0:00:24 > 0:00:31While your antiques have been gathering dust, they may also have been gathering in value.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35What you class as rubbish somebody else may treasure.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39Bring your antiques to our "Flog It!" valuation day.
0:00:39 > 0:01:02Experts will assess them, and you decide if you want to sell them.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05It's not much between four of them.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07?50, ?60, ?70...
0:01:07 > 0:01:11Still have memories of Perky the pig? Yes.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14?15? At ?10. Can I say ?15?
0:01:14 > 0:01:20Well done! It's what we predicted. We thought it might go above. Yeah.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25We're in Derby, where people have queued outside
0:01:25 > 0:01:29the Royal Crown Derby Visitor Centre since morning.
0:01:29 > 0:01:36Lofts have been looted, garages ransacked and their contents brought for our experts.
0:01:36 > 0:01:43Everybody wants to see what their antique is worth, and they're all hoping to make money at auction.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Everything depends on what our experts think.
0:01:46 > 0:02:11Nigel Smith has over 20 years of experience in antiques,
0:02:11 > 0:02:18When he pulled a bucket up, Kevin saw a few pot lids falling out, so he called me across,
0:02:18 > 0:02:23and he started pulling them out. They were on a building site? Yeah.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Were they loose or crated? They were in crates, originally.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32It was like a soft clinker around them. It cleaned off easily.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37As I say, we cleaned them and they looked attractive, so we kept them.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41How many in total were there? We've got 97 here,
0:02:41 > 0:02:46but a lot got broken. With the digger? A lot. Yeah. What a shame!
0:02:46 > 0:02:51They're in incredible condition. Do you know what they are?
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Not got that far. Victorian pot lids.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59They're pot lids and they were made for selling bears' grease in.
0:02:59 > 0:03:20It was Russian bears' grease we used to put on hair, to beautify it.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24They had a technique by applying each colour differently.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28They aligned the prints by a little pinhole device.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Do you see these little marks?
0:03:31 > 0:03:34That's where the prints were overlaid.
0:03:34 > 0:03:41Each colour was overlaid separately. They started producing these colour prints for the exhibition of 1851.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45They date from the mid-19th century.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Very Victorian, then. Yeah.
0:03:48 > 0:03:54When I started doing this evaluation job as a young youth in the '70s...
0:03:54 > 0:03:57these were incredibly collectable.
0:03:57 > 0:04:04They reached a peak in the late '70s, early '80s, and collectors sort of lost interest in them.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06But these are fantastic.
0:04:06 > 0:04:30The ones with the bears on, these little shooting-bears pattern...
0:04:30 > 0:04:35You've got lovers... These are obviously from a series.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38They look like Shakespearean lovers.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41But what a collection! It's not bad.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Have you any idea of the value of these? No.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50The black and white ones can... There are rare version of these.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54It's difficult for me to say whether they are rare.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58The black and white ones can make an awful lot of money.
0:04:58 > 0:05:04They have made ?400, ?500, ?600 for rare editions of certain ones.
0:05:04 > 0:05:10The sensible thing is to put three groups in. Those at ?150.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Those at around ?40 to ?50.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16It'll test the market nicely for you.
0:05:16 > 0:05:39If you do extremely well, you can put the rest in some other time. That sounds nice.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44You've got a very nice pair of Austrian iridescent glass vases.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49How long have you had them for? They actually came in to my possession
0:05:49 > 0:05:54via a friend in 1972 - so I've had them for quite a while.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59She said, "If you like them, you can have them." So this is what we did.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04We took them to our chalet that we go fishing - it's a fishing chalet.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09Pride of place on the mantelpiece. Yes, but high up on a shelf.
0:06:09 > 0:06:15And people admired them and said, "Oh, they're too good to be in this chalet.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18"Why don't you take them home?"
0:06:18 > 0:06:23So they've been displayed at home ever since. They're very nice.
0:06:23 > 0:06:47They're a lot earlier than your '72. They're probably about... I said they come from Austria.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50funny enough... The difference. The difference, isn't there?
0:06:50 > 0:06:54The iridescence on this one is terribly bright.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58This one is rather buff. Yeah, it is.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01I think they're hyacinth vases.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06So, you put the bulb in there and its roots would extend down.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10I think they look great fun when they've got a bulb in.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Somebody was a little clumsy,
0:07:13 > 0:07:18obviously, in their life. But I wouldn't accuse you of this.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23They actually came to us like that. They're a bit chipped.
0:07:23 > 0:07:30It's always difficult when you've got a damaged item to know how to value it really.
0:07:30 > 0:07:37It's far easier to have totally undamaged things with a nice name. We haven't got it.
0:07:37 > 0:08:00That's a shame. But I think we'll game on slightly.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05And they're nice. I think they'd be very nice. Yeah.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Let's see how we do. Yes. Fine. Yes. Lovely.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15We've got a bevy of beauties. You've brought this bartender along. Yes.
0:08:15 > 0:08:22What do you know about him? All I know is my mother bought him along time ago.
0:08:22 > 0:08:28We used to play with it, and then, as the years went on... He's survived in incredible condition.
0:08:28 > 0:08:35I don't think I've seen one in better condition. You've got another one. This is, again, a Japanese...
0:08:35 > 0:08:42'60s Japanese figure of Brave Eagle. I think Charlie's the more commercial one.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46He's the more jokey. Shall we set him going? Yeah.
0:08:46 > 0:09:07I've sold a number of these over the years.
0:09:07 > 0:09:13Are you tempted to sell this one? Want to flog him along the way?
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Yes. Yeah. If he makes a reasonable...
0:09:16 > 0:09:22What do you think he might be worth? Have you any inkling of value? No.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27I would have thought we'd be looking at somewhere around about ?60,
0:09:27 > 0:09:35maybe ?70 or ?80 on a good day. He should make ?60. Are you tempted to put him in? Yes. He might do better.
0:09:35 > 0:09:42He's fun, though, isn't he? Yes, he is. Excellent. Let's see what he does. Thank you.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47You've brought in this nice cased squeeze box. Tell me all about it.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52What little we know - it belongs in my friend's family.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56His great auntie had a farm in Denby, Derbyshire,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59and during the First World War, she took in lodgers. We believe this belonged to a seafaring gentlemen
0:09:59 > 0:10:20I am not a player myself, but I'm interested in the wood.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25It's made out of quite good wood. This is bird's-eye maple.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29It's been stained. You've got some nice marquetry here,
0:10:29 > 0:10:35and nice mother-of-pearl stops and keys. It's nicely made. The bellows seem fine.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39We've got a maker's label.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43We all like our labels - so it's very reassuring to see that.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48Have you any idea of its worth? We absolutely no idea,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51which is why we brought it along.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55I'm no musical instruments expert,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58but I think it's great fun
0:10:58 > 0:11:01for somebody to have at home.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04I think it's going to make somewhere between...
0:11:04 > 0:11:07round about ?100. Right.
0:11:07 > 0:11:28I think it might be sensible to put an auction estimate of ?80 to ?120.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33It would be interesting to know if Gregory's still trade in instruments.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36We could probably find out for you.
0:11:36 > 0:11:43Would you be happy to go ?50 to ?100? Or would you rather keep it? It's been in our family a while -
0:11:43 > 0:11:49we're not desperate for that sort of money. We'll leave it for my sons.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54Quite. There may be a sudden vogue for squeeze-box. OK.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Thank you.
0:12:04 > 0:12:12We've had a real assortment of items so far. So let's see what's going to go on to auction.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Robert's pot lids were a great find.
0:12:15 > 0:12:39He's testing the market by putting a small selection up for auction.
0:12:41 > 0:12:48Just up the M1 from Derby is Rotherham - and the Wilkinson and Beighton saleroom.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52The items chosen in Derby are attracting a good deal of interest.
0:12:52 > 0:13:00Paul Beighton is going to look at our lots, and give his opinion, before they go under the hammer.
0:13:00 > 0:13:06Have our experts been over generous in their evaluations? Or are they too thrifty?
0:13:06 > 0:13:11Our first lot is Hazel's battery-operated bartender, Paul.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16A little battery bartender. He should do well. I think ?40 to ?60.
0:13:16 > 0:13:23Nigel said, "?60 to ?80", so that's a good ballpark figure. Can you see it running away any further?
0:13:23 > 0:13:25I wouldn't think so.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53We'll sell them in three lots.
0:13:53 > 0:13:59The first lot of three - you'd expect them to make ?60, ?70. That's what our expert said.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04The second lot are more collectable, with the bears,
0:14:04 > 0:14:08so you'd expect those to do, perhaps, ?40, ?45 each.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13The third lot - you would expect, probably, ?150 to ?220.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18There are collectors for this sort of thing. They're really pretty.
0:14:18 > 0:14:24There are a lot of people browsing the saleroom, hoping for a bargain.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29Linda Lowe's hyacinth vases are receiving a lot of attention.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33So, ?70 to ?80. Happy with that? Very happy. Yes.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37How long have you had these vases? Since 1972.
0:14:37 > 0:14:58Just got fed up with them? There's not much history to them.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03We took the vases - total surprise. Are you happy with the valuation?
0:15:03 > 0:15:10Yes. It was a total surprise to us. What are you going to do with the money?
0:15:10 > 0:15:16I have a collection of Pendelfin rabbits, so whatever they make will go towards my collection.
0:15:16 > 0:15:22Enlarge the warren! You could say that. You might even spend the ?80 here, today.
0:15:22 > 0:15:30I'd sooner have that in my pocket. I don't blame you. I'd sooner have it in my pocket than yours. Fair enough.
0:15:35 > 0:15:42As Paul gets the auction underway, Hazel's looking as though she could do with a few drinks herself.
0:15:42 > 0:16:06How are you feeling, Hazel? A bit nervous. Are you? I am. Getting excited? Yeah.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10They'll be pleased to see you on TV. They will.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13How long have you had it? It was my mother's.
0:16:13 > 0:16:20And she, sadly, went into a nursing home, and when we cleared the house out, I took it then.
0:16:20 > 0:16:27It must have been in the early '90s when I had it, but she'd had it a while before then.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32It might be more fun if the auctioneer had it on the rostrum
0:16:32 > 0:16:38and made it work... Yes. It might just draw more people in. Yeah.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40I don't think he'll do that, though.
0:16:40 > 0:16:48No. He probably hasn't got time. Or the sense of humour. I wonder if James took the batteries out.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53Yes! And nobble you! Sabotage. ..I'll have a word with him.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Lot 32 - boxed, battery-powered
0:16:55 > 0:17:15toy bartender. ..There he is.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19?25 in the centre - disappointing.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Push it. No, it's not going under ?60.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25?40, ?45... ?50?
0:17:25 > 0:17:29At ?45... ?50, ?55.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33?60? At ?55 in the very centre... All finished?
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Yours, madam. Oh, ?55. ?55.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39It wasn't too bad.
0:17:39 > 0:17:46What a disappointment. We thought we'd have some excitement. If it had been working... That's right.
0:17:46 > 0:17:52Well, it went. ?55 - ?5 less. The auctioneer used his discretion. Well done, Nigel.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56I thought it would've gone higher. So did I.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01It depends on the saleroom. At a toy sale that would've made twice that.
0:18:01 > 0:18:28?55 to spend on the kids. Yeah, between four of them, it's not much, is it? No!
0:18:28 > 0:18:32so this is exciting. How are you feeling? Apprehensive.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36Did you drive up from Twickenham? London. Here we go.
0:18:36 > 0:18:43It's no wonder Bob's getting anxious - he's put a high reserve on his first batch of pot lids of ?100.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48Three pot lids... Here we go. ..starting at ?50...
0:18:48 > 0:18:50?40...? Someone's in. ?20?
0:18:51 > 0:18:56?20? ..No interest? ..I'll have to pass them, then.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59The bears will create more interest.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01?20 bid.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Can I say ?30? ?40,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05?50, ?60, ?70,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08?80... ?90?
0:19:08 > 0:19:12At ?80... ?90, will you? ?80 if you're done...
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Not sold. Oh, it wasn't sold. Not sold.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37?80. ..?90, will you?
0:19:37 > 0:19:39At ?80. ?90,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42?100, ?120, ?140...
0:19:42 > 0:19:45?160? At ?140...
0:19:45 > 0:19:48They'll not get there. No.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Not sold.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54They're not going. You haven't got your petrol money. No.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Bids mine at ?220.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Disappointing. I thought they'd sell a bit better.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04?260.
0:20:04 > 0:20:10At ?260... All finished at ?260? ..That also remains unsold.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15A high estimate? Maybe. Were you greedy? I wouldn't say greedy.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20I'm sure they might sell a bit better down in London. Could be.
0:20:20 > 0:20:46We did see them on the Internet, and they were going for the prices I put on them. It's a shame.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Next up are Linda Lowe's hyacinth vases.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57Glass buyers are fussy about condition.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Linda, are you excited? Yes. It is exciting.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04It is. The atmosphere gets you going.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Have you been to many auctions? This is my first one.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12You'll be addicted now. I'm just so fascinated by it.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17James has put ?70-?100 on it, which is quite cheap for a pair of vases.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21I think it is, but they've got those chips on top.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26I wish he'd said HYACINTH vases - that'll add novelty value.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31That's what we said, didn't we? They would have been for hyacinths. Yeah.
0:21:31 > 0:21:55It's in good company - there's quite a nice cranberry and vaseline glass.
0:21:55 > 0:22:02Mind you, you could still be taking them home if it doesn't go. I could be.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07There's been no lot sticking, today. Unfortunately. Which is a good sign.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11You don't want to tempt fate, Paul. No.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15We know how tenuous and fragile an auction is.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20I'm getting quite... Oh, are you? Have a drink afterwards. I will.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Lot 112 is a pair of Austrian... Here we go.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26..hyacinth vases.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Lot 112. We'll say ?50.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33?50? Hmm... ?40? ..?20?
0:22:34 > 0:22:37?20 bid. ..?30, ?40, ?50... ?60?
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Watch this guy.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43We're looking for ?60. Come on. Please.
0:22:43 > 0:23:06At ?50 in the centre of the room. Selling for ?50... All finished?
0:23:06 > 0:23:10At least they've made. They sold.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14I'm sorry if it wasn't just quite enough, but it got there.
0:23:14 > 0:23:20It did. That's fine. No problem. ..And thanks very much, James. Thank you, James. Pleasure.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Back with more valuations soon.
0:23:28 > 0:23:35While James and Nigel look for more treasures, I'm off to Haddon Hall, Bakewell,
0:23:35 > 0:23:39where guide Jo Walker gets me going with some medieval oak.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44Oh, wow! Jo, this is superb! This is superb! Look at the length of this!
0:23:44 > 0:23:50It's no wonder it's called the Long Gallery. What's the length? 114ft.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55It's seven times as long as it is wide, which is a nice proportion.
0:23:55 > 0:24:14What was this room used for? Exercise. Skittles, bowls, tennis.
0:24:14 > 0:24:21The panelling's stunning! Everywhere is just full of the most gorgeous limed oak. Look at that cornice.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24That fretwork is beautiful.
0:24:24 > 0:24:30The limed oak, which I don't suppose was very easy to work, took a long time to do.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33It was completed about 400 years ago.
0:24:33 > 0:24:40The door's overmantel is pretty. Any reference to peacocks? There's peacocks on the Manners family crest.
0:24:40 > 0:24:47They have owned the house for that last 400 years. The present owner is Lord Edward Manners.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I see the crest is picked up on the wall.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53The house was empty for 200 years.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58The 9th Duke of Rutland came back in the 1920s and restored it.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04So this is a medieval building, but with later additions. That's right.
0:25:04 > 0:25:26It grew like an oak tree. Generations added bits. This was the last bit.
0:25:26 > 0:25:33We try to date things by the coat of arms. It's old, isn't it? That's unbelievable!
0:25:33 > 0:25:38I love these iron lock plates. Have you got the keys? No, we haven't.
0:25:38 > 0:25:44It's had some worm. Not much gets to that age without a bit of woodworm.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50This is lovely. This is a classic carving in all oakwork - a trefoil.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55What would this have had in it? We believe it was in the chapel
0:25:55 > 0:26:02and may have contained the priest's vestments. It could have been a dower chest. Full of ladies' frillies. Yes.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06An awful lot of underwear! Yes.
0:26:06 > 0:26:12I've just noticed what I'm kneeling on. Look at the size of these floorboards. They are stunning! Yes.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15I love seeing these handmade nails.
0:26:15 > 0:26:34The acid in the sap of the oak has attacked the metal -
0:26:34 > 0:26:38Back in the valuation room, James is examining different wood.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43Now, you've brought in a very splendid music stand.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48Lovely mahogany, with the brass mounts. How did you come by it?
0:26:48 > 0:26:53Well, I bought a young pig, and it wanted rearing.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55So we reared it,
0:26:55 > 0:27:01and then I sold it for breeding for... It fetched ?100.
0:27:01 > 0:27:07So I'd seen this in the shop, and bought it for ?100. So straight swap?
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Yes, for the pig. Large white to music stand.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15Have you ever used it? No, because I don't play any instrument.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18It's a fine piece. Lovely piece.
0:27:18 > 0:27:25I've had a good look. I like these supports. It's got a very nice stem. It's been beautifully polished.
0:27:25 > 0:27:44The legs are undamaged, which is nice. It's got an unusual flat top.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47No. So, 15 years ago it was ?100.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52No. So, 15 years ago it was ?100. Today, we should put an estimate of ?800 to ?1,200 on it.
0:27:52 > 0:27:57Very good. That's lovely. I think it could do quite well. Yes.
0:27:57 > 0:28:04It'll probably be bought by a musician, maybe a good furniture dealer, who'll want a curio
0:28:04 > 0:28:06to draw people onto the stand.
0:28:06 > 0:28:13It's a very decorative item. As it attracted you 15 years ago, I'm sure it'll attract somebody.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17It's certainly better than ?100, isn't it? Certainly!
0:28:17 > 0:28:21And a better investment than many other things. Yes.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26Sometimes even experts need a second opinion.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Nigel, what do you think about this?
0:28:29 > 0:28:34It's lovely. It's got a nice, fiddle-back, mahogany top.
0:28:34 > 0:28:53It's all original, isn't it, by the looks of it?
0:28:53 > 0:28:57To a musician it's a nice thing, isn't it? A stand like that.
0:28:57 > 0:29:02And price-wise?
0:29:02 > 0:29:04?800 to ?1,200.
0:29:04 > 0:29:12Quite. It'd be nice to have an estimate of ?800 to ?1,200, rather than a more ambitious one...
0:29:12 > 0:29:15of ?1,000 to ?1,500 or more.
0:29:15 > 0:29:20You've brought two interesting things. Very different, aren't they?
0:29:20 > 0:29:28This one - what do you know about this? Well, it was bought in Italy 100 years ago. In Italy? Yes. Right.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31My grandparents lived outside Milan,
0:29:31 > 0:29:38and at that period, probably up to 1910, I think she bought quite a lot of vases.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Right. This came originally from Germany.
0:29:41 > 0:30:06This is made by Villeroy Boch, in Mettlach,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10Not as popular as it once was... but a nice thing.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15Nice scenes with cherubs all the way round. They're all different.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18This is something that caught my eye.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22I've looked and looked for a mark on this.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26You've got to look a little harder. I can't find it,
0:30:26 > 0:30:31but I'm almost certain it's by Franz Bergman, who did this type of thing.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34He's a Moorish man, with his turban,
0:30:34 > 0:30:39carrying his flintlock rifle. And it's picked out in cold decoration,
0:30:39 > 0:30:42which means it's got oil-based decoration.
0:30:42 > 0:30:48Yes, there's different colours on it. Specially painted. Yes.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52It's got a warming feel to it, but a very commercial subject.
0:30:52 > 0:31:13He's very topical. He could be an Afghanistan. I don't think he is.
0:31:13 > 0:31:19but that's not too serious. He's been in several fights. He's been fighting hard. Yes.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24What do you think he might fetch? You'd better tell me. Any ideas?
0:31:24 > 0:31:28I think he's worth quite a bit, because he could be an Afghan rebel.
0:31:28 > 0:31:35I don't think he is, but I think he's worth somewhere in the region of ?250 to ?350.
0:31:35 > 0:31:43I think he's worth more than that. Oh, I do. Well, you might be right. I hope I am. I'm normally proved wrong.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47We tend to be a bit conservative on estimates. Yes.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52We could put him in at ?300 to ?350. Would you be happy with that? Yes.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56My stepfather bought it at an auction in Manchester.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00Can you remember what he paid? No. How long ago?
0:32:00 > 0:32:22It would be 15-20 years ago. I think it was 20 years ago. And he paid a few hundred then, did he? Oh, yes,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25You've brought in these three items.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Which is the most valuable?
0:32:28 > 0:32:33I'm not really sure, because that looks more attractive,
0:32:33 > 0:32:37and I've been told that's a really rare piece
0:32:37 > 0:32:42because of the colour and type of bottle it is. So I'm not sure.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45I like this. I'm very much a wood person.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48It's Indian - it's a nice tea caddy.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51It's carved with fun mongooses.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55I think you're right about the bottle - it's a very unusual colour.
0:32:55 > 0:33:01Normally, they're clear or green. The thing that we can dismiss
0:33:01 > 0:33:07is this. I think it's Czechoslovakian. It's end-of-day glass - that's bottled glass -
0:33:07 > 0:33:11and it's just a rather nice thing. Oh, well.
0:33:11 > 0:33:37Tell me about the bottle. Well, my uncle, who was a builder, was working in an old hospital in Birmingham,
0:33:37 > 0:33:42Have you done further research on that? I've gone onto the Internet,
0:33:42 > 0:33:47and this rare cods bottle, I think they call it, is quite valuable.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50It's in very good condition, isn't it? Yes.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55The glass ball's in there to trap the fizz. It's a ginger beer bottle.
0:33:55 > 0:34:01It's interesting that blue in glass is associated with poisons.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06This is definitely not a poison bottle. It's got some great marks.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09And you could be right. Any idea about value?
0:34:09 > 0:34:15Well, I've been told, perhaps ?500 plus, but I'm not totally sure.
0:34:15 > 0:34:20Right... That's quite a bullish estimate.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23HE LAUGHS That's what I've been told.
0:34:23 > 0:34:46I think probably less. If we say ?150 to ?200.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52So you brought this rather revolting piece of Clarice Cliff...
0:34:52 > 0:34:58It's not pretty. No. How long have you had to live with it? Ten years.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03Before that, my parents had it for another 20. It's an old piece. Yes.
0:35:03 > 0:35:10What worries us about Clarice Cliff, particularly something as weak as this, is that is it original?
0:35:10 > 0:35:15There's the mark - the famous Clarice Cliff facsimile signature.
0:35:15 > 0:35:22It's strange because it's under the glaze - it's normally over the glaze.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27We could get ?70 to ?100 for it. I'd be surprised if we don't sell it.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31Do you want to flog it on and cash in? Flog it!
0:35:31 > 0:35:35Give me the cash. Give you the cash. Yes.
0:35:35 > 0:35:52What will you do with the money? Wine. Wine? Yes. Bottles of Chablis.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Thank you. Thank you very much.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Now it's Nigel's turn to seek a second opinion.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03James, tell me what you think about this. Is that all right?
0:36:03 > 0:36:08It could be all right. It's not a commercial piece.
0:36:08 > 0:36:14No, this basket weave, honey glaze... But it's got some nice, geometric patterning.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Is it from a decent source?
0:36:16 > 0:36:21It was Grandma's, so it must be all right. It's not a reproduction.
0:36:21 > 0:36:26I've not seen that pattern before. No. Sort of coiled pattern.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30It looks like one of those linen baskets.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34It does, doesn't it? ..Sort of a soiled linen basket.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42I'm trying to find a hallmark. ..Here it is.
0:36:42 > 0:37:08We've got an anchor, which is the assay mark for Birmingham, and the date letter is an "I" - that's 1908.
0:37:08 > 0:37:13to support the watch. Here's the watch itself - nothing special.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16It's Argentine. It's not silver...
0:37:16 > 0:37:23It's like a German nickel silver. And a very nice, clean movement in there. ..Where did you get it from?
0:37:23 > 0:37:28It belonged to my elder brother, who worked for Rotary watches and clocks.
0:37:28 > 0:37:33And he...um... It must be 20 years since I've seen it.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37It's been thoroughly polished over the years.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41He had a home help. Probably the home help.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46Unfortunately, it has been vigorously polished and has a crack,
0:37:46 > 0:37:50which has sprung this border round here.
0:37:50 > 0:38:15It should make... We'll put an estimate of ?50 to ?70 on it. Um...
0:38:15 > 0:38:18That's a modern piece of Wedgwood.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23And that is probably the holder for a lighter.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28This is dated '73, and I think it's probably as late as that - 1970s,
0:38:28 > 0:38:34so it's fairly modern. It's Jasperware on a black basalt ground.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39It's made in exactly the same way Wedgwood was made in the 1780s.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44It's probably worth a few pounds - ?3, ?4, ?5.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49And then we come to the star of the lot. This is Mason's ironstone.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53You've got the early Mason's mark, which was produced in the 1820s,
0:38:53 > 0:38:59but you've got "England" added - and that was only used at the end of the 19th century.
0:38:59 > 0:39:27But the pattern and the shape is from the early period, so that's what is confusing.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31An earlier one would be worth ?200 to ?400.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36Thanks for bringing those. Thanks very much. It's a pleasure.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Two nice carriage clocks here.
0:39:39 > 0:39:44Both of them are what is known as...a corniche case.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46And this one here...
0:39:46 > 0:39:50unfortunately, has a little more dust in it.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54Where did this stand? On a mantelpiece,
0:39:54 > 0:39:5810, 12, 15 years. I think the person responsible for this...
0:39:58 > 0:40:05There's a little chip in this lens, and, as every year has gone by, the dust has settled in the movement.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Quite a nice ring. It strikes on a gong.
0:40:09 > 0:40:35The gong is still blued, so there isn't too much moisture going in there. ..It's a nice item.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38It's a big job to take apart and reassemble.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43It's like taking your car engine apart. ..But a nice item.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45The smaller fellow - rather fun.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47"Xmas 1874."
0:40:47 > 0:40:52But our old friend the dust has got in there.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55A simple movement. It doesn't strike on anything.
0:40:55 > 0:41:01Now, what I would suggest to you is that they're put up together
0:41:01 > 0:41:05as one lot at auction. Both would have originally been supplied
0:41:05 > 0:41:10with a red morocco travelling case to have protected them.
0:41:10 > 0:41:16I would recommend an estimate of sort of ?180 to ?220...
0:41:18 > 0:41:23For the two? ..for the two items. That's roughly valuing this one
0:41:23 > 0:41:45slightly higher. We're going for about ?100. And then this one at about ?80.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50and we might do all right on that. Very good. Shall we? Have a go!
0:41:50 > 0:41:54What about Peter? We can always... Put a reserve price on.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59Put a reserve price on it. What I'd recommend is ?180 for those two.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Let's hope we do well. LAUGHS
0:42:08 > 0:42:11Earlier, I was in the most recent part of Haddon Hall.
0:42:11 > 0:42:17In the oldest hall, Mary gave me an insight into medieval entertaining.
0:42:17 > 0:42:24Mary, we're in the Great Hall - the original Haddon Hall, isn't it? Yes. Where all the entertaining was done.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28Well, entertaining, but people would have lived here -
0:42:28 > 0:42:32eating and sleeping, but later on just eating.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34This is the high table.
0:42:34 > 0:42:53This is superb. It's elm. Yes. It's huge! It's about 18ft long.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58Top dog and underdog. I would've been the underdog, covered in sawdust!
0:42:58 > 0:43:03Well, you'd of got more beer. Exactly. That was their reward.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Look at these saw marks - all hand sawn.
0:43:06 > 0:43:12Unbelievably hard work. You're looking at the good side.
0:43:12 > 0:43:19The underside was worn out, so they turned it over. The legs are trestles and the top is called the board.
0:43:19 > 0:43:25All the modern expressions - bed and board, board games, chairman of the board -
0:43:25 > 0:43:27come from these table tops.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31It's absolutely superb! I love these bases,
0:43:31 > 0:43:36and I love the legs, with these shoes. The detail is superb.
0:43:36 > 0:43:41This is one hell of a survivor. It is. God, it's nippy in here, Mary.
0:43:41 > 0:44:06Get the fire on. We wear plenty of layers! The original fire would have been in the centre of the room,
0:44:06 > 0:44:11No, we have spectacular kitchens. Come and I'll show you. For sure.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19Oh, this is wonderful!
0:44:19 > 0:44:23These are the kitchens. Built at the same time...
0:44:23 > 0:44:29as the Great Hall. You might think it's cold in here... It's freezing!
0:44:29 > 0:44:34It would have been extremely hot. I can imagine. Two fireplaces in here.
0:44:34 > 0:44:38One for boiling and one for spit roasting.
0:44:38 > 0:44:43Henry VIII is said to have sent a circular to all the palace kitchens
0:44:43 > 0:44:49instructing the kitchen boys to wear a loin cloth for decency's sake.
0:44:49 > 0:45:14I'm trying to use my imagination that it's hot in here. There's no way I'll take my clothes off!
0:45:14 > 0:45:20What is this? It's like a shed from the Orkneys! It's the cook's bed.
0:45:20 > 0:45:25He did better than everybody else. Warm. He had a bed -
0:45:25 > 0:45:28everybody else had to sleep on the floor.
0:45:28 > 0:45:32It is quite unusual because it is quite primitive,
0:45:32 > 0:45:39yet this panelling has raised, linen-fold detail. That's probably come from something else.
0:45:39 > 0:45:45Yes, Cook wouldn't have been so important as to have had panelling.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48He obviously had trouble getting in. He has a step.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52Yes. There's some beautiful pieces of wood here.
0:45:52 > 0:45:56They would have sat on that. Yes. Toast their toes.
0:45:56 > 0:46:01Speaking of which, are there any warm fires we can go and sit by?
0:46:01 > 0:46:04Yes. Up in the dining room. Let's go!
0:46:22 > 0:46:26Mrs Tregelles thinks her bronze warrior is topical...
0:46:26 > 0:46:31Well, either way, it's a fine piece and should make its reserve.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34Excessive polishing and dust
0:46:34 > 0:46:37may have taken some of the shine off
0:46:37 > 0:46:40Mr Dawkins' timepieces.
0:46:40 > 0:46:45Shelagh hates Clarice Cliff, but has a taste for fine wines.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48Will she be flush enough to buy a case?
0:46:54 > 0:46:57At the Wilkinson and Beighton saleroom,
0:46:57 > 0:47:01all our owners and antiques have arrived safely.
0:47:01 > 0:47:07The music stand and the bronze warrior are coming under scrutiny.
0:47:07 > 0:47:31What does auctioneer Paul Beighton think of our owner's pieces? And how accurate are our valuations?
0:47:31 > 0:47:35And she did pay ?200 for this 20 years ago.
0:47:35 > 0:47:39Antiques aren't always a cast-iron investment.
0:47:39 > 0:47:45We've got three clocks from Mr Dawkins. The first one is a pocket table clock.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49There is slight damage on the case...
0:47:49 > 0:47:56It should make ?40, ?60. Probably end up halfway. James reckons up to ?70.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00And these two carriage clocks?
0:48:00 > 0:48:04I would think they'll make ?200 - ?100 a piece.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07Our experts thought ?220 for the lot.
0:48:07 > 0:48:12Mr Dawkins, with luck, could be walking home with ?300.
0:48:12 > 0:48:17Shelagh's Clarice Cliff vase, which has been in the family for 30 years.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20Decorative. Clarice Cliff is selling.
0:48:20 > 0:48:42She wanted rid of it. She didn't like it.
0:48:42 > 0:48:49as they watch their item go under the hammer. Jill's hoping her music stand will fly!
0:48:49 > 0:48:56One of the most interesting stories of the day was Jill's, because it involves a pig. Tell us about that.
0:48:56 > 0:49:03About ten years ago, we were invited out for Christmas Eve, and we went to look at the pigs.
0:49:03 > 0:49:10Amongst them was the runt of the litter. So, as we've got a farm, my husband said that we would rear it.
0:49:10 > 0:49:15We put it in a box in the garage with a heat lamp for a few days...
0:49:15 > 0:49:20Was it poorly? No, it was cold and needed warmth.
0:49:20 > 0:49:26Did you wrap it in hot water bottles? Well, yes, they might have had one at one time.
0:49:26 > 0:49:32As it grew bigger, it went into a sty. It grew so big that we sold it.
0:49:32 > 0:49:53Did the pig have a name? We called it Perky. Brilliant! And you've brought a picture. Here's Perky...
0:49:53 > 0:49:56?320... BANGS GAVEL
0:49:56 > 0:49:58Lot 353...
0:49:58 > 0:50:02The auction's underway. The three timepieces are first up.
0:50:02 > 0:50:07We're here with Mr Dawkins, who's got the three clocks coming up.
0:50:07 > 0:50:14The first one's the pocket table clock. That's right. I like that. Slightly Art-Nouveau looking. It is.
0:50:14 > 0:50:22Excited? Butterflies are turning a bit. Yeah? When it got to the 150s, it started to move a little bit.
0:50:22 > 0:50:27Yeah. They slowed down a bit, but it's picking up. ..A bit of a lull.
0:50:27 > 0:50:35That's right. How do you feel? I'm all right. Confident? Need to phone a friend? Not yet. No.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37A sliver-framed
0:50:37 > 0:50:40eight-day pocket watch. We're on.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43We're on. Showing over there.
0:50:43 > 0:51:03Who'll give me ?20? ..?10?
0:51:03 > 0:51:05We are. He should push it more.
0:51:05 > 0:51:10?25...if you're done. That was REALLY disappointing.
0:51:10 > 0:51:14I know. That was worth much more than ?40.
0:51:14 > 0:51:19I think it was worth more. Shh! Let's see if we can salvage it now.
0:51:19 > 0:51:23Two carriage clocks. Start me at ?100.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26Nice little clocks. ?100? No lower.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28?100 bid.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32Can I say ?120? They're low ins, aren't they?
0:51:32 > 0:51:35?120, 140...
0:51:35 > 0:51:37?160? Don't miss them. ?140...
0:51:37 > 0:51:40?160...new bidder. ?180?
0:51:40 > 0:51:46?160. Can I say ?180? Good. Oh, go on. Bid again. Are you back in?
0:51:46 > 0:51:48At ?160. If you're all finished...
0:51:48 > 0:52:12This is slow. Oh, dear. Never mind. Maybe you should have cleaned them.
0:52:12 > 0:52:17I enjoyed the experience. You'll come back. And it's in the catalogue.
0:52:17 > 0:52:25I shall be coming back here with some more. Yeah, and you might come back to the next one and buy something.
0:52:25 > 0:52:30Mr Dawkins was realistic. Damage to your item will damage its value.
0:52:30 > 0:52:35Mrs Tregelles couldn't come, so we'll look after her Afghan rebel.
0:52:35 > 0:52:42Were coming up to Mrs Tregelles's lot, which is the statue. Yes, the Franz Bergman bronze,
0:52:42 > 0:52:47the cold-painted bronze. It's a nice thing. High reserve on it.
0:52:47 > 0:52:49I think it's got enough money on it.
0:52:49 > 0:52:54It's damaged, and buyers are finicky about the condition on these things.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58It's a pity she can't be with us today. Yes.
0:52:58 > 0:53:01Anyway...here we go. Here we go.
0:53:01 > 0:53:21Interesting lot. ?100?
0:53:21 > 0:53:23?280, ?300, ?320.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27?340? ..At ?320 in the centre...
0:53:27 > 0:53:29?340, will you? All finished?
0:53:30 > 0:53:36Another winner, Nigel. Bang on. ..I'm happy with that. She paid ?200
0:53:36 > 0:53:43for that 20 years ago. She paid a lot for it. Not much of a return. No, but it's a good price.
0:53:51 > 0:53:58Your music stand's excellent. That's got to go today. I hope so. The only thing that's going to let it down,
0:53:58 > 0:54:03is the fact that it doesn't adjust in height. Doesn't it? No.
0:54:03 > 0:54:07It might stop a musician buying it for different heights.
0:54:07 > 0:54:36We rather hope some sort of good furniture dealer might buy it for their shop or for their stand. Yes.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39It's a rare lot.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42Will you start me at ?500? ..?400?
0:54:42 > 0:54:47?200? Oh, dear. It's amazing how slow it is to begin with.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50?220, ?240, ?260,
0:54:50 > 0:54:52?280, ?300, ?320, ?340,
0:54:52 > 0:54:55?360, ?380, ?400,
0:54:55 > 0:54:58?420, ?440, ?460, ?480,
0:54:58 > 0:55:01?500...?520?
0:55:01 > 0:55:04?520... ?540?
0:55:04 > 0:55:07?520. Looking for ?540.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10At ?520... ?540, will you?
0:55:10 > 0:55:14?520... Oh, come on. Push, push!
0:55:14 > 0:55:17The reserve's higher. It's not sold.
0:55:17 > 0:55:22Never mind. Oooh. It doesn't matter. I shall take it home
0:55:22 > 0:55:42and put it back. Still have memories of Perky the pig? Yes. He's staying with you.
0:55:42 > 0:55:47but it's not a bad thing to be taking back home.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50The final lot is Shelagh's Clarice Cliff vase.
0:55:50 > 0:55:56Shelagh is exemplary - because you don't care about this, do you? No.
0:55:56 > 0:56:00You just want to flog it! Exactly! No reserve? No.
0:56:00 > 0:56:07Nigel thinks you'll get ?80 for it. We'll be happy with that. Have you got any more?
0:56:07 > 0:56:11I've got more Clarice Cliff at home. Hiding away in the attic?
0:56:11 > 0:56:17Well, it was in a cupboard wrapped in bubble wrap. We don't use it.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20If you don't like it, get it out...
0:56:20 > 0:56:25Nigel will get round there in his van. Yeah, we'll move it on for you.
0:56:25 > 0:56:30It's the most disgusting piece of pottery, but it'll make money.
0:56:30 > 0:56:32You'll be all right on this.
0:56:32 > 0:56:33There's enough people out there with bad taste. There's no accounting for that!
0:56:33 > 0:56:58The unusual thing about it is - underneath it has a "Patent applied for" mark, which is very rare. Oooh!
0:56:58 > 0:57:03It's ugly. Bids will be at ?60. ?70, will you? ?70, can I say?
0:57:03 > 0:57:06At ?60... ?70, ?80,
0:57:06 > 0:57:08?90, ?100... ?110?
0:57:08 > 0:57:11At ?100... ?110, will you?
0:57:11 > 0:57:13?110, ?120...
0:57:13 > 0:57:17?130? ?120 bid. This is great, Nigel.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20At ?120. ..All finished with it?
0:57:20 > 0:57:26Well done! It's what we predicted. We thought it might go above. Yeah.
0:57:26 > 0:57:31That's what we like to see. You can spend that on something you do like.
0:57:31 > 0:57:35Shelagh, that's ?120. That's pretty good.
0:57:35 > 0:57:41You're going home happy. Yes. I'm just relieved I got one right! Yes!
0:57:41 > 0:58:07Well, it's been an interesting auction.
0:58:07 > 0:58:12That's all for today. There's been highs and lows. Join us next time.
0:58:26 > 0:58:30Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd