0:00:02 > 0:00:06This magnificent architectural delight may look like a French chateau but it's not.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08We're still here in England.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10A little bit of France has come to us,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13in the heart of the wonderful Leicestershire countryside.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:40 > 0:00:42This is Stapleford Park.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Like the jewel in the crown it is,
0:00:44 > 0:00:46it has drawn a wonderful crowd of people here today,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49all laden with boxes full of antiques and collectibles,
0:00:49 > 0:00:52all hoping they're one of the lucky ones to go off to auction
0:00:52 > 0:00:54later on in the programme and go home with a small fortune.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58Who is it going to be? Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03Joining us in our quest today to find some superior items to take off to the sale room
0:01:03 > 0:01:07are experts Elizabeth Talbot and Mark Stacey.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10And the competition begins.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13And it looks like Elizabeth has made a good head start.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- You can't get it now! - Isn't it terrible?
0:01:16 > 0:01:21I turn my back for one minute and all the goodies are gone.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- Look, she's even got the chair. - My bottom's slightly smaller than yours, I think, Mark.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27How very dare you!
0:01:27 > 0:01:29How very dare you!
0:01:29 > 0:01:34I think I could squeeze in that. You might not get it back off!
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Well, I'd better get back to the pew before you pinch everything else, then.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Are you ready to go inside, everyone? Come on, then.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45There's a really good turnout today.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47As the crowds flood in with their items,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51we're moving inside to escape the great British summer(!)
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Coming up on the show, Mark meets one of his biggest fans.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57I'm just pleased to be here with you.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Oh! Stop it, I'll blush!
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- Nice to meet you, Mark. - Lovely to meet you. And good luck.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04# Love is in the air. #
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Aw, look! There must be something in the air
0:02:08 > 0:02:10as Elizabeth gets in on the act, too!
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Graham, shall we dance?
0:02:12 > 0:02:18And we find out which famous author had a moment of insanity on his wedding night.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22He woke up in the middle of the night and screamed out, "I'm in hell!"
0:02:22 > 0:02:24I mean, could you imagine, on his honeymoon night?
0:02:24 > 0:02:26He looked at that, looked at the fire
0:02:26 > 0:02:28and thought he's in Dante's Inferno!
0:02:30 > 0:02:33But, before all of that, bags and boxes are being unwrapped.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38In this glorious setting, typically, Mark unearths a quirky number.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Well, Terry, I don't know where to begin.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Where on earth did you get this picture from?
0:02:44 > 0:02:48I bought it on a car boot two years ago in Worcestershire.
0:02:48 > 0:02:49Did you pay a lot of money for it?
0:02:49 > 0:02:52I did. I paid £2.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Well, at least you got the frame.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59I think it's a really fun picture.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02I mean, it's a bit of nonsense, really, isn't it?
0:03:02 > 0:03:09I'm guessing it was painted maybe in the 1950s/'60s/'70s, that sort of era.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12It's what I call, in Brighton, a bit of kitsch.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- Right.- And these sort of things are very popular on the south coast,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18these kitsch pictures, from this period.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20We haven't even tried to look the artist up
0:03:20 > 0:03:23because I don't think we'll find out anything about him.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- It's very in-your-face, isn't it? - Very comical, very nice.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Now why did you buy it? Come on, tell us.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- I quite liked it!- You quite liked it? Really?- I did, yes.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- I just thought it was... - Quirky?- Friendly.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Friendly? Well, it is quite friendly I suppose, if you like.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42And he's looking at bee, just in case it stings him.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Terry, I think I'd know the answer to this, but you've had it a couple of years already,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49has it been pride of place in your sitting room?
0:03:49 > 0:03:52No. Sorry, no.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55OK. That's fair enough. I thought you were going to say that.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- So it's time for it to go? - It's time for it to go.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00I have no idea how to value this.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02I think it's a little bit of fun and I think,
0:04:02 > 0:04:07if the auction house appreciates it for what it is,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10a little bit of fun art, then we should be all right.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- I don't think it's going to break any records for Flog It!- No.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19If I'm being honest with you, I think we should put it in at something like £20-£30
0:04:19 > 0:04:21and have a bit of fun with it.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- That's fine.- Shall we bother with a reserve or just leave it?
0:04:24 > 0:04:29- No. Just let it fly. - Let it fly. Let it fly you to £28!
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- Or even a bit more.- Hopefully.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- I look forward to a bit of fun at the auction, Terry. Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39There's a brief break in the rain clouds,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43allowing me to get outside and admire the wonderful grounds of Stapleford Park.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Isn't that lavender beautiful? And it smells gorgeous, as well.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49There's hundreds of bees working away there.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53They're as industrious as our experts that have been hard at work inside.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55But, for my valuation, I've come outside to talk to Roger
0:04:55 > 0:04:58because he's got a couple of football teams.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01MUSIC: MATCH OF THE DAY THEME TUNE
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Well, we are talking miniature football teams.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06They're toys. In fact, they're Britain's figures.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Roger, hello. Thank you for bringing these in today. Are you a football fan?
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- No, I'm not, actually. - Was your father?- No, he wasn't.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15How did you come by them?
0:05:15 > 0:05:17I was on holiday four or five weeks ago in North Wales.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21I went into a little antiques centre and there they were for sale.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- How much did you pay for them, do you mind me asking?- £37.- Gosh!
0:05:25 > 0:05:28When I saw them, I thought, "Ooh, they're worth a little bit more than that."
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- You picked up a bargain. - About 38 figures.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Yeah, there's two teams, isn't there? Two full teams.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Three footballs, which you don't normally see.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38And a few sort of spares from some other team.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41I think that's Sheffield United.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- I can't believe you paid that much for them.- No, I can't, really.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- Have you done any research? - Not really, no.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49We collect toys and games, my wife and myself.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51I just saw a bit of profit in them.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55That's why I thought, "Ooh, I'll have a go and buy them."
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Well, there is a bit of history about Britains.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02They were invented by William Britain in 1893.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04He came up with the idea of these hollow, lead figures.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06They're from a mould. Obviously they're cast.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11A cheap way of doing things, but they certainly became the market leader.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16Before long, every other toy manufacturer was copying this.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- But Britains were the best.- Yes. - They're very early figures.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- They're all dated, aren't they, underneath?- Yes.- Britains 1904.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28So this is before the company went limited, cos they went limited in 1907.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30They literally dominated the world for years.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34I mean, every little boy and every grown man would have had one.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36The family sold the business in 1984.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40I think that was about the right time as all the kids were starting to buy plastic figures.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- Yeah, that's right. - Oh, they are just super!
0:06:42 > 0:06:45I think that footballers are quite rare.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48We've seen a lot of the soldiers on the show before.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Obviously condition plays a big part. These are a little bit tatty.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57- Yes.- But the goalies, their arms move, don't they?- That's right.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01We've got an example of a goalie here. His arms move, don't they?
0:07:03 > 0:07:04So it's all there.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Would you be happy if we put them into auction and turned a profit of £100?
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Ooh, I would, yes. Certainly.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15Well, I tell you what. I think you just might make a profit of £200.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- Really?- Yes, I do. A set did sell recently in auction.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22They were in slightly better condition. It was two full teams.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Right.- And they made just over £300.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27So that gives you an idea of the kind of figure we're looking at.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31So let's put them into auction with a value of £200-£250.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- Yeah, that'd be fine. - Yeah?- Excellent!
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- But we could hit the back of the net with £300.- They're very nice. They're very nice, yes.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42Now I'm a bit concerned because we've lost one of the footballs!
0:07:42 > 0:07:47Well, hopefully, they'll make their way to the auction with all three footballs.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Meanwhile, Elizabeth couldn't resist some old "Flog It!" favourites.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- Susie, hello. Thank you for bringing your Troika in.- You're welcome.
0:07:55 > 0:08:02Now this is not an unknown quantity on "Flog It!" but tell me about your collection.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Well, I didn't buy them altogether,
0:08:04 > 0:08:08but I've had them for a long time because I've always liked Troika pottery.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- Do you remember which sequence you bought them in?- Not exactly.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15I seem to remember buying these fairly close together.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18I think I bought the square one a bit later on.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Do you know much about the Troika factory at all? Or the history of it?
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Not an awful lot.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27I mean, it's a name that people are now very familiar with.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30A few years ago nobody would have known what we were talking about.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Now it's very visually familiar to people.
0:08:33 > 0:08:39The Troika factory was established in St Ives, in Cornwall, in 1963.
0:08:39 > 0:08:45They created, very often, these flat-sided, slab-sided pieces, normally vases.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48They were destined to imitate either granite or concrete.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50It was very much a modern look.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55Hans Coper and Ben Nicholson were great influences on their design and their artwork.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59So two big names who they looked to for inspiration.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Yes, sounds familiar.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05The pottery moved to Newlyn in about 1970.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09Then it closed in 1983. So, actually, it was only 20 years old.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14They produced a lot, when we look back at it, in a relatively short space of time.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- I didn't realise that. - You didn't know?- No.
0:09:16 > 0:09:22We have the cube, the wheel vase and the chimney vase.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Quite self-explanatory in terms of shape. Do you have a favourite?
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- I think, possibly, this one. - The wheel vase?- Yes.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31It works really, really well.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36And it's very strong in size and decoration on this really bold circle.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39I notice, from looking at this, that the wheel has a couple of little chips,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42but the rest of the collection seems to be in very good condition.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43Yes.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Do you have them out on display? - I haven't, no.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- I've got two Bengal cats so... - Ah, OK.- I keep them in boxes, unfortunately.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52It seems a waste.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57Troika has gone up and down in value over the last few years.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01The values accelerated quite rapidly, probably about five or six years ago,
0:10:01 > 0:10:06then almost peaked because people had seen so much of it that it sort of reached its plateau.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10But I think now it's settled down and there are very avid collectors of it.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Yes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17So, if we start on the left, the cube vase here is probably the most often-seen shape.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21This one, at the moment, would have an auction value of around about £50-£70.
0:10:21 > 0:10:22Oh, right.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27The wheel vase, because of the damage, we'd mark it down quite harshly on that,
0:10:27 > 0:10:32I think you'd be looking at around about 70-100 on that one.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- OK.- Because of the damage.- Right.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39I like the chimney vase and this one here is designed by Avril Bennett.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Her monogram is on the bottom there.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49That one, I would think, should fetch in the region of about £100-£150.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Yeah?
0:10:50 > 0:10:55The collection, therefore, is worth £220-300, that sort of level.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- Yeah.- When you put them all together.- OK.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01If we leave it to the auctioneer to decide whether they're sold individually or as a group,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04he'll give guidance as to how his auction house will best sell them.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- But if we request that they put a fixed reserve on...- Yes, please.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12Thank you so much for bringing your collection. I think it's really charming.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13And I shall see you at the auction.
0:11:13 > 0:11:19- OK.- And we shall hope that people keep on bidding!- Thank you.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23As I'm sure they will. Troika rarely lets us down.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Good luck with that.- Thank you.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27You never know what's going to turn up at one of our valuation days.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30And you never know what's going to happen at an auction room.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32We've now found our first three items.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35So here's a quick reminder of what's going under the hammer.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Terry's canine kitsch picture isn't going to make a fortune
0:11:38 > 0:11:42but at £20-£30, it should improve on his two quid investment.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49Roger's footy figures by Britain are a fantastic find and a real rarity.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53I reckon they're worth £200 of anybody's money.
0:11:53 > 0:12:00Finally, Elizabeth thought this trio of Troika is a sure bet at £220-£320 for the group.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03But will the damage go against them?
0:12:08 > 0:12:13We've travelled south to the historic, picturesque town of Market Harborough.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14It's time for today's auction.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17This is where we're putting all our valuations to the test.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21It is crunch time. Don't go away because anything could happen.
0:12:21 > 0:12:22It's an auction.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26Some of the things might not sell but some of the things could triple their estimates.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30Yesterday I caught up with auctioneer John Gilding, the man with all the local knowledge.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33This is what he had to say about one of our items.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39I fell in love with these at the valuation day back at Stapleford Park.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- I'm not surprised. - Roger's such a lovely man and I'm surprised he's selling them because
0:12:42 > 0:12:46he's only bought them recently, in a little antique shop for £37.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- Wow!- Next to nothing. So, you see, you can get bargains in antique shops, as well as auctions!
0:12:50 > 0:12:54But there's quite a lot here.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56There's 37 separate little figures,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58which includes three footballs, which are very rare.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03I know the condition's against it but there's a lot of little fellas there.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07So I've given it a £200-£250 estimate.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08- Well, it may do 300. - I would hope so.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13I mean, I've sold loads and loads of lots, as you already know.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- And I've never seen them before.- No.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20We've seen and sold so many Britains on the show before but not footballers.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23All of these are stamped "Britains 1904" underneath as well.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- I'm looking forward to selling these.- Game on, then! - Yeah.- It's game on!
0:13:27 > 0:13:29And it is kick-off time at the auction.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31And John's in position at the rostrum.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35First up it's Terry,
0:13:35 > 0:13:39who hopes his puppy dog eyes will attract some serious bidders.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- Why are you selling it, Terry? - Just too many pictures.- Really?
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- What, comical dog pictures? - No. No, just too many pictures.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48It's got to go, unfortunately.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Even though I do like it.- What drew you to the basset, anyway?
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- I just liked it, something about it. - Yeah, bassets are hilarious, they really are.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57I think it's the ears and their stubbornness.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Oh, I just love it, Paul. It's so kitsch.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- You know, it's so of its time.- It is, isn't it? It's so '70s.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- And, living in Brighton, of course, this thing is big.- Yes.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I mean, this would really appeal to the Brighton market.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Whether it does to the Leicestershire market, I don't know. But I love this picture.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Well, let's hope the Brighton market are on the telephone
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- and on the internet right now, OK.- I hope so.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Because, otherwise, you've got to be here to buy it.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22I think it's wonderful. It's so quirky.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Do you know what I like about it? - It does put a smile on your face. - It puts a smile on your face.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- It really does.- And that's worth investing £20 or £30 in. That's what we want.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- It cost you a couple of pounds? - That's all, yes.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33- OK, good luck.- Thank you.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Here we go. Wave goodbye!
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Study of a puppy. Now this is good.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- "This is good," he says. - That's good.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- £20 opens the bidding. - Oh, we've got 20.- Yes!
0:14:44 > 0:14:48£20, I'm bid 20 and I shall sell.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52At £20. I'm bid 20. £20. I'm bid 20. Do I see 25? On commission.
0:14:53 > 0:14:5525. I'm bid 25.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Eight on there. 28. 30 on commission. £30. I'm bid 30.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01At £30, I'm bid 30. All done.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Selling on commission, then, at £30. All finished and away at 30.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- You'll lose on the net. - BANGS GAVEL
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- Brilliant.- £30. Well, you can't go wrong with that.- You can't.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Good valuation, as well. You said 20 to 30.- It was.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- Thanks very much, Mark. - You're very welcome.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Thanks for bringing it on and thanks for putting a smile on our faces.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Yes, it definitely did that. Thank you.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24# You ain't nothing but a hound dog Crying all the time... #
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Well, there really ain't nothing like a hound dog. It sold on commission,
0:15:28 > 0:15:30to someone who wasn't in the room,
0:15:30 > 0:15:32but left a bid with the auctioneers.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Let's hope our winning streak continues on the pitch.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38It's my turn next to be the expert.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- Roger, it's great to see you again. Hello, there.- Thank you.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- We're talking about those little footballing figures. Who is this? - This is Chris, my wife.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45- Hello, there.- Hello.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49Right, and I understand when you were on holiday,
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- out on a little buying trip, that you were the one who paid for these. - I did.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- So you deserve to be here. - I do!- In fact, it's all your money!
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Roger, go over there. Go on, to the back of the room.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02I was hoping to get a little bit out of it!
0:16:02 > 0:16:04I had a chat to the auctioneer earlier.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06He thought they're an absolute bargain for £37.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- Oh, good.- So did I. We both agreed they should do around £200.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11I hope so, yeah.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14He said, in all the years of being an auctioneer, selling antiques,
0:16:14 > 0:16:18he's not come across Britain's lead footballers.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20So it's a first for him, as well.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Well, this is it. Let's find out what the bidders think and, hopefully,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25there's some phone lines booked.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Now this is very different.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Footballers in lead and bidding starts at a hundred.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34On commission, at £100, I'm bid.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39£100, I'm bid. 100. Do I see ten anywhere, quickly?
0:16:39 > 0:16:40At £100, I'm bid.
0:16:40 > 0:16:41Come on.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43At £100. I'm bid at 100.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46I thought there'd be a lot more than this. 110.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48I'm bid 110. 120.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52At £120 it includes the footballs, as well, of course.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- At £120.- And the balls are so rare. - Yes, yes.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58£120. I'm bid 120.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Well, surprise, surprise!
0:17:00 > 0:17:03At 120, you're watching on the net, you're not bidding.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05We've got reserve of 150.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10Do I see 30 anywhere? All done. Finished. Away, then, at £120.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Well, I'm sorry, I can't sell them at that. Sorry.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Not to worry.- No-one here wants them. It's as simple as that.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- It doesn't mean to say they're not worth that money.- No.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- You know that, don't you?- Oh, yes.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23So, whatever you do, don't let them go for any less than £150.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24No, that's what I thought.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26If there is another day, in another auction...
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Yes. Oh, well. Not to worry. Thank you, anyway.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36Oh, dear. That is auctions for you. But I stand by my valuation.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39And I'm sure they'll do better on another day.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Hoping for a better result is Susie with her Troika vases.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47But, since the valuation day, she's had a change of heart.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Now, we started off at the valuation day with three Troika items.- We did.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53We're left with two. You've withdrawn one.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54- I have.- Why is that? And which one?
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Well, my daughter wants to keep the round one.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- She likes that one so I decided to keep it.- A good one to keep.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05And I gather Susie's been fiddling with the valuations, haven't you?!
0:18:05 > 0:18:12We're starting off with the chimney vase, for which we were hoping for £100-£150, with a reserve of 100.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- Now you're saying the reserve you want is 150.- Yes.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Is that fixed or discretion?- Fixed. - Fixed. OK.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20You haven't meddled with the other one, have you?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23We are looking at...what? You have? You have meddled?
0:18:23 > 0:18:26I think I put a fixed value of £50 on that.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30OK, we've got 50 to 70 but you've just stuck a fixed reserve on it.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34OK. That's the second of the two. This is the first one, going under the hammer now, the chimney vase.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37The Troika chimney vase.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43Lovely piece here. Lots of interest. £110 bid.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47110, I'm bid 110. 120.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50130. 140. 150.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52£150, I'm bid.
0:18:52 > 0:18:58At £150, I'm bid. Do I see 60 anywhere? 160 ahead.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- 170 on commission. - This is good.- 180 in the room and the commissions are all out.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07At £180. I'm bid 180. At £180, you're quite sure? Selling to the room standing.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- 180. - BANGS GAVEL
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Yes, £180! That's good, isn't it? That's very, very good.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15You were right to be so confident, I have to say.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Right, here's the next one.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Another Troika piece.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Monogram JF. Opening bid here, please, of £45.
0:19:26 > 0:19:2945. I'm bid 45. 50.
0:19:29 > 0:19:30Five. 60. Five.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- 70. Five. 80.- It's gone.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37You're out at the door. £80, far and away.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39At £80. Do I see five?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- Sold at £80. - BANGS GAVEL
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- And it's gone down! £80. Well done, you.- Very good.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Something tells me that you would have been pleased
0:19:46 > 0:19:48if they didn't sell.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49I possibly would.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- Well done, you, as well. - Oh, I did nothing. Well done, Susie.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57With a combined total of £260 for only two of her vases,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Susie goes home very happy.
0:20:01 > 0:20:02Well, so far, so good.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05That concludes the first visit to the auction room this morning.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07We're coming back later on in the day.
0:20:07 > 0:20:08So, whatever you do, don't go away.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11There could be one or two big surprises.
0:20:11 > 0:20:12While we were up here in the area,
0:20:12 > 0:20:14I decided to go off and do some exploring.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17And you know I love architecture, so take a look at this.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29You have to admit it, that vista over there is so romantic and tranquil.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31You can't better that!
0:20:31 > 0:20:34And this stretch of ornamental water is just so still.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36It was formerly the backwater of the River Trent
0:20:36 > 0:20:40and I'm surrounded by countryside and nature.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Beautiful, mature trees. A fine example of a larch tree over there.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46You can't beat it on a day like today.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50It would be the perfect place to build a family home,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53just like this one.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02This magnificent Jacobean house is Thrumpton Hall.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04It dates back to the early 1600s.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Even though it's in this secluded setting,
0:21:07 > 0:21:11it's certainly had its brushes with history and seen some turbulent times.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16So much has happened here in the last four centuries.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20I've picked a few of the more intriguing and colourful stories to tell you.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25The house is built around the remains of an earlier Tudor house, belonging to the Powdrell family.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28But, as Roman Catholics in the reign of Elizabeth I,
0:21:28 > 0:21:33their involvement in the notorious Babington plot to overthrow
0:21:33 > 0:21:36the Queen cut short their tenancy.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41The Powdrells were evicted when it was discovered they were hiding a priest here, in this very room.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43I can show you, behind all this oak panelling,
0:21:43 > 0:21:47there is a little secret door, which leads to priest hole.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Follow me.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53Look at this. This is a remarkable survivor from the original building.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Like any secret hiding place, it's full of intrigue, excitement
0:21:57 > 0:22:03and there's an atmosphere about this because we're talking high stakes.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05It was a matter of life and death.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07And they weren't hiding any old priest,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09they were hiding Father Henry Garnet,
0:22:09 > 0:22:14one of the leading conspirators to plot against Queen Elizabeth.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19I wouldn't like to be down there for too long.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22These conspiracies were ruthlessly suppressed.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25The Powdrells were lucky to escape with their lives.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Their neighbour, however, Sir Anthony Babington wasn't so lucky.
0:22:29 > 0:22:35As the leader of the plot, he was sentenced to death for treason and conspiracy against the Crown.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40The punishment he received was the severest at the time.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45He would be hung, drawn and quartered at the tender age of 25.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50The discovery of this plot was also the end of Mary, Queen of Scots.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53She was beheaded a few months later.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59A bloodthirsty chapter in English history.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05Soon after the new owners, the Pigots, rebuilt the house as we see it today.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09And at the end of the Civil War, having come through another turbulent time,
0:23:09 > 0:23:13Gervase Pigot the Younger embarked on more improvements to the house.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19He celebrated the restoration of Charles II to the throne
0:23:19 > 0:23:22by commissioning this rather understated staircase.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27Well, I'm only joking there because there's absolutely nothing understated about it.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31It's grandly over the top, in keeping of the spirit of the time.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34I'll just point out a few details for you.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37This was all made from timber from the estate.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41It's mixed woods, made by the local craftsman here.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45All this section here, all of these panels, are made out of elm.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48The balustrades themselves, with this wonderful detail on it,
0:23:48 > 0:23:53with these finials here and drop pendants there, they're made of oak.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55The handrails are made of oak.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58The treads and the risers, they're all made of pine.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02In the Victorian period the owners of the house wanted
0:24:02 > 0:24:06this whole staircase to look like it was made from one wood, an oak.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10So they stained the whole thing with a dirty, tarry black varnish,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12which was all the rage at the time.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17And I've been told it took three workmen one year to scrape it all back off.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21To bring it back to its former glory.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Now that must have been a labour of love.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26The improvements didn't stop here.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30The staircase leads to the saloon, remarkably unchanged
0:24:30 > 0:24:32since the 17th Century,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35yet still very much in use by the current owners.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Gervase's extravagance was to be the ruin of him.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43Unable to meet his mortgage repayments, he forfeited the house to his lawyer, Mr John Emerton.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47And it's his descendants who have lived here ever since.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Right down to its current owner, Miranda Seymour. Hello, Miranda.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- Thank you so much for letting us film here today.- It's lovely you're here.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59Oh, it's a real pleasure. Now, you grew up here in this house, what was that like?
0:24:59 > 0:25:05I did grow up here and I was terrified here, when I was a little girl.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10My parents were just beginning to get a derelict house back after the war,
0:25:10 > 0:25:15getting it back into shape again. There were dust sheets on all the busts,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18cobwebs on all the windows and the staircase was black.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- Oh, gosh!- I was living on the top floor,
0:25:20 > 0:25:25up behind the door where the nursery floor was and I was absolutely scared out of my little wits.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26- Where you?- I was.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28But now, I know you're a writer.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Does the whole atmosphere of this house inspire you?
0:25:31 > 0:25:35I love it when I'm writing here and particularly in this room
0:25:35 > 0:25:39because it's just a very, very calm space to be in.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41I know this house has had a very interesting history.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45And, I gather there's a connection to Lord Byron. Is that with you?
0:25:45 > 0:25:50There is, indeed. And, actually, I always feel very excited by that as a writer
0:25:50 > 0:25:54because, I mean, what a person to be connected to.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58But Byron's cousin inherited the title and it was through him
0:25:58 > 0:26:00that the title came down to my father's uncle and,
0:26:00 > 0:26:04so, we got all these wonderful Byron relics here.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- And you've got a few out to show me, haven't you?- I have.- What have you got?
0:26:08 > 0:26:14I've got three things. And this, as a writer, is the most exciting one to me.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Here's Byron's very own signet ring. The first he ever had
0:26:17 > 0:26:23- and it fits just perfectly on my signet finger.- It's meant to be.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26So I hope.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Now, this is a rather wonderful relic.
0:26:28 > 0:26:34I don't know if you can see here but it's got a B on the front, for Byron.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38And in the back it's got a tiny little strand of his hair.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- Oh, I can see that.- Which was given to his half-sister,
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Augusta Leigh, the ones he was so in love with.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47She passed it on to Byron's first cousin.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50So that's real, authentic Byron hair sitting in there.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54It's wonderful provenance, isn't it? I mean, it doesn't get any better.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Nope, I think it has to be the genuine thing.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58Now this is more funny.
0:26:58 > 0:27:04This is a little bit clipped from Byron's bed hangings at Halnaby,
0:27:04 > 0:27:06on his honeymoon night.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10And, he had an absolutely disastrous marriage.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15Poor Annabella, because he woke up in the middle of the night
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and screamed out, "I'm in hell!"
0:27:18 > 0:27:23I mean, can you imagine, on his honeymoon night? But, it's quite clear what had happened.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26You've got this very, very deep red damask and, in those days,
0:27:26 > 0:27:31in a bedroom you'd have had the fire blazing in the corner.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35- And I'm sure Byron...- Looked at the fire and thought he was in Dante's Inferno.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Wonderful artefacts, thank you for showing me.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Well, lovely you could come, thank you.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Thrumpton Hall is bursting with stories.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51In its 400 year existence, it's brushed up against some of the biggest names in English history.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55From Mary Queen of Scots to Lord Byron and to it present owner,
0:27:55 > 0:27:57writer, Miranda Seymour.
0:27:57 > 0:28:03And, as long as someone continues to live here, this place will continue to make history.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Welcome back to Stapleford Park. As you can see,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18there are still a lot of people here which means a lot of antiques to value.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Let's catch up with our experts and see what else they can spot.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25Elizabeth wrestled her next item away from Mark earlier today.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Let's find out what the attraction was.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32What a charming chair, Pete. Thank you for bringing this in.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- So, what's the story behind it? - Well, it's a family heirloom.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40It's been in the family for as long as I can remember
0:28:40 > 0:28:44and how far back it goes before that, I don't know. Perhaps you can tell me that.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48- So, how far can you remember? - As a child, sitting in it.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- You sat in it, did you? - Yes, I did.- Oh, my goodness!
0:28:50 > 0:28:55- You can actually remember that?- Yes, I can. And, then, my granddaughter later sat in it.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00- Oh, so it's really been passed from person to person, down the ages? - Yes.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Do you always remember it having this upholstery?
0:29:02 > 0:29:06- Did you remember this have you always known it..?- I think it was re-upholstered.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10And you remember that, do you? Because it's been, in it's life, re-upholstered.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14- I mean, the chair is a late Victorian chair.- Oh, is it?
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- So, it dates from the very last quarter of the 19th Century.- OK.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21It's machine-turned, the legs, and these little feet that kick
0:29:21 > 0:29:25out at the bottom are typical of chairs from that period.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29You see them on bentwood chairs and cafe chairs and so on.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- So, stylistically, it's very much late 19th Century.- Oh.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36You sound disappointed, did you think it went back further?
0:29:36 > 0:29:38I thought it was probably older, but no, it's not.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41No. It's definitely of that period and, stylistically, as a chair,
0:29:41 > 0:29:43you wouldn't see that sort of style much earlier.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46So, when I was sat in it, it wasn't that old, then?
0:29:46 > 0:29:50I shan't comment because I could be drawn onto how old I think you are. So, I'm not going to say anything.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Just a whippersnapper, I'm sure.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56Anyway, it's a charming chair but you've brought it to flog it.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00Are you now looking at depriving your grandchildren of the chair or...?
0:30:00 > 0:30:06The family, at the moment, don't seem to be particularly keen on it
0:30:06 > 0:30:09so we're trying to declutter, as they say.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- So, it was one of the things to... - To go, yeah.- Oh, OK.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17I think because we like small objects, we like miniature versions of bigger items,
0:30:17 > 0:30:23- any childhood related pieces are quite evocative.- I think so, yeah.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28- Do you've any idea of value?- No, no, that's one of the reasons I came.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32I think, on a gloomy day, it would be round about £50.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36On a better day, probably £70 to £100, as the market stands at the moment.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- Oh, yeah. Yeah.- I'd like to encourage the upper end of that
0:30:40 > 0:30:44and suggest that we look for a happier thing. And suggest it should sell,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47in this condition, for about £70 to £100.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50With a reserve of £70. Would you be happy with that?
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- Yes, that seems fine to me, yes. - We'll put discretion on the 70.- Yes.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- We'll see how we go. Thank you for bringing it in.- Thank you.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59It's marvellous to see some furniture on the show.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Especially ones with such a lovely, personal history.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05I love the buzz of the valuation day.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09You never know what's going to come through the door. Or, what requests you'll get.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13The lining in the suit, they want to look at the lining in my suit.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- There we go, look.- Woo! Yeah!
0:31:19 > 0:31:20Sorry about that.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Oh, you know you've got to work with amateurs these days. But I love it.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28You've brought in a charming, little flower-head ring, set with diamonds.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- Now, where did you get this from? - From York.- From York?- Yes.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- Did you buy it or was it inherited? - No, I bought it.- Many years ago?
0:31:36 > 0:31:41- No, about eight years ago.- Oh, so not long? And, why did you buy it? You just fell in love with it?
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Well, it was a small antiques shop and when I passed it,
0:31:44 > 0:31:48I think they'd got a light on in the cabinet and it made it shine.
0:31:48 > 0:31:53- And, we women as we are, we... - So, you were beguiled?- Yes.
0:31:53 > 0:31:54Impulsive buy, yes.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58You've had it for eight years, why have you decided to maybe flog it now?
0:31:58 > 0:32:04Well, when you become older, jewellery's not important in your life.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Your family is more important.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11- So, it's going to go and help a family member, is it?- Well, it'll probably be for my son.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16He's wanting a better car so any money, it'll go towards his car.
0:32:16 > 0:32:21So, we're going from something that's very, sort of, unnecessary to something which is very necessary.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23- Practical.- Which is great, isn't it? - Yes.- It's great.
0:32:23 > 0:32:29If we just take it out of the box, we can see that it's a very pretty ring,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32and, modelled on little flower heads.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36I suppose it dates it to the early part of the 20th Century.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39So, 1915, 1920, that sort of date.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Now, there aren't any makers marks or anything like that in there,
0:32:42 > 0:32:47Audrey, it's just stamped at the bottom, 18 carat gold. Which is quite nice.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51But, very much that sort of inter-war piece of jewellery.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55And, hopefully, somebody will find it very appealing in the sale room.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Now, in terms of an auction estimate, Audrey,
0:32:58 > 0:33:02- I would be looking at something around £250 to £300.- That's lovely.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Would that be all right with you? - Oh, yes, flog it!- Flog it!
0:33:05 > 0:33:10- That's what we like. That's what David assures.- Yes, that's it.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13In terms of a reserve, what sort of reserve would you like on it?
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- You're the specialist.- Well, shall we put a fixed reserve of £200 on it?
0:33:17 > 0:33:21We'll put the estimate to tempt them in but we'll put a fixed reserve of £200.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25- Right, that's all right.- Fantastic. - It's fine.- Will you be sad to see it go?
0:33:25 > 0:33:31- No.- No?- I'm just pleased to be here with you.- Oh! Stop it, I'll blush.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41Cupid's aiming his arrow at Elizabeth, now, as she turns on the charm.
0:33:41 > 0:33:46- Graeme, shall we dance?- Yes, we could do it. I do believe that's what It is.
0:33:46 > 0:33:52It certainly is. You brought this delightful, little late-Victorian dance card.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Now, tell me how you've acquired it and why it's here today.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00Basically, it's because my auntie left it to me when she passed away.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06And the reason I'm selling it, is because my daughter's getting married next year.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09So, you're hoping it's going to raise a little bit for the general funds?
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- I hope so because it's in New York. - Oh!
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- Your daughter has high hopes and big plans, does she?- Very big plans.- Oh, OK.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22- We're going to hopefully help towards it. So you've decided you're definitely going to sell it?- Yes.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Do you remember your aunt having it? Do you remember it in her possession?
0:34:25 > 0:34:29No, never seen her using it at all. I know they used them in Victorian times.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33They did. It was the little accessory that ladies-about-town
0:34:33 > 0:34:36who went to balls and dances would definitely have to make sure that
0:34:36 > 0:34:39they got the dance card marked for each dance.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42It's hallmarked London 1875.
0:34:42 > 0:34:48So, presumably, your aunt may have been, in turn, gifted it from a previous generation?
0:34:48 > 0:34:50- Probably.- Yeah, from her mother or...- I mean, as I say,
0:34:50 > 0:34:52it's very well hallmarked,
0:34:52 > 0:34:56hallmarked silver which is well stamped and verified there.
0:34:56 > 0:35:01Front and back it's wonderful, a very heavily cast silver cover.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03It's surprisingly robust, actually.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Often, they're quite delicate and flimsy but this is a good,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09solid piece of silver which has been beautifully worked.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13And, if you spin open the cover, there,
0:35:13 > 0:35:19to reveal these little tablets of ivory, upon which you'd write with a tiny pencil.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Graphite marks ivory quite well but it can then be wiped off
0:35:23 > 0:35:26so you can reuse it and reuse it and reuse it.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31This use of ivory for jotting notes down is the equivalent of our Post-its, I suppose.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- But the difference is, you could re-use that.- How did they cut them that thin?
0:35:35 > 0:35:37Thin ivory, like this, was originally cut by hand
0:35:37 > 0:35:40but, by this time, it would be machine spliced.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44I love the way they've shaped it in this sort of kick out at the back, at the bottom, there.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49Just to fit into the shape of the front. That, in turn, is very much of it's time.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52It's almost art nouveau, that shape, that sort of curved
0:35:52 > 0:35:55and swept shape with this arched top.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58But, as an example, it's in superb condition.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02The silver is very crisp, the ivory's in good condition,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04it's got it's ring at the top which would fasten to
0:36:04 > 0:36:06either a chattel and chain or to the ladies',
0:36:06 > 0:36:09perhaps she'd have a chain round her wrist so she didn't lose it,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12or attached to her belt or her to her evening bag.
0:36:12 > 0:36:17I'd say that a realistic auction estimate, at the moment, is somewhere between £80 and £120.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- That's nice.- That sound OK? - Yeah, that's fine.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24We'll put an £80 discretionary reserve, put it to the market
0:36:24 > 0:36:26and see how they respond.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29But I do believe it's the sort of little collectible in silver
0:36:29 > 0:36:31which will be received well by the market, at the moment.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- And will contribute a little towards the wedding.- It'll help with the wedding fund.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38That's a remarkable piece of social history and,
0:36:38 > 0:36:43as it pre-dates 1947, it's classified as an antique and,
0:36:43 > 0:36:48therefore, perfectly legal to sell within the trading of ivory laws.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50- Have you all had a good day? - Yes!- Yes!
0:36:50 > 0:36:52So, there you go, I think it's job done, don't you?
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Hopefully, you're going to go home rich, as well.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58I think it's about time we put it to the test, don't you?
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Let's get over to the auction room for the very last time
0:37:02 > 0:37:05as we say farewell to our host venue for today,
0:37:05 > 0:37:07the magnificent Stapleford Park.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09See you in the sale room.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Let's just re-cap on what we're taking with us, shall we?
0:37:12 > 0:37:17Pete's family heirloom doesn't appeal to his grandchildren so it's time to say goodbye.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Elizabeth's valued it at £70 to £100.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26Audrey's diamond ring caught Mark's eye. He's hoping it'll make £250 to £300,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29a tidy sum, to go towards her son's car.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32And, finally, Graeme also needs to raise some money.
0:37:32 > 0:37:38Will his silver dance card be marked at the top end of Elizabeth's £80 to £120 estimate?
0:37:43 > 0:37:48We're back at Gilding's Auction Rooms for the second half of our items.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50What a jam-packed sale room.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53I tell you what, I think we could be in for one or two surprises.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Our owners are over there somewhere and I'm going to find them
0:37:56 > 0:37:59because I know they're feeling really nervous.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02It's OK for you, you can sit back, enjoy this and put your feet up.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04But, it's going to be a rollercoaster ride for them.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08I'm going to catch up with them and then we'll get on with the show.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13John Gilding is back on the roster and racing through the lots.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16170! 180!
0:38:16 > 0:38:18190.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Going under the hammer right now we've got this wonderful bit of walnut furniture.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24It's a child's chair and it belongs to Pete, who's a grandad.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28- Hello there, Pete.- Hello.- And we're looking at £100 here, possibly £100, top end.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- Hopefully.- This is Millie, isn't it? Your granddaughter?- It is, yes.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- So, Millie, have you sat in Granddad's chair?- Yes.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37He sat in this as a young lad, you know?
0:38:37 > 0:38:40So, Granddad, if we do sell this, is Millie going to get the money?
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- Well, I'd rather fill up the car with petrol.- See? I knew you'd say that.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47That's proper granddad stuff, that's. That's practical joking.
0:38:47 > 0:38:53- We're going on holiday, aren't we? - Aw, bless! Bless!- To the seaside. - To the seaside, great! OK.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57Fingers crossed we get the top end of the estimate. I've every confidence in Elizabeth,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- I think you're spot on there.- Well, I try.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03The children's chairs are popular because they're decorative and charming.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- Good christening presents.- Oh, yeah, that's a good idea.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Funny little things. You can't go wrong with a kid's chair.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13Lovely, little child's chair here. What would you say for that?
0:39:13 > 0:39:18Lovely, little elbow chair. £45 bid?
0:39:18 > 0:39:2045 anybody? 45?
0:39:20 > 0:39:2250 in the room. 5.
0:39:22 > 0:39:2555, 55, 60!
0:39:25 > 0:39:2765. 70.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- £70, I've got 70.- Come on.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- My commissions are out and you're out on the net.- £70!
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- Sold at £70!- He's going to sell, isn't he?
0:39:36 > 0:39:38- BANGS GAVEL - He's sold it at £70.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40We just got it away, didn't we?
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- You're off to the seaside, Millie. - Yay!- How about that?
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- Where are you going to go? Where is granddad taking you?- Cromer.- Cromer!
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Wow! Lovely. Good choice that, isn't it?
0:39:49 > 0:39:53Granddad's a winner all round, and they're off to the seaside.
0:39:53 > 0:40:00Audrey's ring is up next and she's lowered her reserve to £190 to attract the buyers.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04Fingers crossed, Audrey, fingers crossed. No more compulsive buying.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07We're talking about that lovely ring that Mark put a value on.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11We brought it along to the right expert. This ring caught your eye.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14It did. It was a very pretty ring, actually, and it's very delicate.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17It's got that lovely sort of flower-head top to it.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21Now, I don't do a lot of rings, as you know, because I'm not a jewellery expert.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23But I think this stands a good chance at auction.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26So, there we go. And you've met your favourite expert, haven't you?
0:40:26 > 0:40:29Yes. Yes, I've only come here to see Mark. Ha-ha-ha.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35The cluster ring. This is a lovely ring. What will we say for that?
0:40:37 > 0:40:43£130 bid. 140. 150. 160. 170.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- 180 in the room. Commission's a loss.- Come on, come on.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52Could be more. You're out on the net. £190? £190 on the net.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56£190 and I'm watching you all carefully.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Selling it away at £190.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01BANGS GAVEL
0:41:01 > 0:41:06Sold it, £190. I heard you saying, "That's OK."
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- That's OK, isn't it?- That's fine. - Just under, under our low end estimate.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12It was. I was hoping for a bit more, actually.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- I was hoping it would be around £250.- Nice to meet you, Mark.- Lovely to meet you.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- And good luck. - Aww.- Good luck with the car hunt.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24- You've met your expert hero, haven't you? You're happy shopping for your son, as well.- Yes. Yes.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27Well, it might only buy a wing mirror for Audrey's son's car
0:41:27 > 0:41:31but any contribution will be welcome, I'm sure.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34The late-Victorian silver dance-card is up for grabs right now
0:41:34 > 0:41:37with a classic £80 to £120.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40And it's in mint, mint condition, Graeme. So, well done for looking after that.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- Oh, thank you.- It's been in the family a while.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45Just a few years, really. My auntie left it to me.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- Who are you with? Hello!- This is the wife, Linda.- Oh, hello, Linda.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Now, I'm pleased you're here.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55- All the money is going towards your daughter's wedding.- That's correct.
0:41:55 > 0:42:00- Big occasion!- Yes, in New York.- How fabulous! Well, hopefully, we'll get the top-end.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Well, hopefully. A little bit towards the very big bill, probably.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06It won't make much of an impact but, you know?
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Weddings haemorrhage money, they just haemorrhage money.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12- They're so expensive nowadays, aren't they? They really are.- It's very expensive in New York.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17Well, fingers crossed this adds to it, it's going under the hammer right now.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20The silver-faced jotter, loads of bids here.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23£90 bid.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Oh, that's good.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30£90. 95. 110.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34110, bid 110. 120.
0:42:35 > 0:42:40Commission's a loss. It's on the net. All out in the room. 130.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44130, bid 130.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48£130, one of you loses on the net.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52The red takes at £130.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- Very pleased with that.- Magic. - Every little helps.- That's right.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59- It'll pay for the taxi.- What's your daughter's name?- Carolyn.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- Well, I wish her all the best. I really do.- Thank you.
0:43:02 > 0:43:07Well, they'll definitely be waltzing their way to New York after that result.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Well, that's it. It's all over for our owners and I hope you've enjoyed the show.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15Looks like there's a chaise longue waiting for me here.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18It's been a long day. It's been a tough day. Not everything has sold.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Most things that did sell went within estimate but it just goes to show,
0:43:21 > 0:43:25you can't predict what's going to happen in auction. That's why they're always exciting.
0:43:25 > 0:43:30Join me again soon but for now, from Market Harborough, it's goodbye.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32Ha-ha-ha!
0:43:36 > 0:43:39Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:39 > 0:43:42E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk