Spence-Woodville Cash in the Attic

Welcome to the programme that searches for your antiques and takes them to auction to raise money.

I wonder how many of us

have got old coins lying around, or maybe commemorative coins.

You think one day, "Are they worth any money at all?"

That's what we find out during Cash In The Attic.

'Coming up, there's no end to these coins.

'They remind me of my wishful thinking.'

I have a recurring dream that the more I dig, the more coins I find.

'This 1990s sporting memorabilia is valuable,

'but our expert's pet hate.'

One thing that frustrates me is that you cannot read their writing.

'There's jubilation at auction.'

-I'm pleased.

-She's like the Cheshire cat, this one!

'Will we still be grinning at the end of the day? Find out when the gavel falls.'

Today, I'm in Sutton in Surrey

to meet a special couple who've called in the team to raise money

for a much-deserved holiday.

'Margaret and Stephen Spence-Woodville have been happily married for almost 30 years.

'These two had been widowed by the time they met at a local dance.

'Now retired, Margaret spent much of her working life as a florist,

'while Stephen worked as part of the ground staff for a major airline.

'These days, they spend time playing bowls and ballroom dancing.

'With five children around the world, there's plenty of travel.

'After a year in which Margaret has battled against poor health,

'they are looking forward to a break.

'Our expert, John Cameron, will get straight down to business,

'while I catch up with this lovely couple.'

Stephen, what a scene of activity. Hi, Margaret.

-Sorry about the gloves.

-I like the gloves.

We're delighted to be here in your beautiful garden.

Stephen, is she a hoarder?

-The boot's on the other foot.

-Oh, really?

I know that you want to raise £500 and this holiday's special to you. Why is that, Margaret?

Well, in December, I had an operation for breast cancer.

I was advised not to fly until later in the year.

-The holiday will do you both good?

-Yes.

-A nice rest.

-A glass of vino when you get there?

-Could be.

We'll settle for a cup of tea today. Shall we go in and have a look?

John is plundering your home as we speak. Let's see what he's found.

'This semi-detached house

'has been home for 20 years to Margaret and Stephen.

'It looks packed with antiques and collectables.

'With many years of experience in the trade,

'John Cameron has his eye on a likely lot.'

There you are, Margaret.

I knew John would be rummaging in your cupboards. What have you found?

I found a little silver Vesta box.

Interestingly, it has a little chow chow dog finial on there.

It's modelled as a picnic hamper.

It's hallmarked, a London hallmark, and dates to 1946.

How much do you think it'll raise?

It will appeal to collectors of Vestas.

Also, people that collect bijouterie silver,

pretty little pieces.

Also, you might attract somebody because of the breed of dog.

-He's fascinated by the dog.

-I'm an animal lover.

I think we'll be looking at:

Margaret, are you happy with 50 to 80?

I would be very happy with that.

Put it back in the cupboard in the meantime.

-Where do we go to now, Margaret? Next door?

-Yes, OK.

'I find this set of five Wedgwood plates

'which show famous locomotives from the golden age of steam.

'Although made in the 1990s,

'we think there may be a market amongst railway enthusiasts.

'Meanwhile, Stephen has turned out some sporting memorabilia.'

Would you have a look at this? This came from Margaret's cousin.

I thought it might be interesting.

-Are you a cricketing man?

-No. I'm afraid not.

There was a World Cup that year.

England got to the final and lost to Pakistan.

We should have some big household names.

One of the things that frustrates me with modern sportsmen

is you cannot read their writing.

I looked at a shirt, Man United, I did not know one signature, even if you'd have told me.

Let's see how we fare with this.

-Going from the top, Alec Stewart?

-Yes.

-Allan Lamb?

-Yes.

Phil Tufnell - Tuffers. Very popular cricketer.

-Robin Smith. Certainly something we can sell at auction.

-Right.

-How much do you think?

-We've got some decent signatures.

It's the first time I've seen them mounted on card onto the bat.

-Fabulous.

-Howzat?

-Play ball with that.

-I think it's time for tea. Back to the pavilion.

'It's another step towards the holiday but there's a long way to go

'to get Margaret and Stephen on that plane.

'Stephen finds another potential lot

'in the shape of a rocking horse.

'Margaret was given this second-hand in the 1950s.

'Some vintage horses can fetch thousands.

'This well-loved example comes in at a more modest...

'Have I struck lucky with my rummage upstairs?'

You will never believe what I have found!

I want to tell you, I have a recurring dream

that the more I dig, the more coins I find.

And guess what! Upstairs, I have found masses and masses of coins!

-Margaret, where did you get these?

-They all came from my cousin Peter.

We didn't know he had so many

until we, unfortunately, had to clear his house when he died.

These are interesting. They are silver commemorative coins.

This celebrates the Queen Mother.

And this one's the Queen's 40th anniversary.

Definitely something we can sell at auction.

A quick tot-up, we've got about 54 coins here,

each one weighing about an ounce in weight.

If we add that up,

we're looking at about:

Towards that top estimate for those.

You've got a right little hoard.

So I have realised a dream today, Margaret, albeit yours!

'There are all sorts of collections hidden away in this house.

'While John keeps up the good work,

'it's time to find out a little more about our lovely hosts.'

We're really enjoying being around your home.

-I'm fascinated to know where you met.

-We met ballroom dancing.

In Wimbledon.

One of these singles-divorced dances.

-That's how we met.

-If the truth were known, is he a good mover?

-Stephen's not tall enough.

-She wants a tall boy!

-You need a tall man.

-She wants a tall toy-boy!

-LAUGHING: Yeah. That'll be good.

Stephen, what did you use to work at?

I went to South Africa as an evacuee.

I stayed with my uncle, then joined BOAC

and worked on C-class flying boats.

And I worked on them for quite a few years.

Let's talk about the dreaded word "cancer".

It seems to affect every family in the country.

How big a shock was it when you discovered you had breast cancer?

Well, it was a shock,

but I was very fortunate that it was caught very early.

I had the operation and, touch wood, everything seems to be fine, yes.

-And that's why this holiday is really special?

-It is, yes.

-Yes.

-What are you looking forward to most?

-Oh, rest! Sun!

We're never going to get anywhere if we don't raise £500, so we need to keep on looking.

'After going through all that,

'the Spence-Woodvilles really do deserve a break in the sun.

'We'll do all we can to get them there.

'But wouldn't you just know it?

'John has unearthed another load of commemorative coins.

'This house is full of them.

'Mostly British, of varying dates, some more valuable than others.

'With the right bidder in the room, John reckons they can make:

'Margaret notices this porcelain clock with figurines,

'given to her parents as a wedding present back in 1935.

'Not particularly sought-after, it has damage

'so John values it at:'

-What have you got there, Margaret?

-I found this postcard album.

It came from my grandmother's house but I think it was my aunt,

my mother's sister, that collected the postcards.

These are from the great age of postcards -

the end of the Victorian era - the growth of the postal service.

People collect postcards for a number of reasons.

They're interested in the subject matter or go for makers, like Tuck.

The other reason people collect postcards

is either for what's been written on them,

the stamp and the postmark.

There are collectors that prize scarce postmarks,

sub post offices that are no longer in existence.

So there are many reasons why a postcard will appeal to someone.

At auction, I'd be tempted to keep it as a collection.

Because we've largely got flower cards,

not the most commercially desirable,

a tempting estimate of £40 to £60 should get the bidding started.

That sounds good.

'It's a good find, but how realistic was John's estimate?

'How will the bidders take to all those flowery postcards?'

34. 36. 38...

'Will we raise enough to help Stephen and Margaret have a much deserved holiday in the sun?

'As our rummage continues, Margaret finds a set of first day covers -

'envelopes with newly issued stamps and postmarks.

'Some first day covers are highly sought after,

'and John thinks that this selection could give us a whopping...'

Margaret, as if you haven't found enough coins today!

-It's a sovereign.

-It's definitely something we can send to auction.

-Just the one, Margaret?

-Afraid so.

-You haven't got a stash?

-I wish!

Nice that it's got this protective case.

It's a proof coin. It hasn't been handled. This is an iconic coin.

It's been around since 1816,

when it was decided to redesign the standard gold bullion coin.

We have on the obverse side the reigning monarch,

hence the name "sovereign".

On the reverse, we have the iconic St George killing the dragon.

-How much are they worth?

-Based on bullion value... They're 22-carat gold, almost pure gold.

Today, they're making around £120.

So, £100 to £150 for auction purposes, we won't be far off.

That's a good find!

Are you sure you haven't got another suitcase full of coins?

-I wish!

-I'll have another look.

-I think this is a glorious find.

We come to the end of the rummage in your great home.

You wanted £500 for this very special holiday.

You have got - everything being according to John's assessment -

-£710.

-Wow!

-And possibly a bit more.

-Ooh. Excellent. Thank you very much.

-A lot of drinks on the balcony.

-That's right.

All right, Stephen, drinks are on you, mate.

'I think we'll all raise a toast to a great day of rummaging.

'We found some terrific items to take to auction.

'We're hoping the silver Vesta box will glitter brightly.

'At an impressive £150 to £200, fingers crossed we'll cash in

'with a set of 20th-century commemorative coins.

'And the first day covers from the 1980s

'win the seal of approval from us.

'Let's hope the bidders feel the same.

'Still to come, our expert puts his reputation on the line.'

-Spot on your top estimate!

-I kept my head.

-Well done!

'But not all his valuations prove so accurate.'

-Wow!

-That's shocking!

-We were bowled for a duck with that one.

'Will Margaret and Stephen be heading off to the sun? Find out when the gavel falls.

'A few weeks after spending the day with Margaret and Stephen,

'we brought all the items to Chiswick Auction Rooms in London.'

They want to raise about £500 for a much deserved break.

Let's hope there are lots of bidders when their items go under the hammer.

'We found some lovely items in Surrey.

'I'm hoping that John is as excited about the family's chances as I am.'

-John, how are you?

-Very well.

-It was my dream to find all those coins!

-Here you are with that little box.

-It is quite sweet.

I don't recall one with this picnic hamper form.

-What dog did we decide this was?

-The dog is an oriental chow chow.

Anything else you think might do very well?

They do have that wonderful large collection of first day covers.

-They could give us a surprise.

-Shall we go and say hello?

-Come on.

'John's pinning his hopes on the stamps,

'while I'm still gunning for that amazing collection of coins.

'I wonder how our couple is feeling. This is their first ever auction.'

The best-looking auction virgins I've seen in a long time! Neither of you has been to an auction.

-No.

-Never.

-You'll enjoy it. You will!

Is there anything you'll be sad to see sell?

The only thing will be the postcard album.

It's been in the family a long while.

You hope to raise £500. You need a break in Portugal cos you had your breast cancer earlier in the year.

-What's the latest?

-I had a check-up. All's well. They don't want to see me till March.

-All clear.

-Fantastic. Well done you. That is wonderful news.

-That should make you feel good.

-Yes.

The auctioneer's about to get in position with the gavel. So, follow John.

'That's great news to start off the sale.

'With a successful outcome, we may have cause for a double celebration.

'If you're thinking of going to auction,

'remember charges such as commission will be added to your bill.

'To avoid any surprises, check the details with your auction room.

'The auctioneer's installed and we find a good vantage point

'in time for our first lot of the day.'

So, it's the miniature cricket bat.

-Do you think there's interest?

-£30 to £50 is cheap enough.

Nice object displayed brilliantly.

What's it worth? £20 for the lot, surely? For the cricket bat.

£10, then, to go? Ten I'm bid. Maiden bid at £10...

-Surely more than that.

-..£12....

-That's awful.

-..16.

18?

To my right at £18. Are you sure?

£18. It sells for 18.

-Wow.

-That's shocking!

We were bowled for a duck with that. Could have made a bit more.

'Howzat? Not exactly what we'd hoped for.

'Selling for just over half John's lower estimate is disappointing.

'There are no cricket fans. Let's hope the silver buyers are in.

'Our next lot is the Vesta box.

'I know that John is a big fan.'

This is one of your favourite pieces.

It is. Unusual form and lovely to see that mount with the dog.

A nice piece of bijouterie silver.

My head and professional reputation are on the block.

Start me £30. 30 I'm bid straight off.

35. 40? 40 there. 45.

50. At £50. Anybody else?

55. Thank you. 60.

Five. 70.

Five. 80.

80. Anybody else?

£80, then. I'm going to sell it for £80...

-Spot on your top estimate!

-I kept my head.

-Well done! Are you thrilled with that?

-I'm pleased.

She's like the Cheshire cat, this one!

'That's more like it. Bang on John's highest estimate.

'A healthy contribution to the holiday fund.

'Will our good fortune continue with the gold sovereign?

'It's been in a protective case since the day it left the Mint.'

£100 there. At £100. 110 in the distance. 120.

130. 130 in the distance.

At 130. Anybody else? £130. I'm selling it for 130...

-A bit less than you expected, John.

-I hoped top estimate but we got somewhere in the middle. I'm happy.

'That is so encouraging, considering we've got two more coin lots.

'When the 1930s clock fails to get any serious bids...'

£12, the clock garniture...? Not sold.

'..Margaret's not too disappointed about having to take it home.

'I hope we have more success with the postcards. She's thought long and hard about letting these go.'

The postcard album is the one thing you said you had a few pangs about.

-Yes.

-How do you feel now it's about to be auctioned?

I'm still a bit sad but, if it reaches estimate, it would be good.

What are they worth? £20? I'm bid 20.

£20. And 22. 24.

26. 28. 30.

32. 34. 36.

38. 40. There at £40...

Other bidders!

..50. 55. 60.

65. 70.

75. 75 upstairs, then.

Anybody else? £75. 75 is the bid...

-That's good. Excellent.

-What do you think?

-That's good.

'That's £15 over the top estimate. No wonder Margaret's smiling.

'Let's keep it that way with one of our highest valued items.'

Next, the large collection of first day covers and special issue stamps.

-I'm hopeful they'll push our top estimate.

-150 to 250? Gosh.

80 I'm bid there. 85. 90.

95. 100.

110. 120.

£120. Anybody else? 130.

-£140. 140 there, then...

-BANGS GAVEL

Just under our bottom estimate!

I was hopeful that would do top estimate.

'Uh-oh. £140 is a little disappointing.

'We were hoping they would smash the estimate.

'And when the five Wedgwood plates fail to gain any real interest...'

£10, they go.

'..it looks like these bidders are sitting on their hands today.

'Maybe they're saving their cash for our remaining items.

'£40 is all we're after for the 1950s rocking horse.'

My children had it.

The grandchildren had it.

-It's seen a lot of life.

-If only that horse could talk!

-Yes!

Come along. £20. 22. 24. 26. 28.

30 I'm bid now. 32. 34.

£34, all done? 34...

-Do you know...?

-That's not bad.

-Not bad.

-No.

'Below estimate, but Margaret's happy

'that the much-loved rocking horse is off to a new home.

'At last, it's time for the lot that I've been waiting to see all day.'

I remember this collection of coins. We spread them out on the table.

They were all in their cases, mostly to do with royalty and coronation.

These are our commemorative sets of silver crowns.

They have a bullion value I based my estimate on.

Hopefully, collectors will pay a little bit more.

I've got them at £150 to £200.

I'm bid £100. £100.

110. 120. 130. 140.

In the doorway at 140.

150. 160. 170.

180. 190.

200. And ten. 220. 230.

240. 250...

-Above John's estimate.

-..260. 270.

280. £280 seated. At 280.

Anybody else? 280.

It sells for 280...

£280! That's fantastic! Over my top estimate.

-I'm delighted for you.

-Thank you very much, John.

'Wow! That's all I can say. Terrific result for the coins.

'Margaret and Stephen are right to be so happy.

'It seems the coin buyers are still here, which is as well, because our last lot is more of the same.'

These are the decimal sets the Royal Mint issued to collectors.

I've allowed a bit to tempt the bidders.

-Is that face value?

-And just a bit more.

60 I'm bid. 65. 70. Five.

80. Five. 90. Five. 100.

-120...

-There are four people bidding.

..130 everywhere!

140. 150. 160.

170. 180. 190. 200.

-Way beyond estimate!

-..210. 220.

230. 230 there. 240...

Another new bidder.

..270. 280. 290.

300. 320. 340.

340. 360.

380. 400.

£400 in the yellow. Anybody else?

£400. I'm selling them for 400...

-£400!

-I know! That's fantastic.

-Fantastic!

'Four times the estimate. It's incredible.

'The coins have gone through the roof.

'Quite an experience for our first-time auction goers.'

Now, the total. You wanted £500 to go off and have a rest.

-You have £1,167.

-Wow!

Never?! I can't believe that!

-Fantastic!

-Fantastic!

Give us a kiss, then. Come on, Stephen!

Fantastic. I'm so happy for you. I really am.

I hope you have a brilliant time. You've been a great couple.

-Thank you very much.

-Well done.

'A few weeks after Margaret and Stephen's successful day at auction,

'and they didn't waste any time in jetting off to Portugal.

'Their timeshare apartment in Albufeira is home-from-home.

'After everything that Margaret has been through, this is just what the doctor ordered.'

I do very little. I read a lot.

We go out and have good food and wine and that's really a complete rest.

'But when night falls, it's a different story.

'They take the night life by storm,

'dancing to the early hours of the morning.

'The proceeds from the auction made this a holiday to remember.'

We can stay here for a month and spend what we want without worrying!

'Let's hope that the long holiday and all that dancing help Margaret on the road to full recovery.'

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd