0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello, welcome to Cash In The Attic,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06the show that searches for antiques and collectibles,
0:00:06 > 0:00:07and takes them to auction.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Now today, I'm going to meet a woman
0:00:09 > 0:00:11who is about to do something that we'd all like to do -
0:00:11 > 0:00:13a little bit of home improvement.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Coming up on Cash In The Attic,
0:00:34 > 0:00:37it's a question of geography as we come across
0:00:37 > 0:00:39some unique watercolours.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42I think this is Morcone, up in the mountains.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46I thought you said Morecambe, for a minute! That's Lancashire!
0:00:46 > 0:00:50We discover a watch that causes our expert, Paul,
0:00:50 > 0:00:51a great deal of excitement.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54I tell you, you have found some watches on this programme,
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- but judging by his excitement, this must be special.- Something special.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00And at auction,
0:01:00 > 0:01:04some gifts from the past turn up some very unexpected results.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- Absolutely fantastic.- Your Franco is shining down on you today, isn't he?
0:01:08 > 0:01:09Yes.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Find out more when the hammer falls.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16I'll be honest, I love the seaside, even if it is raining.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19But the woman we're about to meet is really interesting.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22She's come back to the Kent coastline after many years abroad.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25And she wants to make her new home even more comfortable.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31This stylish seaside apartment is home to Rita Grimstead,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33a lady who has led a very eventful life.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36After living in Italy for almost 40 years,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39she returned to the UK in 2008 following the death
0:01:39 > 0:01:41of her lovely husband, Franco.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Rita is also currently recovering from cancer.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48But luckily, has great support in the shape of her two sons
0:01:48 > 0:01:51and cousin, Seb, who is here to help with the rummage today.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58- Rita, I have been looking forward to meeting you.- How lovely.- How are you?- Fine.- Good.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- And this is Seb?- This is Seb. - Good-looking Seb, who's going to help you today.
0:02:01 > 0:02:08- Yes.- A friend?- No, he's a cousin.- A cousin. OK, lovely. And this is our good-looking expert, Paul Hayes.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Hello. I'm your antiques fellow today.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Hi, Seb, nice to meet you.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14You know, I was kind of laughing to myself
0:02:14 > 0:02:16when I knew I was going to meet you in the kitchen,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19because in Italy where you lived for 37 years,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22you used to teach language in the kitchen?
0:02:22 > 0:02:25I did. I did help the young ladies from the university.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Did they keep you right on your Italian?
0:02:27 > 0:02:29I think they taught me Italian!
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Do you mind if I make a start? Is that all right?
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- It's about time you made a start! - Well, it is.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38So, how much money would you like to raise, in an ideal world?
0:02:38 > 0:02:42I think something towards my new kitchen, my new property. About 1,500.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47- Is that possible?- I think that should buy you a few things for the kitchen.- It would help.- Marvellous.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Well, it looks like Rita's apartment
0:02:49 > 0:02:52has got all sorts of collectibles squirreled away.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55So fingers crossed we have a successful rummage.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00Our expert, Paul Hayes, has over 20 years' experience in the antiques and collectible trade
0:03:00 > 0:03:04and, ever keen to notch up his first find, has spied a possible item.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09- Could it be a touch of divine intervention?- Rita?- Hello.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- Now then, I found an interesting item here.- What have you found?
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- Something from Jerusalem. - That's come a long way, hasn't it? - That's beautiful.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18So, where has that come from?
0:03:18 > 0:03:21That was given to Franco by a lovely young man.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24They were friends for donkey's years. And this has always been over our bed.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- Right. So it's always had pride of place in your life?- Absolutely, yes.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31I really don't know how old it is.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35I was going to say, I think you're looking at a pre-war item here, 1920, 1930.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- This is very distinctive. This is olive wood.- Is it?
0:03:37 > 0:03:40It was found on the banks of the rivers in Jerusalem.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44It's a beautiful crucifix, and it's been decorated with mother-of-pearl.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Absolutely lovely.- Gives a wonderful iridescence.- Beautiful.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Is it sentimental though, you had it all this time?
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- If it's going to be appreciated by somebody, I'd be very pleased.- Yeah.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55I mean, I could see that bringing towards the £100 mark.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Sort of £50 - £80 as an auction estimate.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- How does that sound? - It sounds wonderful.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- Let's keep looking and see what we can find.- Come on.
0:04:03 > 0:04:10Not a bad start, but there's still plenty to do if we're going to reach Rita's target of £1,500.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Seb is certainly earning his place on the rummage team,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17as he turns up a very exciting little collection.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21These four sovereigns, including an impressive ring and pendant.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24They were given to Rita's late husband, Franco, as a gift from the bank.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26He worked there for almost 40 years.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Modern sovereigns like these are 22 carat gold
0:04:30 > 0:04:32and weigh almost eight grams.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34And because the price of gold has been so high of late,
0:04:34 > 0:04:39Paul estimates that this hoard could raise as much as £500 - £600.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43A huge amount of money towards our target.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- Paul?- Yes?- I love this. A good collection of paintings.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- But this one stands out.- Right.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53I am desperate to know who exactly the artist is.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- Who was she? - A very dear friend of mine.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56This one in particular,
0:04:56 > 0:05:01this beggar came into her garden in the country, to her villa.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03And she said, "I can't just give you money.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06"If you pose for me, then I'll pay you."
0:05:06 > 0:05:08And she gave quite a considerable sum.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Lovely. There's another nice one here. Can you look at this one?
0:05:11 > 0:05:15This is... I think this is Morcone, I think, up in the mountains.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- I thought you said Morecambe then, for a minute!- No! No, not Morecambe! - That's in Lancashire.- No.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21Morcone, OK.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- And who was the painter in this case?- That is her.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- I think she's written it Lina Prudente.- Oh, it's the same painter.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- Is this the same artist again?- There you go.- What do you think of that one?
0:05:30 > 0:05:37What I do like is the palette. This wonderful turquoise sea. You know, you've got the greens.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42it is very Mediterranean. Someone wanting that Mediterranean feel... If you've got an Italian kitchen,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45it instantly gives you that sort of impression, doesn't it?
0:05:45 > 0:05:49They are very attractive, but I don't think they're a long lost Picasso or anything like that.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54So value wise, I could see these sort of £50 - £80.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- That sort of price.- For the three? - For the three.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01Does seem a bit low but, Paul, I'm not so sure a painting of Morecambe would have fetched much more!
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Still, it's a useful amount towards Rita's kitchen kitty.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I like the sound of that!
0:06:07 > 0:06:10The search continues and our expert finds this Limoges tea set,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13which Franco bought for Rita as a present back in Italy.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Exquisitely decorated, French Limoges porcelain has been
0:06:16 > 0:06:19much admired and very keenly collected
0:06:19 > 0:06:22since it was first manufactured in the late 18th century.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26This tea set is probably mid-20th century
0:06:26 > 0:06:29and Paul gives it an estimate of £30 - £50.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31So, Rita, we're having a wonderful day.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34I've even had a walk down by the sea, which was terrific.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Now, what were the events leading up to the fact
0:06:36 > 0:06:40that you've just spent 37 years very happily married in Italy?
0:06:40 > 0:06:45My friends tried to encourage me to go out to Italy with them on a holiday.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47And we decided to go to Sorrento.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Well, I was swimming in the pool, you see, with my friends.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54And my friends were saying, Rita, there's a man touching your bag.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59So of course, I dash out and jump out and there's Franco, touching my handbag.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02I said, "Do you mind?" "I'm not touching anything, Madam.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05"My purse is here behind that bag," he said.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09"Oh. Excuse me, why don't you go and sit over there? This is my seat."
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- He said, "Madam, I like the sun also."- A rocky start!- Absolutely! You know, I was very rude.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18How long did it take before you and Franco got together properly?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21It sort of developed, you know. And of course, I came back to England
0:07:21 > 0:07:25and there were all these letters and telegrams.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28"You've got to come, I have hired a flat," you know. "You've got to come."
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Tell me what your days were like, living in such a romantic place.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36My days, they were lovely. Because he bought us a lovely apartment. Of course we had
0:07:36 > 0:07:43all of flowers on the terraces. He was in the bank all day. Sometimes very late when he got home.
0:07:43 > 0:07:49And I started to teach English. The word got around there was an English woman living there.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51It was absolutely fantastic.
0:07:51 > 0:07:58Very sadly, you lost this wonderful man, Franco, in fairly recent times. What happened in the end?
0:07:58 > 0:08:03Unfortunately, he died of cancer. He suffered for two years.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04But it did take me...
0:08:04 > 0:08:06I'm writing a book,
0:08:06 > 0:08:10and it took me three or four years to close the doors on Italy.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Are you enjoying your life, even though you're missing Italy? Enjoying being back?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Now I'm beginning to settle in.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Yes, yes, I'm having a laugh, actually.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Rita is adorable. And she's had such a fascinating life. So hopefully,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26we can help her create a more comfortable home for herself.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29But we have to get cracking
0:08:29 > 0:08:31if we're going to hit that £1,500 target.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Rita is straight on the case,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36as she unearths this collection of jewellery, including a coral necklace
0:08:36 > 0:08:41and matching bracelet, along with an 18 carat gold ring.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44It's another gift given to Rita by her late husband, Franco,
0:08:44 > 0:08:48back in Italy. The decline in the availability of coral
0:08:48 > 0:08:51means that jewellery like this can fetch very high prices.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55So Paul has set an attractive £100 - £200 estimate.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58But we won't have to wait too long to see what the bidders make of it.
0:08:58 > 0:09:0290 and I'm straight in. 100. Do I see 120?
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Will it help Rita reach her target towards that new kitchen?
0:09:05 > 0:09:06All done.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11As our rummage continues, it looks like Seb has struck gold.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17Hey, Seb, you've done some good rooting around. Music to my ears. Jewellery. These are gorgeous.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Yes. I've heard about these,
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I believe they're anniversary presents from Franco.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27I believe this was the first one that Franco actually bought for Rita.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- Oh, that's lovely, isn't it? First anniversary. Isn't that gorgeous?- That's beautiful, yeah.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35I mean, the first thing that strikes me is the colour. It's a very bright gold.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39Here in the UK, we recognise nine carats.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43That tends to be what we make most of our jewellery from. And that has a high copper content.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46So when you look at it, it looks quite an orange colour.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49When you get this brass, very gold colour, it tends to be a higher carat.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Do you know whether it was bought in Italy, or bought here?
0:09:52 > 0:09:56They're all from Napoli. In fact, this is in the original case.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58It's got the original logo.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03- I adore this one. Look.- Look at that.- I mean, it's such an unusual linking system, isn't it?
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- Beautiful cut.- Yeah.- Quite light, though.- Don't forget, there's a lot of gold here.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09This is all solid, it would cost an absolute fortune.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12So they had this clever method of making it hollow.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17At auction, my experience is that jewellery seems to sell quite well. Do you think this will go well?
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- For those two, you're looking near the £500 mark.- Really? - Good, isn't it?
0:10:22 > 0:10:24I think Rita would be ecstatic with that.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27That sounds fantastic. That's a good find!
0:10:27 > 0:10:28- Cracking.- That's a very good find, Seb.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32We're all ecstatic, I think. You know, this modest apartment is turning out
0:10:32 > 0:10:37to be quite the treasure trove, with precious metals at every turn.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Another find like that, and we'll make our target.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44I think we must be really blessed today, because before you know it, I come across
0:10:44 > 0:10:48this gorgeous solitaire diamond engagement ring. It was given to Rita by Franco
0:10:48 > 0:10:53back in 1974 and indeed, the first piece of jewellery that he bought for her.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58It's a 40 point diamond, set in 18 carat white gold
0:10:58 > 0:11:01and it's absolutely wonderful. The truth is, I wouldn't mind it myself.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06But it has to go to auction, where there's lots of interest for jewellery like this.
0:11:06 > 0:11:12So Paul values it at a sparkling £400 - £500, with a £300 reserve.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- Rita.- Yes?- Can you just pop in here a second? Have a sit down.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- What have you found?- Have a rest for a minute.- Thank you.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22I found a lovely medallion here.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25It's got some Italian writing on it, if you could translate.
0:11:25 > 0:11:26Can you read that?
0:11:26 > 0:11:30A very long activity, faithful service to the bank.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- How long did he work at the bank for?- 37 years.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Gosh, that's a long time, isn't it?- From a boy.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- He must have seen some changes and done a lot of good work. - Yes, he did.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- Absolutely.- And I take it that building there, that's the bank? - Yes.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- In the centre of Milan. - So it's something that would have meant a lot to Franco?
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Only to him, yes. Of course I'm very proud of him.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- I've got the memories.- Of course.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58- Well, medals and medallions are highly collected.- Are they?
0:11:58 > 0:11:59For all sorts of reasons.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02I can imagine a collector would not have this example.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07Gold is doing well. I know there's not much age to this, but there's quite a lot of gold in there.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11If I said £300, maybe up to about £500. How would that sound?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Absolutely fantastic!
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Such joy! Another exciting find.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18And it's not over yet, because Seb spots
0:12:18 > 0:12:23this collection of crystal and glass ornaments. Now, modern pieces like these can be expensive
0:12:23 > 0:12:27to buy new, but tend not to have a large resale value.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31Nevertheless, Paul thinks this varied lot could reach £30 - £50.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- Paul?- Uh-huh?- I think I've found something.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- Yes.- Oh, look at that. What we've got is a watch strap.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Now, that is a watch and a half, isn't it? Very special. Whose was this?
0:12:45 > 0:12:52- Franco's. Passed by his father. - Gosh.- 1940.- That is a beauty.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- Gloria?- Yes?- Seb? I think we've found a show stopper here, actually.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- Just look at that.- Woooh! You, you have found some watches on this programme
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- over the years, but judging by his excitement, this must be very, very special.- Something special, yeah.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05It certainly looks special.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I mean, this is a chronograph and a tachometer,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12which I think measures how far you've walked.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14And a chronograph is like a stopwatch.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19But for a watch of this age to have this complex a movement,
0:13:19 > 0:13:23that's what makes it special. Have you ever had it valued before? Anybody have a look at it before?
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Yes, I have, actually. In Italy.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- OK.- I wouldn't let it go under 1,500.- Right.- Because it's worth a lot more.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Well, it wouldn't surprise me whatsoever.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35I think what we need to do is to make sure of how much
0:13:35 > 0:13:38exactly this is worth before we do consider selling it, all right?
0:13:38 > 0:13:40What is your estimate at the moment, then?
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- I think you'd be happy with 1,500. - As a reserve.- As a reserve.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45I think we'll put it in with that.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47But when it comes to the auction,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49we'll have done more homework on it. Found out more about it.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- I hope so.- Put a more realistic value on it.- If you could, yes.
0:13:52 > 0:13:53What a fantastic thing.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58Well, about my person, I have the totals. You're not allowed to peep!
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Do you want to know?- Go on then. - All right.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04So, let's assume the watch doesn't hit its mark.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08You already have £1,960.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10That's absolutely wonderful!
0:14:10 > 0:14:13If the watch goes in and sells for at least £1,500,
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- you've got a minimum of £3,460. - You're joking!
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Yay! £3,460!
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Let's put it back, quick!- Right. OK.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26I hope I haven't peaked too soon, it could be a very exciting auction.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29The colourful collection of Italian paintings could put us in the frame
0:14:29 > 0:14:32for at least £50-£80.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35At a whopping £500-£600, I wonder if those
0:14:35 > 0:14:38impressive gold bracelets will make the grade with bidders.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41And I was so taken with the diamond solitaire ring,
0:14:41 > 0:14:43which was a gift from Rita's late husband.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46At an estimate of £400-£500,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49it means it should certainly sparkle in the sale room.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51And still to come...
0:14:51 > 0:14:55will Rita's collection of gold dazzle the crowd at auction?
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- 190, 200, 220, 240... - It's still going.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- ..220 I have.- I had no idea. - That's brilliant.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04And emotions run high,
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- as some very prized possessions go under the hammer.- ..85 I have.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09I'm sorry.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11No, it's all right,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14I could feel you just couldn't bear to look at it.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15Here comes that gavel.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24It's not very often I get to physically lie-down on the job,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27but I have made that journey from Folkestone along the coast
0:15:27 > 0:15:29to the Rye Auction Galleries.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33And, of course, Rita is trying to raise £1,500
0:15:33 > 0:15:37towards a kitchen in her new, cosy little seaside apartment.
0:15:37 > 0:15:38She has, I have to say,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41a pot of gold in terms of all of her jewellery,
0:15:41 > 0:15:44so let's hope that when her items go under the hammer
0:15:44 > 0:15:46she raises a lot of money.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48With any luck at all, the bidders here
0:15:48 > 0:15:51at Rye Auction Galleries have brought their chequebooks,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54as Rita's got some items here that are real quality.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57With the price of gold currently strong,
0:15:57 > 0:16:02the auctioneer's decided to split up those four gold sovereigns into four separate lots.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04With more bidders in the game,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07this should fetch them a higher price overall.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Ah, my beady eye goes immediately to the watch.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- You brought it after all. - It's quite something, isn't it?
0:16:14 > 0:16:18My husband's wish was that it was sold and went to a collector.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- Are you sure you want to part with it?- I have to, yes.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Yeah, that really is a fantastic watch. It dates to 1940,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27it's oversized, it's very visual.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32I've had a chat to the auctioneer and a few watch specialists, we think around £2,000.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34I think if you put a reserve of £2,000 on it,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37you'll either sell the watch or it'll come back home.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41That's some reserve. The gallery's filling up nicely, so it's time to take our places,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45as Rita's first lot is about to go under the hammer.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48The first of your items, it says here, is a "part tea set."
0:16:48 > 0:16:51This is 20th century, French, a good example,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53and we're looking for about £30.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Who's got 50 to start me? 30, then?
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Start me at 10, I don't mind, let's get it going.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- Come on, there must be somebody here.- 10 you've got.
0:17:01 > 0:17:0212 I have. 15.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Do I see 18? 15, I'm going to sell it.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07At £15...
0:17:08 > 0:17:10That is awful.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- That is terrible. - £15 for Limoges?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Uh-oh, that was a very disappointing start,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18and things don't get any better when these crystal pieces
0:17:18 > 0:17:22Rita accumulated over the years from her English students
0:17:22 > 0:17:24only make £15.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25Who knows?
0:17:25 > 0:17:30Maybe this crowd are holding on to their money for Rita's fantastic collection of gold.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33This next item is interesting, because it's the crucifix.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36I know you've got a history behind this, where did you get it?
0:17:36 > 0:17:41It was presented to Franco when he came back from Jerusalem
0:17:41 > 0:17:44from a friend of his, and it's been with us all these years.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Yeah, let's hope there's two people who like this.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48We're looking for around £50.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- I like it.- Yeah, fingers crossed. - Is this something that would appeal to you, Seb?
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I know this is one of the more important items,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57sentimentally I think this is going to be hard to part with.
0:17:57 > 0:18:03I have 40 here. 0. 2. 45. 48. 50 I've got, sir.
0:18:03 > 0:18:0752. Do I see 55? 58.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- 60. 2...- That's more like it.- 65.
0:18:10 > 0:18:1468. 70. 2. 75...
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- You can't look, can you?- 78. 80.
0:18:16 > 0:18:192. 85. 88...
0:18:19 > 0:18:2485 I have. At £85, we're all done.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- I could...- I could cry. - No, it's all right,
0:18:29 > 0:18:32I could feel you couldn't bear to look at it on the screen.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- But it got a good price. - I hope it's got a good home.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- It has got a good home.- Somebody I'm sure will appreciate it.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Very understandable.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Rita has such a strong personal connection to these collectibles,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46many gifts from her dear husband, Franco.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50I'm sure, though, the new owner of the crucifix
0:18:50 > 0:18:52will treasure it as much as Rita has.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Now we move on to the gold.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I'm holding your hand for this one,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58because you have a lot of very emotional items.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02We were saying it's very profound, parting with some of these things.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05I've got numerous bids here.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09They start at 100, 200, 300. I've got 320...
0:19:09 > 0:19:15320. 330. 340. 350. 360. 370.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18370 I have. 370. Do I see 380?
0:19:18 > 0:19:21380. 390. 400.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23410. 420.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26At 410 on my left.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29At £410, are we all done here now?
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Woah!- £410! - Absolutely fantastic.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Your Franco's shining down on you today, isn't he?
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Yes, he is.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39I think we've just turned a corner,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43because Rita's gold seems to be a real hit with the crowd here today.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46These four gold sovereigns that belonged to Franco
0:19:46 > 0:19:50have been split into separate lots. Let's hope the bidders go for them.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52140. 150. 160.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56160 I have. At £160.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Fantastic. That's only the one! Next one.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- 140 I have.- 140!- At 140. 150. 160.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05At £160...
0:20:05 > 0:20:06Fantastic!
0:20:06 > 0:20:10At £160, we're all done...
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- There we go.- Another 160!
0:20:12 > 0:20:15200. 220. 240.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18220 I have. £220.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- Isn't that brilliant? - That's fantastic.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24That is just brilliant. Give us a kiss!
0:20:24 > 0:20:28Well, if my maths is correct, for those four sovereigns,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31they fetched £700.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33That is a spectacular result.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Franco obviously was a man who knew what he was doing
0:20:36 > 0:20:39when it came to investing in valuables.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41But I hope the bidders haven't spent all their cash,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44because there's plenty more where that came from.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46At the halfway point, what have we made?
0:20:46 > 0:20:50So far, you have 1,225!
0:20:50 > 0:20:53And we're only halfway through!
0:20:54 > 0:20:55Just fantastic.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57If you'd like a go at selling at auction,
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Do remember that there are fees, such as commission, that apply,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03so make sure you check in advance.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08Many of these belongings of Rita have a huge sentimental value, so it's just as important
0:21:08 > 0:21:11the prices she gets for them make it all worthwhile,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15particularly in the case of her diamond engagement ring.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- I couldn't bring myself to wear it any more.- Haven't had the heart to wear it?
0:21:19 > 0:21:23No, no, I don't go out much, and it's something you wear when you go out dressed.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Seb, you're a great family friend of Rita's.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Do you think this is a wise decision for Rita to sell the ring?
0:21:29 > 0:21:30Yes, I totally understand it.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33I'm glad we took Paul's advice and put the reserve on it.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37280. Do I see 300? 280 I've got. 300 here.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42You're out. 300 I have. I will sell it at 300.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- OK, happiness all round, that's good.- That's really good, isn't it? - That's very good.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52And it's romantic to think this ring may get used again for another special occasion.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Thinking of Franco, he seems to have been such a generous man
0:21:55 > 0:21:58who lavished his wife with a lot of lovely gifts,
0:21:58 > 0:22:02this coral jewellery was originally bought as a necklace, but it was too long
0:22:02 > 0:22:05so Franco had it made into a bracelet as well.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Let's hope his good taste continues.
0:22:07 > 0:22:08100, I'm straight in.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11100. Do I see 120?
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- 120. 130. 140.- Come on! - I'm out.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18140. 150. 160. 170. 180.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21170, I have. All done?
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- You got a good price.- I think that's a really good price, actually, yeah.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28With this type of jewellery so rare,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31I'm sure Rita's coral necklace, bracelet and ring
0:22:31 > 0:22:34will be a welcome set of accessories to someone's outfit.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37We've actually got an item now that wasn't a gift from Franco.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40These Mediterranean pictures were painted by Rita's friend,
0:22:40 > 0:22:45but there's no room for them in her new home so it's time to go.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46I quite like these, actually.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49I couldn't find anything about Lina Prudente, the artist.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52She's not a listed artist in Italy or anything like that.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54We're looking for 50-80 for these
0:22:54 > 0:22:56as decorative paintings.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57£20.
0:22:57 > 0:23:0120 I've got, and 2. 25. 28.
0:23:01 > 0:23:0330, I'm out.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04It's here at 30.
0:23:04 > 0:23:0630. Do I see 32?
0:23:06 > 0:23:08At £30.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- I think that's probably realistic.- Really?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13I think we got carried away with the moment.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15With paintings, it's all on the artist.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19You know, those oil paintings will certainly brighten up
0:23:19 > 0:23:21the right room for someone.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Our next item is the one that we've all been waiting for,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28the spectacular 18 carat chronograph watch that belonged to Franco.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33This really is a super watch. There's no batteries here,
0:23:33 > 0:23:35no quartz, a real watch movement,
0:23:35 > 0:23:36it's a chronograph,
0:23:36 > 0:23:38it has the tachometer on the edge,
0:23:38 > 0:23:40It's a complex movement for the time,
0:23:40 > 0:23:451938-1940. It's 18 carat gold so to buy this today would cost you quite a lot of money.
0:23:45 > 0:23:482,000 I have to start.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Please? 2000, do I see?
0:23:51 > 0:23:531,000 I'll start it, then. 1,000 with me.
0:23:53 > 0:24:00And 50. 11. 50. 1,200. 1250. 13. 1,500, sir?
0:24:00 > 0:24:0413 with me. Do I see 1,400?
0:24:04 > 0:24:08It's come back. 1,400. 1,500? 15 I have.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10At £1,500.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12No, don't want it to go, no.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14I'm afraid that's not sold.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19- Good.- Is that good?- Good.- That's the first time I've seen anyone happy about not being sold.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23Normally when something doesn't sell at auction, I'm disappointed.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25But in this instance, I think we're all quite glad
0:24:25 > 0:24:28that Rita will be taking this fond memory back home.
0:24:28 > 0:24:29Our final items are the two
0:24:29 > 0:24:3218 carat gold bracelets that were,
0:24:32 > 0:24:36you've guessed it, a gift from Franco. They've been split into separate plots
0:24:36 > 0:24:39for the bidders but we're hoping for £500-£600 overall.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- 250. 260. 270.- Going well.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48280. 290?
0:24:48 > 0:24:49280?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- Other one here.- Here we go.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54270. 280. 290.
0:24:54 > 0:24:55- 300?- 300.- Yeah!
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- At £300.- Yes!
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I think I would have liked your Franco a lot.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04I'm quite sure he would have liked you.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07What a way to end a very emotional day
0:25:07 > 0:25:10with this pair of bracelets making £580,
0:25:10 > 0:25:14but just how much has Rita made altogether?
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Well, you wanted £1,500 to go towards your new kitchen
0:25:17 > 0:25:20and actually, as kitchens go these days, you can buy quite wisely,
0:25:20 > 0:25:24and that could do very well. However, we don't want to give you £1,500.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28We don't want to give you...£2,000.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31We don't want to give you £2,200.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32We want to give you...
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- £2,305.- That's fantastic, that's really lovely.- Isn't that good? - Yes.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41- And will you invite Paul and I for tea in your kitchen when you get it we done?- I will.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46- Thank you, Rita, you're a lovely lady and, Seb, thank you for all your support.- Thank you.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53I'm sure you'd like to know that Rita's now bought an apartment
0:25:53 > 0:25:55where she's already looking at new kitchen ideas.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59'No way could I live with somebody else's'
0:25:59 > 0:26:04kitchen and bathroom so out it comes. We just do our best to make this into
0:26:04 > 0:26:08'absolutely new. And it should be rather nice, actually.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11'My friends have come around to help me, to give suggestions,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14'and they're helping an awful lot.'
0:26:14 > 0:26:16What it's going to cost, I've no idea.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21Rita, let's hope the total raised at auction is a very good start.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27For me, it was a very big experience, you know. And I loved it.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29It's helped me a lot.