0:00:02 > 0:00:06Welcome to Cash In The Attic. This is the show that has a good look through your home,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10finds all the antiques and collectables you no longer want and takes them to auction.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Today, we're going to meet a couple who are to become grandparents - again!
0:00:34 > 0:00:40Coming up on Cash in The Attic - a charming reminder of domestic bliss from the past century.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43If that's anything to go by, no wonder he went back on tour.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47He's sitting there being nagged by his wife and barked at by the dog.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Have we been inspired to make do and mend?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Whatever happened to pass-me-downs?
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I'm sure Jonty must have an old buggy somewhere,
0:00:54 > 0:00:57one of those Silver Cross prams we can hand down.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01When we get to auction, will the thrill prove too much?
0:01:01 > 0:01:04I could barely write it down I was so excited!
0:01:04 > 0:01:06That's £20 over our estimate.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Find out when the final hammer falls.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Today I've come to Bedfordshire to meet a divine couple
0:01:12 > 0:01:15who've called in the Cash In The Attic team
0:01:15 > 0:01:18to help them raise the money for their fifth grandchild.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Linda Devine is a policeman's daughter
0:01:21 > 0:01:24and she has been married to a policeman since 1967.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28John's now retired from the force and works as a security consultant
0:01:28 > 0:01:32while Linda spends three days a week as a school registrar.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36They've had plenty of opportunities for travel and collecting souvenirs
0:01:36 > 0:01:39as both their children and four grandchildren live abroad.
0:01:39 > 0:01:45It's 14 years since they moved into this four-bedroom home in Bedfordshire
0:01:45 > 0:01:48and, apparently, the house is full of mementos.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51They say if you want to know the time, ask a policeman,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54but if you want to know about antiques you should ask Jonty Hearnden.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Hi, Jonty, how are you?
0:01:56 > 0:01:59'Our expert's had a lifetime in the business
0:01:59 > 0:02:00'so he should know what's what.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05'We've heard Linda's into her collectables, so I wonder what's in store for us today?'
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- Ah, good morning.- Good morning.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- Nice to see you.- Thank you. - How you doing?- Very well, thank you.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15I'm a bit concerned by the absolute perfect nature of your house.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- Is there going to be enough stuff for us to rummage?- I hope so, yes.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21I do like to keep everything tidy.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- OK.- So they might be hidden away in cupboards?- They might well be.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- How much are you looking to raise? - About £250-£300.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- That's not too bad then.- I think we can manage that, hopefully.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- Do you want to get cracking?- I shall start looking. Is that all right?
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Yes, by all means.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42£250-£300. What do you want to spend that money on?
0:02:42 > 0:02:45It's for my daughter who lives in Tenerife,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48who is going to have a baby next month.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- We want to buy some clothes and equipment for her.- Right, OK.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- So, this is grandchild number three, is that right, for her?- For her.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58And you've got a son who lives in a far-flung country.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02I have indeed, in Kazakhstan. He has two boys.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04I will have five grandchildren in total.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Do you get to see them very often? - Yeah, we see them quite often.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10We go to Tenerife three or fours times a year.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13My son and children come across about the same number of times.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15That's nice, isn't it?
0:03:15 > 0:03:17You said you had lots of stuff hidden away.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Where's that come from? Is that inherited items?
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Some of it, very small amount is, the rest of it I bought myself.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- Did you go through a collecting phase?- I did. I had a...
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Oh, right. You're nodding away there.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- I take it you did and you didn't! - I didn't!- Right, OK.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36I love going to car-boot sales, I love going to antique fairs
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and I just accumulated it over the years
0:03:39 > 0:03:41but there's a time to get rid of stuff, so.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Right, so we need to raise the £250 at least,
0:03:44 > 0:03:45hopefully a little bit more.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- Shall we see if Jonty's found anything in the back of your cupboards?- Yes.- Come on then.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56It hasn't taken him long to turn up something
0:03:56 > 0:03:58that should kick-start our search.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Ah, Jonty, we've been looking for you. You've found the kitchen.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Oh, yes. Look at this.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- It's a mountain full of blue and white we've got here.- It is.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11What I'm looking at here is a little mould.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Because we've got a fish at the bottom here,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16this is not a jelly mould, this is probably a pate mould.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19There's a set of three of them here so some of them
0:04:19 > 0:04:22could easily be for jelly as well.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25It's quite unusual to see a little set like that.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29I also noticed that, Lorne, if you look at the top here,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32we've got these three very large, substantial jugs
0:04:32 > 0:04:34and tankard at the back.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Can you see there's the same pattern that appears all the way through your cabinet, practically.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42It's pure coincidence. I didn't buy them for that reason.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45I liked them and bought them but all at different times.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Because all of these items here are transfer printed.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- Do you understand how transfer printing works?- Not really, no.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56It literally is, rather than something being hand-painted on,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58it is transfer, like you used to do as kids.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- Oh, yes.- We used to get the transfer done in a very similar way.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04It's fired in a kiln at a high temperature.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08But you can see how it works. If I just put this mould down.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Have a look at this little line across there.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16That's literally the two transfers being sandwiched together.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19That's the reason why we've got the line down there. It does happen.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21You can often see that.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25It shouldn't necessarily be there but, more often than not, it does appear.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Up in the potteries in Stoke-on-Trent,
0:05:28 > 0:05:30years ago when they used to make the blue and white,
0:05:30 > 0:05:35they got paid piecework, so they got paid per piece they made.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Items like this where the transfers weren't quite right, they used to call Friday pieces
0:05:39 > 0:05:42because everybody was desperate to get away on the Friday.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- That's probably a Friday piece. - But still a very attractive Friday piece.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51My hunch is, this particular design is not very old.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I would suggest it is post the Second World War.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58If Jonty's suggesting we sell all that type of blue and white in one lot...
0:05:58 > 0:06:01What we need to do, Lorne, what I've done is
0:06:01 > 0:06:04plucked out these three up here, because they're fabulous,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07our moulds and this piece.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09I quite like this item here.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Put those together and we've got a complete set.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16And we're looking, sort of really, at between £50-£100.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Lovely. That sounds good to me.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22OK, if we say £50, that's the £50 of the £250 done.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- That would be brilliant. - We just need a few more of those.
0:06:25 > 0:06:26Thank you.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Most of it is marked Victorian Ironstone
0:06:29 > 0:06:33and the classic blue and white design is still incredibly popular
0:06:33 > 0:06:36so I'm sure our selection will have its admirers at auction.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40In the conservatory, John's investigating a plant stand.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Linda bought it a few years ago for about £8.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Quite a bargain as it turns out
0:06:46 > 0:06:49because Jonty values it at £10-£20 for auction.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52We carry on searching for collectables
0:06:52 > 0:06:55and pretty soon I discover a set of framed cartoon prints
0:06:55 > 0:06:59which might be worthy of Jonty's expert appraisal.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01There you are. Look what I found up in the bedroom
0:07:01 > 0:07:03in one of the cupboards.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06I didn't know whether this might help us at all?
0:07:06 > 0:07:08We've got four prints there, have we?
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Have they been up in the cupboard a long time?- They have indeed.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- A long, long time. - They're quite old too.
0:07:14 > 0:07:15Where were these from?
0:07:15 > 0:07:19The two in the black frames I bought at an antiques fair
0:07:19 > 0:07:23but the other two I had framed by a friend of mine quite a long time ago.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26I think your friend did a good job of framing these.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29These caricatures sum up their time.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32This is early 19th century, Georgian England.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Particularly, I love this one with the cartoon characters here.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38It looks like we've got the same cartoon character in all four.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Doctor Syntax, absolutely.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46Doctor Syntax was a fictitious character
0:07:46 > 0:07:48and he was a white wigged clergyman.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Here we can see him in the horse and cart.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55He's in all four of these.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57What was the whole raison d'etre of this character?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00At this time they were lampooning politicians.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04He was visualised by Thomas Rowlandson,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06who was one of England's famous caricaturists
0:08:06 > 0:08:10of the early 19th century. We've got his name down here in this corner.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13A lot of hours would have gone into every single one of these.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15These are reproductions.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18If that's anything to go by, no wonder he went back on tour.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23He's sitting there being nagged by his wife and barked at by the dog!
0:08:23 > 0:08:25I think these have faded quite a lot.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Wherever they've been, they've been in the light.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30The Georgian colours here,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33this house, for example, the rectory he's about to move into,
0:08:33 > 0:08:35I think would have been a stronger pink.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37The problem that we've got
0:08:37 > 0:08:42is that we've got quite a lot of fading, as we've discussed.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45So, I can only put £20-£40 on them.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- OK.- You seem quite disappointed with that.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52I would be very disappointed to let them go for that, for the £20, I think.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54What we can do is put a reserve on them.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56We can discuss that with the auctioneer.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59As long as we put the reserve on them so they're protected
0:08:59 > 0:09:02and you understand if they don't make that figure they'll come back home.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07Hopefully that'll keep everybody happy. The worst thing is to let them go for less than you want.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09I think £20 for the four would be not good.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14OK, let's find what else we can find, shall we? Come on then.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18Our estimate for these prints remains a modest £20-£40
0:09:18 > 0:09:22but Linda thinks we need a reserve of £50.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28Thinking of more items to sell, she remembers this 35-piece tea set
0:09:28 > 0:09:30which lives in a charming display cabinet.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34The set is by Royal Albert, once part of Royal Doulton,
0:09:34 > 0:09:40and is in the Old Country Roses pattern, which is incredibly popular.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43All being well, it should make us £40 to £60 at auction.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45A cup of tea would be welcome right now
0:09:45 > 0:09:48but first, I have questions to put to our divine hosts.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51So how did the two of you meet?
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Well we met at a cricket match which my father was playing in.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58He was a policeman and it was at Hendon.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01John was a cadet at the college at the time
0:10:01 > 0:10:06and they were short of a player so he volunteered to join the team.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09That's when I first met him. So that's how it all started.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11So there was a strong police connection?
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- You really met that way, really. - Absolutely, yeah. Yeah.
0:10:14 > 0:10:191962 was when I was in the Police Cadets.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Then in 1967 we got married.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26Tell me a little bit about sport because you're quite a sporting family, aren't you?
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Yes. I mean, I love my football. I'm very much into the Arsenal,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32whereas John is more into the golf and the cricket.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37So between us we have a very big sporting, you know, delight, really.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40What is it about the football you enjoy so much?
0:10:41 > 0:10:45Erm, you sort of have a team that you support from childhood.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49My father was an Arsenal fanatic and I suppose it was bred in me
0:10:49 > 0:10:51and I look at them as sort of part of the family.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54You haven't gone down the football route, have you?
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Well, my father played cricket all his life and cricket was our love.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01My mother really loved cricket and of course, we began to love it as well.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04I played cricket for the Metropolitan Police.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08I then played cricket for Stanwell, Middlesex, and took up golf.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12So Linda goes off to the Arsenal to watch the football and I go off to play golf.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15And then obviously you went on to have the two children.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19When did you realise they had a bit of a travelling bug?
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Well, we've always encouraged it, really.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25When they were children we actually bought a place in Tenerife
0:11:25 > 0:11:29and my daughter in particular really loved it and always said she was
0:11:29 > 0:11:32going to live there one day and we said, "No, you won't,"
0:11:32 > 0:11:34but she eventually did
0:11:34 > 0:11:37and she left when she was 18 and she's still there.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40My son has always loved travelling, he always did,
0:11:40 > 0:11:44and his love of languages, he went abroad to work and that was it.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46How many languages are spoken in this family?
0:11:46 > 0:11:50I would say Andrew speaks, he certainly speaks French, German
0:11:50 > 0:11:52and Dutch, although Russian would be his best.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54My daughter speaks Spanish, of course.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57The two boys speak Spanish because they went to Spanish schools.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02Andrew's children speak English, Kazakh and Russian.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Jonty just speaks one language, which is posh. Shall we see whether he's got anything else to sell?
0:12:06 > 0:12:09OK. Thank you.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Posh or not, you can't beat Jonty's eye for quality silverware.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14And in his search upstairs,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16he's found a great-looking haul of treasure.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- Linda, are you there?- Yes. - Look what I've found.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Oh, right. OK, yes.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Now there is time to make tea. I've got the teapot.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- It's a box, but they're not silver, they're silver-plated.- OK, right.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- So everything in here is plated? - It is.- Not genuine silver?
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- Not genuine silver. - Are you sure about that?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- I think I'm more or less 100%, yes.- OK.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Well, it makes a difference in price, really.- Of course it does.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47We've got all sorts of things, a pair of candelabra, but this is a nice teapot.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- Where's it from?- There's a sugar bowl as well. That came from my grandmother.- This one here?
0:12:51 > 0:12:55Again, used to sit on the sideboard, but the rest of it I bought myself.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Are you willing to sell all of the collection?- Yes.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01I don't use it any more. It's too much to clean.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Do you understand the concept of silver plate?
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- Do you know how it's put together? - Is it put on copper?
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Yes, that's right.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12It's electroplated so it's actually just a very fine layer,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15usually on copper, of silver.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19That's what happens when you clean or rub too vigorously.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Literally, the silver layer will wear off.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Let me just get this out and look at this.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- Can you see how the copper is coming through?- Yes.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- That's why I knew it had copper under it all.- Right.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36So that's a very good way of telling whether something is plated.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- Ultimately, one is looking for hallmarks.- OK.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Not so long ago, I would have put very little value on a whole box like this.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46There wasn't any real market for it. It all just seems to be coming back.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Oh, good.- There's a bit of revival on all of this, now.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53One might be pleasantly surprised just how much we're going to get for all of this.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- I would put £80 to £120 on this little collection.- Really?
0:13:57 > 0:13:58And who knows where it's going to go?
0:13:58 > 0:14:01We won't have to wait long to find out.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04The candelabra, serving trays, condiments and teapots
0:14:04 > 0:14:07go together as a job lot.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10I wonder if the bidders will dig deep for the silver plate.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13£80, anywhere? £80.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17It's probably going to come down low before it gets going.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Looks like this could be exciting.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Our treasure hunt in Bedfordshire rolls on
0:14:23 > 0:14:27as Jonty continues his sweep of the bedrooms,
0:14:27 > 0:14:29he finds some more 19th-century framed prints.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32They're by the artist Leslie Matthew Ward
0:14:32 > 0:14:35who was known by his signature, Spy.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38And he was famous for sending up the gentry of the time.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44The smaller picture is by George Studdy, creator of Bonzo the cartoon dog.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Linda paid about £8 for each print,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50but Jonty values the five together at £20 to £30.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52'I'm downstairs and I soon come across
0:14:52 > 0:14:58'this generous pocket watch, an heirloom which Linda inherited from her uncle.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01'The hallmark reveals it was made in Chester in 1899,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04'and it's worth a further £20 to £30.'
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- Linda?- Yes.- Tell me about this kettle on a stand, here.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14It was my grandmother's. I remember it as a child.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18It was always on her sideboard. I was never allowed to touch it.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20It was passed to my father, obviously,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23when my grandmother died, and he gave it to me.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- Was your grandmother German, by any chance?- No.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- Any relations from Germany at all? - Not as far as I'm aware, no.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- the reason I ask the question is because this kettle is German. - Is it?
0:15:34 > 0:15:37On the underside, apart from it being black,
0:15:37 > 0:15:42because it's been used, there's a little mark here that says GBN.
0:15:42 > 0:15:49Geruda Bing Nuremberg. Geruda Bing were known for making toys.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- Right.- But they did make kettles on stands like this.- I've no idea.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57I've never heard of any German connection.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- It's interesting, how it's made its way here.- That's right.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05If you look at the style, it's really quite simple, isn't it?
0:16:05 > 0:16:10You've got a simple handle, there, and also the top here, again, is very stylised.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14That's because it's more influenced by the Art Nouveau style
0:16:14 > 0:16:17which is very flowing, rather than fussy.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Because this was made about 100 years ago.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- We have a bit of a problem going on here, haven't we?- We do. - You can tell me what the problem is.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30Well it's obviously the bracket or hinge has come off, here.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33So we have the damage but if you turn it round on the other side,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36you can see few more dents and another support missing, there.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41Bit of a problem because when it comes to metal, it's quite difficult to repair.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44A Bing kettle like this in good condition is possibly £100,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47but not in this condition.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- It's more like £20 to £40.- Is it? Right, OK.- Sorry to disappoint you.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- No, no. that's fine.- Are you happy? - I've got to, I don't need it, so yes.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- That's fine.- So if we're not allowed to use this, I can't have a cup of tea, can I?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Not really. There's one downstairs. You can have one downstairs.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Shall we go downstairs, then? I'll put that back on the stand, there. - OK.- Right.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- There's no time for tea. We've got more work to do.- OK.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13I wonder how that kettle got to be in Linda's family.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18It's a shame it wasn't in better condition but it makes a useful contribution to the fund.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21We may be searching for items to sell but there's always time
0:17:21 > 0:17:24to consider heirlooms which must stay within the family.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- So this is all related to your dad, is it?- It is, yes.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31He was in Bomber Command during the war, Second World War.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Obviously, his medals.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38When he was in the police force he was in traffic
0:17:38 > 0:17:41and he actually met Prince Philip, as you can see.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45Log book and information about the squadron that he was with.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Very proud of him.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Your interest in WWII, has that come directly from your dad?- To a degree. I love history.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55I love the Russian revolution, I like the First World War
0:17:55 > 0:17:59and the Second World War but because he was in the Second World War
0:17:59 > 0:18:01and heavily involved in it, I suppose it did.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Tell me a little bit about what he did in the war?
0:18:04 > 0:18:07He was in Wellingtons. He flew Wellington bombers.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11He was an aircraft gunner and also a navigator. He did the whole war.
0:18:11 > 0:18:17He signed up in 1939 at 19 years of age and came out in 1946.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20But he never spoke about it, ever. A lot of people didn't.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25It wasn't until really he was more or less at the end of his life
0:18:25 > 0:18:28that I actually found out exactly what he did.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- But he had that picture painted which I've got upstairs.- I've seen that.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Which was the actual plane that he flew.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- I take it none of this is going up for sale?- Definitely not.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40This is going to stay in the family.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43We'll keep all of this out of Jonty's hands so they don't get sold.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- Shall we see whether he's found anything that can sell?- OK.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50'It was a privilege to hear Linda share her father's story.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54'It's hard to imagine what he must have gone through during the war.'
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Back to our treasure hunt and Jonty takes a look at the 1930s walnut display cabinet
0:18:58 > 0:19:02now it's been cleared of the Royal Albert tea set.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05They're not as popular as they were but it's still a neat example
0:19:05 > 0:19:09and could fetch £20 to £40.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Hurry up, Jonty.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13We need you to give us your thoughts about another cabinet.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16There you are, John. What are you looking at?
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- I'm looking at a cabinet we bought in Ampthill.- When did you buy it?
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- Probably about ten years or more. - OK. And why did you buy it?
0:19:23 > 0:19:26I think mainly to store video tapes, which are a bit obsolete now.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29I don't think it was made for that purpose.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34I wouldn't think so! When you bought it, did you know how old it was?
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- Not at all.- You bought it just because you liked it?
0:19:38 > 0:19:40We liked it and it suited a purpose at the time.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45- How much did you pay for it?- £30 to £40. It wouldn't have been more.- OK.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48If you look at the style, it has a Victorian feel.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52Pieces of furniture like this would've been made initially as bedside tables.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54You've got the door down below.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- Is it just the one door we have here?- Just the one.- Oh, it opens up.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03Concertinas somewhat. OK. And then we've got the octagonal top, also.
0:20:03 > 0:20:09Originally bedside tables would've had some pot stored down beside.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- Yes. Just in case you got caught short.- Short in the night.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17So this piece of furniture here is a 20th-century interpretation
0:20:17 > 0:20:20of a 19th-century bedside table.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22And I suppose the big giveaway, possibly,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26and I haven't obviously done this, is to open up the door here
0:20:26 > 0:20:29and see this piece of timber here?
0:20:29 > 0:20:35Again, this is not how a 19th-century piece of furniture would have been constructed.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39And the timber itself is probably a timber that's stained to look like
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- a tropical hardwood and it probably is a cheaper timber as well.- Yes.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Hopefully we'll get your money back. It'll be there or thereabouts.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- £30 to £50 at auction. Are you happy about that?- Happy to do that, yes.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54You're going to have to find another space to house those video tapes.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- The loft?- Great. - HE LAUGHS
0:20:56 > 0:20:59I'd have thrown them in the bin to be honest
0:20:59 > 0:21:02but the cabinet could still have its uses.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07Jonty's estimate means more good news for John and Linda's expectant daughter in Tenerife.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11We're making good progress but we're not ready to call it a day just yet.
0:21:11 > 0:21:17John's a big cricket fan and this tankard commemorated 100 years of the Ashes in 1982.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22The Churchill character jug is by Royal Doulton, made in 1991,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24and modelled by Stanley James Taylor.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28Grouped together with more jugs of various designs,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31the whole collection could make £20 to £30.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36We're almost out of time but not before Linda shows us one last souvenir.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Oh, wow!
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Where on earth did you get these?
0:21:40 > 0:21:44We bought those in St Petersburg in 1990, 1991,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47when my son was at university, from a very old gentleman,
0:21:47 > 0:21:50a very old man in one of the main streets.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55I don't know what they are, but we just liked the look of them and paid very little money for them.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59It's quite an odd time for you to be there, though. Not many tourists around.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01There weren't any at all.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02People were selling everything,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06from toilet rolls to tinned soups.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Everything to get roubles.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10And there was a guy there that just had those in front of him.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- I asked if we could have a look, and we did.- Yes.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18And we just paid 20 roubles, maybe.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20How much is that in pounds?
0:22:20 > 0:22:22About £4, I think.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25But to him, that was probably a lot of money.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29I suppose we're looking at a set of six commemorative coins,
0:22:29 > 0:22:30But they're not necessarily metal.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33If you pick one of those up, have a feel of that.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35They're cold, yes.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37But they are not heavy enough to be a metal.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40So, I believe these to be more of a resin, rather than a metal.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Right, OK.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44But they're very nicely carved...
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- Well, these would be made from a mould.- Mm.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53There would be one person creating the art imagery.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55And then the rest would be from a mould.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- OK.- If you look closely, here,
0:22:57 > 0:22:59we have Lenin on the top, here,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01overseeing these other characters.
0:23:01 > 0:23:07Starting, probably, from the Russian revolution to the modern spaceman.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- So, this is a celebration of Communism.- Yes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15- How's your Russian?- Not good. - Because on the reverse, there's all this Russian writing.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17I think they're worth putting in the auction sale,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20and I think the value would be around the £30 mark.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22So £30-£50.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- OK.- Shall we tell the others? - Please, yes.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- Lorne, John. Are you there? - Yes, we are, actually, yeah.- A-ha!
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Do you remember these?
0:23:30 > 0:23:32I do remember them, but...
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Have a look at these, Lorne. Did you but these together?
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Yes, I'm sure we must have done,
0:23:37 > 0:23:39because we were in St Petersburg together.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42I have no recollection except buying from an old man in the street.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Let's hope your good karma comes back to you at the auction.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- May well do. - What did you value them at, Jonty?
0:23:47 > 0:23:50I think they're worth around the £30,
0:23:50 > 0:23:51so I would say £30-£50 at auction.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Right. Yes, that's fine.
0:23:54 > 0:23:55That's fine.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Now, you wanted £250, didn't you,
0:23:57 > 0:24:00towards some stuff for the new grandchild, over in Tenerife?
0:24:00 > 0:24:01We did.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04I know you're a bit disappointed with the valuation of the etchings.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07I'll leave these to one side for the moment.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11The value of everything going to auction comes to £340.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13But, if you get the £50 you want for those pictures,
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- that'll take it to £390. - Lovely. That's great.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18That'd be good, wouldn't it?
0:24:18 > 0:24:21You might be able to buy a whole buggy for that.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22A motorised one!
0:24:22 > 0:24:23THEY LAUGH
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Gosh! Isn't the stuff expensive nowadays?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Especially in Tenerife.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- Whatever happened to pass-me-downs? - I don't know.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32I'm sure Jonty must have an old buggy somewhere,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35one of those Silver Cross prams we can hand down.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37- Absolutely, yeah. I remember those. - A sedan chair..
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- OK. Are you looking forward to the auction?- I am, yes.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- OK.- See you there.- Next time we see you, we'll be there.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- OK. Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Little by little, we made our target,
0:24:49 > 0:24:51with just a bit to spare.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54It'll be interesting to see how we get on at auction.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57These prints of the fictitious 19th-century vicar
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Dr Syntax might have raised a laugh.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Let's hope they can meet Linda's £50 reserve.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Will we find a buyer for those blue and white jugs and jelly moulds?
0:25:07 > 0:25:11They could decorate our fund with another £50-£100.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14And the assorted silver plate could also prove popular,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17and make between £80 and £120.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Still to come on Cash In The Attic.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24How will we cope when the bidding hots up?
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- Then suddenly... - ..the price goes up.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30If it was me, I'd be sitting with steam coming out of my ears.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34And when we do make a sale, will we all share Jonty's enthusiasm?
0:25:34 > 0:25:36It's walking. It's walking.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39It's stumbling, rather than walking, at £30.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Here comes the final hammer.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48It's been a while since we met Linda and John
0:25:48 > 0:25:50at their beautiful Bedfordshire cottage.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53They're looking to raise money to help their daughter
0:25:53 > 0:25:55prepare for the birth of their daughter's child,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57their new grandchild.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59We found plenty of items we've brought here
0:25:59 > 0:26:02to Sworders Auction House in Stansted Mountfitchet.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04All we need to do today, of course,
0:26:04 > 0:26:07is hope that the bidders are willing to dig deep into their pockets.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11Sworders holds a general sale every week here at Stansted Mountfitchet,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14and the Devines' heirlooms should fit in perfectly
0:26:14 > 0:26:16with the various items on sale today.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19But as they check out the competition,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21I hope our couple don't get sidetracked.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Good morning!
0:26:23 > 0:26:24Hi, guys. How are you?
0:26:24 > 0:26:25When I last saw you,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29it was before you were going to make your trip with the family.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33And you were expecting another grandchild. What's the latest?
0:26:33 > 0:26:35We've got a lovely little grandson called Leo.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- How wonderful!- And he's gorgeous. - How lovely!
0:26:37 > 0:26:39So you managed to see him, as well?
0:26:39 > 0:26:41We saw him, had a cuddle, and then left for the airport.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44How lovely!
0:26:44 > 0:26:47So, are we too late to make this money for him?
0:26:47 > 0:26:50No, no. We'd love to buy something special for him, so yes.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- All right. Shall we go and make some money?- Come on, guys.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56We couldn't have wished for a better start to our auction.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59And that's before anything has even gone on sale.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Linda and John's pieces do well for little Leo,
0:27:03 > 0:27:06especially as the auctioneer has advised our couple
0:27:06 > 0:27:08to merge a number of their lots together,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11in an effort to maximise interest and potential takings.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14First to go under the hammer is the silver pocket watch,
0:27:14 > 0:27:19dated 1899 and hallmarked in Chester.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20Where was this from?
0:27:20 > 0:27:24It came from my aunt. It was her husband's, and she gave it to me.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27It's a family thing, really.
0:27:27 > 0:27:28What do you want for this, Jonty?
0:27:28 > 0:27:32£20-£30. There's a bit of damage there, as well.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34So don't get too excited.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- But £20-£30 should be fine to get it away.- Let's see.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41£20 to start me. I'm bid £20. Any interest at £22?
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Opening bid of £20, then, for the pocket watch. Any further interest?
0:27:44 > 0:27:47£22 there. £25.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49£25, £28.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50£28, £30.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52£32. £32, sir.
0:27:52 > 0:27:53£32, £35, £38.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56No. £35. Still in the centre at £35.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57(Yes).
0:27:57 > 0:27:58Any further interest?
0:27:58 > 0:28:00I'll sell for £35.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03I always think it must be so frustrating
0:28:03 > 0:28:06for the buyer who thinks they're going to get it for 20 quid.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Then suddenly... - ...the price goes up.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10THEY LAUGH
0:28:10 > 0:28:13If it was me, I'd be sitting there with steam coming out of my ears.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15But the good thing is that means it's more money for you.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18He's got steam coming out his ears, but we're all smiling.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21And so we should be.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23£5 over our top estimate is an encouraging start.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Let's see if our next lot, the Royal Albert china tea set,
0:28:26 > 0:28:28can also draw in the bidders.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32The service is the company's most popular design,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35and was a classic item on wedding lists in years gone by.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37It's also in great condition.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40It's the Royal Albert Country Roses, which I think
0:28:40 > 0:28:45has probably got to be the most manufactured design known to mankind
0:28:45 > 0:28:46in this country.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- But it is very desirable.- It is.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50When I've seen it all out in the auction room,
0:28:50 > 0:28:52on the table it's displayed on,
0:28:52 > 0:28:55there is so much of this set.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58I put £40-£60 on it.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59I think that's quite conservative.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02I wouldn't be surprised if it makes a lot more,
0:29:02 > 0:29:03as there's so much of it.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06So, who's going to buy it, Jonty? Is there someone in the auction room,
0:29:06 > 0:29:08or will it be a phone bid, or what?
0:29:08 > 0:29:12I don't think necessarily it will find a home in the UK.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15It could be in any corner of the globe.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17On the Continent, in America,
0:29:17 > 0:29:19but not necessarily the buyers in the UK.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- Right.- Not necessarily so.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24£50, anywhere?
0:29:24 > 0:29:26That's got to be worth £50, surely.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Yes!
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- £55, £60. £65.- Come on!
0:29:31 > 0:29:32£60.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Any bids at £65?
0:29:34 > 0:29:37I'll sell for £60.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Any further interest? £60.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41£60. Bang on the top estimate.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44Good.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46That's a very satisfying boost
0:29:46 > 0:29:48to the fund for little Leo and the family.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Now it's time for our first merged lot of the day.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54The auctioneer has decided it's best to put together
0:29:54 > 0:29:55that collection of silver plate
0:29:55 > 0:29:58with a battered German spirit kettle.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Interestingly enough, when we came to your house,
0:30:03 > 0:30:05we found various bits and pieces.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09We lotted them up and put them into the auction house, as expected.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11They seem to have taken matters into their own hands.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13They've combined some of these things.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17So the next lot are a huge quantity of electroplated items.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21Yes, because in that is our lovely spirit kettle that we looked at.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Remember the Bing piece?
0:30:23 > 0:30:25But because it's so badly damaged,
0:30:25 > 0:30:29I would imagine that they'd probably put it, as Lorne suggested,
0:30:29 > 0:30:31in with our other items as well.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33I think what we have to bear in mind
0:30:33 > 0:30:35is an auction house always knows its own local market
0:30:35 > 0:30:38and the type of dealers, and what they'll be looking for.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42They probably assume that whoever wants one of it will want the rest.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45The new estimate for this is £100 to £160.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48So that's what we're aiming to net.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52A mixed lot, there. £80, anywhere? £80? £50.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55It's probably going to come down low, before it gets going.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57£40 to start me, anywhere? Anyone tempted?
0:30:57 > 0:30:59It might not get picked at all.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02..£40? £30, to start me?
0:31:02 > 0:31:06No? I'm afraid we'll have to pass on that.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- LINDA: That's a shame.- Right. Now, that IS a disappointment.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10It is a disappointment.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12She took it right down, to start at £40.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Obviously, you can't start below that. It gets ridiculous.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18But unfortunately, there didn't seem to be any interest at all.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20- Oh, dear.- That's life.
0:31:20 > 0:31:21I don't know whether you want to leave it here,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23to go into another auction?
0:31:23 > 0:31:25Probably let it go into another auction.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- Can we do that?- Of course you can. We'll sort all that out.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30Oh, dear. Clearly no-one was on the lookout
0:31:30 > 0:31:32for a bulk buy of EPNS and brass.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36I can't help wondering how our other merged lots will do later on.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Next up is another large lot.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41At least these are going on sale as we intended.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Jonty's given this group of blue and white jugs and jelly moulds
0:31:44 > 0:31:47a confident £50 to £100 estimate.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50This is quite interesting, because there was loads of stuff here.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52The classic stuff that, in the '80s,
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- everybody wanted to display on a dresser.- Yes.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Did you purposefully put together this collection?
0:31:57 > 0:31:59I did. Most of it, anyway.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Some of it came from my family.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03But the rest of it I bought myself.
0:32:03 > 0:32:04- Don't you miss it?- Not at all.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- Really?- Not at all.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08I'd like to get rid of everything, really.
0:32:08 > 0:32:09Now, Jonty, what do we want for this?
0:32:09 > 0:32:13It's interesting you say you're now keen to get rid of it.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16It seems to be the fashion at the moment to sell these sorts of items,
0:32:16 > 0:32:19so it's going to be interesting to see what happens in the room.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22I put £50-£100.
0:32:22 > 0:32:23But let's just wait and see, eh?
0:32:23 > 0:32:27Because this auction house is based in mid-north Essex,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30where there's lots of country cottages,
0:32:30 > 0:32:31- there might be somebody.- Yes.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33It's better than taking it to a London auction house.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35You've more chance, I think.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37But, having said that, we'll just have to see.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39It's straight in at £40, with me.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41£42 in the room?
0:32:41 > 0:32:45£40, with commission, for all the china there. Any further interest?
0:32:45 > 0:32:48I'll sell to the opening bid, then, with commission, at £40.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Any bids in the room? £40.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53Right. This is someone who left a commission bid.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56It's £40. She's sold the whole collection for that. Is that OK?
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Well, yes. I got rid of it, so that's the main thing.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03It would have been nice to make a little more than £40,
0:33:03 > 0:33:04but with the reaction in the room,
0:33:04 > 0:33:07we should perhaps be grateful for that commission bid,
0:33:07 > 0:33:11especially as we're already halfway through our auction today.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14You wanted to make at least £250. Hopefully a little bit more.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18We've sold half of our lots so far, and we've banked £135.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Oh, well, that's not so bad.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Don't forget you have a couple of no-sales there,
0:33:23 > 0:33:25so at some point those things will sell.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28And you've still got some very nice lots to sell this afternoon.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Yes. We've got a few good items to look forward to. All right?
0:33:31 > 0:33:36- Time for a little bit of a break? - Yes, thank you.- Follow me!- OK.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Let's hope the break signals a change in our fortunes.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41If you'd like to try buying or selling some of your items this way,
0:33:41 > 0:33:45it's worth bearing in mind that auction houses charge various fees.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48including commission and VAT.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52Your local saleroom will advise you on those extra costs.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54We have experienced a couple of no-sales,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57but it's a common occurrence at auction.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Even the most imposing items can suffer.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Jonty's intrigued by a pair of impressive Chinese pitchers
0:34:02 > 0:34:06that didn't find a buyer at a previous sale.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09This is what I call a very substantial pair, Jonty.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11They're amazing, aren't they?
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Incredible. I suppose they have to be a good three and a half feet
0:34:14 > 0:34:16in height?
0:34:16 > 0:34:19They're typically Chinese, absolutely covered with detail.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23Presumably, everything on here means something.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25You're absolutely right. Full of symbolism.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29We have our stylised applied dragon, and our Dogs of Fo,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32and lions on the side. Very typically Chinese.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35In fact, the style of this vase, they're actually from Canton.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Quite near Hong Kong, in fact.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42But for centuries, Canton exported vase of this particular style.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45So, what sort of age have these got?
0:34:45 > 0:34:48They look like they're mid-19th century,
0:34:48 > 0:34:51but the closer I've looked and studied these,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54they don't have very much age to them at all.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58I believe these vases have been produced in relatively recent times.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02In the last 30 years, in fact.
0:35:02 > 0:35:03It's difficult for us here in the West
0:35:03 > 0:35:06to spot a genuine Chinese antique
0:35:06 > 0:35:08from something literally made yesterday.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13Absolutely. And the way to tell is to have a look at the detail.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Let's take these two panels on the front, here.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Take a closer look. And if you were to compare those
0:35:19 > 0:35:22to a vase from the 19th century,
0:35:22 > 0:35:24the quality of the painting itself
0:35:24 > 0:35:26would be so much better
0:35:26 > 0:35:28on a 19th-century vase.
0:35:28 > 0:35:29So, do they have a value?
0:35:29 > 0:35:31They have a vast value. £4,000 to £5,000.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Oh, that's a lot of money, isn't it?
0:35:33 > 0:35:36I think we need to go into importing and exporting.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Sadly for us,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41there's nothing approaching the monetary value of those vases
0:35:41 > 0:35:42amongst our remaining lots.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45But there's still plenty to look forward to,
0:35:45 > 0:35:46including those Dr Syntax prints,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49with their evocative scenes of Georgian England.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52They've been grouped together with Victorian spy pictures,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54for £40-£70.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56But first, another collection of merged items.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58The auction house recommended
0:35:58 > 0:36:02putting the Royal Doulton Winston Churchill character jug
0:36:02 > 0:36:04together with the Russian medallions.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Knowing the local market as well as they do,
0:36:06 > 0:36:11they recommended a revised estimate of £20-£30.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14The only similarity is the fact that they're probably ceramic...
0:36:14 > 0:36:17- All right.- ..rather than resin.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19That's the only connection.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Therefore, what the auction room are telling us
0:36:22 > 0:36:26is that they don't covet those medallions you bought in Russia.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28So they really don't have very much value at all.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32They're of social interest, but not of financial interest.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34£40, for all that lot, anywhere?
0:36:34 > 0:36:35£40? £30?
0:36:35 > 0:36:38Doulton character jug included. £30?
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Oh, come on!
0:36:40 > 0:36:41£20, I'm bid. £22, there.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44£25. £28. £30.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46Seated on my right at £28. £30, there.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50£32? £30, there. Was that £32 in the centre somewhere?
0:36:50 > 0:36:51Amazing.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55£38, dead centre. £38. Any bids at £40?
0:36:55 > 0:36:58So, for £38, any more bids? £38.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- £38.- £38, so what's your view on that?
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Erm, well, I know what I paid for the jugs, so...
0:37:05 > 0:37:06Which was?
0:37:06 > 0:37:08I paid £40 for that, a long time ago.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Oh, dear.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Well, often when you put things in,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14you're not hoping to get your money back, you want it cleared.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16- Happy with that?- Yes.
0:37:16 > 0:37:17At £8 above estimate,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19I guess we'll have to accept
0:37:19 > 0:37:22the wisdom of the auctioneers on this one.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25I'm fascinated to see how John and Linda's mixed set of prints
0:37:25 > 0:37:27will do in front of our Essex bidders.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Remember those Dr Syntax prints we all looked at?
0:37:30 > 0:37:34Rather bizarre character that he was.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37They have been combined also with the Spy prints.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39It all makes sense that they've all been put together.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42£40-£70 is what we're looking for.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43Hopefully.
0:37:43 > 0:37:44£40, anywhere?
0:37:44 > 0:37:47£40? £30?
0:37:47 > 0:37:48The Spy prints, there. £30.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51£32? The lady right at the back there.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54£30, the opening bid. £32?
0:37:54 > 0:37:58I'll sell for £30, then, the opening bid. Any further interest?
0:37:58 > 0:38:00£30.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- Oh.- £30. Considering the age of those Dr Syntax,
0:38:03 > 0:38:05that's quite amazing.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08But I think it really indicates fashionable trends at the moment.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12And unfortunately, until that sort of appears in vogue...
0:38:12 > 0:38:13Yes, I think that's the case.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16And I suppose it's better than having to take them home.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18That's the spirit, John.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21And it's also another £30 towards the fund for little Leo.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Let's hope the 1930s walnut display cabinet
0:38:24 > 0:38:26will swell the coffers even further.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Surely worth £20-£40 of anybody's money.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Going back 10 to 15 years, people were fighting over these,
0:38:32 > 0:38:34big time.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36I'm not sure that's the case now, but where was this one from?
0:38:36 > 0:38:40I bought it, quite a while ago, from a fair.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42I can't remember what I paid for it,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45but at the time, I bought it to display my china,
0:38:45 > 0:38:47which I'm now getting rid of, so it has to go.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49Obviously no problems selling this.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51Jonty, how do we stand on price with these case now?
0:38:51 > 0:38:53There's always a market for everything.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57The value for your display cabinet now is £20-£40.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01So it should walk out at that sort of figure.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03If we sell a walnut display cabinet for £20-£30
0:39:03 > 0:39:05that can physically walk out the room,
0:39:05 > 0:39:07I think we might have undersold it!
0:39:07 > 0:39:09- SHE LAUGHS - That's for sure.
0:39:09 > 0:39:10£40, anywhere? £40?
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Please!
0:39:12 > 0:39:14- £30, I'm bid.- Ooh, £30.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- Opening bid of £30. - Come on, come on!
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- I'll sell for your bid of £30. - It's walking.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23It's walking. It's walking. Can you see it walking?
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Stumbling, rather than walking, at £30!
0:39:25 > 0:39:26- That's good.- Oh, dear!
0:39:26 > 0:39:29I hope it doesn't say anything on the way out!
0:39:29 > 0:39:32Another £30 for the good cause.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34So, for our final lot of the day.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38Or, to be exact, our last two lots that are merged into one.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42It's the reproduction oak cupboard and the 1920s plant stand.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45The auctioneers' new estimate for them is £40-£60.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49I'm not sure what's going on with the auction,
0:39:49 > 0:39:51cos a lot of your lots have been combined.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Our next one has, "A reproduction oak pot cupboard,
0:39:53 > 0:39:55"together with a 1920s plant stand."
0:39:55 > 0:39:58I'm not sure the buyer of one is necessarily going to want the other.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01So what is the reasoning behind this?
0:40:01 > 0:40:03They're both pieces of furniture.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Again, it's probably the plant stand that has so little value,
0:40:06 > 0:40:08that they've put the two together.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Because the cabinet we looked at at the top of the stairs,
0:40:11 > 0:40:13certainly does have some use.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14A lot of function there.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Plant stands, just not so fashionable at the moment.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20So the auctioneers decided again to put the two together.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23- £40, I'm bid. - Ooh, hello!
0:40:23 > 0:40:24£40. £42. £45.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Goodness.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28£50. £55.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29£60, there?
0:40:29 > 0:40:31Quite good.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33The latest bid, still with you at £60.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35£65?
0:40:35 > 0:40:37£60, then.
0:40:37 > 0:40:38£60.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41I could barely write it down, I was so excited.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43That's £20 over our estimate. Good grief!
0:40:43 > 0:40:45And they combined the lots.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47I think that's fantastic.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49I feel quite flushed after that, do you?
0:40:49 > 0:40:50Yes, very much. That's great.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52And another strong result.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54It seems the auction house
0:40:54 > 0:40:56has perfectly judged their local bidders.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Thanks to all those combined lots, today's sale has flown by.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01And it's time to reveal the grand total.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07In fact, we have now banked £293.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- Are you serious?- Absolutely! - I didn't realise it was that much. - That's great!
0:41:10 > 0:41:12- That's good.- That's really good.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15You still have some items you can either take home
0:41:15 > 0:41:16or leave in for next time.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18- Well done, guys. - Thank you very much.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24With those proceeds burning a hole in her pocket,
0:41:24 > 0:41:28Linda wastes no time looking out for some baby essentials
0:41:28 > 0:41:30for her new grandson.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34The money I wanted to raise was for my new grandson,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36who was born in Tenerife.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Fortunately we were there, so we were able to see him.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42He was just born, and warm and cuddly.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47Everything was great. The money that I've raised at yesterday's auction
0:41:47 > 0:41:48will be for him.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51I'd like to buy something that will be good for him for the future,
0:41:51 > 0:41:55such as the rocker with the hi tech music.
0:41:55 > 0:42:00I do like the pushchair as well, so hopefully, I'll come back, we'll purchase that
0:42:00 > 0:42:06and then we'll be off to Tenerife. I've had a lot of the items that I got rid of a long time
0:42:06 > 0:42:08and they're no use to me,
0:42:08 > 0:42:11but the money will be very useful for my daughter and Leo.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14So, it was a good choice. I'm really pleased I went for it.