0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello. Welcome to Cash In The Attic,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06the show that helps you raise money for a special treat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Now today, we're going to be meeting a husband and wife
0:00:08 > 0:00:12who are ready to put some of their unwanted possessions to better use,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14to help them see someone very dear to them.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Coming up on Cash In The Attic...
0:00:36 > 0:00:39What can I do to keep warm while we're rummaging?
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- Fantastic. Excellent. - Your hands are cold!- I've always got cold hands. Sorry!
0:00:43 > 0:00:45'Destined for auction.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48'A conquistador who's much loved by his owners.'
0:00:48 > 0:00:50I fell in love with him. Even Marian liked him.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Even Marian likes him. Is that the acid test?
0:00:53 > 0:00:56No-one interested? 120.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00And at the auction, will both our contributors embrace the worst of all outcomes?
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- What are you going to do if it doesn't sell? - Take it home.- Oh, no!
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Be there when the hammer falls.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10We're here near Exeter in Devon, and we're going to meet a couple
0:01:10 > 0:01:13whose stash of antiques and collectables will hopefully
0:01:13 > 0:01:17raise enough cash to get them halfway round the world.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19John and Marian's spacious home
0:01:19 > 0:01:24and well-tended garden are the ideal setting for them to indulge their interests,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27which include looking after rescue dogs like Barney.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30John was stationed all over the world during his time in the forces,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33and he's had a variety of jobs since.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36For a while, he ran a business trading in brass,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39while Marian has been a secretary and a carer.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42At one time, three generations lived together in this rambling house,
0:01:42 > 0:01:47but now Marian and John are thinking of moving somewhere smaller.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49They've called us in to help raise funds for a long-distance trip.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52It's huge!
0:01:52 > 0:01:55'We're all depending on the wisdom of our expert, John Cameron,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58'who's had more than 20 years' experience in antiques.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02'He's off to begin searching, while I go to meet our hosts.'
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- Good morning.- Hi.- Hello. John.- Lovely to see you.- Marian.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- That's Barney. - Hello, Barney. Hello.
0:02:10 > 0:02:11He's lovely.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12He's a beautiful dog.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15I tell you what, this is a fantastic house.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19It's huge, and I love big houses because it means there's lots of places to rummage.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- How many rooms are there? - Six bedrooms, lots of rooms and lots of things to look at.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Which of you two is the collector, or the hoarder, should I say?
0:02:27 > 0:02:28Definitely me.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31I see something I like and I've got the money, I generally buy it.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- And it's all full, is it, every room full? - Pretty well.- Excellent.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40- I think you're going to be teaching us a thing or two. You're obviously an expert at this.- I'm not!
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- I buy things because I like them.- How much do you think we might raise?
0:02:43 > 0:02:45Hopefully just over £1,000.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47OK, so we'll set the target at 1,000.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Yes.- And what's the money for?
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- Me and Marian are hoping to go to New Zealand to visit my son. - Oh, how lovely.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- What's he doing out there, naughty boy?- At the moment he's working.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00His girlfriend and Andrew are over there for a year
0:03:00 > 0:03:03so it would be nice to go over and see them.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Well, we've got a big day ahead of us.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08John's already started, so why don't we go up and join him?
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- Do you want to start downstairs, rummaging?- Right. OK.- OK. Here we go.- Come on then.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16In a house this size, and with an avid collector like John,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19we'll hopefully be spoilt for choice.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22If our John is on his usual good form,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26he'll already be onto something worthwhile to begin our list.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28John boy, what you found? He's started!
0:03:28 > 0:03:33Well, I have discovered this rather showy reproduction brass clock garniture
0:03:33 > 0:03:36in the early-19th-century French style.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- Garniture, what does that mean? - You have the clock in the centre.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43When you have ensuite pieces that go with them, they're referred to as garniture.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- You probably knew this, that you had a garniture.- No, I didn't.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- We've taught you something already! - I only bought them because I liked them.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55At a glimpse, it does look like an early-19th-century French ormolu garniture.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Ormolu is a term that's given to gilt bronze.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01But on closer inspection, I can see it's actually gilt brass,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04and it is one of the modern reproductions.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Had it been original again, the porcelain panels,
0:04:07 > 0:04:12pilasters and these urns would have been Sevres porcelain or Paris porcelain,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16and painted and gilded by the leading painters of the day.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17These have been transfer printed.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19The case is plainly cast.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24What was it about these pieces that really attracted you to them?
0:04:24 > 0:04:28I liked the way they were decorated and the brass effect. In the '80s I was well into brass.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32Well, things like this were made in huge quantities in the 1980s
0:04:32 > 0:04:37to satisfy demand for Victorian and gilt antiquey-looking things.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Demand has shifted a bit today, so prices have come down considerably.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42If I had it in auction today,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45I'd probably estimate it at about £100, £150.
0:04:45 > 0:04:46Something like that.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50I would be pleased with that. I've had 20 years of admiring them.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55Now they can go to another home that might admire them even more than me.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58What a lovely man you are! Excellent.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- Your hands are cold!- I've always got cold hands, I know. Sorry about that.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03You'll have to warm me up.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05No, Marian's always cold.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- And I'm always roasting. - You are, you're nice and warm.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10I think we need to go rummaging, that will warm her up.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15Well, you know what they say, cold hands, warm heart!
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Marian has also struck lucky downstairs,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20with this workbox in which she keeps sewing materials.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22It's made of teak, grown in the Far East,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26and is an ideal wood for this brass inlay work, as it doesn't rot.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Our expert values it at £50-£80,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33and so Marian will have to find a new home for her needlework.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37It's not the only quality piece tucked away around here, I'm sure.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Look at what the other John wants us to check out, guarding the staircase.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46John, I've just got my little knight to show you.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Little?
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Let's have a look, John. Pop him on here.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52There's some fantastic detail.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Right. Well, he does look impressive.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Where did he come from?
0:05:58 > 0:06:00I saw this chap and I really fell in love with him.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- When I brought him home, even Marian liked him. - Even Marian likes him!
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Is that the acid test?
0:06:06 > 0:06:09That is definitely the acid test!
0:06:09 > 0:06:13So has he always taken pride of place at the bottom of the stairs there?
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- Definitely, yeah.- OK.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19Judging by the way you put him down with relative ease,
0:06:19 > 0:06:25I would say he was spelter, isn't he, which is an alloy containing zinc and lead and copper.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29It's relatively soft and cheaper to cast than bronze.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32So it was used for clock cases and figures and things like that,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36and architectural items, and it was used well into the 20th century.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38In the Art Nouveau period, it was used heavily,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41and through the Art Deco period of the '20s and '30s,
0:06:41 > 0:06:48you'd see a lot of clock mountings and figures in patinated spelter imitating bronze.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50So looking at him,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53he looks like he should be somewhere in the late 1400s, doesn't he?
0:06:53 > 0:06:57He's almost like a conquistador. With his poleaxe there
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and his sword out of its scabbard,
0:07:00 > 0:07:06you've got to think he would probably slightly predate the common use of gunpowder.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09He is a bit Spanish-y, especially with the hat.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Yeah. He is in nice condition, he is a decorative piece with a bit of impact,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15so if I were putting him in auction today,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I think I'd be hoping for something like 150-200.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- I'd be very pleased with that. - OK?- Yeah.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Well, he may well turn out to be our knight in shining armour,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- we'll have to wait and see! - Thanks very much.- After you!
0:07:27 > 0:07:28From the 15th century on,
0:07:28 > 0:07:32the conquistadors brought much of the Americas under the control of Spain,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36gathering up in the process all that Aztec and Inca gold.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39So let's hope he brings us plenty of riches.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42I wanted to have a little break, a little sit down,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45because I wanted to learn more about you two as a couple.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47A long-standing couple, I gather!
0:07:47 > 0:07:49How old were you, Marian, when you met him?
0:07:49 > 0:07:5117.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55You were a child! How did you meet?
0:07:55 > 0:07:58We met in Honiton when I was in the Army.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00We went to a local dance.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04We won first prize in the draw as well. We've been together ever since!
0:08:04 > 0:08:08You mentioned you were in the Army. I suppose that meant long periods of separation.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- Less than a year later, I went off to Hong Kong for over two years. - So that meant leaving you behind?
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Yes. We corresponded by letter.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Most days, we wrote letters to one another.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Where did he propose?
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Well, I went out to Hong Kong, and he proposed to me
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- on the Peak in Hong Kong. - It overlooks the Bay of Hong Kong.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Was it a one-knee job?- Oh, yes! - Oh! Very romantic!
0:08:31 > 0:08:34After the Army, you went into the brass business, didn't you?
0:08:34 > 0:08:37I used to sell brass and copperware.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42We've got a little foundry, a distant cousin, sort of thing,
0:08:42 > 0:08:47and he makes sundials and door knockers, and we built a small business up from that.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Is that where you learnt about antiques and collectables, and wheeling and dealing?- Yes.
0:08:51 > 0:08:58- You know a lot about it, don't you? - I'm no expert in any field, but I enjoy buying and selling.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Tell me, Marian, did he ever come home with some real shocking buys?
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Oh, yes! Definitely!
0:09:05 > 0:09:11Do you suspect he ever has had a secret hoard of things he's brought home?
0:09:11 > 0:09:14He could well have had a secret hoard somewhere!
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- We've got plenty of buildings for him to store them somewhere. - It's time for the truth!
0:09:18 > 0:09:21I used to come home with little bits, little trinkets,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24and I used to put them in cupboards.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27And eventually, Marian used to say, "Where did that one come from?!"
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Why don't we go and look through some more drawers and cupboards,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33and see if we can find some long-forgotten trinkets, eh?
0:09:33 > 0:09:34Come on!
0:09:34 > 0:09:38Our expert has just found this oak side table,
0:09:38 > 0:09:43bought by John as part of a £250 job lot from a house clearance.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46It's an early-20th-century reproduction,
0:09:46 > 0:09:50with carvings made in the late-17th-century style.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52It can be difficult to realise the original sale price
0:09:52 > 0:09:55of things like this, as it's not an antique.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Accordingly, it's valued at £100-£200.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Marian is up in her daughter Julie's old bedroom,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06and she's found another very intriguing family heirloom.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- So what's the story behind it, Marian?- It was my grandfather's, and it was handed down to my father,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14and then eventually it's come down to me.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17As far as I know, it's my grandfather's initials on the outside,
0:10:17 > 0:10:23and the coin inside I've always known as a half sovereign.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- That's a lovely story and a nice unbroken provenance.- Right! - That's what we like.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- So it was left to you as a half sovereign.- Yes.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32What you've got here is a half pond,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35which is a South African gold coin issued in...
0:10:35 > 0:10:38This one says 1895. They only started issuing these in 1892.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Right.- But it's the equivalent in terms of its finest.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44It's 22 carat fine gold.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48It weighs about four grams, which is the same as our half sovereign.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- Right.- So it would fit snugly and perfectly in that little case there.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55So we've had a look at that. Let's pop that back in there.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58The case will be nine-carat gold.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02That is attached to this part watch chain, which very typically,
0:11:02 > 0:11:06in the 19th century, people wore about their person.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08The watch on one end, the little hook there
0:11:08 > 0:11:10and a T-bar to fix it around one's person.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15And they had all manner of things suspended from these watch chains,
0:11:15 > 0:11:19but quite commonly, a little case for emergency gold coins,
0:11:19 > 0:11:21which, no matter where you were in the world,
0:11:21 > 0:11:23would always get you out of trouble!
0:11:23 > 0:11:26But what I find is often when somebody dies
0:11:26 > 0:11:29and leaves things to people, they often get split up,
0:11:29 > 0:11:30if they've only got one item.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33So this probably had a gold watch at some point.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36So somewhere down the line, your father ended up with this part,
0:11:36 > 0:11:38but somebody else got the watch.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42I'd put this into auction, and I'd expect this to make £200-£300.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- Will that be OK?- Yes, smashing!
0:11:44 > 0:11:47We won't have to wait long to see what the bidders think of it.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50210. 220. 230.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53240. 250. 260.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59But will it raise enough money to help John and Marian make their trip to New Zealand?
0:11:59 > 0:12:03So as we carry on trawling around this grand old house in Devon,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06by my reckoning, we've found enough artefacts so far
0:12:06 > 0:12:09to make around £600 at auction.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11And that bodes well for our final total.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16John.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- I want to ask you about this rather impressive roll-top bureau.- Yeah.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24What can you tell me about it? Where did it come from?
0:12:24 > 0:12:29I bought it in the '80s, and it was my first piece that I bought with a brass inlay,
0:12:29 > 0:12:36this beautiful brass inlay, but I've now got four or five other pieces of the same quality.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39That's interesting. I remember when this stuff was being sold,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42because as you know, it's imported.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- Yep.- It comes from Malaysia.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48I see a lot of this furniture. Brass inlay tends to be the giveaway.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50It's a popular type of decorative technique.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54This will be teak, a very popular and indigenous timber out there,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56in plentiful supply.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Very expensive wood to work with, but they produce huge quantities
0:12:59 > 0:13:02of household and garden furniture from those areas.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07The quality does vary in this type of furniture. However, I've had a look at it.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09The roll-top works perfectly.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12They can get jammed because people try to force them.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16I think it's a piece of furniture that will appeal largely to a private buyer,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19somebody that will see it and see a place in their home for it.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22The trade would be tempted if it's priced correctly,
0:13:22 > 0:13:26so I want to put an estimate of 200-300 on it.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Yeah, fine.- Are you OK with that? - Yeah.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Jolly good. You say it's full up? - Yeah.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Well, before you and I have to lift this,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- I think somebody has to empty that. Maybe we'll get Marian in on that little job!- I think so!
0:13:37 > 0:13:40OK, let's see what else we can find.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Let's hope that's not too optimistic,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46because I'm told that bureaux can be tough to sell at auction.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49We'll have to hope there's a dealer in the room come the big day.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56John's found some gleaming brass weights which belonged to Marian's dad, who was a butcher.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Marked up with pounds and ounces,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01they were used to weigh the meat
0:14:01 > 0:14:04before seeing later service as doorstops.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09Our John values them at a hefty £50-£80.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12In the second lounge, he's found some large character jugs
0:14:12 > 0:14:15from Royal Doulton's great composers collection.
0:14:15 > 0:14:23Tchaikovsky and Beethoven here were just two of the eight issued between 1996 and 2001.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Together with this Aynsley porcelain garniture, our new buzzword,
0:14:27 > 0:14:33as a joint lot, we could realise between £80 and £120 at auction.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39Well, this is a little bonus, to be able to get outside, a breath of fresh air.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- I get exhausted rummaging, don't you?- Yes!
0:14:42 > 0:14:44I bet it's more tiring than you expected!
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Yes, it is. It's a big house to do it in.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51It certainly is. But you also have a rather large and lovely garden.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- Who does all the work out here? - That's John.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58What are you going to make of the flora and fauna in New Zealand when you get there?
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Probably very similar to what we've got here, but probably a bit diverse.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05So, John, when was it you saw Andrew last?
0:15:05 > 0:15:06More than a year ago.
0:15:06 > 0:15:12So we're looking forward to seeing him some time in the new year hopefully now.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18- You've got a daughter as well, haven't you?- Yes, she's Julie, and she's very happy living in London.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20We see her three or four times a year
0:15:20 > 0:15:22when she manages to come down here.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24I gather Julie also had a bit of a travel bug some time ago,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26and you kind of took advantage of it?
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Yes, she went off to China to teach for a year.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34It was our 30th anniversary, so we went off to China to meet her,
0:15:34 > 0:15:39and then back to Hong Kong where we were engaged in 1970.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41What a nostalgic trip!
0:15:41 > 0:15:43What did you think of China, Marian?
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Fascinating. Diverse.
0:15:45 > 0:15:51She was out in the rural country teaching, and it was an eye-opener.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54It really was. To see how the other half lives, really.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58I bet it was. So you had your 30th wedding anniversary in China,
0:15:58 > 0:16:02and with any luck, you might have something approaching your 40th in New Zealand?
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- Yes!- Let's get back to work and see if we can make it real.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Here we go.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Well, while we've been chatting,
0:16:09 > 0:16:11John seems to have got a little distracted.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17But in the main lounge, in this little chest of drawers,
0:16:17 > 0:16:21I find some gold jewellery passed down to Marian.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25This lovely nine-carat rose gold bracelet was a 21st birthday present
0:16:25 > 0:16:27from her grandfather.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30There are also several of her grandmother's gold rings,
0:16:30 > 0:16:37which should mean the lot will probably go for around £140-180.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Since flights to New Zealand aren't cheap,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Marian's willing to say goodbye to these precious heirlooms.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48RINGS LIKE A BELL
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Hey, what a lovely sound!
0:16:50 > 0:16:51What a lovely find.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- They are nice. It's a lovely pair of brass candlesticks. - Where are they from?
0:16:56 > 0:17:01I bought them from a collection of brass and copperware in Tiverton many years ago.
0:17:01 > 0:17:02Oh, right.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05The lady suffered arthritis.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08She told me they came from a bombed church in Plymouth,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11and they'd been handed down through the family ever since.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15That's interesting because they have an ecclesiastical look about them.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19They look like they wouldn't look out of place in any church,
0:17:19 > 0:17:25especially with this wonderful crenulated, cut-card, galleried drip pan at the top there,
0:17:25 > 0:17:27and these stems down to the spreading foot.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32When you turn them upside-down, you can see they've been machine made.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37This has been spun on a lathe. But also, if you have a look on the bottom here, there's a little mark.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Can you make that out? - Yes, I can barely see it.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Well, it actually says C Farris, that's Charles Farris, of London.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47And that's a firm that have been around for over 150 years,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50specialising in metalware for churches.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53I'm going to say £40-60 for them,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- which I think is a very tempting estimate.- Really?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Well, I think that's a bit mean, actually. Don't you?
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Hopefully they'll go a little bit higher.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- John's still shocked there's a name on there he hadn't seen. - I hadn't seen!
0:18:05 > 0:18:06It's a pity it wasn't a bullion mark.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Oh, come on!
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- That would be nice. - That's a good find.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13I think they'll fetch more, but we need more so come on.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17Several churches in Plymouth were badly damaged by bombs
0:18:17 > 0:18:18during the Second World War.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23The manufacturers of these, Charles Farris, are still going strong.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27A similar pair today could set you back well over £1,000.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Marian's upstairs in the spare bedroom.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Her father collected these coins in the 1970s
0:18:33 > 0:18:38and here we have over a dozen sets, from various Commonwealth countries,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41including Ceylon and Zambia.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45John gives them an estimate of £40-£60.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47We've almost finished here today in Devon,
0:18:47 > 0:18:51but not before John has one last question for John.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55John, what about the actual piece of furniture here, as something to go to auction?
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- Is it something you'd consider selling?- We have, because it's too big for a normal house.
0:19:00 > 0:19:07When I first bought it, it actually fits this corner, up to the windowsill, perfectly.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09It was obviously made to go there!
0:19:09 > 0:19:13But I think it's about 7'2" high, and I think offhand it's 7'2" long.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17It's not going to fit in an average-sized house,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19so it's got to go, I'm afraid.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21I can certainly see why you fell in love with it.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23It is a big, impressive piece of furniture
0:19:23 > 0:19:26and having looked inside and out of this piece,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29it is a good-quality piece of reproduction, and that's what it is,
0:19:29 > 0:19:34a reproduction breakfront bookcase in the classic mid-Georgian style.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38We're talking around about 1760s, here.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43Known as a breakfront because going along that top line, the centre section breaks forward.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- Yep.- And it has all the classical elements that were favoured in that Georgian period.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51You've got these astragal glazed doors, and these are quality.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55These are individual panels and individual glazing bars.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58So each piece has been cut and glazed in,
0:19:58 > 0:20:02as opposed to a cheaper alternative, which is a single pane of glass
0:20:02 > 0:20:05with a network of frames laid over the top.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07That's cheaper. So that's a good sign of quality.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Right down, you've got a double bank of drawers and those lovely OG bracket feet.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15Really, a nice and sympathetic reproduction, I do like it.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18So did you pay a lot of money for it?
0:20:18 > 0:20:22I paid about £1,100. I saw it, fell in love with it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25You're sure this is something you'd consider taking to auction?
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- Yes.- Yeah?- It's just too big to go in a normal house.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33We are rummaged out! Do I hear you've found something else to take to the auction?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Well, I'm hoping we're going to take this rather large,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38impressive breakfront mahogany bookcase, here.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41This whole thing?! I was kind of looking in there, but...no!
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- It's the whole shooting match! It's a monster! - Well, they want to downsize.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- Do you want it to go? - Yes, I do. It's too big
0:20:48 > 0:20:51and there's an awful lot of things in it that need to be got rid of.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Is it worth taking to the auction?
0:20:54 > 0:20:58It's a big piece of furniture, and I know it's worth something
0:20:58 > 0:21:01if you had to have this commissioned now.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03I would suggest at auction 400-600 as an estimate.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05How would that sound, John?
0:21:05 > 0:21:11Yes, I'd be happy to go to auction, but I think with a lower estimate.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- So a reserve of £400?- Yep.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18Well, I certainly wouldn't quibble at that. I think it's got to be worth £400, or keep it.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23I think we will call it a day there. I don't know if I've been through your house. It's so vast!
0:21:23 > 0:21:27But I've certainly rummaged a great deal. You all have, haven't you?
0:21:27 > 0:21:30All right. I'm going to tell you what we might make.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31So that's 400-600, OK...
0:21:31 > 0:21:34We started out saying you wanted £1,000,
0:21:34 > 0:21:39to try and get you over there to New Zealand to visit Andrew.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42We reckon, and we always take the lowest estimates that John's given,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44you should make...
0:21:44 > 0:21:47£1,550.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Goodness!
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- You may not be going business class that way, but you'll be there.- Yes.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55We'll see you on sale day then?
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- Yes!- And good luck with getting this to the auction, ha!
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Let's hope that bookcase is worth the effort.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08Joining it at auction, the Spanish conquistador.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13Will he raise his lance - and the bids - to around £150-£200?
0:22:13 > 0:22:16What about the South African gold pound coin,
0:22:16 > 0:22:21with its holder and chain, at £200-£300?
0:22:21 > 0:22:23And the brass butcher's weights.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Could they deliver £50-£80 for us in the sale?
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Let's hope so!
0:22:29 > 0:22:34Still to come, will John have to make good his promise about that bookcase?
0:22:34 > 0:22:37If it doesn't sell, I'll give you a hand downstairs with it.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Will I get over my obsession with this new terminology?
0:22:40 > 0:22:44Garniture? I'm getting used to this word, garniture. What's garniture again?
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Be there when the final hammer falls!
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Well, it's been just over a month now
0:22:54 > 0:22:58since we rummaged around John and Marian's enormous house in Devon,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01and some of the pieces we found should set pulses racing
0:23:01 > 0:23:03here at Lyme Bay Auctions.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07So let's hope the bidders have brought along their wallets and a great big van!
0:23:09 > 0:23:13Here on the Devon coast, auctions are held every month.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17It's a dull old day, but here's something to cheer us up.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21John and Marian have managed to get that huge bookcase to the sale.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23That must have been a job and a half!
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Hello, John, Marian.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- Hello!- Hello, nice to see you again.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31You got it here! Hey!
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- So who did the lifting? - Me.- Ah, John, you poor thing!
0:23:35 > 0:23:36So how did you get it here?
0:23:36 > 0:23:38We came over in the van,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42but the poor auction house had to carry it up the stairs!
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Gosh! Well, what do you think now you've seen it here?
0:23:45 > 0:23:47It looks magnificent, doesn't it?
0:23:47 > 0:23:48You like this, don't you?
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- Yeah, I do.- Yes, yes. - I've always liked it. - Have you put a reserve on?
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- Yes, we have.- What's the reserve? - 400.- 400.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Based on my bottom estimate.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02You know, I look at the piece now, good quality. It's a reproduction, but I think it's a nice piece.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- What are you going to do if it doesn't sell?- Take it home.- Oh, no!
0:24:06 > 0:24:08You're going to have a domestic, I think!
0:24:08 > 0:24:12And how are you feeling about selling all your other items?
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Some of the things have got to go, and it's for a good cause.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18It is, isn't it? All right then, well, I think the auction's about to start
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- so shall we go and find a good spot? - Right!
0:24:21 > 0:24:26The punters have gathered and the auctioneer is already hard at work.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29As we take our places, we see the first of our lots going under the hammer.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34It's the pair of brass candlesticks which were once in a church in Plymouth.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Now, these are quite common at auctions,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39so will they struggle to attract a flicker of interest today?
0:24:39 > 0:24:42I'm intrigued by what they'll do. They might fly out of the room!
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Especially, John, as you discovered the name, didn't you?
0:24:45 > 0:24:50Yes. Charles Farris, a firm with a long history of ecclesiastical brass and metalware.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- And they were from a bombed-out church.- From a church not far from here.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56So how are you feeling about them?
0:24:56 > 0:24:57They might light up!
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Oh, my gosh!
0:24:59 > 0:25:00He's on form today!
0:25:00 > 0:25:04I can't bear someone else who does puns as well!
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Oh, dear.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- Let's see how we go. £40-60, I think they're worth more.- Definitely.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13I have several bids on this one, I'm going to start straight in at £105.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17- Ooh!- £105 I have on the book, £105 I've got.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19110... 115...
0:25:19 > 0:25:21It's still on the book at £115.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24120... 125...
0:25:24 > 0:25:26130, 135, it's off the book now.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30£130 I've got. 135 anywhere?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33140... 145... 150.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36155... 160...
0:25:36 > 0:25:38£155 I've got.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Sold for £155.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43- £155!- Goodness me.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- Wow, that's wonderful!- Amazing!
0:25:46 > 0:25:49That's an encouraging start to our day,
0:25:49 > 0:25:53with a sale price massively exceeding our expectations.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Now for our second lot, the collection of coins
0:25:58 > 0:26:02assembled by Marian's father more than three decades ago.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Very popular collecting area in the '70s. Not so much these days.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10A lot of them come on the market. I haven't put a huge sum on them - £40-60 for seven sets.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15- What's the story behind them? - My father used to collect them in the 1970s.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19And he decided that he would probably give them to us.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22So he did eventually leave them to my husband John.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- Quite right too. Yes. And all we want is £40.- £40-£60.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29We just need a few numismatists in the rooms now.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Ooh! Let's see if we can get £40 at least.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35What shall we say for that - £40-£50?
0:26:35 > 0:26:39£30 then. No-one interested?
0:26:39 > 0:26:41£30?
0:26:41 > 0:26:4425? No.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Put that down as not sold, OK. Thank you.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Well, not a single bid, so obviously no collectors in the rooms there.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53But just a reflection of how that market has changed.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- People couldn't get enough of these in the '70s.- What a shame.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Well, we don't want too many like that today.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Next, it's time for our 19th-century French clock,
0:27:04 > 0:27:09with the urns which go either side. Now what are they called again?
0:27:09 > 0:27:14John bought these many years ago from a dealer in the Midlands for about £400.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- How do you feel about selling them? - We have a lot of clocks, so...
0:27:19 > 0:27:23- Yes.- ..this one's got to go. - What do you think of them, John?
0:27:23 > 0:27:28Gilt brass and porcelain garniture, I said 100-150.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31It's a question of whether they're fashionable or not.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34They're still popular with certain sections of the community.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Hopefully we've got some buyers here.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41- Well, they certainly looked good on our mantelpiece, didn't they? - They looked nice.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- They'll sell.- They will.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46What shall we say for that, a couple of hundred pounds?
0:27:46 > 0:27:50150? 100 then?
0:27:50 > 0:27:54£100? £100 I've got, and 10 I've got.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57120 I've got. 130 anywhere?
0:27:57 > 0:28:00130 anywhere? No.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03It's got to make a little bit more than this. Not sold.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07- Anyway, you're taking them home, I'm afraid. - Oh, well. That's good in a way.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10The auctioneer used his discretion not to sell them
0:28:10 > 0:28:14at a price below their real worth. That's very decent of him.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18But with two no-sales, I'm getting worried about our final total.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Let's keep our fingers crossed that the next lot can deliver.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26It's those butcher's brass weights, which also got pressed into service wedging open doors.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29They came from my father's butcher's shop.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32When he died, we bought them from his estate.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35And they've been in the family for a long time.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38I bet you had some good meat then in your childhood? You ate well.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Yes, we did. But we also had to eat what we called the orts.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Oh, I can imagine what you're talking about, yes!
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Let's change the subject quickly.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50I said £50-£80, but they could do well here today.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52They're a good piece of kitchenalia.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55This auction house is famed for its sale of kitchen equipment,
0:28:55 > 0:28:58so it might be a nice decorative effect for someone.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03Start straight in at £110. £110 I've got.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06120. 130. 140. 150.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- Oh, dear.- 160. 170.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11180. 190.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Still on the book at £190.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15200 anywhere? 200.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16210.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- Goodness me!- 230. 240?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22Now off the book at £240.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26250 anywhere? I shall sell for £240.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- Brilliant!- Well done!- Excellent.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32And they've just been sat in the kitchen. My goodness!
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- I suppose it's a little bit special because they were your dad's. - Yes, yeah.
0:29:36 > 0:29:42It's good they made such a price. And they're going to our holiday, which is great.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47That's more like it. At nearly five times our lower estimate,
0:29:47 > 0:29:49they proved a real hit with the bidders,
0:29:49 > 0:29:52more than making up for the previous couple of non-sales.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Marian's needlework box is next under the hammer.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59It was part of a set bought by John from an oriental importer.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Got your teak work box coming up now.
0:30:05 > 0:30:06Where's that from?
0:30:06 > 0:30:09I've had it since about 1980, actually.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11- I bought it out of a warehouse. - Did you?
0:30:11 > 0:30:12Yeah, I liked it.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17Actually, I bought quite a lot of inlay brass furniture, and that's one of the nicer pieces.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19How is the market for it now?
0:30:19 > 0:30:20A little bit hit and miss.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25As John said, it is modern, it's a reproduction, so you're looking for private buyers for these things.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27The condition of this is exceptional,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30so £50 as a bottom estimate isn't unreasonable.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32£30, 35,
0:30:32 > 0:30:3340, 45.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35It's gone.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37£45 in front of me here.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- 50 anywhere?- Sold for £45.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41£45?
0:30:41 > 0:30:43OK, well, we said 50-80.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- £45, are you OK with that? - Yeah. That's good.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49A little bit lower than the bottom estimate,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52but a welcome £45 towards that trip to New Zealand.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58Talking of trips, this four-feet-tall spelter figure is of a Spaniard,
0:30:58 > 0:31:00a very well-travelled soldier.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- Miss this already?- I've got the other knight to put in his place.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Oh, you've put one in already. Do you have a lot of these in the shed?
0:31:07 > 0:31:11I'd like it myself, I must say. £150-£200.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Yes, nice thing, excellent condition, good patination on it.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17I hope...I think it's worth £150.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Are you going to miss it? Actually, has he got a name?
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- George.- George?- George, yes. - That's a good name.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- Even though he might be Spanish, he's still George.- OK. Let's hear it for George.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Let's say for that one there £200?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33150, then?
0:31:33 > 0:31:34No-one interested? 120.
0:31:36 > 0:31:37100?
0:31:37 > 0:31:39No-one interested? No.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41We'll put that down as not sold. Sorry.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Well, that's disappointing. Absolutely no bids whatsoever.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47I thought he was worth the money. I know you did too, John.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51We're not too worried because I'd rather take him home.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53He'll fight another battle another day.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57George the conquistador will have to head back home
0:31:57 > 0:32:00and resume his rightful place on the stairs.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05Now, with six items gone, I wonder how close we are to the £1,000 goal.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09We're halfway through, it's been quite heart-stopping at times, hasn't it?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- Bit up-and-down, hasn't it? - It has been.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16We've had a couple of unsold items, which has obviously hit our ambitions.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18You want £1,000 to help you to New Zealand.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20Not quite halfway there, I must say.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- You've got £440.- That's all right.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25I think we've got you to the airport.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Good, at least we might find the plane, then!
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- Let's have a cup of tea in the meantime, shall we?- We need it.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34The half-time break is a good opportunity
0:32:34 > 0:32:38to examine what other people have brought to the auction today.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40And John has clearly been moved by this impressive
0:32:40 > 0:32:43collection of medals and memorabilia.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49Oh, aren't they wonderful, John? They really are.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- Sadly, not mine. - They make me feel, I don't know,
0:32:51 > 0:32:56full of admiration, bit of sadness, nostalgia.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00That's why collectors find them fascinating - they have stories to go with them.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02And here we've got a father and son group.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05One's First World War, and then the group of Second World War.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08This one at the bottom, that's a Distinguished Conduct Medal.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11First World War, issued on 4th June 1916.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Second only to a Victoria Cross.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- Really?- Interesting, isn't it?
0:33:15 > 0:33:18It's possible to trace the citation to see what the medal was awarded for.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21The second lot here, Second World War medal,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24five in a group and the miniatures, that's the son.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28Now, not as valuable as First World War medals and they weren't issued names,
0:33:28 > 0:33:32so on this one here you'll have his regiment and everything. On this one,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36if there's no documentation, you wouldn't have a clue who it belonged to,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39but we've got everything here, his discharge papers, his diaries,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42photographs of him, so that does enhance the value.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47- Is it worth investing in these? - Certainly the Second World War medal groups are increasing in value,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50but it is important to have that documentation. Don't separate them.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53So what do you reckon these might fetch today?
0:33:53 > 0:33:56Well, this one alone I would expect to make around £500.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59The Second World War group, not so valuable.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02On their own, you could probably pick them up for under £100.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05However, with all that documentation, it really does enhance them.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08Together as a group, difficult thing to predict,
0:34:08 > 0:34:10but I wouldn't be surprised if it makes up to £1,000.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Fantastic. Well, we'll see how they go.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17It turns out that John's estimate was close. £950.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Very respectable.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22So a good tip if you're selling service medals
0:34:22 > 0:34:26is to throw in as much provenance as you can about the original owner.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30And please bear in mind that auction houses charge various fees, such as commission.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Your local saleroom will advise you on these.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36We still have plenty to come.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39For instance, this carved oak side table.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41It's 17th-century-style.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44I'm quite sure it should be worth £100-£200, don't you think?
0:34:44 > 0:34:47Yes, that should definitely make the money.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- We'd be surprised to take that one home.- OK, here we go.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51£70 I've got. 75 anywhere?
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- 75 I've got. 80. - Someone on the phone...
0:34:54 > 0:34:5690. 95 is offered.
0:34:56 > 0:34:57100.
0:34:57 > 0:34:58105, 110.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02115, 120, 125, 130,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04135, 140, 145,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07150, 155, 160,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10170, 180, 190,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13200, 210, 220,
0:35:13 > 0:35:14230, 240.
0:35:14 > 0:35:15Fantastic!
0:35:15 > 0:35:20£240 I've got, sold for £240.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23That's not bad at all, because it's actually 17th-century-style,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26it's a 19th-century piece, so it's 200 years later.
0:35:26 > 0:35:27So that's not bad at all.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29£240, very happy with that.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31And so were the Pardoes.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35That table has brought them another £240 closer
0:35:35 > 0:35:37to visiting their son in New Zealand.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41Now, gold like this will fetch at least scrap value at auction.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45But I'm still surprised Marian's thinking of selling such precious heirlooms.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Any story with these, Marian?
0:35:47 > 0:35:52The bracelet was given to me by my grandfather on my 21st birthday.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57And the rings were given to me when my father died.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59And they were passed down to me
0:35:59 > 0:36:03and I wear some of them some of the time, but not all the time.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06So, why did you let us take it to auction?
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- Well, gold should do well. - Well, I've put 140-180 on it,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12we should get somewhere within our estimate, if not a bit over.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15£100 I've got. £100 I've got.
0:36:15 > 0:36:16110, 120,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19130, 140,
0:36:19 > 0:36:20150, 160...
0:36:20 > 0:36:23£150, 160,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27170, 180, 190,
0:36:27 > 0:36:29200, 210, 220,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32230, 240, 250,
0:36:32 > 0:36:3526... £240 I've got in front of me.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37250, 260?
0:36:37 > 0:36:40£250 I've got.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44260 anywhere? I'm going to sell it for £250.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46- How do you feel about that, then? - Good.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Great. Yes.
0:36:48 > 0:36:49- Did better.- Yeah.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Well, whatever is gold seems to do well now.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56£250 is another staggeringly good result
0:36:56 > 0:37:00which helps redress those few disappointments earlier.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Our expert has always had a penchant for well-made pieces of furniture
0:37:03 > 0:37:08like this teak roll-top desk, which he valued at £200-£300.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12But is the auctioneer having some trouble?
0:37:12 > 0:37:14What shall we say for that? £200 or £300?
0:37:14 > 0:37:15250 then?
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- This is nervous.- 200?
0:37:17 > 0:37:19No?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Start me 150?
0:37:21 > 0:37:22Oh, come on!
0:37:22 > 0:37:23No?
0:37:23 > 0:37:24No. 140?
0:37:24 > 0:37:26OK, 140 I've got.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28150 anywhere? No.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Can't sell this one. Sorry.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32THEY SIGH
0:37:32 > 0:37:34That's such a shame.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36I really thought these pieces were good and would sell.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38It's a functional piece of furniture
0:37:38 > 0:37:42and for £200, you couldn't even buy the teak hardwood for it,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44but there we are.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46The auctioneer felt uncomfortable
0:37:46 > 0:37:48letting the desk go at that low price
0:37:48 > 0:37:50so he refused to sell.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53That's disappointing and a blow to our target.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58We need another gilt-edged cert to bring us back on course.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00How about the next lot?
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Next up is our gold South African half pond,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07which is the equivalent of a half sovereign in this country.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10It's about four grams and 22-carat gold.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13People kept sovereigns for that rainy day.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18The sun's shining outside, but there's been some rain towards our target
0:38:18 > 0:38:22so let's hope it comes out and gives us some sunshine.
0:38:22 > 0:38:23£200 at least?
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- 200-300 is our estimate. - Okey dokey.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28£210 I've got.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30210. 220?
0:38:30 > 0:38:31230. 240.
0:38:31 > 0:38:32250.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34260. 270.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36280.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Absolutely brilliant.
0:38:38 > 0:38:39290 anywhere?
0:38:39 > 0:38:42I'm going to sell it for £280.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44£280.
0:38:44 > 0:38:45- Yay!- Very good!
0:38:45 > 0:38:46It's creeping up!
0:38:46 > 0:38:50It's astonishing how well gold has been selling recently.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54And we're thankful for it because it may make all the difference.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57Next we have three pieces of decorative pottery
0:38:57 > 0:39:00along with a pair of classical composers -
0:39:00 > 0:39:01Tchaikovsky and Beethoven,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04rendered as Royal Doulton character jugs.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07They don't look very happy, do they?
0:39:08 > 0:39:11Garniture. I'm getting used to this word - garniture.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13What's garniture again?
0:39:13 > 0:39:15We've got the two character jugs.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18The garniture - three pieces of pottery,
0:39:18 > 0:39:19two vases and another piece,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22all painted in the Royal Worcester style,
0:39:22 > 0:39:25with the still lives of fruit all over them.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29So three vases together all matching - we call that a garniture.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32OK. We reckon £80-£120.
0:39:32 > 0:39:33- Confident?- No!
0:39:34 > 0:39:38I have several bids on this one. I've got to start in at £90.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Oh, brilliant! There we are!
0:39:40 > 0:39:4395 anywhere? 95 anywhere?
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Then I shall sell it to the book bid for £90.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- £90. Happy with that.- Great!
0:39:48 > 0:39:51I was worried that our composers would leave a flat note
0:39:51 > 0:39:53in the auction room, but they've done it.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Fantastic!
0:39:54 > 0:39:59Nicely within our estimate at £90, the Dalton jugs with garniture,
0:39:59 > 0:40:03the last time we mention that word today, are off to a new home.
0:40:03 > 0:40:08Now for our largest item, which was such a struggle to bring here.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13At between £400 and £600, the fate of that huge mahogany bookcase
0:40:13 > 0:40:15hangs in the balance.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17You've got a reserve of £400.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20You couldn't buy the mahogany for that money.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23If it doesn't sell, I'll give you a hand downstairs with it.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- It'll take more than me and you! - Oh, will it?!
0:40:26 > 0:40:28That very big bookcase down the end.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30What shall we say for that one there?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32£500 or £600?
0:40:32 > 0:40:34500 then?
0:40:34 > 0:40:36400? No-one interested?
0:40:36 > 0:40:38No? 350?
0:40:38 > 0:40:43Anyone interested at £350?
0:40:43 > 0:40:44No. OK.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Not sold. OK.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Not even a bid in the room, which is disappointing.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52What are you going to do?
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Will you leave it here for another day?
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- No.- It's coming home!
0:40:57 > 0:40:59We'll have to rearrange the furniture again!
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Rather them than me.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06We've had some real ups and downs today here at Seaton in Devon
0:41:06 > 0:41:09so it's very hard to tell quite how well we've done.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11We want to get you to New Zealand
0:41:11 > 0:41:14because that's your destination, that's what this is about,
0:41:14 > 0:41:17and I have to tell you that at the end of the day,
0:41:17 > 0:41:19your target was 1,000 and you've made...
0:41:19 > 0:41:201,300.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22LAUGHTER
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Oh, it's not half as bad as I expected!
0:41:25 > 0:41:26- It's great.- That's nice.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29So when might you set off for New Zealand?
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Hopefully some time very soon when we get things organised.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Wonderful! Will you send us a postcard?
0:41:34 > 0:41:36We will, yes.
0:41:39 > 0:41:45The auction house is going to try to sell that huge bookcase again another day
0:41:45 > 0:41:50and the £1,300 that John and Marian raised has been invested in those travel plans.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Our trip to New Zealand will be coming up in the new year
0:41:53 > 0:41:55thanks to Cash In The Attic.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57It's been really, really good.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00We're looking forward to a bit of warmer weather
0:42:00 > 0:42:03and actually going to see Andrew.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08We're going to tour the North and South Islands before we actually see Andrew.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11We like to go out and visit different places.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15We're not sit-on-the-beach people.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19It's a long way to go just to go and say hello
0:42:19 > 0:42:23so while we're over that way, we're going to have a good trip.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25We've got an organised tour.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30I'm sure Andrew's really looking forward to seeing his parents, too.