0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Cash In The Attic.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06We search out all those hidden treasures around your home,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08and then we sell them at auction.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Today, we're going to help out a couple
0:00:10 > 0:00:13who've got stars in their eyes, quite literally,
0:00:13 > 0:00:15and need the money for the trip of a lifetime.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37Coming up on Cash In The Attic -
0:00:37 > 0:00:42a magnificent 19th century portrait of a formidable-looking lady.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44She looks quite a stern old bird, doesn't she?
0:00:44 > 0:00:48I was just going to say, Mr Darcy's changed, hasn't he?
0:00:48 > 0:00:52And a Victorian plant stand that almost puts our expert's back out.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56Look at that. Oh! Dear me, it weighs a tonne.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58But at auction, it doesn't all run smoothly.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- Someone's bought them.- Pathetic!
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Oh, you're not happy about that?
0:01:02 > 0:01:05I saw a lot of people looking at them.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Find out what happens when the final hammer falls.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11I'm in Buckinghamshire to meet a couple who've had
0:01:11 > 0:01:14a long-held ambition to travel far north.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17But of course, they need money to do that.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20And that's why Cash In The Attic is here to help.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24Keen amateur astronomer Peter Gillespy lives with his sewing-mad wife Alice
0:01:24 > 0:01:27in a charming bungalow in Buckinghamshire.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31The couple met in 1981 and they have two children,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33who are now grown up and have flown the nest.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37That's left Peter and Alice free to fulfil some long-held dreams.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39The first promises to be a mesmerising trip
0:01:39 > 0:01:44to a land where the stars shine brightly. That's where we come in.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Hopefully, our antiques expert, Paul Hayes,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50won't need a telescope to spot the valuables today.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53So, while he makes a start, I meet our stargazing hosts.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Ah! Good morning. It's a beautiful day.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00- You must be Alice.- Hi. - And Peter.- That's right.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Why are you looking at night-time shots?
0:02:03 > 0:02:06We're looking at pictures of the Aurora Borealis, which is something
0:02:06 > 0:02:09we would both love to go and see - the Northern Lights.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11We've never seen them in Britain.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14It's one of those phenomena that would be fascinating to see in the flesh.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- Is that why you've called us? - Yes. It would be lovely to see them.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21But they can't guarantee you'll see them when you get there.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Not at all, no.- So it would be nice to stay for a couple of nights,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28two or three nights, just to almost make certain.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30So the items that you're putting forward to be sold,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33are they things you've collected or items you've inherited?
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- Where are they from? - It's a bit of both.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39It's stuff mainly that I've inherited from my mother.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44She was a great hoarder. I call it hoarding, she called it collecting.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46But, um,...you know, it's stuff that really and truly,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48she had a great interest in,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52but I think it's about time somebody else had an interest in it, as well.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55We've brought our own Northern contribution, Paul Hayes.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Not quite from the lights, but from Morecambe.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Shall we go and find him, see if he's got anything to sell? Come on.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05We won't be short of collectibles,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09so hopefully, we'll be able to reach the £1,000
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Alice and Peter are hoping to raise towards that trip.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18Now, here's a man who's easily distracted by Northern lights.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Fortunately, he's found something that may take his mind of them.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24- Ah, Paul!- Ah, hello.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Taking the place apart already, I see.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Yes, of course. I couldn't help myself, actually.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31She looks a stern old bird.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33I was just going to say, Mr Darcy's changed, hasn't he?
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- Is she a relative?- Um...no. No.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39My grandmother used to point out the picture
0:03:39 > 0:03:42and say that she was a relative, but in fact,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45she had been bought from a big house sale at some time.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49But, um, Grandmother was an old bird sometimes and she would say,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52"This is my...", whatever it was, and people said,
0:03:52 > 0:03:54"You can see the family resemblance".
0:03:54 > 0:03:57So, Paul, how old do you think this might be?
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Well, actually, it's 19th century, definitely,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02but on the back, it tells me exactly.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06It says here, if you have a look, it says, "AD 1834."
0:04:06 > 0:04:11And then it's, "Mary Hetley in her 85th year".
0:04:11 > 0:04:15And then the name of the artist - W Grey Pinnet, I think it is.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19I've never heard of that gentleman or that lady, whoever that was.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21But this is a typical 19th century oil painting
0:04:21 > 0:04:24that you find everywhere, really. There's lots of them.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27This is the time before photography,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30so the only way really you could get a likeness of somebody
0:04:30 > 0:04:32was to do a portrait painting.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Is it with its original frame?
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Yes. This is really what took my attention.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40The painting isn't the most pleasing painting,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- but the frame is a cracker.- Is it?
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- It's very cracked. - THEY LAUGH
0:04:44 > 0:04:47But it's a Jessel frame. The whole thing's made from wood.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50And then overlaid with plaster, and then gilded on top.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52So it's like a three process.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54The early 19th century, it's a long time ago.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57To find one in relatively good condition is quite rare.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00What is more valuable - the frame or the painting?
0:05:00 > 0:05:01The painting has to be.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03The frame is very desirable
0:05:03 > 0:05:05but the painting is where the value is.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08If I said at least 200-300.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Are you happy with that? A good valuation?
0:05:10 > 0:05:13I think that's very good, very nice indeed.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- That can go to auction. Shall we see what else we can find?- Of course.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- You put it back on the wall. Follow me, guys.- Thanks very much, indeed.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23'What a fantastic start to kick off our search.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27'If all the items Alice's mum collected are of this quality,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30'then I think we should be in for a real treat today.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33'Alice commences her search in the kitchen and digs out
0:05:33 > 0:05:38'a pair of silver pots she remembers once belonged to her grandmother.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42'They are hallmarked and they were produced in Birmingham in 1946.
0:05:42 > 0:05:48'Paul thinks at auction they could add another £20-£40 to the kitty.'
0:05:48 > 0:05:54- How about this one, Paul?- Ah, now, what a beauty that is. Look at that.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Dear me, it weighs a tonne. That's fantastic, isn't it?
0:05:57 > 0:06:00So has this come down the family or is that something you bought?
0:06:00 > 0:06:02No, no, it's came from my grandmother.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06As far as I remember, it's always been in her room.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09She used to have a big, blue pot on top of it with a plant pot
0:06:09 > 0:06:12with an asparagus fern out of that.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15That's exactly what someone would have used this for.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19Victorians were obsessed with bringing the outside indoors.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23You'd have a conservatory full of plants, hallway full of plant stands.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25Oh the top of this would be a matching jardiniere
0:06:25 > 0:06:30which would have held an aspidistra or a very fancy exotic plant.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34This is very distinctive. It looks, at first glance, like Royal Doulton.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38They made lots of these wonderful Doulton Lambeth art pottery items,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41but when I turned it over before for a closer look at it,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43it's actually by a firm called Mettlach.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44- Can you see?- Yes.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Mettlach were a massive German manufacturer in the late 19th century
0:06:47 > 0:06:50and they were doing just this sort of thing.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54This wonderful stoneware, which gives great colour actually, translucent colours.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59But of course, it's not quite in as good a condition as when you first got it.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- Was it always broken? - It's always been like that.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- I don't know when it got repaired. - It's a shame.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07At the moment, it's just a decorative item
0:07:07 > 0:07:09and it's missing its plant pot top.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- Absolutely.- But perfect, this is such a desirable piece,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16but that damage at the bottom has ruined the value of it.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20If I said at least the £50 mark, how does that sound?
0:07:20 > 0:07:23If it was perfect, you could add a nought on to that.
0:07:23 > 0:07:29- But it's not.- Bit of a shame. - Well, that's £50 towards the target.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32I know it's not a fortune but it's a nice, decorative item.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34I'm sure someone would love it.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- All right, so that's going to auction, but let's keep looking.- OK.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43'Whilst the boys have been admiring the plant stand,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47'I've discovered an amazing collection of evening bags.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51'They date from the Victorian era through to the 1930s. I think they're stunning.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53'They were bought by Alice's mother.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57'I'm sure vintage fashion collectors at auction
0:07:57 > 0:08:01'would love to get their hands on such a fantastic selection.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03'Paul values the lot at £40-£60.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07'And it would seem that the bags are just one of many treasures
0:08:07 > 0:08:10'hidden throughout this sprawling bungalow.'
0:08:10 > 0:08:13I've been trying to find a few more boxes for you.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15These are great. Where did these come from?
0:08:15 > 0:08:18They've come from my grandmother to my mother to me.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- Real family heirlooms? - That's right.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- They've always been around as far as I'm aware.- They're quite old.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27This is your oldest example and dates 1800-1820.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- Do you know what it is? - I think it's a tea caddy.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32At the moment, it's used for junk.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- Have you ever used it for tea? - No, no, no.- Right, OK.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37This is made from solid rosewood.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41The idea is, this would hold your green and black tea.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45They would be held there, kept moist away from the elements, locked away.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Very important to be locked away.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- Do you know why?- Well, it was very valuable at the time.- Tea was extremely expensive.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55I remember reading somewhere that in 1650, which is a long time ago,
0:08:55 > 0:09:00tea was £10 a pound, which was an absolute fortune.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03So it was very highly priced, which is why it had to be under lock and key.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06But of course, it also had to be a status symbol.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08It would sit on the dining room sideboard,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11and people would say, "Look at the size of that tea caddy."
0:09:11 > 0:09:16This one's a lot later, maybe 1880-1900.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18More Victorian. You can see already, can't you?
0:09:18 > 0:09:21The Victorians were obsessed with fancy designs.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25They had all this embellishment on and this one is bare walnut.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- Oh, right.- It's brass bound, dome shaped. This one isn't a tea caddy.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- This one is actually a stationery box. Can you see that?- Yes.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35And you've got quite a standard box here as well,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37so these two are really the main ones.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41If I said £150, maybe £200 for those?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45That is brilliant. That would be really, really good.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49'How lovely to see Alice so excited about the value of these family heirlooms.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52'Let's hope the auction outcome keeps her in such good spirits.'
0:09:52 > 0:09:56I've got two bids on this. Starting with me at £150. I'll take 160.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59150, we're in. Great.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Find out how much they sell for later.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03As our rummage continues,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Peter decides to add a table they've had in the hallway
0:10:07 > 0:10:10for many years, to the list of things heading off to auction.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13It's mahogany and dates from the 19th-century,
0:10:13 > 0:10:17where it would have been one half of a dining table.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20No sign of the other half, sadly, but nonetheless,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Paul still thinks our half-moon table could fetch
0:10:23 > 0:10:25£50-£75 at auction.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Obviously, you've lived here for quite some time
0:10:27 > 0:10:31but originally, you're not even from this country though, are you?
0:10:31 > 0:10:33I was born in Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36but we came back to this country when I was really quite tiny.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39My parents had a tobacco farm.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Unfortunately, the farm was, "No longer economically viable,"
0:10:43 > 0:10:46would be the term, and so we came back to this country.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48So how did you two meet, then?
0:10:48 > 0:10:51From primary school, I knew a lady called Jane Jensen.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53She was getting married and Peter was the best man.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56I helped her with the flowers, so we met at a friend's wedding.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- The classic, really.- Well, yes.- So was it love at first sight, Peter?
0:11:00 > 0:11:04Absolutely. I wouldn't dare say otherwise, would I?
0:11:04 > 0:11:06So how did the wedding come about?
0:11:06 > 0:11:10Our wedding? We'd always talked about it
0:11:10 > 0:11:13and never actually done anything about it.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17I was in Aylesbury one... must have been August afternoon,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19thinking this is ridiculous.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21We keep talking about it and nobody does anything.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25I walked into the registry office and said, "What do we do?"
0:11:25 > 0:11:28She said, "You just book an appointment."
0:11:28 > 0:11:29We booked it for fifth of September.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32And Peter took... Did you take an extended lunch hour?
0:11:32 > 0:11:34No, I took half an hour off work.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Had lunch, went over to the registry office,
0:11:37 > 0:11:39we got married and I went back to work again.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40That wasn't very romantic, was it?!
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Oh, it was practical though, wasn't it, to be honest?
0:11:44 > 0:11:46At the time, we were living here,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49we had a lot of work to do on the house and couldn't afford
0:11:49 > 0:11:53expensive honeymoons or ceremonies anyway, to be honest.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56It's one of these things. I went back and saw mother
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and did have quite a nice dress on. It wasn't a wedding dress.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02She said, "You're looking very smart today, dear."
0:12:02 > 0:12:07I said, "Yes, mother, I just got married." She said, "That's lovely. Shall we go and have a cup of tea?"
0:12:07 > 0:12:10And we did. We had a piece of fruit cake and that was our wedding
0:12:10 > 0:12:12all over and done with.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16So how long have you lived here in this particular property?
0:12:16 > 0:12:21We moved in in July 1990, so that's the best part of 20 years.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25You've got the most amazing views, haven't you? You can see for miles.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28It is. It's lovely looking out here on a summer's evening
0:12:28 > 0:12:32with a glass of wine. That's pretty much paradise.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34I have to say it's a fantastic day to be out here but I do think
0:12:34 > 0:12:38we need to get inside if we're going to get that money. Shall we go and find Paul?
0:12:38 > 0:12:39That sounds good.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42And we're not the only ones enjoying the view.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Paul has been sneaking a peek too,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47checking out this Pembroke table in the conservatory.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52It's Victorian and made of rosewood, but sadly it's seen better days.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57It's what the auction house might well describe as a restorer's lot.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Nonetheless, Paul still thinks it has potential and it heads off
0:13:00 > 0:13:04to auction with an estimate of £30-£50.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06What have you got there?
0:13:06 > 0:13:08This is a box of some lacy bits
0:13:08 > 0:13:11and some christening gowns which might be of interest to you.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Right, OK.- Are they family christening gowns?
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I believe that that one was one that I was wearing
0:13:16 > 0:13:18when I was christened many, many moons ago.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22I can certainly remember my teddy wearing it when I was little.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27But yes, this one is a family one but my mother was a great jumbler.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30I don't think jumble sales really exist like they used to.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Everyone goes to car boots now, don't they?
0:13:32 > 0:13:36You're right. Lots of people nowadays, certainly when these were around,
0:13:36 > 0:13:41you'd preserve what you had and of course, you'd take material from wherever you could get it from
0:13:41 > 0:13:46and make them into other things or repair them. These are nice because they're complete gowns
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- but I notice that in the bottom, you've got oddments.- Right.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51People used to buy all these sorts of things
0:13:51 > 0:13:54and would make patchwork quilts or do a repair on something.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Things lasted that bit longer because people didn't have the disposable income.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01These are great items to have. They're all in nice condition.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05You've got three good-quality christening gowns there, worth £20 each.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08If I said sort of £60-£100 for that box...
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- Wow, that sounds brilliant to me. - Without stitching anybody up!
0:14:11 > 0:14:14OK, well let's leave them here for safekeeping and then
0:14:14 > 0:14:17we know they're out of the way, but I'm really pleased with that.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Let's go and see if we can find anything else.- Thank you.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Paul's jokes are getting better and better.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Maybe he's aiming to win his own cabaret spot under the Northern lights.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Still, it's a great estimate for these charming heirlooms.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35But that's not all the treasures to be found in this room.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Peter's decided it's time to let go of this pair of Victorian children's chairs.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43They were bought by Alice's mum at auction many years ago
0:14:43 > 0:14:48and they're added to our ever-growing list of lots with a £30-£50 price tag.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53And there's something else he's found, too.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Ah, hello, Peter.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Hello, well, I just found the two jugs we're looking for.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Ah, now, look at that. That's a good, old tankard, isn't it?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04We've got a coach pewter mug and a First World War shell case jug.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06That's interesting.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09This would have been used in a tavern, someone would leave it behind the bar.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12We used to drink a lot more ale and beer at that time
0:15:12 > 0:15:16because it was actually safer to drink than the water.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Well, this one was made in 1826, and that's called a touch mark.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22What would happen, the customs officers
0:15:22 > 0:15:27would go around and measure the exact measure to make sure you weren't getting short changed.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31So, that's a good, strong tankard, a bit of pub memorabilia.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33And people love that sort of thing.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35That's very saleable. Tell me about this one?
0:15:35 > 0:15:36It's a shell case from the First World War.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40It's got a date of 1915 on the bottom, so that dates it well.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Right. I can see the crows feet there, which is military issue.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45It's obviously a military shell, First World War.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48And it's called trench art. What would happen,
0:15:48 > 0:15:52there'd be millions of these vessels lying around once they'd been spent,
0:15:52 > 0:15:54but of no use to anybody.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56They used to make them into all sorts of things.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59This one has a little badge on here. What's that, again?
0:15:59 > 0:16:01From the Royal Army Medical Corps uniform.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04That's great, that's a good piece of First World War memorabilia
0:16:04 > 0:16:06but there was millions of them around,
0:16:06 > 0:16:10but they have become collectible in their own right.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Are these sentimental or are you OK to get rid of them?
0:16:12 > 0:16:16This is the only item that my son has ever expressed an interest in,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19and it's only once when we said this might be going to auction.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22He said, "Oh, actually, I quite like that,"
0:16:22 > 0:16:23so it's subject to discussion.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28So that's something that you'll need to clear up with your son first.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31But all being well, if I said around the £50 mark,
0:16:31 > 0:16:32£30-£50 at least.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- How does that sound? - That sounds brilliant.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36- Bottoms up.- Wonderful, thank you.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Let's keep looking.- Lovely.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41So, we're going to have to wait to find out if that jug
0:16:41 > 0:16:43made from a shell case makes it to auction,
0:16:43 > 0:16:47or if it's destined to be handed down to the next generation.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Fortunately, it's not one of our big-money collections,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53so, even if it doesn't make it to the sale room,
0:16:53 > 0:16:58it shouldn't scupper our couple's chances of making it to the Arctic Circle.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01So, tell me a little bit about this trip you want to take, then.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03I've always been fascinated by astronomy.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07I was growing up in the '60s, when all the moon shots were going on.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10It's the most exciting time ever when you're a young chap.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It grabbed me there and then. I've been fascinated ever since.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15So, I love astronomy in general,
0:17:15 > 0:17:19and one thing I'm desperate to see is the Aurora Borealis,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22or the Northern Lights, as they're alternatively known,
0:17:22 > 0:17:26where you get all the curtains of light across the sky.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30One of the things we've always wanted to see is the ice hotel.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34I believe there's one in Lapland and one in Sweden-ish,
0:17:34 > 0:17:36and I believe there's also one in Canada, now.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40And what is it about the ice hotel that you particularly like?
0:17:40 > 0:17:42I think they make it every year out of ice,
0:17:42 > 0:17:45it's like a giant snowhole, I presume.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50And things like, you have glasses made of ice to have your shots of whatever in.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53And you sleep on reindeer skins over a bed of ice, if you like.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55And it just seems very appealing,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58that you're nice and snug and cosy and warm
0:17:58 > 0:18:02but you're surrounded by ice and cold.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05The juxtaposition of the two temperatures, it's lovely.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07So, when you're there,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09is it also a really good place to observe the stars?
0:18:09 > 0:18:10Oh, absolutely.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15Britain, especially the South-East of England where we are, is appalling.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19There's so much light pollution that you're struggling to see much at all
0:18:19 > 0:18:23but somewhere like Sweden, out in the sticks, miles from anywhere,
0:18:23 > 0:18:24there would be no light pollution,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26no pollution in the air.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30The air would be so clear, you'd see everything much more sharply and clearly.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Until you've seen it, you don't know how different it is.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Because people who've grown up in the South of England
0:18:36 > 0:18:37have never seen the stars properly.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Well, given your interest, I have to ask you,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42do you think there is life out there?
0:18:42 > 0:18:45I think it's inevitable, personally.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50However, the universe is so massive it might not be that close, ha ha.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54It might well be there but I don't think there's any chance we're ever going to detect any.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57We can detect some life closer to home,
0:18:57 > 0:18:58in the form of Paul Hayes.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Shall we see if he's found anything to help add to the target?
0:19:01 > 0:19:03That would be good.
0:19:03 > 0:19:04Come on.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09We're running out of time on our rummage here in Buckinghamshire,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11but that's not to say Paul's slowing down.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14On the contrary, he's been working tirelessly,
0:19:14 > 0:19:15and his efforts pay off
0:19:15 > 0:19:18when he finds an assortment of fiddle pattern spoons,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21so called because of the shape of the handles.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Nine are hallmarked, whilst the others are silver plated,
0:19:24 > 0:19:28and they were all produced in England, from 1814 to 1906.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Paul thinks we'll be able to raise £30 to £50 for the lot,
0:19:32 > 0:19:36But that's not all he's hoping we can take with us to auction.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Ah, now then, Peter, is this your desk?
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Yes, this is our Davenport.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44It's fantastic, isn't it?
0:19:44 > 0:19:45Yes, it's very nice
0:19:45 > 0:19:47but we don't really find a use for it in the house.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50We mostly use computers rather than writing.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53The screen won't stand on it, so it's a bit awkward, really.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Do you know, you're exactly right.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58The situation we're at at the moment with antiques,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01especially bureaus, it that they don't fit computers,
0:20:01 > 0:20:03people don't really use them anymore.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05When you've got a sloped surface like that, you're right.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07It's one of my favourite items.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Do you know why it's called a Davenport?- I don't, I'm afraid, no.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Apparently, there was a captain Davenport in the 18th century,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16and he commissioned one to have on board a ship.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18It was commissioned from Gillows, in Lancashire,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20which is why I know, cos that's my neck of the woods.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25Well, this one is a Victorian example, maybe 1880 to 1900,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28it's made from burr walnut, similar to the box that we saw earlier on.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31We have a set of false drawers to one side, here,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33and then we have some real ones at this side.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38And then when you open it up, it has a beautiful fitted interior.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41You keep all your documents here. The whole thing can be locked away.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42Just a quality thing to have. I love them.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45It's the sort of thing that's had a bit of restoration.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47If you notice down on the feet,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- there's a bit of veneer missing, can you see?- Yes.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Burr walnut is expensive, so they only use it in a veneer,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53it'll need repaired.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57And I think this gallery on the back is a late addition, as well.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- Have you heard that before? - No.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Normally, these would have a brass gallery along the back,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03and that might have been a later addition.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05That's to stop things falling off, I take it?
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Exactly, so your pens don't go down the back.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09But I think it's wonderful.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12With a bit of polish, something that will bring out the walnut,
0:21:12 > 0:21:14I think that could be a nice thing for somebody.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17And value-wise, quite a lot, actually.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Oh, right.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Hmm, well, if I said...
0:21:23 > 0:21:24How does that sound?
0:21:24 > 0:21:25- Sounds excellent.- Great!
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- All right... - Did you say £300?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30£300 for a nice, little Davenport. What a cracker.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Crikey, well, that is a good result, isn't it?
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Are you happy to sell it?
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Yes, the figure you said is astounding.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- Excellent. - You're pleased, then?- Yes.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41OK, well, it's going to help us quite a bit, I think,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44because everything going to auction comes to £990.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- Really?- Yes, it's good, isn't it?
0:21:46 > 0:21:48It is more than we expected.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- Yes.- Well, that's good.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Next time we see everything will be at the auction house.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53That would be good.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Hopefully, we'll make the money.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- If we don't, we'll all come after you.- Exactly, yes.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58Ha ha.
0:21:58 > 0:22:04What a veritable feast of treasures we have unearthed here in Buckinghamshire.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08And looking to finance that trip to see the Northern lights, we have...
0:22:08 > 0:22:11the wonderful collection of antique boxes,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14that includes an Edwardian tea caddy and a Victorian stationery box.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Let's hope the bidders can't contain their excitement
0:22:18 > 0:22:20and pay upwards of their £150 estimate.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24Paul just loved the burr walnut Davenport.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26And if the auction-goers like it half as much,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29we should have no trouble reaching its estimate.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32And, of course, the splendid 19th century portrait.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36I can't say its subject is as pretty as a picture
0:22:36 > 0:22:39but if it reaches its estimate, then we'll all be smiling.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Still to come on Cash In The Attic...
0:22:44 > 0:22:48the bidders prove to be a thirsty bunch.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51It didn't have a quart of ale in there, did it?
0:22:51 > 0:22:55And there's relief at seeing the back of some family heirlooms.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58I would give her another 20 quid to take it away.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59Would you, really?
0:22:59 > 0:23:01But will we make our ambitious target?
0:23:01 > 0:23:03All will be revealed.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05All done.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12It has been a few weeks since we were with Peter and Alice.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15They had some really nice items, including the tankards,
0:23:15 > 0:23:17and of course, that lovely Davenport,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20which we brought here, to Chiswick auction rooms in West London.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Now, remember, they are looking to raise £1,000
0:23:23 > 0:23:25so that they can go and see the Northern Lights.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Let's just hope that their items dazzle the bidders today.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32We have yet to learn if the shell case has made it to the saleroom.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35But two things that have definitely arrived,
0:23:35 > 0:23:36and are looking great out on display,
0:23:36 > 0:23:38are the pair of Victorian children's chairs.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42These are lovely, aren't they?
0:23:42 > 0:23:43These tick both boxes for me.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47The fact that they are for children, and they are a pair in good condition.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51You've heard that Victorian furniture isn't doing well at auction, everyone knows that.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53But these are light and delicate.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56The bigger pieces struggle - people haven't got the room for them.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01But these are very decorative. This basket work is in really good condition.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03This costs about £10 a hole to repair
0:24:03 > 0:24:06and, of course, it can get quite expensive if you do the whole lot.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08I think these are going to do well.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10As we join Alice and Peter, we discover that they are keen
0:24:10 > 0:24:14to protect the value of one of their most precious Victorian antiques.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- Hello.- Hello.- Are you still clearing out your drawers?
0:24:18 > 0:24:20I'm afraid so, I'm afraid so.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22I'm glad you've got that open, that is great.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- Yes, yes.- Brilliant.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26We've been advised that because it is a nice piece,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29and it is a family heirloom, that sort of thing,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31I don't want it to go for tuppence halfpenny.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35So, um, yes, we've been advised that £300 would be a reasonable
0:24:35 > 0:24:36reserve to put on it.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Well, of course, your picture is very proudly
0:24:39 > 0:24:42on display over by the auctioneers stand, there.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43That's right.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Looking quite in part and keeping with the other ones around it,
0:24:46 > 0:24:47isn't it?
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Of course, we need to make you the money
0:24:49 > 0:24:52so that you can take this trip to see the Northern Lights.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- So, come on, let's go. - Splendid, that's brilliant.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58I'm pleased that the Devonport has arrived safely,
0:24:58 > 0:25:00but one item that hasn't made it is the shell case jug.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Alice and Peter's son decided that he wanted to keep hold of it.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07So, we are now selling the 19th century pewter tankard
0:25:07 > 0:25:10on its own.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Will that make a difference to the price we make?
0:25:13 > 0:25:14- So, this is just the tankard. - Yes.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17And this one is in on its own at £30,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19but I think anything over £20 is a bonus.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- OK.- But let's see how we go.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23£10, start me. £10 on bid, I'll take 12, now.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24At £10, 12, there.
0:25:24 > 0:25:2715? 18? 20? 22?
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- 25?- That's better.
0:25:30 > 0:25:3228? 32? 35?
0:25:34 > 0:25:3838? At £35 in the heights, then. Take 38, now.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41At £35 for the tankard, all done.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Gosh, that was better than we thought, wasn't it?
0:25:43 > 0:25:46It didn't have a quart of ale, in there, when it went out?
0:25:46 > 0:25:47Ha ha.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Now, that is how we like to start an auction.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54In spite of it being sold on its own, we still made £5 over
0:25:54 > 0:25:59the estimate, and part of the lot will still be kept in the family.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Hopefully, our good fortune will continue with the pair of hallmarked
0:26:04 > 0:26:08silver pots, dated 1946, that Alice found in the kitchen.
0:26:08 > 0:26:14- £20-£40.- That sounds good.- Yes? Where is that from?
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Um, presumably from my mother, or from my grandmother.
0:26:17 > 0:26:18I'm really not that attached to it,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21it's just always been around and never been used.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22£10, start me for the two.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24£10, I'm bid. 12, 15.
0:26:24 > 0:26:2718, 20, 22, 25, 28?
0:26:27 > 0:26:31At £25 at the back wall, then. At 25, I will take 28 now.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34At £25, are we all done? Last chance, and selling.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37- There you go. - £25, that's OK, isn't it?
0:26:37 > 0:26:38What's the estimate on that?
0:26:38 > 0:26:39We had £20-£40.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40That's not too bad.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42It's in the middle, isn't it?
0:26:42 > 0:26:44I can see nothing gets past Alice.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47She must be pleased with this solid result.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Now, will there be any restorers in the room?
0:26:50 > 0:26:54Because our next lot is certainly in need of some TLC.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56It is a somewhat neglected Pembroke table
0:26:56 > 0:27:00that Paul discovered in the conservatory.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03We have just got £30-£50 on that, which is a sign of the times.
0:27:03 > 0:27:04It is, yes.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07This does need a bit of attention but the basic Gubbins is there.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11But it does need to be brought back to life, really, so I think £30-£40.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- A few years ago, we would be looking at a lot more.- It's always the way, isn't it?- Always.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Start me at £30, somebody, well worth that.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21At £30, start me. £20? For a Victorian table at £20?
0:27:21 > 0:27:2610? Anyone like it at £10? £10, I am bid, I thought so.
0:27:26 > 0:27:2912, there. 15. 18. 20, 22, 25.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- That's good.- More like it.
0:27:32 > 0:27:33At 30? 32, shakes her head.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Back wall bidder at £30,
0:27:35 > 0:27:39still ridiculously cheap. I'm going to sell it at £30, then, all done.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- They've got a bargain, there. - Somebody will do that up, though.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46I should have put some linseed oil on it.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48Well, it is a little late for that, I'm afraid, Alice.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52The table is sold, but that lady certainly was keen to buy it and,
0:27:52 > 0:27:56look on the bright side, you are a step nearer the Northern Lights.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Now, it's time for the collection of lace to go before the room.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02And the lot includes three christening gowns,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04one of which was Alice's.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07Yes, I have often thought that such a lot of work goes into them,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09they are little works of art, aren't they?
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Three bids - I'm starting at £70...
0:28:12 > 0:28:13Wow!
0:28:13 > 0:28:15There you go! That's great.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18You bid £85, I will take 90, now.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20I still think it's cheap. I'll take £90.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24At £85, 85, are we all done, and selling? £85, last chance.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Well, that's not bad, is it?
0:28:26 > 0:28:29I didn't think they would make that - that's really good.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31A lot of those came from jumble sales!
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Maybe somebody's got a christening to go to.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38What a result. You can never tell what the buyers will be after
0:28:38 > 0:28:41on any given day at auction.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Thankfully, there were several interested parties.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Knowing that Alice wore one of the gowns, I'm sure she's
0:28:47 > 0:28:49pleased with the result.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53Will there be a similar amount of interest in our collection
0:28:53 > 0:28:55of fiddle-patterned spoons, I wonder?
0:28:57 > 0:28:59What do we want for these, Paul?
0:28:59 > 0:29:01We're looking for £30 to £50. They're oddments, people collect them
0:29:01 > 0:29:04for the hallmarks. Just a bit of interest, really.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06They are a good christening present.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09I was always told they were a bit special,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12but stuck in a box, they're special to nobody.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15True. Let's see if someone here feels they're special.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17£20, start me. Surely a bit of silver at £20?
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Oh, dear.
0:29:20 > 0:29:21£10, then?
0:29:21 > 0:29:2310, 12, 15. 18?
0:29:23 > 0:29:25At £15 I'm bid, take £18 now?
0:29:25 > 0:29:26Good.
0:29:26 > 0:29:3222, 25? Shakes his head at 22, he will bid at 22, take 25, now.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34£22 for the spoons, all done and selling at 22.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38£22, that's not bad, I don't think, do you?
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Bearing in mind they were just stuck in a box,
0:29:40 > 0:29:41it's not too bad.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44I think Alice would have liked a few more pounds for her spoons,
0:29:44 > 0:29:48but, sadly, the bidders didn't think they were particularly special,
0:29:48 > 0:29:53and we have our first sale to fall short of our estimate.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57Let's hope it's just a glitch in the day's proceedings, though.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00As we have high hopes for our next lot, even though
0:30:00 > 0:30:02it's just one half of a 19th century table.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06I remember this one coming down from my father's family.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09I do know that it did match with another half, but unfortunately,
0:30:09 > 0:30:13when the parents died, they were split and sent to different brothers.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16So somewhere in Lancashire, there is the other half to the table.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18We like this one, don't we?
0:30:18 > 0:30:23Yeah, this would have been the end of a big Georgian table. £50 is what we are looking for.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Start me on £50, somebody? £30 to start me?
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Come on.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31Start at £10 and see where it goes. £10 I am bid. Take 12.
0:30:31 > 0:30:3612 bid, 15, 18, 20. 22, 25. 28.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39At £25 seated in the middle of the room over there.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43At £25, will make good console table. At £25, I'm going to sell it.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48- £25.- That's cheap, isn't it? - It's very disappointing.- Yeah.
0:30:48 > 0:30:53Well, that really wasn't the result we were hoping for.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56After a strong start, we've had a couple of disappointing results.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00At the halfway stage, just how have we done?
0:31:00 > 0:31:04OK, well, we've got a bit of a break before our next lots come up.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09So far, we've actually made £222.
0:31:09 > 0:31:15Quite far off the target. But we've got some good pieces coming up.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20In the meantime, we've got a bit of a break, so shall we?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23While Alice and Peter catch their breath following the first half,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Paul takes the opportunity to explore the saleroom.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30And when you come to auctions, you never know what you might find.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- Paul, that's an interesting item, isn't it?- This is an old font.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Obviously come out of a church.
0:31:38 > 0:31:44What a wonderful thing to have. It would be great in the garden if you want that sort of Gothic look.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47This is quite cheap, £250-£300.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52Presumably, something like this would sell for more in a specialist sale, so it might be a bargain here?
0:31:52 > 0:31:57That's right, always look for the unusual. This could be a fish out of water here.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- You could actually use that for fish!- You could!
0:31:59 > 0:32:03But if you wanted a fantastic thing for the garden -
0:32:03 > 0:32:07it's Gothic, it's ecclesiastical, it's very popular and affordable.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11It seems that it's not just Paul who's taken by the church font.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14as there is a flurry of excitement when it's offered to the room
0:32:14 > 0:32:18and sells...for £380.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22So there are people here who are prepared to part with their cash
0:32:22 > 0:32:26for quality collectables. Good luck to getting it home.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Now, if you're planning on heading to auction, do remember that fees
0:32:30 > 0:32:34such as commission, VAT and other charges will be added to your bill.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38Do always check the details first with your local auction house
0:32:38 > 0:32:40to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43It's time for our next lot of the day,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47it's the 19th-century jardiniere stand
0:32:47 > 0:32:50by the German manufacturer Mettlach.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Sadly, it's seen better days.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54What happened to it? Do you remember how it got damaged?
0:32:54 > 0:32:58No, it was always in my grandmother's home.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01It had a vase on with a fern coming out the vase.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02From when I was very little,
0:33:02 > 0:33:06I can remember crawling about and seeing it. I was very small.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10If you had a Victorian house, as a decorative item, it looks great.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12We're looking for £50 on it.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Start me at £50, somebody? Start with £30?
0:33:15 > 0:33:17I don't believe it.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21Anyone want the jardiniere stand at £20? £20 I'm bid.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24At £20 only for the Mettlach? Is that a bid at 22?
0:33:24 > 0:33:2723. 25. 28. 30?
0:33:27 > 0:33:30At £28, seated at £28. I'll take 30 now.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33At £28, all done. I'm going to sell it at 28.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Oh, dear, £28. Are you disappointed with that?
0:33:38 > 0:33:41Disappointed, but I don't like it anyway.
0:33:41 > 0:33:42OK, fair enough.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46'So it looks like the damage did put the bidders off our Victorian stand.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50'But Alice seems more than happy to have it out of the house.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53'Now, time for one of my favourite of today's lots -
0:33:53 > 0:33:56'a pair of Victorian children's chairs
0:33:56 > 0:33:57'which I think are charming.'
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Where did you get these from?
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Again, these came from my grandmother to my mother to me,
0:34:02 > 0:34:05probably bought from some big country house auction.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07They've always just been around.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11But because there is no arms to them, no strapping,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14a modern child would quite easily fall off.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19They're not really of any particular use except to put things on.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21What do we want for these, Paul?
0:34:21 > 0:34:24£30-£50. Somebody that has dolls or teddy bears, these are perfect.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28I have three bids, I am starting at £80. I will take five in the room.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32- £80!- 85, 90, 95?
0:34:32 > 0:34:35At £90, I will take 5 now. 95, 100, 110. £110.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40£100. ..120 there.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42130 if you like. £120, your bid at the back of the room.
0:34:42 > 0:34:47Take 130 now. Are we all done at 120? Last chance.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- Wow! That's incredible. - £120, that is good.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54It's made up for one or two of the other things.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58'Yeah, I couldn't agree with you more, Alice. A great surprise
0:34:58 > 0:35:01'and a few more results like that would be very welcome.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05'Maybe our collection of antique boxes will have similar success.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07'I hope so.'
0:35:07 > 0:35:10These are lovely things, and always popular.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13Yes, these are lovely. People are always interested in old boxes.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16People love to do them up and bring them back to life.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19- Paul, what do you want for these? - 150 plus.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22I've got two bids on this. Starting with me at £150. I'll take 160.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25150!
0:35:25 > 0:35:29- I'll take 160 now. £150. 150, all done, last chance.- Come on!
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- Someone's bought them. - You're not happy about that?
0:35:34 > 0:35:38No, I saw lots of people looking at them and it would have been...
0:35:38 > 0:35:42He had a number of commission bids all about the same amount.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45So he might have three people looking at it,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48left a bid with the auctioneer and the top bid has been 150.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51But because there's been nobody else...
0:35:51 > 0:35:55'I think we'd all secretly hoped that the boxes would breeze
0:35:55 > 0:35:58'through their estimate, but sadly not and we settle for £150,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00'which was Paul's lower valuation.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05'There are mixed feelings about the sale of our next lot.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09'It's a 19th-century portrait that Alice is rather attached to.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13'But Peter can't wait to see the back of it. I can understand why -
0:36:13 > 0:36:17'her eyes have been following me around all morning.'
0:36:17 > 0:36:21She's not really looking like she's full of joie de vivre, is she?
0:36:21 > 0:36:25She's an elderly lady. I think it says she is 84 on the back of the picture,
0:36:25 > 0:36:26her name and how old she is.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29When you're 84, maybe there isn't much joy in life.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34You can feel her looking at you and disapproving of everything all the time.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36I'd quite like to see the back of it
0:36:36 > 0:36:38- You're not going to miss this? - No, not at all.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41What do you want for this, Paul?
0:36:41 > 0:36:46I actually think that if the subject had been a bit lighter - a child, or an animal, something like that -
0:36:46 > 0:36:48it would be a bit more interesting.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51But £200 is the minimum, hopefully, we will get today.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54What shall we say on this one? Start me on £200?
0:36:54 > 0:36:55Start me on £150.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58- 150, 150.- Come on.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02At 160 now? £150. No further bidding?
0:37:02 > 0:37:04I can recall that bid. No further interest?
0:37:04 > 0:37:10180 if you like, I'll happily sell it to you at 180. 190 now. £180.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- 180, is that all right with you? - You happy with that?
0:37:15 > 0:37:22I'm not overjoyed, but at least it's gone and the gaze will be removed from Peter.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- He's quite happy.- I would have given them 20 quid to take it away. - Would you really?
0:37:26 > 0:37:32'Disappointing not to reach the bottom estimate for the portrait,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35'but Peter's relief is all too clear to see. I'm not altogether surprised
0:37:35 > 0:37:38'that our subject's expression failed to win over the bidders.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43'We've had a real mix of fortunes with our Victorian lots so far
0:37:43 > 0:37:45'and it's our most highly valued example next.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49'It's a splendid burr walnut Davenport
0:37:49 > 0:37:51'which, rather wisely on a day like this,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54'has been protected with a £300 reserve.'
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- How realistic is that?- I think it's very realistic.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02It needs a little bit of attention, and I think the fashion may not be here for that particular desk,
0:38:02 > 0:38:04but it's quality, quality, quality
0:38:04 > 0:38:07with a little secret drawer at the back, satinwood interior.
0:38:07 > 0:38:12I think it's a lovely piece. We've put a discretion on the reserve,
0:38:12 > 0:38:16so that means if he gets near the £300, then he will let it go.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19I've got one bid here of £150, it's not enough.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- I've got £250, I'll take 260 in the room. At £250.- 250 sounds good.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- No further interest than 250 in the room?- 250...
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- I'm afraid it's not sold. - That's a bit of a shame, isn't it?
0:38:31 > 0:38:35It's going back home with you unless you want to readjust the price
0:38:35 > 0:38:38and leave it here to try and sell it again another auction.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40It's up to you.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43'So the Davenport remains unsold for the time being
0:38:43 > 0:38:45'and will be entered into another sale at a later date.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49'Sadly for us, that doesn't help our total
0:38:49 > 0:38:52'and we have just one lot left which will have to exceed
0:38:52 > 0:38:56'all expectations if we are to reach our £1,000 target now.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59'I do, however, think it's a great lot.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01'It's the vintage collection of evening bags.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04'A real mixture of glamour from a bygone era.'
0:39:06 > 0:39:07Are you sorry to see these go?
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Not really, they've just been stuck in a bag in the trunk for years.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13I didn't really remember that I even had them.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17People do love to see how fashions develop, really,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20and what things were fashionable years ago that aren't now.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24So this is a quantity of handbags, all sorts, £40-£60.
0:39:24 > 0:39:30I've got two bids, starting at £80. £80, 95, 100.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35110. 120, 130. 140 there. 150, 160.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40170, 180? £170. At 170, take 180 now.
0:39:40 > 0:39:46At 170, I'm going to sell it. All done? 170.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48How fantastic is that!
0:39:48 > 0:39:52Your mum and you did very well buying those up.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- What sort of price would you have paid for them?- 10p, 20p.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59- Now, probably two shillings at that stage.- Couple of bob!
0:39:59 > 0:40:04- And now you've got £170, that's fantastic!- Well done.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08'It's fair to say, that result took us all by surprise.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13'Alice's mum's numerous trips to jumble sales paid off for us there.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17'It's another substantial contribution to the stargazing fund.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21'But is it enough to reach our £1,000 target? Time to find out.'
0:40:21 > 0:40:26Obviously, you want the money to go and see the Northern Lights.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Have you any idea how much you may have banked?
0:40:28 > 0:40:33The bags went for more than we thought and the lace went for more than we thought.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35- I've completely lost track to be honest.- I think 750?
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- A bit more than that. £870. - That's better than we thought.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Are you happy with that?
0:40:41 > 0:40:45Especially as we've still got the Davenport and, hopefully, on another day...
0:40:45 > 0:40:48How's that going to go towards the holiday?
0:40:48 > 0:40:53Hopefully it will make a big contribution towards going, probably later in the year.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57It will be fantastic, won't it? Have a fantastic time.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06Having recovered from all the drama of sale day,
0:41:06 > 0:41:12Alice and Peter are back home in Buckinghamshire planning the big trip to see the Northern Lights.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16I do hope Peter is not planning to take that in his hand luggage on the plane.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20The aurora borealis, I've always wanted to go and see.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24After Cash in the Attic, we have a bit of money towards the cost.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27It looks like it's on the cards and we'll be on our way.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32I think Alice is more interested in going to the ice hotel.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35That's something she's seen on documentaries and the like
0:41:35 > 0:41:38and it's always fascinated her.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41I was just looking on the internet and through my little brochure here
0:41:41 > 0:41:44to see what attractions the ice hotel can offer.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47The fact that you have to go in the winter to get to the dark skies
0:41:47 > 0:41:51and get the Northern Lights, that means you get all the coldness,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54it's just an awesome experience.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58We're slightly off the wall, sometimes, in our activities,
0:41:58 > 0:42:00so it will be a nice place to go.