0:00:03 > 0:00:06Welcome to the show that helps you to get in the know
0:00:06 > 0:00:09when it comes to buying and selling antiques and collectables.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- Price-wise, any idea?- Not really, no.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- Good gracious, I never knew that.- Wow!
0:00:15 > 0:00:18We have got well over ten years of "Flog It!" behind us,
0:00:18 > 0:00:20that is literally hundreds of shows
0:00:20 > 0:00:22with thousands of your items sold in auction.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24So if there is something you need to know,
0:00:24 > 0:00:28you will more than likely find it right here, on Trade Secrets.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00The 20th century has seen great changes both socially and
0:01:00 > 0:01:04culturally that have occurred within our lifetime or that
0:01:04 > 0:01:06of our parents. Or grandparents.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10And we see many objects that turn up at our valuation days
0:01:10 > 0:01:12that reflect those changing times.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18So in today's show, we're taking a close look at objects that
0:01:18 > 0:01:20were made within living memory.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Coming up, our experts take us on a trip down memory lane.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28We have got Beatles - Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29I actually got them signed.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Thomas reveals a hidden passion.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Thomas is a Barbie doll.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35You are, though. Come on, let's face it.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39I thought it was fabulous. It really was a really good thing.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Charlie and Philip fulfil a boyhood dream.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Arriving at the Aston Martin works
0:01:45 > 0:01:48in an Aston Martin being driven by a James Bond look-alike.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52And we reveal the secrets of the modern collectables market.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Well done.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- 3,000.- Well done.- Thank you. Gosh!
0:02:04 > 0:02:08It's funny how an item can evoke memories - the place where
0:02:08 > 0:02:12you got it, the person who gave it to you, the moment in time.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15And all of those things can make an item made in living memory
0:02:15 > 0:02:17highly collectable.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Collectors' items are bought
0:02:20 > 0:02:24on memory, they are bought on feeling.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28If you remember having the Corgi James Bond as a boy, then
0:02:28 > 0:02:31that brings back memories, which is why you want to have it now.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- Yes!- 80 quid.- Very good.- That's good.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38I think that does encourage people to bid a little bit more,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42pay something for an item which is reminiscent of their own
0:02:42 > 0:02:44childhood, definitely.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Yes! What a result!
0:02:47 > 0:02:48I remember as a child,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51queuing up with great excitement for the first Star Wars film.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54And some of those early figures, particularly the rarer ones,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56in mint condition with their original boxes,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59are starting to make serious money.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04A good 20th century collectable will reflect the age
0:03:04 > 0:03:06that it was made in,
0:03:06 > 0:03:12whether that's the '20s, '30s, the '50s, the '60s or the '80s.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16So go for things within their own period,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19which you personally have fallen in love with.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25And at our valuation days, we see many seemingly ordinary
0:03:25 > 0:03:28objects that evoke nostalgia for these eras.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32I think it is either a picnic box or a gramophone.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34I'm going to open it up and have a look.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38It's a gramophone. Tell me all about it.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Well, it was my gran's, she used to play it when I was a young lad.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47The favourite one of hers was Davy Crockett by Max Bygraves.
0:03:47 > 0:03:48# Davy, Davy Crockett
0:03:48 > 0:03:50# King of the wild frontier. #
0:03:50 > 0:03:51- Yeah.- I remember it.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56People are quite fascinated by old record players, even those ones
0:03:56 > 0:04:00from the 1950s, like this one, are fascinating bits
0:04:00 > 0:04:02of kit, really.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06But people then have to be that old to remember playing
0:04:06 > 0:04:09music on one of these things as a child.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Even me, I say, can remember winding up a gramophone
0:04:13 > 0:04:14and playing records.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16It's quite good quality.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19I haven't been able to see here
0:04:19 > 0:04:21a maker's name. Have you any idea?
0:04:21 > 0:04:23No idea whatsoever.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24I don't think it's an HMV
0:04:24 > 0:04:30because I think HMV had their names on the playing head as well.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Look for rarity. Most are made by HMV or Columbia or whatever.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Try and find a name that you haven't heard of. Look it up.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Think, "Well, there were many of these made,"
0:04:40 > 0:04:44therefore, by definition, providing it is of a reasonable quality,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47it will make more money than a standard object.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50There is a needle case on the corner there.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- The winder has lost its handle, I think.- Yes.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- But it is in good condition.- Yeah.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59There is a little bit of rusting around the catch,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02but the chrome here is in super order.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Condition is very important because it needs to look nice.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10If you're going to have it sitting on a table in your drawing
0:05:10 > 0:05:13room, you don't want to have bits hanging off it.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15If this record player hadn't been working,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18to restore it would cost more than it was worth in the first place.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19# One, two, three o'clock... #
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I would rather think we'd let it take its course, really,
0:05:22 > 0:05:23in the sale room.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25Don't put a reserve on it and let's say goodbye to it,
0:05:25 > 0:05:29and we'll be excited once it gets above a tenner.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- If it makes a tenner. - Oh, it will make more than that.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35This is the portable gramophone.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38And I have got competing bids here to £50.
0:05:38 > 0:05:4050, straight in, top-end, yes!
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- They are going up, aren't they? - Yeah. You see, it is a big hit.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46£55. I'm going to sell in the room then at 55.
0:05:46 > 0:05:4960, new bidder. 65.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52It seemed the bidders knew something Charlie didn't.
0:05:52 > 0:05:5585.
0:05:55 > 0:05:5790. 90 in the centre, then.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Any advance on £90?
0:06:00 > 0:06:02The hammer has gone down. £90.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04I'd say that's twice what it would've done a year ago.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Twice your valuation.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09Wrong again.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13I was very surprised at the time.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16But looking back, I think it came with six records.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20And I have a cunning suspicion that there might have been
0:06:20 > 0:06:25a bit of rare vinyl in there that added to the price.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29That great result proves music can really stir emotions.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32But for Philip Serrell, one item in particular takes him
0:06:32 > 0:06:35on a memory merry-go-round.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Now, I'm not exactly going to tell you how old I am, but I am
0:06:38 > 0:06:39of a certain age.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43And I am of that certain age when in the 1960s and you went on holiday,
0:06:43 > 0:06:47you went to seasides. And seasides would have fairgrounds.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50And fairgrounds had rides.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52And rides had these lovely painted boards in front of them.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Now, I think this is probably earlier than '60s.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57I think this might be '30s or '40s,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59but it is just a cool thing. I love this.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I bought this this year from an antique shop,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03and I think it cost me 60 quid or something.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05And I bought it for two reasons.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09One, it sort of does remind me of those childhood holidays.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11And two, I just think it is a bit of fun.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13And it is something that...
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Well, it just appeals to my sense of humour, really.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18# Barbara Ann Ba-Ba-Ba, Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann. #
0:07:18 > 0:07:21But perhaps the things that most take us back are toys,
0:07:21 > 0:07:25and there is a huge collector's market for these.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28What a toy name to conjure with.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32And Barbie, well, you know, the most iconic doll
0:07:32 > 0:07:34of, I'd say, the post-war era, isn't it?
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Fascinating.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39If you are a collector of dolls
0:07:39 > 0:07:40or of toys,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43I think you want the best of the best.
0:07:43 > 0:07:44This Barbie was the best
0:07:44 > 0:07:47of the best. It was tremendous.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Tell me, how did you come by this almost mint Barbie?
0:07:50 > 0:07:54It was a present to me in 1963 from my auntie,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58whose next-door neighbour brought it back from Canada.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03Nobody else had one that I knew of so that is why it is still in the box.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09I've never seen the like of this Barbie, with its three wigs.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12I thought it was fabulous. It really was a really good thing.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Very rare.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Of course, early Barbie, early Cindy,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18those are the best to collect.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- It would have had a cellophane cover to it.- Yes.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- Which is gone, unfortunately.- Yeah.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- But I would suggest we put it in at £80 to £120.- Yes.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28We fixed the reserve at 80.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32And I wouldn't be surprised if it made £150.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33- I really wouldn't.- Really?
0:08:35 > 0:08:40It's the stuff of childhood, and apparently of Thomas's dreams, too.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44Thomas is a Barbie doll. You are, though. Come on, let's face it.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46You specialise in lots of things like this, don't you?
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Collectors' things.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49We have a sale room which sells toys,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53so I see lots of things coming up in the Barbie doll world, etc.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56So I am a little bit excited.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00But I don't want to come over like I'm excited about selling dolls.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06At £30. At five.
0:09:06 > 0:09:0840. Five.
0:09:08 > 0:09:1050. Five.
0:09:10 > 0:09:1260. Five. 70. Five.
0:09:12 > 0:09:1580. Five if you like. At 80 here.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17At £80, you all sure, now then?
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Lady's bid at £80. You all done?
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- On estimate, well done.- Good.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26At least somebody will appreciate it.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- Oh, yeah.- Yeah, I'm pleased.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32I was disappointed at the £80.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35And maybe this Barbie should have been in a proper doll sale.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38And I think maybe it could have made more money.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Of course, today, with online bidding,
0:09:40 > 0:09:45wherever dolls are sold, they will be found by the serious collectors.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Dolls are ever popular. There is something for everyone.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- £580, who could have predicted that? - Beautifully made.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55The doll world is massive.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58If you want to collect baby dolls, big dolls, Barbies...
0:09:58 > 0:10:00It's up to you, really.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03You need to find your niche, and then from that niche,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05you pick the best of the best.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08You've brought three very pretty young ladies along with you.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11If you want to start collecting antique dolls,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13the ones that you are most likely to come across
0:10:13 > 0:10:16are the porcelain-headed variety, produced in the 19th century.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18You brought a little friend here.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20She has got a bisque porcelain head, which is
0:10:20 > 0:10:23typical of dolls made from the late 19th and early 20th century.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25So she is 100 years old.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29What are our experts' tips for budding collectors of dolls?
0:10:30 > 0:10:32Look at the quality of the head.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35The rarity of the mould that the head is made from.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37If it is a rarer number, the better.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40If you look at the back of the necks of the doll,
0:10:40 > 0:10:42it will usually tell you all you want to know.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45So we have got Heubach Koppelsdorf and then a number
0:10:45 > 0:10:47and "made in Germany" underneath.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49The best tip for collecting dolls -
0:10:49 > 0:10:52go for the one with the weirdest expression.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56This is a most disturbing object you have put in front of me.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58I think she is quite scary.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- I think she is scary as well. - With a trembly tongue.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05I couldn't sleep at night if they were in my house.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07The other thing to look at is the eyes.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11These eyes are weighted so when you lay them down, they go to sleep.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13When you bring them up, their eyes come up.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17This really will scare you. The eyes open and she comes alive.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18The colours of the eyes as well.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20It is always good to have blue-eyed dolls.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23People always love blue-eyed girls.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- She has lovely blue eyes, just like yourself.- Thank you very much.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Condition is all-important.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32If the head has a crack on it, a chip or any damage,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35to be honest, I'd leave it alone.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37I'm afraid eyelashes have gone.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Also, costumes as well. It's the clothes.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45Are they in the original clothes? Has the hair been cut?
0:11:45 > 0:11:50Cos the hair does get cut by beastly children snipping away.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53It is museum quality. The condition is very, very good.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56And I would say they are the original clothes as well.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01So if this is the area of collecting for you,
0:12:01 > 0:12:03which makers' names should you look out for?
0:12:03 > 0:12:07You could be buying German dolls made by Simon & Halbig,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Armand Marseille.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Then you could collect French dolls by Jumeau
0:12:13 > 0:12:18and earlier dolls in France, which are just super, super quality,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21made in the late 19th century, early part of the 20th century.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26You can pick up a good quality doll for around £150,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28but values vary.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32The highest price so far recorded was for almost four million pounds.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34But if you are thinking of entering this field,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Thomas has a few words of warning.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39The doll market is the worst market in the world.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Cos after a view, their limbs, head, hair, everywhere,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45and the doll collectors will come in,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48they'll pick up a porcelain-headed doll and, if it's really good,
0:12:48 > 0:12:52they might get a little pencil out and draw a line down the doll
0:12:52 > 0:12:56so it looks like a hairline crack so the next person viewing it...
0:12:56 > 0:12:58thinks it's broken!
0:13:02 > 0:13:05It's not just nostalgia for our childhood that makes us
0:13:05 > 0:13:08spend our money, we are all touched by the momentous,
0:13:08 > 0:13:11historical events we have lived through.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17So items connected to these memories can have just as much appeal.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22If items are associated with a particular event,
0:13:22 > 0:13:26it may mean that they will have more significance.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27But on the other hand,
0:13:27 > 0:13:32it may mean that they are produced in greater quantities.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36And because of that, will be less rare and less valuable.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39For example, a royal wedding.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43Every newspaper - "Special, souvenir issue"
0:13:43 > 0:13:47for the wedding of Charles and Diana,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49William and Kate or whoever.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54As soon as it becomes an object to be collected, you might as well burn
0:13:54 > 0:13:57it, it will never be worth anything, because everybody thinks,
0:13:57 > 0:13:59"Oh! I'll keep that."
0:13:59 > 0:14:01And there's no point.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03But it is not all about the value,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06some people like commemorative items.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09I like this one particularly because it is for Halley's Comet,
0:14:09 > 0:14:13which last appeared in 1986.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15So certainly within my living memory.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19And I know how exciting it was then, waiting for it to appear.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Wedgwood, of course, capturing the market,
0:14:21 > 0:14:25got a designer called Richard Guyatt to produce a commemorative mug.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29This is exactly the same shape as you would have found a royal
0:14:29 > 0:14:33wedding mug, but what the designer has done is produced it
0:14:33 > 0:14:36in this almost sort of '30s graphics,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38with this sort of writing.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44And it says, "Return to Earth every 76 years - 1986."
0:14:44 > 0:14:46And then he has put the next time it is due to appear -
0:14:46 > 0:14:52so 2062, 2138, 2214.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55And underneath, they have got,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58"To mark the return of Halley's Comet," and you have got the trajectory
0:14:58 > 0:15:02of the comet as it goes through the solar system.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06I'm also quite a fan of Star Trek, so this sort of thing appeals to me.
0:15:06 > 0:15:12They only made 2,000 of these, so it is a limited edition. This is 610.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15And actually, it comes with the original label that says
0:15:15 > 0:15:17that as well.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19But I just like it for its design element.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22I think this could be quite a collectable item in the future.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25BIG BAND MUSIC
0:15:31 > 0:15:35It is almost impossible to predict what will become a collectable,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38but items that an older generation hung onto,
0:15:38 > 0:15:42which once seemed insignificant, can now be highly sought after.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46An amazing collection of the risque sort of theatre land
0:15:46 > 0:15:48from the 1920s right through to the 1950s.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Obviously, they are not yours. Whose were they?
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Well, they were Val's uncle's, actually.- OK.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59He died some 20 years ago and Val was the next living relative.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02And when we cleared the house out, we looked in the attic
0:16:02 > 0:16:03and we found these.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- Hidden away.- Hidden away. - A sordid past.- A sordid past.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Magazines, generally, are
0:16:10 > 0:16:12an auctioneer's nightmare.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16They tend to come in vast numbers and,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19generally, worth almost nothing.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22The earliest one that we have is 1927 - the Folies Bergere.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Now, if we have a look at this one here,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27this one is particularly interesting because of one person.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30There she is. Josephine Baker.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35She was one of the first ever black strip dancers or naked
0:16:35 > 0:16:37dancers at the Folies Bergere.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38She was very well known
0:16:38 > 0:16:41and has gone down in history as one of the best ever.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45And whenever we get something at auction that is
0:16:45 > 0:16:48revolutionary in its time, a little bit risque,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51they are really sought after today, because they are a collectors' item.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- Yes.- When it was done, nobody thought it would have any relevance,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57nobody thought it would be a collectors' item in the future.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01In the same way, actually, as
0:17:01 > 0:17:04the front page of the Times newspaper,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07when the Titanic sunk.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09At the time when that was printed,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12nobody thought it would be of any value.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13Today, it is worth thousands of pounds.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Valuing this sort of thing is very, very difficult.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- I mean, we have got hundreds, haven't we?- Yes.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20Some of them are worth less than a pound.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23That has got to be worth something like £30, £40 on its own.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27So if we put an estimate of £100 to £150 on them...
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Now, I do hope that somebody with a real passion for theatre
0:17:30 > 0:17:31history will go for these.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37There is some interest here.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39And we start the bidding at...
0:17:39 > 0:17:42100. 120.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- 130. 140.- Top-end.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Commission bid at £140.
0:17:46 > 0:17:4850, will you? Commission bid at 140.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52It's with me on the book. Are you all done?
0:17:52 > 0:17:56Do you want to take a second look? No?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59It's on the book then and we are selling at £140.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Yes, hammer's gone down! That was great, good valuation.- Brilliant.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Brave man.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- £140, happy? - Yes, lovely, that's great.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12Whenever anything reminds people of when times, in their own mind,
0:18:12 > 0:18:17are better, it is bound to create these lovely,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20warm feelings of nostalgia, and that is where the collectors'
0:18:20 > 0:18:22market comes from for this sort of thing.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Now, our parents and our grandparents have marvellous
0:18:25 > 0:18:29tales to tell about their youth, and some of the things they have owned
0:18:29 > 0:18:33speak volumes, as David Fletcher knows.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Now, my grandmother, like so many people of her generation
0:18:36 > 0:18:38and background, had quite conservative taste, really.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43My grandmother was born in 1900, so she was a Victorian.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46So what made her buy this? It's glamorous,
0:18:46 > 0:18:51it's a bit glitzy, it's quite sexy, I suppose, and it
0:18:51 > 0:18:53speaks of its period.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57I would've said this would have been bought in about 1934, 1935.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01Well, my theory is that my grandmother, who was a great
0:19:01 > 0:19:05filmgoer, had been to see one of Busby Berkeley's films,
0:19:05 > 0:19:0742nd Street perhaps,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11and had been so impressed by the glamour of that,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15by the way it took us all away from that really rather depressing
0:19:15 > 0:19:18period of time, the 1930s, with all the economic problems that
0:19:18 > 0:19:20people were struggling with at that time.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23And she thought, "Well, I'll pop into my local china shop
0:19:23 > 0:19:26"tomorrow and see if I can find something that reminds me
0:19:26 > 0:19:27"of that film."
0:19:27 > 0:19:31'Luxurious settings, spectacular dance routines, set to the rhythm
0:19:31 > 0:19:36'of inspiring music in scenes never before attempted on stage or screen.'
0:19:38 > 0:19:39This is one of a pair.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43It is by a very minor German factory,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46but it speaks of its period.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49And I remember this when I was a young boy,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52sitting on the mantelpiece in my grandmother's house,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55with the other one at the other end of the mantelpiece.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58And in that sense, I grew up with this, really.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03I'm not really sure that I actually like this, although I am
0:20:03 > 0:20:07interested in the Art Deco period, the 1930s and cinema of the 1930s.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10So in that sense, it has a value to me.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12It doesn't have a great financial value.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17But it and its pair are two items I would never sell.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22But if you do want to sell, auctioning an item
0:20:22 > 0:20:25at a relevant moment in history can make all the difference.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28And James couldn't believe what turned up at a valuation day
0:20:28 > 0:20:30in 2012.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35There are certain things in history that everybody wants to
0:20:35 > 0:20:39get their hands on. I think the World Cup is one.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44But I think very close behind that is an Olympic torch.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47The Olympic year, what a time to sell it.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52And to get a London Olympic torch, you could not find a better time.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53Fantastic.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58This was, obviously, for the London Olympics of 1948.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01There were 20 of them made and each person would have
0:21:01 > 0:21:06kept their individual torch as a souvenir of their leg.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11The 1948 London Olympics were known as The Austerity Games.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12The event was crucial
0:21:12 > 0:21:15in lifting spirits during the post-war gloom.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18What is it doing here, in the centre of Coventry?
0:21:18 > 0:21:20My father used to run, but I'm sure he'd have told me
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- if he'd been a stage bearer in the Olympics.- Gosh, yes.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26We kept a pub and it probably came into his possession
0:21:26 > 0:21:30from someone coming into the pub and perhaps selling it some time ago.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32So do you think somebody paid off their bar bill with this,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35swapped it for a pint of beer or paid off their slate?
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- It could have been something like that.- Gosh!
0:21:37 > 0:21:40And with the Olympics still in everybody's mind, I thought
0:21:40 > 0:21:43it was an appropriate time to perhaps sell it.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46The Olympic torch was fairly easy to value
0:21:46 > 0:21:50because if you look online and you look at the records, and there were
0:21:50 > 0:21:55Olympic torches from 1948 selling at £1,500 to £2,000, complete.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Um,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00but this one had the burner missing.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03I think that should have contained an inner section.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- It must've had a burner or something. - Must have done.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Generally, a piece lacking, an integral,
0:22:09 > 0:22:14an important part of it will make a huge difference to the value.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17But I think it is a great time to sell it.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20We should put an auction estimate of 600 to £1,000.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- Gosh.- All right?- Yeah.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27That's not bad for something that looks like a toilet plunger, is it?
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Not at all. It certainly isn't.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32It may have looked like a plunger to James,
0:22:32 > 0:22:33but the auctioneer had high hopes for it.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35We have already got some fan lines booked.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37We have got quite a bit of interest in it.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40And I am confident that we are going to well exceed the estimate.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44Let's hope we can break a record with this one.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Have you purposely saved it for this year?
0:22:47 > 0:22:48Did you think about selling it last year?
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- No, last year I thought about making a table lamp out of it.- Did you?
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- I'm glad I didn't.- No, exactly.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01The Games of the 14th Olympiad, commission bids on the book,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04and I am going to start it at 1,050.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- 1,050.- Fabulous!
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- 1,050.- That's our top end, isn't it? - It is.
0:23:10 > 0:23:131,100 there. 1,150 I've got. 1,200?
0:23:13 > 0:23:181,200. That clears my commission bids at 1,200. Do I hear 1,250?
0:23:18 > 0:23:21There's a couple people on the phone now. It is out of the room.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- It is backwards and forwards to the phone.- 14.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Let's go in hundreds. 15 now.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- I don't believe it.- 16. 17.
0:23:32 > 0:23:3418.
0:23:34 > 0:23:3619.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- Gosh.- 2,000.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Go 22.
0:23:41 > 0:23:4324.
0:23:44 > 0:23:4626.
0:23:46 > 0:23:4928.
0:23:49 > 0:23:523,000.
0:23:52 > 0:23:5332.
0:23:55 > 0:23:5734.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- 32 on this phone. - I just love these moments.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04At 3,200. Is there any further advance?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07It's going to be sold, £3,200.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- Yes! Hammer has gone down. - Well done.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- 3,000.- Well done.- Thank you.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17I thought it might make the 1,500, but it did brilliantly.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24That certainly was an iconic and symbolic item.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27And the sale was certainly something to behold.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29And there is a lesson for us all there -
0:24:29 > 0:24:33selling something at exactly the right time can pay dividends.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36Now you may not have an Olympic torch hidden away at home,
0:24:36 > 0:24:40but it is worth considering looking for items that are related to a big
0:24:40 > 0:24:43event or an anniversary that is coming up soon.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46If you are interested in modern collectables, keep
0:24:46 > 0:24:47this check list in mind.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Everyday objects can have hidden value
0:24:50 > 0:24:53if they strike a chord with the bidders.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56The most collectable toys are those with their packaging
0:24:56 > 0:24:59and accessories intact.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03And keep in mind that commemorative pieces aren't always collectable.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Look for the rarer items that mark historic events.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14We see many toy cars and much motoring memorabilia
0:25:14 > 0:25:15at our valuation days.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22But love it or hate it, what is it that makes these things
0:25:22 > 0:25:25so collectable and potentially so valuable?
0:25:25 > 0:25:27"Flog It!" regulars Charlie Ross
0:25:27 > 0:25:30and Philip Serrell are lovers of antiques and collectables,
0:25:30 > 0:25:33but they also have another shared passion - classic cars.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36And I am not talking about the toy variety.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40SONG: "Goldfinger"
0:25:40 > 0:25:44So they went to Aston Martin to explore OUR love affair with
0:25:44 > 0:25:49a British legend that every big boy dreams of being part of.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Well, Charlie, here we are.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Fantastic! Gosh.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58Arriving at the Aston Martin works in an Aston Martin being
0:25:58 > 0:26:02- driven by a James Bond look-alike. - Odd Job!
0:26:02 > 0:26:05I'm so looking forward... What got you into Astons, Charlie?
0:26:05 > 0:26:09I'll tell you what, when I left school, my first day of work,
0:26:09 > 0:26:13my boss said, "I've got to pick up something. Come with me."
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Went downstairs, what car did he have? An Aston Martin DB4.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Oh, heaven, heaven, heaven!
0:26:18 > 0:26:23And we picked up his other car, so I had to drive the DB4 back home.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26For me, it all started in the 1960s, waiting to see Goldfinger.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- And I just fell in love with it. - Honor Blackman!
0:26:29 > 0:26:32I fell in love with her as well, but that is another story, Charlie.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- Who have we got to see?- Kingsley. - Kingsley is the man.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39# Goldfinger
0:26:40 > 0:26:43# He's the man The man with... #
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- Kingsley.- Good morning. - Charlie Ross.- Good to meet you.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- Philip, Kingsley, how are you? - Very well, thank you.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52So, clearly, there are no new Astons here, these are all...
0:26:52 > 0:26:55In this particular area, everything here is what we class as heritage.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- This is the second-hand department, is it?- No, no, no!
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Some of these are better than new.
0:27:00 > 0:27:05This is where non-current cars are serviced, repaired, rebuilt,
0:27:05 > 0:27:07whatever. Whatever is needed.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Kingsley, can you tell us about the history of Aston Martin?
0:27:10 > 0:27:12This company was originally formed as Bamford
0:27:12 > 0:27:16and Martin back on the 13th of January, 1913.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19But of course, the big significant point for Aston Martin really was
0:27:19 > 0:27:23when David Brown bought the company in 1948.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26So, if you look at a '60s Aston, it has got DB, which is David Brown.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28And that's really... He has left us with that legacy, hasn't he?
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Absolutely, that has carried on through the company
0:27:31 > 0:27:32all the way through the years.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36For me, Astons have always been an iconic shape.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38With one exception.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42And in the '70s, they became for a short while very angular,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- didn't they?- Oh, yes, the Lagonda.
0:27:44 > 0:27:45- And is that...?- Yes. - You've got one.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48It looks like it should have been out of Thunderbird or something.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51I think you have to go back to understand why we did that.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54This is when Concorde went into service.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56And you think about how Concorde looked.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00And the company really needed to make a new, bold statement.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01It needed to go out into the world.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04So in 1976, at the Earls Court Motor Show,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06the car was shown for the first time.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10And over 600 of these have been built since then.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Really, I suppose I became aware of Astons in a way with
0:28:13 > 0:28:16James Bond, so it is all in... That is where the living memory thing is.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Bond and Aston, they sit side-by-side, don't they?
0:28:19 > 0:28:20They do, and always will do.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25- The Silver Birch.- The Silver Birch with black trim, yes, absolutely.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Yeah, no, it's very much a sign of a DB5, that is.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- Now, Charlie, if one of these came into "Flog It!"...- Yes.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33..what would you tell them it is worth?
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- Because you sell these, don't you? - I do sell these.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40I have sold one or two, and we got a million for a DB5
0:28:40 > 0:28:44in Pebble Beach, California - £600,000, £700,000.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49It's unbelievable the way they have gone up in the last few years.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51# Live and let die
0:28:54 > 0:28:56# Live and let die
0:28:58 > 0:29:00# Live and let die. #
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Well, gentlemen, this is our heritage showroom.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06This is where we have all of our heritage cars for sale
0:29:06 > 0:29:08and we also hold events here as well.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- What about this? - Ah, well, this is a DB6.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13This is a DB6, but it is a very special one,
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- because it was owned by Paul McCartney.- Oh!
0:29:15 > 0:29:18The added provenance here would add a huge amount to the
0:29:18 > 0:29:20value of that car, knowing who owned it.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- You can always make condition but you can't make history.- No.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27Something very different over there.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- Ah!- Radford Estate. It is a DB6 Shooting Brake.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33There were 20 DB Shooting Brakes that were made,
0:29:33 > 0:29:3419 of which are left.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38The first car that was built was built for Sir David Brown.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41I am told he went into the Felton workshops there and said,
0:29:41 > 0:29:43"I would like to take my dogs round the estate,
0:29:43 > 0:29:45"I don't want to put them in the back,
0:29:45 > 0:29:47"do you think you could devise an estate car for me?"
0:29:47 > 0:29:49They put the dogs on the bench, measured their tails
0:29:49 > 0:29:52and everything else And went away and sorted it all out.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54And once one car is built, it sets a trend
0:29:54 > 0:29:59and the owner wanted another one and another one and so it went on.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01It's not, may I say, a thing of beauty.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Ah, but it is like a person with character - they take a
0:30:04 > 0:30:08while to get to know, but once you know them, it endures for longer.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13These characterful cars command astronomical prices.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17But there is an area of collecting more accessible automobilia.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20And even Aston Martin is in on the act.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24And the thing is, Charlie, if you can't afford the real thing,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- this is the area of collecting to get into.- Yeah.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29And this tells me a lovely story, you know.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32When I was a kid, in about 1960 something,
0:30:32 > 0:30:34my dad bought me a Scalextric set.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36And I loved it and I loved it and I loved it.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38But I've always wanted one of these.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41And about five years ago, I found one of these in a box.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42It cost me 300 quid.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46- 300 quid.- £300?!- Yeah. - That's extraordinary.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48But the thing is, for everybody at home,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50if you can get one of these, get it in a box.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55- So what is your toy, Charlie? - Ah, my favourite.- Really? Oh.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- How about that? Now look at that. - That has got everything.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02- This has got the whole lot. It's got a wonderful ejector seat.- Boing!
0:31:03 > 0:31:06We have got machine guns at the front here,
0:31:06 > 0:31:08which come in and out like that.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13We have got that wonderful iconic device that would shoot outside
0:31:13 > 0:31:14and shred your tyre
0:31:14 > 0:31:16when someone was trying to move alongside you.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19We've got the gun shield in case anybody is shooting at you.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21The thing is, if you put that into auction,
0:31:21 > 0:31:24you'd estimate it between, I don't know, 50 and 150.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26But if you've got a collection of these and this is the only
0:31:26 > 0:31:29one you haven't got, it's worth £1,000, isn't it?
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- Absolutely.- But look at all the others.- There is so much stuff here.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36Car badges, there is a gold stick pin with a diamond in it.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38There's something for everybody's pocket, isn't there?
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- That's the key thing. - You don't have to have Aston Martin.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46There's car badges of every car that has ever been made.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49And the less number that were made, the rarer.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- Absolutely right.- And probably the more valuable.- Absolutely.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Dig around in your boot fair, look for these things.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58# He loves gold! #
0:31:58 > 0:32:00The chrome is going a bit here.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Yeah, well, I wonder where we can take that for restoration.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04- We are probably in the right place. - I would think.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- We could take this back to Kingsley. - Yeah! Absolutely.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Still to come, we reveal the benefits of having rock solid
0:32:25 > 0:32:26provenance.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29This letter here. I mean, if I look at it, it's rather...
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Handwritten by Lucie Rie.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34It's not often you get a chance to buy a piece like that
0:32:34 > 0:32:36with that letter of provenance.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40James discovers a thriller of a tale about the King of Pop.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- It was him?- It was Michael Jackson!
0:32:42 > 0:32:46And this was a photograph I got from Michael as well.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49And we discover the secrets of making riches
0:32:49 > 0:32:51from 20th century buys.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54We've got a northern artist in a northern sale room
0:32:54 > 0:32:57with northern collectors. You can't fail, really.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59What a great investment!
0:33:06 > 0:33:08As well as having wonderful stories,
0:33:08 > 0:33:11antiques bought within living memory may often come
0:33:11 > 0:33:13with solid provenance,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16and this can make all the difference to their desirability.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18All provenance is, it's something's passport.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20It tells you where it has been all of its life.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Collectors, you know, want to make sure,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26if they are paying a lot of money for something, that there is proof,
0:33:26 > 0:33:30whether it is photographic or written evidence.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31But you can't go from word-of-mouth,
0:33:31 > 0:33:35somebody saying, "Oh, I bought it from such-and-such gallery."
0:33:35 > 0:33:37You need a little more tangible evidence than that.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Because provenance can make such a potential difference to the
0:33:40 > 0:33:44value of an item, it is always a good idea to keep a record
0:33:44 > 0:33:47of where family possessions came from, assuming you know.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51Talk to relatives, rummage around in boxes of old paperwork
0:33:51 > 0:33:54looking for invoices, bills of sale and receipts.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56And also photographs.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00And if you find anything, keep it in a safe place.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04In 2011, we'll discover just what a difference having this
0:34:04 > 0:34:06kind of provenance can make.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Simon, you have brought in this really striking studio
0:34:09 > 0:34:13pottery bowl for us to look at today. And I see also a letter.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Tell me, how does that pertain to the bowl?
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Well, the letter is from the artist, who is Lucie Rie,
0:34:19 > 0:34:23who wrote it to my late aunt following a visit that my aunt
0:34:23 > 0:34:27had made to the V&A, and had seen a bowl that was very similar to this.
0:34:27 > 0:34:32- Yes.- Written to Lucie and asked her if it was for sale.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34The letter says, "The bowl is not for sale,
0:34:34 > 0:34:36"but I can make you another one."
0:34:36 > 0:34:40- Amazing.- And this is her reply, and that is the bowl that she made.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45Here on the base, we can see a nice studio pottery marked for Lucie Rie.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50Lucie Rie really is one of the main names in the studio pottery.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53And what is most noted about Lucie's pieces
0:34:53 > 0:34:58is this very sort of flared rim standing on this almost tiny
0:34:58 > 0:35:02little foot. Bowls of hers can get up to this sort of size, you know.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04And if you are talking a bowl that sort of size,
0:35:04 > 0:35:06you are talking many thousands of pounds.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08I'm growing to like it more and more.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Are you? There we go. Well, it is quite an important piece, actually,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14in the sort of whole history of British studio pottery.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I mean, she is one of the sort of Premier League names.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20And this letter here, I mean, if I look at it, it's rather...
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Handwritten by Lucie Rie.
0:35:22 > 0:35:23"The exhibition is not for sale,
0:35:23 > 0:35:27"I could make a similar one for you, it will never be the same.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31"Should you consider it, do ring me and come and see me."
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Well, that is typical of Lucie Rie.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36She was well known for taking guests into her studio.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39It is also dated 1982, I see.
0:35:39 > 0:35:44It really just almost topped it off beautifully, really.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48It shows Lucie Rie's involvement in the piece. And it's lovely.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52It just gives a real insight into the person behind the object,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54which again, the collectors like
0:35:54 > 0:35:56to get under the skin of designers and makers.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00Unfortunately, what they are not looking for is damage,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03and there is a rather nasty hairline crack.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07The mantra is with porcelain, ceramics - condition,
0:36:07 > 0:36:08condition, condition.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12And I think when I put the estimate on the piece, I have to say,
0:36:12 > 0:36:17at 100, 150, and I was probably being a bit mean with hindsight.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19But auctioneer Claire Rawle knew because of the letter
0:36:19 > 0:36:23the pot was destined to create fireworks in the sale room.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28She has an appeal worldwide and she is now very expensive
0:36:28 > 0:36:29and very collected.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31Well, let's find out what the bidders think
0:36:31 > 0:36:33cos this is a name to go for.
0:36:33 > 0:36:34And it's going under the hammer right now.
0:36:34 > 0:36:40And I have to start straight in at £200.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43At 200, do I see 220 anywhere?
0:36:43 > 0:36:45- At £200.- Straight in.- 220.
0:36:45 > 0:36:46250 with me.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50280 on the telephone. At 280.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53Do I see 300? At 280.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- 300.- Excellent.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- 320.- There's two telephone bidders, that is what we wanted.- 350.
0:36:59 > 0:37:00Fighting this out.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- 380.- See, the purists know exactly what to go for.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Imagine if it were perfect.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08No. 420 on the first telephone here.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10At £420.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14At 420, you all sure? At 420...
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Yes, £420. Simon,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19top, top money. Put it there.
0:37:19 > 0:37:20That's brilliant.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23The letter. The letter did it.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24You know, a good price really,
0:37:24 > 0:37:28certainly bearing in mind it wasn't a massive piece and it was damaged.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30But I think whoever bought it would have been chuffed
0:37:30 > 0:37:33because it is not often you get a chance to buy
0:37:33 > 0:37:35a piece like that with that letter of provenance.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38The bowl, had it been on its own without the letter,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40would have sold perhaps for about 100, because people expect...
0:37:40 > 0:37:43She was quite prolific and people expect to find
0:37:43 > 0:37:44items in perfect order.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47So having that letter with it, I think, for a collector,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49that really boosted the interest and the price.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55We prefer it on "Flog It!" when art is marked or signed.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59And the signature of a good artist can be valuable in its own right,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02particularly if the person in question is a household name.
0:38:02 > 0:38:03Lowry.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08A typical scene showing sort of the industrial northern landscape.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12LS Lowry, June 22, 1953.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14How did you come by this?
0:38:14 > 0:38:18We found this in a box of books about the Manchester Ship Canal.
0:38:18 > 0:38:19We found it inside one of the books.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Where, in an auction room, in a junk shop?
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- It was in a car-boot sale. - How long ago?
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- About three years ago. - And how much did you pay for it?
0:38:28 > 0:38:30We only paid... It was certainly less than five pounds
0:38:30 > 0:38:34for the whole box of books, and this was just something inside.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36His signature isn't that rare.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Later in life, when the he was producing limited edition prints,
0:38:39 > 0:38:41he was signing things all day long.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44And I think he even got to a stage where he charged you
0:38:44 > 0:38:46a few quid just for a signature.
0:38:46 > 0:38:47So the signature isn't rare.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50On the side of a limited edition print,
0:38:50 > 0:38:53his signature would make it work between five and £1,500.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55I think you could put this into auction with
0:38:55 > 0:38:57a value of £80 to £120.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01- Wow.- That would be superb, wouldn't it?- That's very good.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Signature. It's 50. Yes, we're off.
0:39:04 > 0:39:0760. 70. Are you 80? 90.
0:39:07 > 0:39:08Perhaps even 100?
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Yes, 100 on bid there.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12And ten. And 20 now.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14And 30. 140.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16150. 160.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18170. 180.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Are you 90? 190 then I am selling.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24For £190... Thank you.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Done. £190!
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Not bad for a five-pound purchase.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37But signatures can be easily faked,
0:39:37 > 0:39:41so provenance in this field will always stand you in good stead.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45This is a real thriller. Sorry to start on that, I couldn't resist it.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49- I was going to say, "Is it bad?" I don't know.- It's dangerous.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- It's a great thing to have on "Flog It!".- Thank you so much.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56It is a powerful image. It is great to see it signed.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00The thing that was so good about that was it was huge!
0:40:00 > 0:40:05It was... You could not miss who that autograph was from.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08You look at that and it has got a Michael Jackson image on a Michael
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Jackson poster with a great big, wonderful Michael Jackson signature.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14What's the story?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Well, my wife and I moved down, after 30 years in the army,
0:40:17 > 0:40:19we moved down south to Hampshire.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24We befriended a Portuguese couple who lived across the road.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27They approached me one day, saying, "David, I won't see you for two weeks,
0:40:27 > 0:40:32"cos we have some VIPs coming here and I've signed this secrecy document
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- "not to say who it is."- That was him?
0:40:34 > 0:40:36- It was Michael Jackson!- No!
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I didn't know at the time, but Tony'd had a word with him and said,
0:40:39 > 0:40:41"David and Jenny, they love your music
0:40:41 > 0:40:43"and they've been unable to see you."
0:40:43 > 0:40:46He says, "Look, Tony, I'm going to sign this for David and Jenny."
0:40:46 > 0:40:49And this was a photograph I got from Michael, as well.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51That was taken with Tony's family.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Provenance is so important with autographs.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59It's very easy to get conned on autographs.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03So, any time when you've got somebody who can say,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06"This is who he was with, this is why he was there,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09"this is the photograph of him being there,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11"and this is the provenance of where it came from." Brilliant!
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Can't get any better than that.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18Now, a Michael Jackson signed poster, it's got a great image.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22It's a fantastic size.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25And, in a way, one of the things that makes it genuine
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- is the fact that it's been signed and personalised to you.- Yes.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34- But, that is against it in terms of value.- Of course it is.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Because not everyone wants a Michael Jackson signature
0:41:38 > 0:41:40with David written on the front.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43It's something that I think is worth £300 to £500.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- Fantastic. Absolutely. - Let's give it a chance. I'm sure it should do well.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50MUSIC: "Bad" by Michael Jackson
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Michael Jackson was an important figure,
0:41:55 > 0:41:59so his autograph is really quite important
0:41:59 > 0:42:02and probably a good one to get
0:42:02 > 0:42:05if you're an autograph collector
0:42:05 > 0:42:07of the entertainment industry.
0:42:07 > 0:42:12What can we say? Michael Jackson, iconic figure of the 20th century.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18Will you start me at £200?
0:42:18 > 0:42:19260.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20280.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23I'll take 10. 290.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25300.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28£300.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32With you, sir, at £300.
0:42:34 > 0:42:35Good.
0:42:35 > 0:42:40That's a very good price. With your name on it.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42All done at 300? 300.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45- Anita's done really well.- She has.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47It's most valuable when he's most well known,
0:42:47 > 0:42:49when he's most in the media.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52And, of course, when he passed away,
0:42:52 > 0:42:55that's when he was most in the media.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58I reckon that was probably worth more THEN than it is now.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06But if you want to make a profit from selling signatures,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10there's one rock'n'roll band that will always make you money,
0:43:10 > 0:43:12IF the autographs are right.
0:43:12 > 0:43:13He's collecting Mecca.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16We've got Beatles Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20And so our first question is - how do you know that they're real?
0:43:20 > 0:43:22Because I actually got them signed.
0:43:22 > 0:43:27I was there with my autograph book as they turned up to a pop concert.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31Number 971 now. The two 1960s autograph albums,
0:43:31 > 0:43:35- including John Lennon.- The Beatles' autographs should sell that alone.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37At 840. 860 on the other telephone.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40- £860 now.- Gosh!
0:43:40 > 0:43:45860 is bid, on the other telephone, against you on the internet. At £860.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48At £860. It's going to be sold.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51All done at 860.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56- Yes!- My goodness!- £860. - That's just lovely.
0:43:57 > 0:44:02Pretty good result? But James thinks it could've been even better.
0:44:02 > 0:44:07Three Beatles without John Lennon, what are they worth? £1,000?
0:44:07 > 0:44:10You add John Lennon, it doubles it.
0:44:10 > 0:44:16If it's on a rare photograph that isn't part of a press release,
0:44:16 > 0:44:19then you can double it and treble it again.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23Because you've got the image, you've got the look as well as the signatures.
0:44:23 > 0:44:25If the signatures were on the front, brilliant,
0:44:25 > 0:44:30if it was on the back of the photograph, it doesn't make any difference at all.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34So, what are the dos and don'ts of collecting autographs?
0:44:34 > 0:44:37Do find an area that fascinates you
0:44:37 > 0:44:40and do buy the very best that you can.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44Do try to find out the provenance of the autographs
0:44:44 > 0:44:48because this is the thing which will authenticate it.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52And do beware of fakes and facsimiles.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58Another 20th century collectable worth looking out for is technology.
0:44:58 > 0:45:02In our lifetimes, we've seen huge advances in this field
0:45:02 > 0:45:05and with such a glut of gadgets on the market,
0:45:05 > 0:45:09collectors are always looking out for that little added extra.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12- Does this set up belong to you? - No, it doesn't.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14It belonged to my late brother.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16He was a very keen photographer.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18Do you know what date he bought it?
0:45:18 > 0:45:20Yes. He bought it in 1951.
0:45:20 > 0:45:24OK. And do you know how much he paid for it, as well?
0:45:24 > 0:45:26He paid £125 for it.
0:45:26 > 0:45:27How do you know that?
0:45:27 > 0:45:30Unfortunately, I haven't got the receipt with me, this morning.
0:45:30 > 0:45:35That's how I was aware how much it cost, how much he paid for it
0:45:35 > 0:45:37and when he bought it.
0:45:37 > 0:45:41He's obviously decided to pay that little bit extra for a good name.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45The Leica name is one that is well collected.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47'Leica are particular collected
0:45:47 > 0:45:50'because they were pioneers'
0:45:50 > 0:45:52in camera design.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55It was 1913, I think, that the first prototype came out.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57And the idea was, quite simply,
0:45:57 > 0:46:01to make a small, lightweight, compact camera
0:46:01 > 0:46:03for taking landscape photographs.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07What it was reacting against were those big Victorian plate cameras
0:46:07 > 0:46:10where you had to lug 100 things with you,
0:46:10 > 0:46:14you had to put a towel over your head, you've got a phosphorus flash.
0:46:14 > 0:46:19What they wanted - small, compact, affordable and good quality.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21That's why they're important in the history of cameras.
0:46:21 > 0:46:25- Date-wise, you say he bought it in 1951.- Yes.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28- So he would have probably bought it new.- I would think so. Yes.
0:46:28 > 0:46:34Because I've had a look at the serial number which is how you date the cameras, the Leicas.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38- And it's dating at 1950. - Oh, so it was new!
0:46:38 > 0:46:40- Ties in nicely, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:46:40 > 0:46:42So, the fact that one owner, fresh to market,
0:46:42 > 0:46:45that's two boxes ticked as far as a collector is concerned.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49The more important bits here are going to be the camera itself,
0:46:49 > 0:46:51the lens that's already with it,
0:46:51 > 0:46:54and then you've got the spare lens and the original box,
0:46:54 > 0:46:56which is a nice touch, and again, that does add value.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00If I said to you, can we put it in sale at £200-300...
0:47:00 > 0:47:03- would you be happy with that? - Yes, I would.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05That would be very nice.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08Fortunately, Dorothy found the receipt
0:47:08 > 0:47:10and added it to the lot.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12- You've got the original receipt. - I have.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15That's always a nice touch when you're selling things.
0:47:15 > 0:47:19- Just adds a bit of provenance to something and people like that.- Yes.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23I can start the bidding here at 120 on the book, with a bid at 120.
0:47:23 > 0:47:28Is it 130 now? 130. 140. 140. 150.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31150. 160. 170. 180. 190. 200.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33210. 200 on my left. At 200.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36I'm going to sell it at £200. Is there any further advance?
0:47:36 > 0:47:39It's going to be sold. Are you done?
0:47:39 > 0:47:41Yes. We got it away. £200.
0:47:42 > 0:47:46- Happy?- Yes!- Dorothy, Dorothy, you're not saying anything.- Yes.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48I'm very happy. Thank you very much.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50- Got me worried then.- I'm very happy.
0:47:50 > 0:47:54When it comes to cameras, like I've said, Leica really is the top name.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57I mean, you're talking Premier League, there.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01And the collectors will pay a lot of money for the right camera.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03And when I say "the right camera",
0:48:03 > 0:48:06I'm talking pre-war for a start, before mass production,
0:48:06 > 0:48:09say prototypes or short production runs of a certain model.
0:48:09 > 0:48:13I think the Leica Lexus, a very small number made.
0:48:13 > 0:48:18At auction, you're talking half a million pounds.
0:48:18 > 0:48:20I mean, that is big money for a camera.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28If you want to invest in something produced during YOUR lifetime,
0:48:28 > 0:48:31very modern items can be surprisingly valuable.
0:48:31 > 0:48:35And as Philip discovered in a valuation day in Stockport,
0:48:35 > 0:48:37the right place, time and subject matter
0:48:37 > 0:48:39can create magic in the sale room.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42Tell me, what do you know about these, then?
0:48:42 > 0:48:47- What's the artist's name?- Well, it's Trevor Grimshaw.- Trevor Grimshaw?
0:48:47 > 0:48:52- He's a local artist. Lived in this area, lived in Hythe.- How local?
0:48:52 > 0:48:56He lived in Hythe, which is probably about seven or eight miles from here.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59Until I went to that valuation day, I've got to hold my hand up,
0:48:59 > 0:49:02Grimshaw was not a man that I'd heard of.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05Philip phoned me from the valuation day, and he said,
0:49:05 > 0:49:08"I've got two drawings here by a fellow called Trevor Grimshaw.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10"Tell me all about him."
0:49:10 > 0:49:13Well, Trevor Grimshaw is one of the leading artists
0:49:13 > 0:49:15of the Northern area, I suppose.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18He was a Stockport-based artist, born in 1947,
0:49:18 > 0:49:21and he was an extremely talented draughtsman -
0:49:21 > 0:49:24very accurate, fine pencil drawing.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26He was very fond of the industrial landscape
0:49:26 > 0:49:30as all the Northern school were inspired by Lowry, et cetera.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32But these ones were the best I've ever seen.
0:49:32 > 0:49:34Did you buy them in a gallery?
0:49:34 > 0:49:38No, we went to his house and we bought them at his house.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41I had a bit of a connection with Trevor
0:49:41 > 0:49:44as I had some insurance business with his family.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47So, you were an insurance agent to Mr Grimshaw.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50What period of time was this?
0:49:50 > 0:49:56This was in...dating from the late '70s to 2000 and something.
0:49:56 > 0:50:00But, we decided, one Christmas, we'd buy something a bit different.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02So, we thought, let's get each other a picture.
0:50:02 > 0:50:06The thing that I liked about the two, was that you had the one
0:50:06 > 0:50:08with the train and the other one with the landscape,
0:50:08 > 0:50:12and I think, for me, it was a little bit out of period,
0:50:12 > 0:50:16because the train looked very much like it was Art Deco
0:50:16 > 0:50:19and I think this chap painted in the 1980s, 1990s.
0:50:19 > 0:50:22I mean, these are trying to be what? '30s? '20s or '30s?
0:50:22 > 0:50:25They're depicting Northern scenes,
0:50:25 > 0:50:28how they were, with the chimneys and the smoke.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32- You know, and the canals.- So, Stacia, what did you pay for this one?
0:50:32 > 0:50:36For this one, it was £150 and this one was 100.
0:50:36 > 0:50:40I would put an estimate on this one of 800-£1,200.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42This one I think is a little bit less.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45And we should perhaps put 600 to 900 on it.
0:50:45 > 0:50:51But I wouldn't be surprised if these went and made £2,000, £2,500.
0:50:51 > 0:50:56Northern artists are massively, massively sought after.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59And you are going to just the right place to sell these.
0:50:59 > 0:51:04We've got a Northern artist in a Northern sale room with Northern collectors.
0:51:04 > 0:51:08And if you tick those three boxes, you can't fail, really.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13Adam was also pretty confident these were going to fly.
0:51:13 > 0:51:14I've sold loads of Grimshaws,
0:51:14 > 0:51:16but those were probably the best I've seen
0:51:16 > 0:51:19and the biggest I've seen, so I'm really excited about them.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22- And how are we on the value?- Just right, just where you want them.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25Enough to promote them, to entice people to bid on them.
0:51:25 > 0:51:27That's it, "I've got a chance. At 800, I've got a chance."
0:51:27 > 0:51:30Everybody's queuing up to bid £800 for them
0:51:30 > 0:51:32and no-one's going to get them anywhere near.
0:51:32 > 0:51:34They're going to be four figures each, without a doubt.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40950 here, I'll take £1,000 in the room.
0:51:40 > 0:51:41At 950, take 1,000, and 50.
0:51:43 > 0:51:471,150, 1,250, 1,300 in the room now.
0:51:47 > 0:51:491,300, I'll take 50.
0:51:49 > 0:51:521,350. 1,400. 50.
0:51:52 > 0:51:541,500...
0:51:54 > 0:51:572,400, 2,500.
0:51:57 > 0:52:002,600, 2,700.
0:52:00 > 0:52:04- 2,800, 2,900. - Pity you didn't buy a few more.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07£3,800 for the first one, is there 3,900?
0:52:09 > 0:52:13£3,800, are you all done on the first one now?
0:52:13 > 0:52:15£3,800.
0:52:17 > 0:52:18Thank you very much.
0:52:18 > 0:52:22£3,800. Let's see what the second one does.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25- What a great investment. - 27, the next one.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27Onto 609.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31It's the next Trevor Grimshaw industrial landscape with canal.
0:52:31 > 0:52:36You've got 600. I've got 800 to start. I'll take 20. 820.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38840, 860, 880, 900,
0:52:38 > 0:52:43and 20, 960, 980, 1,050, 1,150, 1,250.
0:52:43 > 0:52:48In the room, 1,250. 1,300, 50, 1,400, 50.
0:52:48 > 0:52:521,500, 50, 1,600? 1,550.
0:52:52 > 0:52:57At 1,550, 1,600, and 50.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59Pleased?
0:52:59 > 0:53:032,300, 2,400,
0:53:03 > 0:53:062,500, 2,600,
0:53:06 > 0:53:102,700, 2,800.
0:53:10 > 0:53:142,700 this time, at 2,700.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17- Try not to be disappointed. - That's not a bad guess, is it?
0:53:17 > 0:53:222,800, we are back on. 2,800, it's not over, 2,900, 3,000.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24It's still going.
0:53:24 > 0:53:262,900 this time.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29At £2,900, are you done?
0:53:30 > 0:53:33Thank you very much.
0:53:33 > 0:53:38- I never expected that.- No.- £6,700!
0:53:38 > 0:53:41That's what we call a great "Flog It!" surprise.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44- I think we paid 250.- 250. - Is that what you paid?- Yes, yeah.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47- For the two?- For the two, yes.
0:53:47 > 0:53:50I was surprised that they made quite that much.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52I did think that they might make a couple of thousand each,
0:53:52 > 0:53:54based on similar ones that we've had.
0:53:54 > 0:53:58But there was lots of buyers for these and they were all private collectors.
0:53:58 > 0:54:02They're a passionate bunch and they all want to own the best possible works.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05People like to be reminded of home.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08So, if you come from the North and you buy Northern art,
0:54:08 > 0:54:10you might not necessarily live there,
0:54:10 > 0:54:12but it's an area of collectability
0:54:12 > 0:54:14that just reminds you where you come from.
0:54:14 > 0:54:16He seems to get missed a lot by people.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18Quite often we get people come in,
0:54:18 > 0:54:20having bought his at charity shops and car-boot sales,
0:54:20 > 0:54:23he's one of the major ones, that I suppose
0:54:23 > 0:54:26if you're out there bargain hunting, you might just have a chance.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29Look for very fine quality draughtsmanship
0:54:29 > 0:54:33and for trains and for gloominess and for Northern industrial
0:54:33 > 0:54:37and his signature's quite often hard to make out. Have a punt.
0:54:37 > 0:54:39There's an area that you might make a few pounds.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44So, here's a few things to remember
0:54:44 > 0:54:48if you're interested in collectables made in living memory.
0:54:48 > 0:54:50Provenance is key.
0:54:50 > 0:54:54It can make the difference between pounds and pence if you're selling.
0:54:54 > 0:54:57If you're into gadgets, look for those manufactured
0:54:57 > 0:55:00before mass production made them commonplace.
0:55:00 > 0:55:02And even if you've never heard of them,
0:55:02 > 0:55:06an artist whose work perfectly captures a time and a place
0:55:06 > 0:55:08could prove a fantastic investment.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17There's nothing quite like childhood
0:55:17 > 0:55:21to evoke all sorts of wonderful memories, especially a toy as iconic
0:55:21 > 0:55:24as the one Caroline showed Catherine Southon
0:55:24 > 0:55:27at a valuation day in Chippenham back in 2005.
0:55:27 > 0:55:31Caroline, this is what I like to see. Toys in their original boxes.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33Now, you and I are probably
0:55:33 > 0:55:36a little too young to remember Muffin the Mule on TV.
0:55:36 > 0:55:40But certainly he was an important character for children
0:55:40 > 0:55:42of the 1950s and early '60s on BBC One.
0:55:42 > 0:55:46How did Muffin the Mule come into your family?
0:55:46 > 0:55:49He's either my mum's or my dad's. They both had one,
0:55:49 > 0:55:52- so we've got another one up in the attic somewhere.- Something like this,
0:55:52 > 0:55:55they're probably not as popular as they once were
0:55:55 > 0:55:58about ten years ago when the toy market was a bit stronger.
0:55:58 > 0:55:59But, nevertheless,
0:55:59 > 0:56:03I think you should still ask about £60-80 at auction.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06I don't think my parents were very fond of Muffin the Mule,
0:56:06 > 0:56:09but we had to downsize and clear out the attic,
0:56:09 > 0:56:11so I think they were just keen to make some space
0:56:11 > 0:56:13and see it go to a good home.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17Caroline had outgrown childhood playthings,
0:56:17 > 0:56:20and her parents wanted to help her raise some money
0:56:20 > 0:56:22to invest in grown-up toys.
0:56:22 > 0:56:27I started rowing in 1997, I went to college here in Oxford
0:56:27 > 0:56:30and my friend who rowed persuaded me to go along
0:56:30 > 0:56:32and do a couple of training sessions.
0:56:32 > 0:56:35I think we had three outings and then we raced, and we won the race
0:56:35 > 0:56:39and I just fell in love with the sport from that moment on.
0:56:39 > 0:56:41But rowing is an expensive hobby
0:56:41 > 0:56:44so off to the market Muffin trotted.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46We've had one on the show before and we sold it for £90.
0:56:46 > 0:56:49So, fingers crossed we can get a little bit more today.
0:56:49 > 0:56:51It should do. What worries me slightly,
0:56:51 > 0:56:53I don't know if there's that many toy buyers here.
0:56:53 > 0:56:55There doesn't seem to be a lot of them.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58There's not many toys, I think it's about the only toy here.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01It might be a little bit lost, that's the only thing that worries me,
0:57:01 > 0:57:04but it would've been nice if it had been displayed with all the strings showing.
0:57:04 > 0:57:06Hanging up somewhere near the rostrum!
0:57:06 > 0:57:10Anyway, let's hope someone's picked it out of the catalogue. Here we go.
0:57:10 > 0:57:11This is it.
0:57:11 > 0:57:14And 531, Moko Muffin the Mule
0:57:14 > 0:57:18in his original box, articulating joints.
0:57:18 > 0:57:22- And apparently, it's just coming back onto the television.- It is.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25I didn't know that.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28Absolutely fantastic and I have got commission bids,
0:57:28 > 0:57:32so it makes life ever so easy. I'll start the bidding at £90.
0:57:32 > 0:57:36- Oh, that's excellent.- At £90, at 90, I'll take five.
0:57:36 > 0:57:38At £90, at 90.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40Five anywhere else?
0:57:40 > 0:57:45At £90, then. It's going to a good home. At 90, all done.
0:57:45 > 0:57:48Yes! 90 quid! What are you going to do with the 90 quid?
0:57:48 > 0:57:51- I'm saving towards a sculling boat. - It's a start.- It's all contributing.
0:57:57 > 0:58:01I did want to use the money from the show to buy a sculling boat,
0:58:01 > 0:58:05but they're very expensive. Probably a couple of thousand pounds
0:58:05 > 0:58:08and so, the £90 that we got from Muffin the Mule didn't go that far.
0:58:08 > 0:58:12So with the money I made, I bought these blades. They were £395.
0:58:12 > 0:58:18The £90 from "Flog It!" probably bought me this much.
0:58:21 > 0:58:23It's always a pleasure to hear
0:58:23 > 0:58:27that "Flog It!" was able to help out - albeit in a small way.
0:58:27 > 0:58:29If you've got any unloved toys you want to sell
0:58:29 > 0:58:33or any other antiques or collectables for that matter, you know where to come.
0:58:33 > 0:58:37Well, that's it for today's show, so go on, go out there, have fun,
0:58:37 > 0:58:41buy some antiques and join us again soon for more Trade Secrets.