0:00:02 > 0:00:05We've got a wealth of experience from over 10 years of valuing and
0:00:05 > 0:00:08selling your antiques and collectables. If there's
0:00:08 > 0:00:13something you need to know, you can find it right here on Trade Secrets.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45Today we are looking at how makers of the fine arts have taken
0:00:45 > 0:00:48inspiration from birdlife.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51We Brits are a nation of animal lovers. That seems to apply
0:00:51 > 0:00:55to our antiques and collectables as well as our actual furred and
0:00:55 > 0:00:56feathered friends!
0:00:57 > 0:01:01And we have a flock of bird related items that you should be
0:01:01 > 0:01:06looking out for. Coming up, our experts are enchanted by your
0:01:06 > 0:01:07nature inspired collectables.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11Be still my beating heart! That is charming.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14It is just SO decorative.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Anita gives the inside track on buying and selling at auction.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23Get into the bidding and battle it out with the other bidders.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25And one item flies high for Thomas.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29It went up and up and up and I was shocked!
0:01:33 > 0:01:35We humans have always been fascinated by birds,
0:01:35 > 0:01:38and I'm sure it's their ability to soar high up in the sky.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Many cultures attach symbolic meanings to certain types of birds.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46The dove, for instance - the international symbol for peace.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49The eagle denotes strength and majesty.
0:01:49 > 0:01:50And I don't know about you,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53but I always salute a magpie when I see one
0:01:53 > 0:01:55to ward off bad spirits.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57But when it comes to antiques and collectables,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01what type of winged creature could bring you good fortune?
0:02:01 > 0:02:05I like Austrian cold-painted bronzes by Bergman.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08He did wonderful, wonderful parrots.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11And if you get them with their original patination
0:02:11 > 0:02:15and paintwork on them, they can be very collectable and very valuable.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Well, I like anything to do with owls.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20We think of wisdom, don't we, with owls?
0:02:20 > 0:02:23I think it's also important to look at the actual character.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26The character of the owl.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Pick the animal you're particularly keen on
0:02:28 > 0:02:29and collect it, no matter what.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33And don't be put off by people who say, "That's a strange thing to collect".
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Many of the bird-themed items we've seen on Flog It! over the years
0:02:36 > 0:02:39have been shaped like our feathered friends.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43But occasionally, an item of quality turns up where the motif of a bird
0:02:43 > 0:02:46has been used purely for decoration.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- Mary, hello.- Hello, Elizabeth.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51I've been sitting drooling over this lovely...
0:02:51 > 0:02:52what is called an object of virtue.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56This lovely gem of craftsmanship.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59I'd like to hear your story about it, because I think it's lovely.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04Well, I bought it in the 1960s, mid-1960s,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07from an antiques fair in Chichester.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10And it just caught my eye.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14I loved its sort of tactile shape.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17It sits in the palm of my hand.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22And I used to use it to put my make-up on before I went out.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- I used to go round the folk clubs, singing.- Really?
0:03:25 > 0:03:28I was part of that scene in those days.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Yes, I've always loved it.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33I think you must have been the best-equipped folk singer
0:03:33 > 0:03:35at the time, then, because what we have here,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38which isn't obvious looking from the outside,
0:03:38 > 0:03:40is a little vanity mirror.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42I think that is just charming.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44It was in very good condition.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47It was very pleasing on the eye.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Quite an unusual object, being the mirror in its little case.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56And it was a good, honest example of early Victoriana,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58which doesn't come up very often.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01The silver is so fine that it is impossible
0:04:01 > 0:04:03for it ever to have been assayed,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05so you cannot look for a mark to date it.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- I see.- The silver is inlaid,
0:04:07 > 0:04:11and then it's chased, so the bird, which I think is...
0:04:11 > 0:04:14I don't know what kind of bird you thought it was.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16I don't think it looks like a real bird.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17I think it looks like an imaginary one.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21I think it's part eagle, part hoopoe bird...
0:04:21 > 0:04:25But it's then chased. The silver is then chased
0:04:25 > 0:04:27to give the detail of the feathers,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29just to give it that three-dimensional appeal.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- But you're thinking of selling it now?- I think so, yes.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- Yes?- Yes.- It is very much a collector's piece.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39And I think it would go to a specialist collector
0:04:39 > 0:04:43who would, at the moment, be prepared to pay somewhere between
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- £70 and £100 for it.- Right.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48It was clear she was fond of it
0:04:48 > 0:04:51and it held memories and stories,
0:04:51 > 0:04:53but sometimes people reach the stage where
0:04:53 > 0:04:55to part with it when it's a happy piece
0:04:55 > 0:04:58is as productive
0:04:58 > 0:05:01as to part with it out of absolute necessity.
0:05:01 > 0:05:0212 bid.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04And 15 now.
0:05:05 > 0:05:0865. 70. 5, surely? 75.
0:05:08 > 0:05:1075 bid.
0:05:10 > 0:05:1180 bid. 5.
0:05:11 > 0:05:1390. 5.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15100. 10 now.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17110 bid. 120, surely?
0:05:17 > 0:05:19110 at the back of the room. 120.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24130. At 135, we may have an internet bidder. We do.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25Yes!
0:05:25 > 0:05:27140. Thank you, sir.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29145. 190.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30200.
0:05:30 > 0:05:3220 anywhere else, now?
0:05:32 > 0:05:33220. It's the last call.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35At 200, my bid's in the room.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38At £200, if we're all done and finished, selling in the room
0:05:38 > 0:05:40and definitely selling at £200.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45£200! Now, that's a real, true reflection of its value.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49Gosh, that was a good result at £200, and I was pleased with that.
0:05:49 > 0:05:50I was pleased for Mary.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54And that proved it was spotted by people who were avid collectors.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56That was a quality piece
0:05:56 > 0:05:58which deserved good money to be invested in it.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03That stunning vanity mirror was of such fantastic quality,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05it was destined to make a good price,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08and I'm sure it went to a very good home.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12Now, there is one wise old bird that all of our experts agree
0:06:12 > 0:06:13is top of the tree.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16And when it's represented in collectables,
0:06:16 > 0:06:18it comes in all shapes and sizes,
0:06:18 > 0:06:20as Mark Stacey found out.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22You've brought this lovely little owl in.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23Where did you get it from?
0:06:23 > 0:06:27It was my dad's. He used to collect lots of little bits and pieces
0:06:27 > 0:06:28- from jumble sales.- Oh, right.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33I used to be a Scout, and we'd go along and help out the jumble sales.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34My mum would sort the clothes,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36and I'd probably play around more than anything!
0:06:36 > 0:06:39And he'd come along under the guise of helping
0:06:39 > 0:06:42and go through all the bric-a-brac and boxes.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- So he had a little sneaky peek at all the goodies?- He did.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48He'd buy them long before the doors had opened!
0:06:48 > 0:06:51That's not very fair. But it happens all the time!
0:06:51 > 0:06:52Fancy that!
0:06:52 > 0:06:54His dad cherry-picked this item
0:06:54 > 0:06:56from a jumble sale.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Wouldn't be allowed to do that today, would you?
0:06:59 > 0:07:00Cheeky fellow.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01Well, he obviously had an eye
0:07:01 > 0:07:04for collecting little curious knick-knacks,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07because here we have a little brass model of an owl,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10which is rather sweet, with these little cabochon glass eyes.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Sometimes these are made in silver,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15and when they're silver, they'd be a lot more money.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17But there's another purpose to this,
0:07:17 > 0:07:19because if we open his head up,
0:07:19 > 0:07:21you will see there's a little gap in there.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22And that's where you keep...
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Matches.- Matches.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26So it's a little vesta case.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Then on his back, we can see where you'd strike the matches.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32The owl itself was quite nicely made.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34There's a lot of cheap vesta cases made,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37and a lot of cheap animal-related subjects,
0:07:37 > 0:07:39but this, although it wasn't silver or gold,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41it was only brass,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44it was nicely cast, had nice little glass cabochon eyes,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47and just had a little something about it.
0:07:47 > 0:07:48In terms of the date,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52I think we're looking at somewhere round about 1910, 1920.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56It's one of the mass-produced ones, but they are quite collectable now,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58particularly unusual shapes.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Several markets for an item like this. You'd have collectors
0:08:01 > 0:08:05who want another owl-related addition to their collection
0:08:05 > 0:08:07or people who collect vesta cases.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Or people who collect Victoriana.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12But tell me...you haven't had it an awfully long time.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Why have you decided to bring it to Flog It! today?
0:08:14 > 0:08:18Well, I really love the programme, watch it all the time.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21It just happened that when I saw it in the paper, today was my day off.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25I thought, "Great - come to Dorchester, get involved in Flog It!"
0:08:25 > 0:08:27I went through a few bits and pieces,
0:08:27 > 0:08:28got some stuff together...
0:08:28 > 0:08:30There's no pressure on you,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32but you have to tell us who your favourite expert is.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- Definitely you, Mark. - Thank you very much!
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Well, let's put £30 to £50 on it.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41And we'll put a firm reserve of £30. We don't want to give it away.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Hopefully, it'll fly on the sale and we can all say, "To-wit to-woo!"
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- Very good!- See you at the auction. - Thanks.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53286 is a brass vesta case in the form of an owl.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55Lovely little collectable thing.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Tell me where. £20 for it?
0:08:57 > 0:08:58Thank you. 25.
0:08:58 > 0:09:0130. 35.
0:09:01 > 0:09:0340. 45.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06At £40 on my left. I'll take 5.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- At £40. - There's someone on the phone.
0:09:10 > 0:09:125 anywhere for the vesta? 45 on the phone.
0:09:15 > 0:09:1650.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18At 45, the phone has it. I'll take 50.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20At £45.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- Yes, it's gone - £45. - Not bad, is it?
0:09:24 > 0:09:25Somebody got it on the phone.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27I don't know, really,
0:09:27 > 0:09:28what makes owls such a popular motif.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30I'm assuming, like the rest of us,
0:09:30 > 0:09:32they have this sort of...
0:09:32 > 0:09:34endowed wisdom about them, don't they?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Maybe it's the big eyes and the fact that they sit there
0:09:37 > 0:09:39observing everything quietly.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41It's quite scary, really, isn't it?
0:09:41 > 0:09:43But I like them.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44What a great price
0:09:44 > 0:09:46for a brass vesta case.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50If it had been a plain design, it might have only made a few pounds.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53It goes to prove that you can never go wrong with an owl.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57At a valuation day in Belfast,
0:09:57 > 0:09:59I came across a little silver owl of a similar size,
0:09:59 > 0:10:00which really flew away.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04This owl is absolutely adorable.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07I think I love him more because his eyes are missing.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09But looking inside, it's been nicely wash-gilded.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11There's a gilding wash just put on there.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13So that's to stop the salt or pepper from corroding.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Let's put it into auction with a value of £80 to £120.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Right.- And I think this could do the top end.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Even with the missing eyes.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26280.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29This is great. This is absolutely fabulous.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31300 quid!
0:10:31 > 0:10:33A definite tip from me -
0:10:33 > 0:10:35if you're out bird-spotting
0:10:35 > 0:10:37and find an owl antique or collectable,
0:10:37 > 0:10:39be wise and snap it up.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Owls are the one bird species that seem sure to sell well.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Christina Trevanion was delighted
0:10:45 > 0:10:48when she came across some very special eggs.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Monica, be still, my beating heart!
0:10:50 > 0:10:51This is just fantastic.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54I never thought I'd see a piece of Stuart Devlin on Flog It!
0:10:54 > 0:10:57I am thrilled to bits that you brought them in today.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59It's something you don't see a huge amount of.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01So it was lovely, really lovely.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Very modern and contemporary
0:11:03 > 0:11:04and very exciting.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06So tell me a little bit about them.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- Where did you get them? - Well, I inherited them
0:11:10 > 0:11:13from a very lovely aunt who died,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17and she had quite a few of these collections, limited editions.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Because they are relatively modern.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23They've got hallmarks for the 1970s.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27So, obviously, relatively modern in our lifetime, really.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29So she obviously had great taste.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30I just love them. Look at this.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32The fact that you've still got the box
0:11:32 > 0:11:34and the certificates with them as well...
0:11:34 > 0:11:37The wonderful certificates in here. They're all limited edition.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39If you have the boxes and the certificates,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41it certainly adds to the value,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43so it's very important to keep them with them.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46This is known as the surprise egg.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47You can imagine why.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49As we take off the lid...
0:11:49 > 0:11:51And look at that!
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I would rather have that little Easter egg
0:11:55 > 0:11:58than a chocolate Easter egg any day of the week.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59- Would you really?- Oh, yes!
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Definitely.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06You've got a nice hallmark on the top, which is London, 1971.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08So this is the earlier piece here.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10And tell me, do you like it?
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- I like it, but my favourite is the one with the hummingbird.- Is it?
0:12:14 > 0:12:16We'll come to that one next.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17Let's take this lid off.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20And this, again...just beautiful.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21Look at that.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Stuart Devlin was known as the man with the Midas touch,
0:12:24 > 0:12:28in that he produced some of the most beautiful goldwork and silverwork
0:12:28 > 0:12:29of the 20th century.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31He was born in Australia,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34so it's quite unusual for an Australian to come here
0:12:34 > 0:12:37and develop his style in the 1960s and 1970s.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40And just a fabulous, fabulous silversmith.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- So why are you selling? - For my sons. I've got two sons.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- They can have the money.- Good plan.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50I think at auction we're going to be looking somewhere in the region
0:12:50 > 0:12:52of £300 to £500 each.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55I would suggest that we sell them as two separate lots.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57I'd like that, please. Yes.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01Stuart Devlin certainly took inspiration from nature
0:13:01 > 0:13:03when creating his surprise eggs.
0:13:03 > 0:13:09But he also looked to the jewelled eggs made between 1885 and 1917
0:13:09 > 0:13:11by the Russian house of Faberge.
0:13:11 > 0:13:12Most of the Faberge eggs
0:13:12 > 0:13:15were miniatures that were popular gifts at Easter,
0:13:15 > 0:13:17with each containing a surprise.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Today, the Faberge egg has become a symbol of luxury
0:13:20 > 0:13:23and that's reflected in the prices they sell for.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25In 2007,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28a Faberge egg that was made for the Rothschild banking family
0:13:28 > 0:13:32sold at auction for a world record
0:13:32 > 0:13:35£8.9 million.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38By comparison, a Stuart Devlin egg seems very reasonably priced.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40But did the bidders agree?
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Bid me for that, someone - the Stuart Devlin egg. Bid me 300.
0:13:43 > 0:13:44350.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46I'm bid 200. 210.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48210. 210. 210.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49210. 210. 210.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52At 210. 220.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54230. 230. 240.
0:13:54 > 0:13:55Any more?
0:13:55 > 0:13:56At £240.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- Is it going to do it?- No. - Doesn't look like it.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Oh, that's a shame!
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Let's keep our fingers crossed for this one.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06This is the hummingbird one.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08£230 only. At 230.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- Is there any more? - Just a little bit more.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13230. 230. Is there any more? Are you sure?
0:14:13 > 0:14:15At 230.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16At £230. Any more?
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Well, regrettably, they go the same way, I'm afraid.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22What a shame!
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Sadly, we didn't sell them, and I feel really, really sorry.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- I feel like we've let you down. - I'm not worried.
0:14:28 > 0:14:29I can enjoy them.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31I was desperately sad that they didn't sell.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34I don't really understand to this day...
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I don't really understand why they didn't sell.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39I really believed that, when Christina took these eggs in...
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Stuart Devlin was just starting to climb.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43I think she put the right money on them.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Perhaps she was a little bit before the marketplace,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48but, you know, they would fly away now,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50because he really, really is
0:14:50 > 0:14:52a man to look out for.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Those Stuart Devlin eggs
0:14:56 > 0:14:59were a classic case of right object, wrong time.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03But that's why it's wise to put a reserve on your item
0:15:03 > 0:15:05in order to protect it.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09It would have been criminal if those eggs had sold
0:15:09 > 0:15:11for £50 apiece.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17So, what do you need to know if you are in the market for a bird themed
0:15:17 > 0:15:19collectable?
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Always examine the workmanship of a piece.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Aim for finely executed decoration,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28where the workmanship shows attention to detail.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32And I've said it time and time again - quality always sells.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Timing is key.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37The world of antiques is one of fashions and fads,
0:15:37 > 0:15:39designers coming in and out of popularity
0:15:39 > 0:15:42and prices rising and falling
0:15:42 > 0:15:43like the tide.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44So, do your homework
0:15:44 > 0:15:46and pick your time to sell carefully.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51And if you've only enough money to invest in one feathered collectable,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53make it an owl.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55These wise old birds are so popular,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57they always seem to hold their value.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04These days, we're quite familiar with the world's flora and fauna.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08David Attenborough has played his part in feeding our fascination.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12But where did it start? David Fletcher can give us a clue.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14I have something here which tells us quite a lot
0:16:14 > 0:16:17about the Victorians.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19It tells us about
0:16:19 > 0:16:22their love of natural things...
0:16:24 > 0:16:26..in the sense that it's a parrot, of course.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28And it also tells us,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31I think this is very insightful, really,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34about their love of manufacturing objects
0:16:34 > 0:16:36which look like something,
0:16:36 > 0:16:38but are, in fact, something completely different.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40And here we have,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43believe it or not, a pen-wiper.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47But who would have thought that anyone would have chosen to make
0:16:47 > 0:16:49a pen-wiper in the form of a parrot?
0:16:49 > 0:16:51It's made of spelter,
0:16:51 > 0:16:52which is a type of zinc.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54It is hand-painted.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55It's probably Austrian,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58and it is typically Victorian.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59Had it have been bronze,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02it would have been worth quite a lot of money.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05As a piece of spelter, it's worth £50 or £60.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Anita Manning has been a familiar face on Flog It for many
0:17:14 > 0:17:17years and she remains one of your firm favourites. When she's
0:17:17 > 0:17:21not giving you invaluable advice on valuation days, she is busy
0:17:21 > 0:17:25running her own saleroom in Glasgow. So, who better to give you
0:17:25 > 0:17:29the lowdown on buying and selling at auction?
0:17:29 > 0:17:315 again. 5 bid. 10.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33All done at £10?
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Welcome to my auction.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Today's the viewing day and the bidders have come along
0:17:39 > 0:17:43to look at the items which will be on sale tomorrow.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50I'm always a wee bit surprised
0:17:50 > 0:17:52at the Flog It! valuation days
0:17:52 > 0:17:56by the number of people who just have never been to an auction.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Auctions are thrilling.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01They are exciting.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05They are a piece of theatre, with the bidders as part of the cast.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12What I'm going to do is to take you through the auction process
0:18:12 > 0:18:14to take away the mystique,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17so that that will encourage you to come along,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20see all these wonderful objects
0:18:20 > 0:18:22and to have great fun.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30So, what do you do if you want to sell at auction?
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Well, there are various different ways.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Most auctions have valuation days.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38There will be experts there
0:18:38 > 0:18:42to look at your items, to give you estimates of value
0:18:42 > 0:18:44or you can send an image.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48The most important thing is, make that first contact.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54The cataloguers go round and write descriptions
0:18:54 > 0:18:57and estimated selling prices of all of the items.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04Every item is photographed, and this is a long and laborious process.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07And we don't just take one photograph.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11There has to be many photographs at different angles taken,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14because these photographs will be looked at
0:19:14 > 0:19:18by people who cannot attend the sale,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20but want to view the sale online.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24In a sale like this, with nearly 1,000 lots,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27the cataloguing is done over three days
0:19:27 > 0:19:30by perhaps eight people.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32So it's a lotta, lotta work!
0:19:34 > 0:19:36If you're viewing online,
0:19:36 > 0:19:37from home,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39and you see something that you fancy
0:19:39 > 0:19:42but you want a wee bit more information,
0:19:42 > 0:19:43you can phone up the auctioneer
0:19:43 > 0:19:46and ask for additional photographs
0:19:46 > 0:19:48or condition reports.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51But best thing is to come along to the sale
0:19:51 > 0:19:54and to look at the goods in the flesh.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Buy a catalogue, look at the description
0:20:00 > 0:20:02and the estimated selling price.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04If you see something you like,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06pick it up.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Handle it. Look to see if it's in good condition
0:20:10 > 0:20:14or if there are any small defects or flaws.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Don't be afraid to rummage.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20There might be something there which will give you a big surprise.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25If you have any questions, if you have any enquiries,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27ask your auctioneer
0:20:27 > 0:20:29or the auction staff.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31They'll be delighted to help you.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39I adore coming to auctions. I've been doing it since I was very young.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41It's an inherited passion,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45which I got through my parents.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47I love the paintings,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49so today I'm here looking at the paintings.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52I'm in here to look at china.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Some nice tea ware, dinner ware,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58coffee sets and maybe any nice collectables.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00I love the seagulls,
0:21:00 > 0:21:02the set of seagulls.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05So that's what I'm interested in at the moment.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08You've come along to the viewing,
0:21:08 > 0:21:10you've found something you've fallen in love with -
0:21:10 > 0:21:11what do you do next?
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Well, the auction house will ask you
0:21:13 > 0:21:15to fill out a registration form with all your details.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Fill that out and take it along to the office.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Hand it in there.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24And the pretty girl in the office will give you a registration number.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28It's my first time at the auction,
0:21:28 > 0:21:30so this is my first bidding number.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34If you can't come along to the auction,
0:21:34 > 0:21:35there are other ways of bidding.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37You can leave a commission bid,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41and that enables the auctioneer to bid on your behalf
0:21:41 > 0:21:43to the sum that you have left.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46I've got multiple bids on the book.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Little bit of interest with me. What can I start the bidding at?
0:21:49 > 0:21:51I've two commissions. £100 with me.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57If you'd like to be a wee bit closer to the auction, you can make a telephone bid.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59We ought to get straight into this,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03because we've got all the telephones and all the net...
0:22:03 > 0:22:05But you can also bid online.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10700. 700. 750. 750. 800 now.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Isn't technology wonderful?
0:22:12 > 0:22:13100 with me. 110.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15120. 130. 140.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20It's time for the auction. The moment of truth.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25I always advise new buyers to have a fixed price in their head
0:22:25 > 0:22:26and not to go beyond it,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29unless, of course, you can't live without it.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32But remember to factor in the commission.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34If you're buying something for £100,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37and the commission is 15%,
0:22:37 > 0:22:42that's £115, and there's VAT on top of 20% - another £3.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45So for every £100,
0:22:45 > 0:22:50you will be paying £118.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Set yourself a limit. Because we all do it -
0:22:53 > 0:22:57you say, "Right, I'll bid £50", and you're still bidding at £70.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59So stick to your limit.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Because you can get carried away.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05It's very exciting when your lot is coming up.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09My advice is to get near the auctioneer, watch what's going on,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12have your bidding card at the ready.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15When your lot is there, get into the bidding
0:23:15 > 0:23:18and battle it out with the other bidders.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21And, hopefully, you'll win.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Start me at £50.
0:23:23 > 0:23:2450 bid.
0:23:24 > 0:23:2650 with you, sir.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28It's a good social thing to do.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31You get to come, meet your friends, come with your family.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33It's a good day out.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35I'm excited and looking forward to it.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37And I think it'll be good fun.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40I suppose the one tip is if you're going to buy, then buy quality,
0:23:40 > 0:23:42because it's only going to increase in value.
0:23:42 > 0:23:4460.
0:23:44 > 0:23:4570. 80.
0:23:45 > 0:23:4690.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48100.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50It's a thrilling experience,
0:23:50 > 0:23:52and, hopefully, you'll have won your lot.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Enjoy the item that you've bought
0:23:55 > 0:23:59and, even more importantly, I hope you've enjoyed the auction.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01190.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Our expert Thomas Plant also knows all about the fun of the
0:24:10 > 0:24:13auction. And just how unpredictable it can be!
0:24:13 > 0:24:17Miranda and Ruby turned up with this tin biscuit barrel.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19I thought, "This is rather nice."
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Our late mother owned it.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- Your late mother. So you girls are sisters?- Yes.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25I never would have guessed(!)
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- This...you're talking about your biscuit barrel.- Yes.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32Well, if I take the lid off,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34it sort of helps us here.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Look - "McVitie & Price, biscuit manufacturers.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41"To HM the King and the Prince of Wales."
0:24:41 > 0:24:43There we are. "Edinburgh and London."
0:24:43 > 0:24:45So, nicely printed there.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Obviously, it is a biscuit tin.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- Yes.- But what I liked about it
0:24:51 > 0:24:52was the object itself.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57A biscuit tin can just be a plain, simple, rectangular or square tin.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59But people then decided,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02"No, we don't want to do that. We want to make interesting objects",
0:25:02 > 0:25:06and that's what important about this - the design
0:25:06 > 0:25:07and the lithography,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10which is the feathers, the painting,
0:25:10 > 0:25:11the printing on it.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13It was big.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Big biscuit tin. You could get a lot of biscuits in there.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17It was a fabulous design.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22And also, it was for a company which we still recognise today.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25When was she married?
0:25:25 > 0:25:271952.
0:25:27 > 0:25:281952.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30So I think it could have been her mother's.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- It might have been. - I think it's Deco, yes.
0:25:32 > 0:25:341920s, I would have thought.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35Maybe a little earlier.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37You've got so many collectors.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39You've got the people who collect birds,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42you've got the people who collect McVitie's biscuit items,
0:25:42 > 0:25:43you've got biscuit tin people,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46and you've got the printing people.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49This early form of printing onto metal,
0:25:49 > 0:25:53which is really quite difficult and quite rare.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56So, you know, there are four sets of people collecting,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59and then you've got the fifth - the one with the money - the decorative market.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Because it's just SO decorative.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05So I think it was a win/win situation.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09And poor old TP didn't think about that, did he?
0:26:09 > 0:26:12He just put £50 to £80 on it, £40 reserve.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14"Sisters, I think you'll be lucky if you get £50,"
0:26:14 > 0:26:16I thought to myself!
0:26:16 > 0:26:18How wrong was I?!
0:26:18 > 0:26:20So...what happened at auction?
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Very unusual little item, this is.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25I can start at £80. At £80.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27180, we've gone. 180.
0:26:27 > 0:26:28I thought,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30"What's going on here? 180?!"
0:26:30 > 0:26:33And then it just started... 190, 200, 210...
0:26:33 > 0:26:34It started going up.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36290. 300. 320.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37340.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39360.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41I didn't expect that much.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43400. 420.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44420? 420.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46440. 460.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- Is this our lot?!- Yeah!
0:26:49 > 0:26:50620.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53And then in the audience, you see somebody like this, with their card.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55I mean, you LOVE those people as an auctioneer,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57because they're just holding it up.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00There's none of this... It's "I want this!"
0:27:00 > 0:27:02And it went up and up and up
0:27:02 > 0:27:03and I was shocked.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05And then I looked at them,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08and one of them had a grin so wide, it sort of
0:27:08 > 0:27:10took over her face!
0:27:10 > 0:27:11It was just so much fun.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13900. 950.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15950. 1,000.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18£1,000!
0:27:20 > 0:27:231,050 it is. By the stairs, 1,050.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24Are we all done and finished?
0:27:24 > 0:27:27The hammer's gone down at £1,050!
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Well done, you two!
0:27:29 > 0:27:31What's going through your minds right now?
0:27:31 > 0:27:33I don't know!
0:27:33 > 0:27:35It's just shock, really.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38The biscuit tin flew at auction because it was rare
0:27:38 > 0:27:40and appealed to a wide range of collectors.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43That's when you hold your hands up.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45But you saw the joy on their faces. And you think,
0:27:45 > 0:27:49"Well, you know, that's why it's not an exact science."
0:27:49 > 0:27:51That's why I'm not in a lab!
0:27:51 > 0:27:54It just goes to show, with all the research and advice in the
0:27:54 > 0:27:58world, when you are buying or selling antiques, you cannot
0:27:58 > 0:28:01always be sure what will happen on the day. And that's the
0:28:01 > 0:28:05excitement of the auction. Remember, your furred or feathered
0:28:05 > 0:28:10collectables could earn you a few pounds and prove to be your
0:28:10 > 0:28:14best friend. Join me again soon for more Trade Secrets.