0:00:09 > 0:00:12The most spectacular setting, and a fabulous crowd.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Today, we're in Aberdeenshire, and this...
0:00:15 > 0:00:17ALL: ..is Flog It!
0:00:44 > 0:00:49Today's show comes from the magnificent Crathes Castle, near Banchory.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52It's a 16th Century tower house with fairy-tale turrets,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55a world-famous garden and connections to Robert the Bruce.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Now, if that's whetted your appetite, stay tuned,
0:00:57 > 0:00:59because later on in the programme,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03I'll be taking a closer look inside and outside the castle.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05But right now, we have a fabulous crowd of people,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09all eager to ask our experts that all-important question, which is...
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- ALL: What's it worth? - Stay tuned, and you'll find out!
0:01:13 > 0:01:17So, let's meet our team of experts. And first up, it's Adam Partridge,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and he's not afraid to tell how it is.
0:01:20 > 0:01:27- Yeah, they can go back in the bag. - Back in the bag!- Yeah.- Subtle(!)
0:01:27 > 0:01:30They call me Mr Sledgehammer cos I'm so subtle, yeah.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- Oh.- Is it valuable?
0:01:35 > 0:01:38I'm trying to hide my disappointment.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40He's being nosey! He's nosey!
0:01:40 > 0:01:43And Adam's joined by the brilliant Anita Manning.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46As one of Scotland's first lady auctioneers,
0:01:46 > 0:01:51she certainly knows her stuff, but shouldn't someone tell her to stop having so much fun
0:01:51 > 0:01:53and concentrate on antiques?
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- You're beautiful! - Is the lipstick on straight?
0:01:57 > 0:02:02'Coming up on today's show, our experts pick their favourite items,
0:02:02 > 0:02:05'but cannot see eye to eye with their owners...'
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- I absolutely love Wemmys. Do you like it?- No.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11ANITA CHUCKLES
0:02:11 > 0:02:15They're quite fun, aren't they? They're quite nicely carved. Do you like them?
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Erm, not especially, no!
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- I think it's charming. Do you like it?- No.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Well, everyone has different tastes.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28'..I get to grips with life in a medieval castle...'
0:02:28 > 0:02:31The defender of the castle would have the upper hand,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34and he'd thrust into you!
0:02:34 > 0:02:38'..and, as always, tension and surprises in the auction.'
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Come on, come on, someone come in.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44We've a great turnout here, and our crowd have brought along
0:02:44 > 0:02:48dozens of bags and boxes brimming to the top with antiques and heirlooms.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53So what are we waiting for? Let's get on with our first valuation.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Adam's at the table with local lady Elizabeth,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00who's brought in some collectibles which hail from much further afield.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04And you've brought along some rather curious-looking figures, here.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07What can you tell me about them yourself?
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Well, they belonged to my Uncle Jack,
0:03:09 > 0:03:15and I believe he got them from a friend who worked out in Hong Kong.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- Ah! Well, that's... - A police chief, or something.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- OK.- I'm not exactly sure what he did,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24but that's where they came from, anyway.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25OK, well, that makes sense, yes.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28So you've identified them for us, of course.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31These are early tourist carving souvenirs, if you will.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35They're quite fun, aren't they? They're quite nicely carved.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- Do you like them? - Erm, not especially, no!
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- So that's why you're selling them! - Yes.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- Do you have them on display at home? - They are actually on display, yes.
0:03:45 > 0:03:46And how long have you had them?
0:03:46 > 0:03:49About...
0:03:49 > 0:03:5115... 10, 15 years.
0:03:51 > 0:03:52Quite a while.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55So, we've got this sort of elder here
0:03:55 > 0:03:58with the youngster clinging on there.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00They're quite fun, aren't they?
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- They are fun, and they're very well made, too.- They are.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05They're intricately carved.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- You can see the teeth are showing, he's lost an eye, hasn't he?- Yes.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12And the second one, the lady here.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14I particularly like the eyes of that.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16It looks like he's had a real shock.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Eye sockets bulging out of his head there.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22She's got a certain expression on her face.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Supercilious expression.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Yes, yes. She looks like she's looking down her nose at you, or something.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- Snooty.- Yes.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33I get looked at like that quite often, actually, myself.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- So you don't really like them so you've brought them to sell them? - Yes.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41Well, that's good. They're not actually going to make a great deal of money.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43They've both got a few condition issues.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46He's had a bit of a break which has been a re-glue,
0:04:46 > 0:04:48but actually done pretty well,
0:04:48 > 0:04:53and she's lost a bit off the top there. But I think they'll make £30-£40 for the pair,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- something like that. Happy to let them go?- Yes.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58And do you want a reserve on them or do you want to let them
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- go for the highest... For whatever they make?- Um...
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- What price would you be disappointed if they didn't make?- 15, 20...
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Let's put £20 on them.- OK, fine.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11If they don't make £20, they can go back home with you.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- Yes. Exactly.- And you can tell the story of Uncle Jack and your Flog It! figure that didn't quite sell.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- Hopefully, they will. Thanks for coming along to the show today. - Thank you.- A pleasure.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Well, Adam certainly has a way with words
0:05:23 > 0:05:28but we'll have to wait until the auction to find out if his valuing is up to scratch.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Now, over to the other side of the grounds.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34I found something you'd have to be a real dummy not to love.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Linda, thank you very much for coming along to our valuation day
0:05:37 > 0:05:40and to all of you because without you, we wouldn't have a show.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Tell you what, what a location. Look at that, it's beautiful.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- It really is. I guess you're all familiar with the castle, you're all local?- ALL:- Yes.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- Where do you live, Linda? - Just in central Banchory.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54Oh, just down the road, then. So you didn't have far to carry this?
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- Not too far.- Just a little bit of a struggle.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59It's a lovely mannequin. How long have you had this?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Probably about a year. A year now.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- And how much did you pay for this? - Um...around £25.- OK.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- From our local charity shop.- Well, I think you've done rather well.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14This evokes the Edwardian era for me, but these mannequins and tailors' dummies
0:06:14 > 0:06:18have been used through the Georgian period. You see them in shop windows
0:06:18 > 0:06:20and they are made of quality.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23This is made of wood. Covered in a fabric.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Sadly, the fabric is a little bit... worse for wear.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29It's stained and it's a bit dirty but I'll tell you what,
0:06:29 > 0:06:30what a lot of people do with these
0:06:30 > 0:06:34is they have these recovered in a bright velvet or...
0:06:34 > 0:06:37could be a light blue like this, or bright red,
0:06:37 > 0:06:41and, all of a sudden, you've got a contemporary look. It's really nice to actually...
0:06:41 > 0:06:44if you're a lady, to have your necklaces on it just draped,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47maybe half a dozen in the bedroom. You could stick a hat on there with a feather,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51and, all of a sudden, you become a decorator and you're playing.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52You're just playing with something.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55And I think that's half the fun with something like this.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57There's not a lot of history to it.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I notice there is a maker's name just stamped on there.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01It's "Harris and something".
0:07:01 > 0:07:04I think it's "Harris and Hall, Birmingham." Made in Birmingham.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- Have you noticed the stand's made of an oak?- I knew that, yes.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11That's so typical of the Edwardian period as well.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14This lovely white French oak. It's quality, it really is.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17So I think your £25, if we put this into auction,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20should realise... How about double your money, £50?
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- Would you be happy? - Really? Yes. Yes.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26We should put this into auction with an estimate,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28a guide price of £40 to £60.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33- Fixed reserve at £40. - OK, yes, I'm happy with that.- Yeah?
0:07:33 > 0:07:35It's got the look.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- It's very tactile, I thought. - Yeah, it is, isn't it? - I want to give it a cuddle.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- Go on, then, say goodbye and give it a cuddle. I'll see you in the auction room.- OK, thank you.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Whilst they say their goodbyes,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50let's see what's going on back at the valuation tables.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55Anita has sniffed out some ceramics with a great local interest.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Irene, welcome to Flog It! And I'm delighted to see Scottish pottery
0:07:59 > 0:08:04on our Aberdeen show and especially delighted to see Wemyss.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08I absolutely love Wemyss. Can you tell me, where did you get it?
0:08:08 > 0:08:10They belonged to an aunt of mine.
0:08:12 > 0:08:18I don't know whether she might possibly have had them when they were new.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21I mean, what... What are the dates?
0:08:21 > 0:08:24The date, 1892 to 1930s.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Well, I suppose, maybe, I don't know.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- Did you inherit these?- Yes.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Did you like them?
0:08:31 > 0:08:32No.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35THEY LAUGH
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- Not really.- Do you have them on display?- No.- No?
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- Where are they?- In the cupboard. - In a cupboard, I know.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Well, everyone has different tastes
0:08:46 > 0:08:49and I must say that Wemyss is a collectable pottery
0:08:49 > 0:08:51so people will like it.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55It was the factory of Robert Heron and Sons in Fife.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57It was named after the Wemyss Castle
0:08:57 > 0:09:01because the occupants of the Wemyss Castle
0:09:01 > 0:09:03loved this type of ware.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07And they used a lot of it in their household,
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- the wonderful basins.- Right. - Toilet sets and so on.
0:09:12 > 0:09:18If we look underneath, we can see the back stamp for Wemyss.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21And we can also see an impressed stamp on it.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Where's that? I don't think I noticed that.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27This one here is not in good condition.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33And we can see a great deal of damage in the inside
0:09:33 > 0:09:37and somebody has stuck it together, not terribly well.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I don't know what's happened. It was like that.
0:09:40 > 0:09:41It was like that? Yes.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44What people love about Wemyss
0:09:44 > 0:09:49is the quality of the hand-painted decoration.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53If we look at the wonderful application of paint
0:09:53 > 0:09:54on this little pot
0:09:54 > 0:09:56and it's decorated with cherries,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00it's almost mouth-watering
0:10:00 > 0:10:04and, to me, this is still a little work of art.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07And someone will continue to enjoy it
0:10:07 > 0:10:10despite the fact that there is damage.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12And it may be that whoever buys it
0:10:12 > 0:10:15may want to have it restored in a more professional way.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Now, what I would do, Irene, is to...
0:10:19 > 0:10:21sell these items in two lots.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25I would put these vases together.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31And I would put them in with an estimate of 80 to 120,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34with a reserve of...£70?
0:10:34 > 0:10:39This is a little lot and we'll put it in 60 to 80
0:10:39 > 0:10:45with a reserve of £50. I'm sure they'll go higher than that,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48but these are the right estimates to put them in at.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- OK.- Tell me, Irene,
0:10:50 > 0:10:55do you like these a wee bit better now that I've been very enthusiastic about them?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57THEY LAUGH
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Not really.- Not really?- Sorry!
0:11:00 > 0:11:01THEY LAUGH
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Well, put them into auction
0:11:03 > 0:11:05and I'll look forward to seeing you there.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11'Back to the tables, and Linda's brought a great goblet collection.'
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- Good afternoon, Linda. - Good afternoon.- How are you doing?
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- Fine, thank you.- You've brought an impressive selection of goblets.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21How long have you had them?
0:11:21 > 0:11:24I've had them about 30 years.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28I bought them from a jeweller's who was doing a house clearance.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31They just looked quite pretty.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35In the '80s, I thought they could sit on the dining table nicely.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Yes. Have you ever used them?
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- The gilt ones we have. - What did you drink out of them?
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Oh, liqueur.- Liqueur, very good.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- Creme de menthe?- Maybe a Drambuie. THEY LAUGH
0:11:48 > 0:11:52They're very nice in their case and they're quite easy to do.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56We see lots of these around. They're both hallmarked silver.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01These ones, to a lot of people look like they're gold.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Solid gold! But they're not, they're silver.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08They've got a layer of gold. We call that silver gilt.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Or gold plated on a silver body. They've both got their hallmarks.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15These are Birmingham for 1910.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19We've got the retailers, Wilson & Sharp of Edinburgh.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22They've stayed in Scotland for 100 years.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26These ones are a London mark for 1912, but also a Scottish retailer.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29If I slip that back, you've got the retailer.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Stewart, "By appointment to the Queen" and Glasgow!
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- Very posh! When was the last time you used them?- Oh, 20 years ago!
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- Why are you selling them?- They lie in a cupboard and do nothing.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- RAIN FALLS HEAVILY - I'm going to quickly value them.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49The rain is tumbling!
0:12:49 > 0:12:53This set of 12, I'd like to say £200 to £300 estimate.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58And the set of six, about half of that - £100, £150 estimate.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- How does that sound? - That sounds good.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04ANYTHING sounds good in our current condition!
0:13:04 > 0:13:08Let's put a reserve on them. We'll sell them separately.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13So we'll put £200 bottom limit on that, and £100 on those.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- Is that acceptable to you?- Yes. I would be delighted.- That's great.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Any plans on what you might do?
0:13:20 > 0:13:24They might make 300, 400, even a bit more,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27once we get to the final hammer price.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- A weekend away.- Anywhere in particular?- Gleneagles?- Gleneagles!
0:13:31 > 0:13:35Brilliant! I like a lady who's very decisive!
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Thank you for coming to Flog It!
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- We'll speak in more detail at the auction.- Thank you.- It's a pleasure.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45'It seems like it's a good time to escape the rain.'
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Isn't that absolutely breathtaking? What a backdrop!
0:14:10 > 0:14:14The Scottish countryside has inspired many a writer.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18None so much as author James Leslie Mitchell.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21You may know him by his pen name, Lewis Grassic Gibbon -
0:14:21 > 0:14:25a central figure in 20th-century Scottish renaissance,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27best known for his fictional work
0:14:27 > 0:14:30paying homage to his north-eastern Scottish roots.
0:14:30 > 0:14:36He went on to be one of the most celebrated Scottish writers of all time.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Gibbon was born in 1901.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44He lived in the tiny village of Arbuthnott
0:14:44 > 0:14:46in the Howe of the Mearns, Aberdeenshire,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50during his formative years.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52This experience
0:14:52 > 0:14:55was to be profoundly influential on his writing.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59He came from a long line of farmers,
0:14:59 > 0:15:02and was fiercely proud of his peasant up-bringing.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06He lived in this small cottage from the age of seven to 16.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Life in this small rural community
0:15:08 > 0:15:13shaped the way he thought and the way he believed,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16and it's all reflected in his novels.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20He drew on the people, sights, sounds, smells that he encountered
0:15:20 > 0:15:24while growing up here as a young lad.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Gibbon attended the local school.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31It was here that his potential was recognised.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36A head teacher called Alexander Gray nurtured the boy's talent
0:15:36 > 0:15:39after being amazed by the 13-year-old's essays.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45"In front of Arbuthnott school stretches a sea of green,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48"intersected here and there with small square fields
0:15:48 > 0:15:53"or a winding road disappearing in the waving masses of foliage."
0:15:53 > 0:15:56However, despite his early talent,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00it would be some years before the young man put it to good use.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04The following years proved troublesome for Gibbon.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07He spent time as a journalist, then he was in the army and the RAF.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10It really didn't suit his character.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12It wasn't until 1929,
0:16:12 > 0:16:17at the age of 28, he realised his dream and started writing full time.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19And, boy! Was it worth the wait?
0:16:19 > 0:16:24He produced a wealth of novels, the most celebrated of all, Sunset Song.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30In 2005, the public voted it the best Scottish book of all time.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35It caused a sensation when it was first published in 1932.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Gibbon went on to write two more novels
0:16:38 > 0:16:41to create the trilogy he named A Scots Quair,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43"quair" meaning book.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46The novels follow the life of heroine Chris Guthrie
0:16:46 > 0:16:53and her experiences of the Great War and growing communism of the 1920s.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57What was ground-breaking was the author's attitude towards women.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01Gibbon disagreed with the traditional role of women.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03He didn't think they were inferior.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07In fact, he chose as a main character a strong female.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10So when Sunset Song was published,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13critics believed it was written by a woman,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15it so accurately described their concerns.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18It is also critically acclaimed
0:17:18 > 0:17:21for the skilful recreation of the rhythm of Scots
0:17:21 > 0:17:25without using spelling, dialect or Scottish vocabulary.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29"Below and around where Chris Guthrie lay,
0:17:29 > 0:17:33"the June moors whispered and rustled and shook their cloaks.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36"In the east against the cobalt blue of the sky
0:17:36 > 0:17:40"lay the shimmer of the North Sea that was by Bervie.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43"Maybe the wind would veer there in an hour or so
0:17:43 > 0:17:48"and you'd feel the change in the life and strum of the thing,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51"bringing a streaming coolness out of the sea."
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Many places near Arbuthnott feature in the novels.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Sometimes Gibbon changed the name and sometimes he kept them for real.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05Behind me is spectacular Dunnottar Castle, a 14th-century keep.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09I understand why he chose this to feature in Sunset Song.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12It is absolutely awe-inspiring.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Look at that!
0:18:14 > 0:18:18You can't help but feel creative when you look at that!
0:18:20 > 0:18:24"The air was blind with the splash of the incoming tide,
0:18:24 > 0:18:29"above you the rock rose sheer at the path wound downward sheer;
0:18:29 > 0:18:33"and high up, crowning the rock were the ruins of the castle walls,
0:18:33 > 0:18:35"splashed with sunlight."
0:18:41 > 0:18:44As Gibbon was fiercely proud about HIS roots
0:18:44 > 0:18:49are the villagers in Arbuthnott about their author, immensely proud.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51At this little centre,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55there's a fitting tribute to the man and his work.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57It contains lots of personal items -
0:18:57 > 0:19:01pens, papers, books, a writing slope.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05It's a fitting testament to the man they loved and admired.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Gibbon was very much a young man in a hurry.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12He wrote everything from short story collections
0:19:12 > 0:19:14to books on history and biographies.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17The author produced 17 novels -
0:19:17 > 0:19:20some in his pen name and some in his real name -
0:19:20 > 0:19:23in under seven years!
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Lewis Grassic Gibbon passed away in 1935.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39He died of peritonitis at the very young age of 34.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43His final resting place is quite fitting.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It's here in the churchyard at Arbuthnott.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49He wrote about this church. He loved it.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52It begs the question, doesn't it?
0:19:52 > 0:19:55If his life hadn't have ended so tragically early,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59what other great works would he have given us?
0:20:10 > 0:20:14And now a quick reminder of what's going off to auction.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Adam's put an estimate of £30 to £40 on these fun figurines
0:20:19 > 0:20:22but will their damage be their downfall in the sale room?
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Linda's hoping to make a profit on the £25 she spent on that
0:20:26 > 0:20:28quality tailor's dummy,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30which I valued at £40 to £60.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35And Anita's decided to split her items into two lots.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39She's valued these vases at £80 to £120
0:20:39 > 0:20:42and the second vase and jam pot at £60 to £80.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47Finally, Adam's braved the elements to give Linda's goblets a value
0:20:47 > 0:20:51of £200 to £300 for the gilt set of 12 and £100 to £150
0:20:51 > 0:20:54for the silver collection.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02And this is where all the action's taking place today.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05John Mill auctioneers in the heart of Aberdeen.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08I'm going to go inside and catch up with our owners.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12They're feeling nervous. Fingers crossed, it's a packed saleroom.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17Well, our luck is in because it is packed and we're just in time
0:21:17 > 0:21:21because auctioneer Graham Lumsden is about to kick off proceedings.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25Our first lot under the hammer are those Far Eastern figures.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Just been joined by Elizabeth with her two figures.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32I think these are resin. We had a look and a chat to the auctioneer earlier.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34He said they're definitely resin. Nevertheless,
0:21:34 > 0:21:36£30 to £40 we could turn into £100.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- Why are you selling them? - I just don't like them.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42You know, they're not really my cup of tea.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45No, but somebody will like them and we're going to find them right now.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Here we go.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Lot 70, two carved Chinese figures.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52They're in fact resin, they're not actually carved wood.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55They're in fact resin. For the pair, £50.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57£50 the pair.
0:21:57 > 0:22:0040? I'm bid 40.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05Any advance on £40, the pair of Chinese figures, 45? 50.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07At £50 on my left.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Any advance on £50?
0:22:09 > 0:22:12The bid is outside the room at 50. They're going to be sold for £50.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14All finished at 50?
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- Well, that was short and sweet but we got the top end, £50.- I'm happy.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22For something you didn't like and didn't want.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- Yes, it's a bonus. - Yes, it is.- Absolutely.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Thank you for bringing it in. - I think there was damage too, wasn't there?
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- One of the eyes was missing. - That was all right.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33'What a great start. Now it's Linda and that mannequin.'
0:22:35 > 0:22:41Linda, I hardly recognised you! Wow! Whoo! Go get them, girl.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43We are just about to sell the mannequin
0:22:43 > 0:22:46and you're just in time because it's been frantic here.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50It really has. It's a packed saleroom, things are flying out.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51I think this mannequin will sell.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- This is it. Let us find out what the bidders think.- Lot 100.
0:22:54 > 0:22:5880, at £80, the mannequin. 60.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00£40, the mannequin.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02I'm bid 40, beside me.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07Any advance on £40, the mannequin? One bid at £40.
0:23:07 > 0:23:13It's going to be sold at £40. £40, the mannequin. One bid at 40. 45.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- 50.- Yes! Yes!
0:23:16 > 0:23:1855. At 55 at the door.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Any advance on £55 at the door for the mannequin?
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- £55, the hammer has gone down. - Oh, well.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- That wasn't too bad, was it? - It wasn't.- I was about right.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31£55. We got nearly the top end. Enjoy the money.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33I think that's lunch out for you for turning up
0:23:33 > 0:23:35at the valuation day and today.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- And it's an enjoyable day.- Thank you.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43'Linda got more than double the £25 she paid so I'm chuffed with that.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48Without further ado, let's get cracking.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51I love my country pottery. Why are you selling these?
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Well, I don't particularly like them.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- You don't?- No.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Gosh. Why not? What's wrong with them?
0:23:59 > 0:24:03They haven't seen the light of day for at least 20 years.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Really? They've just been stuck in a box in a cupboard somewhere.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Oh, that's a shame.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13Irene is doing the right thing. If they are tucked in a cupboard,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16sell them and let someone else enjoy them.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19We've got two lots. We've split them into two lots.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21The little preserve jar, which has a lot of damage,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24we're selling that with the taller vase.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29Plus we have a pair of vases to follow, with 80 to 120 on those.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- Is that OK?- Yes, yeah.- Thank you for bringing them in and hopefully,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34we'll send you home happy.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38- That would be nice. - It would be nice, wouldn't it?
0:24:38 > 0:24:40- THEY LAUGH - Here we go, let's find out.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44115 is the next lot. Two pieces of Wemyss.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49As we have it, the jam pot has had some extensive repair. £60.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Wemyss ware for 60. 40. I'm bid 40.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56Right, we're in. We've got someone down the front on 40.
0:24:56 > 0:24:5742, 45, 48.
0:24:57 > 0:25:0150. At 50 on my right. The lady has bid on the Wemyss at 50.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04We have it at 50. Any advance on £50?
0:25:04 > 0:25:10- We're just short, aren't we? - 60. 65. 70. At 70 in the room.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Any advance on £70? The bid's in the room at £70.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- I'll finish now at 70. - We've done it. Mid-estimate.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21Thank goodness for that. That was slow to start with. Right.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Here's the next lot. We're looking at 80-120.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Again, we're back to the Wemyss Ware.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30It's the two Wemyss vases. Good order. £100.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33A pair of Wemyss vases. 100, 80.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37I'm bid 60, 70. At 70.
0:25:37 > 0:25:43Any advance on 70? 80. 90. 100. 110.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45On 110 on my right. 120, 130.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- This is more like it.- 140. At 140.
0:25:49 > 0:25:55145. 150. At 150 on my left. Any advance on 150?
0:25:55 > 0:25:58The Wemyss vases are going to be sold for 150.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01They're going to go at 150.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04That's a good result. That's a great result. £150.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- Are you happy, Irene? - Yes. Very good.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10£150. That's great, isn't it?
0:26:10 > 0:26:12They were in perfect condition.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15That was the pair to go for.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19That was the pair to go for. We got 70 for the other lot and 150.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- That's not bad. £220.- Jolly good.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26'I'm so pleased Irene can put that money towards something
0:26:26 > 0:26:27'she'll really love.'
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Now let's see what the bidders make
0:26:31 > 0:26:34of Linda's miniature goblet collection.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Lots of little miniature goblets.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- Were they for drinking Drambuie in? - Yes. Why not?
0:26:40 > 0:26:45- Tiny little shots, though. Mini ones!- Bit small for my friends.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- They prefer larger glasses. - Yeah. Anyway, we've got lots here.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54Two lots coming up. First lot is a set of 12. Second lot, a set of six.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- Correct.- 200 to 300 and 100 to 200, respectively.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01- OK?- Yeah.- Let's find out what our bidders think.
0:27:01 > 0:27:06Here's the first. We're looking at £200 to £300, a set of 12.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11Lot 145, a set of 12 London silver gilt miniature goblets
0:27:11 > 0:27:13in a fitted case.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15£300?
0:27:15 > 0:27:17250?
0:27:17 > 0:27:19£200?
0:27:19 > 0:27:2212 silver gilt goblets for £200. 150?
0:27:22 > 0:27:24I'm bid 150. 160.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27170. 180. 190.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- This is good. - Five. 200.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32210. 220.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35230. 240.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38250. 260.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43- Wow!- It's not over yet. - 280. 290. 300.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45310. 320.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49330. 340. 350.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54- 360. 360 in the room. - 360!
0:27:54 > 0:27:58It's in the centre at 360. Going to be sold at £360...
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- Well, that's fabulous! - That was good.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04First lot £360.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- Technically, we should get half this cos there's six.- Yes.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09You never know!
0:28:09 > 0:28:14A set of six Birmingham silver miniature goblets in a fitted case.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15£150?
0:28:15 > 0:28:19120? 100?
0:28:19 > 0:28:2390? I'm bid 90. Any advance now? 100 at the door.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27£100. Any advance now at £100? 105.
0:28:27 > 0:28:3115. 120. Five. 130.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Five. 140. Five.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36150. Five.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38160. Five.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40170. Five.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42At 175 outside the door now.
0:28:42 > 0:28:48Any advance on £175? The bid is on my left at 175...
0:28:48 > 0:28:50We'll settle for that. Nearly half.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53- We got our sums right! - They weren't silver gilt.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57- No. You've got to be really happy. - They weren't as shiny.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Well, it was a smaller set.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01It didn't look so expensive.
0:29:01 > 0:29:07- Happy?- Absolutely delighted.- Good.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11- Enjoy the money.- We will. - Good result. They snapped them up.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15- Well spotted at the valuation day. - They like their goblets in Aberdeen!
0:29:37 > 0:29:41Crathes is one of the most magnificent
0:29:41 > 0:29:45and best-preserved 16th Century castles in Scotland.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49It was home to the Burnett family for a staggering 14 generations.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52You can definitely say they left their mark on the landscape.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56The castle was completed in 1596 but the story starts a lot earlier,
0:29:56 > 0:29:59back in 1308.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Then, this whole area was part of a forest
0:30:02 > 0:30:05rich in boar and deer, ripe for hunting.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Robert the Bruce would come to visit here and recuperate
0:30:08 > 0:30:10from the rigours of battle.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14He loved it so much he made this area part of the Royal Forest.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17One of the King's great supporters was a local man
0:30:17 > 0:30:19called Alexander de Burnard.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Robert repaid Alexander's loyalty by giving him the lands
0:30:23 > 0:30:25and the post of King's forester.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Alexander built a small island fort on the nearby Loch of Leys.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35The family moved there and stayed there for the next 250 years,
0:30:35 > 0:30:38where their name changed from Burnard to Burnett.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42They weren't the most ambitious of families
0:30:42 > 0:30:46but they were respected for their sophistication and mild manner.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Eventually their fortunes grew and they were able to move
0:30:49 > 0:30:54away from the marshy island of Leys to build the home of their dreams.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Work on Crathes started in 1553.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01Unfortunately, construction was held up because of the troubled period
0:31:01 > 0:31:04during the time of Mary, Queen of Scots.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08It took another 40-odd years for the building to be completed.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16'It was certainly worth the wait.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20'Small, round towers with conical roofs sit beside overhanging
0:31:20 > 0:31:23'turrets, giving it a romantic, chateau-like appearance.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26'This exquisite stone decoration around the eaves
0:31:26 > 0:31:30'and where the turrets protrude, each side of the building is different
0:31:30 > 0:31:36'and it looks more like a fairy-tale castle than a medieval fortress.'
0:31:36 > 0:31:38But appearances can be deceiving.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42The castle's design incorporates many cunning defence strategies.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46First of all, the walls at ground level are much thicker
0:31:46 > 0:31:51than they are at roof height, making this building very, very solid.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55Almost like a buttress on the side of a medieval cathedral.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58If you managed to burn down this heavy, studded oak door,
0:31:58 > 0:32:02look what you encountered.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04A huge great big iron yett.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06In the heat of the moment, in battle,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09you'd be coming in here charging with your axe above your head,
0:32:09 > 0:32:13or a sword above your head to deliver a blow, but you couldn't.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15It would be knocking these low ceilings.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18The defender of the castle would have the upper hand
0:32:18 > 0:32:20and he'd thrust into you.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25Also, supposing you did charge the tower and you came running
0:32:25 > 0:32:29up here, this spiral staircase goes in a clockwise direction.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Most soldiers would have been right-handed.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34You couldn't hold your sword or axe in this hand because
0:32:34 > 0:32:37the spiral staircase is turning clockwise,
0:32:37 > 0:32:42so you'd have to hold it in this hand to try and attack the defender,
0:32:42 > 0:32:43leaving your torso open.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47The man above definitely had the upper hand
0:32:47 > 0:32:49because he could thrust down into you.
0:32:49 > 0:32:55The 11th step, the riser, is much higher than the rest of them.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59That's designed to trip you up as you were running upstairs.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03I don't call that cunning, I call that sly.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06But Crathes is most famous for its gardens.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10No-one is sure exactly how old they are.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Some of the trees have been dated back to the early 1700s.
0:33:13 > 0:33:19It's a passion that the family have continued in more recent years.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25The garden would have supplied the castle with fresh fruit,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27herbs and vegetables,
0:33:27 > 0:33:33but over the years it's moved away from a traditional kitchen garden to more of an arts and crafts style.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37There are eight little, individual displays each with their own theme.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41As you see them now is how they were created
0:33:41 > 0:33:45by the 13th Baronet of Leys, Sir James Burnett and his wife, Sybil,
0:33:45 > 0:33:49who started to create these compartmentalised displays
0:33:49 > 0:33:53back in the 1920s when it was all the rage.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59For me, the iconic June borders are the most exciting part of the gardens.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04So called because of the time of year they were best viewed.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08Lady Burnett first laid out the beds in the 1930s.
0:34:08 > 0:34:14She took much inspiration from landscape architect Gertrude Jekyll,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17and had a real flair for design and colour co-ordination.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27Although the Burnett family have a very close relationship
0:34:27 > 0:34:29with this magnificent castle,
0:34:29 > 0:34:33is has been in the safe hands of the National Trust since the 1950s.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Today, it still remains a home steeped in the dedication
0:34:36 > 0:34:41and love that all those generations of Burnetts have lavished on it.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45I hope my visit has inspired you to take a look for yourself.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48It is open to the public at certain times of the year.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51It's a wonderful day out.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Now we've caught up on the history of our stunning venue,
0:35:02 > 0:35:06let's get back to our valuation day here at Crathes Castle.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09We've already unearthed some real treasures
0:35:09 > 0:35:13so let's see what else this eager crowd have in store for us.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- Thank you for coming. I'm Adam, I'm the expert for today.- I'm Brian.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22You've bought along a fascinating early microscope, haven't you?
0:35:22 > 0:35:23It's pretty old.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27I think it's early 19th century, probably as early as 1800s.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- Do you agree with that?- Probably round about that. That makes sense.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35You seem to be a chap who knows a little bit about this already.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38Can you tell me a little bit about it?
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- I know about the physics, not so much about the history.- Right.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44But the physics is that here you have a concave mirror,
0:35:44 > 0:35:49which helps the daylight to reflect up to here, to your specimen.
0:35:49 > 0:35:55On there, you'd have a tiny insect, or maybe an aquatic organism.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59So there's a few lenses here - different power.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03- And you have to put your eye very close to that.- Yes. - Cos it's a very small lens,
0:36:03 > 0:36:08a fat, small lens, with a very short focal length.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- So you have to get really quite close to the organism.- Right.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13And you put your eye close to it.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15It's not convenient or comfortable.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17No, but it's very portable.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Very portable - it's how they did it in those days.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21I've only ever seen one of these before
0:36:21 > 0:36:24and I always understood it was an aquatic microscope,
0:36:24 > 0:36:28so it's interesting that you've said aquatic organisms.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32- For viewing pond life.- Right, right. Amoeba, and that sort of thing.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37Yes. And it's beautifully made in brass, and in this shagreen case.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40This is what? Is this shark skin?
0:36:40 > 0:36:42- Shark skin.- Shark skin, yes, amazing.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- Which is valuable in its own right. - It's very hard.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Very durable. And it would need to be,
0:36:47 > 0:36:51because it would have been something you carried around with you
0:36:51 > 0:36:53and used as and when needed.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55How did you come to own it?
0:36:55 > 0:36:59I was given it when I was about seven, I think,
0:36:59 > 0:37:01by a friend of my mother's.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05She probably had it in her attic for a long time.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10And I was young and interested in physics and science.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12I played with it for a while.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- You must have played with it very carefully.- I had fun for a while.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Then it gets put away in a cupboard for a long time.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22As these things often do. And did you pursue science as a career?
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- I did. I became a scientist. I did physics at Cambridge.- Right.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- Downing College, Cambridge. - Oh, yes, excellent.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34So, why have we now, here in Aberdeenshire, and you've brought this in to sell.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37What's the reason behind that?
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Well, it's been appreciating for a long time and I thought,
0:37:40 > 0:37:46"Well, there's no point in dying and then it's still appreciating."
0:37:46 > 0:37:48It's nice to know what it's worth.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51I think the most famous of these were made by the big firm Dollonds,
0:37:51 > 0:37:53just slightly before this,
0:37:53 > 0:37:58at the end of the 18th century in the George III period.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- And this... It's a shame it's an unnamed example.- Yes.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05- That's the thing...- No company name. - There's no name at all.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08And that's the thing that's going to slightly limit its value
0:38:08 > 0:38:10to the collector who's a little bit fickle.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14If it had a name on it, it would be worth twice as much, if not a bit more.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Have you got any ideas as to what you think it might be worth?
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Well, I thought maybe £400.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24- Yeah, well I think that's fairly accurate, actually.- Yeah.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28- What I would suggest is an estimate of 250 to 350.- Yeah.
0:38:28 > 0:38:34And at what price would you be not willing to sell would be the question?
0:38:34 > 0:38:36- You mean a reserve price?- Yes.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- Maybe 200.- 200, I think would be very realistic.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44Very good. Thanks for bringing it. Certainly the most fascinating object of the day.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46The rarest and earliest thing I've seen all day.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48So I'm delighted to have seen it.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- It's been nice to talk to you. Thanks for coming.- Thank you.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55Well, that microscope certainly wowed Adam,
0:38:55 > 0:38:57but what about the bidders?
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Well, we'll find out in a moment.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06Now Anita has spotted a quirky carving that Jennifer can't wait to sell.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11Jenifer, this is a fascinating little piece of social history.
0:39:11 > 0:39:12It's a little carved panel.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Can you tell me, where did you get it?
0:39:15 > 0:39:19It was found in the house, left in the house when we moved in,
0:39:19 > 0:39:21and that's really all we know.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- How long ago was that?- 46 years ago.
0:39:23 > 0:39:2546 years ago.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29And did you ever hang it on the wall or put it on display?
0:39:29 > 0:39:33- No.- Did you ever wonder who did it? - Yes. Oh, yes, definitely.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- Do you like it?- No.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- Is that why you want to sell it? - Yes.- OK, let's have a look at it.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44Although it's perhaps not to everyone's taste,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46we see a carved figure here.
0:39:46 > 0:39:52And we have a little panel which says, "Home from the front."
0:39:52 > 0:39:55And we have the artist's name here,
0:39:55 > 0:39:59"GSW Watt, 1918."
0:40:01 > 0:40:07This little panel depicts a soldier returning home from war.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11And we see... I don't know if that's perhaps a foot missing.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13- Perhaps shot off in the war.- Yes.
0:40:13 > 0:40:19So it's, I suppose, rather sad in that way.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22The carving, a rather naive carving.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26It's not someone who has done fine work.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30And it had occurred to me that this is perhaps something that he may have done...
0:40:32 > 0:40:36..after coming back from the war, perhaps injured,
0:40:36 > 0:40:41perhaps not able to work, and this is how he spent his time.
0:40:41 > 0:40:47So there could be a little story behind that, if we knew.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- If we knew.- If we knew.
0:40:49 > 0:40:56If we look at the back, and I find the back of it quite fascinating,
0:40:56 > 0:41:02we have the depiction of two... What would you call them - scallywags?
0:41:02 > 0:41:08- Yes.- "Thrummie Cap and Goony John."
0:41:08 > 0:41:14And these, perhaps, were characters from his own village or town.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18And they're quite nicely carved,
0:41:18 > 0:41:22but, again, they have that naive quality,
0:41:22 > 0:41:27which has its own charm and its own followers.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32- I don't think it's going to get a lot of money.- No. Oh, no.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36And I feel that we should estimate it conservatively.
0:41:36 > 0:41:41- If we maybe put it in £20 to £30, would you be happy enough with that? - Oh, yes, yes.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Do you want to put a reserve on it?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46- Maybe £15.- £15, yep.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51- I'm sure it will do more than that, but £15 will just protect it.- Yes.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54OK, that's wonderful. Thank you again for bringing it in.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- I think it's charming.- I don't.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01Well, each to their own, I suppose.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Adam is with Maureen on his table.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11This is a wonderful collection of coins and medallions.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14- Thank you.- Can you tell me, did you collect these yourself?
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- No, I didn't. My father did. - Your father did.- Yes.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20It was a great pastime of people, collecting commemorative medallions.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22These are quite interesting.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25They tell you what they are, which is always handy for us valuers.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27This is the limited edition
0:42:27 > 0:42:31of 5000 of these 26 sterling silver proof medals,
0:42:31 > 0:42:37and they record the achievements of Her Majesty's 25-year reign.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40So they go from 1952 all the way up to 1977.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Looking at them before we started filming,
0:42:43 > 0:42:47reminding you of the famous things that happened in those periods,
0:42:47 > 0:42:51such as the invention of the hovercraft, 1955.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53Decimalisation, '71.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57And it's quite a good reminder of all these events.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00So I suppose he may have bought them yearly, do you think, annually?
0:43:00 > 0:43:05I don't know if they were monthly or weekly or annually.
0:43:05 > 0:43:10They often came in instalments and they would have cost a few pounds each at the time.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Over here, we've got the sovereigns of Europe,
0:43:12 > 0:43:16the kings and queens of all the European states.
0:43:16 > 0:43:21Again, a limited edition of 5000, with the central medallion there.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25And then we've got these ones that look like gold but they're not.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28They're gold plated. They're 22-carat gold on a silver core.
0:43:28 > 0:43:33So you've got 12 of those, which all look like important coats of arms,
0:43:33 > 0:43:36royal family coats of arms and things like that.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40And what are your reasons for wanting to sell them?
0:43:40 > 0:43:43Lack of space, really, because my mum died last year as well,
0:43:43 > 0:43:46so I've got more family mementoes.
0:43:46 > 0:43:51- OK, so they're not particularly sentimental.- These aren't, no.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54Any idea what you think they're worth these days?
0:43:54 > 0:43:58- I haven't got a clue.- Let's have a guess, Maureen.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00150, 200?
0:44:00 > 0:44:02- For the lot, or each? - The lot.- For the lot.
0:44:02 > 0:44:07I think that's conservative. That's probably what they were worth five years ago.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- Oh, right.- But these things have got a lot more desirable nowadays,
0:44:11 > 0:44:14thanks in some part to silver values generally going up,
0:44:14 > 0:44:18and there's more interest in these commemorative medallions with coin collectors.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22So I think we can be a bit more bullish with the price
0:44:22 > 0:44:26and up it to £400 to £600.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28That's fine, yes.
0:44:28 > 0:44:32- And I think they'll probably make towards £600.- Excellent.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35Once the bidding's all done, once they've all fought it out.
0:44:35 > 0:44:37I think we should put a reserve of 400.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41- Because I think they're probably worth that anyway.- Right.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45- And we don't want them undersold. - Definitely not.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47What would you do with that decent sum of money?
0:44:47 > 0:44:51I'd probably divide it between my two sons and three grandchildren.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55Excellent. That's nice to hear. And what about some for yourself?
0:44:55 > 0:44:57Yes, possibly a handbag.
0:44:57 > 0:45:02- And give them the last bit! You've got to treat yourself. - See what's left.
0:45:02 > 0:45:03- Thanks for coming to Flog It! - Thanks.
0:45:06 > 0:45:08Next up is Fiona.
0:45:08 > 0:45:12- Can you tell me, where did you get it?- It actually belonged to an aunt
0:45:12 > 0:45:15of mine who died in January and she left it to me.
0:45:15 > 0:45:16Right. Do you like it?
0:45:16 > 0:45:18I wasn't sure about it.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21I've got another one she gave me I like better.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25But my husband's always thought this was more expensive than the other one.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27- And he likes this one. - He likes this one?
0:45:27 > 0:45:32- Yes.- It would have been one of a pair at one time. Do you have the other one?- No.- No.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35OK. Let's have a look at it.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39It's Oriental and Oriental wares are highly sought after today.
0:45:39 > 0:45:45People want to buy Chinese items and I'm finding that Oriental items
0:45:45 > 0:45:48are going higher than expected.
0:45:49 > 0:45:54This vase here is what we call famille rose because of this rather
0:45:54 > 0:46:00lovely pink colour, which is in the pattern and design of the vase.
0:46:00 > 0:46:05It's from probably 1890, 1900, 1910.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09So it's not an early one, not an early one.
0:46:09 > 0:46:14I would like to look at the bottom here to see if we have any marks.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17There are no marks on the bottom.
0:46:17 > 0:46:23And this leads me to believe that it is export-ware and that means
0:46:23 > 0:46:28porcelain, pottery which was made for the export market.
0:46:28 > 0:46:34In Victorian times, there was a great love of all things exotic
0:46:34 > 0:46:39and Oriental and we imported large quantities of Chinese
0:46:39 > 0:46:42porcelain into Britain.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45I know in the west of Scotland, down in Glasgow,
0:46:45 > 0:46:49we had many sea-faring folk because it was a port
0:46:49 > 0:46:53and very often captains would bring across this type of thing.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57Was your aunt in any way involved with sea-faring men?
0:46:57 > 0:47:02I think the only person I could recall would have been her brother
0:47:02 > 0:47:07who lived in Canada and he travelled around a lot but whether it was him
0:47:07 > 0:47:10- that brought this back, I'm not sure.- OK.
0:47:10 > 0:47:16I like this little vase here. The painting is of some quality,
0:47:16 > 0:47:23not the highest quality but of some quality and there's lots of content there.
0:47:23 > 0:47:29At the front, we have these figures in an interior. They are obviously...
0:47:29 > 0:47:33It's a situation of entertainment or whatever.
0:47:33 > 0:47:38We have smaller figures here, outside of the house.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41We have rather pretty butterflies, flowers
0:47:41 > 0:47:46and so on so there's lots of movement, lots of decoration
0:47:46 > 0:47:50on the vase and it's an extremely pretty one.
0:47:50 > 0:47:54- Value... What sort of value do you... - No idea.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56- You've no idea.- No idea at all.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00Do you think it's something like 50 to a million?
0:48:00 > 0:48:04- I hardly think so!- Right.- If it is, my dog's tail's been wagging against
0:48:04 > 0:48:08it in the hall, so I'd be really worried if that was the case!
0:48:08 > 0:48:14OK. This is for the export market but it's a pretty one and value on it,
0:48:14 > 0:48:18I would say 100 to 150, 80 to 120.
0:48:18 > 0:48:22- Would you be happy to sell it in that region?- Yes, I would.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25Yeah. Well, let's put it in at 100 to 150 but I think
0:48:25 > 0:48:28we should put a reserve on it, of perhaps £80.
0:48:28 > 0:48:32- Would you be happy with that? - Yes, I would.- Yeah, OK.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35So I think that this should do quite well and it might do very well,
0:48:35 > 0:48:37because you never know.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41The Chinese market is so strong and things are taking fliers
0:48:41 > 0:48:43- in the sale rooms.- Good!
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Wise words from Anita there. Fiona may not like that vase
0:48:46 > 0:48:49but I've got a feeling it will find a new home,
0:48:49 > 0:48:51where somebody will really love it.
0:48:51 > 0:48:55If you've got any unwanted antiques and collectables, we would love
0:48:55 > 0:48:58to see you. Bring them along to one of our valuation days.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01Your journey starts right now. Details of up and coming dates
0:49:01 > 0:49:04and venues you can find on our website, just log on to
0:49:04 > 0:49:08bbc.co.uk/flogit. Follow the links. All the information will be there.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10I would love to see you.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14If you don't have a computer, check the details in your local press.
0:49:15 > 0:49:20But before we get to the sale room, let's have another look at what we're taking with us.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25Brian's had his super little microscope for many years.
0:49:25 > 0:49:30Will it make Adam's estimate of £250 to £350?
0:49:30 > 0:49:35At £20 to £30, I think this carved panel's a real bargain.
0:49:35 > 0:49:37But will the bidders love it as much as Anita does?
0:49:37 > 0:49:40And finally, Maureen's coin collection
0:49:40 > 0:49:42is a great piece of history,
0:49:42 > 0:49:45but was Adam right to put a rather confident £400 to £600 on it?
0:49:45 > 0:49:49Anita thinks the Chinese vase will fly out the door and has given it
0:49:49 > 0:49:52an estimate of £100 to £150.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58'We're back at the auction house in Aberdeen and the sale is in full swing.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01'The lots have been flying out of the door.'
0:50:03 > 0:50:06For our next lot, all the money is going towards a holiday
0:50:06 > 0:50:09and I don't blame Fiona because the weather hasn't been
0:50:09 > 0:50:11that good here in Aberdeen, has it?
0:50:11 > 0:50:14- It hasn't, no.- Where do you fancy going?- Anywhere warm, I don't mind.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18- Anywhere warm! They want to get away from Aberdeen.- Glasgow's very warm!
0:50:18 > 0:50:20THEY LAUGH
0:50:20 > 0:50:23It's always Mediterranean climate there!
0:50:23 > 0:50:24OK, how about Cornwall then?
0:50:24 > 0:50:27- No, seriously. Where do you fancy going?- Maybe Italy.- How nice.
0:50:27 > 0:50:31- Cultured!- Yes.- Ooh, very, very nice. Yes. Well, let's get you there.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34We're just about to sell a famille rose vase,
0:50:34 > 0:50:36well hopefully we're going to sell it.
0:50:36 > 0:50:38What do you think? £150?
0:50:38 > 0:50:41Well, I would hope for the top estimate always.
0:50:41 > 0:50:46There are Chinese buyers in the room. The Chinese market
0:50:46 > 0:50:49is very strong just now
0:50:49 > 0:50:53- so even a late vase like this should do reasonably well.- Yeah.
0:50:53 > 0:50:57335, a Chinese vase, a Canton vase.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00And for the Chinese vase, this one, 150.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05120. Canton vase for £120.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09£100.
0:51:09 > 0:51:1180?
0:51:11 > 0:51:13I'm bid 60.
0:51:13 > 0:51:165, 70, 5, 78, 80...
0:51:16 > 0:51:2185, 90, 95, 100...
0:51:21 > 0:51:26and 10, 120, 130...
0:51:26 > 0:51:31140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190...
0:51:31 > 0:51:34200, 210...
0:51:34 > 0:51:39At 210 near me. Any advance on £210? The bid is near me at 210.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41All finished now at 210.
0:51:41 > 0:51:43£210, the hammer's gone down. Yes!
0:51:43 > 0:51:46That Chinese market is so strong at the moment.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50- I think that's Italy, don't you? - I think so!- Yeah!
0:51:52 > 0:51:56Next up, it's that fascinating old microscope.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59I love this, and I know our expert Adam fell in love with it.
0:51:59 > 0:52:03It belongs to Brian. It's the aquatic microscope. It's real quality.
0:52:03 > 0:52:08- A proper scientific instrument, shagreen case.- Mm-hm. - What a nice thing.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11- Quite a rarity, too. - For looking at pond life! - PAUL LAUGHS
0:52:11 > 0:52:17- In a shagreen case. Early Georgian. - Or fleas, or ants. Whatever.- Gosh.
0:52:17 > 0:52:21Every schoolboy's dream. Let's find out what happens. Here we go.
0:52:21 > 0:52:26Lot 288, the aquatic microscope. I have this one at £300.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28Aquatic microscope at £300.
0:52:28 > 0:52:29£200?
0:52:29 > 0:52:32180.
0:52:32 > 0:52:35- Should be bids at this level. - Come on.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38Any advance? £150. The aquatic microscope at 150.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40160?
0:52:40 > 0:52:43170. 180. 190.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46200. Outside the door at £200.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49210. 220.
0:52:49 > 0:52:50230.
0:52:50 > 0:52:51240.
0:52:51 > 0:52:56It's outside the door at 240. Any advance on £240?
0:52:56 > 0:53:00It's going to be sold for 240. I'm going to finish at £240.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02- It sold.- Very good.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05- Are you happy with that? - Yeah.- I think we were about right.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09- A lovely thing.- I was hopeful for more, but I always am.- Yeah.
0:53:09 > 0:53:12- I'm that kind of chap! - He's an optimist.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15'What an intriguing object.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18'Perhaps it will go on to encourage a youngster's interest in science,
0:53:18 > 0:53:22'just like it did for Brian all those years ago.'
0:53:22 > 0:53:25'Now it's that naive wooden picture that Anita picked out.'
0:53:27 > 0:53:29All the proceeds of this lot will go to charity.
0:53:29 > 0:53:34It's a carved wooden panel and we're looking for the top end of the £20 to £30.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37Jennifer. It's good to see you again.
0:53:37 > 0:53:42- Jennifer's had this in the house for 46 years and you quite liked this. - I did.
0:53:42 > 0:53:47I know you don't like it, Jennifer, but it's a lovely piece of naive craft work.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51- It is, yes.- And every little penny helps for charity.
0:53:51 > 0:53:55- It's going to Help For Heroes. - A wonderful cause. It's going under the hammer right now.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:53:57 > 0:54:02A picture. Home From The Front, by Watt. £40.
0:54:02 > 0:54:03Small, carved picture for 40.
0:54:03 > 0:54:0530.
0:54:05 > 0:54:09- £20.- Come on. Someone come in.
0:54:09 > 0:54:15£20 the bid. One bid at 20. 22. 25. 28. 30.
0:54:15 > 0:54:1732. 35. 38.
0:54:17 > 0:54:19At 40.
0:54:19 > 0:54:2142. 45.
0:54:21 > 0:54:2448. At 50.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26This is good, this is good.
0:54:26 > 0:54:31Any advance of £50? 55. At 55, standing on my right.
0:54:31 > 0:54:32All finished at £55.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35- The bid is on my right. - That's a great result. £55.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38The hammer's going down. Yes! Jennifer, that's great.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41For a moment, everyone had their hands in their pockets.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43No hands were going up in the air.
0:54:43 > 0:54:47Well, that's great, isn't it? Thank you so much for bringing that in.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51- As I said, every little penny helps. - Yes, it does.- I'm delighted.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54'What a great result for something that Jennifer found
0:54:54 > 0:54:56'when she moved house.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58'There's just time for one final lot
0:54:58 > 0:55:02'and I can't wait to see how that coin collection gets on.'
0:55:02 > 0:55:06Going under the hammer right now. Maureen's three sets of coins.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09They could go at the top end, I have a feeling.
0:55:09 > 0:55:11400 to 600, Adam put on them. Why are you selling them now?
0:55:11 > 0:55:16- Don't really want them any more. Don't look at them. They're stored away.- Sit in a drawer?
0:55:16 > 0:55:19- Stored away in a cupboard. - Good time to sell precious metals.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21It's an all-time high, silver.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25Because the silver value is quite high, it'll push up the value of the coins.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27But these will probably go to collectors,
0:55:27 > 0:55:31cos they're collectors' editions, limited series, that sort of stuff.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33I think they're going to sell pretty well.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37Maureen just said to me, "As long as I don't have to take them home again."
0:55:37 > 0:55:42- It's not a lot to carry, is it? You could have brought in a chest of drawers.- That's true!
0:55:42 > 0:55:44I think these will sell. I think Adam's spot on here.
0:55:44 > 0:55:50- Let's go for it.- Let's find out what list this lot think. It's down to the bidders now. Here we go.
0:55:50 > 0:55:51Lot 40. A coin collection.
0:55:51 > 0:55:53Souvenirs of Europe. Ten coins.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56Queen Elizabeth's reign. Six coins.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58- Fingers crossed.- Yes.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01I think they're going to make a mint, Paul!
0:56:01 > 0:56:03He had to say that, didn't he?
0:56:03 > 0:56:04£600.
0:56:04 > 0:56:08- That's where we want to end up. - £500.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11Coins for 500. £400?
0:56:11 > 0:56:12Come on, you lot.
0:56:12 > 0:56:16A bid, 350. Any advance? At 350. 360.
0:56:16 > 0:56:19- We're in. Here we go.- 400.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21In the seat at £400. 420.
0:56:21 > 0:56:25440. 460. 480.
0:56:25 > 0:56:26500.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28520. 540.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32560. 580. 600.
0:56:32 > 0:56:33620.
0:56:33 > 0:56:34640.
0:56:34 > 0:56:35660.
0:56:35 > 0:56:36680.
0:56:36 > 0:56:37£700.
0:56:37 > 0:56:38720.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40740.
0:56:40 > 0:56:41760.
0:56:41 > 0:56:42780.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44800.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46Yes? 820.
0:56:46 > 0:56:50At 820. 840.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52860. 880.
0:56:52 > 0:56:54(£880.)
0:56:54 > 0:56:56920. 940.
0:56:56 > 0:56:58960. 980.
0:56:58 > 0:57:001,000. And 50.
0:57:00 > 0:57:011,100.
0:57:01 > 0:57:031,100 on my left.
0:57:03 > 0:57:07- Any advance on £1,100.- 1,100.
0:57:07 > 0:57:11They're going to be sold for £1,100. I'll finish at 1,100.
0:57:11 > 0:57:16Yes! £1,100. Well over the top end of the estimate. I'm ever so happy.
0:57:16 > 0:57:17Strong price.
0:57:17 > 0:57:21Very, very strong. What are you going to put the money towards?
0:57:21 > 0:57:24I've just spent most of it on a holiday, but I'll go on another one!
0:57:24 > 0:57:27There's always time for another one. Adam, well done.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30What a wonderful way to end the show. I hope you enjoyed it.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33You can never predict what's going to happen in a saleroom.
0:57:33 > 0:57:34See you next time.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:56 > 0:57:59E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk