0:00:02 > 0:00:06Today we're near the fabulous coastline of Cardigan Bay,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10stretching north into Ceredigion and south into Pembrokeshire.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Much as I'd love to stand here all day embracing this marvellous Welsh countryside,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17they wouldn't let me get away with that!
0:00:17 > 0:00:21There are too many antiques waiting to be valued inside. Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:46 > 0:00:51The town of Cardigan has been a port since the early Middle Ages.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Its importance stems from its strategic position on the River Teifi,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58the gateway to the fertile Teifi Valley.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01We've certainly got an army of followers here today.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04They have turned out in force at the Rhosygilwen mansion,
0:01:04 > 0:01:08all hoping their treasures will be worth a small fortune
0:01:08 > 0:01:11when we take them to auction. Who will it be? Stay tuned to find out!
0:01:11 > 0:01:17It may even be this wonderful bus. So tickets, please! Let's start our journey.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22Leading the Flog It troops to find out what people have brought along
0:01:22 > 0:01:28are our team of experts headed up by Charlie Ross and Christina Trevanion.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Goodness me!
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Ooh, let's have a look.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37Auctioneer and valuer Christina caught the antiques bug at an early age
0:01:37 > 0:01:40and can't wait to get stuck in to all those bags and boxes!
0:01:40 > 0:01:42A very old book. 300 years old.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- 300 years old?!- 305. - That's older than Charlie!
0:01:48 > 0:01:51I thought I saw a barometer. Did I see a barometer?
0:01:52 > 0:01:58Charlie's under pressure hunting for antiques. Looks like his watchful eye may have paid off!
0:01:58 > 0:02:00This should tell us what it's made of.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03And you're in luck. It's made of gold!
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- Lovely.- Not just nine-carat gold. It's 18-carat gold.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Coming up, we've got a show full of weird and wonderful things!
0:02:14 > 0:02:19Look at that! That's a surprise. I didn't know that was going to happen!
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Good lord, that's quite whacky, isn't it?
0:02:22 > 0:02:24It's a bit of an acquired taste.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Yes.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29We incur a casualty.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32She's been through the wars. Tell me what happened there.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34She was all right when I left this morning.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- When I undid it, she was in two pieces.- Oh, no!
0:02:38 > 0:02:43And will a hoard of Indian silver translate into a stack of British pounds?
0:02:43 > 0:02:47I'm just hoping they like Indian silver in Wales!
0:02:50 > 0:02:54We kick off with Christina and that broken statue. But it isn't on its own.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Fiona has a group who've all had to put up with a few knocks in their time.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04We've got a jolly band of fellows here. They look like they're having a good time.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- They do.- Where are they from?
0:03:06 > 0:03:10They were my grandmother's. I don't know where she got them from.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14She wasn't very careful with them and most of them have got something broken.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- Right.- She had them in a cabinet.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22I don't know why they got broken. My mother reckoned she was just clumsy!
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- Right.- My mother hated them, actually!
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- Did she?- She couldn't wait for me to have them!
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- They're a real...- Are you fond of them?- I love him.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- I love the colours on them. They're fabulous.- Really bright, aren't they?
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- Gorgeous.- The detail's good. But they are awful dust collectors!
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- I bet.- Dreadful. - Nightmare to clean.- Yes.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45Some of them aren't very clean.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48I don't blame you. They are very fragile.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- Sadly, we've got damage pretty much across the board.- Yes.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58That's one of the first things as a valuer, establishing a value on these,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- it's very difficult because of the damage throughout.- Yes.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Down here we've got a hand, and a bit of a broken bottle here.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10They've just had a good time, I think, they've had a good old party.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14Surprisingly, when I looked at them I thought they made a good group.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17But actually, they're all by different factories.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- Right.- So we've got this pair here. - Right.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23We've got some nice marks here.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26This tells us they're by a German factory called Sitzendorf.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Right.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32They're beautifully enamelled. When you pick them up, they're heavy.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35So nice heavy porcelain.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37But unfortunately...
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- Yes, I know!- She's been through the wars. What happened there?
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- She was all right when I left this morning!- Oh, no!
0:04:45 > 0:04:50And I did wrap her up but when I undid it, she was in two pieces.
0:04:50 > 0:04:56- Whether it had already been broken and my grandmother had mended it at some point.- Very possible.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58The good news is, yes, it's damaged,
0:04:58 > 0:05:02but it's a nice clean break so it could be restorable.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05It's OK. So we've got these two figures here.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08These, I think, are the best quality-wise.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13- I love this chap.- So do I. - He's wonderful, isn't he?
0:05:13 > 0:05:15He's a boozy fellow.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- What's his name?- Landlord.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20The Landlord. So a nice character figure.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25And what's even better is that I can just picture him in a gentleman's study
0:05:25 > 0:05:30as a figurine, and as soon as the wife's gone or the family's gone,
0:05:30 > 0:05:34he gets out his figurine and has his tot!
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- He's not a figure any more, he's a decanter!- Gorgeous, isn't it?
0:05:38 > 0:05:39It's wonderful. I love it.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44As a decanter to a decanter collector, he could be really quite interesting.
0:05:44 > 0:05:45Yes.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Then this pair of figures here.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51We've got a fruit seller and her gentleman partner.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52They're a matched pair.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54They didn't start life together.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Not as exciting, possibly, as these.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00I think, at auction,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03we have to bear in mind the condition issues.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- But I think we're still looking in the region of 100 to £200.- Good!
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- Would you be happy to sell them at that value?- Yes.- Brilliant.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- Let's flog it!- Save the dusting!
0:06:16 > 0:06:21Hopefully the bidders will relish the idea of getting their hands on this motley bunch
0:06:21 > 0:06:24and give them the opportunity to live another day.
0:06:25 > 0:06:31Next, Charlie's talking to Terry who has an interesting collection of Indian silver.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Terry, have you been shopping?
0:06:34 > 0:06:35Just a little bit!
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Have you bought them yourself or inherited them?
0:06:39 > 0:06:41No, I bought them on the internet.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- On the internet? - Over the last year or so.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- Gosh. What was the first bit you bought?- I think the jug.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50The jug. Is that your favourite bit?
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- It is, actually.- Yes.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Do you have any connection with India? It's Indian silver.
0:06:56 > 0:07:03The only connection I've got is that my mother and her side of the family came from India.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Right. Have you been yourself?
0:07:05 > 0:07:09I've been twice and I'm going again the week after the auction.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- I'm going to find my grandfather's grave in Calcutta.- Gosh!
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- He was a train driver. - Really? How fascinating.
0:07:18 > 0:07:25- When did he die?- I think he must have died in the early '70s.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Well post-Raj.- Well post-Raj.- Yes.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31This is mostly Raj, isn't it? Nearly all of it.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33It is, I think all of it is Raj period.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38I would think most of this is between 1920 and 1940?
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- I'd say some pieces are... - Some earlier?- 18- something.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- Late 1800s.- You think they go to the 19th century?
0:07:46 > 0:07:52It's interesting to try and guess from the influence which part of India they might have come from.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56This has a sort of Buddhist influence down here.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59I wonder if it's nearer to Ceylon down the bottom there.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- Yeah.- I think this one, your favourite piece,
0:08:03 > 0:08:09I think if I took the handle away, took the snake away there,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12I would struggle to know that was Indian and not Middle Eastern.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Yes, it looks a bit Arabic.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18It does. The top here looks very Arabic.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22And the flowers. So it's an interesting bowl here.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Do you know what my favourite is? - No.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- The salt and pepper. - The salt and pepper.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31I think the quality of decoration is particularly good on these.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- Those would stand on anybody's dining table proudly.- Yes.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38I'm not so keen on the open salts.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- So we need to raise some money, don't we?- We do.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- Help you with the flight. - We sure do.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Assuming you're not rowing there. - No, a slow boat.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48I've looked through, weighed some of it.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51I think we should be safe at 150 to £200.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- I'm happy with that.- 150 to 200.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58Reserve 150. A bit of auctioneer's discretion.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- See you on the day.- OK.- Let's get enough for the whole flight. - Flog it!
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Yes, flog it!
0:09:07 > 0:09:11It's a tricky one to value, but I think Charlie is quietly confident.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14We'll find out later if it's well placed.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19Flog It valuation days are very busy, so when people are selected for filming,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21they often have to wait a while.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24I can't resist having a good peek at what they've brought in!
0:09:24 > 0:09:27There are several tables dotted along here.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29This is the holding bay.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34This is where all our owners that haven't been filmed yet are waiting to be filmed.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Who owns the ostrich egg?
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Wow, look at that!
0:09:39 > 0:09:41That certainly is a present from down under.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45We think so. It was a present to my father, who was a surgeon.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50It was a present from a patient who wanted to thank him.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55There's a kangaroo actually carved onto the shell of the egg.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Do you know something? I think that with this emu and that kangaroo,
0:09:59 > 0:10:05and the whole thing with these wonderful over-the-top pieces of glass,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08I think it will find its way back to Australia. I really do.
0:10:08 > 0:10:09Yes.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13We'll find out more about that fascinating item later in the show.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16First, Christina is chatting to Gary
0:10:16 > 0:10:19who's inherited a piece of Swiss sophistication.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25Gary, here we've got your chronograph Swiss wrist watch.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Tell me, where's it come from?
0:10:28 > 0:10:34I had it from my father, actually, going back 15, 16 years ago.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- Right.- He never used it. So he said to me one night when I was with him,
0:10:38 > 0:10:43he showed me a lot of watches and I said I'd have that one.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- Have that one or that one.- Yes.- OK.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48So tell me, was Father sporty?
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Not really, no.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54Tell me why would he have wanted a chronograph movement?
0:10:54 > 0:10:57A chronograph movement, as you know, is a stopwatch.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Was he into the horses, maybe? - No, no, no.- Running?
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- Nothing like that?- Only cars and lorries.- Cars and lorries.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Maybe he used it to time his lap circuits or something.- Maybe!
0:11:08 > 0:11:10You never know.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12So it's a rather nice example.
0:11:12 > 0:11:18As we can see from the dial, we've got a subsidiary minutes dial here
0:11:18 > 0:11:20which times up to 30 minutes.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23We've also got a seconds dial here.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27And the way that it works, as you probably know,
0:11:27 > 0:11:31is that we start it there, see the red hand ticking away nicely there.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35Then we can stop it. We can restart it.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38And then stop it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- And then we can restart it completely.- Yes.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44It's fantastic. Very, very controllable, isn't it?
0:11:44 > 0:11:47It's got a nice clear dial.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Not much damage on the dial. A few scratches on the face.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52But nothing serious.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54If we turn it over...
0:11:54 > 0:11:59we've got a nice mark which says 18k and 750.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03That's indicative of 18-carat gold.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- It would be nice if the strap was gold!- It would be! - But sadly it's not.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12We can see here that this gold plate is wearing off the strap.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15The base metal is coming through on that strap there.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18We've got some serial numbers down here.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- Unfortunately we can't pin it down to an absolute factory.- No.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27Without opening the back, but the back is very delicate, a very thin sliver of gold
0:12:27 > 0:12:29and I'd be reluctant to take the back off.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32However, it is a Swiss movement.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36The Swiss, as you know, renowned for fantastic watch making.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37Yes.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43I think in the open market today, we'll be looking at an auction valuation of about 200 to £300.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- How do you feel about that, Gary? - The more, the merrier!
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Well, it may well fetch more on the day
0:12:49 > 0:12:56but if we put it any more it'll look quite pricey compared to other chronograph watches on the market.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58OK? So happy to sell it at 200 to 300.
0:12:58 > 0:13:04- Yes.- Let's set the reserve at 200 firm. Try and get as much as we can for you.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- OK.- Perhaps put the money towards a new watch for you!
0:13:07 > 0:13:09Good. Thank you. Now, then.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20We've been working flat-out and it's time to put those valuations to the test.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24While we make our way over to Peter Francis auction rooms in Carmarthen,
0:13:24 > 0:13:29here's a reminder of all the items going under the hammer. Take a look.
0:13:31 > 0:13:37Fiona's figurines might have been injured in service, but perhaps they'll find a new lease of life.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41Hopefully the bidders will appreciate Terry's collection of exotic silver
0:13:41 > 0:13:45and provide him with passage back to India.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Lastly, Gary's Swiss watch.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53It might be lacking a gold strap, but will its quality still shine through?
0:13:55 > 0:13:59Over in Carmarthen, the sale room is starting to fill up.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01Commission rates here are on a sliding scale
0:14:01 > 0:14:06starting at 17.5% for items under £150,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09down to 10% for items over £3,000.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Wielding the gavel today is auctioneer Nigel Hobson
0:14:14 > 0:14:18and before the auction got underway, I found out what he thought of some of our lots.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22I soon discovered he was a bit of a fan of Gary's watch.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28Superb quality, this watch. 18-carat gold, Swiss. It belongs to Gary.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32We've got a value of 200 to £300, fixed reserve of 200.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34I do like my watches. I actually like that.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- Could you see yourself wearing that? - I could.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42I did say to my wife she might buy it for me for Christmas, but all is quiet on that front!
0:14:42 > 0:14:49I've done condition reports on it for a number of people. There are a few knocks round the case,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51which fit in with general wear and tear.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54The bracelet strap is not gold.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- But I still think it ought to be worth the estimate. We should be OK at that.- Brilliant.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- It won't whizz off and make £1,000 or anything like that.- No.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06But it's a good watch of its type, working away no problem.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Time for Nigel to get on the rostrum, weave his magic
0:15:09 > 0:15:12and good luck. See how we go.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21Hopefully there are a few bidders who want it as much as Nigel. It's our first lot under the hammer.
0:15:21 > 0:15:27Time is now definitely up, not for my watch, but for Gary's watch.
0:15:27 > 0:15:33- Lovely thing. It was your father's. - I've got another one. - That was his as well, was it?
0:15:33 > 0:15:39- You love this as well.- Yes, and it's a chronograph so hopefully it'll get there.- It's a very good watch.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- Yes.- Not many of them made.- Let's hope we get a decent surprise.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- I hope so!- I hope so. - Let's find out. Here we go.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52261. The mid-20th-century Swiss 18-carat gold
0:15:52 > 0:15:55chronograph gentleman's wrist watch.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57A good-looking watch, ticking away nicely.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00The case is marked 18 carat.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03A nice-looking watch. Interest here with me on the book
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- means I can start the bidding straightaway at 200.- Brilliant.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- 220 I've got. £220 on the book. - It's gone.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Let's hope we get another bid.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15At 220.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18At 220. May I say 240 now?
0:16:18 > 0:16:19240. 260.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21At 260.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25260. Against you in the room. Against you online at 260.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Bidding on the book now at 260.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32At 260. Selling it. On the book, then, at £260.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Sold! Good estimate. Very good.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Happy?- Yes, very happy, actually.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Brilliant. Well done. Well done.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46Christina was spot-on there, but has she got the measure of those figurines?
0:16:46 > 0:16:50This sale is being conducted by Nigel's colleague, Geoff Thomas.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Well, it's the moment of truth, Fiona.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Let's hope the damage doesn't put the buyers off.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00It's a mixed lot, really. Porcelain figures. How did the damage happen?
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- Grandma?- I'm afraid it was a very long time ago, being careless.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- A long, long time ago.- Very long time.- Collectors are fussy,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11but maybe they just might go for this.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- You just don't know. We've got 100 to £200.- Yep.
0:17:14 > 0:17:15And a slightly lower reserve
0:17:15 > 0:17:18to take into account that damage.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- 70% of this lot is OK.- I hope so.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- It's OK.- The Landlord is good. - Yes.- Very good.
0:17:24 > 0:17:30- He's a real novelty as well, so hopefully.- Let's see what the bidders think. Here we go.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37Lot 365, a group of porcelain continental figures.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Lot 365. Start me at 100.
0:17:42 > 0:17:4380?
0:17:43 > 0:17:4650? £50 I've got. 50. 60.
0:17:46 > 0:17:4970. 80. £80.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51It's going. It's going!
0:17:51 > 0:17:53At £80 I'm bid.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57At £80. 90 is it? All done, then?
0:17:57 > 0:18:00All done at £80.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- Well done. - £80 - and they were very broken!
0:18:03 > 0:18:07I wonder if someone will restore them?
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- Inevitably.- Yes, I think so.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14Especially the one that was in half. That's easily restorable.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- Slightly in half!- Slightly in half!
0:18:21 > 0:18:24The damage may have put people off,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27but thankfully someone was willing to take them on.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34Next up, will Terry's silver provide him with the passport he's hoping for?
0:18:34 > 0:18:39The pressure is on. Terry has just joined me and expert Charlie Ross.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43We need the top end of that valuation. £200-plus.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Because Terry is off to India. He's worked out the price of the flight.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50440 quid. And you're going next week?
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- Yes.- Got the visa?- Yes.- He hasn't got the ticket yet. We're waiting on the result of this silver
0:18:55 > 0:18:57to go under the hammer, Charlie.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02A lot of Indian silver here. It's a shame it's not hallmarked or dated.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- It would fly through the roof, wouldn't it?- Yes.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10It's quite tricky. I've done one piece of Indian silver before on Flog It
0:19:10 > 0:19:16which went really well. So I'm hoping they like Indian silver in Wales!
0:19:16 > 0:19:20We're going to find out right now. Let's see what it's worth.
0:19:22 > 0:19:28245 is a collection of 19th- and early 20th-century Indian silver items.
0:19:28 > 0:19:3220-odd ounces there. What do we say? About £200 here?
0:19:32 > 0:19:35150 to go, then, surely? £150 I'm bid.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- 150. 160, may I say?- That's good.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40At 150. In the room at 150.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43160 online. 170.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Are we going to get that top end?
0:19:46 > 0:19:48180. 190.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- 200, may I say?- Might be going business class!
0:19:51 > 0:19:53220.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57240, may I say? 240 online. 260.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00260. 280, may I say?
0:20:00 > 0:20:03260 in the room. Against you on the internet at 260. In the room.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06At £260.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- Well done.- That's fantastic.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Well done, you. Well bought.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Yes, well bought. Well valued!
0:20:13 > 0:20:17Thank you, sir!
0:20:17 > 0:20:22What a successful first visit to the auction. But before we go back to the valuation day,
0:20:22 > 0:20:28I discovered more about a Welsh tradition that's more universal than we might first think.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39The River Teifi forms a natural border
0:20:39 > 0:20:43between the counties of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46About seven miles in from the mouth of the river in Cardigan
0:20:46 > 0:20:51is the pretty village of Cenarth, famous for its falls and its salmon.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00In the 12th century, a visitor to the village noted that an extensive fishery existed on the rocks
0:21:00 > 0:21:03where the salmon leapt as they migrated upstream.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06But this river is also famous for the unusual but traditional way
0:21:06 > 0:21:09in which those salmon were caught.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16For hundreds of years, the fishermen here had used a coracle
0:21:16 > 0:21:21and it's probably only one of three rivers in the world where coracles are still used
0:21:21 > 0:21:23for salmon fishing with a net.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Coracles were once common all over the British Isles.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Julius Caesar is said to have first come across one
0:21:31 > 0:21:35when he invaded Britain back in 55 or 54 BC.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Nowadays, you'll only find the craft in a few areas.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41One of them is Shropshire on the English/Welsh borders.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43The other is right here in Wales.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Every area had its own unique type of coracle made from local materials
0:21:52 > 0:21:56and designed for the particular conditions of the local river and its use.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01But the basic construction style would have been very similar.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07As you can see, it's simply made of a basket-like construction.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Interwoven lats that give it its strength, its cohesion.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15Traditionally they were completely round and covered with animal hide.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18The size of the hide would dictate the size of the vessel.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22The hair would be on the inside, the skin on the outside.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25You'd use the fat to help waterproof it.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28For the last 200 years here, they've been covered in cotton
0:22:28 > 0:22:30and painted with a pitch.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35The pitch does two things. It tightens the cotton and also makes it waterproof.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40The wood used on the lats is a willow and hazel wood,
0:22:40 > 0:22:43woods that are plentiful in the area.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46But the most important thing is, with these little craft,
0:22:46 > 0:22:50is the bottom has to be flat because it works within three inches of water.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54This little craft will actually hold three times my bodyweight.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56It's so simple.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59At the end of the day, all you do is pick this thing up,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01put it on your shoulder and walk home.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Fascinating!
0:23:03 > 0:23:09Over the years, fishing licences were not renewed and sadly the coracle is now a rare sight.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14But this important symbol of Welsh heritage is part of a worldwide tradition.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19I've come to the National Coracle Centre in Cenarth to meet Martin Fowler
0:23:19 > 0:23:23who is going to show me some of the coracle's foreign relatives.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30What a fabulous place! I guess my first question has to be,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33when and where did the coracle style of boat originate?
0:23:33 > 0:23:39Although most people associate them with Wales, I think the Middle East is where they actually started.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42We're looking at the first forms of water transport
0:23:42 > 0:23:46from the first civilisations of the world, really.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50You've got different examples from around the world. Can we see those?
0:23:50 > 0:23:53They look quite... They're unbelievably simple!
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- But all different.- But all baskets.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Yes!
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Look at the size of this one! Where did this come from?
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- This is from Vietnam.- Really?
0:24:02 > 0:24:07Although this looks large, this particular one was last used
0:24:07 > 0:24:08to take a family of people
0:24:08 > 0:24:14- 500 miles across the South China sea from Vietnam...- Refugees. - ..to Hong Kong.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Yes, refugees.
0:24:16 > 0:24:24That just goes to show how strong something so simple like this is. It saved a family's life.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Doesn't it bring it back home to you!
0:24:26 > 0:24:30What's this one? That has an awful lot of lats.
0:24:30 > 0:24:37- Where's this one made?- That's also made of bamboo. It's made in India.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42If I had to take my pick between the two, for survival, I'd jump in that one and not that one!
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Although that's a solid basket,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47this would have been covered originally with animal hide.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51These days they use a more modern material.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- Can I see the one from North America?- Yeah, sure.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57It's a lot smaller than I would have thought.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02- Yes...- Then again it depends on the size of the animal. The hide.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- North American Indians...- Buffalo? - Buffalo hide.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10At one time, there were thousands of buffalo on the plains of North America.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- They've left the tail on! - They always did. It's interesting
0:25:14 > 0:25:18because this is the only one I know of where they've covered it the opposite way
0:25:18 > 0:25:22with the hair on the outside and the skin on the inside.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26They left the tail on so they could pull it up the bank,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28tie it to something.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33But when you use this, you kneel and paddle, exactly the same as we would use a coracle here.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35But with the tail here,
0:25:35 > 0:25:39when you went downriver, the hair would always go with the water.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44So instead of putting grease on it, they left it exactly how the animal kept dry.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50- Yes.- And that's why I think everywhere in the world, people came up with the same ideas
0:25:50 > 0:25:52but all independently.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54This is just so remarkable.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58The whole afternoon has opened my eyes to boat-building with a difference!
0:25:58 > 0:26:02It really has. Martin, thank you so much for showing me round the museum.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07It is open to the public. It's got to be unique. Possibly the only one in the world.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- I think so.- It's well worth a visit. Long may it continue.- Thank you.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21It's been really fascinating to see how the simple idea like a basket-like boat
0:26:21 > 0:26:24has cropped up all across the globe from the earliest of times.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28It's a real testament to man's ingenuity and determination
0:26:28 > 0:26:30to overcome the limits of his environment.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35It's rather bizarre to think this village in Wales is one of the very few places
0:26:35 > 0:26:38in which you'll still see these coracles at work.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Back at our valuation day in Rhosygilwen mansion,
0:26:48 > 0:26:53people are still pouring in with all manner of fascinating and quirky items.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58And the emu egg that I spotted earlier has caught Christina's attention.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- It's whacky!- Are you going to value it?- I think so.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07I keep looking at it on my own going... It's one of those things.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11- I'll have a good look.- That'll go back to Australia.- Do you think?
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- Definitely.- I hope so. Imagine shipping it!- What are you going to put on it?
0:27:15 > 0:27:17I've no idea!
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- No idea!- Have a good think.- I will. I'll come back to you on that one!
0:27:23 > 0:27:27I look forward to what she's got to say about it once she's done some research.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32First, let's see what Charlie thinks about an unusual item belonging to Leon.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35This, I think, is fantastic. Where did it come from?
0:27:35 > 0:27:38It came from my wife's family.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43- In 1970-something she was given it by her gran.- Yeah.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45She was moving house and couldn't take it with her.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47She's had it ever since.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51So was Granny a high liver?
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- I suspect so, yes.- Yeah. - Knowing her family!
0:27:54 > 0:27:58It smacks of that era, of what I call the Charleston era,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01the Deco era. It's pure Art Deco.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Before we open it up, it's in the form of a capstan.
0:28:04 > 0:28:09There would have been bars like this at the Savoy, Dorchester,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11all the great London hotels.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13It's got a cocktail shaker.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Champagne glass.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17Cocktail glasses.
0:28:17 > 0:28:18A brandy balloon.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21All the things I love in life! Fantastic.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23Except for one thing.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- And that, of course, is... - The cigarettes.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- The dreaded cigarettes. - We haven't got any.
0:28:28 > 0:28:33This would have had, I would have thought, the best Balkan Sobranie cigarettes,
0:28:33 > 0:28:39- the coloured ones.- Yes.- Pink ones, black ones, mauve ones.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42It would have looked absolutely stunning on a bar.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46Quite stunning. It's not brilliantly made, I have to say.
0:28:46 > 0:28:52But it's very Deco, even the shoulder of the barman
0:28:52 > 0:28:56has a Deco angle about it, which I love.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Where's it been? Have you had it on display?
0:28:58 > 0:29:03No. We bring it out occasionally at parties to see if people can guess what it is.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08- How many people guess what it is before they pull it up?- Not many! Not unless they've seen one.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- Do you charge a fiver?- I wish I had!
0:29:10 > 0:29:13We could have made a few bob today!
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- We could have taken it around the crowd.- That's a thought!
0:29:16 > 0:29:19A fiver a guess. Or at 10p a time!
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- Lots of people here! - Hundreds of people.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26I think it's just a super statement of the time.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30I don't think it's worth a lot of money. Are you hoping for a fortune?
0:29:30 > 0:29:32No. I'm surprised how much you like it.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37I love it. But we shouldn't get carried away with regards value.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41Because I like it, doesn't mean it's worth a few hundred quid.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45I'd like to sell it without reserve, to be honest.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50- I would expect it to make somewhere between 20 and £40.- Fair enough.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52I think I'll take it home!
0:29:52 > 0:29:57No, no. We'll take it to auction. Thanks for bringing it along.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59I hope someone buys it at auction
0:29:59 > 0:30:03and restores it to its former glory. It would look great.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Next, I've found something which is also past its best.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12I've taken time out to come into the refreshments marquee
0:30:12 > 0:30:17and there's lots of staff on hand and lots of jolly good cakes.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20I'm chatting to Louise who's joined me over a cup of tea!
0:30:20 > 0:30:23We're out of the oak room where it's all going on, a hive of activity.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Our experts are nearly through the day.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28- It's been a jolly good day.- It has. - Really has.
0:30:28 > 0:30:33- Very interesting.- Let's talk about Popeye. There's no mistaking this character!
0:30:33 > 0:30:38- No.- Big fan of Popeye, Olive! Can we see if he still works?
0:30:38 > 0:30:43- Yes. I haven't wound him for a while.- He has been through the wars, Louise.- He has.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48- Where did you find him? - He was in a piece of furniture, a chest of drawers.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- He was tucked in the back of the drawer.- A bonus!- It was a bonus!
0:30:52 > 0:30:55People leave things in things they put into auction.
0:30:55 > 0:31:00Oh, look at that! That's a surprise! I didn't know that was going to happen!
0:31:00 > 0:31:04I thought his arms were going to move
0:31:04 > 0:31:07and he'd go like "I'm Popeye, the sailor man."
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Unfortunately, he's lost his pipe.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- That's sad, isn't it?- Yes.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- If you were a Popeye enthusiast, you could easily make one.- Yes.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18It's those little pieces that disappear.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23- But he's still working. He's got one or two dents and bruises.- Yes.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25His face has seen better days.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29You've also got the original box with "Popeye" on it.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31There's a picture there of him with his pipe.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- It was an oversized pipe, wasn't it? - Yes.- It was.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Isn't that lovely? It's got here "Made in 1929".
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Gosh, that's early, isn't it?
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Very early.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Look at the squint in one eye!
0:31:44 > 0:31:45Like that.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49Despite all the dents and knocks, he's a bit of fun.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53With all those knocks, it looks like he's been bashed around by Bluto.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56The character with the stubble! Massive, wasn't he? Massive!
0:31:56 > 0:32:01He'd thump him. Popeye would get up and flex his muscles and get a tin of spinach
0:32:01 > 0:32:07- and come back and fight for the rest of the day.- Usually over Olive. - Over Olive, wasn't it?
0:32:07 > 0:32:08Great days!
0:32:08 > 0:32:12Someone's going to relive those now, if they want to own this. Like I have.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16So, that lucky find, I think, translates
0:32:16 > 0:32:21into something like 40 to £60.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23Were you thinking along those lines?
0:32:23 > 0:32:28- Yes, I thought 40. 40-ish, I thought.- Condition is everything for the collectors.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33- Is it best to leave him for the new owner to clean up?- Yes. Yep. We'll put him into auction as he is.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36As you say, let the new owner clean him up.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- And maybe pull out some of the dents in the arms.- Yes.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43That's possible. If he was in exceptionally good condition,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47museum quality, and the box was in fabulous condition as well,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- that would be worth around 150 to £200.- Gosh!
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- That's how rare it is. - But he's still fun.- He's still fun.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58We might be pleasantly surprised. It might exceed 40 to 60. You never know.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- That would be nice.- It would be.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04Can't wait to see what the auctioneer thinks. "What has Paul done here?"
0:33:04 > 0:33:07I bet he laughs. He'll probably say, "It's worth a tenner!"
0:33:07 > 0:33:14But once he winds Popeye up and does this, "Showing here, lot number whatever, here we go."
0:33:14 > 0:33:19- That's got to get the bidders going, hasn't it?- Definitely!
0:33:19 > 0:33:22'We'll find out in a few minutes.'
0:33:22 > 0:33:27Remember that egg? Christina has had more time to digest it!
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Let's see what she says to Robin and Kathleen.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34This is the most bizarre thing I've ever seen! What's it doing here?
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- This was, we believe, a gift to my father.- Right.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40He was an ear, nose and throat surgeon
0:33:40 > 0:33:49and this was a present to him from a patient for an operation that he'd done to their satisfaction.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Do you think Dad was pleased with the gift?
0:33:52 > 0:34:00I don't know. The egg was on display for all of my younger childhood,
0:34:00 > 0:34:02so I imagine he was pleased, yes.
0:34:02 > 0:34:08When I saw you sitting at the table, I thought, "Good lord, that's wacky!" It really is.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12It's obviously Australian connotations.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17It's got this wonderful emu's egg here, carved with a kangaroo and an emu.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Like the figures on the base.
0:34:19 > 0:34:25And it's raised on this fantastic central leafy palm tree that we have here.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28With foliage round the bottom.
0:34:28 > 0:34:35Then we've got these vaseline glass trumpets here.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37To go either side.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Obviously it's an epergne,
0:34:39 > 0:34:44made to accommodate some floral things out of these trumpets here.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49To go on a sideboard to be displayed with its back against the wall.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51The decoration is to the front.
0:34:51 > 0:34:57So as an epergne, these vaseline glass trumpets
0:34:57 > 0:35:01are particularly well-made, with this crimped rim here.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03And this trailed glass detail here.
0:35:03 > 0:35:09I'm wondering if maybe these were added to it when it was in this country.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13- Right.- Maybe they've mounted this at a later date
0:35:13 > 0:35:19because it was such a curiosity. The Victorians were into curiosities.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Maybe they mounted it slightly later
0:35:23 > 0:35:26to create a wonderful Victorian epergne. Kathleen,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28what do you think of this?
0:35:28 > 0:35:32I quite like the little animals here at the front.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35The kangaroo and the emu.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40- It's quite unusual.- It is unusual. - It has an appeal to it.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45Yes, absolutely right. I hope our potential buyers see that in it.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49Because it is so unusual. I haven't seen one before.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53I wonder if it might be slightly rare, I don't know.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Let's hope so, and raise lots of money for you.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00I think it would be a bit of an acquired taste.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04- Yes.- Shall we say, to put it politely!
0:36:04 > 0:36:10I think we might be limited with our buyers on it. We have to think of what market we're selling to.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15I think at auction, we might be looking in the region of 100 to £200.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19But it's such a wacky thing, it could make an awful lot more.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- We might be in for a surprise. - That would be lovely!
0:36:23 > 0:36:25I've no idea what the bidders may make of it.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27So let's find out!
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Joining Robin and Kathleen's emu epergne
0:36:30 > 0:36:33we have Popeye the sailor man!
0:36:33 > 0:36:38A very early example that isn't in the best nick, but it'll attract attention!
0:36:38 > 0:36:40And the Art Deco barman
0:36:40 > 0:36:42who dispenses cigarettes.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48It really is a curious selection that's very difficult to evaluate.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51But we're about to find out if our experts are right.
0:36:52 > 0:36:57And to start, in the spotlight, is Charlie and the Art Deco cigarette dispenser.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59First under the hammer.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02What a great thing! Why do you want to sell it?
0:37:02 > 0:37:06It's been in the cupboard for years and everybody we know has been to a party and seen it.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10It's lost its fun factor.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Just need a couple of smokers. Actually, it doesn't need a smoker.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- Somebody with a bar.- Someone with a bar. A cocktail bar in the corner!
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Shaped like a boat!
0:37:19 > 0:37:20Exactly!
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- Little bell on the boat. - Just the job!- Captain!
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Gin and tonic?
0:37:28 > 0:37:33Good luck, both of you. It's going under the hammer now.
0:37:33 > 0:37:38390 is the Art Deco cylindrical yellow metal cigarette box.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40What do you say? Rather fun.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43What's it worth? £50 away on that?
0:37:43 > 0:37:4550. You've seen it in the cabinet. 50?
0:37:45 > 0:37:47It's fun. 30? 20 only.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50At 20. 30, may I say? At 20 only.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53Would help if he went up in fives, not tens!
0:37:53 > 0:37:5625. At 25. 30, may I say?
0:37:56 > 0:37:58At 25 only bid. May I say 30 now?
0:37:58 > 0:38:01At £25 only. Can I say 30?
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- 30.- That's better.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- Where are all the hands?- At 40. Only at 40. Any more?
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Finished with it at £40.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- Hammer's gone down at £40. - Estimate 30 to 50.- Spot on!
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- That's all right, isn't it? - Well done.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- Happy with that.- And we had a laugh looking at it.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26It put a smile on our faces.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Someone's going to have real fun with that.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Talking of fun, is anyone going to take on Popeye?
0:38:33 > 0:38:36He's been in a cupboard for 15 years.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38You know who I mean. Ready, Louise?
0:38:42 > 0:38:45I hope there's some Popeye fans here amongst the bidders today.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49We have a great crowd here. I haven't seen anybody playing with him.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Here we go. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57Here we are. 403, we've got Popeye.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59One of my heroes of all time.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01Popeye the sailor man.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04This one's Japanese. I don't think Popeye was originally.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08This is a Japanese plastic clockwork figure of Popeye
0:39:08 > 0:39:13- in a bit of a dilapidated box. - Yeah, but he's lovely, isn't he?
0:39:13 > 0:39:16What do we say for Popeye?
0:39:16 > 0:39:20You've had a look at him. What's he worth? £50 away?
0:39:20 > 0:39:2350, surely? 20 to get on, then.
0:39:24 > 0:39:2920. 30 I've got with me at 30. At 30. May I say 40?
0:39:29 > 0:39:31On Popeye at £30 only.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34At 30. 40, is there?
0:39:34 > 0:39:3740. At 40. 50 is it now?
0:39:37 > 0:39:39At 40. No more at 40 for Popeye?
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Selling against you all, then. All happy at £40.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46That's good!
0:39:46 > 0:39:50Brilliant! I'm happy! I thought it was going to struggle.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- It seemed to. - Muscles, that's what it is!
0:39:53 > 0:39:57Popeye did the business for us! Thank you so much!
0:39:58 > 0:40:03Popeye is about to set sail on more adventures. I'm pleased about that!
0:40:03 > 0:40:08Now time to see if that emu egg epergne appeals to any of our bidders.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13We've been working our socks off. Now we're going to work on an egg!
0:40:13 > 0:40:15Kathleen and Robin's egg!
0:40:15 > 0:40:18A wonderful emu egg. We have 100 to £200 on this.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21I had a chat to the auctioneer. We agree with your valuation.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24It's a thing where you don't know how to pitch it.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27It's a great centrepiece, a wonderful epergne.
0:40:27 > 0:40:33- It should find it's way back down under.- An antipodean fantasy, so let's hope it goes back there!
0:40:33 > 0:40:36This could be a real sleeper.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38It could do anything.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43We can't talk about it any more. It's now really down to the bidders.
0:40:43 > 0:40:49Do they want to shell out a lot of money for this egg? It's going under the hammer!
0:40:49 > 0:40:54Lot 391. The vaseline glass-mounted table centre epergne.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56It features the emu egg.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Little emu and kangaroo figures as well. Very unusual.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04Vaseline glass flutes. An unusual thing.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09What do we say for it? Some interest with me. Lot 391.
0:41:09 > 0:41:16- I can start the bidding at 80. 100. - Brilliant.- 110. 120.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20At 120. At 120 on the epergne, at 120.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22May I say 130 online.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25140 on the book. 140. 150.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28150 online. 160 still here with me.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30160.
0:41:30 > 0:41:31170.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- 180.- We're getting there!- 180.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36With me on the book. 190 online.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38200.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42220, may I say? At £200. 220 online.
0:41:42 > 0:41:43240 on the book.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- 240.- Commission bids and internet bids.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47280.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51280 with me. 280. 300 now online.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55- Brilliant!- 320. 320. - More like it!- 320.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57340, may I say? 320.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01On the book at 320. Against you online. Make no mistake, the bid is with me.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04At 320. Any interest in the room?
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- 340 back in online.- Ooh!- 340.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11360 still here with me. 360.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13360. 380, may I say?
0:42:13 > 0:42:16At £360 I'm bid.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19On the book at 360. Selling against you online.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20All happy?
0:42:20 > 0:42:23At £360.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26- Fantastic. Well done!- Brilliant!
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- And that was a present to Dad as well?- It was, yes.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- It was my father's. - Thank you, Father!
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- It reached a good price. - It did, yes.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38- The condition was very good.- Yes. - An unusual thing.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41I hope it's gone back to Australia where it belongs.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43- Yes.- It would be a nice trip.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Thank you for bringing it in and looking after it.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49The custodians for all these years! That's all we are, really.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52They outlive us and go round and round. A wonderful item.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:43:01 > 0:43:06It's all over. The auction has finished. One minute it's lights, camera, action,
0:43:06 > 0:43:08and complete mayhem as to what will happen.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Lots of excitement. And then a vacant room.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Bidders queuing to pay for their lots behind me.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18A great day. Robin and Kathleen's emu egg stole the show for me,
0:43:18 > 0:43:20almost doubling its estimate.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24I hope it goes back to Australia. Hope you've enjoyed today's show.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28Join us again for more surprises, but from Carmarthen it's goodbye!
0:43:50 > 0:43:52Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd