0:00:02 > 0:00:07Welcome to Cash In The Attic, the programme that joins you in the hunt for valuables around your home
0:00:07 > 0:00:09and then takes them off with you to auction
0:00:09 > 0:00:13so that we can hopefully raise money to spend on a special project.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17It's not every day that we get invited into the home of a local mayor,
0:00:17 > 0:00:22so it's going to be interesting to see whether this one runs her home like she runs the council.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Order!
0:00:43 > 0:00:49Coming up on Cash In The Attic, a delightful silver brooch made by a celebrated war hero.
0:00:49 > 0:00:55What an amazing figure. After surviving that, flying bombing missions across Europe,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58he then retrained as a silversmith.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02A model train set triggers an insight into our expert's childhood.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- I never had trains as a child.- Aww! - I'm guessing... No, I was an Action Man!
0:01:07 > 0:01:10And there are more flashbacks in store come auction day
0:01:10 > 0:01:13with some toys that wobble but don't fall down.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17It took me back to a rather sad time in my life.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Though, I'm also sorry to say, I'm starting to look a bit like a Weeble!
0:01:21 > 0:01:27Will there be tears before bedtime? Find out with the final fall of the hammer.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32Today I'm in West Sussex, where I'm about to meet Brenda and Bob,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35who are prepared to give up some of their possessions
0:01:35 > 0:01:38so that they can raise money for a very good cause.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43Brenda and Bob Burgess have been married for over 40 years.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47Bob was always a teacher, but Brenda has had several jobs over the years,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50including dress designer and manageress of a wool shop.
0:01:50 > 0:01:57Then in 2004, she decided to get involved with her local council and became the Mayor of Crawley.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Recently, Bob has also decided to get involved with the council,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03partly because he's as interested in local issues,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06but also to spend more time with his wife.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Brenda's been involved with several charities over the years,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13but there's one in particular that's close to her heart,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17and she's hoping that we can help raise money for this very good cause.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Today, I'm joined by antiques expert John Cameron,
0:02:20 > 0:02:25who'll be helping us find those hidden treasures that we'll take to auction.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29While John starts his rummage round the house, I head off to meet our hosts.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- Hi, Brenda! Bob!- Hello.- I was hoping to see the full regalia!
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Sadly, no. I can put it on if you like!
0:02:36 > 0:02:39It is rather grand, though, isn't it?
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Yes, it's a chain, and it has a pendant at the front with the badge of Crawley on,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47and it gives you Crawley's motto, which is "I grow and I rejoice".
0:02:47 > 0:02:50And do you have something to wear as the consort, Bob?
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Yes, I get a little tiny, tiny one!
0:02:54 > 0:02:56He's very jealous!
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- Both of you are in local politics, aren't you? You're both councillors. - Yes.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05Does that mean, Bob, that when you're at home, because she's the mayor, she gets to rule the roost?
0:03:05 > 0:03:09She always rules the roost, in the council chamber and in the home.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12But it's obviously a partnership that works.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15We've been together for 40 years, so something must be working.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Why have you called in Cash In The Attic?
0:03:18 > 0:03:20I want to raise some money for my charity.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Every mayor has a charity
0:03:22 > 0:03:28and mine this year is Open House, for the homeless, and it'd be nice to raise some money for them.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30What sort of figure are you looking for?
0:03:30 > 0:03:33I'd like to raise about £400 if possible.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36£400 is your target. John Cameron's your man.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40He's already having a look at what we might be able to take to auction.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Bob, why don't you have a rummage and see what you can add to the pot
0:03:43 > 0:03:46and we'll go and meet John.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51So that's £400 of items we need to find today,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54for a very worthy cause, too.
0:03:54 > 0:04:00John is already hard at work. It looks like he's found something that might make a good sale.
0:04:03 > 0:04:04- Hi, John.- Hiya.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- What a pretty figurine. - It's a Doulton.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10I don't enter many houses these days
0:04:10 > 0:04:13and not find either a piece of Doulton or a piece of Beswick,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16such is the enduring popularity of both factories.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- Is this something that you've collected?- It belonged to my aunt.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25She would collect these ladies and have them on her window ledge, and they were "her girls".
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Unfortunately, she died.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31They were distributed round to members of the family and we got that one.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Interesting you say they were referred to as her "ladies",
0:04:34 > 0:04:40because this type of figurine are often referred to as the Crinoline Ladies.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44The figures themselves are individually designed by different artists.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48They then take moulds from the original, which they can reuse.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51They slipcast these, fire them at a very high temperature,
0:04:51 > 0:04:56They have that hole so the hot air can escape, otherwise they'd explode in the kiln.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58They then paint them individually, by hand,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01and you often get slight variations in the colour
0:05:01 > 0:05:04and deliberate variations in the colour waves.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Some variations of a figure are more valuable than another.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13Looking at the number, it tells me that this model, which is known here as Maytime,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16was actually designed by Leslie Harradine,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20who's a very important modeller at Doulton
0:05:20 > 0:05:24and very influential in establishing their figure range.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Doulton figurines - you can pick up for £20 or £30.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32I would put 50 to 70 on her and hope that she might even do a bit better than that.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36£50 is a great start, isn't it, for the money that we're going to try and raise?
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- Let's go and see what we're going to add to it.- Yes.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45As we split up and carry on looking for things that Brenda and Bob may have,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48it's clear that they've collected allsorts of ornaments over the years.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52In the living room, it's not the ornaments that have caught John's eye
0:05:52 > 0:05:55but this bureau that they're kept in.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- Bob.- Yes?
0:05:58 > 0:06:00The oak bureau bookcase,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03is this a family piece or something you might consider for auction?
0:06:03 > 0:06:07We've had it just over 40 years now, when we got married.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12My wife was living in Leicester in a flat,
0:06:12 > 0:06:18and she was coming down here, having got married, and we had no furniture,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22and the lady who owned the flat said we could have this piece for a small amount.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Do you remember what you paid for it?- I think it was about a fiver.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31- That's probably a week's money at the time!- Yes, but it seemed reasonable at the time.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35We had no furniture and we needed somewhere to put bits and pieces,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38and it's been full ever since!
0:06:38 > 0:06:45The bureau bookcase in this form hasn't changed much since it really developed, around about 1700.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49The interesting thing about pieces like this is, there's always a story.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52And the bureau itself emerged out of the chest of drawers.
0:06:52 > 0:07:00Somebody instructed a cabinet maker at some point to put a writing slope on the top of the chest of drawers.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02That was a separate item that could lift off.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06If you were writing, chances are you would have books,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09and bookcases were starting to grow in popularity,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11and somebody had the idea of placing a bookcase on top.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14It's not bad quality. It's made of oak.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Even the drawers are oak-lined, they're all dovetailed.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22Nearly 100 years, 90 years-plus old, and it's still functioning properly.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24They don't make huge sums of money.
0:07:24 > 0:07:30They were popular in the States for a while, people were shipping them in large quantities.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I still think we're looking at around
0:07:32 > 0:07:3510 times your initial purchase price with a bottom estimate.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Something like £50 to £100?
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- That sounds fine.- OK.- Yes. - Jolly good.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- We've got you on side. I think it's going to auction.- OK.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Let's see what else we find. - Thank you.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53As long as Brenda doesn't use that bureau when conducting council affairs,
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Bob should be able to persuade her to part with it.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00Meanwhile, I've discovered a set of rather fascinating children's toys.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03John informs me that they're called Weebles
0:08:03 > 0:08:06and were a huge craze back in the 1970s. News to me!
0:08:06 > 0:08:10Brenda and Bob bought these for their daughter when she was three,
0:08:10 > 0:08:13so they've been in the family for over 30 years.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16John thinks they've got plenty more years play in them
0:08:16 > 0:08:19and is hopeful that bidders will pay upwards of £20 to £30.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23John? John? Look what I've found.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27It's an interesting little brooch. What's the story behind it?
0:08:27 > 0:08:30I had forgotten I'd got it.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34It was given to me by my mother-in-law, before she became my mother-in-law.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37I was looking for a brooch to wear, I wanted a very simple one,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40and she said, "Would you like this?" I said, "Thank you."
0:08:42 > 0:08:46She was a very generous lady and she let me have that brooch.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- Do you ever wear it?- I did at first and then I got out of the habit
0:08:49 > 0:08:53and put it away, and I'd forgotten all about it.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58Interesting design. Two antelopes leaping through those bulrushes in that little ring.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02But for me, the interesting part is on the back.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06It's silver. There's a Birmingham hallmark on there - 1964.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09But just underneath, on that lower antelope,
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- there's a signature of Geoffrey Guy Bellamy.- Really?
0:09:13 > 0:09:15He was an interesting figure.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20After the war, he trained at Birmingham as a silversmith,
0:09:20 > 0:09:21graduated with a first
0:09:21 > 0:09:25and set up a company with a chap called Ivan Tarratt.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28They were producing silverware, brooches,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32elegant pieces for some of the high street jewellers.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36The interesting part about Bellamy is what he was doing during the war.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39He was actually a pilot. He flew Lancaster Bombers
0:09:39 > 0:09:44and actually got a Distinguished Flying Cross with a bar.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48The bar means he was awarded one a second time.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53What an amazing figure. After surviving that, flying bombing missions across Europe,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55he then retrained as a silversmith
0:09:55 > 0:10:00and was making beautifully elegant and quite original pieces of jewellery
0:10:00 > 0:10:02in the '50s and '60s styles.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06It's a nice piece and certainly something we can send to auction.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11Without that designer cache, I wouldn't value that more than £5,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14because there's not a lot of weight in it,
0:10:14 > 0:10:18but because of that designer name, I think we'd be looking at £30, £40.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- It's been sitting in my drawer doing nothing!- Fantastic!
0:10:22 > 0:10:26But will the bidders recognise the Bellamy brooch on auction day?
0:10:26 > 0:10:31At £20? 22. 25. At £25.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Find out if the little silver brooch soars past its estimate.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41As we continue our search, Bob digs out some jewellery that his grandfather left him.
0:10:41 > 0:10:47The collection includes a nine-carat gold necklace, a gold ring, two pearls and an opal.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50John thinks they should sell for somewhere between £80 and £100.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53How did you get into politics?
0:10:53 > 0:10:59I was on the board of governors at the local school and I met someone who was from the council.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03We got chatting and I said that when I was in Leicester,
0:11:03 > 0:11:08I was a young person of this particular party,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12and we got talking politics.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16And a few months later he said, "Have you ever thought of coming back into politics?"
0:11:16 > 0:11:23I said, "Well, why?" He said, "We're recruiting. Would you like to join again?"
0:11:23 > 0:11:28And then he said, "While you're about it, we do have a seat going.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33"Would you like to consider standing for a particular seat?"
0:11:33 > 0:11:37I thought about it and I thought, "That sounds interesting!"
0:11:37 > 0:11:38So I said yes.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42In politics now, and you are the mayor here.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45What sort of year have you had?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47It's frantic!
0:11:47 > 0:11:53I can't begin to tell you what sort of year it's been. It's been manic at times.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Fascinating, interesting, great, wonderful.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59You meet some really great people.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03And it's a great honour to be asked to be mayor
0:12:03 > 0:12:06and represent your town, because that's what you do -
0:12:06 > 0:12:11you represent the town to other towns and you serve the people in the town.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Once the year is over,
0:12:13 > 0:12:18how would you like people to remember you and your year?
0:12:18 > 0:12:23That's a difficult one. I think...to be approachable.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Because the office of mayor, people see the mayor
0:12:27 > 0:12:31as the sort of person you can't talk to.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36Because the mayoral position is number one in a town
0:12:36 > 0:12:41and the only person that would outrank me would be royalty or the Queen's representative.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46So with that in mind, people are very hesitant. They don't know how to meet you.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51So I've spent the time trying to get people to treat me as Mrs Average On The Street.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55I'll be Mrs Average next year when I'm no longer mayor.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01While we've been chatting about Brenda's year as mayor, John has been rummaging
0:13:01 > 0:13:05and digs up this elegant silver-cased gents pocket watch.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07It used to belong to Bob's grandfather,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11who bought it in the 1920s and wore it with great pride.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16Sadly, pocket watches like this aren't particularly rare, but this one is in good working order,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19and John is hopeful that it'll fetch at least £30 to £40.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26John! Bob!
0:13:26 > 0:13:29I've found the boys' playroom!
0:13:29 > 0:13:31That is interesting.
0:13:31 > 0:13:37- This is your train set? - I think it was an 11th birthday present, or Christmas,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40which puts it in the late '50s.
0:13:40 > 0:13:47- All boys wanted a train set when they were little and I was disappointed.- Why?
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Well, I'm an English lad, or I was,
0:13:51 > 0:13:56and I wanted an English railway set and this is Canadian.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01It's interesting you say that you didn't like it because it wasn't English,
0:14:01 > 0:14:05but it is by an English maker. Tri-ang, very English firm,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08who have their origins way back in the Victorian period
0:14:08 > 0:14:12when G&J Lines were making wooden toys.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15The firm was formed after the war by their four sons.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18After the war, in the '50s,
0:14:18 > 0:14:21they commissioned a chap called Alexander Venetzian,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23who had a firm making plastic toys,
0:14:23 > 0:14:27they commissioned him to make a railway system to compete with Hornby.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31So successful were they, so efficient was their manufacturing
0:14:31 > 0:14:34and slick their modelling and marketing,
0:14:34 > 0:14:38that by 1964, they took over Hornby, forced them out of business.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- There is a collector's interest in trains of this period, isn't there? - There are.
0:14:43 > 0:14:49- And forgive me, but I never had trains as a child. I'm guessing that...- Aww!
0:14:49 > 0:14:51No, I was an Action Man.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54These were probably run on the same tracks.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56But you do see them turning up at auction.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59They tend to be merged in with Hornby stuff.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05But the big thing is the box. We don't have it. We've got rolling stock, track,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09and we've got the main electrical box there...
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- No box, though, Bob.- No.- No.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Fortunately, there are still lots of little boys who do love playing with trains,
0:15:16 > 0:15:21so presumably we'd be able to sell this at auction, John, but for how much?
0:15:21 > 0:15:26Like it is, I would expect it to make no more than about £20 or £30.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- How would that be for you? - It's £20 or £30 going to the charity
0:15:30 > 0:15:34rather than continuing to collect dust on the top shelf.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Whilst we carry on looking for what else is collecting dust,
0:15:38 > 0:15:43John spots this 1970s onyx ormolu coffee table.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Well, you could hardly miss it. It's quite a beast!
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Just look at those ornate legs.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53It was passed down from Bob's aunt, but as it doesn't really fit with their decor,
0:15:53 > 0:15:59they're happy for it to try its luck in the sale room. It heads off with a modest price tag.
0:15:59 > 0:16:05I have a feeling we have a chance of finding more treasures for this very good cause.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Open House is something close to my heart.
0:16:08 > 0:16:14They look after those less fortunate than ourselves who are homeless and haven't anywhere to go.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17I thought that would be good, so I adopted them for my charity.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Although they're local, they serve Crawley and the surrounding area.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23What exactly do they do?
0:16:23 > 0:16:27If they haven't anywhere to go, they can stay the night.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Exchange of clothing, bedding, whatever you need, they've got it.
0:16:31 > 0:16:37And the local schools support the charity when it's Harvest Festival, with food, etc.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41I thought it would be good to do something for a local charity.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44There but for the grace of God go all of us.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48In fact, both of you got involved in doing this, didn't you?
0:16:48 > 0:16:53You took it to extremes, really, didn't you? Tell me what you did!
0:16:53 > 0:16:57Well, it was Brenda's idea, not mine.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01She decided it would be good to sleep out for a night,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04which we did in the town centre in Queens Square.
0:17:04 > 0:17:10And, er, we eventually had 17 people sleeping out,
0:17:10 > 0:17:14and all had sponsor to do it.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Very interesting experience.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19The pavements of Crawley are very hard.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23But this was to give you an idea of what it was like to be homeless.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- And people sponsored us to do that. - How much did you make?
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Over £3,000.
0:17:28 > 0:17:34What sort of thing will the money that we're hoping to raise actually pay for?
0:17:34 > 0:17:38They're very short of space, so they're hoping to expand it somehow
0:17:38 > 0:17:42and build an extension onto the property to help more people
0:17:42 > 0:17:45or to enlarge the areas they have, because it's very cramped.
0:17:45 > 0:17:51he offices are full of bits and pieces because they... It's very, very small.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56So they're desperate for space, so they're hoping to raise money.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Chatting to Brenda and Bob has been fascinating,
0:18:01 > 0:18:05but if we're to make that target of £400, we'd better get moving.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10Nestling in the bookshelf I find this gold ring, which belonged to Bob's aunt.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14It's a 19th century nine-carat gold ruby dress ring
0:18:14 > 0:18:19and John thinks it could add another £30 to £50 to our ever-growing kitty.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- Brenda.- Yes?
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- This little watch here, can you take that for me?- Yes.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33This little gold wristwatch, is there any sentimental attachment to it?
0:18:33 > 0:18:38Yes, there is. It was my mother's. It was her 21st birthday present.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41So that's, what, 75 years old?
0:18:41 > 0:18:45However, as you can see, it needs some TLC,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48so I'd rather someone had it who would look after it
0:18:48 > 0:18:51than it stay in my cupboard and just disintegrate.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55When you say it needs some TLC, the glass face has gone.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57- What's the story?- I have no idea.
0:18:57 > 0:19:03It's one of those things in moving around, the glass cover just disappeared.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06The watch itself would probably date to about the 1920s,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09certainly in style, with those Arabic murals
0:19:09 > 0:19:12and that little engine-turned gold dial.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15This is at a time when the wristwatch has only just developed
0:19:15 > 0:19:18as a transition from the pocket watch.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21When you think back, there was two major events
0:19:21 > 0:19:24that facilitated the need for a wristwatch.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27One, the First World War, the second, the car.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31Soldiers in the trenches trying to synchronise when they're going to move,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35it's easy to look at a wristwatch than fumble with a pocket watch.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39The same for a driver. If you think it's illegal to drive cars whilst on a mobile phone,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- I imagine there'd be a law if people were fumbling for a pocket watch. - True.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47So a wristwatch was much easier to hold the wheel and have a glance at the time.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51I think restoration costs would outweigh its actual value,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55so I think sale is probably a good route for it.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58At auction today, I'd still hope it would make £30 to £40.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01I think that would be quite a nice price to have for it
0:20:01 > 0:20:04and it would be... it would honour my mum in a way,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08because the money would go to a good cause. I think she'd like that.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- I think so, too. Rather than it sitting in a cupboard.- Yes.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16We're almost done, but there's time for one last search of the house.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Brenda takes another look at some of her old costume jewellery
0:20:19 > 0:20:22and decides to put it all into the sale.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26The collection includes a rather pretty necklace and a number of gold-plated brooches.
0:20:26 > 0:20:32Brenda's had them for over 30 years, but she's happy to sell them now.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35John thinks they could bring in another £20 to £30.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Bob, where did this rather lovely gold chain come from?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41I believe it was my grandfather's.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45I seem to recall a photo, I was five, Christmas time,
0:20:45 > 0:20:50and he seems to be wearing it on his jacket.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- When you say wearing it, he would've had a watch at one end of it.- Yes.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- Football was quite important to him, wasn't it?- It was.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01He was a professional footballer, but unfortunately, he broke his leg
0:21:01 > 0:21:05before his career got under way and he never played again.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10We're going to show this to John, not only because he'll be interested in it because it's gold,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13but he also is a football fan.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16He supports Portsmouth, but we'll forgive him that.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17Brenda, John!
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Come and look at this.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- John. Have you never thought to have that made into a bracelet?- Never. - No?
0:21:25 > 0:21:28People do that with them, don't they?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30The practice of wearing them as bracelets and necklaces
0:21:30 > 0:21:33is believed to have started around WW1.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Men went away to the trenches and their wives kept them safe.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40These were still prized items and so they wore them as necklaces,
0:21:40 > 0:21:44often so that they felt close to the person that was away.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Often referred to as Albert Chains after Prince Albert,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51and the finer ones are sometimes referred to as "Albertina Chains"!
0:21:51 > 0:21:56Isn't it true that each of those links would be hallmarked? What does that one tell us?
0:21:56 > 0:22:00This one, you're absolutely right, Angela, they are each hallmarked.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03We've got a number nine. Next to it, 375.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08375 being 375 parts of a thousand pure gold, and the nine tells us it's nine-carat gold.
0:22:08 > 0:22:14I think we'll be looking at probably about £250-plus for that.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Wow!- Excellent!- Very good.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21£250, if you could get that, just on its gold value alone,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25what a fantastic amount to add to your £400!
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- Yes!- Absolutely! Absolutely.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Taking that as the lowest estimate,
0:22:30 > 0:22:34plus the lowest estimate on everything else John's looked at,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37we just might be able to raise as much as...
0:22:37 > 0:22:39..£630!
0:22:39 > 0:22:42No! Fantastic!
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- How fantastic.- That's wonderful! - Which would be terrific for the charity!- It would.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52We just have to wait now for the hammer to come down on everything and see what we actually make.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55We've had a hugely productive day in West Sussex
0:22:55 > 0:22:59with the Mayor of Crawley and her charming husband, Bob.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03And we've unearthed a rich list of collectables to take with us to auction.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08There's the delightful brooch, hand-crafted by a celebrated British bomber pilot.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13We're hoping that his efforts will be rewarded again and it'll fly past its estimate.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15We have Bob's train set.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18He was given it as a boy but never really liked it.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20We hope the bidders will love it
0:23:20 > 0:23:24and pay upwards of its £20 to £30 price tag.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27And the stunning nine-carat gold Albert Chain.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30It was Bob's football-playing grandfather's,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32so let's hope it scores highly with the bidders
0:23:32 > 0:23:36and shoots over its £250 to £280 estimate.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42Still to come on Cash In The Attic, there are some unexpected results in the sale room.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- Were you pleased?- Very pleased. - Rather more than you thought it might make.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50Our expert wonders if he's been a little overoptimistic.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53I'm not sure why I came up with that estimate.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57I'm thinking, "You'll get your fiver back, but Not sure about the 50!"
0:23:57 > 0:23:59You haven't let me down so far.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Will his valuations come good?
0:24:01 > 0:24:04All will be revealed before the final fall of the gavel.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I really did enjoy talking to Brenda and Bob
0:24:13 > 0:24:17about their involvement with local politics and local charities.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22Isn't it really generous of them to be giving everything that they raise today
0:24:22 > 0:24:24to the charity Open House?
0:24:24 > 0:24:28We've brought all of their items here to Watsons Auctioneers in East Sussex.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Hopefully, we're going to make more than that £400 target.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37This popular auction house first opened their doors back in 1874
0:24:37 > 0:24:41and they've been holding regular sales ever since.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Their general auction takes place every Tuesday.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46We're hoping for a healthy turnout today
0:24:46 > 0:24:50so that we can raise lots of money for a hugely worthwhile cause.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54John's arrived and it looks like he's got his eye on a lady.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- You're rather taken with that, aren't you?- Yes.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01They don't make them like they used to. They make about £15, these figures.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04But this one enjoyed a short production run
0:25:04 > 0:25:07and was designed by Leslie Harradine,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09so I'm hoping it'll do our 50 to 70 estimate.
0:25:09 > 0:25:15Are you confident that, with the other items they've brought today, we'll make that £400?
0:25:15 > 0:25:18They've got one or two interesting pieces of jewellery,
0:25:18 > 0:25:22and that lovely silver brooch, designed by the WW2 pilot.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25And they have, for me, an excellent item,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- it's a '70s throwback, that collection of Weebles.- I know!
0:25:28 > 0:25:34- You didn't have them as a boy, did you?- I wish I had! Now might be my chance!
0:25:34 > 0:25:36They'll certainly make some child happy.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40Shall we go and see them both and see how they feel about the auction?
0:25:40 > 0:25:43I'm pleased to hear John sounding so confident about our chances.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47Brenda and Bob's items have been beautifully displayed in the sale room.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50But isn't there an item missing?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- Hello!- Brenda and Bob. - Nice to see you.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57- John and I have been looking at some of the items you brought.- Yes. - We can't find the watch.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01When I told my daughter we were going to put Granny's watch in the auction,
0:26:01 > 0:26:04she said, "No, you can't possibly get rid of it! I want it."
0:26:04 > 0:26:07So she's taken it and she's having it renovated
0:26:07 > 0:26:10and it's still being repaired, with a new strap.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- I think that's rather lovely. - It's just as well.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17It was never going to make a lot, so keeping it in the family is nice.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- How are you feeling about the auction, Bob?- Excited. Er...
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I don't know what'll happen. It's a whole new ballgame.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26I've never been to an auction. I'm looking forward to it.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Let's hope we can make it a very pleasant and memorable experience.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- Shall we go and take our place? - Let's do.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37With the auctioneer in position and the sale already under way,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40we don't have to wait long for our first lot of the day.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44It's Bob's childhood railway set, which he never really liked.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48He wanted a British engine. This one's Canadian.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Normally, these railway sets go for quite a lot of money,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54but presumably, because this is a foreign set,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57it may not go with train collectors in this country.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01It's not what they want. They prefer Hornby.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05We have got a mixed lot. Some of them are in boxes, but not the main box.
0:27:05 > 0:27:11I hate to use the expression, it's a kind of "suck it and see". We'll just have to see what happens.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15That lot at £40. 40? 30?
0:27:15 > 0:27:19- 20 I'm bid. £20. - We've started at 20.- £20 bid.
0:27:19 > 0:27:2222? 25? 28?
0:27:22 > 0:27:24At £28. 30 now.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30£28 in the room? Going to be sold at £28.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35- That's good. - Not a Canadian flag in sight!- No!
0:27:35 > 0:27:39That'll do very nicely indeed! Just £20 shy of John's estimate.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42And we've got our first contribution into the charity pot.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45We've deduced that there are some toy collectors in the room.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49What we need for our next lot are the fashion aficionados.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54We've got a collection of costume jewellery now, which you used to wear, Brenda.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58When I was younger, but not any more. I prefer more simple jewellery.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02I felt it was time I tidied out my jewellery box.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05If you get £20 to £30 for a clearout, that's not bad, is it?
0:28:05 > 0:28:09There's lots of collectors and dealers here,
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- so hopefully they'll want to take it away.- I hope so.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- That's a nice mixed lot there at £30.- He likes it!
0:28:15 > 0:28:17- "Nice mixed lot".- 20?
0:28:17 > 0:28:21£20 bid. 20. £20?
0:28:21 > 0:28:2525? 28 in the room. At 28 in the room.
0:28:25 > 0:28:2730 on the net, is it?
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- 30. Thank you. At £30.- Goodness!
0:28:30 > 0:28:35From the net, selling, then at £30.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37- Excellent.- Good result.- Very good.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Yes! Well done. Spot on so far!
0:28:40 > 0:28:43I don't mind being wrong if it's in your favour.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45If it's over the estimate, that's fine!
0:28:45 > 0:28:50I think someone viewed that and decided to bid on the internet.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54And bid they did, all the way up to John's top estimate.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57We've had a terrific start to our day,
0:28:57 > 0:29:02and I think Bob's rather enjoying his first taste of a real-life auction.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07Next up, a lot that I found. It's the collection of children's toys from the 1970s.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11Confession time. I had no idea what the Weebles were.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15I'm afraid it was after my childhood.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18But, John, you felt deprived of not having these, didn't you?
0:29:18 > 0:29:21I did! I really coveted these as a small boy,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24but I wasn't fortunate enough to have any to play with.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28So when I saw them, it took me back to a rather sad time.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33Though, I'm also sorry to say, I'm starting to look a bit like a Weeble!
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- But your children played with them. - Yes, they did. They loved them.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42I thought I'd see more in auction houses over the years, but I haven't,
0:29:42 > 0:29:44so I'm hoping they go down a scream.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47£30? 30.
0:29:47 > 0:29:48£20?
0:29:48 > 0:29:52- 10 bid only. 10. 10. - You've got 10 bid!- 12.
0:29:52 > 0:29:5715. 18. 20. At £20. Take two?
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Last time, then. Selling in the room at £20.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- Brilliant. Excellent.- There you go! - That's all right.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09- At first, my estimate wobbled a bit, but didn't fall down. - Like the Weebles!
0:30:09 > 0:30:11I may not have heard of Weebles before,
0:30:11 > 0:30:16but there were clearly bidders in the room who remembered them fondly.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20More of Brenda's jewellery next. This time, it's the antelope brooch,
0:30:20 > 0:30:24made by the heroic bomber pilot turned silversmith, Geoffrey Bellamy.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- Where did you get it from? - My mother-in-law gave it to me just after we got married.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32I needed a brooch for my outfit and she said I could keep it.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I have seen a couple of ladies looking at it.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Hopefully, they realise what they've got there.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42It's a very classic brooch, so yes.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45What do we say for that one? £50? 50.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47£30?
0:30:47 > 0:30:5120 bid only. £20. £20 bid. At £20.
0:30:51 > 0:30:5422? 25?
0:30:54 > 0:30:59At £25. At 28. At £28. 30 now.
0:30:59 > 0:31:00At £28?
0:31:00 > 0:31:02Can he make it 30?
0:31:02 > 0:31:04At £28.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- THEY GROAN - Just £2 under.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- Never mind.- We've got £28.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14I had rather hoped that the antelope brooch would trounce its estimate.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16It does have such a fascinating pedigree.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20Still, we can't be too disappointed as it was just £2 shy of John's lower estimate,
0:31:20 > 0:31:24and it is more money towards a terrific cause.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29I wonder what the room will make of Brenda and Bob's rather lavish 1970s table.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31It didn't suit the decor of their house,
0:31:31 > 0:31:36and they've been trying to get rid of it for years! Will it be to the bidders' taste?
0:31:36 > 0:31:39You were very dismissive of the onyx table,
0:31:39 > 0:31:43but the catalogue and the auctioneers have done it proud.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48"It's a 1970s onyx and ormolu coffee table, having a circular top with pierced ormolu frieze,
0:31:48 > 0:31:54"supported on four dolphin legs with onyx undertier, standing on bun feet."
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- My goodness!- Do you recognise it? - No!
0:31:58 > 0:32:0140 for that one. £40?
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Anybody start me at 30? 20 I'm bid £20.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07- You've got £20!- £20!
0:32:07 > 0:32:11£20 bid. 20. Take it two now.
0:32:11 > 0:32:12At £20. Take it two?
0:32:12 > 0:32:18At £20. Anywhere in the room at 20? Are they bidding on the net?
0:32:18 > 0:32:23- At £22.- On the net! - This time, at £22.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- There you go!- 22!
0:32:26 > 0:32:29And you were going to give it away.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Brenda's clearly delighted with that sale.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37The table is out of the house and we have another £22 in the kitty.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40I don't think our next lot will be quite so easy to part with.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45- Next is the silver pocket watch, which belonged to your grandfather. - That's right.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49- Do you remember him with this watch? - I can remember him wearing it,
0:32:49 > 0:32:52it was my fifth birthday or Christmas.
0:32:52 > 0:32:58I've got my new football boots on and he's wearing his watch.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Grand items, but nobody seems to want them these days.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Hence, 30 to 40 doesn't sound like a lot for a nice pocket watch.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09- That one there at £100.- Ooh!
0:33:09 > 0:33:11100? 80?
0:33:11 > 0:33:1350 I'm bid. £50.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- £50!- At £50 bid.- That's good. - That's great!
0:33:15 > 0:33:1855? 60?
0:33:18 > 0:33:24£60? At £60. Five now? At £60?
0:33:24 > 0:33:29- At £60. Done, then, at £60. - Excellent.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35- Well done. £20 over your top estimate.- Very happy with that.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- Are you pleased?- Very pleased. - Rather more than you thought it might make.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43A great result for an item that I can see meant an awful lot to Bob.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46But the charity also means a lot to both of them,
0:33:46 > 0:33:49which is why they're parting with treasured items.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52So, how much have they raised so far?
0:33:52 > 0:33:58You've got a very modest figure in mind, haven't you? £400 for your charity.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- But that £400 is going to go a long way, isn't it?- Yes.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03We're at the halfway point.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08We've not quite made our halfway sum of £200,
0:34:08 > 0:34:11but bear in mind you do have some gold to come
0:34:11 > 0:34:14and a couple of very nice things in the second half.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- But you have so far... You said, "I think I've barely made £100," didn't you?- Mm.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23- You've made £188. - That's better! Good!
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- Big sigh of relief? - BOTH: Big sigh of relief.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29I thought that news would bring a smile to their faces.
0:34:29 > 0:34:34If, like Brenda and Bob, you're thinking of heading to auction to raise money for something special,
0:34:34 > 0:34:39remember that fees like commission, VAT and other possible charges may be added to your bill.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44So do check the details with your local auction first to avoid any unexpected surprises.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47Today's auction is cracking along at quite a pace
0:34:47 > 0:34:51and we only just have time to catch our breaths from the first half
0:34:51 > 0:34:54before our next lot of the day is offered to the room.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58It's the rather pretty gold ring that I found on the bookshelf.
0:34:58 > 0:35:04How did you come by this "19th century, nine-carat gold claw ruby dress ring"?
0:35:04 > 0:35:07It came to us via my husband's aunt.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Because it's too small for me, I can't wear it anyway,
0:35:10 > 0:35:14so I may as well sell it to someone who can wear it and can enjoy it.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- Jewellery like this always does well at auction, doesn't it? - It does these days.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Even though a lot of the Victorian styles aren't fashionable with the young,
0:35:23 > 0:35:28there's still older people that buy things like this. It should do at least our estimate.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Which is £30 to £50.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34What do we say for that one? £40.
0:35:34 > 0:35:3740. 30 I'm bid. Thank you. £30.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40On its estimate. Good.
0:35:40 > 0:35:4232? 35? 38? 40?
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- Yes!- At £40?- That's great.
0:35:45 > 0:35:50Going to be sold, then, at £40.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- Yes!- Right in the middle, John. - I'm happy with that.- Very happy.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Once again, John's estimate is right on the money.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01How much longer can he keep this up? I'm not sure.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04He was hesitant when it came to our Doulton lady.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08When we arrived, one of the first things John went to look at
0:36:08 > 0:36:11was the pretty Royal Doulton figurine.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15- But you're not a collector of this? - No, not the Doulton, no.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19But this one is a very limited run, isn't it?
0:36:19 > 0:36:24It was only in production for about 13 years, in the late '50s into the '60s.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26And a good designer, Leslie Harradine.
0:36:26 > 0:36:33I've put my neck on the line. I've said 50 to 70, and Doulton can be picked up for £10 to £15.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Somebody start me at £20 for her. £20.
0:36:36 > 0:36:3920? 20 bid only. £20.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43At £20. 22 on the left. 25 in the room.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45At 25 in the room. 28 now.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50- At £25. 28, is it? At 25. Eight on the net?- Yes!
0:36:50 > 0:36:56No. At £25. This time, is it, at £25?
0:36:56 > 0:37:0028 on the net if they want it. At 25.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02- 25.- Half of our lowest estimate,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05but more than you would expect, John.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08More than you do expect for standard Doulton.
0:37:08 > 0:37:13But as I say, short production run, good designer. I did expect a bit more.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16I think we were all hoping for a better result for the figurine.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20But when the Doulton collectors aren't in the room, or online,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23there's not much more we can do.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Fortunately, we can hardly fail to make a profit on our next lot.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31It's the oak bureau that John has valued, possibly optimistically,
0:37:31 > 0:37:32at £50 to £100.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- How much did you pay for it? - Five?- Five pounds.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40Whatever we make on it, it's a profit! We've got £50 to £100 on it.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43I'm not sure why I came up with that estimate.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47I'm thinking, "You'll get your fiver back, but I'm not sure about the 50."
0:37:47 > 0:37:50You haven't let me down so far. 50 would do fine.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53Let's see what it does!
0:37:53 > 0:37:57That one there at £50. 30?
0:37:57 > 0:37:5930, is it? 30 I'm bid. £30.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02There we go! £25 profit.
0:38:02 > 0:38:07Two? Five? Eight? 40? Two? Five?
0:38:07 > 0:38:10At £45 this time. At £45.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14Done, then, at 45.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- Not bad!- That's not too bad.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19There you go, John, you weren't that far out!
0:38:19 > 0:38:22And I never doubted that you would be, John.
0:38:22 > 0:38:23£5 shy of the lower estimate
0:38:23 > 0:38:27and another solid contribution towards the charity fund.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31Our next lot is the jewellery that Bob was left by his grandfather.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35It includes a nine-carat gold necklace and a gold ring,
0:38:35 > 0:38:37and it seems that this is the right time to sell.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Gold has gone up in price, hasn't it, John?
0:38:41 > 0:38:44It's gone up about a pound a gram since I did this.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48That's in our favour today, so that's good.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52- We should get our estimate on the next lot.- I hope so.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Which is £80 to £100.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57Unless my scales weren't working properly!
0:38:58 > 0:39:01£100. £80?
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- Top of the estimate. - £50 I've got. £50.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- At £50 bid. - It's worth more than that.
0:39:07 > 0:39:0960? 65?
0:39:09 > 0:39:1170? £70?
0:39:11 > 0:39:13- At 70. Five.- Come on.
0:39:13 > 0:39:1580? Five?
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- 90? Five? And five?- Oh, good!
0:39:18 > 0:39:22105? At £105 this time.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- Come on.- Selling at £105.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30- Oh, well.- We made a little bit over. - Don't look like that, Bob!
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- £100 was our top estimate!- Well...!
0:39:33 > 0:39:36I wanted a bit more.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Well, there was clearly nothing wrong with John's scales,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43but the bidders weren't going to pay any more than its weight in gold.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46It's good to see such strong interest in the room.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50We have just one lot left to sell, fortunately for us, it is more gold.
0:39:50 > 0:39:56John got very excited when he found that very heavy gold Albert Chain.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- This had been your grandfather's again, had it?- Indeed.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03John, what would people use these for now?
0:40:03 > 0:40:06People do have them made into necklaces or bracelets.
0:40:06 > 0:40:11But watch collectors would buy them to attach to a nice example in their collection.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13So these are still popular things.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16What do we say for that one? £300?
0:40:16 > 0:40:17300?
0:40:17 > 0:40:20A couple of hundred? Thank you. £200.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23- At £200. 220.- That's good!
0:40:23 > 0:40:27220? 240? 260? 265?
0:40:27 > 0:40:29At 260? 280?
0:40:29 > 0:40:33At 280? At £280? Looking for 300.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35At £280.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39Going to sell it at £280.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Yes!
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Well done.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Now, you see, at the beginning of the day,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49you'd never been to an auction, Bob,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52it was going to be exciting, different,
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- how do you feel now that you've had your very first auction? - I was very excited.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01Especially that last item. It put the icing on the cake. It was really, really good.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04What a way to finish off a sale.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08I don't think Bob is going to forget his first auction in a hurry.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Our aim was to raise £400 to donate towards the couple's favourite charity,
0:41:12 > 0:41:16which has plans for expanding their hostel. So, how have they done?
0:41:16 > 0:41:22Well, if £400 will go towards enlarging the premises, what will £683 do?
0:41:24 > 0:41:26A lot, lot more! That's really good.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30- That's brilliant!- Really excellent. - I can't believe it!
0:41:34 > 0:41:39The money that Bob and Brenda raised at auction is to be donated to Crawley Open House,
0:41:39 > 0:41:42a charity that helps people who are homeless and on the streets.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46Peter Mansfield-Clark is the charity's director.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Brenda, the Mayor of Crawley, has been a fantastic friend to us.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54We did know her before she chose us to become her charity
0:41:54 > 0:41:56because she's the local councillor,
0:41:56 > 0:42:00but we never dreamed that we would become the mayor's charity.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03We've had a lot of people visit since she's been mayor,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06and we're able to break down their perception of homelessness
0:42:06 > 0:42:10and the stigma surrounding them, and people with drug and alcohol problems,
0:42:10 > 0:42:14to let people know that they're human, the same as anybody else.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17It's a lovely feeling to be able to do something for them.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20It does give you a nice warm glow!
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Makes you feel useful! I enjoy doing it, yes.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31What a terrific result for two really lovely people.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34And a great result for the charity, too!
0:42:34 > 0:42:36If there's something you'd like money for,
0:42:36 > 0:42:40if you have things lying around that you'd be happy to send to auction,
0:42:40 > 0:42:42why not get in touch with us?
0:42:42 > 0:42:45You'll find our details on our website:
0:42:47 > 0:42:50We look forward to seeing you on Cash In The Attic.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:42:55 > 0:42:59E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk