0:00:02 > 0:00:05Feast your eyes on these beauties. Aren't they marvellous?
0:00:05 > 0:00:07We're in a town where oysters are the local dish.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11In fact, there's been an oyster festival for the last 700 years.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Today, Flog It! is in Colchester, in Essex.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41This is the show where we invite you to fish out
0:00:41 > 0:00:43your unwanted antiques.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45We'll put a value on them and send them to auction.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50These people are queuing to meet our experts, to find out exactly what it's worth.
0:00:50 > 0:00:56Today, they're in the capable hands of our two experts, Kate Bateman and David Barby.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01David's an old hand at antiques and collectables, and he's always full of enthusiasm.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Right, that was exciting, wasn't it?
0:01:03 > 0:01:09Kate runs an auction house with her father so knows the current values of everything
0:01:09 > 0:01:15- from portraits to porcelain, and even vintage booze. - Wow! I want that bottle of wine!
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Just what we need on a Flog It! valuation day!
0:01:17 > 0:01:21It's now 9.30, time to get the doors open and get the show on the road.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26And today's show, David Barby lets the mask slip
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- and reveals himself as a fancier of Art Deco...- This is tremendous.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35I'd love it myself. One of the few pieces that come into Flog It! that I'd really like myself.
0:01:35 > 0:01:41..we're all open-mouthed at the auction room as one item surprises us all...
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- I bet you wish you had a loft full! - Yeah.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48..And there's a song and dance as this chap takes centre stage.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Well, everybody is now safely seated inside and time is ticking by.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Everyone's full of excitement and anticipation
0:01:55 > 0:01:59because they don't know who will go to the auction. Stay tuned and find out.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02It looks like David Barby has made his first choice.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Let's take a closer look at what he's spotted.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Kim, when I look at masks like this,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10and this is a Goldschneider mask made in Vienna,
0:02:10 > 0:02:15probably roundabout the 1930s, 1935 period,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17they give me an element of theatre.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19And this one is the epitome,
0:02:19 > 0:02:24because this beautiful female here is suddenly taking a mask away.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- Does it have any sort of theatrical connotations for you?- It does, yes.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33I used to collect theatre masks because I used to perform when I was younger.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35- Really? Do you still do that now?- No!
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- I hung up the microphone years ago! - Oh, right.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- Did you sing or dance? - Both. But later singing.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45- On cruise ships? - No, no. I danced in theatres,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and then singing, over in Tenerife, actually.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- Oh, my word. What a wonderful life! - Yeah, it was really good.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- So this came as a result of your interest in theatre?- Yes.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58It was given to me by a family friend about 16 years ago.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02It's so typical of the sort of Art Deco decoration,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06that you'd have a blank wall and something startling like this.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10So you'd go into a room and this was the first thing that you saw.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13And it's such a descriptive and exciting dramatic piece.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16This is all modelled in terracotta
0:03:16 > 0:03:19and then covered with this sort of opaque glaze,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22but with an element of terracotta coming through.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- I also like the detail. Those luscious lips.- Yeah.
0:03:25 > 0:03:31- And these eyebrows, they're pencilled in like Joan Crawford. - They look as if you would...
0:03:31 > 0:03:34That's right. I think it's wonderful.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39Then you've got this elegant hand supporting the mask, as though it's emerging out of the wall.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42It's extraordinary. I love these pieces. I'd love it myself.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47One of the few pieces that come into Flog It! that I'd really like.
0:03:47 > 0:03:48It's in perfect state.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51The name is there,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54so anybody can identify it as Goldschneider.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59- Do you like the Art Deco period? - I do, yes. But this is the only piece that I have.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02So why are you thinking now of selling this?
0:04:02 > 0:04:06I've just had my first child. They don't come cheap, so I could do with the money!
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- Little boy or girl? - A little boy.- And his name?
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- Harrison.- Oh, Harrison!- Harry. - Harry?- After my great-grandad.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17Let's think in terms of price on this, if it goes up for auction.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21They sell quite well. There's demand for this sort of Goldschneider figure.
0:04:21 > 0:04:27- And I think we're looking at between £400 - £500 on this.- OK.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30There's a slight smile there. Did you expect that much?
0:04:30 > 0:04:32That would be nice!
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I had a look on the internet and saw different values.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38But it's hard to put a figure on it. So that would be lovely.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Condition is all important. I turned it over to see the condition.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44This is immaculate. Did you have it hanging on the wall at home?
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- My grandmother had it on the wall while I was abroad. - What have you done with it?
0:04:49 > 0:04:55- Kept it wrapped up in bubble wrap in the back of a cupboard. - Oh, that's terrible.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- So, you're not going to miss it? - No, not at all.- No.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- I think it's going to a very good cause as well.- Yep.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- I think it's a fitting end to your career, don't you?- Absolutely. - You're going to be on television!
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- Fabulous, thank you.- Thank you.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11A star is born,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14though this is probably not the TV role Kim imagined.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18Now to Kate, who's with Tom and Petra.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21You brought this fabulous vase. What can you tell me about it?
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- Well, I inherited it from my family. It is over 100 years old.- OK.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29And it has been in the family since I remember. I don't know much more about it.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34- I know the make.- I'm detecting an accent here, and it could be the clue to where this has come from.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- Yes, it's German.- You're from... And it is a German pot.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Let's have a look at it. It's absolutely fantastic.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47I saw this when you unpacked it earlier, across the room, and I fell in love, frankly.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50It's beautiful. This is known as pate-sur-pate.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53It's glass on glass, it's painting with glass.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56So, it's an enamel, effectively, although it's a ceramic pot,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00a porcelain pot. It's got this fabulous oval on the front
0:06:00 > 0:06:01and it's just beautiful.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05There are several names that sprung to mind instantly when I saw it.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09There's a very famous chap called Solon, Jean Louis Solon,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11and there are various other makers who make it,
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- but they're French and this is German. You know the factory?- I don't.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- We've looked at the bottom - it's Heubach, is that said right?- Yes.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24They also made porcelain dolls' heads and they went into these
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- in quite decorative ways, I suppose, a kind of different market.- Yes.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33But what we have is a beautiful, almost transparent lady
0:06:33 > 0:06:37in classical dress and she's a fairy, she's got little wings. It's very romantic.
0:06:37 > 0:06:44Date-wise, it's about turn of the century, 1890, 1900.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47That's borne out by this classical shape, an Art Nouveau shape.
0:06:47 > 0:06:53- What you've got is... The quality of this is almost better than the rest. - Yes, I know.- It's quite odd.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58It's kind of moulded, there's not a huge amount of decoration.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- It's fairly boring, actually, the decoration.- It is.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06But this is a cracking piece in the middle. Do you have it on show, do you like it?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09We have it on show because it's something unusual,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12but it is not exactly my cup of tea, to be quite honest.
0:07:12 > 0:07:18- I find it beautiful, but I don't love it.- And you're not a big fan?
0:07:18 > 0:07:24- Absolutely not.- It's a bit girly.- It is a bit girly. It's pretty enough.
0:07:24 > 0:07:31- Where it stands, it's OK, but it's not something...- Price-wise, you're talking sort of
0:07:31 > 0:07:35maybe £80 to £120, something like that, bracketing the £100 mark,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38because it's obviously not one of the major factories.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- But it's a beautifully-made piece. - Yes, somebody might love it.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48Some collectors can't afford the Solon pate-sur-pate and might go for this.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Is that the sort of thing you'd be happy to sell it for at auction?
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- Yes.- What's "good luck" in German? - Viel gluck.- Viel gluck, OK.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- Viel gluck, let's hope it sells and we'll see you at auction.- Thank you.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Let's just hope Kate's valuation is better than her pronunciation!
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Where's David Barby?
0:08:07 > 0:08:10He'd better not be up to any monkey business.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Annette, this is such a delightful little toy. Where does it come from?
0:08:14 > 0:08:18I bought it for a friend, actually. She's at work,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- so I'm selling it on her behalf. - Right.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23I don't think it's complete, actually.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25Because it should be seated, I think,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27on something, like a little box here...
0:08:27 > 0:08:29It certainly looks like it.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32..resembling a cotton bale or something.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33Of course, this tail is so huge
0:08:33 > 0:08:37it's had additional support at the end there,
0:08:37 > 0:08:41so I think it really needs to go into a box or a plinth,
0:08:41 > 0:08:47- so that would make the toy complete. What I do like about it is it still works.- Yes.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Look at this. Absolutely amazing.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55And we have this button, which... the eyes sort of glower away.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58This is quite nice, I like this immensely.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00This group of toys, Annette,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03is part and parcel of immediate post-war years,
0:09:03 > 0:09:09when there was little toy manufacturing taking place in England.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12So Japan filled that gap in the market by producing
0:09:12 > 0:09:19very cheap toys made out of tin, plastic and novelty ones
0:09:19 > 0:09:24that operated with a battery, rather like this one here and then you have two controls,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27so very amusing, and it was a novelty for children at that time.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- Of course, more famous ones are the robot toys, and they fetch an absolute fortune.- Oh.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38This one, I think, because it's not complete and we haven't got its original box?
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- We have a box at home for it, so we'll bring it to the auction. - Right, OK.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47I think even in this state with the original box, whatever condition it's in,
0:09:47 > 0:09:52it will realise for a collector something in the region possibly
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- of round about £40 to £60. That sort of price range.- Yes.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00I think we need to put a reserve of £40.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- Why is your friend selling this? - Just having a clearout from her house.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- If it's in a drawer, there's no point having it.- No. - At £40, would I give £40 for it,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11purely for amusement, to make people laugh? Yes, I would.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- Thank you very much for bringing it along.- Thank you. - I'll put a new battery in.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Today we're filming in the Town Hall in Colchester,
0:10:24 > 0:10:29a wonderful old Victorian building. This is where the journey starts for our owners.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32If you'd like to take part in the show, we would love to see you.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36You can pick up details of dates and venues on our BBC website.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42There's lots of information, plus what goes on behind the scenes. It's well worth a look.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46If you don't have a computer, check your local press,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49because we're coming to an area very near you soon.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53As I said, today we're in the Town Hall. All the action is taking place down there.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58Speaking of action, it's time we went to the auction room to put those valuations to the test.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01I've got my favourites, you've probably got yours.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06But more importantly, what does the auctioneer think - and the bidders? Let's find out in the auction room.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10And here are David and Kate to remind us of what we're taking.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I wonder if this is enough to mask my emotions,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17when it goes up for auction and makes a stupendous price for Kim.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19I love this late 19th-century vase.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22I think the quality of it will really help it sell at auction.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24I'm hoping it's going to make between £80 and £120.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28I do hope somebody falls in love with this at auction,
0:11:28 > 0:11:32and he finds a new home, incomplete or not.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44And now it's time for my favourite part of the show. It's auction time,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48and anything can happen - this is where we put our valuations to the test.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52We're doing it here at Reeman Dansie auction rooms in Colchester.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55As you can see, we have a full house and the auction has already started.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00Yesterday I talked to James Grintner, the man with local knowledge, the man on the rostrum.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Here's what he said about one of our items.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05We've had these on the show before,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Goldschneider masks, 1930s.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09The good thing about these
0:12:09 > 0:12:11is they have a serial number,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- You know when and where they're made - provenance is key, isn't it? - It is indeed.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Kim loved theatre, so there's a connection there.- Right. OK.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22She did a lot of singing and dancing. It's not my cup of tea.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27- Is it yours - could you live with this on your wall? - Perhaps in the downstairs loo!
0:12:27 > 0:12:30That's a no, isn't it? That's a no, come on! That's a no.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Anyway, look, we've got £400-£500 on this.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Goldschneider is a very collectable factory pool.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40I personally think it might be a little bit heavy, the estimate.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43But it does stand a chance of selling. Fingers crossed.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- It's borderline. - It is a bit borderline. It's been well publicised,
0:12:47 > 0:12:48so we'll have to wait and see.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- They always look good in catalogues, in the photo.- That's right.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56It's a stylish bit of Art Deco pottery at the end of the day.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- But it's fingers crossed. - Fingers crossed!
0:13:00 > 0:13:02But first up, it's Annette with the toy monkey.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07Who's a cheeky monkey, then? Well, it's Mr Barbie, of course.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10£40-£60. I love this little monkey.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15- Annette, you brought this in for a friend?- That's right. - I know David put £40-£60 on this.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Since valuation day, you've put the valuation up?
0:13:18 > 0:13:22Your friend just rung the auction room and said she wants £100-£150.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27- That's right.- With a reserve at £90. Hopefully it will still sell.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31It's 1960s, it's battery, it's Japanese, and it's still working.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33The lights go ding, ding, ding in the eyes.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37It's disappointing. I was hoping it was going to sell at just over the £60.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39I think £90 will be difficult.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43We're going to find out what the bidders think now. Let's hope it ends in a crescendo.
0:13:43 > 0:13:49Number 941 is the 1960s Japanese plastic toy monkey.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52£80 to start me? 80? £80 to start me somewhere?
0:13:52 > 0:13:56£80 for it? 60? £60 for it somewhere?
0:13:58 > 0:14:03£60 for it? 40 then? £40 to start me. 40 I have. A £40 bid now, at 40.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05At £40 only. Do we have 42?
0:14:05 > 0:14:08This lot is not going to sell, ladies and gentlemen. No?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- Aw!- It's going home. - It was in my margin originally.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Well, instead of going to the Ritz, we'll be having chips!
0:14:17 > 0:14:18- Aye! That rhymes!- I know.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25We don't need to go to the Ritz, but we do need to sell our antiques.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30Let's hope Tom and Petra's 1890s porcelain vase does better.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- You won't be sad to see this go. It's a family piece, but you don't like it?- That's right.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38But I kind of like this. It's got a lot of class.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43I like the blue and the gold gilt on it. The blue grounds and the female figure. It's quality.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- A bit of German quality.- I hope somebody likes it more than I do!
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- How long have you had it, then? - A couple of years.- Not too long.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52At least you've kept it in mint condition.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56We all agree with £80 to £120, it's an auctioneer's classic.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59It's really pretty. Lovely quality. I think that's cheap.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03I do as well. I was just going to say to you, it looks exceptionally expensive.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- Exactly.- It does, doesn't it? It's got the look. It's got the look.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11It really does have. Quality and class.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- Much like myself. Exceptionally expensive.- Is that high-maintenance?
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Read what you like into that!
0:15:19 > 0:15:23Well, let's find out what the bidders think. Good luck. Here we go.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Number 260 is the early 20th century German porcelain vase,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29with the pate-sur-pate decoration.
0:15:29 > 0:15:36To start me £50. £50 to start me. 50 I've down here now. 55. 60.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Five, 70, £70 bid now.
0:15:39 > 0:15:4575. £70 is bid. All done now at £70. All done?
0:15:45 > 0:15:49On the reserve. It's gone. It's gone. You didn't like it, did you?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52I still think that's good value for money. Don't you?
0:15:52 > 0:15:56This is the thing to buy at the moment for an investment. I think that's great.
0:15:56 > 0:16:02- Yeah, top tip there. At least you're happy, aren't you? - Yes, absolutely fine.- Absolutely.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08Well, bang on the reserve for the German vase. That was real quality.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Something else classy has caught my eye.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15Well, you don't come across many of these in an antique auction room, do you?
0:16:15 > 0:16:19This is a lovely old Daimler. It's a copy of a Jaguar Mark 2.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23This was made in 1968. There's a V8 engine underneath that bonnet.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28It's been resprayed, but I tell you, everything else is in pretty much original condition.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30The dashboard is walnut, a bit faded.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33The leather has got a few rips in it. It smells right.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37I tell you what, this is a good practical classic.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Not only is it a piece of functional sculpture,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43it looks so beautiful with these lovely sweeping lines.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46I love the coachwork. I love the colour it's finished in.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50This lovely metallic crimson. It's very Inspector Morse.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Not only does it look great, but it drives well as well.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56It's taxed and MOT'd till the end of the year.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59And it's catalogued at only £4,000-£5,000.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04So, um...I think whoever buys this is going to thoroughly enjoy it.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Even if you do want to keep it for a sunny day to potter around in. Isn't that lovely?
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Well, that's enough motoring talk.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15We'll find out how the Daimler gets on. Now back to the auction.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20I've been looking forward to this. I bumped into Kim back at valuation day
0:17:20 > 0:17:23with a Goldschneider mask, but we didn't meet Harry.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28Harry is her six-month-old little boy. Look at this.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Give us a wave, Harry.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- No.- Daddy was looking after him at the valuation day, wasn't he?
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- He stayed at home.- Yes. - You brought the mask in yourself.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- I did, yeah.- Isn't he cute? - He's lovely! But then I'm biased.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Oh, look at him. Look at him. Isn't he lovely?
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- What do you think, David? - What of, the mask?- No.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50No, we're talking about young Harrison.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- Oh, Harry's very nice. Yeah. My father's name was Harry. - Good name.- Yeah.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Let's talk about the mask, OK?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- It's your mask. Do you like it still?- No.- Why?
0:17:59 > 0:18:04I never liked it. I only grew fond of it recently, but I'm happy to see the back of it.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06It's a classic piece of 1930s. The Goldschneider.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- I think it's superb.- I think a few bidders will like this as well.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14Good luck. Let's hope we get the top end of David's estimate. Let's find out what it's worth.
0:18:14 > 0:18:20Number 290 is the 1930s gold Schneider glazed pottery mask.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- Stylish one here. - I love the lipstick.- Let's start me.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28£300 start me. 300 I have. 320? 320.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32340. 360. 360 I have. At 380.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- At £360.- Bit more! - All done? At... 380 I have.
0:18:36 > 0:18:44£380 at the far end now. 380. I'll sell it. All done at 380?
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- Hammer's down. We're happy, aren't we?- Yeah.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- You didn't like it. - No, got rid of it.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- You'd rather have the money for Harry, wouldn't you?- Definitely.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- Give him a good start.- Bless him.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- Thank you very much. - Is he your first?- He is.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- Are you going to have any more? - I will, but not just yet.- No.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02I'll have a bit of a break first.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06At least it's not going on his nursery wall to frighten him.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10No. And it would, as well. Give him nightmares!
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Great news for Kim and Harry.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Not such good news on that Daimler.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19It failed to meet its reserve and lives to sell another day.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Thatched cottages and can be found dotted throughout rural Essex,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37and that straw roof over there on that house is a clue
0:19:37 > 0:19:41to a long-lost craft that lifted the people from these villages
0:19:41 > 0:19:44out of poverty some 200 years ago.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48It was a craft that linked poor rural women, men and children
0:19:48 > 0:19:50to the courts of the aristocracy
0:19:50 > 0:19:53simply by the hats that they all wore.
0:19:53 > 0:19:59Because in the early 1800s, every strand of straw in these hats had to be plaited by hand.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01It was tricky and it was labour-intensive,
0:20:01 > 0:20:06so I've come here to the Great Bardfield Cottage Museum to find out exactly how it's done.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11This cottage industry was introduced to Essex in 1790
0:20:11 > 0:20:16to provide much-needed income for impoverished villagers.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19In just a few years, straw plaiting really caught on in this county.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22The raw material was cheap and available
0:20:22 > 0:20:27and the hats were a must-have fashion accessory for wealthy city people.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Veronica Main is curator of costumes and textiles for Luton Museums.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34She's an expert on straw-plaiting history.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37She's brought some examples of the work and finished products with her.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42This wonderful rural art form was commonplace here in Essex throughout the 19th century.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43How many people do it today?
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- Just about me. I'm about the only person!- Really?
0:20:48 > 0:20:51People have a go, but I'm busy in my museum role,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55teaching other people how to straw-plait so we can keep it alive.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- So you're passing this heritage on? - Yes.- Thankfully, thankfully.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Is it difficult to do?
0:21:01 > 0:21:04No, it's not difficult, but you've got to understand
0:21:04 > 0:21:07that straw plait for a hat is made in a specific way.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13The process is over one, under two, pull it tight and that'll do.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17Over one, under two, pull it tight and that'll do.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- That's the mantra you sing all day long.- Yes.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23And you can see that I've run out of straw on this one
0:21:23 > 0:21:27so I'm taking a new straw and putting it over the top of the old straw
0:21:27 > 0:21:32and you have to hold the two together, so it's squashing it really tight.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Then you have to be careful that you don't muddle up and get extra ends
0:21:36 > 0:21:43so that's where you remember, over one, under two, pull it tight and that'll do.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Now I can carry on.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Now, it's quite funny, because...
0:21:47 > 0:21:48Oh, that doesn't want to go.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50I feel I've spoiled it, haven't I?
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Yes! It never works perfectly when you're being watched.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58As I'm working it, I'm looking at the back of the straw plait,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00so that's the front side of the straw plait,
0:22:00 > 0:22:06- then all these ends would be clipped off. - Behind, so you don't see them?- Yes.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10I was thinking, how do they disappear but there's a reverse side and a face side.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12And if that wasn't fiddly enough,
0:22:12 > 0:22:19the really skilled would split the straw into thinner strands to make really delicate plaits.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24- You've got different numbers of fins. So let's go for a six. Push that on to the pin.- Yeah.
0:22:24 > 0:22:30- Push.- And force it down.- And look. It comes out into split sections.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Yeah. I tell you what,
0:22:32 > 0:22:35you've got to have tiny, thin nimble fingers to plait that.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- No wonder the kids were good, their hands were so small.- Exactly,
0:22:39 > 0:22:43and if you look at the size of straw on some of these plaits.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47That is whole straw, but even so, you can see how tiny it is.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52It's like grass. And you realise then the skill that went into the plaiting.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- Yeah.- To keep them damp, they'd pass them through their mouth.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- Would that cut your lips? - It cut your lips.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02It also wore down your teeth as you chewed them across,
0:23:02 > 0:23:03so not good practice.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- So you could really identify...- Yes! - ..the plaiters from a distance!
0:23:07 > 0:23:12There was this saying that the girls in the plait villages had big mouths
0:23:12 > 0:23:16and the boys said it was like kissing the backside of a cow.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18But the lace girls didn't get off any better.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23The lace girls sitting at their pillows for so long making lace, they had big bottoms.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27So the boys in the plait villages made fun of the lace girls.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Because children made such good plaiters,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32they were sent to special plait schools
0:23:32 > 0:23:35at a very early age, to learn the different skills.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41A child as young as four or five in about the 1860s
0:23:41 > 0:23:43could be earning, depending on the time of year,
0:23:43 > 0:23:48depending on the type of plait that they were making,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51could be earning between thruppence and a shilling a week.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- Which was a lot of money, isn't it? - That's a lot of money!
0:23:54 > 0:23:58And how many yards of that could you do in a day,
0:23:58 > 0:24:03- were you expected to do?- Of this simple plait, 20 yards in a day.
0:24:03 > 0:24:09- 60 feet of plait. I mean, it's a huge amount of plait.- Have you tried that?
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- Yes, I have. - Does it hurt your fingers?- It does.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Why was it so popular in this area and not other areas?
0:24:16 > 0:24:22Well, you had a local...a really important plait dealer in the area, Linsell,
0:24:22 > 0:24:28so he would go round to all the small villages in the area and he would actually buy up all the plait,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31exchange them either for tokens or for money.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36- He'd take it off to Luton where the hat manufacturing industry... - The hat industry was.- Yes.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38And they'd all get made up in Luton.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42So the hats you are seeing here are hats that were probably made up in Luton
0:24:42 > 0:24:44throughout the 1800s.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47And some of it may have been plait that came from Essex,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50we don't know, that's the exciting thing.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- They catch the light well.- I know. There was one plait in particular.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59I've got to pick this up very, very carefully because it's very old.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00That's beautiful.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05This is a little doll's hat that was made by the last plaiter in Essex.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Who was the last plaiter, do you know?
0:25:07 > 0:25:11Hannah Freeman. She lived in the village of Finchingfield, which is very close to here.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14That's a fantastic example of this wonderful rural art form.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- As good as it gets, do you think? - It is.- Years of experience?
0:25:18 > 0:25:21It is. Because this actually is a plait called "brilliant"
0:25:21 > 0:25:24and you can see how it just catches the light.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26It's like a faceted diamond.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- This first came into popularity in the 1850s.- Is that difficult to do?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33It is. It is probably the most difficult of all the plaits.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37Straw plaiting in Essex reached its peak in 1851
0:25:37 > 0:25:41and still provided work for thousands at the turn of the century.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44By the start of the First World War, it had almost disappeared,
0:25:44 > 0:25:49and the craft was quickly relegated to a few museum exhibits.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Why did it stop virtually instantly?
0:25:51 > 0:25:56Well, it's a really familiar story.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59There were imports from China in the 1870s.
0:25:59 > 0:26:04The Chinese plait came in, it was a lot less expensive.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06It really did the plaiters out of work,
0:26:06 > 0:26:09and within 20 or 30 years they couldn't compete.
0:26:09 > 0:26:15It was costing them as much to buy the straw as it was that they earned for the straw plait
0:26:15 > 0:26:18that they made with that straw. There's no point in carrying on.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22- Well, now it's down to you, really, to carry the mantle, isn't it?- Yes.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- Which is a bit worrying!- Hopefully rejuvenate this lost art form.
0:26:26 > 0:26:27Keep promoting it, won't you?
0:26:27 > 0:26:32Because it's part of our heritage, people like you are making it survive for future generations.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34I am teaching other people.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Great. Are they any good?
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Yes, some are absolutely brilliant.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42I'm really mean. I get them on to split-straw plaits as well.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- Thanks a lot.- It's been lovely to meet you, thank you.
0:26:47 > 0:26:52Well, you've just seen it. All that's left of this plentiful and wonderful craft
0:26:52 > 0:26:55are a few old tools, a couple of examples of some hats
0:26:55 > 0:26:58in this lovely old bygone museum, here on the High Street.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03Now, that is a wake-up call to all the other arts and crafts that are sadly disappearing -
0:27:03 > 0:27:04these wonderful rural skills.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07It's up to us to protect them and promote them.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10In doing so, we'll save our heritage.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Welcome back to Colchester Town Hall.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24As you can see, it's still very busy down there, a hive of activity.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29Well, it's time to join up with our experts to find some more antiques to take off to auction.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Let's see what Kate Bateman's spotted, let's take a closer look.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Sharon, you brought in these toys.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36These are brilliant.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37Where did they all come from?
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Well, they all belong to my husband.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45They were bought mainly by his father who worked in a toy shop,
0:27:45 > 0:27:49and occasionally he brought one home for him.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54That's how the collection started. Some of them have been played with a lot, some haven't.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57They were put in the loft and last year they were rediscovered.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59There's so many to look at I don't know where to start.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02This is like a kid's dream. You've got really early ones.
0:28:02 > 0:28:08You've got Dinky, you've got Tri-ang, Hornby, Corgi, loads of different makes.
0:28:08 > 0:28:09These were all played with.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12The two that captured my eye are these two here.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16We go on about boxes, but this is great to have boxes.
0:28:16 > 0:28:21You've got James Bond 007 Special Agent Aston Martin here,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24and this one, Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27That's absolutely brilliant.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30I mean, also, you've got on this one the insert which makes a difference.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33They all do things. This I love.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Do you know what this one does?
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Yes, I think it's got an ejector seat.
0:28:38 > 0:28:43He's got all sorts. These come out the front. Yep, I can't remember what we do. Press something.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45There should be a little man in there that gets thrown out.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49Yes. Unfortunately that was ejected in the loft some years ago.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54He is embedded in the fibreglass wall.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59- The little man?- Apparently. He could be found.- That would be useful. The more complete it is,
0:28:59 > 0:29:03for a sale, it would help to sell it. It's nice you've got the box.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05This one's better. It's great.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08I daren't do this because these rockets at the end,
0:29:08 > 0:29:13if we push it down, will fire out and will probably get lost.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16But this is Lady Penelope and Parker in the back there,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19her chauffeur driver.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21This is really good and the condition's excellent.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Are you sure your husband wants to sell? Your kids don't want them?
0:29:25 > 0:29:28No, they're at an age now that if it's not interactive
0:29:28 > 0:29:31and if you can't watch a film on it or play with it,
0:29:31 > 0:29:35they're not interested in things like this so, yes, we are looking forward
0:29:35 > 0:29:38to a trip to Thailand for our anniversary in March.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43- Lovely!- So I think, yes, definitely. - This is going to the proceeds of it, is it?- Yes.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47OK. Well, I think there's almost too much really to put into one lot.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50I would tend to split it up into a couple of lots, really.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55You've got unboxed-but-played-with Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox. That would probably be one lot.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59And then probably these two together on their own as a separate lot.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- Any idea price-wise? Do you have any clue?- No, not at all.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05I think for these two together,
0:30:05 > 0:30:08you could put at least a reserve of £100 and probably £100-£200
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- and there's an estimate on it for the catalogue.- Fabulous.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15The rest of the stuff, there's all sorts of things in here.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19There's old Dinky here, you've got farm machinery, other ones,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22like Batman and The Man From Uncle, TV and film stuff,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25collectable in their own right. As a mixed group,
0:30:25 > 0:30:31- you should put a £40 reserve and £50 to £80 on the loose ones.- Great.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- We'll get a few cocktails for that. - Out in Thailand that would get quite a lot.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38I think we'll put them as two lots, if you're happy with that.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- Yes.- And see how they do at the sale. - OK, thanks. They are FAB!
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Thunderbirds are go,
0:30:45 > 0:30:49and hopefully Batman, James Bond and The Man From Uncle will all be gone too.
0:30:49 > 0:30:55While David and Kate are working the tables, I'm on my feet and I've spotted something special.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00Gill, this is a wonderful book, a leather-bound volume,
0:31:00 > 0:31:03obviously owned by a skilled carpenter or joiner.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06It just shows you how to construct all the angles,
0:31:06 > 0:31:11intersecting angles, degrees of roofing, moulding, architectural detail.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Books like this don't exist any more. It's wonderful.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16How did you come by this?
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- It belonged to my late husband. - A carpenter?- Carpenter, joiner, yes.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24He worked on a lot of the old buildings in Dedham Vale. Did he?
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- And possibly a few round here in Colchester?- Oh, yes.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32I bet he was a wonderful craftsman. He possibly sorted your house out and made it look wonderful?
0:31:32 > 0:31:36No, he's like a cobbler, the children always go barefooted.
0:31:36 > 0:31:42That's always the same, isn't it? When he's working for other people, never has time to do anything else.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- Not strictly true. - I bet he did...- Ours came last.- Yes.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50- I bet it's wonderful. - This is a wonderful reference book for a skilled man to have.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54That's why I think it should go to someone who'd look after it and enjoy it.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58Well, look, if the condition was a little better, there's a lot of foxing,
0:31:58 > 0:32:01so you've had this in a cellar or up in the attic somewhere?
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- In the bottom of a cupboard. - It's been a bit damp.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- Probably.- If this was in perfect condition...
0:32:06 > 0:32:09It's all here, the line drawings and plates are here,
0:32:09 > 0:32:14something like this in great condition would fetch about £60 to £80.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16But I think if you put this one into auction,
0:32:16 > 0:32:21because of its condition, it's going to realise around £20 to £30.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26- Yes?- Fine.- It should do the £20 mark.- It's not about the money. It's about somebody using it.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29I'm not going to take up carpentry!
0:32:29 > 0:32:32What we need is two carpenters that will join us there,
0:32:32 > 0:32:37or half a dozen that like this and go, "I'm going to bid against you, you and you,"
0:32:37 > 0:32:39and they push it up to around 45 quid.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- Then you're laughing, aren't you?- I'll be laughing anyway.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- We'll put it into auction for you. - Thank you.
0:32:44 > 0:32:50I love Gill's attitude, enjoy the sale and any cash will be a bonus.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54To David Barby, and something shiny has caught his eye.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55He's with Nicola.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Why at this particular moment in time
0:32:58 > 0:33:01are you contemplating selling this silver-plate tea service?
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Because we've recently bought a bassoon for my son,
0:33:05 > 0:33:10which is very expensive and it's an item that has no sentimental value,
0:33:10 > 0:33:14and if we could raise some money towards a bassoon, that would be good.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18It so interests me because this reflects so many social changes.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21When it was first produced in the silver plate,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- it was made to imitate silver.- Yes.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27And at that time there was a very affluent market,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30I'm talking the late 19th, early 20th century,
0:33:30 > 0:33:35and the middle classes wished to emulate the upper classes
0:33:35 > 0:33:38or the aristocracy, so they were able to buy this.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42It gave the impression that they were used to silver service.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47They have their teapot, the sugar basin, for whacking great lumps of sugar,
0:33:47 > 0:33:52when you think of what a small milk jug there is there. So that is a set for three.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57There's no dents, scuffing, no wearing through of the plate,
0:33:57 > 0:34:00so it has been almost kept in an immaculate state.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- Have you ever used it? - No, never used it.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05My parents never used it.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10- So I don't know if it's ever been used.- When did they have it from?
0:34:10 > 0:34:13They had it as a wedding present gift, so in 1963.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- So you could say it's an unwanted family heirloom?- Yes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22All the social implications of where it was produced and you think of tea-making today,
0:34:22 > 0:34:24there's little demand for a tea service like this,
0:34:24 > 0:34:29and you did show me a valuation that you had on this particular piece,
0:34:29 > 0:34:33close on £900, which was its replacement value.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37What concerns me somewhat is when this comes up for sale,
0:34:37 > 0:34:42the value might be as little as £80 to £100. How are you going to react to this?
0:34:42 > 0:34:48Well, I was a bit dubious about the valuation because it's silver plate.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53And so having done a little bit of research, I thought
0:34:53 > 0:34:58it would sell for a lot less than that, so I'm not going to be hugely disappointed.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- So you've got no regrets in selling this?- No, not at all.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03I've got a silver-plated tea set from my great aunt,
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- which has sentimental value and I'm keeping hold of that. - That comes out on Sunday afternoons?
0:35:08 > 0:35:11It doesn't, it sits in the lounge in a cabinet!
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Like so many others.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- But you're quite content in letting this go up for auction?- Yes.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19And probably it selling under £100?
0:35:19 > 0:35:23I think so, because at the moment it's just sitting in a box up in the attic.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27It would be a shame if it makes that sort of money because I think this is lovely.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32- Yes.- But it just reflects the sort of change of fashions.- Yes.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34- Thank you. We shall do our best.- Thank you.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37And hopefully it makes a reasonable sum.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45Guess what? Our experts have found their final items to take off to the auction room.
0:35:45 > 0:35:51I, for one, am feeling rather excited because as you know, anything can happen in the saleroom.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56Now it's time to say farewell to the Town Hall in Colchester. We've had a wonderful time filming here.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Everybody has been in such great spirits, we've all enjoyed it.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03There was one person who wasn't amused and I'll leave you with her.
0:36:03 > 0:36:08And if Her Majesty will permit, here's a recap of what we're taking to auction.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10Sharon brought this collection of toy cars in,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12but these are going to be the star lot,
0:36:12 > 0:36:16my James Bond Aston Martin and Lady Penelope's fab car.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19These are going as one lot together and the rest as a quantity lot.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21I think this will do really well.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25I want to put this book into auction because it's something for the carpenters,
0:36:25 > 0:36:28the guys that work with their hands. Very skilled men.
0:36:28 > 0:36:29It's not on the market any more.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33The only place you can pick it up is in an auction room, so let's give it a go.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37I do hope Nicola's not going to be too disappointed
0:36:37 > 0:36:39with the price we get on this tea service.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43But then again, it needs polishing, and who has servants these days?
0:36:50 > 0:36:52If you're buying or selling at auction,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55there is commission to pay, that's how they pay the wages here.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57It varies from room to room,
0:36:57 > 0:37:01so check the small print in the catalogue or ask the auctioneer.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Today, here at Reeman Dansie, for our sellers, it's 15% plus VAT.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10And first up, Gill's carpentry book.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Since valuation day, she's dug out three others from home and added them to the lot.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- Where have you been since we last saw you?- Down to Tavistock.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21- Oh, have you, down in Devon?- Not far from your part of the world.- Holiday?
0:37:21 > 0:37:26- No, to see my son, my granddaughter was three years old.- Oh, bless.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31- I had an official invitation.- Oh, did you? From her? What's her name?
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- Eloise.- They are quite bossy, aren't they, at that age?
0:37:34 > 0:37:36- They put you in your place. - She does, yes.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Hopefully I'm not going to be put in my place right now.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43Let's hope this sells, your late husband's books. Wonderful, detailed books.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48It would make a great asset to anybody that wants to be practical and you can't buy them any more.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- We've only got 20 to £40. No reserve, so they're going to sell.- OK.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- Let's hope they sell at the top end. - Yes.- Fingers crossed.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00Number 859, the three volumes, The New Carpenter And Joiner.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04- Two commissions with me, I'll start at £20.- Great.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05At £20 bid.
0:38:05 > 0:38:0622.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09At 22, 24? 26,
0:38:09 > 0:38:1228, 30. £30 down here now at 30.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15£30 bid. Any advance? All done at £30?
0:38:15 > 0:38:17Gone, mid-estimate.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- That's OK, isn't it?- Yes.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21It's better than you throwing them away.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24I wouldn't have done that. Really pleased.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Somebody's got them and will enjoy them.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Thanks for bringing them in, I enjoyed leafing through them.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- I could spend hours looking at those.- I thought you would.- Yes.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Four historical books off to a new home.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39And from one family heirloom to another -
0:38:39 > 0:38:42a three-piece tea service going under the hammer.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Silver plate, unfortunately, and it's not silver, Nicola.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49We'd be in the money. You would be, wouldn't you? That's for sure. We've got a value
0:38:49 > 0:38:53of around £80 to £100. It's Edwardian but it's still got the look.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- Why are you getting rid of it? - It's got no sentimental value,
0:38:57 > 0:39:01and I could do with a bit of money for my son's bassoon we've purchased.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04That's an unusual instrument. What made him take that up? I'm curious.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06He's always had unusual tastes.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11- He wanted to play the bagpipes, so we're quite pleased he progressed to the bassoon.- I'd say so, yes.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Good luck. Let's hope we get the top end.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Number 438 now, the three piece Edwardian silver-plated tea service.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22£60 for it? 60?
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- We're in at 60.- £60 bid. 65?
0:39:28 > 0:39:30At £60 bid. 65 anywhere?
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- It's sticking.- All done at £60?
0:39:33 > 0:39:39- Yes. But only just, on that reserve, £50 reserve.- Never mind.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43- That's OK.- At least it's gone and you don't have to polish it. - Exactly, yes.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- Did you polish it?- I have never polished it.- Oh, what have I said? - Sorry!
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Nicola's pleased with that
0:39:49 > 0:39:52but we really need to shine with our next item
0:39:52 > 0:39:53and get those high bids in.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58We've got boys' toys, brought along by Sharon, but they're not yours, are they?
0:39:58 > 0:40:03- They're your husband's. His father bought them for him but you've recently found them?- Yes.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- Where did he find them?- In the loft. - Where everything else gets stashed.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11At least they're out of the way out there, earning money, not getting damaged.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- Hope so.- There are quite a lot of cars, Kate split them into two lots.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- Yes.- The first of the lots, we've got the best of the cars,
0:40:17 > 0:40:21the Aston Martin DB5 belonging to 007
0:40:21 > 0:40:23and Lady Penelope's big pink car.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- Think pink!- That fires a rocket.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30What every girl needs, a rocket-firing Rolls Royce.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Good luck with that and the next lot,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- we've got the rest of them and we're looking for about £80?- Yes.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39Let's hope there's lots of toy collectors in the saleroom right now
0:40:39 > 0:40:42because the first lot is going under the hammer.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Number 961 is the Dinky toy here,
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Lady Penelope's FAB 1 and the James Bond Aston Martin.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53I have two commissions with me
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- and I start the bidding at £110 with me.- Straight in.
0:40:56 > 0:40:57110 I'm bid now, at 110.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00120, 130, 140, 150,
0:41:00 > 0:41:05160, 170, 180. One more?
0:41:05 > 0:41:06190. 200.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09£200 bid, standing now at 200.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12All done? £200.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14A nice round figure, £200, well done.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- Short and sweet.- All because the boxes were there.- That's right, yes.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21Thank goodness you kept hold of the boxes. I had both those cars.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26- And played them to death?- Played them to death, chucked the boxes, lost all the figures as well.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28I've still got them but no boxes, no figures.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- No sale, then?- No, no sale!
0:41:31 > 0:41:36That's the first lot. The second lot we're looking for about 50 to £80. Good luck with this one.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43Number 991. The collection of Corgi, Dinky, Tri-ang and other cars.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46I have two commissions with me and I start the bidding at £200.
0:41:46 > 0:41:52Interesting. Straight in! Well over estimate.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54230, with me now at 230.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57With me, 240, 250, 260,
0:41:57 > 0:41:59270, 280,
0:41:59 > 0:42:02290, 300, 320,
0:42:02 > 0:42:07- 340...- Gosh.- That's the man just in the back of the room.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10360 on the internet. 400. At £400.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- It's so surprising, isn't it?- 420.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15420 the bid, in this room. 400, 440.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17460.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21460 is bid, on there now at 460, 480
0:42:21 > 0:42:24£500, in the room, against you on the internet, 520.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25540,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28£540, 560 on the internet.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30On the internet, against you all,
0:42:30 > 0:42:34all done at £560?
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Hammer's gone down. Wow.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- That's £760.- That's fantastic, yes.
0:42:39 > 0:42:40Incredible. Little toy cars.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Where's your husband, is he over there?
0:42:42 > 0:42:47He must have been watching this with a big smile on his face. There he is, give him a wave.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- Thumbs up! - HE LAUGHS
0:42:50 > 0:42:54- It pays to look after your toys, doesn't it? - There was a lot in that lot,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57so someone had their eye on a few bits, that was great.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- Brilliant. Really pleased. - Enjoy it, won't you?- Thank you.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11It's all over for our owners. Another day in another auction room.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14I hope you've enjoyed the show, plenty of surprises,
0:43:14 > 0:43:16but do join me again, there's more surprises to come.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20But for now, from Colchester, until the next time, goodbye.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22It's time to put my feet up and have a rest!
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:44 > 0:43:47E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk