Weston-super-Mare Flog It!

Hello and welcome to Flog It - where you turn your stash into hard cash.

Almost everyone has an antique locked away in the attic or the shed

which is of no use to the family any more.

Flog It gives you the chance to make money from those unwanted items.

Hundreds of antiques are valued and a handful are put forward to auction.

But auctions can be unpredictable places, so will our owners make the money they hope to,

and will our experts value them correctly?

Later, we'll be finding out how the owners do.

-I've still got the collection.

-Exactly.

She's going to take me out for dinner now!

-Furthest away, 60...

-Gosh!

48 and 50...

-Was that being sold?

-Yes.

-I didn't realise that at all!

£22, then...

I'll have a brandy, I think.

Today, our valuation room is in the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare.

Over 300 people have turned up, loaded down with intriguing bags and boxes,

hoping our experts will give them some favourable evaluations. A few will go on to be sold at auction.

Our experts today are Sheldon Cameron and Thomas Plant.

Sheldon manages an auction house and Thomas used to work for Sheldon. Now he's an auctioneer in Bath.

-Are you nervous?

-Not at all.

-You should be because you're going swimming!

I'm looking forward to that. Sheldon can't swim, so I'm happy.

-I've noticed a rivalry between you.

-He knows nothing. I know it all!

My strengths are in dealing with people. Thomas's weakness lies in his dress sense.

He's won the best tie award.

Look at this - stripes and spots!

How do they go together?!

-You're gonna go in there and have fun. Let's get some good items for sale. Good luck.

-Thanks.

Thomas is starting with a bit of a stir.

They were inherited from my Yorkshire grandfather.

They've come down through my father to me.

What do you know about them?

-I don't know anything about them except that they're ladles for drinks.

-They are toddy ladles.

This one here has a whalebone on it here.

And this looks like mahogany.

-Do you know what date they are?

-They're Georgian, I think.

-Yes.

It's difficult to give an exact date because the hallmark on the silver has been rubbed away.

-Too much polishing.

-I had a dear lady who used to clean for me

and I found that all the silver was losing its marks, and I've got some beautiful silver.

They're going to be worth £60-£80.

-You happy to sell them at that?

-Yes!

I don't mind what I sell them at. To be honest, it was a bit of fun.

-What would you do with the money?

-I would give it to my donkey, probably.

I've several adoptions. I've adopted a granny in India as well.

A granny in India and a donkey!

-So the donkey would benefit from this sale?

-Yes.

Would you come along to the auction?

If I can get one of my wretched grandchildren to bring me!

Tell me how you came across the bureau.

I was just visiting a local friend.

The inferred that they were fed up with their style of furniture

and they wanted more modern stuff.

To be honest, I couldn't believe my ears.

I thought, "Here's a chance to get a bureau."

The right place at the right time. How much was it?

-£500.

-£500.

That's not too bad at all.

You're probably aware it's an oak bureau.

Everything about it shouts "quality". It's well constructed.

This bit - the fall - has a ledge on it where you can put papers on for a quick glance.

If you pull the supports out and look inside...

It is unlocked.

You have a fantastic interior.

One thing that strikes me is that the hinges have been replaced.

You see that a lot, the reason being, instead of putting the supports out,

people just rested it on their waists, put a heavy object on,

down it comes, the hinges break. So to see them replaced is not unusual.

And it's nice that you also have the well.

It's an extra compartment for putting things in.

Then going up to the little pigeon holes.

It's a very nice-shaped size, which is a sign of quality.

We'll move to the lower section. There we go.

The moment of truth - the handles have been replaced at some stage.

You can tell by opening the drawers.

You can see that you have some different holes in here

which were for the original handles.

The handles are in keeping with the overall piece.

The other thing, gents -

have you noticed, just above the back plate for the lock here,

you have a new piece of wood?

If you go to the top, there's a new piece of wood here.

Whoever owned this initially probably lost the keys.

They've wanted to get into it and they prised the locks open.

That's why you see the new bits of wood inset above the locks.

Hence the locks have been replaced, which is normal to see.

So what do you think it's worth?

I would be disappointed if we didn't sort of double our money.

Right. Bureaus just now are not setting the world alight price-wise.

Realistically in auction, at the right sale,

with a good following of country furniture, you're looking at £700-£900 at auction.

-That sounds all right.

-Excellent. A satisfied customer.

-We can put it in auction, if you're happy with that?

-Happy? Yeah.

What will you do with all of the money?

Put it in the bank first. Making the money is the most important, then I hope I'll spend it properly.

A wise man always invests it.

-Tell me about these.

-They belonged to my mother.

When she died, I found them, and I thought they looked quite pretty.

-But I feel that they should have a liner.

-You're quite right.

-That's why I've never used them.

-There would have been a glass liner. They are silver salts.

They have hallmarks and a date letter.

-Have you looked up the date?

-No.

Well, I have my hallmark book here with me.

I can look it up.

-You've never used them?

-Never.

-You've polished them, but not properly.

-No.

-They're date lettered for London. And the London has a leopard.

-It's a leopard.

-You know far more than me!

This is the lion looking at you. Here is the date letter.

I think that is the date letter "H". It's easier to see here.

That's, er...1763.

That's amazing!

I didn't know they were as old as that.

-What do you think they're worth.

-I've no idea.

-£50.

-A bit more.

-I would say £80-£100.

-That's lovely.

-What a bonus!

-Brilliant!

And we'd love to sell them for you.

-I'm delighted for you to do it.

-We'll do that, then!

Thanks for bringing this wonderful and varied collection along.

What can you tell me about it?

I've had it for about eight months now.

It came to me through a family member and I've done some research on it and gone as far as I can.

There's a lot more to this collection than I've brought along.

You're an extremely fortunate young man inheriting this. There's a multitude of garrisons here.

It's something that takes my eye straight away.

The camels are extremely collectable indeed. I had a soft spot for them.

And then the mules - can you tell me about those?

-I know they are by John Hill & Co.

-An extremely well-known manufacturer.

-Apparently, they're very scarce.

-Very rare and command a high price.

The other interesting thing is, with this Scotsman here,

if you turn it over, you can just make out the word "Britains". Britains is also very well-known.

This is fantastic, and it's not all?

-No.

-How much more do you have?

-The same again?

-More than this.

Extremely lucky. It's a wonderful collection.

If you were to sell these at auction, if they were to make a lot of money, what would you do with it?

I'd go to the World Cup. I've been saving up, so whatever I got from this would be added on.

-Cos it's about £8 a pint there.

-Spoken like a true supporter there.

The proceeds from this and the other section will pay for your flight,

for your accommodation. It'd pay for a first-class flight.

Conservatively, as I haven't seen it all,

I would say approaching between £2,000 and £4,000.

-Yeah.

-That's a conservative estimate.

You have some extremely rare articles.

-Would you consider selling them?

-Yeah.

Wonderful. I'll go through it with you later, but hopefully, you might buy a Beckham shirt out there.

-Thank you for bringing them in.

-Great.

We've had a great day so far, so let's see what our owners will be taking to auction.

Andrew and David's bureau could make a profit if it's all it seems.

Only time will tell if Avril's silver salts can find a buyer without the glass inlays.

Will Steven's lead soldiers fly him in style to the World Cup?

And finally, let's hope Mrs Burns' silver ladles buy a few carrots for her adopted donkey.

The whalebone one had damage to the end - not worth selling on its own.

-She was a lovely lady.

-If I can get one of my wretched grandchildren to bring me, I will come!

Our owners are optimistic and our experts are bright and breezy.

But will those evaluations stand up?

What do you think? You can play by logging on at -

Now it's down to the auction.

Our items will soon go under the hammer at a fine arts sale in Clevedon, Somerset.

Auctioneer Mark Burridge is the man in charge. He knows his stuff.

He's been a regular in antique shops since he was 8, and has had over 30 years' experience as an auctioneer.

So there's not much he doesn't know about the world of antiques. How does he rate the items?

It's not often you hear what an auctioneer thinks about your lot.

It's always useful to get a second opinion.

Have our experts got their evaluations right?

-What have we here?

-A pair of silver salts. They date from 1763 - you can tell from the hallmarks.

Sadly, they've had a few falls off the dining table.

-Been thrown around a bit?

-Yeah.

-Someone unhappy with the meal...

I'd say £50-£75.

-The value our experts have put on is £80-£100.

-I think that's rather ambitious.

That's a shame. These were Avril's mother's. Avril found them after she died.

-You have to hang on to them.

-She may have to.

I just want to look at the bracket feet underneath. This looks like it has come from something else.

It's lost its styled foot there. It had one there.

This looks very suspect to me.

I agree. Back on its feet.

-Small proportion.

-Suspiciously small - my immediate reaction.

It just doesn't feel right to me.

I think it's an old, larger bureau that's been cut down to make it into this attractive, unusual size.

-They've been doing that for the best part of 100, 150 years.

-Sure.

It certainly wasn't done last week.

You can tell by the way the weld doesn't slide. And the wear on it.

It's an attractive piece, but I wouldn't be happy to sell it as an 18th-century bureau.

No. That's for sure.

This piece has been withdrawn by the owners.

They changed their minds as to whether they wanted to sell it.

-That's sad, cos we wanted to see some furniture go through.

-That's life!

But my gut feeling is that it isn't a true period piece.

I'll find out why they decided not to sell when they pick it up later on.

Here we have two interesting pieces.

They are toddy ladles.

-I love a hot toddy.

-Both from the 18th century.

We know this is silver as there are traces of hallmark.

-They've been over-cleaned, which devalues it, doesn't it?

-It does.

This one is a turned walnut handle, nicely turned on a lathe.

No hallmarks, but inset into the bottom of the bowl is a George I silver shilling,

dated 1720.

-What's the estimate on this?

-£60-£80 for the two.

-I think they're worth a little more than that.

Mrs Burnett inherited these from her grandparents and the money is going to two of her favourite causes -

her donkey sanctuary and the other is she's got a granny in India.

Very good. Well, let's hope they do well.

We've had Steven bring in his whole collection of pre-war soldiers.

He's going to spend the money on a ticket to Japan.

Good for him. It's a vast array here - 500 really good pieces.

A true boy's delight.

Here we have Royal Medical Corps - nurses, complete with wounded soldiers on stretchers.

They're all lead - die-cast hollow figures.

There are two or three rare pieces.

Our experts have put £2,000-£4,000. That's such a wide ball-park figure.

It's a very difficult collection to value.

They are not mint and boxed, which is serious money.

-But he has a chance of getting £2,000.

-A couple of thousand.

He'd get to Japan with that.

And get to the football.

It's now auction day in Clevedon.

Our owners' antiques are going under the hammer. Some are quite excited.

Others are feeling the strain.

You're taking this away. You're not happy.

That is correct, Paul.

It is going back to Devon where it will rest until Andrew - this is my son and sole owner -

decides what to do with it.

In my opinion, there is something slightly dubious about it.

That's not to say it's not 18th century - it is - it's just been reduced in size.

-Has it?

-I'm sure it has. Maybe you should ask Andrew's reaction.

I think you're going to inherit a lovely piece.

I wouldn't be disappointed. Just keep polishing it.

-I'm fond of it, so I'll hold on to it and appreciate it.

-For sure.

Thank you ever so much.

Bye now!

The auction's under way and we have a full house.

One of our owners is determined she won't miss HER lot going through.

Mary, are you excited?

Well...I love auctions, you see.

Before I was old and blind, I used to go to one every day in Exeter.

Every week, I mean.

And the house is entirely furnished from auctions.

-Will you be sad to see your ladles go?

-In a way, yes.

I've had them always, just sitting there. They had to be cleaned.

And the money is going towards a donkey.

-We have a picture here.

-My donkey is called Tom Harris.

-Tom Harris?

-How long have you had it?

-Several years.

-Do you visit him?

-Yes.

Avril's silver salts are first up. Will they make the asking price?

Selling on £22.

-You OK, Avril?

-Yes.

-Are you excited?

-Quite, yes.

-Do you come to many auctions?

-I go sometimes, but they are so time-consuming,

I don't go to many unless I really want something.

And 258 is the pair of George III silver salts.

-Here we go.

-This is it?

-Hallmarked London, 1763.

I have a bid of £50, £55, £60.

£60 right at the top. And 5, £65.

-At £60, is there 5? All done on £60.

-Yes!

Thank you. £65. And £70...

£75! Ooh!

£80 at the top. And 5, anyone else now? All done on the £80.

-That's quite good.

-Wonderful.

-Well done.

-I'm quite pleased, actually.

You said £80-£100.

And we landed on £80. You happy?

Yes. They were sitting in a suitcase for 14 years.

I'm pleased.

-You won't miss them?

-No.

-What will you spend the money on?

I shall buy a cut-glass salt cellar that I won't have to clean.

-Yes.

-More practical.

-Yes.

Next in line, Steven's soldiers. Will they carry him to the World Cup?

-Steven, you're going to put the money towards going to the World Cup.

-Yes.

You nearly sold it on the Internet. What changed your mind?

It was not so much selling the whole collection, but parts of it.

It was the opportunity to come along and sell it all in bulk like this.

-And you've got some left at home?

-I've got about 260 bits at home, which I will keep.

I'll hand them down to my son.

Your original estimate on this was between £2,000-£4,000.

Because there's so many of them. It's a fantastic collection.

I hope it makes the money for him.

Now we come to 206.

We have 500-plus Britains and other hollow-cast lead figures.

He's not phased, is he?

I've got £1,100 to start me on the book.

-That's good.

-£1,100. £1,200 on the phone. £1,300.

£1,400, £1,500, £1,600,

£1,700, £1,800, £1,900, £2,000...

£2,000? At £1,900.

At £1,900.

£2,000? At £1,900...

No.

No sale. That is just shy.

Maybe he could use discretion and ring the phone bidder.

That was unfortunate. That was so close.

I wouldn't be surprised if they sell later on today.

In an instance like this, the auctioneer might get a phone call asking if there's any discretion.

Don't feel too bad now - or as bad as I do at the moment!

-I still have the collection.

-Exactly.

Fingers crossed something'll come up later.

Some of our owners have left a fixed reserve on their items. This is determined prior to the auction.

If the price doesn't reach that level, the object won't be sold.

If it exceeds it, you go home happy.

Mary's toddy ladles are up next.

-Are you feeling excited?

-No, I'm feeling dazed!

-Is it all too overwhelming?

-It's too noisy.

-And all the cameras and lights?

-Yes.

And 243. We have two Georgian toddy ladles.

Are you excited that they're going to be sold today?

I'd like them to make money - not for me, but for something...

If they don't sell, with your washing stick, I'll give Thomas a bash with it for getting it wrong.

£85 and £90... £95?

All done at £90, are you? 5, is it? Yes or no?

Mr White, thank you.

Was that it being sold? I didn't realise that at all!

-I didn't know.

-I think they were worth it.

Oh, £90 is very good.

I said £60-£80, so it's just over.

-How are you going to divide the money?

-I haven't thought about it cos I didn't know I had it yet.

-It happens pretty quickly, doesn't it?

-Yes, it was very quick.

We've had a great day so far,

and we'll be back in the valuation room soon to hunt for a few more antiques.

But as we're on the coast, I'm going to take in some sea air.

Just up the coastline from Weston-super-Mare is one of the most beautiful Victorian structures.

It's Clevedon Pier.

The pier was built in 1869, and has touched the hearts of all the locals ever since.

The poet laureate Sir John Betjeman once said, "Clevedon without its pier is like a diamond with a flaw."

It's not surprising cos it's such a romantic place that many couples have fallen in love here.

This pier means to us personally quite a lot.

This is where I first met Mary, my wife.

How long ago was that?

That was 41 years ago.

I've been very happy and I think Mary has as well. This brings good memories for us.

Mary used to come here with her friends from Portishead.

And do the board walk.

Cos the jukebox used to be on at the pier.

The old rock'n'roll used to blare out here, I can assure you.

Bill Hailey, Elvis Presley...

-What was your favourite record, Mary?

-I liked all records

cos I liked dancing.

-Elvis is her man.

-Elvis is definitely my man.

-The king.

-We jived very well together, didn't we?

-We got on splendid.

We still frequent the old dance hall to play rock'n'roll again, which we do quite regularly.

The pier has had its ups, but what about its downs?

In 1970, the pier was tested using giant tubes filled with water.

Within seconds of the last tubes being filled, the end of the pier collapsed into the sea.

To us Clevedonians, it was rather a bad blow for us.

Over the years, the pier had attracted lots of visitors to Clevedon.

It was terrible to think that a wonderful place where we used to dance,

suddenly, we weren't able to walk along the pier.

It had to be closed.

Did you help raise funds for the rebuilding?

We used to buy bronze plaques with the family names on.

And that way, we helped to raise funds.

It's a grade II Victorian structure, so it'll be maintained and stand for a long time, just like your love.

-Hopefully!

-Oh, yes!

Back in the valuation room, Thomas has stumbled upon a collection.

You have a fabulous selection here.

Are they all things you inherited?

My wife did. They're my great aunt's.

You've got a fantastic sugar bowl here. You have the Bacchus head. You've got fruit and grape and vine.

I haven't looked at the mark or weighed it, so difficult to value.

A pair of ribbon plates.

However, the most valuable thing here is the piece of Doulton Lambert.

You have mice looking at a Punch and Judy show. It's in tin glaze on a stoneware base.

You may think it's a bit of fun.

What makes all the difference is the mark on the back. This monogram stands for George Tinworth,

the most famous designer for Doulton in the late-19th century.

His mice are very famous.

People really do like to collect them. Where is it in the house?

In a glass cabinet.

-Does it ever come out at all?

-That's the first time since we put it in.

Apart from when I give it a dust.

-And do you like it?

-I do.

-Have you any idea of value?

-Not a clue.

-Not a clue?

-Not a clue.

-Try £200?

-Haven't a clue. Don't know.

Try £800-£1,200 - that's how much I think it's worth.

-Really?

-Yes.

Oh, my God! Well surprised.

So £800-£1,200. Would you sell it?

We certainly will. Yes!

I'm very pleased. It's lovely to find.

Hopefully, we will get the Doulton collectors excited by it.

Thank you. Thank you.

How did you acquire them?

We were publicans and The Ship was our pub.

And that was redone about...

ten years ago?

-So these were in the pub you had?

-Yes.

A nautical theme. It makes sense.

We'll start with this.

You have a ship's light, but it would have been one of a pair.

This one "starboard". Unfortunately, it's flaked away. It's sailed the seven seas!

-I broke it when I was cleaning it.

-Overzealous cleaning? Obviously very house proud.

-Yes.

-Would your husband agree?

-Definitely!

Back to the light. As I said, would have been one of a pair.

This is missing part of the glass. But a very attractive object.

They are a nightmare to keep clean.

-Rather you than me.

-They're not too bad if you don't leave it too long.

-I'll bring mine over.

-I'd enjoy it.

We'll find out what her other items are worth in a moment.

But first, not everyone who comes along wants to sell their antiques.

I found it in a pile of newspapers in a junk shop.

I bought it for £10

and I got it framed.

-Lovely.

-I've had it with me for about 25 years.

It's a great political statement.

"Votes for women". Dated here 1911, and here's the artist.

-We said that it could have been a newspaper cartoonist.

-Yes.

It makes me laugh every time I look at it.

It brought a smile to all our faces.

-A fantastic bit of political history.

-Thank you.

Back to those nautical lights.

Compare this... to the daddy of all lights.

We go to this one. Again, for a ship.

As it says, it was for the masthead.

There's the maker's plaque with the registration 2010.

And it actually says Griffiths And Sons Of Birmingham Ltd.

So if we traced it back, it came from them.

-Do you have any idea what it's worth?

-None at all.

-If someone offered you £10, would you be happy?

-No!

So you've an idea what it's worth.

They are sought-after things, but they are now decorative objects.

At an auction, you'd be looking at £80-£120 for it.

Going on to the baby one, this little one over here.

Again, very collectible, worth slightly less

because of its size and it's only 50% of what it was because they came in pairs.

At auction, you'd be looking at around £50-£70.

-How does that sound to you?

-Good.

-Excellent!

Sheldon will check out the cash register after Thomas has tended to a piece of Doulton.

How did you come by this vase?

It was left to me by my auntie who died about three years ago.

She left me all her China. That was amongst it.

-Did you have any inkling of what it was worth?

-None at all.

I liked the look of it, so I kept it.

-You've got a good eye.

-Someone said it might be worth some money.

As you can see here, it's Doulton Lambeth.

That's a studio factory before Royal Doulton.

The main designer was Edith Lupton - EDL.

There's the Doulton Lambeth stamp.

She did the designing and the hand carving.

It's sgraffito decoration. It's been carved all across the vase.

Fantastic decoration. Great colours.

-What do you like about it?

-I like the colours, as you said.

The beading's rather nice.

-Do you have it on display at home?

-We do, but nothing matches with it.

It's a shame we don't have the other one or it would have been worth a tremendous amount.

But it is lovely. It'll be worth £300-£500.

That would be sold in an auction in Clevedon.

That would be good fun.

-A fantastic item.

-Thank you.

Will that till make Di and Kerry a few pounds if they sell it?

The cash register is a wonderful-looking thing.

It's elaborately decorated.

On the back it says the National Cash Register Company Of Daytona.

Daytona in America is now the home of the racing cars.

The other thing I liked was this plaque at the top, which was a service indicator.

And just skimming through it - very ordinary dates apart from February 14, which is...

-Valentine's Day.

-Well remembered. And the other one is November 5, which is...

-Guy Fawkes.

-Wonderful.

It's little details like that that make it more interesting.

Something that has Valentine's Day and Guy Fawkes' Night,

it's extra information.

And it's in wonderful condition.

It has fantastic workings.

It is rather on the heavy side. It really is a wonderful thing and it's in full working order.

-If I press one of these...

-Yes.

-Can I ring your bell?

-Certainly.

And it's going as good as ever.

What do you think this is worth?

I don't have a clue.

So if someone offered you £30, you'd be happy? That's more than I said for the masthead light.

I wouldn't be happy with that.

Bearing in mind your husband would have to carry it back home. You wouldn't be flavour of the month.

It is very nice indeed.

At an auction, they'd be very interested, because it's a very pleasing object.

It would be nice to have in a shop or a kitchen or for the children.

This is a very decorative object. Value-wise, you're looking at £200.

-How does that sound to you?

-That sounds good.

Better than £20 or £30!

And you don't have to lug it the whole way back.

With regard to the three objects, would you sell them?

Yes, we would.

Now, with all the copious amounts of cash you'll make,

what would you do with the money?

Holiday!

-Anywhere nice?

-Anywhere!

-Shall I carry the bags?

-Yes.

So tell me when and why you bought these items of Cornish ware.

We bought them just before we got married. I was collecting things before we got married in 1955.

-1955?

-Yeah.

-And you both like them?

We were going to have a blue-and-white kitchen

so we decided on the Cornish ware to go with it.

That was quite modern of you in 1955 not to go down the tradition of willow pattern.

You went for the modern... You must have been quite trendy.

We were very with it!

-You must have been!

-Everything in the house was new.

-G-Plan.

-Fantastically collectible now.

Sadly, none of that here. No, but the Cornish ware is very collectible.

They remain on a shelf in the kitchen. They were for decoration.

They were packed up and forgotten about.

Well, they're tremendously collectible, as you probably know. That's why you brought them.

Cornish ware has shot to the heights of now it's being faked.

It's TG Green And Company, which it says on the base here.

You can see that there. TG Green.

-They're actually remaking them as well.

-So I gather.

I would say the more valuable ones are the ones with lettering on.

I notice you have two here - the flour and the salt.

These are worth the most money.

The jars are also worth some.

I would suggest at putting them in at £100-£200.

They might get some more. We'll get a reserve at about £90.

-Are you happy with that?

-Yes.

You were a forward-thinking couple to buy something new and modern with a design thought behind it.

-So with the money, will you buy something from IKEA?

-I don't think so.

Well, we've had a great day here in Weston.

We'll be returning to Clevedon to see how our antiques do at auction.

Antiques come in all shapes and sizes, and here at the Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare,

I'm surrounded by these old relics.

MUSIC: "The Valkyrie" by Wagner

This is one of the first helicopters ever built - by an Australian called Haffner in 1931.

It never took off, and I wonder why(!)

This helicopter was used in the Vietnam War. It was shot up, patched up and used in the Gulf War.

Being in here reminds me of the film Apocalypse Now, which would be exciting,

but the atmosphere inside here is tense, menacing and spooky.

It's held together by hundreds of rivets.

When the GIs got inside, they didn't wear their helmets - they sat on them. You can work out why!

Long distances, short distances - the rich and famous often use helicopters, even to the shops.

This has the colours of the royal livery - who's flown in this? Let's check it out.

Prince Andrew flew this helicopter to the museum himself.

Princess Diana and all the kings of Europe have flown in it.

It was the first helicopter the Queen flew in. It's a twin-engine Wessex.

They wouldn't let her fly in a single-engine one.

Maybe the corgis flew in this. What do you think, Bluebell?

Now I know how to travel in style. Cheers!

It's the end of our valuation day here in Weston-super-Mare.

Our owners have chosen the antiques they want to sell.

Ron had no idea he was sitting on something valuable at home.

It's got a good shape and colour, though there is a hairline crack, but that shouldn't matter.

Di and Kerry had hoped to go on holiday with the proceeds of the sale of the lanterns and cash till.

Will it be Bognor or Barbados?

The Tapelys will be happy to make any profit from their trendy 1950s purchase.

Jane and Terry were blown over by the valuation of their Doulton mice.

Has Thomas got it right?

It might be a bit strong, but that's what I think it should be worth.

Back in Clevedon, the auction is in full swing.

Plenty of our owners' ornaments and pieces of furniture are up for sale.

Will they reach what our experts valued them at, or will they fall below?

We get a second opinion from Mark Burridge.

What does he think of our owners' pieces?

-Bit of Cornish ware.

-Yes.

-Mrs Tapely was going to get her husband to paint the kitchen white and blue.

Those stamps are older than these.

You have two types of stamps - this is the original Cornish ware.

This was made from the '30s onwards.

But this stamp here is the 1970s stamp.

-Our experts have valued this at £100-£200.

-That does surprise me.

I know it's very collectable, but I think Tom is flying a kite there.

We'll have to wait and see. We have a reserve of £90 and I think that's nearer the figure someone will pay.

I hope it fetches a little more than that for them. Di and Kerry have brought in three lots.

Unfortunately, they can't be at the auction, but if these sell, they'll spend the money on a holiday.

They're on holiday now, so they love their holidays!

Let's start with the starboard lamp.

This is the genuine article and not a copy. It would work, but there's no burner.

That could affect the price.

I would have thought £40-£60.

-Our experts have said £50-£70.

-So we're not too far out there.

-It would be worth a lot more if we had the port light.

-It would.

We have the main mast light here.

This one's lost the burner as well.

So that could be converted to a table lamp.

I think the valuation on this was £80-£120, which is about right.

But people have been going off brass and copper because of the cleaning.

Modern generation has no time for that.

And we have this tiny cash register.

This is right on the end of the 1800s.

You can see the patent date there.

June 13th.

A nice-shaped piece is missing here at the top.

And another panel of glass which has got broken.

-Your experts said £200-£300.

-That's rich?

-A bit rich.

We'll see. It's in without reserve.

I would think £150, maybe.

This is a very nice lot.

It's a nice bit of Doulton stoneware.

-Gorgeous Punch and Judy.

-Yes.

A little family of mice, with one trying to get in.

At the back is the monograph for George Tinworth.

Very famous Doulton potter.

This has got to be worth £1,000 or more.

-We have a reserve of £800.

-I'm comfortable with that.

This has been in our cabinet for two weeks and I know someone who knows Jane.

She said she was delighted and would have been happy with £50.

-This is what the show's all about.

-She'll be happy.

-More Doulton.

-Lambeth Doulton.

Doulton Lambeth, that's right.

It's art nouveau influence here.

Underneath tells us a bit.

You have the Doulton Lambeth stamp,

-and you have the monogram there for Edith Lupton.

-It's very nice.

Ron's aunt left him that, so he's inherited it.

-It's in very nice condition.

-What value for this?

The reserve is £300.

The reserve is £300, which, again, is a bit strong in my mind. £200-£300, certainly.

We'll wait and see.

The auction room's buzzing with browsers, looking for a bargain, but are the Doulton dealers here?

Just before our owners' lots go under the gavel, I went to see if our experts have any doubts.

-How are you feeling?

-Cool, calm and collected.

There's been a lot of interest.

I'm confident. And you, Tom?

Quietly confident, though I am always nervous for my vendors and I hope we do well for them today.

So do I. Are you confident in your evaluations?

Um, yes, quietly confident.

There has been a lot of interest in the articles Tom and I brought in.

They're realistic and there might be some surprises.

Hopefully there'll be a few surprises.

On valuation day, you always quote highly and strongly, try to get your items in.

Let's hope we can achieve them.

-Sweating brows!

-Yes, sweating brows!

First up is Ron's vase.

Ron, you brought in a Doulton vase. Who have you brought with you?

-This is my partner, Keith.

-He drove you here?

-Yes.

-Are you excited?

-Very excited. Hoping to make quite a lot of money.

Did you agree on the £300 reserve beforehand with the auctioneer?

-We did.

-Were you happy with that?

-Quite happy, yeah.

-Thomas valued it at £300-£500. If it does sell, this money is going to a good cause, isn't it?

-It is.

-What is it?

-Axminster Hospital League Of Friends.

-Do you come from that area?

-We come from Axminster and it's a marvellous hospital.

-We want to keep it going.

-Excellent cause.

-They do some wonderful work.

Has this vase been kicking around the house, collecting dust?

About five years? About five years, yes.

It's spent a lot of time in the porch with dried flowers in, until we realised how valuable it was.

Then Thomas valued it. What do you think, Thomas?

I really like it. When I saw it, I said, "Where's the other one?"

I love that incised work on it.

It's really well done.

-Here we go.

-Right.

The Doulton Lambeth art pottery vase.

Initials for Edith Lupton.

1884.

What can we say on this one?

Who'll give me £200 to start it?

£200 to start it? £200 to start it?

Oh. dear. It's gonna be a hard one.

£100? £100?

£100 in the door. £110? £120, 30, 40...

£150, £160, £170, £180,

£190, £200,

£210, £220,

£230, £240,

-£250, £260...

-They're bidding against each other.

-..£300.

£300 in the room. And 10?

And 10? At £300.

I'm selling on £300.

-That's great.

-The hospice will get their money.

We wouldn't have gained anything if it had gone to £1,000 cos we'd have given it away.

You can treat yourselves to lunch now.

So bang on for Thomas.

As much as they'd have loved to have been here, Di and Kerry couldn't wait to go for some sun.

So it's up to Sheldon to tell them how well their items fare today.

Well, ships' lamps, at the moment, are doing quite well.

It's foggy outside. We might need it to go home.

£65? £65? £65?

-£70, £75...

-This is OK.

-It's close enough.

£90? It's in the room at £85.

-Is there £90, yes or no?

-If it's converted, it'll be an ideal thing.

Don't run away, there's another one. An original starboard lamp.

-I'm bid £65.

-Again, the burner's missing.

-But it won't be used.

It will be an aesthetic piece.

£90? £90? Going, then, on £85.

-That's OK. Well done.

-You can make the phone call.

-We'll give them the good news.

-Maybe another week's holiday.

-A short weekend somewhere!

-Exactly.

Di and Kerry's lamps have gone, but the cash register is up for grabs.

Next, Mr and Mrs Tapely's Cornish ware.

Trendy in the '50s, now enjoying a revival.

-Does it mean a lot to you?

-No, it seems to be fetching good prices these days.

Some of it has gone for fairly high prices.

Well, Thomas is hopeful. Thomas is the man who gave the valuation.

They are so collectible now and you have the nice flour shaker.

They're quite rare. ..Here we are.

Nine pieces there. We'll start at £50.

£55, £60, £65, £70...

£70? £70?

£75, £80,

£85, £90, £95?

£90 nearest me. And 5?

Is there 5? All done at £90, then.

Just crept in there. That's right.

-I hope you're not too disappointed we didn't go further.

-No!

-We only did it for a bit of fun.

-What are you going to spend the money on?

-You can't spend it on much.

-She'll take me out for dinner.

-Good!

Or make you paint the kitchen again! £90 on paint!

Will Di and Kerry's till get them enough money for another holiday?

So it's Di and Kerry's cash register.

I'm humming and hawing about it.

There's a lot of people here, so it should do well and they can have an extra week's holiday.

We now have the late-19th-century, brass-cased National Cash Register. It's lot 74.

Who's got £100 to start me?

Who's got £100 to start me?

Who's got £50 to start me?

-Are you going to bid, Paul?

-No! I'm happy with my wine.

£50, I'm bid. Thank you. Now 5. £55? £55?

-What did you put? £200-£300?

-I'll tell you later.

£55.

£60, £65, £70, £75,

£80 in front of me.

£85, £90, £95, £100...

-It was working till we fiddled with it and now it won't open!

-Now you tell me!

All done? £130, £140?

£130, a fresh bidder. Selling on £130. Is there 40, yes or no? Mr Britten.

-What can we say?

-Win some, lose some.

It's unfortunate. The bidding has been slow all day.

Crashed and burned on one.

The final lot of the day is Jane's Doulton mice. Did Tom go overboard?

-This is your very first auction.

-It is.

-You're the second person today who's at an auction for the first time. How d'you feel?

-Excited.

-Not scared?

-Not really, no.

-You're probably feeling exuberant because Thomas has valued your Lambeth Doulton

at £800-£1,200.

What did you feel when he said that?

-Shocked.

-Absolutely shocked?

-Yes.

-Had this figure been lying about the house collecting dust?

-Yeah.

My great aunt gave it to me, and it was just in the cabinet.

It's surprising it's not been damaged if you didn't know its value.

It doesn't come out often.

Lot 323, the George Tinworth group - the Playgoers.

This is your bid.

Considerable interest from home and abroad. We have two on the phone.

There's one from the States.

-We'll start on the book. £1,200...

-Oh, straight in!

-..£1,400, £1,500,

£1,600...

17, 18. £1,800 in the room.

£1,900, £2,000...

Gosh!

£2,100 on the phone?

£2,000 in the room. £2,100?

£2,100. £2,200?

£2,200. £2,300?

How are you feeling?

In the room, then, £2,200.

-That is wonderful, isn't it?

-Gosh, I'm so pleased!

None of us realised that was going to happen.

Dear me! I'm going to have a brandy.

Gosh!

What comes to your mind straight away about the money?

-Well...

-Sit down and count it!

I'm gonna buy a new three-piece suite.

Why don't you see what else you have at home?

I've got stuff at home! I will do!

What a super day here in Clevedon. It's brilliant to see money go to worthy causes.

Mary's delighted with her windfall of £90.

I'm very pleased, because we didn't value it at that.

We said £80 or something.

Ron and Keith are able to donate £300 to the Axminster Hospice.

I'm glad the money's going there. They'll be pleased with that.

Steven eventually accepted the £1,900 for his lead soldiers.

-So it's off to the World Cup for him.

-I think the only one who's lost something is Sheldon.

And Jane had no idea she had over £2,000 sitting in her corner cabinet.

I don't know what to say.

I'm amazed. I never thought it'd fetch that much. I really didn't. I'm over the moon!

We've had wonderful sales today. It's been superb.

I can't wait to see what happens next on Flog It!

Stripes and spots!

Princess Diana and all the kings of Europe...

I'm gonna have a brandy!

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