0:00:03 > 0:00:08Today we're in Peterborough, in search of unwanted treasures to liberate and resell.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Hopefully, somebody in this queue standing outside the cathedral
0:00:12 > 0:00:14will go home with a lot of money.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Judging by what I've already seen in all the bags and boxes,
0:00:18 > 0:00:21we're going to have no problem at all!
0:00:21 > 0:00:25So come on, everybody, are you ready? Let's flog it!
0:00:46 > 0:00:50The locals have turned out in their droves.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55Here to sift out the prized antiques are Philip Serrell and Charlie Ross.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59As they both spent their early days trading in the livestock markets,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03I'm hoping they each manage to find something to cluck about today.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07That is a different thing altogether when you hold that up to the light!
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Isn't that absolutely brilliant?
0:01:10 > 0:01:15- Are these complete? - No. Unfortunately, there's a couple of pieces missing.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- I've never seen anything quite like that in my life. Have you?- No.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22We'll have a look at that later on.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25So without further ado, let's open the doors
0:01:25 > 0:01:28and let these good people through.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Coming up on the show, Charlie gets all hot and bothered
0:01:33 > 0:01:35when he comes across an old fan.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39That's absolutely... Pfff! I think that's staggering.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41How have you managed to look after it so well?
0:01:41 > 0:01:44The bottom falls out of Philip's world
0:01:44 > 0:01:47when he values a beautifully preserved Georgian chair.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51- It's not really something you want to sit on! - No! Not for too long, anyway!
0:01:51 > 0:01:56And I head off to the countryside to explore the fascinating life of Britain's first green activist
0:01:56 > 0:02:00and acclaimed 18th century peasant poet.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Let's head over to the valuation tables,
0:02:05 > 0:02:10where Philip is in full swing, chatting up his first customer.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Lynn, what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?!
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- It's a fabulous building.- It is.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- The ceiling's magnificent. - It's lovely.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22What's a girl like you doing with a gent's pocket watch?
0:02:22 > 0:02:25I came with my mum and my husband said,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29"Well, if you're going, see how much Granddad's watch is worth."
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- This is Granddad's watch?- Yes.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- Does your husband know that you're flogging Granddad's watch? - Yes!- You asked him?- I have!
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- This isn't going to be the cause of a marital rift, is it?- No.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- So FW Philpott, Faversham. Where's Faversham?- Kent.- Kent.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- I think that's the retailer. - I don't know.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- If we open the back, it's got three wheat sheaves, that's a Chester hallmark.- OK.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- It's got .375, so it's nine-carat gold.- Nine carat.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- You know that, don't you?- I do.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- This isn't working at the moment. So, what's the value?- Can it be...?
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- Yes, it could be repaired.- It can?
0:03:04 > 0:03:09And I really hope that if this goes to auction and someone buys it, they get it repaired.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- It's a nice watch.- It's lovely.
0:03:12 > 0:03:18- But the value of this today is in... - In the gold, I suppose. - Is in that gold case.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21And I really hope that this goes to auction
0:03:21 > 0:03:24and that someone buys it
0:03:24 > 0:03:28and actually gets it fixed and gets it running.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32I'd like somebody to buy it who appreciates it more than what we do.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37- It sits in a drawer. It's a shame. - People don't wear them any more.- No.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41In terms of value, it's not going to have massive value. OK.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44I think you're going to be looking at around £100 to £150.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- Really?- Yes.- OK.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- And that's for the gold value. - The gold.
0:03:48 > 0:03:54And this is worth now four times what it was probably four, five years ago.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57So if I'd come five years ago...
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- You'd have slapped me!- Really?
0:04:00 > 0:04:03But the thing that you have to bear in mind is, when we say
0:04:03 > 0:04:07gold and silver is X per ounce or X per gram,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- that doesn't imply that everything gets melted.- No.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- It's a base price.- It's a baseline.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16It's a starting price. You can work up from there in increments.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20We'll put a reserve on it of £100, but it would really help, I think,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24if you could give those auctioneers ten percent discretion if they need it.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29- Are you happy with that? - Yes. I would've liked more, but...!
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- She'd like more!- I would! - Yeah, yeah!
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- What's he going to think when he gets back from, where is he? - The Peak District.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- When he finds out you're flogging the family jewels...- He'll be fine!
0:04:41 > 0:04:45I've heard of selling the family silver, not the family gold!
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- He'll be fine.- Will he? What will you spend the money on?
0:04:48 > 0:04:51We're going on holiday to Malta. I'd like to swim with dolphins.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- Really? - Or maybe just a dining room carpet!
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- I think I know what I prefer. - I think I prefer dolphins, too!
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- Let's get it sold and hope it does well. You might be able to do both! - Hopefully!
0:05:03 > 0:05:06We'll be back to find out if Lynn's gold pocket watch
0:05:06 > 0:05:09adds some extra silver to her family's coffers
0:05:09 > 0:05:11in just a minute.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15First, it's Charlie's turn to transform trash into treasure
0:05:15 > 0:05:20with an unwanted item that Mark found in a junk box.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Have you been off to a boot fair? - No, it was in the house when I moved in,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- in a box of junk in the garage.- No!
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- So it came free with the house? - It did, yes.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31How amazing. How long did it take you to find?
0:05:31 > 0:05:36The garage was full of rubbish, and halfway through, I found that, so it made it quite nice.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- How extraordinary. How long ago was that?- Four years now.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- Have you ever thought of selling it up until today?- No.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46It's sat in the house, and I heard you was here, so bring it along!
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- Did you have high expectations as to its value?- I've got no idea.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- I suppose if it cost nothing, it's a bonus really.- Yes.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- Do you know what it is? - It's a snuffbox.- It is.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- It's made of papier-mache. Do you know how old it is?- No.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Have a guess.- I would say... 150?
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- 150 years old. A little bit more, I would say.- Bit more than that.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08I've had a look inside
0:06:08 > 0:06:12and I would say that it's about 1820, 1830.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- OK. - The first part of the 19th century.
0:06:15 > 0:06:21And we've got a beautiful image on the top here of Van Dyck, the great artist.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25And we've got here the name Van Dyck, and underneath it...
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Incidentally, before I mention the next bit,
0:06:28 > 0:06:33- I'd say this is German because it's got German writing on the bottom here.- Good clue.
0:06:33 > 0:06:39But Van Dyck, underneath "L'apres la memes".
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- Now, that's French!- Oh. - Why have we got French writing here?
0:06:42 > 0:06:46"L'apres la memes" - "after the same".
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- In other words, this is a copy of a Van Dyck portrait.- Right, OK.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- Shame it's not the original, isn't it?- It is, yes!
0:06:54 > 0:06:59So papier-mache snuffbox. We've got some German writing here, which I can't decipher,
0:06:59 > 0:07:01other than this word, which is "made by".
0:07:01 > 0:07:04It's got the names of the people that made it.
0:07:04 > 0:07:09But certainly, the writing on the inside of the cover is original,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- which is really nice. Beautiful handwriting.- Yes.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- The problem, we have got some damage here.- Yes.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20And it's not an easy thing to repair.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- OK.- Personally, I don't think that anybody collecting a box like this
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- would really want to repair it.- No.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29It's just charming as it is.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31And value? Have a guess.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33£100.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36I think it would do well to do £100 in view of the damage.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- My view, realistically, it's worth about £50.- OK.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45- I'd like to see a come-and-get-me sale room estimate of 40 to 60. Reserve at 40.- Yes.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- With any luck, the bidding will take it beyond there.- OK.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Is that all right?- Fine. - Lovely.- Thank you.
0:07:51 > 0:07:57Will Charlie's come-and-get-me valuation make Mark some money for nothing? Stay tuned.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00We're seeing some marvellous things come through the doors today,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03and Philip Serrell has spotted a gorgeous Georgian chair.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Let's take a closer look at what he's got to say.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- Elizabeth, how are you?- Fine. - Have you come far?- Cleethorpes.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- You got this in the car all right? - With a bit of help!
0:08:12 > 0:08:18- I think this is fantastic! And everybody at home will think that you brought a chair along.- Yes.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- But there's a few tell-tale signs that we know it's not a chair.- Yes.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26The first clue is, this has got a really deep frieze along the front.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28The frieze is that little bit there.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- And it's deep because its job is to hide something, isn't it? - It certainly is!
0:08:32 > 0:08:35What it's hiding is a gazunder.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39There would've been a pot in there, and this is actually a commode.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- Yes.- All right? But I think it's just fabulous.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46So tell me, has this been in your family a long, long time?
0:08:46 > 0:08:49I remember my grandma having it in her house,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52and I inherited it from my Auntie Joyce.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- Your Auntie Joyce.- Yes. - So it's come down the line the last 100 or so years.- Yes.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59What I love about this... Let's start at the top.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02I love these wonderful carved ears at the back,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05and that top cresting rail.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09And then as we work down, we've got that marvellous central splat there.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14For me, one of the best bits of this chair, look at that arm.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- Very touchable, aren't they? - Yes, it starts there,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20and it comes round in that wonderful sweep.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- And then you've got this great turning at the end. OK?- Right!
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- Do you know what timber it's made of?- I wasn't sure if it was oak. - It's oak?- I wondered.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- No, it's mahogany!- Right! Fair enough!- It's mahogany!
0:09:31 > 0:09:33How old do you think it is?
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Well, I know my grandma used it, but it pre-dates her.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- So, your grandma would... What, that would be about 1920? - Earlier than that.- 1900?
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Yes, just prior to 1900.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- So, this could be 1860?- Right.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- But it's not.- Right.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53Thomas Chippendale wrote his directory in, I think it was 1755,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56and that was basically his design book for furniture.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00And I think this chair, it's not by Thomas Chippendale,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02but it's to one of his designs,
0:10:02 > 0:10:06and I would think that this was made in England, out of mahogany,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09between 1760 and 1770.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Wow!- And I just think it's a fabulous, fabulous thing.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14And I'd love to own it.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- Its one big drawback...- Yes.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- It's a commode!- Yes. - And whichever way you look at it,
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- you don't really want a commode in your front room, do you? - That's where it sits!- Does it?
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- What's it worth? - I thought about £50.- £50.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Anybody got £50 I can give this good lady for it?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Well, let's play a game. Forget it's a commode.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- If this was a chair, what would it be worth?- I've no idea.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Well, the market's dipped a bit in brown furniture,
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- but I think, at its height, a chair like this would've been £300-500. - Wow.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- But, and this is a massive but... - The commode.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52..the fact that it's a commode, it really does bring it down.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56And I think we need to estimate it at £100 to £150.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59I think we'll put a fixed reserve of £80.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02And if you have a really good day, it could fly through that.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06I'd love to own it. It's a really good-looking thing.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- Happy to put this in auction?- Yes.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- It's not something you want to sit on and think about, is it? - No! Not for too long, anyway!
0:11:13 > 0:11:16It may be a commode, but it has excellent provenance,
0:11:16 > 0:11:21so I hope the bidders will go potty for it when it goes up for sale in just a moment.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26We're halfway through our day. Our experts have made their choices for our first auction-room visit.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31So as we make our way over, I'll leave you with a quick reminder from our experts
0:11:31 > 0:11:35of what we're taking and, more importantly, why we're taking them.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40I really hope someone goes to the auction and buys this and restores it to its former glory.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45It would be a real shame if they bought it on its scrap-gold value.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Well, who would've thought coming to Peterborough today
0:11:48 > 0:11:51that I would find an Old Master?
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Not quite a full-size, proper Old Master,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58but, nevertheless, it's got a lot of charm.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01I rather hope it gets towards that £100 mark.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Commercially, this isn't that great,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06but it's an object I've really fallen in love with.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09If I was allowed to buy it, I think I would.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11What a great thing! I hope it does well.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18We're at Batemans Sale Room in Stamford this week,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21where auctioneer David Palmer is wielding the gavel.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23All sale rooms charge commission.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27At this auction house, they charge 15 percent, plus VAT.
0:12:27 > 0:12:33And it looks as though the auction is about to start, so let's head into the sale room.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Now, if this next lot didn't have a hole in it,
0:12:36 > 0:12:38it would be worth at least £500.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43Can you guess what I'm talking about? It's Elizabeth's commode. Philip put the valuation on it.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Who've you brought?- My nephew, Christian.- Hi. Pleased to meet you.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49You gave up your Saturday to come to an auction!
0:12:49 > 0:12:55- Why are you selling the commode? - It doesn't fit properly anywhere, does it?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- Where do you put a commode? - I don't know!
0:12:57 > 0:13:02Put a cushion on it, stick it in the hallway and you've got a great antique!
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- It's worth £100 for the arms. - Yes! And the back!- Wonderful.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Here it is, look on the screen up there.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Old Georgian commode. 50 quid!
0:13:11 > 0:13:1450 quid for the commode! 50? 50 here.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- He's really selling it. - That's a good selling point.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20All done at £50? Is that it? Are you done with it at 50?
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Take five anywhere. Nothing on the net? 50 only?
0:13:22 > 0:13:2855. 60. 65. 70. 75.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30The cameras are rolling. Go again.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32At 75. Try the 80.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35It's worth it, madam.
0:13:35 > 0:13:41We've got an £80 reserve on this. This is why the auctioneer is trying very hard for 80.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42We are just one bid away.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It's worth 80. Are you sure?
0:13:44 > 0:13:46This is a tense moment, isn't it?
0:13:46 > 0:13:49You're finished and done? It's against the lady there.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53I'm afraid it's not being sold. If you went 80, you'd buy it.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Yes! 80!
0:13:56 > 0:14:00With the lady now at £80. I sell at 80,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03unless someone else is going to bid!
0:14:03 > 0:14:07The lady there at 80. All done at 80.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- It's gone. - I'm sort of speechless, really.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14I am a bit. I was rather hoping that wouldn't sell then.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16You kind of live by the sword, don't you?
0:14:16 > 0:14:21- At least we haven't got to carry it back.- That's a plus factor.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26Hopefully, that chair is going to go to somebody that's going to use it and love it.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29It's got another 200 years of life at least left in it.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- It has, hasn't it?- Mm, yes.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37Thanks to auctioneer David Palmer, that commode managed to meet its reserve.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Let's see if Mark's snuffbox can create a bigger stink.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44Our next lot sums up exactly what the antiques trade is all about.
0:14:44 > 0:14:50It couldn't be any greener because things keep getting recycled over and over again.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53And this next item, this snuffbox, belonging to Mark,
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- was found in an old garage in the house you bought?- It was.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- Instead of it being thrown away, it's back on the market and it gets recycled.- Exactly.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- That's what it's all about, isn't it?- It is!
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- And by Van Dyck after all! - THEY LAUGH
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Hopefully pay the mortgage off, won't it?- Yes!
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- Let's hope it reaches the £40 or £50 mark. That'd be great, wouldn't it? - It would be nice.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20We're going to find out. It's going under the hammer now.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22The papier-mache snuffbox
0:15:22 > 0:15:25with the portrait of Van Dyck in profile.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Probably a self-portrait.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32This could be an important, undiscovered work!
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- That'd be nice! - He's bigging this up, old David!
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Have a gamble. 20. Take two now. 22. 25. 28.
0:15:38 > 0:15:4030. £30. 32. 35.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- Getting to the top end really quickly.- At £40 now.
0:15:44 > 0:15:4745. 48. 48. 50.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51At 50. Goes at £50. On the net at 50.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55Van Dyck was an important artist. He was a court painter.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- And a secret supplier of snuff! - LAUGHTER
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Here then at 50. Sold on the net at 50?
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Who's in the room? Nobody?
0:16:03 > 0:16:07On the net, then, at £50. Sell at 50.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11It's gone down. We're happy with that. £50.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- Because that was going to get thrown.- It was.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15What else was left in the garage?
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- You told me there was an old Mini! - Yes.- Did you scrap that or sell it for parts?
0:16:19 > 0:16:22I sold it on for parts. Made a few quid.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25It really is amazing what people leave when they move.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28It's extraordinary! A Mini and a Van Dyck!
0:16:29 > 0:16:34A decent mid-estimate result for Charlie and a few riches for Mark.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39Lynn's unwanted heirloom is up next, so let's see if it ticks any of the bidders' boxes.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Going under the hammer right now, we have a watch.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47But not mine. My wife bought me this and I'd never sell it. It was my engagement present.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50It's not technically Lynn's watch, either.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- It's been in the family a long time. - It was my husband's granddad's.- OK.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Don't you want to let the next generation look after it?
0:16:58 > 0:17:04- I don't think my boys would like it. - They probably don't now. - They might when they're older.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07But it's too late then. You can't buy back your heritage.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- Look, it's your decision, OK.- Yes. - Hopefully, we'll get top end, around 100, 150.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- If you're going to sell precious metals, now's the time, isn't it? - Yes.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Good luck. Here we go, this is it. Find out what the bidders think.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24It's a nine-carat, gold-cased watch by W Philpott of Faversham.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29That's nice! The sort of thing you should have if you have a waistcoat.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30- Yes!- Ooh.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32£50 for it. 50 I'm bid. 50.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Five. 60. Five. 70. Five. 80.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36Five. 90.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Standing at 90 now. Goes, then, at 90.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- Is that it? - We're selling, aren't we?- Yes.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- 95. 100.- It's gone.- 110.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49120. 130. 140.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Now we're getting the top end.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- In the room at 140. Goes, then, at £140.- Come on, push them!
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Right at the back at 140. Nobody else? Finished at 140.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Net, you are out. Room at 140.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- That's good.- That was very good. Well done, David Palmer.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- Much better than I thought it would go.- Very good.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Going to treat the family now? - We're going to swim with dolphins.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- Are you? Where? - On holiday. In Malta.- Oh, lovely!
0:18:16 > 0:18:22A great result for Lynn and I hope she makes a big splash with that cash on her trip to Malta.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27That concludes the end of our first visit to the auction room here today. So far so good.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28We are coming back later on.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33Let's hope we can send all of owners home very happy, with big smiles on their faces,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36and one or two surprises to come, hopefully.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41While I was in the area, I had the opportunity to explore some of the local countryside,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44and believe me, it really is beautiful.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Take a look at this.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56I've left the hustle and bustle of the sale room and headed to this exquisite landscape,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59which, for me, encapsulates a thoroughly romantic picture
0:18:59 > 0:19:02of the English countryside.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05When it comes to English Romantic poets,
0:19:05 > 0:19:10Keats, Byron and Wordsworth are probably on the tip of your tongues as the three most memorable.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14If I mention the name John Clare, I bet it doesn't ring many bells,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17and to tell you the truth, it didn't with me.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20But at the end of the 18th and the early part of the 19th century,
0:19:20 > 0:19:25he was celebrated as one of our greatest poets, even outselling Keats.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28So, how come not many of us have heard of him?
0:19:28 > 0:19:31I've come to the picturesque village of Helpston,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35nestling between Peterborough and Stamford, to find out.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41This picture-postcard village is where John Clare lived for the first 40 years of his life,
0:19:41 > 0:19:46between 1793 and 1832.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50He grew up in an impoverished and illiterate family,
0:19:50 > 0:19:56and from a very early age he worked the land around here as an agricultural labourer.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01"So moping flat And low our valleys lie
0:20:01 > 0:20:03"So dull and muggy Is our winter sky
0:20:03 > 0:20:07"Drizzling from day to day Dull threats of rain
0:20:07 > 0:20:10"And when that falls Still threating on again
0:20:10 > 0:20:13"From one wet week So great an ocean flows
0:20:13 > 0:20:17"That every village to an island grows."
0:20:19 > 0:20:24And you can see why it inspired him. Even on a dull, wet morning like this,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27with no leaves on the trees, it's still hauntingly beautiful.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Clare's genius lay in his ability to observe and record
0:20:30 > 0:20:34every aspect of nature and English rural life.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37He had a unique voice, perhaps provocative,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40because he was writing at a time when this landscape was under threat
0:20:40 > 0:20:43by the Industrial Revolution engulfing everything
0:20:43 > 0:20:46and the subsequent Enclosures legislation.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50You could say he was perhaps Britain's first green activist.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Unlike his affluent and educated contemporaries, John Clare was self-taught.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57The fact that he became a poet at all
0:20:57 > 0:21:01is nothing short of a miracle.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04"And yet I am!
0:21:04 > 0:21:06"And live with shadows tost
0:21:06 > 0:21:11"Into the nothingness of scorn and noise,
0:21:13 > 0:21:17"Into the living sea of waking dreams,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20"Where there is neither sense of life nor joys,
0:21:20 > 0:21:24"But the vast shipwreck of my life's esteems."
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Life for the Clare family was tough,
0:21:28 > 0:21:34and young John had to take on the responsibility of supporting all of them at just 12 years old
0:21:34 > 0:21:36when his father became ill.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39His first job was as a potboy at The Bluebell pub,
0:21:39 > 0:21:43right next door to their small tenement.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Several families lived here in this house at any one time,
0:21:50 > 0:21:54and I can tell you, the footprint of the building isn't that big.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59They lived here cheek by jowl, trying to make ends meet.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02John and his family would've lived in this one room,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06plus the room upstairs, which would've been their bedroom.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08An incredibly small space.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12And John's family was rather large. Nine children, two died in infancy,
0:22:12 > 0:22:16but at any one time, there were always six kids living here with him.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Of course, he had his extended family, as well.
0:22:19 > 0:22:25He had his sister, his parents and his grandmother living in the next rooms.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28I guess he would've worked at the table in front of the fire.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32But that is the one saving grace, I think, of the whole space,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36this vast inglenook fireplace engulfing this tiny room.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39It would've kept them very warm and snug.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Despite all the hardship,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Clare developed his creative voice,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48and in 1820 his first volume was published.
0:22:52 > 0:22:58What set him apart from other poets was the fact that he chose to draw on his local dialect,
0:22:58 > 0:23:02using words such as "pooty" for snail, and "crizzle", to crisp.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04It won him huge admiration
0:23:04 > 0:23:10and he was affectionately known as Northamptonshire's Peasant Poet.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14But sadly, the success was short-lived.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Just as Clare was finding his literary voice,
0:23:17 > 0:23:21tastes started to turn to a new style of writing, the novel,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24and a fickle public chose to ignore him.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28His subsequent works fell out of favour.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34Clare didn't help himself. He began womanising and drinking and soon sank into depression,
0:23:34 > 0:23:38which rapidly developed into a serious mental illness.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42In 1837, he was admitted to an asylum in Epping.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46He began suffering delusions that he was Byron and Shakespeare
0:23:46 > 0:23:49and that he also had two wives.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Clare spent his last days in an asylum in Northampton.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56The notes in his medical file say he was suffering
0:23:56 > 0:24:00from years addicted to "poetical prosings".
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Clare died in 1864, aged 70,
0:24:04 > 0:24:07his celebrity all but forgotten.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14So few of us know who John Clare was. But his work is being revived,
0:24:14 > 0:24:19thanks to The John Clare Society in North America and The John Clare Trust.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22In 2005, they purchased his cottage
0:24:22 > 0:24:26and set about faithfully restoring it.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31The good news is, the cottage is now open to the public, and so a whole new audience.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35You can come and visit the place, learn about John Clare's life,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37read his works,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40take in the garden and landscape - the things that inspired him -
0:24:40 > 0:24:43and also build on his legacy,
0:24:43 > 0:24:47write some poetry of your own and post it here in the dovecote.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56We're back at our valuation day, where a pair of Delft plates
0:24:56 > 0:24:59brought in by Marion have turned Charlie's head.
0:24:59 > 0:25:04It was the colouring of these plates that really took my eye.
0:25:04 > 0:25:10Of course, the closer I got to them, the more I became aware of the rather sad condition.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- How long have you had them? - I've had them about four years.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18They were inherited by my mother over 20 years ago, about 1989.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23- Did they come with a history? - I think the elderly cousin that my mother inherited them from,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27I think she had them on the wall, because they had hangers round them.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32Classic thing that people did. These are tin-glazed.
0:25:32 > 0:25:38You see the thick glazing with a certain amount of tin in it, and they chip very easily.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43A little chip, nobody minds, but a huge great bite is a different matter.
0:25:43 > 0:25:49- What do you think they are?- Well, I was understood they were Delft, possibly English Delft.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- Yes.- But not really sure. - We've had a real discussion here,
0:25:52 > 0:25:57because my original thought was possibly Liverpool Delft, Bristol Delft,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00but it's really quite possible that they are Dutch Delft.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06The vibrant yellow seems to me something of a Dutch influence.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10- How old are they? - I thought late 1700 and something.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Earlier. But you're in the right century.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18They're 18th century. I would put them at 1740, 1750.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22- So they've done remarkably well really, haven't they?- They have.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27And the one thing about Delft is that the damage isn't terminal with them.
0:26:27 > 0:26:33A certain amount of wear is acceptable with something like this, almost part of the charm.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36I'm going to just turn this over here.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40This is a problem, the crack. But it's still in one piece.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43I can see it's been taped up at some stage.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46We haven't done that, but I think it was at one time.
0:26:46 > 0:26:52I don't think it's been in pieces. It's just possible they glued it and taped it.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56There are still people that will buy, even in this condition,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59because of the academic interest of them,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01and also, because actually,
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- even with the chips, they would look lovely on a dresser.- Yes.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- Have you had them on display? - No. They've always been packed up.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10We only rediscovered them a few weeks ago.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- Why don't we let someone else enjoy them?- We could.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- Is that reasonable?- Yes.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19- Have you ever had them valued? - My husband took them up to a well-known auction house.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24- Yes.- And they said they thought they might be worth about £100.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27I think they might struggle to make £100.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30But I'm going to put these at 80 to 120.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34You see a lot of things at 80 to 120. Perhaps people will say,
0:27:34 > 0:27:36"He doesn't know what they're worth."
0:27:36 > 0:27:38That is what I think they are worth.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43I would suggest we put them at 80 to 120, with a discretionary reserve at £80.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- What do you think?- Do we need it is as high as that, the reserve?
0:27:47 > 0:27:51We don't need to, madam! We can go as low as you like!
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- We thought about 30 or 40 and we'd let them go.- 30 or 40.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00I don't think that's a true reflection of the value, so I'm prepared to do a compromise.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03I would like to keep the valuation at 80 to 120,
0:28:03 > 0:28:07- but I'll settle with a reserve of 40.- All right, then.
0:28:07 > 0:28:13If they don't make £40, put 'em back in a box! I know you don't want to.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18- Give them to me for Christmas! I don't think you're allowed to do that!- No! All right!
0:28:18 > 0:28:21I agree. It would be a shame to see those plates go for peanuts.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Here's hoping someone will come to their rescue.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28On the other table, Gillian is keeping Philip highly entertained
0:28:28 > 0:28:31with a few showbiz stories.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Are you a Shakespearean girl?
0:28:33 > 0:28:37Not really, no. We went to see this at Stratford.
0:28:37 > 0:28:43- You went to this?- Yes. As you see, it was 60 years ago. I can't believe it.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- And you went and you saw Robert Hardy...- Yes.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51..Michael Redgrave and Richard Burton, later to become Mr Taylor.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- Indeed!- Those were the days.- Twice! - Twice Mr Taylor.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- Who's this famous lady at the top? - That's me.- Oh, right, OK.
0:28:59 > 0:29:04I got these two when we sent the programmes to the theatre
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- asking if they could get the signatures.- Yes.
0:29:07 > 0:29:12- They came back with Michael Redgrave and Richard Burton.- Yes.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Then later on, about 20 years later,
0:29:15 > 0:29:19- I went to a carol concert where Robert Hardy read a lesson.- Yes.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- And so I thought, "Right..." - You nobbled him.
0:29:22 > 0:29:28I nobbled him and said, "Please would you sign this programme that I got?
0:29:28 > 0:29:32"You were in it." And he said yes and signed it.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37- I was a great fan of his. I used to love All Creatures Great And Small. - Yes.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40- Robert Hardy, of course, was Siegfried Farnon.- He was.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44What I find interesting is that Richard Burton was Henry, Prince of Wales,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- Michael Redgrave was Henry Percy... - Yes.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- ..but Robert Hardy was a bit-part player in those days.- He was.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- He was making his way up the ranks. - He had two parts.- Two parts.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58He was first or second traveller, down there,
0:29:58 > 0:30:01- and Archbishop of York, I think. - That's right.
0:30:01 > 0:30:07- These are bits of stuff that came with it, are they?- Yes, bits of stuff that were in the programme.
0:30:07 > 0:30:12- So you've kept this pretty much a lifetime. - Yes, pretty much a lifetime!
0:30:12 > 0:30:17What made you decide that, after a lifetime of having these gods of the English theatre around,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19they've now got to go?
0:30:19 > 0:30:23I haven't looked at them for so long, and I thought,
0:30:23 > 0:30:28"I always look at 'Flog It!'. What can I take?" So this is what I've brought.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32- What do you think they're worth? - I'd like to get £50.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I looked earlier, and I can tell you,
0:30:35 > 0:30:40two of Richard Burton's autographs sold in the last five years, that I can trace,
0:30:40 > 0:30:44and one, I think, made £50 and one made £160.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49- The 160 one was on a photograph postcard, so that's worth more.- Yes.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- But we've got Redgrave and Hardy. - Yes.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- I think we should put an estimate on them of perhaps £40 to £60?- Yes.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01- Shall we perhaps put a reserve on them of £35?- OK. That's great.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- It'll be a bit disappointing if they only made 35.- OK.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08But with a bit of luck, you might get your 50 or 60.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- We might.- Are you happy with that? - Yes, indeed.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- This is your "Flog It!" day out. - This is my "Flog It!" day out indeed!
0:31:15 > 0:31:20And I've really enjoyed it. It's been fantastic.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26Let's hope that programme razzles and dazzles the bidders when it goes under the gavel.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30Meanwhile, temperatures are soaring over on Charlie's side of the room.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Now, Terry and Jackie, you have brought along a fan,
0:31:34 > 0:31:38and I don't think I've seen a fan in such wonderful condition.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40How have you managed to look after it so well?
0:31:40 > 0:31:44It's just been tucked away in a drawer for about 15 years.
0:31:44 > 0:31:45- 15 years?- Yes.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50- Did you inherit it?- No, we bought it in a box of odds and ends.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- You bought it in a box of odds and ends?- We did.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- I suppose you could do that in those days.- You could.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58But this was one you didn't like.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03We thought it was something special, but we didn't want to use it and didn't know what to do with it,
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- so we just put it away, as you do. - Well, you do, I don't!
0:32:07 > 0:32:12I wouldn't have tucked it away! I'd have come running to "Flog It!"!
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- What else was in the box? - I can't remember. Bits and pieces.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19I reckon you brought the best bit along today.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- This is Cantonese. Do you know how old it is?- No.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- Have a guess. - Turn of the century, last century?
0:32:25 > 0:32:30You're rather good at this! This is about 1890, 1900.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33And this is the sort of thing that, frankly, in terms of value,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36has gone through the roof in the last five years or so.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39And what I particularly like about it is the way that,
0:32:39 > 0:32:42if you look from strand to strand,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45it tells a story all the way through.
0:32:45 > 0:32:50Invariably, you simply get a panel, another carved panel,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54but if you follow one figure, for example, you take a figure here,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58half of his body's on that panel, half of his body's on THAT panel.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02And same with the trees. It tells a story all the way through.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04It is quite remarkable quality.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08I'm sure it's ivory. I needed to check that it wasn't plastic.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- Well, may seem silly... - We were unsure.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15Plastic dates from a lot earlier than a lot of people think.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17But this is undoubtedly ivory.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21You can see it's been closed up all its life
0:33:21 > 0:33:25because it's slightly discoloured on the outside parts of the fan.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27But I'm delighted with it.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30How much did you pay for this box of stuff?
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- A pound.- What?!- BOTH: A pound!
0:33:33 > 0:33:37- Did that include the box? - We got the box included, yes!
0:33:37 > 0:33:40That's absolutely... Pfff! I think that's staggering!
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- What it's worth? Two quid? - Double your money!
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- What do you think it's worth? - 100?- More.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- 200?- I think more.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- Really?- I really do.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55- I think this could be worth three or four hundred.- Crikey!
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- Crumbs!- Yes!- That's amazing.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03I'll be sensible with the estimate. I'll put 200 to 300 on it. I don't want to go over the top.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08We need to have an estimate that will entice people to get on the net from the Far East
0:34:08 > 0:34:10and pop their bids in.
0:34:10 > 0:34:15- So I think £200-300, if you're happy with that?- Yes! - Sounds as if you might be!
0:34:15 > 0:34:20We'll put a reserve of 200. My advice to you, if it doesn't make 200,
0:34:20 > 0:34:22it will somewhere at some other time,
0:34:22 > 0:34:25so don't sell it for less than 200.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27I know 50 sounds a lot against £1,
0:34:27 > 0:34:32- but it's worth 200-300, minimum. Stick by your guns.- Thank you.
0:34:32 > 0:34:37I can't believe Terry and Jackie only paid a pound for that exquisite ivory fan.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42We'll be back to see just what kind of return they get from that investment.
0:34:42 > 0:34:48Here's a quick recap of what our experts have chosen to take to auction and why.
0:34:48 > 0:34:55250 years of age! They're damaged. Well, of course they're damaged after that amount of time.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59I think they're really attractive items.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Michael Redgrave, Richard Burton, Robert Hardy...
0:35:02 > 0:35:04But for me, the real star was Gillian Rockcliffe,
0:35:04 > 0:35:08and I really hope it makes the £50 that she wants.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Age, quality, condition. We've got everything here.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Particularly the condition. It is in mint condition.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18I've put a bit of a come-and-get-me estimate, £200-300.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21I think it could do considerably better.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Back to the sale room now in Stamford.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33I was itching to find out what Kate Bateman had to say
0:35:33 > 0:35:37about Terry and Jackie's Cantonese ivory fan.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42This next item sits in your sale quite well, doesn't it?
0:35:42 > 0:35:44We've got quite a lot of Chinese stuff in the sale,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48so this is going to do really well because there are buyers for it.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- It's lovely. The quality is really good.- Finely decorated.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54That background is hand-done,
0:35:54 > 0:35:57so somebody must've had a tiny little tool to cut through it.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01It's incredible. I can't think how long it would take.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- The condition is very good.- Yes.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Jackie and Terry got this in a box of odds and ends about 15 years ago.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- They paid £1 for it.- Wow.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- That was a bargain of the century. - Wasn't it?- It's gorgeous.
0:36:12 > 0:36:17It's so rare to see them without a couple of the sticks snapped or the ribbon degraded.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- The condition is perfect. - Yes, really, really good.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24- And we're OK with £200-300? - That should do really well.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- I've got phone-bids interest in it. - Brilliant.
0:36:27 > 0:36:32- That was my next question, is there much interest?- I think it'll go. - Good luck.- Thank you.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Let's see how far the bidders will go.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38But first, it's time to find out how well Marion's plates will do,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41as they're about to go under the hammer.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45I really am enjoying myself! We're having a marvellous time.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Things are flying out the door and I hope you've enjoyed watching so far!
0:36:48 > 0:36:53Well, don't go away, because it's a classic case of buy-one-get-one-free.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55I've just been joined by Marion and Charlie.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59Going under the hammer, two Delft plates, one with a whopping crack.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03They're 18th century. Something for the purists. Hard to value.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- Why are you selling them?- They've been in a cupboard for 20-odd years
0:37:07 > 0:37:09since my mother inherited them.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11She always wanted to sell them.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16Marion didn't like my reserve of 80! Do you know what she did? Halved it!
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Let's find out what the bidders think of these wonderful plates.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24The oldest thing in the sale today, possibly the oldest thing in the room so far.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Here we go. This is it.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30Two mid-18th century Delft plates. These are rather nice.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33£20 for those. 20. Two. 25. 28.
0:37:33 > 0:37:3630. At 30 now. Done, then, at £30.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41Surely... We're not done. We're far from done.
0:37:41 > 0:37:42£40.
0:37:42 > 0:37:4742. At 42. On the net at £42.
0:37:47 > 0:37:5045. New money at 45.
0:37:50 > 0:37:5448. 50 off you, madam. 55. You're too slow anyway.
0:37:54 > 0:37:5755. Here at 55. 60.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- We're getting there slowly to a respectable figure.- 70.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03In the room at 70. 75.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07At 75. 80. With the lady at 80.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11- I feel justified now! - I sell in the room at 80.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14You've lit the screen up. I don't know if that's a bid or not.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18In the room at 80. With you, madam, at 80. Nobody else?
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Sold on the second row at 80. They are that big in real life.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Going, then, at £80.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Crack! Yes! That's more like it, isn't it?
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- Didn't it struggle to start with? - Yes.- Phew, dear!
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- At least I'm not going to have to collect them back again! - No. Thank you.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36- Thank you very much indeed. - Thank you.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38They may not have been in the best of condition,
0:38:38 > 0:38:42but Marion's plates certainly did some damage in the sale room.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46On stage now, Michael Redgrave, Richard Burton and Robert Hardy.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Well, in the Shakespeare programme, that is.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52They belong to Gill. Unfortunately, she cannot make it today.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57But the curtain's rising for our lead star, it's Mr Philip Serrell!
0:38:57 > 0:39:01- She was lovely! What's happened to Gill? - She's not very well today, sadly.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- Ohh!- Get well soon, anyway. - You get well.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08Now, Richard Burton, one of my favourite actors. What a voice.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- Surely Richard Burton's worth £60 alone, isn't he?- You'd think so.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14We're going to find out if there are any
0:39:14 > 0:39:17"actor" kind of luvvie-types that would want to buy this!
0:39:17 > 0:39:21- They're going under the hammer now! - There's one here!
0:39:22 > 0:39:24The signed theatre programme.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28Who's it signed by? Michael Redgrave. Various interest in this.
0:39:28 > 0:39:3225, 28. At 28 now. 32. 35.
0:39:32 > 0:39:38At 35. Is that it? A little bit of theatrical memorabilia.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41All done at £35. Done at 35.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- It's gone. - It's gone. It's had its time.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48The thing is, the internet makes everybody aware that it's available,
0:39:48 > 0:39:51so it's made its money.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- Let's just hope that Gill gets better.- Yes.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57It hit Philip's reserve bang on.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01Let's hope that £35 brought some colour back to Gillian's cheeks.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Now for the last of today's lots
0:40:04 > 0:40:08and I'm really hoping we hit the jackpot with this one.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10- Great to see you again. - BOTH: Thanks.- Excited?
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- Yes.- Nervous, yes.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15- Which one of you found it?- Me.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19We've got a value of £200-300. I had a chat to the senior valuer here,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22you know this because you were watching earlier,
0:40:22 > 0:40:24she totally agrees with the valuation.
0:40:24 > 0:40:29We've got an awful lot of Chinese and Eastern artefacts in the sale.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32It's bringing in overseas buyers. Hopefully, they'll pick up on this.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35Looking round, there's one or two people
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- who I think might well be having a bid for this.- Yes.- Good.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42So we could have a big surprise on our hands.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Now, steady!
0:40:46 > 0:40:48The Cantonese ivory fan.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51As you open it up, all the figures follow through.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53They make a little story.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Let's start at £150. 150 I'm bid.
0:40:56 > 0:40:57150. 160. 170. 180.
0:40:57 > 0:41:02190. At £190 now. Done, then, at 190. 200. 220.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05220. 240. 260. 280.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09- 300.- We're there already.- 360. 380.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11400. 400. 420. 440.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15460. 480. 500. 5...50.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- 600.- 600. At 600 now.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19- 620.- 650.- 700.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- 750.- I'm lost for words. - At 750. 800. 850.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- I must brush up on my Cantonese valuations!- 900. 950.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28At 950. 1,000.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30At 1,000 now. And 50.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- 1,050.- 1,050!- I have 1,050.
0:41:33 > 0:41:391,100. 1,150. At 1,150. Phone, are you in? 1,200.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41- 1,250.- Wow, Charlie.
0:41:41 > 0:41:451,300. 1,350. Net at 1,350.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49Yes, get in now. 1,400. At 1,400.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53- And 50.- 1,450.- 1,500? Yes.
0:41:53 > 0:41:561,500. 1,550.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58- 1,600. - LAUGHTER
0:41:58 > 0:42:02- The phone at 1,600.- And 50.- 1,650.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06- That's amazing. That is incredible. - 1,700.- Wow.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08- 1,750.- Jackie!- I know. - There's tears.
0:42:08 > 0:42:091,800.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13Phone at 1,800. £1,800. Anybody else?
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- And 50.- 1,850.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18- 1,900?- No.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23At 1,850. I sell with the internet at £1,850.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28- Jackie.- I daren't look. - At 1,850. Down here at 1,850.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30Any of you in the room?
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- Oh, my goodness me! - That's wonderful.- Wow!
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- That's amazing!- Tears in the eyes!
0:42:36 > 0:42:42- Never mind, Charlie, you can be wrong as often as you like! - I'm going to become a decorator!
0:42:42 > 0:42:48- Who would know?- That's fantastic. - That is absolutely amazing. - Extraordinary.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52That's where the big money is, the Far East. Buying back their heritage.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57It's a lot of money. There's commission. It's 15 percent, plus VAT. But enjoy it.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01- You probably hadn't thought about what you'd spend £200 on.- No! - This is a lot of money.
0:43:01 > 0:43:07What a marvellous way to end such a brilliant day here in Stamford!
0:43:07 > 0:43:11Everyone has gone home so happy! If you've got something like that, we want to see it.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Bring it to a valuation day. But for now,
0:43:14 > 0:43:17well, I think we're all going out to celebrate!
0:43:17 > 0:43:20It's cheerio. See you next time for more surprises.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:24 > 0:43:28E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk