0:00:02 > 0:00:04Now, when I first started on "Flog It!" I thought I knew
0:00:04 > 0:00:06a thing or two about antiques.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09But over the last 11 years, I've learned more than I ever knew.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11I've met thousands of you
0:00:11 > 0:00:13at our valuation days...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19..and I've seen objects that are constantly surprising
0:00:19 > 0:00:21and interesting - not to mention, valuable.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- Are you all done?- Yes! Ooh!
0:00:25 > 0:00:28This series is a celebration of everything I've learned.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Welcome to Flog It! Trade Secrets.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03On today's show, we're giving you the inside track
0:01:03 > 0:01:05on what we've learned over the last 11 years on Flog It!
0:01:05 > 0:01:07If you're starting a collection,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10want to make a few pounds by buying or selling,
0:01:10 > 0:01:14or if you just love antiques, there's something here for you.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Coming up - our experts know all there is to know about auctions.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22So get some insider tips on how to buy well.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Tip number one, examine the object closely.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Don't buy something across the room that you haven't seen.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Because you can guarantee, if you think it's going cheaply,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35it's because there's something wrong with it.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37And get their advice on what to do
0:01:37 > 0:01:39if you've got things at home you want to sell.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43If you don't put good things in an internet sale,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45I think you cut your marketplace
0:01:45 > 0:01:47just so much.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49And find out how the "Flog It!" favourite Troika
0:01:49 > 0:01:51is faring in today's market.
0:01:51 > 0:01:52Well, there were three of us.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56My father was Russian, "Troika" means three.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- It's a carriage drawn by three horses.- And there you have it.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01And there you have it.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Most of our experts cut their teeth working in the saleroom,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08either as an auctioneer or a valuer,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11and that's how they know how much your antique is worth.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13But even they cannot predict how a bidder
0:02:13 > 0:02:16is going to behave in the auction room. Anything can happen.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19So listen carefully, if you want to learn some tricks of the trade.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24Most small towns have an auction house
0:02:24 > 0:02:26and it's easy to check on the internet or by phone
0:02:26 > 0:02:30when they have sales and whether they specialise.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32You don't even have to bid in person
0:02:32 > 0:02:36and there's no substitute for getting to know your local saleroom.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Six, seven, eight, nine.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- Any advance now, at 520? - Last call, then.
0:02:40 > 0:02:4222, five, I'm out.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45If you're selling, the auctioneer is acting on your behalf,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48so if he pushes up the price, you'll get more money.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- So, how do they do it? - I'm selling, then.- Shine!
0:02:52 > 0:02:54All auctioneers have different styles.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59And some might say that mine is a little theatrical.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02And who am I to dispute that?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05520, fresh bidder. 520. 550.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- 580.- Anita's weaving her magic.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10- She's very, very good at it.- 620.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- 720.- He's hidden at the back of the room.- 750.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- Doesn't get any better than that. - £1,100.- 1,100. Yes!
0:03:18 > 0:03:21A good auctioneer, I think, has to be larger than life,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25because you have to
0:03:25 > 0:03:30contain the room, control the room, entertain the room,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33but also, be very professional.
0:03:33 > 0:03:39One more? 1,350. At 1,350, 40. No.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41You've got them. Always pays to have another go.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43You have to have a certain
0:03:43 > 0:03:45presence, I would say, similar to an actor on stage.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48If you've got no stage presence,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50then who are the audience going to focus on?
0:03:50 > 0:03:56Thank you for your help. At 550, original bidder, then. At £550.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57You've got to be confident.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59You have to control the room.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02It's like conducting an orchestra.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05And you are the centre point to it
0:04:05 > 0:04:10and everything comes from your gavel, from your rostrum, from you.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14920, I have. 920, I sell. 920.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16Yes! That was short and sweet.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17It is a piece of theatre.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I like to think of the auction as a piece of theatre,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24with the bidders as part of the cast.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27You can read their body language. And quite often, I will know
0:04:27 > 0:04:28if a bidder is about to bid
0:04:28 > 0:04:31or whether they're at the end of their bids.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33At 190. At 190, seated.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Still in, sir? For the sake of another tenner?
0:04:35 > 0:04:39Don't lose it for 190. I've got 195, on the book, against you, sir.
0:04:39 > 0:04:40Going 200?
0:04:40 > 0:04:43You can encourage that extra bit out of them,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46if you think there's one or two left still in the tank to come out.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48A lot of it is knowing and reading
0:04:48 > 0:04:50and understanding their body language.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Any advance on £200? Nothing online. It's with you, sir, at 200, seated.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56210, to the left. At 210, now.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58210's the bid. In the room, standing, at 210.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01You sure? You finished? At 210, I'm taking.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04All done? Yours, at 210.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- Oh, that was close!- Who said being an auctioneer was easy?- Knife edge!
0:05:08 > 0:05:10The more your lot is sold for, the better.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14And it'll help you to pay the other saleroom costs, too.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16So choose your auctioneer with care.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- They need skill and plenty of energy.- Are you all done?
0:05:19 > 0:05:23To be a good auctioneer, you have to enjoy doing what you're doing.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27Because if you're having a difficult day or a bad day, it soon shows.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31And you've got to enjoy even the toughest of situations,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33in order to do a good job.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36At 170, now. In the room, at 170. Where's 80?
0:05:36 > 0:05:40At 170. Am I missing anybody, at 170?
0:05:40 > 0:05:44I always remember watching the auctioneer at Tattersalls.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47And he would be very loud and brash
0:05:47 > 0:05:49and throwing his arms left, right.
0:05:49 > 0:05:50And then as the bidding slowed,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53he would almost come down to a whisper
0:05:53 > 0:05:55and he would lean onto the rostrum
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and he would be engaging one-on-one with the bidder
0:05:58 > 0:06:00and just eking out that extra bid.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02And I think that stayed with me.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05I'll never forget my first-ever auction, how nervous I was.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I thought, "I never want to do it again."
0:06:07 > 0:06:09But actually, it's addictive and you get the bug
0:06:09 > 0:06:11and you just want to get back up on that rostrum.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Adam is brilliant at it.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Every auctioneer has their own style, their own manner, own pace.
0:06:17 > 0:06:18Some are better than others.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21I think that the main qualities,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23of course, are humour and speed.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24It can be very tiring.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27I can do eight or nine hours on the trot, auctioneering.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31So my secret ingredient would be bananas.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Now we know how they squeeze money out of the bidders.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39So remember, do not get carried away, if you're buying.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Here are some more trade secrets, if they're selling items for you.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Check the conditions of sale when you are selling at auction.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50A lot of auction houses have a minimum commission price.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54So, therefore, you might think, "Ah, the commission rate is 15%,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57"I'm selling something for £10, I'll get £8.50."
0:06:57 > 0:06:59No, you won't, necessarily.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02There might be a minimum charge of £5 or £10,
0:07:02 > 0:07:06plus VAT, plus a lotting charge. Read the small print.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Accept what the auctioneer says.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13Quite often, I'm afraid, we find people coming into us and saying,
0:07:13 > 0:07:17"I've done some research," and they've spent five minutes online.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20I've spent 30, 40 years doing this.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22So, without wishing to sound big-headed,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24do listen to what the auctioneer has to say.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29Agree a reserve and off you go. And everything will be fine.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32My best tip for selling at auction is, be relaxed.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35These are objects.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38They won't love you back. Don't get concerned about them.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41If you're putting them into auction, let them go.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Our "Flog It!" experts are all great friends,
0:07:44 > 0:07:46but there's no denying the sense of competition
0:07:46 > 0:07:48when they get together at a valuation day.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50Rivalry? Between who?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Yeah, there's quite a lot of rivalry.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56And when we take one auctioneer to a colleague's saleroom,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58they'd better keep their wits about them.
0:07:58 > 0:07:59Adam!
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Adam and the Moorcroft vases.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Huh! He's so naughty.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06Alison, Laura, at last.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09We're here in Stoke, the home of Moorcroft pottery.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10Do you know what pattern they are?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Haven't got a clue about any of it, have we?- No!
0:08:13 > 0:08:14No? Not at all?
0:08:14 > 0:08:17They're carnation pattern, one of the most saleable designs.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- How about 150, 250?- Yeah. - Yeah. Definitely!
0:08:21 > 0:08:23They're not worth that. BOTH: Oh. OK.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- They're worth 300-500. - You are kidding?
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- No.- Really? - They should certainly make that.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30They are really desirable things.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32I was just being mischievous. I don't know why.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34It's not in my nature, really.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36But these vases had come in
0:08:36 > 0:08:42and my friend James Lewis had valued them for £300-£500.
0:08:42 > 0:08:48And Adam had a conversation with Paul at the auctioneer chat
0:08:48 > 0:08:50and said, "He's clearly missed the damage.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54"They're not going to sell. I don't think they'll make 400."
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- He must have noticed the damage. - Surely.- Must have. Look at it.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59There's a chunk out of it
0:08:59 > 0:09:02and it's obviously been repaired all around there,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04which is a great shame, because they're beautiful vases.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08The pattern is actually the brown chrysanthemum
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- or new cornflower pattern. - So he got the pattern wrong?- Yeah.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14Probably as well as the estimate.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16I think we still may have a chance of selling them,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- but I don't think they'll fly away, because of that damage.- No.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Now, we had loads of interest on these.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25And I already knew they were going to make at least £1,100,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28because of the bids that we had in advance.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30So I thought we'd have a bit of fun and I'd wind him up.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32So when I read the description out, I think I said,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34"Oh, they're in a terrible condition.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36"One looks like it's been under the hammer already."
0:09:36 > 0:09:38The Moorcroft vases.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- One, of course, it's completely smashed to pieces.- Not quite.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45One seriously damaged.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- How rude! - The other one has normal ageing.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50That doesn't help it, does it?
0:09:50 > 0:09:53One has a massive chunk out of it and it's been re-glued,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55so you have been warned on these.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57And the look on their faces!
0:09:57 > 0:10:00"What's he saying? He's not doing a very good job!"
0:10:00 > 0:10:03That means I'll start at £1,200.
0:10:03 > 0:10:0550, now? At £1,200.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07At 1,200.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09At 1,200. 50, anywhere?
0:10:09 > 0:10:11And then, suddenly, he came straight in at £1,200.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13"Taxi for Lewis!"
0:10:13 > 0:10:16I thought, "Oh, here we go!" And he was off on one.
0:10:16 > 0:10:211,250, 1,300, 1,350, 1,400, 1,450.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Taxi for Lewis! At 1,500. Anyone else?
0:10:24 > 0:10:27At £1,500. We all done?
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Brilliant! Well done!
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- That is great!- Fantastic!
0:10:34 > 0:10:37The successful bidder was determined
0:10:37 > 0:10:40to have those Moorcroft vases, whatever the price.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Not the nicest, kindest thing to have done to poor James,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44but it was a bit of fun
0:10:44 > 0:10:49and it was meant in good fun, rather than in malice...honest.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53But even for a novice, auctions can be a great place to buy.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Look in the press or online for local sales
0:10:56 > 0:10:58and you, too, can learn how to become a bidder,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00without making expensive mistakes,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03if you follow our experts' advice.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06When you go to an auction, go to the viewing before the sale
0:11:06 > 0:11:08just to have a look at what might interest you.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12I would say, get hands on with the piece that you're interested in.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Pick it up, turn it upside down, get a drawer out,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18ask questions of the people that work there - the porters, the auctioneer.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20It's not like a museum.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23These pieces are there to be held, looked at.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Make sure that you are happy with what you're buying.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28And if you're not, wait for the next sale.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30There'll always be another piece.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Buy the best you can afford.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36So if you've got £100, buy one nice object for £100,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39rather than ten indifferent objects for £10 each.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Put a ceiling on what you're going to bid.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46Unless, of course, you can't live without it.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48If you want to collect, you're likely to get rarer items
0:11:48 > 0:11:51at a specialist sale or in an antique's home region.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55But remember, there'll be more competition in the saleroom,
0:11:55 > 0:11:56so don't get carried away.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01We had a very interesting collection of Mauchline ware
0:12:01 > 0:12:03in from one of our "Flog It!" programmes.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Now, this was a terrific collection.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11It is the best collection of Mauchline ware I've ever seen.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Does your family have a connection with the Mauchline factory?
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Yes. My father worked there.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20I chose that collection, because we were in Scotland
0:12:20 > 0:12:23and, somehow, it is quintessentially Scottish.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Particularly the tartan ware.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28And I suppose I knew that Anita would like it, too.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32Mauchline covers a wide range of items.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34They were made as little souvenir items,
0:12:34 > 0:12:41but the earliest ones are much sought after and very valuable.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Seek out an auctioneer with local knowledge
0:12:43 > 0:12:45and you'll be ahead of the game.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49The Mauchline factory was established in the early 19th century
0:12:49 > 0:12:51and in the early days,
0:12:51 > 0:12:56they hand painted the tartan decoration onto the boxes.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57But at a later date,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00a method was invented, whereby the tartan pattern
0:13:00 > 0:13:03was transfer printed onto a piece of paper
0:13:03 > 0:13:06and the paper itself was glued to the wood.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Which, in every instance, I think, is sycamore.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15In 1933, production ceased.
0:13:15 > 0:13:16But I was only three at the time.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21I wanted to split these up, to maximise the price.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24I think if you'd have put it all in one lot, people would have felt,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27"Well, although I really rather like that little box,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29"there's going to be someone who wants the tulip vases
0:13:29 > 0:13:32"and I won't be able to afford the box, therefore, I won't bid at all."
0:13:32 > 0:13:34So if you just spread it about a bit,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38I think you give more people an opportunity to bid for it.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43I tried to make interesting and enticing groups of each of them.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- And what we have here are two of the best lots.- I think so.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51I mean, these wonderful tulip vases don't come up all that often.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52I was just about say that.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54I've not seen any like this before.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57What sort of value have you put on the tulip vases?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59We've put 400-600.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02That's the bulk, really, of the estimate.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05So I separated out the very expensive items,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08so that the serious collectors
0:14:08 > 0:14:11could have a blast at them,
0:14:11 > 0:14:13without having to bother about items
0:14:13 > 0:14:17which they probably would have in their collection, anyway.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Here we go.- 50, 60, 70 with me.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Yes! Yes, good!
0:14:23 > 0:14:26I knew that these were going to sell.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29And I knew that they were going to sell very well.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- 110.- Yes. £110.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Good start.- That's a very good start. We're on top.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- 290.- This is such good news.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- And now, here's the third lot.- 210.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- We're well above our target.- We are.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43210.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- Brilliant! £210.- 150.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Phone bid. £150. And now, my favourite lot.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- 360.- Getting hot.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- Next lot, the three tulip vases. - Estimated 400-600.
0:14:57 > 0:14:591,100.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02And this is the last lot. A pair of tartan vases.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Any advance on 520?
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Yes! That's it. It's all over.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10That is the last lot gone and we're just short.
0:15:10 > 0:15:1450 quid short of £3,000.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17How do you feel about that, David?
0:15:17 > 0:15:19I'm speechless.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22Whether you're buying or selling,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26it always pays to talk things through with the auctioneer.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29They'll do their best to give you a realistic estimate.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34Of course, the price of any treasured possession is only half the story.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Objects are precious for many different reasons.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39We've all got something at home, that one special item
0:15:39 > 0:15:41that we're particularly attached to.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44But I want to know, what's the one thing
0:15:44 > 0:15:47our experts would rescue from a burning building?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49What would I save in the event of a fire?
0:15:49 > 0:15:51It's a very difficult question.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Because I've got so much clutter -
0:15:53 > 0:15:56sorry, fine antiques - in my home.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58But one of the things, certainly,
0:15:58 > 0:16:03I'd have to grab is this charming little Lalique circular plaque.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06It's very simply done, quite Art Deco, which you would expect,
0:16:06 > 0:16:11of the Madonna, in a very simple iron cross frame.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16I bought this several years ago from a local auction
0:16:16 > 0:16:19for very little money, but I had a feeling about it.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23And Lalique is a funny designer. He produced these roundels
0:16:23 > 0:16:28slightly larger and they're illustrated in reference books,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31but this one isn't illustrated,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35and I did a lot of searching on t'internet and found
0:16:35 > 0:16:38a Belgian dealer who had two of these,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41one as a paperweight and one as a pendant,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45and he says they're the only two known in the world.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48So I explored this over the internet with him,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51and he mentioned he'd shown it to the writers of the Lalique book
0:16:51 > 0:16:56and he explained to me that Lalique often produced experimental pieces,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59but never put them into mass production,
0:16:59 > 0:17:00and would given to friends.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02So I had to then write to him and say,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06"Well, actually, there are three, because I've got one, as well."
0:17:06 > 0:17:10And I'm rather proud of discovering that in a box of bric-a-brac.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13So I'd have to save it, really, wouldn't I?
0:17:14 > 0:17:17It's been said before that buying a job lot
0:17:17 > 0:17:20at your local auction house could reveal a hidden gem,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23so don't be afraid to delve into boxes, and who knows?
0:17:23 > 0:17:26You could even find some Lalique.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Each week, hundreds of you bring your antiques and collectables
0:17:34 > 0:17:37to one of our filming venues. But for the millions of you
0:17:37 > 0:17:39who could not make it to a "Flog It!" valuation day,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42here's a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Back in December, we took our team to Oxford.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51It's early morning, and our runners, researchers
0:17:51 > 0:17:53and other team members are already at the venue.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59I'm Alex. I'm the location manager, and here we are in the Oxford Union.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Stupid o'clock in the morning,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04setting up for today's "Flog It!" valuation day.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Before the doors open to the general public,
0:18:09 > 0:18:10there's lots of setting up to do.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15There's a strict system for queuing so that everyone is seen in turn.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16The team is briefed,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19and the crew start lighting the main hall ready for filming.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Just like to say, I haven't had a cup of tea yet, either.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25When the hall is full of people,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27around 20 stewards will help to keep them in line.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32They're often students, keen to get an insight into the TV industry.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Some of our stewards started out at 20... What time did you say?
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- 20 to three.- 20 to three this morning, from the North West.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42They've driven all the way. Through the night. That's dedication.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45And they're not the only ones who had an early start.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47People have actually turned up already.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49It's 7:30 on a Saturday morning,
0:18:49 > 0:18:51and we've already got two ladies waiting
0:18:51 > 0:18:54for the valuation day, which doesn't start for another hour.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Didn't realise we'd be first in the queue.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Oh, and I've got a hot water bottle.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02THEY LAUGH
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- Which we'll need today. - Which we'll need today. Look.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10A very old hot water bottle.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17The experts arrive. Some of them are never seen on camera.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20They are the off-screen valuers, and the backbone of the day.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Seen on screen from Oxford will be Mark Stacey, Will Axon,
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- and Christina Trevelyan.- Well, today I've been given red stickers.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Usually I'm blue or green, but today I'm red, which is interesting.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35It goes with my dress.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38And what we do is, we go and sticker people
0:19:38 > 0:19:41so that our researchers recognise that they've got some pieces
0:19:41 > 0:19:43that we might be interested in filming.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48And while they rummage in the queue, I'm on my way to the venue.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51My day starts in the car on the way to the gig, really,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53learning my script. I've got a handful of scripts here.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55There's about 60 pieces to camera,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58because we make five shows at every valuation day
0:19:58 > 0:20:00and then split them up throughout the year.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03I learned the first three or four pieces to camera, so I feel
0:20:03 > 0:20:06confident when I get out of the car and I meet the general public.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07It's a meet and greet.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09Without the general public, we would not have a show,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12so God bless them, because they're so patient and they get up
0:20:12 > 0:20:16in all weathers to stand in a queue to meet our experts.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19Stand-by. Hello, how are you?
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Our experts are on their starting blocks,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24keen to see what antiques they can uncover.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Get ready. This is "Flog It!"
0:20:26 > 0:20:28And cut. Lovely.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31While the queue gets longer,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33I've got time to do more filming outside.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Let's have a rehearsal. Three, two, one.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38SOME PEOPLE: What's it worth?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41OK, about five people took part there!
0:20:41 > 0:20:43OK, and cue Paul.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45And they're all here to ask our experts
0:20:45 > 0:20:47that all-important question, which is...
0:20:47 > 0:20:49CROWD: What's it worth?
0:20:49 > 0:20:52And what are you going to do, if you're happy with the valuation?
0:20:52 > 0:20:53CROWD: Flog it!
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Cut. Lovely. Very, very nice.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58APPLAUSE
0:20:58 > 0:20:59Good job, people, good job!
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Anyone with a yellow, green or red sticker,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06please take three steps this way.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10It's time to open the doors to our patient visitors.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11And we're off.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14And the off-screen experts get busy doing initial research
0:21:14 > 0:21:16and valuing items.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20Meanwhile, Mark, Christina and Will film their favourite finds -
0:21:20 > 0:21:23around ten each, of the hundreds that will be valued today.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26The plan is that we film four items - sorry! -
0:21:26 > 0:21:28we film four items on each
0:21:28 > 0:21:31of those tables before lunch.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33You've got a ring worth...
0:21:37 > 0:21:39I now hand the proceedings over to Rebecca.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Thank you so much, everybody.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44THEY SING "Mas Que Nada"
0:21:47 > 0:21:49When we stop for a bite to eat,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52a group of local singers come in to entertain the crowds.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54One of my favourite parts of the day.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17APPLAUSE
0:22:17 > 0:22:18Well done. Thank you so much.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27People are still bringing in their items,
0:22:27 > 0:22:29and are we finding anything exciting?
0:22:29 > 0:22:30Well, of course, we are.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33By the end of the day, we'll have filmed more than 30 items,
0:22:33 > 0:22:37which are being wrapped up, ready to go off to the saleroom.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39As you can see, it's starting to thin out here
0:22:39 > 0:22:42at our valuation day venue, but, good news.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45You know, we've got our quota. We've had some wonderful items.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Oxford's done us proud.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49And hopefully, you've seen behind the scenes today,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51you've seen how this all knits together.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Everybody knows what they're doing, it's a big production team.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57We've been doing this now for 11 years. We're in our 12th year,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00and I've just seen the quality out there.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02It just gets better and better and better.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04It's still out there, and we're going to find it.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15There are some wonderful works of art out there -
0:23:15 > 0:23:18great names and superb antiques, and we want to give you
0:23:18 > 0:23:21some more information on what makes them special.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Another English ceramic that's made a name for itself
0:23:25 > 0:23:27over the years, and one that has turned up
0:23:27 > 0:23:32at countless "Flog It!" valuation days all over the country, is Troika.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- Firstly, because of where you got it from.- Well, a car boot sale, yeah.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Not a bad little earner, there. I came across it.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41And did you recognise it as a piece of Troika that was worth...?
0:23:41 > 0:23:43No, I didn't. I basically just liked the look of it.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- The bits and bobs on it, and... - Do you still like it?
0:23:45 > 0:23:47I don't know, I've gone off it a bit now. It's...
0:23:47 > 0:23:50- I've never heard of it. - You've never heard of it?
0:23:50 > 0:23:51I looked at it and thought,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54"Somebody's written that on in marker pen."
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- It does look like that, doesn't it?- Yeah.- Look at that.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57Looks written in marker pen.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Did you acquire this from a car boot sale?
0:24:00 > 0:24:03We bought it from a shop in Tintagel, in Cornwall.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05How wonderful. So what was the appeal?
0:24:05 > 0:24:10Just the look of it and the feel of it and the Aztec part of it.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I've just always liked it.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16My parents had been to Cornwall on holiday.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18My mum, she said to me, "One day, these will be valuable."
0:24:18 > 0:24:21I said, "Absolutely not a chance.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23"They are revolting, they are horrible
0:24:23 > 0:24:25"and they have nothing about them, at all."
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- I know.- So what are your feelings?- The same.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- Are they? You don't like them either?- No. I don't.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Well, we were holidaying in St Ives
0:24:32 > 0:24:37and we went in and was looking around, and I saw this piece.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40So when she said, "Got enough money for petrol,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42"but not to have any food,"
0:24:42 > 0:24:46so I said, "Well, we'll have to go hungry all the way."
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Very impressive-looking piece, isn't it?
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- Now, can you remember what you paid for it in the 1970s?- Probably £16.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55You've brought along this lovely Troika vase.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00- I can see there's no love with you and the Troika vase.- There is not.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03No love, at all. What were you going to do with it?
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- Put it in the bin! - Put it in the bin?
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Love it or hate it, it's dear to my heart
0:25:08 > 0:25:11because it comes from my beloved Cornwall, and I can't help
0:25:11 > 0:25:15but admire the distinctive look of this highly-collectable pottery.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20The Cornish coast and the landscape has inspired many famous names,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22including Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26It was the natural place for the three artists with a vision
0:25:26 > 0:25:29to set up their art pottery business in the 1960s.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34The Troika factory was established in 1963, and they created,
0:25:34 > 0:25:39very often, these flat-sided, slab-sided pieces, normally vases,
0:25:39 > 0:25:43and they were destined to imitate either granite or concrete.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45It was very much a modern look.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Hans Coper and Ben Nicholson were great influences on their design
0:25:49 > 0:25:53and their artwork, so two big names who they looked to for inspiration.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Yeah. Sounds familiar.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59The pottery moved to Newlyn in about 1970
0:25:59 > 0:26:03and then it closed in 1983, so actually, it was only 20 years old.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06So they produced a lot in, when we look back at it,
0:26:06 > 0:26:08a relatively short space of time.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13I met up with the main designer, Ben Serota, a few years ago.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- It's a real pleasure. - Nice to meet you.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- It's a real pleasure. - How did Troika all start?
0:26:19 > 0:26:24It all started in The Sloop pub in St Ives, Cornwall.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Just over a pint?
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Over a pint with this guy I'd just met, who was painting down there,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Leslie Illsley, and we started talking
0:26:33 > 0:26:35about what we liked, modern art...
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Swapping ideas, basically? - Swapping ideas.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41The ceramics down there, which was Bernard Leach
0:26:41 > 0:26:43and there didn't seem to be anything different.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46And the name Troika, where did that come from?
0:26:46 > 0:26:47Well, there were three of us.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50My father was Russian, "troika" means three,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- it's a sort of carriage drawn by three horses.- And there you have it.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- And there you have it. - History was being made.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58So why did you gravitate to Cornwall?
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Was it like all artists, you go west, it's the landscape,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02is the terrain, the light...
0:27:02 > 0:27:05The whole... The cliffs, the roughness of the place.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06Yeah, you can see it in the pots.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10- The gorse, the granite, the texture, it's all there.- It is, isn't it?
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- It is.- That is North Cornwall. - Absolutely, absolutely.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- Barren wilderness.- Absolutely.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21In 2003 and 2004, Troika hit a new peak of popularity,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24and it seems collectors couldn't get enough of it.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Prices soared.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29300, I see. 310 anywhere? Selling at 300.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31310 or no? All done. 300.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Lot 247, £300.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36All done on these three pieces, at 300.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Yes!
0:27:38 > 0:27:39580, on the phone. Are you all done?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- 580, then?- Marvellous result.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- Brilliant. - Top end and a little bit more.
0:27:44 > 0:27:4690. All in, at £90, then.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48We've finished, at £90.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50- 800.- Bang.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Hammer's gone down. Short and sweet.
0:27:52 > 0:27:53Done?
0:27:53 > 0:27:55£920.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57£920.
0:27:57 > 0:27:591,750.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Are you all done?
0:28:01 > 0:28:02Yes!
0:28:02 > 0:28:04THEY LAUGH
0:28:05 > 0:28:08It just goes to show, you never know what your holiday
0:28:08 > 0:28:11souvenirs could be worth in the future.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14And although Troika isn't fetching the same high prices today,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18it does mean you can now buy good examples at reasonable prices,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21and who knows when they might come back into favour?
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Well, that's it for today's show,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27and I hope we've been able to equip you with the know-how
0:28:27 > 0:28:30for some successful buying and selling.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Go on, give it a go. And, hopefully, it's inspired you
0:28:33 > 0:28:35to come along to "Flog It!" if it's in your area.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Come and take part in the show and see how we put it together.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41But until then, for now, it's goodbye.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd