0:00:03 > 0:00:07Welcome to "Flog It!", where your junk could earn you a fortune.
0:00:37 > 0:00:45Here on "Flog It!" we take you through the thrills of selling at an auction.
0:00:45 > 0:00:51So, dust down your unwanted antiques and let our experts price them up for you.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56You could be cashing in, just like at this auction in Rye.
0:00:56 > 0:01:03The experts' necks might be on the block, but it's YOUR antiques that are going under the hammer.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Here's what's coming up later.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08We didn't even know what it was.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11385. Elated. Yeah.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15I'm absolutely amazed. 20 there...22.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18I'd better look in the garage. Yes.
0:01:18 > 0:01:2345. Like finding a new sweetheart when you think you're past your prime.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29The Brighton area is traditionally strong in antiques,
0:01:29 > 0:01:35so we have high hopes that the locals will discover some real gems
0:01:35 > 0:01:43and bring them down to Hove Town Hall. But before we go inside, I can't resist having a rummage.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47A very, very old...item.
0:01:47 > 0:01:53Have you had it on the wall? No, behind the door. It's too dark.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58You've had a good clean-out. Yeah! That's an interesting thing.
0:01:58 > 0:02:04On hand to help us decide what may do well at auction are our two experts.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Brighton has a strong tradition of antiques.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13We might see some nice Regency gilt candelabra, hopefully.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15It's a good Regency town.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23This is a very exciting venue. The Brighton Pavilion is up the road.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27We've got Rye... We should see influence from there.
0:02:27 > 0:02:33Let's hope David's right, and we unearth a few local treasures.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38The Battle of Hastings. Sylvia, tell me about this fabulous poster.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43The fantastic thing is that in 1966, looking down at the bottom,
0:02:43 > 0:02:48it was the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52I was teaching in Brighton. I wrote to Guinness and said
0:02:52 > 0:02:56I must have one of those for my school display.
0:02:56 > 0:03:03It's a fabulous item. And big, as well. Yes. Did this poster hang anywhere?
0:03:03 > 0:03:10Or did they just send you one? They sent me one, but I saw them putting the first one up in Hove...
0:03:10 > 0:03:17the old Brighton and Hove football ground. They were just about to unpeel it...
0:03:17 > 0:03:22I knew what it was, and I thought, "I must write to Guinness to get one for my school."
0:03:22 > 0:03:25And they duly sent you one. Yes.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29We must try and find out if Guinness have a museum. Yes.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33If they have an archive of these fabulous posters.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38Historically it's pretty accurate. They've got William the Conqueror.
0:03:38 > 0:03:45He was Duke William then. And the rumour was that... Some Norman soldiers thought he'd been killed,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49so he put back his visor and...
0:03:49 > 0:03:54then, pointing, they say, "No, Duke William's still alive."
0:03:54 > 0:03:59All Guinness did was put a little half pint in there. To revive him!
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Oh, that'll sell it!
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Have you any idea about value? No.
0:04:05 > 0:04:11If we put a loose estimate - ?50 to ?100... It has got a bit of damage.
0:04:11 > 0:04:17That's where I Sellotaped it before pinning it. But it's an impressive work.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22And it would be nice if it went to a local household. That would be nice.
0:04:22 > 0:04:29I hope it would go to a good home where it is on show. Yes. It's a bit too big. I live in a small bungalow.
0:04:29 > 0:04:36Let's hope it goes to a Battle household. It would be nice if it went into East Sussex, definitely.
0:04:36 > 0:04:43What pleases me is to know that this programme is starting in East Sussex, very near Battle. Yep!
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Thank you. Good show, Guinness.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50I've never advertised Guinness before.
0:04:51 > 0:04:59Tell me about this. Where did you get it? I purchased this yesterday at a local charity shop in Hastings.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Dare I ask the price you paid? I gave the lady ?2.50.
0:05:03 > 0:05:10Not ?2.50?! She wanted ?5, actually. And I said, "I think it may be a forgery."
0:05:10 > 0:05:16She said, "So do I." I said, "In that case, how about a little leeway?" And I gave her ?2.50.
0:05:16 > 0:05:22I know why she thought it was a forgery, because this is late Clarice Cliff.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26The most popular reflect the Art Deco period.
0:05:26 > 0:05:33This reflects the Art Deco period in the colouring, but it's not the type of pottery that's in demand,
0:05:33 > 0:05:38running to several hundred pounds. I can understand why.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43I think we're looking in the region of ?60 or ?80 at auction.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48It is late. She started developing this technique of raised designs.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53There's a whole sequence. I like this, cos they're bright colours,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57looking back to the heyday of her designs in the 1930s.
0:05:57 > 0:06:04I notice this butterfly that throws it out of balance, but I think it was put on at the same time.
0:06:04 > 0:06:10It doesn't seem in keeping with the rest of the vase, to me, that butterfly.
0:06:10 > 0:06:17Does it to you? It's a later concept. No, I think it's under the glaze, so that's OK. Yes.
0:06:17 > 0:06:23As regards value at auction, I'd like to see it go round about ?60.
0:06:23 > 0:06:30A very good buy. Can we sell it? Yes. What are you going to do with the money? Find ten more of these.
0:06:30 > 0:06:37For ?6 or something. It just shows what can be bought at charity shops. Let's have a go. Thanks very much.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39Thank you.
0:06:39 > 0:06:45Most of us would think that ?5 for a Clarice Cliff vase is a steal, but not Wendy Hayward.
0:06:45 > 0:06:53You haggled. I haggled. As you do. I do! I said, "If it's not Clarice Cliff, it's not worth a fiver.
0:06:53 > 0:07:00"Would you take a few quid?" And she said, "Yes." I gave her ?2.50. Did you specially buy it for the show?
0:07:00 > 0:07:07Not especially, but it crossed my mind when I was out. I love it, I love it! Great!
0:07:07 > 0:07:12You've brought along this fabulous little picture by Cecil Aldin.
0:07:12 > 0:07:20How did you come by it? I've had it for three years, since my grandfather died. We found it under his bed.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25It was wrapped up in brown paper. These are treasured items.
0:07:25 > 0:07:32Were you hoping to find cash under the bed? He did mention there were things under there.
0:07:32 > 0:07:39But this he hadn't mentioned at all. I don't think it was particularly a treasured item to him.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44But he knew a good thing when he saw it. He got it through his stepmother,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48who was in with Gaiety-Girls-type social circle.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Possibly it was given to her by someone in that time.
0:07:52 > 0:07:59I think he was right. He's stored away an item of value. It's a very nice picture.
0:07:59 > 0:08:05We're slightly puzzled to what it's painted on. It's mainly pencil and crayon.
0:08:05 > 0:08:11The huntsman's got a lovely hunting-pink coat on. But it has a very creamy surface.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15We thought originally it could be vellum.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20But now I think it's probably ivorine, a substitute ivory,
0:08:20 > 0:08:27because it would be a very large panel to find in ivory. Is that just this section or the whole piece?
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Just the bit that's painted on.
0:08:29 > 0:08:35I think your mount will abut very carefully the ivory bone.
0:08:35 > 0:08:41Why have you brought it along for sale? I love it. It's original. I love originals.
0:08:41 > 0:08:47He left me two watercolours. But this is hunting and I'm vegetarian and I don't approve of the subject.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52So it's been nagging at your conscience. Something like that.
0:08:52 > 0:08:58I think... It's lovely. I think it's about turn-of-the-century, 1900, 1920,
0:08:58 > 0:09:03just before everything collapsed into the First World War.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08He's a good huntsman. He's cleared quite a substantial four-bar gate.
0:09:08 > 0:09:14I think there will be collectors for it. Cecil Aldin is a lovely artist.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20Have you any idea of its value? None at all. None at all.
0:09:20 > 0:09:27I would estimate it to make between ?500 and ?700 at auction. That much? That much.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31It's a very nice item and we could do quite a lot with it.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38Now, this object I covet. Where did it come from?
0:09:38 > 0:09:43Grandmother's. Was she Scottish?
0:09:43 > 0:09:45No, no connection with Scotland.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50Any Scottish ancestry? No, none. Where she got it from, I don't know.
0:09:50 > 0:09:56This has got the initials on - "GC". It's not Gladys Cooper? Or Gary Cooper?!
0:09:56 > 0:10:02I can remember Gladys Cooper... Oh, and Gary Cooper, of course! Wishful thinking.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05George Carey? A bit later.
0:10:05 > 0:10:13This is a lovely example - typically Scottish. If you saw it in Cornwall, you'd recognise it as Scottish.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17It's ram's horn. Nicely curved there.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20The shield here with the engraved detail.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25And then the actual cover to this snuff mill, or snuffbox, is silver.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31Contained within the silver is horn. And then mounted in the horn is a cairngorm.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34So that's a very nice piece.
0:10:34 > 0:10:40This would have been used on a table. It wouldn't have been carried round.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44This object dates from the middle of the 19th century.
0:10:44 > 0:10:50These are not uncommon. You might see as many as three or four on an occasion like this.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55So I think we're talking in terms maybe of...
0:10:55 > 0:11:01let's say, ?120 to ?180. Right. A wide margin, depending on who's at the auction.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Very collectable? Very collectable.
0:11:03 > 0:11:10I know it's a wide price bracket, but you've got to appeal to a large number of people.
0:11:10 > 0:11:18But I think we shall stand success. Good. What will you do with the money? A few drinks down the pub.
0:11:18 > 0:11:24Not a new yacht, I'm afraid! Absolutely. Thank you very much. OK.
0:11:24 > 0:11:30We'll be joining Bob and Judith later. Let's hope they get back from the pub on time!
0:11:32 > 0:11:37Let's see what's going under the hammer so far.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48Sylvia's poster is a local item and it might do better than this.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Oh, that'll sell it, won't it?!
0:11:52 > 0:11:57Will the buyers at auction be as charitable as the shop
0:11:57 > 0:12:01where Wendy bought her vase?
0:12:01 > 0:12:06Hal's watercolour by Cecil Aldin offended her sensibilities.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10But that's what "Flog It!" is all about.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15The snuff horn from the Ward household should do well.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16That's what I like to hear!
0:12:21 > 0:12:26We've come just along the Sussex coast to Rye for today's auction.
0:12:26 > 0:12:32Soon we'll find out what our items are worth. They're already coming under scrutiny.
0:12:32 > 0:12:38It's not just the buyers who need to form an opinion of our owners' lots.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43Auctioneer Andrew Payne has his views, too. What does he think of David and James's valuations?
0:12:43 > 0:12:51Andrew, Sylvia's brought in this Guinness advertising poster. James valued this at ?50 to ?100.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Well, it's in very good condition.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58Battle of Hastings and Guinness collectors will be after it.
0:12:58 > 0:13:05I think that's a fair estimate for it, ?50 to ?100. Is it? Yes. Somewhere in there.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10This is lovely - a ram's horn snuffbox, which Bob Ward brought in.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15David's valued this at ?180. Is that about right? Yes, it's not far off.
0:13:15 > 0:13:22I haven't seen one quite like this in this condition. I wouldn't be surprised if it saw ?150 to ?250.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25I think we'll do very well with it.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30The auction's about to begin. Hal turns up early with high hopes for her watercolour
0:13:30 > 0:13:36and an extra pair of eyes to keep tabs on the bidding.
0:13:36 > 0:13:42What's his name? Joshua. How old is he? Three months. You're getting him started early! Yes.
0:13:42 > 0:13:50He's got a good eye for it already. He'll be an expert by the time he's five. How about the watercolour?
0:13:50 > 0:13:57I'm hopeful, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. We'll have to wait and see if anyone's interested.
0:13:57 > 0:14:05What will you do with the money? I was going to put it towards double glazing, but that might be a problem!
0:14:05 > 0:14:10I live in a conservation area, so that'll be difficult to put in.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15Maybe a holiday for my other son. I hope it does sell. Thank you. So do I!
0:14:15 > 0:14:21The auction is about to start. Bob's sitting this one out and letting his sister Judith brave the auction.
0:14:21 > 0:14:28It's quite nice that he's splitting the limelight. I don't know anything about this thing.
0:14:28 > 0:14:34It's been in the family for ages. I didn't even know what it was.
0:14:34 > 0:14:41Would you have put it on sale had it not been for the programme? No. It's always been hanging about.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46But what was it? So to find something out about it, for a start... Yes.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51Then I thought, "If there's any interest, give it a go...
0:14:51 > 0:14:58"see what happens." You never know. It's a beautiful little piece. A lovely showy piece. Yes. Yes.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03It's tactile. You want to pick it up and hold it and talk about it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06And possibly use it? Possibly? No!
0:15:06 > 0:15:10This is it. And the number?
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Are the legs shaking? No!
0:15:13 > 0:15:19The brain's just gone, hasn't it? It's disengaged. That's it.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23A nice interesting piece.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28We're going to start at ?120. Right in. 130.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30140. ?150 with me.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33160...170. This is what you said.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37180...190...200.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Yes! 210...220.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43230. You don't want to sell it now it's valuable!
0:15:43 > 0:15:47240. You could always buy it back!
0:15:47 > 0:15:49I can't believe it. At ?240, then...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52No more? You thought it was junk. Yes.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55?240! Brilliant! Nice one.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00I'm delighted. Delighted! Thanks, David. Well done!
0:16:00 > 0:16:04?240 - that's great. It's a good price. Yes.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09A bit over what we estimated. Nice, though. Yes, excellent. Very happy.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Thank you very much. Not at all.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16?240 - and Judith didn't even know what it was.
0:16:16 > 0:16:23I wonder what other unknown treasures are lurking in the Ward household?
0:16:23 > 0:16:28Hal, it's the moment of truth for the watercolour. Yes. Feeling scared?
0:16:28 > 0:16:33Very nervous. I think James is nervous, as well. Yes, he is.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38It's an unusual item. Some have been sold in the last auction season.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43And they're quoted in the Art South Index at about ?700,
0:16:43 > 0:16:50so hopefully the estimate is right. It depends what people think of it. Cecil Aldin is very collectable.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55Very collectable. He did the first illustrations for Black Beauty. Yes.
0:16:55 > 0:17:03And he did a very nice series of coaching inns locally. I think he did the Mermaid at Rye.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07I think... We saw the Mermaid at Rye, in fact.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10So...here goes.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Tension from everybody here.
0:17:12 > 0:17:18A huntsman with the signature of Cecil Aldin.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23There was a bit of debate as to whether it was right or not.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27You didn't tell me that.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Have we got a phone bid, as well? Yes. Right.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36From under the bed to Rye auction room. ?500 for it. 300, then.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39300, I've got. 300.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42325...350.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45375...400...425.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48450...475. This is great. 500.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51500...525.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54550. Yes! 550, on my right.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57In the room at 550. ..Telephone?
0:17:58 > 0:18:01No? 550, then. The telephone's out.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06Two, was it? At 550, on my right. Both phones are out.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Sold at 550...?
0:18:09 > 0:18:14Well done, James. So they liked it. Thank you, James.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19It was realised that it wasn't a print. The gamble paid. Thank you.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24A fiver again for it? ?5?
0:18:28 > 0:18:34Wendy, how are you feeling today? Excited. Looking forward to getting rid of it? Absolutely.
0:18:34 > 0:18:41Are you having a nice day out in Rye? I used to live and work in Rye, so I know it very well.
0:18:41 > 0:18:48I'm enjoying the auction, yes. David's just bought some pottery. David Sharp. From Rye.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53I believe you used to work... In the '70s. Do you remember that model?
0:18:53 > 0:18:59I can't say I do. No. I do remember a lot of the animal figurines - otters, badgers.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04You were interested in cats, weren't you? Yes. I don't remember any cats.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07I remember more the plate work.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11The Clarice Cliff vase this time.
0:19:11 > 0:19:1320, I've got. We're in at 20.
0:19:13 > 0:19:1822...24...26...28...30. That's great. It's going.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23He's got a discretion on this. It has to reach ?40. Yeah. 40.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Yeah! 42...44... 44, at the back.
0:19:27 > 0:19:3046...48...50... It's doing well.
0:19:30 > 0:19:3352, on the left-hand side. Anyone?
0:19:33 > 0:19:38?52, then... 54. Fingers crossed. 54, sitting down.
0:19:38 > 0:19:4156...58...60...62...
0:19:41 > 0:19:4364...66...68...
0:19:43 > 0:19:4770...72... Go out and buy some more! ..78...
0:19:47 > 0:19:5480... I can't believe that, David. I hope the charity shop owner isn't watching.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Thank you. That was brilliant. Wasn't it? Brilliant!
0:19:59 > 0:20:01How are you feeling? Elated!
0:20:03 > 0:20:08I'm absolutely amazed. That's extraordinary. Isn't it?
0:20:08 > 0:20:14As you said, you can still find these gems and bargains. That's an excellent result.
0:20:14 > 0:20:21What are you going to put the money towards? I feel I have no option but to give the money to charity.
0:20:21 > 0:20:28Are you serious? I'm serious. That's lovely. I'll donate it back to the charity shop. What a star!
0:20:28 > 0:20:31120...130...140...
0:20:31 > 0:20:39150...160...170... Sylvia, how are you feeling? Interested. I've never sat all day in an auction room.
0:20:39 > 0:20:45This is your first auction room? To stay all day, yes. Oh... I've popped in and out of places,
0:20:45 > 0:20:52but I've never sat this long. Are you nervous? Oh, no! It's nothing to get nervous about, is it?
0:20:52 > 0:20:56A ?50-to-?80 poster! But you get a bit cold at times. Yes.
0:20:56 > 0:21:03There are refreshments here, though. Oh, yes. Lovely poster. I hope someone's interested.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08The poster hasn't been on the wall, it's been folded up? It has, yes.
0:21:08 > 0:21:14But open as much as possible, in a cupboard. Look at this, James. Oh, great.
0:21:14 > 0:21:22That's actually the poster. Yes, that's the best bit. But he's got a pint of Guinness in his hand.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26They've done it very well. But this is the real thing.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31Do you like Guinness? I do occasionally have a little Guinness.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36In small quantities, of course. I'd better say that, as an ex-teacher!
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Me, too. Here we go.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41This is exciting. Yes.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45A large Battle of Hastings Guinness poster.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48It's in quite good condition, too.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50The ideal place for it to be sold!
0:21:50 > 0:21:56?80 to ?100 for it. 30 I've got for a quick start. ?30.
0:21:56 > 0:21:5935...40... We're winning. ..45...50.
0:21:59 > 0:22:0155...60...
0:22:01 > 0:22:0465 anyone? 65.
0:22:04 > 0:22:0770...75...
0:22:07 > 0:22:0975, on my right. 80, anybody?
0:22:09 > 0:22:12?75, then... No more?
0:22:12 > 0:22:1580... Keep going! Keep going! 85?
0:22:15 > 0:22:1885...90... Keep going! Great. Yes.
0:22:18 > 0:22:2195...100... It's more. All right?
0:22:21 > 0:22:23120...130...?
0:22:23 > 0:22:26No? 120...130...
0:22:26 > 0:22:30140... James! This is quite incredible.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35It just shows you - if you sell it in the right place.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37200...210...
0:22:37 > 0:22:40220...230...
0:22:40 > 0:22:45At 230, on my right. Come on, come on! That's a tidy sum of money.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48I'll be very glad. 230?
0:22:48 > 0:22:54Look, that's fine, isn't it? Very good! Sylvia, that's excellent. Here.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59That's going to be your only souvenir. That's right. It's gone.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02What will you put the money towards?
0:23:02 > 0:23:10I've got terrible problems with a leaking conservatory roof, so I know where it's going.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15Call a roofer out? I've already got him in, but we can't find the leak.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Oh, dear. Anyway... But this will be a help.
0:23:19 > 0:23:26Good. I've been in history all my life, so I'm happy. Are you? I'd like to know it's gone to a good home.
0:23:26 > 0:23:33I'd like to know who's acquired it. We can find out. How are you feeling? Oh, happy!
0:23:33 > 0:23:38It was worth making that effort to start driving early this morning.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42It was terrible weather. Yes. But that is good.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Not a bad day, so far. Every one a winner.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Can David and James find any more gems amongst this lot?
0:23:56 > 0:24:00I spend a lot of my time restoring old furniture.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05But in a Regency square in Hove, I found an epic restoration project.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10Nick, I believe this whole project is your baby. Yes, that's right.
0:24:10 > 0:24:18In June of this year, our trust will be ten years old. It's long and relentless, but it's wonderful.
0:24:18 > 0:24:24You're restoring one big antique. That's a lovely way of thinking about it.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29As in the best of restorations, you use an archaeological approach.
0:24:29 > 0:24:35You learn about the way the house used to be and carefully return it to that style.
0:24:35 > 0:24:41The standard of work is stunning. We're trying to be very careful.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46We've just restored the central ceiling roses in the drawing rooms.
0:24:46 > 0:24:53All these are cast on site, aren't they? Yes, and, of course, using original styles and materials.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58And traditional methods. Yes. Will it be your choice of colour? I...
0:24:58 > 0:25:05sometimes wish it was, but it won't be, because the colours we'll use will be the ones originally used.
0:25:05 > 0:25:12That's why you're taking all the wallpaper off? Yes. The dining room on the ground floor
0:25:12 > 0:25:18is painted in a fabulous purple that was fashionable for a short period during the Regency,
0:25:18 > 0:25:24when people thought that purple was an aid to digestion.
0:25:30 > 0:25:37Keith, how long have you been working on the project? Five or six years.
0:25:37 > 0:25:44You're in charge of all the plaster casting and mouldings. Yes. You've picked out all the detail.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50What have you got in your hand? A cast? Yes. It's a pretty simple mould.
0:25:50 > 0:25:57It's a cast background - a cradle - for somewhere we can pour rubber into to...
0:25:57 > 0:26:04You've got an example of all these panels. They've all got a detail in each corner, in every single room.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08Yes, I think there's about 285 to be cast up so far.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11We place that up against there...
0:26:11 > 0:26:14place the prop under it like that...
0:26:14 > 0:26:20using that little piece there. The problem is the rubber pours out the edge,
0:26:20 > 0:26:27so we use some very expensive terracotta clay and seal it round the edge.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34And that is enough just to hold it in place.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36It's a messy old business at times!
0:26:40 > 0:26:46We've now created the rubber mould and we've now also shoved in our first cast.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49This is how it comes out.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53It's a lovely little detail. The replication is perfect.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58Yes, and by using rubber, it means there's hardly any breakage.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03We get virtually 100% success. And back on they go!
0:27:03 > 0:27:05What a lovely peaceful process!
0:27:13 > 0:27:16In the valuation room, there's still time to find that hidden gem.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20Bob and Judith Ward are back with another piece of their family history.
0:27:20 > 0:27:26It's so nice to have furniture brought along. Most people bring objects in carrier bags.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31So it's rather nice to have this on the programme.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34It's a Pembroke table, a work table.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Have you used it as a work table?
0:27:36 > 0:27:43Is it your own? It's our own. It used to be my grandmother's. She lived in Worthing all her life.
0:27:43 > 0:27:51There's a cigarette burn here. She smoked Craven 'A' cigarettes until she died at...86, was it?
0:27:51 > 0:27:5686. They had the black cat motif? Yes. So...she obviously used it.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01We just have a lamp on it by the side of the TV.
0:28:01 > 0:28:08This was intended for ladies to use as a work table. Two simple drawers at the front here.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12If you look inside, you can see little grooves.
0:28:12 > 0:28:18I noticed those. Which would've broken it up into small sections. Yes.
0:28:18 > 0:28:26Original turn-knob handles, rather nice. There's no slide underneath. That would've been a cotton drawer.
0:28:26 > 0:28:31But we also have the original sham drawers on the other side.
0:28:31 > 0:28:37Some people call them false drawers, I call them sham drawers! OK. Like a davenport.
0:28:37 > 0:28:44It's interesting that, on the other side, we have some indications of wear.
0:28:44 > 0:28:52There are little indentations on the top. That may be where somebody has screwed a sewing clamp.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Ah, right. For using in sewing. Yes.
0:28:55 > 0:29:01And when this is fully up, you could put material across the top.
0:29:01 > 0:29:09There are one or two faults. You've got blemishes on the top caused through water. I thought it was ink.
0:29:09 > 0:29:16I think it's water. Water, is it? It's too vast to be ink. Right. You've also got damage on the top.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21You often find that where it's been pushed up too high.
0:29:21 > 0:29:28So if anybody buys this, they'll take it down to its original format and re-French-polish. Yes.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32At this time, this furniture had the new look.
0:29:32 > 0:29:401800, the new look came in from France - French polish. It gave a completely different sheen to it.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45You date this piece later in the Georgian period
0:29:45 > 0:29:52because of its turned and banded legs. And it's got its original brass casters.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57If this was in tip-top condition, we'd be looking at ?600 to ?800. Right.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00It needs restoration.
0:30:00 > 0:30:06We've got to put it at a sum that'll attract a buyer enough to disregard that.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10Yes. So, if I say ?180, ?250...
0:30:10 > 0:30:17and hopefully we'll get ?250 plus, at least people will find it reasonable and have a go at it.
0:30:17 > 0:30:23That's what I like to hear. You're both in agreement? Oh, yes. Excellent.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Place your bets.
0:30:25 > 0:30:32Putting things into auction can be a gamble, but, Chris, what have our experts said about this?
0:30:32 > 0:30:39A smaller wheel would be ?200 to ?300. Perhaps a little more for this. But it's a very specialised market.
0:30:39 > 0:30:46This is a full-size wheel, isn't it, like you find in casinos? It's French, I believe. Yes.
0:30:46 > 0:30:52We have a single zero as opposed to the American double zero.
0:30:52 > 0:30:58I think modern casinos are more interested in those. It revolves beautifully and the weight...
0:30:58 > 0:31:05This looks like it's been in the garage. I'm afraid so. That's what we like to see, though -
0:31:05 > 0:31:10people bringing in stuff from their sheds and garages. There.
0:31:10 > 0:31:18It does need a bit of restoration. Yes. We've lost one of the baize pieces. A lovely piece of walnut.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22There's rosewood and ivory... and some ebony inlay.
0:31:24 > 0:31:30I don't suppose you've got the ball? No. The original ivory ball went after the First World War,
0:31:30 > 0:31:35when it was in use in Mayfair. Just after the First World War.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39Nowadays, they'd use a modern synthetic, I suspect.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44This is early 20th-century, isn't it? It was certainly in use in 1918.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48By how much it pre-dates that, I don't know.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52What value did we give? Unlikely to make four figures.
0:31:52 > 0:31:58It might make ?500 upwards. Let's hope nobody loses their shirt!
0:32:00 > 0:32:07This lovely jewellery box is a lovely example of the Art Nouveau period.
0:32:07 > 0:32:12The Art Nouveau period happened on the Continent, 1890-1900.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17It came slightly later to the British shores.
0:32:17 > 0:32:22It dates 1900-1910. It has an organic shape to it.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27I love the organic legs. They're sinuous, which is very typical.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31And we have this rather nice embossed iris.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35Everything was of sinuous, scantily-clad ladies
0:32:35 > 0:32:41and nice flower elements and feathers, peacock feathers.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45This time it's an iris. It's got a good weight to it.
0:32:45 > 0:32:50But I think it's been thrown at the odd errant husband!
0:32:50 > 0:32:54It's got a couple of bashes, which is a shame.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59How did you come by it? I inherited it from my mother.
0:32:59 > 0:33:05But where she got it from, I'm not sure. We often think of 30 years as a generation.
0:33:05 > 0:33:11So this one has hallmarks for London, 1904. Right.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13So, slap-bang in the middle. Yes.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18Room for a couple of brooches here...some rings.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22And a very nice gilded interior.
0:33:22 > 0:33:28Do you have any idea of its value? Not really. We came today to get advice on it.
0:33:28 > 0:33:34I think it'd fetch between ?80 and ?120. Goodness! Round about the ?100 mark.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39The thing that's holding it back is these bashes. Oh, right.
0:33:39 > 0:33:45Yes. Obviously the person didn't quite hit the person! They hit some hard surface. Yes.
0:33:45 > 0:33:51It's a lovely item. And you've brought along this lovely dish.
0:33:51 > 0:33:57Yes. Which is exactly the same date letter. Again, London, 1904.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01It has "F", which is... It's made abroad.
0:34:01 > 0:34:07But it comes up to the sterling standard of 925 parts per thousand.
0:34:07 > 0:34:13Whereas THAT was typical Art Nouveau, THIS is a revivalist style.
0:34:13 > 0:34:18And it's a revival of the Rococo period, which is mid-18th-century.
0:34:18 > 0:34:23We have a nice scene after Watteau, the famous French artist.
0:34:23 > 0:34:29Then this nice rocaille border, which was to simulate rocks.
0:34:30 > 0:34:36All part of the idea of the grotto. Oh, yes. It's a very nice item.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39How did you come by this one?
0:34:39 > 0:34:45When we moved into a property, this filthy object was on a windowsill full of rubbish.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50My husband decided to clean it and that's what we came up with.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55Well... It was black. It was filthy. The people had left it behind.
0:34:55 > 0:35:01It's... It was used as a flowerpot stand. There was a flowerpot and rubbish.
0:35:01 > 0:35:07To keep the water off the windowsill. Yes. We polished it up.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11It has survived very well indeed. Any idea of the price?
0:35:11 > 0:35:19Do you think your box will make more or the dish? I would have thought the box. You're right. I don't know.
0:35:19 > 0:35:26The box is more substantial, more useful. Yes. This is just a tray for cuff links or bits and pieces.
0:35:26 > 0:35:32I think it'll be around the ?50 mark, so if we say ?40 to ?50.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37That's excellent. A lovely item. Yes. Well, thank you for your help.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45And there's a secret drawer there.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Have you used it much?
0:35:49 > 0:35:54No. It's actually my sister's. I like that.
0:35:58 > 0:36:05Millie Rich, that's a wonderful name. Where does it come from? My parents. Of course!
0:36:05 > 0:36:11Well, it's the first time Millie's been fashionable, because of the millennium.
0:36:11 > 0:36:17I've seen a few Millies running about now. You never heard the name before.
0:36:17 > 0:36:24It's on a par with Lavinia or Octavia. My mother's name was Edna Violet. Just as bad!
0:36:24 > 0:36:31True Coronation Street. She'd be most offended. Would she really? But what about Thoroughly Modern Millie?
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Oh, but that was a takeoff. Wonderful. Yes.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39So, dare I ask your age? Is that being rude? Yes!
0:36:39 > 0:36:45But you look so young. How do you know I look young, if you don't know my age?
0:36:45 > 0:36:50Well, you look very much like a... Well-preserved!
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Yes. What's the secret?
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Embalming fluid.
0:36:57 > 0:37:03Right! This little object you brought in, I think it's particularly attractive.
0:37:03 > 0:37:11What's intriguing is you can still use it today for bridge... Bridge is a foreign country to me.
0:37:11 > 0:37:18You don't play bridge? No. It seems just a way of passing the time from the cradle to the grave!
0:37:18 > 0:37:25People play it all the time. That's what they're doing. Where did it come from? It was a family thing.
0:37:25 > 0:37:31Eventually I acquired it. But it's never been used. I don't think so.
0:37:31 > 0:37:39Well, no. All the lead is there. I wonder if you can still feed it with lead, should that be used.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43Probably. I wonder if it's got any...spares. I wouldn't think so.
0:37:43 > 0:37:49You have to thread it in through the top. It's not on its original chain.
0:37:49 > 0:37:55I didn't know that. This little piece is 18-carat gold and is 19th-century.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58I love this engraved case...
0:37:58 > 0:38:01and this little vacant cartouche.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06You could still put your initials or your lover's initials on it.
0:38:06 > 0:38:11You project it by pulling it out at the end, and out shoots the pencil.
0:38:11 > 0:38:17It's still got its original lead. But I think that's a watch chain.
0:38:17 > 0:38:24And this would possibly have been on a lady's chatelaine. Oh, yes. With a little book.
0:38:24 > 0:38:29It would have gone on one of those waist requisites. Chatelaine. Yes.
0:38:29 > 0:38:34That's right. So, this little object here is 18-carat gold,
0:38:34 > 0:38:40whereas the chain is much later - it looks like a 1920 mixed gold,
0:38:40 > 0:38:45that's white gold and yellow gold, at 9 carats. So the two would not...
0:38:45 > 0:38:49It looks barely heavy enough to carry that weight.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54It's quite fragile. Well, yes, but if you attached a watch,
0:38:54 > 0:38:59that would have been the fob, with the watch on the other end.
0:38:59 > 0:39:07I think if we put them up for sale, we'll put them up as one unit. Yes, it makes an item, doesn't it?
0:39:07 > 0:39:14I would estimate at auction this would sell for something in the region of ?180 to ?200.
0:39:14 > 0:39:21It's a respectable price. Would you go on holiday with the money? Oh, it hardly counts these days!
0:39:21 > 0:39:28Are you on holiday all the time? Absolutely. I wish I could say the same. I have to work. Really?
0:39:28 > 0:39:32I'm here now. But, my dear, if you like it, it isn't work. That's true.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37I'm fortunate in making my hobby my occupation. You are indeed.
0:39:37 > 0:39:44If whoever employs you hears that, they may not pay you, so I'll pretend you didn't say that! Thank you.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49Can we put this up for sale? Please, do. I'll ask for a reserve of ?160,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52and allow auctioneer's reserve.
0:39:54 > 0:40:00That's not eternally elastic, I take it? No. It usually has a 10% allowance.
0:40:00 > 0:40:07That's a wonderful idea. Thank you. I'll look forward to it. You'll be at the auction. If you'll have me.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Of course! Thank you very much.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19As the valuation day draws to a close and the people pack away their valuables,
0:40:19 > 0:40:23let's see what we've got to take to the auction.
0:40:23 > 0:40:28Silver normally sells well, so Margaret Carter should get a result.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32The water stains on Bob and Judith's table don't worry me,
0:40:32 > 0:40:34I'd still have it!
0:40:36 > 0:40:40Minnie Rich - as well-preserved as her gold pencil.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46Wanting things only puts wrinkles on your face.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49She's not bothered about the money. She just wants to have fun!
0:40:54 > 0:41:00We'll see how our items get on at auction in a minute. First, Andrew's thoughts.
0:41:00 > 0:41:07This is my favourite piece in the whole auction. Bob Ward brought this lady's work table in.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12David has valued it at ?180 to ?250, so can I give you the money now?
0:41:12 > 0:41:17I think we'll do very well for the customer. Slight damage on the top.
0:41:17 > 0:41:24The two drawers at the front and two dummies at the back. Nice turned legs.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28Typical Victorian. Original casters. It's gorgeous. Yes.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31I love this bruised look to it.
0:41:31 > 0:41:37Yes. It wouldn't be appealing to me if it was completely clean. I'd like to get it for that price.
0:41:37 > 0:41:45I think we're looking at ?300, ?350. Yeah, I think David knew that. He was just getting people interested.
0:41:45 > 0:41:52Got ME interested. I like this. Margaret brought it in. I think James has undervalued it.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57He's put ?80 to ?100. Yeah. This is a very good silver trinket box.
0:41:57 > 0:42:05Good order. It's gorgeous, isn't it? Yes. Lovely little legs on it. I think we're looking ?150 to ?200.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08I think that, as well.
0:42:09 > 0:42:14The auction's about to begin. First up is Margaret's box.
0:42:14 > 0:42:21How long have you had the ring box? It's lovely. I can't say exactly. Years and years.
0:42:21 > 0:42:26It was my mother's before me and her aunt's before that.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29So it is a long time.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33Very attractive. Typical of the Art Nouveau period.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36I like the embossed iris on it.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41I think...hopefully it's got some items going for it. It has.
0:42:41 > 0:42:49We've got ?80 to ?100. No reserve, though. No reserve. Why is that? Have you talked them into this?
0:42:49 > 0:42:55I've no idea, no. I think there's going to be an auctioneer's discretion. Yes.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57This won't get sold for ?10. No.
0:42:57 > 0:43:05I'll be putting up MY hand if... Yes. Looking on the most optimistic side, James, what sort of figure?
0:43:05 > 0:43:09I'm going to put you on the spot. I don't know.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14I'd be surprised if it made more than ?120.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16We're on now. Right.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Tension!
0:43:19 > 0:43:25London, 1904, heart-shaped silver trinket box. Very nice, too.
0:43:25 > 0:43:30We've got quite a lot of interest in it. I've got some bids here,
0:43:30 > 0:43:33starting at ?110. 110...120.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38130...140. What an opener! 150...160. 170, anybody?
0:43:38 > 0:43:41?160. 170. James!
0:43:41 > 0:43:46180. 190, at the back? ?180 then...
0:43:46 > 0:43:49190, anybody? Push it! 180, then...
0:43:49 > 0:43:52Sold at 180?
0:43:52 > 0:43:58Brilliant! That's good. Lovely. Super. Yes, jolly good.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01Totally unexpected. Yes. Oh, yes.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05Very much so. You'll be able to visit more auction rooms now! Yes.
0:44:05 > 0:44:12Well done, James. Thank you. You were right. You were secretly confident, weren't you?
0:44:12 > 0:44:15I'm all butterflies, I can tell you.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18His reputation's always on the line.
0:44:19 > 0:44:25Trust James to get it right. Let's hope he's on the mark with Margaret's silver coaster.
0:44:30 > 0:44:36Getting towards the end of the auction. There's a lot of heavy dealers moving in.
0:44:36 > 0:44:43The furniture dealers always crowd the stage out. Let's hope they're keen. I'm sure they are. ..David?
0:44:43 > 0:44:49It's a very nice piece. I have my reservations about the restoration required on it.
0:44:49 > 0:44:57We'll see how it goes. We've priced it at a reasonable figure to encourage people to bid on it.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59We gathered you did that.
0:44:59 > 0:45:04My MOT's just cost ?380. That's what the money's going on? Yeah.
0:45:04 > 0:45:09You think we'll make ?380? Hopefully.
0:45:09 > 0:45:15This early-19th-century work table. Like to see ?400 or ?500 for it.
0:45:15 > 0:45:19I've got 150 here for a quick start. 160...180.
0:45:19 > 0:45:24200. It's moving quickly. 220...240...260...280.
0:45:24 > 0:45:29300. That's what we want. 320, at the back of the room. 340.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32360. That's ?360. At 360...
0:45:32 > 0:45:36360, at the back, then... 380, anyone?
0:45:36 > 0:45:39Sold at 360?
0:45:39 > 0:45:45That's flown away. Brilliant! Only ?10 for the MOT. That's fantastic.
0:45:45 > 0:45:53You've got commission to pay. Oh, yes. That's brilliant. It was better than I thought. It was good.
0:45:58 > 0:46:05Margaret, you're back for more. You like this punishment. Oh, I do. Cos you get paid for it!
0:46:05 > 0:46:07Yes!
0:46:07 > 0:46:14Well, you're more apprehensive now, you're thinking, "Well, I've done well..." That's right.
0:46:14 > 0:46:21"Will my luck be up again?" Yes. I think it will. ..Don't you, James? I hope so. It's an attractive tray.
0:46:23 > 0:46:28It's almost like a coaster for a wine bottle.
0:46:28 > 0:46:35But you used it for a plant... It was when we moved to our house years ago. It was very dirty.
0:46:35 > 0:46:40My husband decided to clean it up and that's what we found.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43?10, sitting down there. Sold at 10.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46Here's our lot. Here we go.
0:46:48 > 0:46:53Silver, circular stand.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56How about ?50 for it? 20, for a start.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00We're off. 25...30...35. 40 with me.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03At ?40. 45, anyone? 45.
0:47:03 > 0:47:07Yes. 45, on the right. 50, anybody?
0:47:07 > 0:47:10?45, then? 50, anyone?
0:47:10 > 0:47:14Push them. 45. Sold at ?45...?
0:47:14 > 0:47:17That's still good. Very good, yes.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21You were right on, James. Yes. Good.
0:47:21 > 0:47:27Well, last, but most certainly not least, Millie Rich and her gold pencil.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32Millie, here we go. Yes. Your pencil.
0:47:34 > 0:47:3718-carat gold telescopic pencil
0:47:37 > 0:47:41with 9-carat chain. Very nice, too.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45It'd make a nice present. Lot 532.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47?200 for it?
0:47:47 > 0:47:52100, then. ?50 I've got for a start. 50.
0:47:52 > 0:47:5660...70...80, anybody? At ?70... 80.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00How are you feeling? Full of trepidation.
0:48:00 > 0:48:05100? No more? 90... Not quite there with that, I'm afraid.
0:48:05 > 0:48:10Oh, dear. Oh, dear. That's not enough. It hasn't sold. No.
0:48:10 > 0:48:15No, I didn't think it would. It's not that sort of auction, I don't think.
0:48:15 > 0:48:20I think it wants a specialist auction. Probably jewellery. Yes.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24But it's an interesting experience. Oh, absolutely!
0:48:24 > 0:48:28Yes. I think I've had a wonderful time.
0:48:28 > 0:48:34I've been transported here by a handsome coachman, your Colin, I believe.
0:48:34 > 0:48:40I've not been to Rye before, and I think it's a quaint place and I shall explore it.
0:48:40 > 0:48:45I've had a wonderful experience looking at all the different people
0:48:45 > 0:48:50and thinking that this must be the ultimate green experience -
0:48:50 > 0:48:52everything is being recycled. Reborn.
0:48:52 > 0:48:57It never dies. People are going to love and cherish it all over again.
0:48:57 > 0:49:03It's like finding a new sweetheart when you think you're past your prime.
0:49:03 > 0:49:10That must be the ultimate rejuvenation. You look beautiful. It's all done with mirrors.
0:49:10 > 0:49:15Illusion. Yes. You should see the picture in the attic.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17Thanks very much. It's been lovely.
0:49:17 > 0:49:24Alas, no result for Millie. But she will take home fond memories as well as her pencil.
0:49:24 > 0:49:30When Hal turned up, little did she know what her unloved watercolour was worth.
0:49:32 > 0:49:38I thought maybe ?100 or something. So ?500 is really superb. It's lovely.
0:49:38 > 0:49:45And Bob... Well, he'll be going back to his garage to dig up some more stuff to sell
0:49:45 > 0:49:52after a profitable first experience at auction. How do you feel? Brilliant! That has done so well.
0:49:52 > 0:49:58Historian, and now TV star, Sylvia scored a remarkable ?230 for a Guinness poster,
0:49:58 > 0:50:03demonstrating that local items tend to do well at auction.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05Good old William the Conqueror!
0:50:08 > 0:50:10Oh, dear, dear, dear!
0:50:15 > 0:50:21We've had a fantastic time here in Rye. I hope you've enjoyed it. See you soon.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32Subtitles by Audrey Flynn BBC Scotland 2002
0:50:36 > 0:50:42MILLIE: It's an unfortunate title, "Flog It!" I thought it was an S show.