on.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45£100 to start me. £100?
0:34:45 > 0:34:4750, then?
0:34:47 > 0:34:50£50 for the bowl? 50 bid. Who's going on?
0:34:50 > 0:34:54£50. Five. At 55.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56At 55.
0:34:56 > 0:34:5860.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Who's going on now? At £60.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03At £60. Five anywhere?
0:35:03 > 0:35:08At £60. Are you all done? I'm selling at 60, then...
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- That's a bit disappointing.- That was.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17'There was me thinking I'd found something rather special.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20'The bidders here didn't think so.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24'That's our first real disappointment. More silver up next.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27'Let's hope this has more appeal.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30'It's the three-piece tea service.
0:35:30 > 0:35:38'Carol, possibly wisely, has put a £150 reserve on it.'
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Start me at, what shall we say, 200? 150, then?
0:35:41 > 0:35:46£100, then? Start me off, someone. We've got 100 bid. At 100.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49110. 120.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52130. 140. 150.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55At 150, seated. 160.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59170. 180. 190.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03At 190. Seated, now, at 190. Near me at 190.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Are we all done? 190...
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Not bad at all.
0:36:09 > 0:36:15'It was a tentative start but the tea service sells above its reserve.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17'£60 short of our lowest estimate.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21'The second half seems to have triggered a change in fortunes.
0:36:21 > 0:36:26'I'm worried the bidders may have spent all their money already.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31'We have several high valued items coming up.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33'First, the Victorian locket,
0:36:33 > 0:36:38'which I discovered in the back of a drawer.'
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- Remind us about the locket. - I bought it at auction myself.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- You didn't inherit it?- No!
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- How much did you pay for it? - 300 and something.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- This is one you put a reserve on? - Yes. I put on 270.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Start me at 200 for this.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58200 to start? 150, then?
0:36:58 > 0:37:02150 bid. At 150. Who's going on? 150. 160.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06170. 180. 190.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09200. And 20. 240. At 240...
0:37:09 > 0:37:14- It's not going to get there? - No. It's against the room.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18..At 240, anywhere? 240. 260, is it?
0:37:18 > 0:37:22At 240, then. Not sold.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- It's a big dent in your budget. - It is, rather.
0:37:25 > 0:37:31- £300 to £400.- Yes. Never mind. - Still more to come.- C'est la vie.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35'Carol's looking on the bright side,
0:37:35 > 0:37:39'as the locket wasn't sold for less than she wanted,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43'but we'll need some high results now.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47'Our penultimate lot is the mixed silver items -
0:37:47 > 0:37:51'boxed sets of cutlery, Vesta cases and bridge pencils.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53'John valued them at £150
0:37:53 > 0:37:58'and Carol's put a fixed reserve of £120 on the lot.'
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- Don't tell me, you inherited them. - Not all of it.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- Not all of it! OK!- The pencils, yes.
0:38:04 > 0:38:09- Some were spoons that were mine.- OK. - And the Christening set as well.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- Let's hope we get 150 quid. - I would like that.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16What shall we say? Start me at £100. 100 bid.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19At 100. At 100. Are you all done?
0:38:19 > 0:38:22At 100. And ten. 120.
0:38:22 > 0:38:27At 120. 130, is it? At 120 here.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31The bid's on the left at 120. At 120, I'm selling...
0:38:31 > 0:38:33All done?
0:38:33 > 0:38:37Under my lower estimate. I'm disappointed with that.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- £120. That was your reserve?- Yes.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- They should be happy with that. - They had a great deal.- They did.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48'So, less than we were wanting for the silver.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51'At least the reserve was achieved
0:38:51 > 0:38:55'and we have another £120 to add to the holiday fund.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00'It's been difficult to predict which items the bidders will go for.
0:39:00 > 0:39:05'We're all on tenterhooks to see what they make of our final lot,
0:39:05 > 0:39:10'the stunning Chinese silver bowl with intricately carved dragon.
0:39:10 > 0:39:15'John valued it at £700 and it has a discretionary £600 reserve.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20'Surely, it can't fail to create some excitement in this room?'
0:39:20 > 0:39:24500 to start? Very unusual Chinese bowl.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28500? 400, then. 400 bid.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31At 400. 20 here. 440.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34460. 480.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39- 500. 520... - He's on the phone.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42..560. At 560 in the room now.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46At 560. The bid's at 560. At 560, are we all done?
0:39:46 > 0:39:50At 560, I'm selling. At 560, then...
0:39:51 > 0:39:54560 towards that holiday.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58- Yes! Another suitcase to pack. - Exactly.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01'The auctioneer used her discretion
0:40:01 > 0:40:05'and let the bowl sell for £40 below its reserve.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10'Not the result we were hoping for, but it's been one of those days.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15'Some items doing better than expected and others failing to gain interest.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19'It's been a turbulent old day at auction.'
0:40:19 > 0:40:24You survived your first auction in Cirencester with smiles on your faces.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27You are taking two lots home that didn't sell,
0:40:27 > 0:40:31which represented quite a chunk of your target.
0:40:31 > 0:40:36It is a bit disappointing, but I don't know what the total is.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40It's not a little bit disappointing. It's really good news.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43You wanted £1,500 for that hot holiday.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48- You raised today £1,795. - That's better than I thought!
0:40:48 > 0:40:55- I'd lost track.- So, hot holiday on your own, then you can take Joy somewhere miserable!
0:40:55 > 0:40:59- Thank you, Aled(!)- It's been fabulous meeting you both.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01She can take me to Wales!
0:41:01 > 0:41:05I'm not sure they'll let you in. I'll put a good word in for you.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10- You have a great holiday.- Thank you very much. Thanks for your help.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12You're welcome.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20'It's been a number of weeks since the roller-coaster day at auction.
0:41:20 > 0:41:27'Carol's called in youngest daughter Joanna to help further her plans for that luxury holiday.'
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- Hello, darling. How are you? - I'm all right...
0:41:31 > 0:41:34'The auction, I thought was great fun.'
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Aled was charming and John was a great help.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41Aled's quite lucky he escaped!
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Mummy's putting him in her suitcase.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48'Steady on. Having raised just shy of £1,800,
0:41:48 > 0:41:53'the girls head to the high street for exotic inspiration.'
0:41:53 > 0:41:58- What are you looking for? - Somewhere warm.- Beach and sunshine!
0:41:58 > 0:42:02With a beach. On the beach. All-inclusive.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06'So, what's the decision? Could she be heading to the Caribbean?'
0:42:06 > 0:42:11- I think St Kitts would be different. - It would, actually.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14I haven't been there before.
0:42:14 > 0:42:19We'll look at the brochure and see what hotels are what.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21I'm jealous now. I want to come.
0:42:39 > 0:42:47Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd