0:00:02 > 0:00:07Welcome to Wellington College, built 150 years ago as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington.
0:00:07 > 0:00:14It's now one of our most prestigious public schools, so let's hope we find some quality items on Flog It!
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Among the college's former pupils are Pop Idol singer Will Young,
0:00:37 > 0:00:43TV presenter Peter Snow and the late racing driver, Formula One hero James Hunt.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Later on, we'll meet one Old Boy who has written a history of the college
0:00:47 > 0:00:50and can tell us what it's like to be a pupil here.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55They're pretty crazy places. By and large, I think I enjoyed school, looking back.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59But, for now, these classrooms are host to hundreds of people
0:00:59 > 0:01:02who have come to have their antiques valued.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04CRACK OF THUNDER
0:01:08 > 0:01:12It's incredible what you can find in a queue at a Flog It valuation day.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Let's hope there's many more treasures in these bags and boxes.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18We've got a wonderful turnout.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22We won't let the weather dampen our spirits. We'll have a great day.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27Somebody is going to go home with a lot of money. It might be this lady with your teddy.
0:01:27 > 0:01:34'Today's experts are led by the highly experienced duo, Philip Serrell and Elizabeth Talbot.'
0:01:34 > 0:01:35Good morning. How are you?
0:01:35 > 0:01:39'Elizabeth is wasting no time meeting our owners.'
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- We don't need the sunshades today. - No, not really.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- Your half-term?- Yeah. - Perfect timing.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47'Phil's among the crowd, too,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50'already earning the respect he deserves.'
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- "1855" on the bottom.- Really?- Yeah. - That was the year I was born(!)
0:01:55 > 0:01:59At that point, it would be nice if someone could disagree with me.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04'This pair run salerooms, giving them an insight on current values.'
0:02:04 > 0:02:08You've come to ask our experts that all-important question, which is...?
0:02:08 > 0:02:13- ALL: What's it worth? - If you're happy with the answer, what will you do?- ALL: Flog it!
0:02:13 > 0:02:16It's time to get the show on the road. Come on, everybody!
0:02:16 > 0:02:21'We hold valuation days up and down the country all year round
0:02:21 > 0:02:26'and we like nothing better than a crowd armed with bags and boxes full of treasures.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29'What will we find today? Well, all sorts of things
0:02:29 > 0:02:34'from precious paintings to treasured toys and shiny silver.'
0:02:34 > 0:02:36I'm not a great lover of silver,
0:02:36 > 0:02:40but I just think that is really beautiful.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45'And there's always something new to learn, especially from our team of behind-the-scenes experts.'
0:02:45 > 0:02:47'All that and the excitement
0:02:47 > 0:02:51'of two visits to the auction coming up on today's show.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54'But first we've got to find the treasures to take to the saleroom.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56And it looks like Philip's having a fun time putting
0:02:56 > 0:02:58a price on Penny's Dinky toy.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Penny, how are you, my love? - I'm fine, thank you.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- Bit old for this sort of thing, aren't you?- I am, yes.
0:03:04 > 0:03:05How'd you come by this, my love?
0:03:05 > 0:03:09This was donated to one of my charity shops. And we didn't want to sell it,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11and not get enough for it.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15I always think that when someone brings you a toy
0:03:15 > 0:03:16that's never ever been played with,
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- there's sort of like a sad story behind it.- It is.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24You know, let's just look at the nuts and bolts of this first.
0:03:24 > 0:03:30It's a Dinky toy and if you look just there, it's model number 955.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34And it's nice that you've got the original box with it.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36If I knew my lorries, I could tell you...
0:03:36 > 0:03:39I think that's either a Bedford or a Commer.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41And I would guess that this would date,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43and it is a guess,
0:03:43 > 0:03:45the lorry would date round about 1960,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48perhaps give or take three or four years either way.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52And it's great, cos you've got this extending ladder
0:03:52 > 0:03:54and there up it comes.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56But the thing about this...
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Let's just turn it over and have a look.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Just there, we've got, look, "Dinky Supertoys, Fire Engine,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06"Made In England, Meccano."
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- So, Meccano owned Dinky toys.- OK.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14But you look at that, this has just never, ever, ever been played with,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- has it?- No, it hasn't.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18There isn't a scratch or a mark on it.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Which is great from a collector's point of view.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25But I always think, you know, it's such a sad story, isn't it?
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Was it bought as a present for someone
0:04:27 > 0:04:29who perhaps had an illness or, you know,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31perhaps they just didn't even like it as a toy,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- they put it in the cupboard and it never came out again.- Maybe not.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37But the net result is that you've got a toy now
0:04:37 > 0:04:39that's quite collectable.
0:04:39 > 0:04:45- I think that this toy is worth £60-£90 like that.- Right.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- Take that away, and I think it's worth less.- OK.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52I think you need to put a reserve on it of £50,
0:04:52 > 0:04:56but such is the demand for these things in their entirety,
0:04:56 > 0:05:02- you can buy brand-new fake boxes... - Right.- ..to match up to your toy.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05But I just think that's such a lovely thing.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08You must get lots of toys brought into your shops.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10We do get a lot of toys donated,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13but not often this old and not often in this good condition.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Has anybody ever brought anything really, really valuable?
0:05:17 > 0:05:22We did once find a letter from Florence Nightingale,
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- which was sold at auction. - Really?- In a book. £900.- £900.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Hold on, I'm going to have a look in here...
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Beautifully preserved,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36let's hope it amuses the bidders when it comes up for sale.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Elizabeth is getting under way.
0:05:38 > 0:05:44'She's found a farmyard full of ducks, bunnies, hedgehogs and more, all Beatrix Potter characters.'
0:05:44 > 0:05:47My goodness, Julia, what a collection!
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- There must be a story behind these.- Yeah.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53I think Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck
0:05:53 > 0:05:55were either my mum's or my nan's.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58I really liked them, so my mum said I could have it.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02Then my nan bought me them for my birthday and Christmas.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Do you have a favourite amongst them?
0:06:05 > 0:06:08I like Hunca Munca just because I like the story.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11I've got all the books as well.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15I like the story of Hunca Munca in the dolls' house and the ham.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- You're a Beatrix Potter fan?- Yeah.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20I don't know how much you know about the factories
0:06:20 > 0:06:22that produced these figures,
0:06:22 > 0:06:26but in 1933, the factory of Beswick was established in Longton.
0:06:26 > 0:06:33By 1948, they had started to produce these little figures illustrating famous characters by Beatrix Potter.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38By 1950, two years after starting the manufacture, they had become an instant collectable hit.
0:06:38 > 0:06:44I don't think they've ever not been collectable or sought after or very, very popular.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49In 1989, the factory then became under the Royal Albert name.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Yes. There's some from each.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56Some from each? And for collectors, whether they're the earlier gold Beswick marks,
0:06:56 > 0:07:02the later brown-backed stamps or the Royal Albert, to some people that's very important,
0:07:02 > 0:07:06although it's not proven except with a certain few numbers of figures
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- that it makes a huge amount of actual value to the figures...- OK.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15They're timeless, ageless. They interest lots of generations.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18And they're small enough to be collected in quantity
0:07:18 > 0:07:20as you've proved!
0:07:20 > 0:07:24The most expensive figure ever to be sold at auction was called Duchess.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- I think she individually made £2,000 at auction.- Wow!
0:07:28 > 0:07:31But obviously, being more realistic,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- I can't promise you that sort of figure.- No, no.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- Do you have any idea as to what sort of value they have?- I haven't, no.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41I know that when you bought them,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44they were about £10 and £20, so, you know...
0:07:44 > 0:07:48Realistically at auction, one should look at an average of £10 each.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Some are worth slightly less and some are a bit more,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56but to keep them as a collection and offer them with an estimate of £150
0:07:56 > 0:07:58to £200, are you happy with that?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00That would be lovely.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04If we place a reserve on it of £150, they've got the safety net.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07And if they're not in the right auction, you can try again
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- another time.- That'd be lovely.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14- Is that OK?- Yes, that's fine.- Thank you for bringing them in.- Thank you.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18As those Beatrix Potter figures hop, waddle and scamper to auction,
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Phil is ready -
0:08:20 > 0:08:24it's a painting belonging to Jim and Diana.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Do you love it?
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Um... It isn't really my cup of tea,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30but I can see it's attractive
0:08:30 > 0:08:32in its own way.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34So that's a "no" really, isn't it?
0:08:34 > 0:08:36And, Jim, what about you?
0:08:36 > 0:08:39No, I'm not a picture person.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42We've got two "uh-uh" here, haven't we?
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Diana, this has come through your family?
0:08:45 > 0:08:49It belonged to my father and before that, to his sister, my aunt,
0:08:49 > 0:08:51and then he left it to us.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54And we've been displaying it ever since
0:08:54 > 0:08:58in his memory, sort of thing, because he liked it,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00but I've never been that keen.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02I love it. I really do love it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06Peggy Somerville was an East Anglian girl
0:09:06 > 0:09:10and she was born in 1918, I think it was, and died in 1975.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12She was a real child prodigy
0:09:12 > 0:09:14because she learnt to paint at the
0:09:14 > 0:09:16same time that she learnt to walk.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- Really?- Yeah. She really was something special.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24And I think this is brilliant because I've had some wet days
0:09:24 > 0:09:26in Pembroke and some wet, grey days
0:09:26 > 0:09:29and that really is a wet, grey day.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- It is.- I can just see this is St Brides Bay here.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36It might want a little bit of a very, very light clean,
0:09:36 > 0:09:40but, for me, the real joy of this is that it's totally original.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45It's signed down here "Peggy Somerville" just under this mount.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Original frame.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49I just think it's lovely.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- And you want to sell it?- Yes.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55You don't know who Peggy Somerville is.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- We have looked her up on the internet.- That's so unfair of you!
0:09:58 > 0:10:02I'm supposed to be telling you all this stuff!
0:10:02 > 0:10:04We know nothing about her(!)
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- You know nothing about her. Good. - Please tell me.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12I think that you've got to pitch this just right
0:10:12 > 0:10:14in terms of your estimate.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18It's a little bit like the old 19 and 11 pence, you know,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20or 99p for younger viewers.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24You've got to pitch it at a price that's appealing
0:10:24 > 0:10:27and I think you should estimate this at £500 to £800.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31OK? I think you should put a reserve on it of £500.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- Are you happy with that?- Yes.- Let's hope, come the auction day,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37a ray of sunshine is coming out of here.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42'Let's cross the room to Elizabeth
0:10:42 > 0:10:45'and to a piece I know is over 120 years old.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48'And the collectors are just going to love it.'
0:10:48 > 0:10:50I saw this pot in the queue, Adrian,
0:10:50 > 0:10:55and I immediately thought it was a charming piece of Royal Doulton.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- It's very nice. - What can you tell me about it?
0:10:58 > 0:10:59I've had it since a teenager.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03At school, I used to go to visit the old people for social education.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05When the old lady died,
0:11:05 > 0:11:10- she left it to me.- Did she really? - I've had it since 1985.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- So she appreciated your visits so much?- Yes, she was a very dear friend.- How super!
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- But you're considering parting with it now?- Yes.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22It's just sat on the shelf not doing anything. Nobody's looking at it.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26The first thing that caught my eye was that it says round the outside,
0:11:26 > 0:11:30"Colman's Mustard." And as somebody who represents East Anglia here
0:11:30 > 0:11:33and who works not far from Norwich,
0:11:33 > 0:11:40- Colman's Mustard sprang out as a name that I know very well because it's produced in Norwich.- Right.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43What I do know from the locality that I'm in,
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- anything to do with Colman's Mustard as an area of collectability is very popular.- OK.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52So that combined with this lovely piece of Doulton Lambeth stoneware
0:11:52 > 0:11:56which is all the better for being small.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- You see some very large, decorative items.- You do, yes.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01But I think the pattern
0:12:01 > 0:12:04and the quality of the decoration and the shape
0:12:04 > 0:12:06goes together so beautifully.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07It's a charming piece.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11On the underside, we have a nice Doulton Lambeth mark
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- and the date, 1886.- Yes.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Which sort of sets it to its year.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- 124, we'd worked out was about the date?- Yes.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22So it's wearing extremely well.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26It is incised into the stoneware body
0:12:26 > 0:12:29and the crispness of that is just lovely.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33It's very evocative of the late 19th century love of the classical,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37but also the Art Nouveau influence of the foliage, et cetera.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41It would originally have been made as a little advertising piece.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46It may well have been in a restaurant or a shop where Colman's Mustard was selling.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51I think that all those little features mean that to a collector
0:12:51 > 0:12:55of either Doulton or of advertising ware or indeed of Colman's items,
0:12:55 > 0:12:56it's a lovely example.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59It's beautiful, yes.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- I'm not selling it back to you?- I'm thinking about it. It's very nice.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- I hope somebody enjoys it.- I think they will. Having said all that,
0:13:08 > 0:13:11I haven't been able to find any precedent that suggests
0:13:11 > 0:13:14that it's going to be worth a fortune for you.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16But I think that realistically,
0:13:16 > 0:13:18it should fetch between £30 and £50.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- Yes.- Does that sit comfortably with you?- Yes, fine. Absolutely.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24Would you like a reserve on it?
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- Yes, please.- So if we put £30 on it as a safety net?
0:13:28 > 0:13:30That would be very nice.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35Thank you for bringing it in. It's a lovely item.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- We'll take it to the auction and see how we do.- Thank you, Elizabeth.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Garden art is a fascinating subject
0:13:49 > 0:13:52and I've come to Hungerford to find out more about it.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Collections can range from the historically elegant
0:13:56 > 0:14:00to the truly bizarre, and since they can do well at auction,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02it's worth doing your homework.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Going back to classical times,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09the ancient Greeks and Romans graced their beautiful gardens
0:14:09 > 0:14:11with statues of the gods.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12But back here, in England,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16gardening and garden ornamentation got off to a much later start.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Possibly because we spend so much time indoors,
0:14:19 > 0:14:20because the weather is so bad,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24but also to appreciate and admire a good garden,
0:14:24 > 0:14:25you've got to have big enough windows
0:14:25 > 0:14:28to actually see what you're looking at.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32These pieces didn't really come to the fore until the 16th century,
0:14:32 > 0:14:34in Tudor times.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Before that, large houses had to be fortified
0:14:36 > 0:14:40and of course arrow slits don't give you much of a view.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Over the next 100 years or so,
0:14:42 > 0:14:46fashionable British gardens changed from being purely functional plots,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50where you would just grow your vegetables and herbs,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54to these wonderful, formal, elegant gardens with perfect symmetry
0:14:54 > 0:14:58all around it, influenced by the magnificent gardens
0:14:58 > 0:15:00of let's say the Palace of Versailles in France
0:15:00 > 0:15:02and the Vatican in Rome.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Classical statues and decorated urns made of lead
0:15:07 > 0:15:09or hand-carved in stone
0:15:09 > 0:15:12became a must-have in the gardens of the wealthy.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18Many of these were collected in Italy and France by the well-to-do,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21completing their education on the Grand Tour of Europe.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26Midway through the 18th century,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30a more naturalistic landscape style of gardening took over,
0:15:30 > 0:15:32especially on all of the big estates,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35with works by designers such as Capability Brown
0:15:35 > 0:15:38sweeping away the formality of those earlier years.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45And by 1760, Arcadia, in the shape of shepherds and shepherdesses,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48was in and classical gods were out.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54By the Victorian times,
0:15:54 > 0:15:56the Industrial Revolution was well under way,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58which meant the expansion of the middle classes
0:15:58 > 0:15:59and they had aspirations.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02They wanted to and did own their own gardens,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04albeit a lot more modest,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07which meant the established Georgian landscape gardens
0:16:07 > 0:16:11were sometimes superseded and upstaged by public parks
0:16:11 > 0:16:14and smaller flower gardens, which were back in fashion.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18This new breed of gardeners
0:16:18 > 0:16:21were eager for the mass-produced garden pieces
0:16:21 > 0:16:23that were now being made in factories.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30So, garden art began to be accessible to many more people.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34As it is today.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I've come to Hungerford, to this centre, to meet Travis Nettleton,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40a specialist in garden art, to get a few tips.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- Have you made any mistakes? - I have.- I've made loads.
0:16:45 > 0:16:51I have. I have. I've raced into an auction, running late,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54saw a pair of cast-iron urns on the screen,
0:16:54 > 0:16:58so I immediately put my hand up and kept putting my hand up
0:16:58 > 0:17:02until I got them, and it wasn't really until I went to collect them
0:17:02 > 0:17:06that I realised I'd made the fatal error of not looking at the size.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08I was expecting them to be up to about here.
0:17:08 > 0:17:09Yeah, I was going to say...
0:17:09 > 0:17:14Standard urn-on-a-plinth size, and they turned out to be much smaller.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Is that them? You're joking?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- They were in the photograph on the television.- Yeah, yeah.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- How funny is that!- So that is certainly one of my mistakes.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Fashion in garden design has changed dramatically over the centuries.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Do you find that there's something really hot
0:17:29 > 0:17:32that people want at the moment or is it across the board?
0:17:32 > 0:17:36It's really down to the individual and down to the garden itself.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39In a contemporary garden or a minimalist garden,
0:17:39 > 0:17:40you'd want something modern,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43or if you still want the English country garden look,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46maybe an 18th-century Portland stone sundial.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- That's very nice, isn't it? - Absolutely.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52For the 18th-century pieces, you're paying maybe 4,000 for that sundial.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Yes, absolutely. It's a beautiful thing.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- It's a timeless piece, as well. - Absol... Good gag!
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Looking at these classical statues and garden art in general,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16it's very much on a par with the antiques trade, you do have to be
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- careful of forgeries.- You have to know what you're buying.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Cos quite often there are a lot of forgeries on the market.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25I've got a very good example here of...
0:18:25 > 0:18:29This looks like a Coalbrookdale, fern with the blackberry bench.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34In fact, this is a fake that has come in from China.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38You can tell, because the castings are not... It's not very crisp.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39No, it's not that defined, is it?
0:18:39 > 0:18:43No and Coalbrookdale were renowned for their fine casting.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46And that behind you obviously is the real McCoy.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52This one is nasturtium pattern, Coalbrookdale, original, about 1860s.
0:18:52 > 0:18:53What would that set you back?
0:18:53 > 0:18:57A bench like this will set you back £3,500.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59A bench like this, £400-£500.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02If it was original, £1,500-£2,000.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10There really is something for everybody, isn't there?
0:19:10 > 0:19:13There really is. Any tips for the future? Where's it going?
0:19:13 > 0:19:17I would say, if you are looking to invest seriously
0:19:17 > 0:19:20in, sort of, garden statuary and garden art,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23I would always pick something that's either signed
0:19:23 > 0:19:28or something that's solid stone and something with some provenance
0:19:28 > 0:19:31and a bit of history. That way, you will always do well.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34It's the same old thing, isn't it? Quality always sells.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Absolutely.- Come on, let's get a cup of tea.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Look at this, I've just met up with Teddy,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52the little man I met in the queue today!
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- I hope you're having a great day. - Thank you.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57We have now found our first items to take off to auction,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00so here's a quick reminder to jog your memories
0:20:00 > 0:20:02of all the wonderful treasures we've found.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08Penny's pristine Dinky fire engine got Philip hot under the collar.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16We have those 17 Beatrix Potter figures chosen by Elizabeth
0:20:16 > 0:20:19and valued at £150 to £200.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25Phil loves this painting of the Pembrokeshire coast by Peggy Somerville.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32And lastly is Adrian's Royal Doulton mustard pot.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41Where do our antiques go? They end up at the local auction room.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Today, we're at Martin & Pole in Wokingham.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Our auctioneer is Garth Lewis
0:20:50 > 0:20:51and he's ready to get started,
0:20:51 > 0:20:56so let's make some money for our owners. First up, the mustard pot.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Adrian, you certainly brought your mustard pot to the right place.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04Not only that, to the right expert. Ta-da!
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- I cut the mustard. - Have you seen this particular...?
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- I haven't. But I thought it was a charming little piece.- Good luck.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Hopefully, this is going all the way back to Norwich.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19I was going to try and say it with a sort of East Anglian accent.
0:21:19 > 0:21:25- MIMICS ACCENT: - Norwich. But I won't. Here we go.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27A little Doulton Lambeth pot,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30nicely decorated with Colman's Mustard.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35There it is. I have interest here. It starts with me at £30.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Is there any advance on 30?
0:21:37 > 0:21:412 in the doorway. 5 here. 38. 40.
0:21:41 > 0:21:4342. Takes me out at 42.
0:21:44 > 0:21:4745. 48.
0:21:47 > 0:21:4950. 5. 60...
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- They're keen.- Brilliant.- 70.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55£70. Are you all done at 70?
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- Well done. £70.- Superb. I'm pleased with that.- Yes.- I bet you are!
0:22:01 > 0:22:03You're flying the flag for home.
0:22:03 > 0:22:09- I sometimes feel like that when we're selling Troika and think, "Phew!" Well done.- Thank you.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12'I knew that would be hot stuff.
0:22:12 > 0:22:18'Let's see if we can up the ante with Jim and Diana's Peggy Somerville painting.'
0:22:18 > 0:22:23We've got a £500 fixed reserve, so thank goodness for that. It won't be given away for nothing.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Philip, confident?
0:22:26 > 0:22:32It's difficult to be objective when I actually love this picture.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37- You put a price on it and think, "Have I got carried away cos I like it?"- It's subjective.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42As long as it puts a smile on your face, you think, "Yes, I want to invest in that."
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Why have you decided to sell it?
0:22:44 > 0:22:50It isn't a painting we're very fond of and we just got carried away really with the idea of Flog It!
0:22:50 > 0:22:56- You had to bring something along! - Did you give the auctioneer some discretion on the reserve?- Yes.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- He phoned up the day before yesterday.- We've got a bit of discretion on the £500.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04This is it. It's going under the hammer.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08Margaret Scott Somerville, the artist,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11better known to most as Peggy Somerville.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Typical of her work, a view of the Pembrokeshire coast.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Oil on canvas which is in turn mounted.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21I'd like to have seen a phone bid on the line there.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24He might have some commission bids. Let's see.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27300 to start for it? 300 may I say?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30200 if you like? I don't mind.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36At £200 for it, please?
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Is there no interest? I'll have to pass the lot.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Oh, dear.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50If you're all done, we'll move on. £200?
0:23:50 > 0:23:52I'm pleased about that for you.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Right.- Yeah.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57I think to have sold it for one bid on the reserve,
0:23:57 > 0:24:02I'd have been disappointed about that because I think it's worth all of what we said.
0:24:02 > 0:24:09And if it made the top end of the estimate, that would be fantastic, but you may have been disappointed.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- At least it goes home. - In that gap on the wall.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15You said literally before the auctioneer started
0:24:15 > 0:24:17to introduce the lot,
0:24:17 > 0:24:22you brought something along to Flog It! and that's the first thing you thought of
0:24:22 > 0:24:28- and you regretted it, didn't you? - Slightly.- It's got a happy ending. It's going home.- Back on the wall.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- You've given it a day out on TV. Enjoy it, won't you?- Thank you.
0:24:32 > 0:24:38'Well, there's a reason for everything and today just wasn't the day to sell that painting.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43'Now we're herding together Julia's collection of Beatrix Potter animals.'
0:24:43 > 0:24:48We've had a few sticky moments, but this could brighten up the saleroom.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52It's a large collection of Beatrix Potter figures belonging to Julia.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57We have our expert, Elizabeth, but, unfortunately, Julia cannot be with us right now.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02- Hopefully, we'll get that top end of the estimate.- There is a lot here.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06They're a bit of a cliche, these figures. They're not rarities,
0:25:06 > 0:25:12but there are lots of collectors. They're international collectables, so I hope people pick up on them.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Fingers crossed, we sell them. Here goes.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- It's gone totally silent. - It has. The tension is rising.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25You could hear a pin drop. That's so unusual for an auction room.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30- Normally, it's an intense sort of pressure cooker.- Lot number 249
0:25:30 > 0:25:34is a collection of 17 Beatrix Potter characters.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Mostly Royal Albert.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39There are some Beswick ones.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42I have interest here on the book.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45It starts with me at 75, 80...
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- That's low.- £85 bid. - There are several bidders, though.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- We've got some bidding.- Two lots.
0:25:51 > 0:25:5390, thank you. And 5. 100.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57- And 10. 20. 30. - That's a reassuring sign.- 40. 50.
0:25:57 > 0:26:0060. 70. 180.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- Takes me out. 180. 190. - They're selling.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06200. 220. 240...
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- They like them.- 260. 280.
0:26:08 > 0:26:13£280 in the centre. At 280 if you're done...?
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- Great result. - We can report back positively.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- 300 on the telephone.- Telephone!
0:26:18 > 0:26:22It's on the telephone against you in the room, if you're all done...?
0:26:22 > 0:26:25£300 on the telephone, sold!
0:26:25 > 0:26:29That's what we like to hear on Flog It, when that hammer goes down.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- I'm pleased with that.- I bet you are! There was a lot of lot there.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38Yeah, and they were all in good condition, so, yes, I'm pleased.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41£300 for 17 china animals.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44That works out at about £17.50 each.
0:26:44 > 0:26:50Later, we'll see more collectable creatures and they'll do even better than this lot.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Now, let's see if that Dinky toy truck turns the bidders' heads
0:26:53 > 0:26:54in the saleroom.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Right, next up, one of my favourites lots,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59not just of the programme, but of the whole entire sale.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02It's a Dinky toy. It's a little fire engine and it belongs to Penny.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Thank you so much for bringing this in.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Philip, our expert, beat me to this, but it's boxed,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10the condition is fabulous, I've got to say, well looked after.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- It is.- And I would love to own this,
0:27:12 > 0:27:16because I know my little boy would love this little fire engine.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- Why are you selling it?- I'm actually area manager for a charity
0:27:19 > 0:27:22and it's one of a number of items that were being donated
0:27:22 > 0:27:24to our shop and we weren't sure of the value, so...
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- You brought this along to the show.- Yeah.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- And all the money's going back to the charity?- It is, yes.- Fantastic.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- That's nice, isn't it? - That's what we like to hear,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34cos we get lots of letters where people buy things in a charity shop,
0:27:34 > 0:27:38bring them along to Flog It! and sell it and then go spend the money on a pair of shoes and, really,
0:27:38 > 0:27:43- the charity doesn't seem to benefit, so hopefully this is a bit of payback.- Yeah.- Good luck, Penny.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45It's going under the hammer right now.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Scale model of a fire engine. Number 955.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53In good, original condition with the box.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57- It's a gem.- Try 50 to start, please.
0:27:57 > 0:27:5940 if you like. No interest at 40.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02I'll go 30, then.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06- Bid, £30.- Right, we're in. - Keep your hand up.
0:28:06 > 0:28:1032, 35, 38, 40, 40.
0:28:10 > 0:28:1342, new place. Five.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Against, you, sir.
0:28:15 > 0:28:1748, 50.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19£50, it's on the aisle,
0:28:19 > 0:28:20- 55 if you like?- Good.
0:28:20 > 0:28:2255.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25It's here at 55, if you're all done?
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- 60, new play... 60.- Fresh legs.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Against you, sir. 65.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- 70.- Get in!
0:28:34 > 0:28:3575.
0:28:35 > 0:28:3875, then, are you all done at 75?
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- Look, that was pretty good. That was pretty good.- Yeah.- Fantastic.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- I'm happy with that.- Fantastic. - Are you happy?- Thank you.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47- Happy, Penny? - Yeah. Thank you very much.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- Thank you for bringing such a lovely little thing in.- You're welcome.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54A great result and I'm so glad the money is going to a good cause.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58One of our owners is going home with £400, £500, £600, £700 and more!
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Keep watching to find out who.
0:29:10 > 0:29:15We're filming our valuation day in an absolutely fabulous building that's full of history,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18so I've decided to take a closer look.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Today, Wellington College is a top-notch public school,
0:29:21 > 0:29:26but its very existence is down to one of our greatest generals - the Duke of Wellington.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, was a hugely successful general
0:29:29 > 0:29:32and twice British Prime Minister.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36He defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815
0:29:36 > 0:29:41and became not just a national hero, but the most famous man in Europe.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44During the Duke's lifetime, monuments sprang up across Britain
0:29:44 > 0:29:49like this huge bronze statue of the great man astride his horse, Copenhagen,
0:29:49 > 0:29:55but the biggest tribute was completed in 1859.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00Seven years after his death, Wellington College was opened as a charitable school
0:30:00 > 0:30:03for the orphans of army officers.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08It's 19th century Baroque style was designed by John Shaw
0:30:08 > 0:30:11who was influenced by the work of Sir Christopher Wren.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone in 1856
0:30:14 > 0:30:18and Prince Albert was elected President of the Governors.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24The first 76 boys arrived on the 20th of January in 1859.
0:30:24 > 0:30:2949 of them were army orphans, paying fees between £10 and £20 a year.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33The remaining 27 were sons of serving officers and civilians.
0:30:33 > 0:30:39Since then, the school has gone from strength to strength. Today, it's a thoroughly modern public school.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- I'm here to meet former pupil Patrick Mileham.- How do you do?
0:30:43 > 0:30:49- You've written a history of the college.- Yes, it came out, a grand illustrated history, two years ago,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- covering 150 years.- Wow!
0:30:52 > 0:30:55What age did you come here? How long ago was that?
0:30:55 > 0:30:59I came here about 52 years ago at the age of 13.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Really? Lots of happy memories?
0:31:02 > 0:31:06Yes and no. Like all schools, there are ups and downs.
0:31:06 > 0:31:12They're pretty crazy places, but, by and large, I think I enjoyed school, looking back.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16Can you paint a picture of how the school would have been in its very early days?
0:31:16 > 0:31:22Well, when it was opened by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert back in 1859,
0:31:22 > 0:31:28it had sprung up within three years on a particularly awful piece of land.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31So all of this was barren, was it?
0:31:31 > 0:31:35It was barren, sand, heath, gorse, the back of beyond.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39This must have looked like a beacon of hope. It's striking architecture.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43It was built to dominate because it was built in a heroic style.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46It must have been pretty grim to start off with,
0:31:46 > 0:31:51just rising up as it does starkly from the wilderness.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56And for the first boys, it must have been quite a shock to stumble across this building
0:31:56 > 0:32:00and realise you were here for six months for your first term.
0:32:00 > 0:32:06They were taught by mainly clergymen in the traditional Victorian education system.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10But they had their fun too and they pretty quickly took to sports.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Rugby was established very early.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Cross-country running,
0:32:14 > 0:32:18presided over by Charles Kingsley of Muscular Christianity.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23- A lot of early pupils would have gone into the army after their education?- That is true.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28They were sons of soldiers and naturally, a lot of them went into the same profession.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- Probably about 50% at the most.- Yes.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Surely, you must have special memories of the college.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40One's got loads of memories. When I was writing the book,
0:32:40 > 0:32:46I asked people to write in with "defining moments" of their time at Wellington.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- Things that have left a lasting impression?- Indeed, yes.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54My own defining moment was taking part in a cross-country race
0:32:54 > 0:32:57and I did rather well in that race.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Up until then, I didn't think I was very good at anything.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Suddenly, I discovered that perhaps I was.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Has this shaped your life in any way?
0:33:10 > 0:33:15- Would Wellington be proud of what you've done since leaving here? - I would hope so.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18The unique thing about Wellington College
0:33:18 > 0:33:22is what the headmaster at the time called "the big match" mentality.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- Right.- Big on games, big on joining the public service,
0:33:26 > 0:33:29whether it was the armed forces or whatever.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31So it was a college.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35It wasn't just a school where individuals went in and got educated.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39You worked as teams and competing against each other,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43then you went out into the world to compete with the world and do whatever you had to do.
0:33:43 > 0:33:48And there are reminders of that ethos built into the very fabric of the college.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52This courtyard is at the centre of the old college.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57Through there is the main gate. That's where Queen Victoria would arrive by horse-drawn carriage.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01You could imagine the sense of urgency and importance as she comes through that arch.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05Up there is the college motto, "sons of heroes", very appropriate.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10Brave fathers gave their lives at the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Up there is Wellington's motto, "fortune favours the brave".
0:34:14 > 0:34:17There he is, the Iron Duke, looking down on us.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23150 years ago, the college stood out in open countryside.
0:34:23 > 0:34:31Today, that landscape has matured. It's now surrounded by 400 acres of lush parkland.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Much here has changed,
0:34:33 > 0:34:38but the college philosophy of duty, courage and the spirit of public service is thriving
0:34:38 > 0:34:40as a living memorial to one of our greatest heroes.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50And it's over to Philip Serrell,
0:34:50 > 0:34:54who's turning on the charm as he makes some new friends.
0:34:54 > 0:34:59- How long have you had these? - 50 years.- You're not old enough.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- Thank you. - Were they something you collected?
0:35:03 > 0:35:08No, I had a friend whose father was a toy importer.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12He used to go to Leipzig Fairs and he brought that little one back.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16When I had my first car, he gave it to me for good luck.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19- What was your first car? - It was a Triumph Herald.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- Pale blue.- They were the very first car in the world.- Were they?
0:35:23 > 0:35:28- If you read the Bible, it says, "Moses came down the hill in his Triumph(!)"- Right.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32- So this little bear here...- Yes.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- He was your St Christopher who looked after you.- He did.
0:35:35 > 0:35:41He's produced by the Schuco factory and he is called a little Piccolo Bear.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45I know not why he is called a Piccolo Bear, but he is a Piccolo Bear.
0:35:45 > 0:35:52- This little chap here is really interesting because he's got a surprise, hasn't he?- Yes.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- He's called a Janus Bear. Do you know why that is?- No.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- The clue is there.- Two-faced. - Two faces, yeah.
0:36:00 > 0:36:06If we look at the monkey here, you can see there's a little telltale hole there
0:36:06 > 0:36:11which may have held that little metal button we always look for
0:36:11 > 0:36:14that's the Steiff factory.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18A lot of these early Schuco bears, they weren't just bears.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21They were containers for various other things,
0:36:21 > 0:36:24whether it be little glass vials or whatever.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- But they're collectable.- Right.
0:36:27 > 0:36:33Their value has come down a little bit over the last 12 to 18 months, but they are very collectable.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- You've had these for 50 years?- Yes.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38They've served a life with you.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42I know, but it's time to pass them on, so someone else can enjoy them.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47- That's sweet.- That one has been sitting on a big plant by his tail.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52- What about Janus? - He just sat in a pot.- Did you think these were worth anything?
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Go on, say yes. You did really.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Yes, I hope. I hoped somebody else would collect them.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- What do you think they might be worth?- I don't know.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02I really don't know.
0:37:02 > 0:37:07I think you've got to put a sensible 80 to 120 estimate on them,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- the old auctioneer's friend. - Right.- But it's sensible.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16- I'm going to make you put a £80 reserve on them.- Right, OK.
0:37:16 > 0:37:21I don't think you should lose these lifelong friends for less than £80.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Right, OK.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27And I think if you have a really good day,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31they could make between £50 and £75 each.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- Each?- Yeah.- That would be wonderful.
0:37:34 > 0:37:40We'll offer them as one lot, estimate 80 to 120, and we'll make sure that's a fixed reserve
0:37:40 > 0:37:46because otherwise, he's back in the car, he's back in the pot and he's back on the plant again!
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- Are you happy with that?- Yes, I am.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51We're making friends everywhere we turn today.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55Here's Elizabeth Talbot and she's just met Mandy.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- Mandy, hello.- Hello.- I understand that you work at the school here.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03- Yes.- What do you do? - I'm a housekeeping manager.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08I look after all the matrons and a lot of the cleaning staff. Three of us do it.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13- It's a big task.- Yes.- You're very happy?- Yes, it's a lovely place to work.- Wonderful setting.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18- It's gorgeous.- From one wonderful setting to a historical setting
0:38:18 > 0:38:20on the little box you brought here.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22What can you tell me about it?
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Well, when my mother died about 23 years ago,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28I was clearing out her glass cabinet
0:38:28 > 0:38:32and I put a lot of the stuff to charity and car boot,
0:38:32 > 0:38:34but this was unusual.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38I don't particularly like it, but I thought I would keep this back.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41It's been in my loft and I thought,
0:38:41 > 0:38:43"Oh, Flog It! is coming, I'll bring it along
0:38:43 > 0:38:47"to see what actually it is used for."
0:38:47 > 0:38:52It's good that you have saved it because 20 or 30 years ago,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55this type of box would have been discarded and thought of
0:38:55 > 0:38:59as being a little bit passe in terms of taste.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03But 20 years later, there are collectors of these little boxes,
0:39:03 > 0:39:07so you did the right thing not to discard it at that stage.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11It's a late 19th century, possibly early 20th century box.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15It's intended to be a little jewellery box or trinket box.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18But it was made and sold originally to tourists.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20It's a little tourist piece,
0:39:20 > 0:39:23a souvenir, in this case of a visit to Paris.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27Intrinsically, the components are not very expensive.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- Right.- It's a very base metal frame.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35And the outside of the frame is gilded. It's just stamped metal.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38This encases thick, bevelled glass sides
0:39:38 > 0:39:42and the top of it is transfer-printed with a picture
0:39:42 > 0:39:46which is possibly hand-tinted with watercolour to fill in the gaps.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50It's not all hand-painted. It's transferred, then coloured.
0:39:50 > 0:39:56The inside is fitted with this lovely little, padded silk cushion base which has got buttons in it,
0:39:56 > 0:40:00so it's like a little buttoned, cushioned base there.
0:40:00 > 0:40:06It's showing its age. It's beginning to fade and wear, but that is also very nice
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- because it shows that it's the age that it is.- Right.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12It wasn't intended to be an expensive item.
0:40:12 > 0:40:19They never have become extremely valuable, but people will pay money for them, which is a good thing.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24- You're looking to sell it now?- Yes, I am.- Any idea what it might fetch?
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- £30?- It should do 20 to 25.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- Right.- It might do 40.- Right, OK.
0:40:31 > 0:40:36- Do you require a reserve on it? - No, just let it... - I think that's very sensible.
0:40:36 > 0:40:42- Thank you for bringing it in and thank you for the wonderful setting. - It's lovely. Thank you.
0:40:42 > 0:40:48Yes, thanks very much, Wellington College. Our experts and owners have really enjoyed the rare chance
0:40:48 > 0:40:51to see inside this splendid venue.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55Philip has found something of equal beauty - Maureen's tea service.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Do you know what, Maureen?
0:40:58 > 0:41:04We see loads and loads and loads of things on a Flog It! valuation day.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08And I'm not a great lover of silver,
0:41:08 > 0:41:13but I just think that is really beautiful.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15It's really, really lovely.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- Why do you want to sell these? - I don't like cleaning them.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- You don't like cleaning them?- No. - So you haven't cleaned them?
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- I did.- When?- Last night.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- Last night? So you cleaned them last night to bring them today?- Yeah.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Erm...when did you last clean them?
0:41:32 > 0:41:38- Be truthful.- Some months ago. They were a bit black last night. - Months or years?- Might have been.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41Years ago. That's good. I'm being deadly serious.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44When we talk about patina,
0:41:44 > 0:41:49- people always refer to patina as like furniture has got patina.- Yeah.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52But paintings can have patina and silver's got patina.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55And very often you can see a piece of silver
0:41:55 > 0:42:00that someone's got wire wool on and some acid or lemon juice.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03That's the worst thing, all the little creases.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05They do that and it just destroys...
0:42:05 > 0:42:07This has got patina.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11And that's got a lovely, warm glow to it.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14So these... Did you buy these?
0:42:14 > 0:42:17No, they've been in the family for a long time.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19What have you got? A tea set?
0:42:19 > 0:42:23- I thought perhaps a teapot and a coffee pot.- Teapot?
0:42:23 > 0:42:28- Yeah.- Hot water jug.- Ah. - Because of the spout.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31A coffee pot spout comes from there.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- A hot water jug spout comes from there.- Yeah.
0:42:35 > 0:42:41And this decoration here, when it's got that swirly bit on the side, that's called "writhen".
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Writhen moulding.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48I just think this is so beautiful. It's wonderfully well engraved.
0:42:48 > 0:42:53It's almost sort of French in style, but of course, it's not.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55- It's English.- Yeah.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00And we've got a series of hallmarks on the bottom here. Let's just have a look.
0:43:00 > 0:43:05We've got the lion passant and then we've got Victoria's head.
0:43:05 > 0:43:10So that gives us a clue that it was made in the reign of Queen Victoria.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12We've then got a crown
0:43:12 > 0:43:18and that crown tells us that this was assayed at the Sheffield Assay Office.
0:43:18 > 0:43:24Then we've got a date code letter which is a V and that's for 1878.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27So this was assayed in 1878.
0:43:27 > 0:43:30What were you hoping to get for it?
0:43:30 > 0:43:34Um...hopefully, 150-plus?
0:43:34 > 0:43:36Really? That much?
0:43:36 > 0:43:38Hmm.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41I think you'll get £300 to £400 for 'em.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44- Really?- Yeah.- Oh, wow!
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- Is that good?- Very good, yeah.
0:43:47 > 0:43:51- And I think we'll put a fixed reserve on it at £250.- Right.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55I think it's absolutely lovely. I would love to own it.
0:43:55 > 0:44:00- Just one last little thing - it's very small, isn't it?- Yes.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03In this business we like to give things names.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07And it's so small because it's a bachelor's tea set,
0:44:07 > 0:44:13so you would have retired to your rooms and it really would have been tea for one.
0:44:13 > 0:44:15But I absolutely love it.
0:44:15 > 0:44:21- I really love it and I don't like silver!- Oh, right.- So there you go.
0:44:22 > 0:44:27There are so many interesting things coming out the woodwork here.
0:44:27 > 0:44:32We've had a marvellous time at Wellington College, but sadly, we have to leave.
0:44:32 > 0:44:38I hope we come back in a few years' time, but right now, we'll put the rest of the valuations to the test.
0:44:38 > 0:44:44You've probably made your minds up about what the items are worth, but let's see what the bidders think.
0:44:44 > 0:44:45Here's what we're taking.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49We have Philip's new friends, three cuddly toys, belonging to Pam.
0:44:51 > 0:44:56Elizabeth has picked the trinket box, brought in by Mandy.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59A silver tea service, spotted by Philip.
0:45:01 > 0:45:06All of those items are in the catalogue at Martin & Pole Auctioneers in Wokingham,
0:45:06 > 0:45:09photographed, described and ready to sell.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12Our auctioneer is Garth Lewis and on the preview day,
0:45:12 > 0:45:16I asked him what he made of Maureen's tea service.
0:45:16 > 0:45:21- I bet when you saw this lot, it put a smile on your face. - My heart leapt, I love this lot.
0:45:21 > 0:45:27- If there was one I could take home with me, it would be that.- It does it for you?- It's absolutely lovely.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30It's quality, quality, quality. It belongs to Maureen.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34She's selling them because she's fed up with cleaning them.
0:45:34 > 0:45:40Well, I can understand that, but what a joy to bring it back to its gleaming, pristine beauty!
0:45:40 > 0:45:44And I have taken it upon myself to up the estimate.
0:45:44 > 0:45:49OK, let me talk about that. Philip put £300 to £400 on this.
0:45:49 > 0:45:55But it was a considerable amount of time ago and silver is at an all-time high.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58The scrap value, the melt value has gone up a lot.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00You've accordingly adjusted this.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04- Yes, we have. The estimate is now 550 to 700.- Great.
0:46:04 > 0:46:10Without wishing to suggest it would ever be just melted down, but the maths support that sort of a figure.
0:46:10 > 0:46:11And I think on the back of it,
0:46:11 > 0:46:15the vendor has wisely increased the reserve a tad.
0:46:15 > 0:46:21We like to look after all our vendors. We try to get them the most amount of money possible.
0:46:21 > 0:46:27- If all else fails, I'll buy 'em myself.- Good luck, anyway. I'm sure they'll fly out the room.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30Our next lot is that trio of stuffed toys.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34Fingers crossed, Pam. Your turn has arrived.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38- Is this your first auction?- It's the first one I've left things at.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- You've bought before? - I have been to auctions, yes.
0:46:41 > 0:46:45I think you're going to be all right. We've got quality here.
0:46:45 > 0:46:50Schuco and Steiff, it doesn't get much better when you talk about metal toys.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53What I want to know and probably you do as well, is...
0:46:53 > 0:46:59- The little panda was the lucky charm in the car.- Yes. - So how do you drive now?
0:46:59 > 0:47:01- Carefully!- Carefully, yeah.
0:47:01 > 0:47:07- What's the lucky charm now? - I don't have one now. They're too precious to take in the car.
0:47:07 > 0:47:12- Hmm.- Yes.- They never let us down. I'm not trying to big it up, but they don't let us down.
0:47:12 > 0:47:18- The auctioneer is on the rostrum, about to knock this one out. Good luck.- Thank you.
0:47:20 > 0:47:24Sweet little lot. A little Steiff monkey, miniature little monkey,
0:47:24 > 0:47:28a Schuco Janus bear and a Schuco Piccolo panda.
0:47:28 > 0:47:33Interest starts with me here at £65 against you.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36Is there any advance on 65?
0:47:36 > 0:47:3970, thank you. And 5 here.
0:47:39 > 0:47:4180. And 5. 90.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43Takes me out. At £90.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46£30 each.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48100. And 10.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50- 120.- £40 each.- 130.
0:47:50 > 0:47:5240? 140.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57- On my right, I'm selling... - Bidders out now.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00- 140, that's not bad.- That's not bad. - Straight in, £140.
0:48:00 > 0:48:05- Are you pleased with that?- It's a good day to sell.- I'm very pleased.
0:48:05 > 0:48:12'A fair reward for Pam, parting from those characters after more than 50 years in their company.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15'Next we have the trinket box brought in by Mandy.'
0:48:15 > 0:48:19Good luck, Mandy. This is a dangerous game - no reserve.
0:48:19 > 0:48:24The trinket box has only got a value of £25 to £40, so it doesn't really matter.
0:48:24 > 0:48:29- If it was up there at the £300 mark...- I'd advise a reserve then.
0:48:29 > 0:48:34- It's a cracking little thing, a useful little box. Good luck. - Thank you.- Here we go.
0:48:35 > 0:48:40This pretty little French, gilt metal and glass-panelled trinket box.
0:48:40 > 0:48:43Picture of the Trocadero in Paris to the top.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46£20 may I say?
0:48:46 > 0:48:5015 if you like? 15 is bid with the lady. 18, sir.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53Thank you. 18. Against you... 20.
0:48:53 > 0:48:5622. 25. 28.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59- 30 now.- They're right near us.- 35.
0:48:59 > 0:49:0335 with the lady, my original bidder at 35. If you're all done...?
0:49:03 > 0:49:0638, back in. 40.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10- 40 it is.- No, he's out.- 40, then...
0:49:10 > 0:49:14£40, hammer's gone down. Mandy, it's gone. Top end of the estimate.
0:49:14 > 0:49:17- Well done.- That was lovely. Thank you.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21'Well done, Elizabeth - a precise valuation.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24'One more sale to go, the one we've been waiting for.
0:49:24 > 0:49:28'It's the silver tea service valued by Philip and belonging to Maureen.'
0:49:28 > 0:49:34It's been a long time since the valuation day and you've benefited from that as well
0:49:34 > 0:49:38because Philip put a value of £300 to £400 on this silver.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40The scrap value, the melt has gone up
0:49:40 > 0:49:43in the last three and a half months.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46- You've almost doubled your money. - Hopefully.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50There is a new revised estimate of £550 to £700 now.
0:49:50 > 0:49:56I had a chat to the auctioneer. Yes, you know what he said. He absolutely loved it.
0:49:56 > 0:50:01He said if no-one's bidding on them, he's buying them, so they're definitely sold.
0:50:01 > 0:50:06I think it's important to say that whilst the melt price has gone up,
0:50:06 > 0:50:10I think this is of such good quality that this won't get melted.
0:50:10 > 0:50:15It's the underlying... It's the belt and braces for every other price.
0:50:15 > 0:50:20- It's what people base the price on. - It'd be nice to think somebody will appreciate them.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24- Oh, they will.- It's lovely quality. You needn't worry.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28- This will grace someone's home or collection.- Here we go.
0:50:28 > 0:50:30Let's find out what this lot think.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33It's gone quiet again because it's our turn.
0:50:35 > 0:50:38Delightful Victorian silver tea service,
0:50:38 > 0:50:43embossed and spiral fluted bodies, ivory handles.
0:50:43 > 0:50:48I can start the bidding here at £450 against you.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51Straight in, straight in.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54480. 500.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57520. 550. 580.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00600. And 20. 650.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04680. Takes me out. £680.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07Here we are.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11Is there any further at 680?
0:51:11 > 0:51:13700, new place. 720.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15750.
0:51:15 > 0:51:20£750. There we are, on the aisle at 750, if you're done...?
0:51:20 > 0:51:23£750!
0:51:23 > 0:51:26Spot on the top end of that new estimate!
0:51:26 > 0:51:30- It was worth the wait.- It was worth the wait.- In every sense.
0:51:30 > 0:51:36It's a dangerous game because if you think, "I've got some silver, I'll hang on to it for three more years,
0:51:36 > 0:51:41"hopefully, it'll go up and up and up," it might level out and then drop.
0:51:41 > 0:51:43Great time to be selling, though.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49That's it. It's all over. We found out today exactly what it's worth.
0:51:49 > 0:51:54We've put those valuations to the test and we've sent quite a few people home very happy.
0:51:54 > 0:51:59Some things flew out, some things struggled. That's life in the auction room!
0:51:59 > 0:52:06Join me soon in another one somewhere else in the UK, but for now, from Wokingham, it's bye-bye.