0:00:02 > 0:00:04Navigating the world of antiques with its endless variety
0:00:04 > 0:00:07can sometimes feel like you're walking through a minefield.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10I want to share some of the knowledge that we've picked up
0:00:10 > 0:00:13over the last 11 years of filming "Flog It!".
0:00:13 > 0:00:15These are fabulous.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17The quality is just breathtaking.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19That's hundreds of programmes under our belt,
0:00:19 > 0:00:22and many thousands of your antiques and collectables sold.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Are you all done?
0:00:24 > 0:00:25Yes!
0:00:25 > 0:00:29There's a whole world of trade secrets out there for you to know.
0:00:59 > 0:01:00'I love functional,
0:01:00 > 0:01:03'well-crafted objects that look deceptively ordinary.'
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Sometimes, everyday objects can be overlooked
0:01:05 > 0:01:09but they all have a fascinating story to tell.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11They may need more work in the research
0:01:11 > 0:01:13and be less well documented than the items of the grand
0:01:13 > 0:01:17and the wealthy, but they can all tell us something about our past.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21'So, today, we're heading below stairs to see which items
0:01:21 > 0:01:25'that were once workaday objects have real value today.'
0:01:25 > 0:01:29I love collectable, domestic objects because they all tell a story.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30They're all very accessible.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35'Coming up, Catherine Southon sniffs out an unusual piece.'
0:01:35 > 0:01:38'If you unscrewed the sections,'
0:01:38 > 0:01:41you could even smell the spices.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45This is something that I would desperately love to own myself.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49'Philip gets into the upstairs downstairs spirit.'
0:01:49 > 0:01:52'I think when it comes to collecting things like that,'
0:01:52 > 0:01:55it's saddos like me who really sort of get into this sort of
0:01:55 > 0:01:56social history element thing.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00'And our experts have plenty of tips about what to look out for
0:02:00 > 0:02:02'in the servants quarters.'
0:02:02 > 0:02:08There will always be a stall in fairs and markets with kitchenalia.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11'So, stay tuned to see what can make real money.'
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Wendy, I really appreciate what you brought today.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24What's the story behind it?
0:02:24 > 0:02:29The story, as far as I know, is that ladies in large houses with cooks
0:02:29 > 0:02:32couldn't get flour to make their game pies
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- because of the Napoleonic Wars. - Right.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40So Wedgwood made these dishes that looked like a game pie.
0:02:40 > 0:02:46These were brought to the table with the game already cooked inside it.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49They're not very commonly found these days.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52I suppose they were practical, functional pieces in the kitchen
0:02:52 > 0:02:56and would have been used lots, so were damaged and thrown away.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59How have you come by it and what brought you to bring it today?
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Well, I used to work in a little lock-up shop
0:03:02 > 0:03:05that was next to a little antiques shop.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07I used to have coffee with the lady owner
0:03:07 > 0:03:11and she used to show me anything interesting she had.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16As soon as she told me the story of this, I just had to have it.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20Well, it is what's generically known as a game pie dish.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23There were several factories that produced these.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27The most famous were Wedgwood and Majolica made from the Minton's factory.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29This one is by Wedgwood.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32This very characteristic creamware is called caneware.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37Caneware is a type of stoneware which Josiah Wedgwood invented
0:03:37 > 0:03:40with the intention that it would be appropriate for being oven-proof.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43'The history of Wedgwood is long and fascinating.'
0:03:43 > 0:03:50It was founded in the 18th century by Josiah Wedgwood, who was quite a clever man, not just a businessman.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54He was quite an alchemist and interested in the chemistry behind potting.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57So he and his team patented
0:03:57 > 0:04:03quite a lot of new forms of body of ceramic and pot.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07Certainly, a very early 19th-century, early Victorian piece.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11It would originally have had a little caneware liner inside.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16Then around the outside reflects the intricacy of pastry cooks
0:04:16 > 0:04:19who could make wonderful shapes and patterns on pastry.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Then the glorious lid, which has the little rabbit handle
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and these trophies of game - birds, ducks
0:04:26 > 0:04:30and the hares and rabbits round the outside, which add to the flavour.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34I notice by taking the lid off, this has had some historic restoration.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- You say you bought it... - In the '70s.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41I think, looking at this, it's had two little repairs to the rim.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43These have been quite neatly done.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46But I think, given the passage of so many decades,
0:04:46 > 0:04:50what was neat restoration then is beginning to discolour slightly
0:04:50 > 0:04:53and show up in a way it wouldn't have done several years ago.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Although it's a shame it's damaged,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59the fact that people can see the genuineness of the condition,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02it's not restoration which makes it look as if it's perfect.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06A collector can see that it's honest and that counts for a lot.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Restoration of any object is a thorn in the side of modern-day collectors.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15Because if the restoration is so good that it's near perfect,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17'it becomes a red herring for people
0:05:17 > 0:05:20'who think they're buying something which is pristine.'
0:05:20 > 0:05:27The modern-day concept is it's better to have something which has been damaged and preserved
0:05:27 > 0:05:31so it doesn't deteriorate further, rather than having something
0:05:31 > 0:05:35which is so good you lose trust in its authenticity as a whole.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- You paid how much for it? - I paid £30 at £1 a week.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- How lovely! Have you got any idea what it might fetch now?- No.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46I'd have thought, given that it isn't complete
0:05:46 > 0:05:51and there's a little restoration, that it would sell between £50 and £100 at auction at the moment.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- Would you like a reserve on that? - Yes, whatever you think.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57If we put £50, with auctioneer's discretion on it,
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- you've got the peace of mind.- Yes. - Thank you for bringing it in.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04'If you give the auctioneer discretion,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07'he's able to sell just below the reserve,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10'if he feels this is appropriate.'
0:06:10 > 0:06:11- Good luck.- Thank you.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16The room is full of bidders. Let's hope they stick their hands up.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19The Wedgwood game pie dish in terracotta,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22with the little rabbit finial, rather a fun bid.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25£20 to start. 20 straight in. 20 I'm bid. 22. 25. 28.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30At 28 now. Take 30. Is that it? At £28. 30. Two.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33At 32. 35. 38.
0:06:33 > 0:06:3640. 42. 45.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- Going to sell it. - On the stairs at 45 now.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Sell at 45. You're out down here.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- Just! - With the lady there at £45.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46I sell on the stairs. All done at 45.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Directly above the former owner at 45...
0:06:50 > 0:06:52LAUGHTER
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Well done!
0:06:54 > 0:07:00'That pie dish had seen some use, but the buyer didn't object to a little bit of wear and tear.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03'And she was getting a slice of domestic history
0:07:03 > 0:07:06'for a very reasonable price.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09'It's always worth checking out items of kitchenalia,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11'as you never know what you'll find.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15'It may not be the finest quality, but it's got stories to tell.'
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- Judith, thanks for bringing in the pestle and mortar.- My pleasure.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- What can you tell me about it? - I can't tell you a lot.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27We found it in my husband's parents' house when we were clearing up.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30He can remember it since he was about the age of ten,
0:07:30 > 0:07:32so it's about 55 years.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36He thinks that it was to do with his grandparents.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Right. OK. It's certainly older than your husband remembers it.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43I've been looking at it and it can be quite hard to date
0:07:43 > 0:07:46this sort of treen or turned wood.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Treen tends to have more of a provincial feel about it.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52More the farmhouse type kitchen table,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56or perhaps even like downstairs with the servants and so on.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- I think we're probably into the 1700s.- That's possible.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05His grandmother was in service at a big house in Tiverton.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09This would have probably been used below stairs in the kitchen
0:08:09 > 0:08:11or even for medicinal purposes,
0:08:11 > 0:08:16for preparing medicines and so on, for mixing up certain ingredients.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19I'm fairly certain it's a lignum vitae,
0:08:19 > 0:08:23which is a well-known wood for turning because it's so dense.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- You can feel the weight, can't you?- It's very heavy.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Lignum vitae would have been an expensive wood.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32'It was fairly exotic. It's a very dense, hard wood.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36The pestle, I think, is probably associated, to be fair.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38I don't think they started off life together.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42If you put it inside, you can see the proportions are a little odd.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- I thought that, yes.- It's certainly done the job, hasn't it?- Yes.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Have you given a thought of what it might be worth?- Absolutely no idea!
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I'm going to suggest that we put it in the sale
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- around the couple of hundred pound mark.- Wow!- How do you feel about that?- Very happy with that.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05- Let's straddle that £200. Let's put it in at 150 to 250.- Fair enough.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- That would be fine.- Who knows? On the day it could make maybe £400.
0:09:09 > 0:09:15The 18th-century lignum vitae mortar and a treen pestle.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18£150 starts it. 160. 170.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- 180. 190. 200. - Bid on the book.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26220. 240. 260. 280.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29£280. Where's 300?
0:09:29 > 0:09:32At £280. Straight ahead.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- Now selling at 280... - Come on. A bit more.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- BANGS GAVEL - It's gone. Top end, though, 280.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- We are happy, Judith? - I'm very happy!- That's very good!
0:09:43 > 0:09:47'I love treen and I would have had that piece, given half the chance.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49'Where should a novice treen collector start?'
0:09:49 > 0:09:54The key word when collecting treen is the patina, the colour of a piece.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58That's what buyers are looking for.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01So, condition, colour and rarity, of course.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05A nice pair of early Georgian salts, they're going to be worth more
0:10:05 > 0:10:10than a mass-produced Welsh love spoon from the 19th century.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16It's always lovely when you're working on "Flog It!"
0:10:16 > 0:10:18to actually see something
0:10:18 > 0:10:22that you want yourself, something that you've been looking for.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26It is absolutely fantastic.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30This is something that I would desperately love to own myself.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33I have been looking for a lovely spice tower.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36So when this lady came along with this spice tower
0:10:36 > 0:10:38which was oozing charm,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42I was very excited because it was in beautiful condition.
0:10:42 > 0:10:49What you've got is a Victorian, 1860 in date, spice tower.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53So we have these little sections,
0:10:53 > 0:10:58which would have contained different types of spices.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03At the top, we've got the paper label that's been applied for mace,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06nutmeg and all-spice.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10With something like this, condition is very important.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13What was nice, the labels were intact
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and, importantly, it wasn't split.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20It's a fruit wood that could easily get split and chipped as well.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23The little pieces on the top could easily be chipped.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26'But it was in perfect, PERFECT condition.'
0:11:26 > 0:11:32And if you unscrewed the sections, you could even smell the spices.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Wonderful!
0:11:34 > 0:11:37It belonged to my mother. It was in the house for a while.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40But she didn't get it from any further back.
0:11:40 > 0:11:46- She got it in a jumble sale.- Did she?- The legendary jumble sale, yes!
0:11:46 > 0:11:49What did she pay for it in her jumble sale, does she know?
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Yes. 10p.- Ten pence?- Yes.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56Well, can I tell you that your mother had a very good eye?
0:11:56 > 0:11:58This is a fantastic piece.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02If you imagine in late Victorian, mid to late Victorian times,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05in a big country mansion,
0:12:05 > 0:12:12something like this, this lovely spice tower being downstairs in the kitchen.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14It was almost too good to be in the kitchen!
0:12:14 > 0:12:19That should have been upstairs with all the paintings and sculptures.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23To me, it's a work of art in itself.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28Now, estimate-wise, we could put an estimate of £100 to £150
0:12:28 > 0:12:31and I think it will do that all day long.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35I'd like to be a little bit tentative and put 80 to 120,
0:12:35 > 0:12:37just to pull everyone in.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42I think this is going to make nearer £200. It's fabulous!
0:12:42 > 0:12:45'But was Catherine getting carried away?'
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Let's put it to the test. Here we go.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Lot number 600 is the 19th-century fruit wood spice tower.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Mace, nutmeg and all-spice. Lot 600.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Numerous commission bids here. Start me straight in at £160.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02£160 I have for starters. £160.
0:13:02 > 0:13:08At £160. 170 is there now? At £160. Straight in at 160 now.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12At £160. Are we all done, then, at £160...?
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Straight in. Straight out.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- That is amazing!- Cracking result.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21But they are incredibly rare in good condition.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26'Catherine would have snapped that spice tower up as a work of art.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29'What other tips can our experts offer?'
0:13:29 > 0:13:34Things that relate to how we used to live, things that are redundant.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Kitchenalia, those can be very interesting.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Buy the objects which aren't used any more,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43that have become redundant in our kitchens
0:13:43 > 0:13:44like the mincer.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49If you're going to collect something you need a theme. What better theme than booze?
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- Enjoy a drink?- Oh, yeah. - Oh, yeah?- Oh, yeah.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- Port, sherry AND Claret? - All in one glass. Yeah.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Drinks labels. I really enjoy those.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04One thing that I love about this job,
0:14:04 > 0:14:08it's not so much what this chair's worth, but whose bum sat on it.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10The drink labels, they tell a social history.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12They've either come from
0:14:12 > 0:14:16a really good 18th or 19th-century wine merchant's
0:14:16 > 0:14:21or they've come from a big country house, from a fantastic cellar.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24So my imagination builds up this fantastic picture
0:14:24 > 0:14:28of who's owned them before and, for me, that's the joy of the job.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Where did you get these from? - Car-boot sale.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33How much did you pay for them? £6.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- You're a man of generosity(!)- Yeah. He wanted eight, actually.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- And you beat him down?- Yes. Aye.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42I think Barry was really cute.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Because those aren't obviously valuable things, are they?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49He trawled round a car-boot sale, saw them for six quid,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51grabbed his opportunity.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54For me, one of the joys is, for a short period of time,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56he's owned a really cool thing.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- Did you buy them cos you thought they were cheap or because they were nice?- I liked them.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Plus, I knew they were a giveaway at £6.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- They were at eight as well!- Aye. BOTH LAUGH
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- Where do you think they were made? - I imagine Staffordshire.- I think so.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15There's something on the back that could be Copeland.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- They're certainly English. And what date do you reckon?- 1850s?- Spot on.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23Picture the scene. You've got Downton Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27And Hudson walks down to the cellar, or sends his footman to the cellar,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30to bring out his lordship's finest claret.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34I think that scene is fantastic. "Bring out the Mouton Rothschild!"
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Up the stairs it comes, this fantastic port or wine.
0:15:37 > 0:15:43But he's got to identify it, so the cellar bins have those labels on. What a great story.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47You can just see the remains, and it is very faded.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50It would have had who the shipper was, the year,
0:15:50 > 0:15:55which vineyard it came from, and these were next to each barrel.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00I think they're really collectable. I think that we will put...
0:16:00 > 0:16:04£40 to £60 estimate on them, all day long.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- Yeah. - I think we reserve them at £30.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- I think that's a real "come buy me" estimate.- It should be.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14It's a real "come buy me" estimate and if you have a bit of luck,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- they might just make £100.- Yeah.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- Are you pleased with that? - Definitely. Yeah.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- I've a wife and eight kids, so I need some money!- Eight?- Aye!
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Won't ask what YOUR hobby is!
0:16:24 > 0:16:27'Moving swiftly on...'
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- I think they'll do 100. - They've got to.- It's a good crowd.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I'm hoping for 150. You know what Philip wants.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- I know what I want! - Yeah, the more the better!
0:16:37 > 0:16:43Three earthenware wine cellar labels with two numbered bin discs.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Some nice 19th-century pottery. A lot of people like them.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50A lot of interest on commission. I'm forced to start them at 140.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- LAUGHTER - £140.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58I'll take 150 from somebody in the room. 150, is it?
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- Come on. - With me at 140.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04150. I'm out. Looking for 160.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08150 at the top. Still cheap.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Finally, at 150. Have we finished?
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- Yes! Hammer's gone down at £150. - You were right.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18'When it comes to collecting things like that,'
0:17:18 > 0:17:23it's saddos like me who really get into this social history element,
0:17:23 > 0:17:27because today, they don't have things like that, beautifully made things.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31It'd be some little computer-generated bit of plastic
0:17:31 > 0:17:34you just stick on with a drawing pin - who wants that?
0:17:34 > 0:17:38'Philip's right. A piece of social history is beyond price.'
0:17:38 > 0:17:40So here are my top tips.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42'If you're starting a collection,
0:17:42 > 0:17:47'it doesn't have to be an expensive item.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49'Kitchenalia is a great entry point.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53'You can even begin with downstairs and work your way upstairs.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58'Good condition helps, but a bit of wear on domestic items is expected,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02'so don't reject pieces on the basis of minor damage.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06'These quality wooden items had double appeal -
0:18:06 > 0:18:09'to collectors of kitchenalia and of treen.'
0:18:12 > 0:18:17There are wonderful works of art out there, great names and superb antiques.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21We want to give you more information on what makes them special.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25'So far, we've seen items that highlight the class divisions
0:18:25 > 0:18:27'of our nation's past.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30'At the end of the 19th century, there was a movement
0:18:30 > 0:18:32'which tried to break down barriers
0:18:32 > 0:18:36'and marry the beauty and craftsmanship of the aristocratic
0:18:36 > 0:18:39'with the practicality and usefulness of the domestic.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42'I'm talking about Arts and Crafts,
0:18:42 > 0:18:46'one of my absolute favourite periods of British design.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53'Its very distinctive style can be applied to a variety of objects,
0:18:53 > 0:18:54'from mirrors to jewellery...'
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- Would you be happy to sell at £100, £150?- That would be very nice.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Benson Arts and Crafts oil lamp, 190...
0:19:03 > 0:19:07'..and extends to furniture and even houses.
0:19:08 > 0:19:14'It incorporated simple forms and used medieval romantic patterns.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21'This superb drinking cup brought in by Ken is a fantastic example
0:19:21 > 0:19:23'of the hand-crafted simple style
0:19:23 > 0:19:26'espoused by the Arts and Crafts movement.'
0:19:26 > 0:19:28A little bit of green agate.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31It hasn't been cut and shaped and stylised.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35They were saying it was morally reprehensible to facet their stones
0:19:35 > 0:19:37when you're talking about Arts and Crafts movement.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41It's stamped - Guild of Handicrafts, CR Ashbee.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44'CR Ashbee was one of the leading exponents
0:19:44 > 0:19:48'of the Arts and Crafts movement pioneered by William Morris.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52'The movement was a backlash against increasing industrialisation
0:19:52 > 0:19:55'at the turn of the 20th century,
0:19:55 > 0:20:00'and an attempt to move back to the honest work of the craftsman.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04'The influence of Arts and Crafts extended far and wide.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07'It was embraced in Glasgow by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11'Architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott applied its principles
0:20:11 > 0:20:15'to the design of a whole house in the Lakes.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19'It was truly international, spreading across America and Europe
0:20:19 > 0:20:23'before finally emerging as the Mingei movement in Japan.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30'With such a wide reach, how do you spot an Arts and Crafts piece?
0:20:30 > 0:20:33'Look for simple forms and plain decoration.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36'Pieces will emphasise natural materials.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42'Arts and Crafts patterns are inspired by native flora and fauna.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49'The construction of the item is often visible.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53'Put simply, you can see the joins and, most importantly,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56'they will be functional pieces.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00'The Arts and Craft ethos can be best summed-up
0:21:00 > 0:21:03'by its leading light, William Morris, who urged,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07'"Have nothing in your house that you do not believe to be beautiful
0:21:07 > 0:21:09'"or know to be useful."'
0:21:18 > 0:21:21'Will Axon is one of our regular experts.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25'When he isn't busy valuing objects for "Flog It!"
0:21:25 > 0:21:29'you can find him in Cambridgeshire, doing his day job as an auctioneer.'
0:21:29 > 0:21:32£50 and selling this time... Thank you.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35'But as he's keen to point out, there's a lot more to do
0:21:35 > 0:21:39'than simply climbing on the rostrum and wielding a gavel.'
0:21:39 > 0:21:43The public sees most auctioneers during the sale or the viewings,
0:21:43 > 0:21:45so they're unaware of what goes on between sales.
0:21:49 > 0:21:50That's the one.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54We have a huge number of items go through the saleroom day to day.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58We have general sales every month. They will consist of 500, 600 lots.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03There's a huge quantity of items that come through our door,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07so we have to be aware of who they belong to, what sale are they in, what's the estimate.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12This is what I like about a general sale. You've got a nice French wall clock there.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17You've got a royal wedding brick. I mean, that's an unusual lot.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20When it comes to sale day, that's almost the release.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26When someone's got something to sell, they may not know what it is, they give us a call.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29I'll have a chat, get as much information as I can,
0:22:29 > 0:22:31make an appointment to see them.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Once they've decided they want to sell, it gets catalogued,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37we photograph the item.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40The next time we see it, I'm on the rostrum wielding my gavel.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44Obviously, we try to get as much as we can for the vendor for it.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48Part of my job is getting out and about on the road, really.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52I'm off to see a couple of clients today.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Both of them I've visited before, so this is like a follow-up visit.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- So, mainly carriage clocks. - Mainly carriage clocks.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03One bracket clock and one grandfather, the one behind.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06A nice Edinburgh, domestic regulator, wasn't it?
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- That's what they call them, yes. - Happy to sell that.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13These are nice quality clocks. Some of them are by known makers.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15They've got that decorative quality,
0:23:15 > 0:23:19so I'm pretty confident we'll get most of these away.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26Lord Hemingford, or Nick as I know him, he's actually down-sizing.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30So he just needs a bit of advice on what's left.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33He's dispersing some pieces between the family.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Just wants an idea of if we can help with what's left.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Hello, Will. Morning. Nice to see you.- How are you?
0:23:45 > 0:23:47You've been doing a bit of sorting out!
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Well, it's a bit of a jungle. CHUCKLES
0:23:51 > 0:23:54We're down-sizing because we're getting on a bit.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59And we really have no idea what it's worth.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03So a bit of professional expertise was necessary.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- It that an Atmos clock?- Yes, it is.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09My father-in-law was presented with it when he retired.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14Jaeger-LeCoultre, of course, a great name in clocks and watch-making.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16I think that would do quite well in the sale.
0:24:19 > 0:24:25'As a general valuer, people assume that you must know everything about everything, but it's not the case.'
0:24:25 > 0:24:29If there is something that I don't know, I'm not afraid to ask a colleague
0:24:29 > 0:24:32or even another valuer off "Flog It!"
0:24:32 > 0:24:37- I suppose the most interesting logistical piece is this one.- Ooh!
0:24:37 > 0:24:39I see! The old armoire.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- Would something like that sell? - It would sell.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46If someone's looking for one and they've got the space to accommodate it,
0:24:46 > 0:24:50they'll be prepared to pay high hundreds, maybe even four figures.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53I think it's nice that it goes to somebody
0:24:53 > 0:24:58who is prepared to pay for it and therefore wants it.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02That's better, perhaps, than going on the junk heap.
0:25:02 > 0:25:07All good genuine pieces of family furniture, fresh to market,
0:25:07 > 0:25:11just the way the market likes them, so there's plenty there for us.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20We're into the hour before the sale so things start picking up.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25People are arriving, double-checking something they maybe viewed yesterday,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28just to make sure that it's still something that they want.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Bids are coming in. The phones are ringing.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33People are registering on reception.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37We try to keep general sales a bit more spit and sawdust than our fine sales,
0:25:37 > 0:25:41because people like a saleroom where it's stacked high,
0:25:41 > 0:25:46they have a rummage, gives them a feeling that they'll find a bargain at the bottom of a box.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51Usually can pick up a bargain here because it's not got lots of jewellery.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53A couple of lots that I'm interested in today.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56I have a figure in my head that I will go up to.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Hopefully, I'll get it below that,
0:25:58 > 0:26:04but you tend to go one over if it's something you really want.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08The only tip I would give you as far as bidding is concerned
0:26:08 > 0:26:10is have your limit.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Say to yourself what you're prepared to pay for something.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17OK, go maybe one bid more. You don't want to lose it for a single bid.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19But generally, if you've got your limit, stick to it.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27Right, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our first general sale of the new year.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Welcome to you all, as always.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35He's really quick, keeps the auction going and a buzz in the saleroom.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38£40 I'm bid now. At 40. Front row at £45...
0:26:38 > 0:26:40'You see a lot of different styles of bidding.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43'Someone might come for one specific item.'
0:26:43 > 0:26:47They will march to the front of the room with their paddle in the air.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50It's pretty obvious that they want to buy this lot.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52£50 it is, then.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55'Other people skulk at the back, hide behind a wardrobe.'
0:26:55 > 0:26:57As you're going to bring the hammer down, they'll bid.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01That psychological edge on the under-bidder might make them think,
0:27:01 > 0:27:05"There's no point me carrying on." And they steal it at the back.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09And lot 110 is a nine-carat gold five-stone ring.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12£50 will it be? Straight in. 50, surely? 30 I'll take, if I must.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15I'm looking round for you. 20 I have.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Saved you a tenner. At £20 I'm bid. And five. 30.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23Five. 40. Lady's bid at £40. Is that all it's going to be?
0:27:23 > 0:27:25I shall sell it. £40!
0:27:25 > 0:27:27Your number today is 61.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30The important part of my job, personally,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33is the interaction with clients and the public.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38These people coming to our sales want to be entertained, to a degree, but at the same time,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41you're trying to persuade them to part with money.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43You've got to do it in a nice way.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48I think most clients who had something for sale were pleased.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51As with any sale, some things do better and some do not as well,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54but in general, people seemed happy.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57A lot of it's clearing and finding its place in a new home.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Yeah, good day, all round.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02For me, I've got the best job in the word.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08- Those are nice.- The dogs? They didn't sell.- They didn't?- No.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12Where's Dad? Ask him for a tenner and they're yours for cash.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13BOY LAUGHS
0:28:17 > 0:28:22Well, that's it for today's show and, as we've seen, everybody loves the grand,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25but don't overlook the seemingly ordinary.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28It could be worth a great deal more than you'd expect in today's market.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31See you next time on Flog It! Trade Secrets.