Preston

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0:00:08 > 0:00:11Here in Lancashire it's so easy to indulge in the local delicacies,

0:00:11 > 0:00:14like the hotpot and world-famous cheeses.

0:00:14 > 0:00:17But Preston is also the birthplace of the teetotaller.

0:00:17 > 0:00:21So I can assure you we'll all be keeping a clear head on today's show.

0:00:21 > 0:00:23Welcome to Flog It!

0:00:47 > 0:00:49Formerly known as Priest Town,

0:00:49 > 0:00:53Preston is named after the monks who originally settled here,

0:00:53 > 0:00:55so it's quite appropriate that our venue for today

0:00:55 > 0:00:58is the magnificent church of St John's.

0:00:58 > 0:01:00And there's a healthy crowd of people here,

0:01:00 > 0:01:03all snaking their way around the steps.

0:01:03 > 0:01:08Our experts today are James Lewis and David Fletcher.

0:01:08 > 0:01:10And they are already on the case delivering verdicts.

0:01:10 > 0:01:14But right now it's time to get the doors open.

0:01:14 > 0:01:16- Are you ready to go inside?- Yes! - That's a big yes.

0:01:16 > 0:01:18Let's get them in, come on.

0:01:18 > 0:01:21You're the first in the queue, aren't you? What's your name?

0:01:21 > 0:01:23- Anthony.- Anthony, well done.

0:01:23 > 0:01:27Today's show is a rollercoaster of emotions,

0:01:27 > 0:01:30with some priceless reactions from our owners.

0:01:30 > 0:01:32You will give me a heart attack!

0:01:32 > 0:01:36I'm amazed! I'm really amazed.

0:01:39 > 0:01:43But which of these items goes for over a grand?

0:01:43 > 0:01:47Is it this sparkling tea caddy?

0:01:47 > 0:01:49- You've got something...- Very old.

0:01:49 > 0:01:51Quite nice and very old.

0:01:51 > 0:01:54These Oriental carvings.

0:01:54 > 0:01:58This is around 1900, this is slightly earlier.

0:01:58 > 0:02:00This is about 1880, 1890.

0:02:00 > 0:02:03Or this Royal Doulton figurine.

0:02:03 > 0:02:06This figure was only in production for two years

0:02:06 > 0:02:09and as such is a rarity, really.

0:02:12 > 0:02:15Everybody is now safely seated inside.

0:02:15 > 0:02:19I think it's about time we found some treasures, don't you? And that's down to our experts.

0:02:19 > 0:02:22It looks like James Lewis has spotted a real gem.

0:02:22 > 0:02:26Let's take a closer look at what he's looking at. He's over there.

0:02:26 > 0:02:31Joan, I have to say of all the things I was expecting to see here in Preston,

0:02:31 > 0:02:35a pair of Japanese watercolours wasn't really on my list.

0:02:35 > 0:02:37Wasn't it? Oh, right.

0:02:37 > 0:02:41What are they doing here, how have they found their way to Preston

0:02:41 > 0:02:43and what do you know about them?

0:02:43 > 0:02:47I was given them about 30 years ago by an elderly lady.

0:02:47 > 0:02:50So I've had them on my wall at home for a number of years.

0:02:50 > 0:02:53Then they got put to the back of the cupboard.

0:02:53 > 0:02:56Then the other day I was cleaning my cupboards out,

0:02:56 > 0:02:58I came across these two pictures and I thought,

0:02:58 > 0:03:03really, I've got to downsize now and I'll throw them out.

0:03:03 > 0:03:07I put them in a plastic bag by the dustbin last week.

0:03:07 > 0:03:11Then I thought, just check that name on the side of the picture.

0:03:11 > 0:03:15I checked on the internet and he seems as though he's quite well known.

0:03:15 > 0:03:19- So what have you found out about them?- I found out that he was called Tadashi.

0:03:19 > 0:03:22Yes, Tadashi was his first name.

0:03:22 > 0:03:26I should think they were probably '40s, '50s.

0:03:26 > 0:03:29Looking at their style, this is something

0:03:29 > 0:03:33that would have been painted when Japanese art in the West

0:03:33 > 0:03:35was very out of fashion.

0:03:35 > 0:03:39But he hasn't done them for his own market in Japan

0:03:39 > 0:03:43because he's signed them T - for Tadashi - Nakayama,

0:03:43 > 0:03:46but he's signed them in the Western way.

0:03:46 > 0:03:48It would be interesting to know

0:03:48 > 0:03:52if maybe somebody in the Navy visited the Far East.

0:03:52 > 0:03:55Well, this lady who gave me these,

0:03:55 > 0:03:59she was a nurse and she travelled quite extensively.

0:03:59 > 0:04:02She probably worked over there as well.

0:04:02 > 0:04:06Whether she picked them up there and brought them back here,

0:04:06 > 0:04:08you know, I would imagine she did, really.

0:04:08 > 0:04:10When it comes to value,

0:04:10 > 0:04:16I reckon we should put an estimate of £100-£150 on them.

0:04:16 > 0:04:19They might make a shade more, they might make 180, 200.

0:04:19 > 0:04:21But I think that's a sensible figure.

0:04:21 > 0:04:25- My word, it's better than throwing them out, isn't it?- Absolutely, yes.

0:04:25 > 0:04:29I've stepped outside now to the peace and quiet of the courtyard,

0:04:29 > 0:04:33to look at a very special item Evelyn has brought along.

0:04:33 > 0:04:38- I pulled you out of the crowd because you're holding a little mother-of-pearl tea caddy.- Yes.

0:04:38 > 0:04:42- So how did you come by this? - Well, my mother had it and she gave it to me. It was her aunt's.

0:04:42 > 0:04:44I've had it 40 years now.

0:04:44 > 0:04:47And is it something you're considering selling?

0:04:47 > 0:04:50Well, I didn't think it was worth anything, really.

0:04:50 > 0:04:53I haven't told you yet, have I?

0:04:53 > 0:04:59No, because the lid's broke and a lot of pearl's missing from it.

0:04:59 > 0:05:04Let's have a look. Yes, you can see this wonderful repetitive geometric pattern.

0:05:04 > 0:05:08This is, believe it or not, very late Georgian.

0:05:08 > 0:05:10It's pre-Victorian.

0:05:10 > 0:05:16- I'd put this at around 1830, 1835. You've got something...- Very old.

0:05:16 > 0:05:20- Quite nice and very old, yes. - And to think what I've been putting in it, Paul.

0:05:20 > 0:05:24It's been through the wars! What have you put in it anyway?

0:05:24 > 0:05:27- What have you been putting in it? - Old keys.- Have you?- Hair grips.

0:05:27 > 0:05:32- Hair grips, elastic bands, drawing pins.- Yes, everything!

0:05:32 > 0:05:34- We all need boxes like that, don't we?- We do.

0:05:34 > 0:05:38- Do you know why there are two compartments?- No, not really.

0:05:38 > 0:05:41- One's for green tea and one's for black tea.- Right.

0:05:41 > 0:05:43And they're called tea caddies

0:05:43 > 0:05:46because of the weight of measure tea was sold in.

0:05:46 > 0:05:49Originally it's a Malay word for caddy. Kati.

0:05:49 > 0:05:52- Oh, very good.- Of course it was very valuable in its day.

0:05:52 > 0:05:55That's why tea caddies always had a lock on.

0:05:55 > 0:05:59- So the servants couldn't pinch it when you went to bed. - That's very good.

0:05:59 > 0:06:01That's true, honestly.

0:06:01 > 0:06:05Until it became more affordable, when everybody was drinking tea.

0:06:05 > 0:06:09But originally, in the 17th century, it was always the upper echelons,

0:06:09 > 0:06:12the Kings and Queens, and people at Royal Court.

0:06:12 > 0:06:15- All the posh people. - All the posh people, yeah.

0:06:15 > 0:06:17Now, are you sure you've got all the bits?

0:06:17 > 0:06:20Those are all that I've got left of it. I'm sorry.

0:06:20 > 0:06:23OK, because this is a restoration project.

0:06:23 > 0:06:25And you know what this is made of, mother-of-pearl?

0:06:25 > 0:06:28This is seashell, literally ground down and glued on.

0:06:28 > 0:06:32- And this is a pine carcass. - But it does shine, doesn't it?

0:06:32 > 0:06:36- That's why it's known as mother-of-pearl.- Beautiful.

0:06:36 > 0:06:39I think you could safely put this into auction

0:06:39 > 0:06:42with a value of around about £80-120.

0:06:42 > 0:06:44Really? So much?

0:06:44 > 0:06:51But we will put a reserve on at £60 fixed, if that's OK with you.

0:06:51 > 0:06:54- Happy to sell it?- Yes. - OK, well, I'll see you in the auction room.- Thank you.

0:06:54 > 0:06:59Back inside, the valuation day is in full swing.

0:06:59 > 0:07:03David's been lured by Catherine and Rachel's gold.

0:07:04 > 0:07:08- And when did you inherit it? - I inherited it about 10 years ago.

0:07:08 > 0:07:11My great-grandad's brother gave it to his wife and she made a bracelet.

0:07:11 > 0:07:16- The chain was actually a watch chain. - Yes, that's interesting.

0:07:16 > 0:07:19You can imagine that being worn as a watch chain.

0:07:19 > 0:07:22I wouldn't actually wear it myself.

0:07:22 > 0:07:24So we never got it out, which is a shame.

0:07:24 > 0:07:29Sometimes people say, oh, it's got to be worth more than its melt value,

0:07:29 > 0:07:32and I think generally speaking that's true.

0:07:32 > 0:07:36Particularly in the case of an item like this, which is wearable.

0:07:36 > 0:07:38So there is a value over and above its melt value.

0:07:38 > 0:07:44This, after it's been bought will be sold on by a dealer, if he buys it,

0:07:44 > 0:07:49or if it's bought by a private person, they will keep it to wear.

0:07:49 > 0:07:54And the chain itself weighs 45 grams, so at today's prices,

0:07:54 > 0:07:56that's worth about £360.

0:07:56 > 0:08:02- OK.- And we have in addition to that the two coins.

0:08:02 > 0:08:07Now, this is a sovereign, a gold sovereign, dated 1914.

0:08:07 > 0:08:10And this is a South African gold coin,

0:08:10 > 0:08:13and they will each be worth about £180.

0:08:13 > 0:08:20Now, these won't be hallmarked, but the chain of course is,

0:08:20 > 0:08:22and the hallmarks tell us that it's nine carat.

0:08:22 > 0:08:24So that's the little package.

0:08:24 > 0:08:29Now, given the component prices we've talked about,

0:08:29 > 0:08:34I would suggest that we sold it with an estimate of £600-800,

0:08:34 > 0:08:37which is realistic, competitive,

0:08:37 > 0:08:41and I'm confident that we'll sell it at that sort of figure.

0:08:41 > 0:08:46- And the reserve should be £600. OK? - Yeah, that's great.- Good.

0:08:52 > 0:08:56Well, there you are. Our first three items found, and we're ready to go to auction.

0:08:56 > 0:08:59Don't go away. This is where it gets exciting.

0:08:59 > 0:09:01Let's put those valuations to the test.

0:09:01 > 0:09:07While we make our way over there, here's a recap to jog your memory of everything going under the hammer.

0:09:08 > 0:09:11Thank goodness Joan thought twice about throwing away

0:09:11 > 0:09:15these watercolours, which James valued at £100-150.

0:09:15 > 0:09:19Though damaged, Evelyn's tea caddy is still a collector's item,

0:09:19 > 0:09:22and worth £80-120.

0:09:22 > 0:09:25And it's time to cash in on the inheritance

0:09:25 > 0:09:28while gold prices are still high.

0:09:28 > 0:09:31David's valued the lot at £600-800.

0:09:35 > 0:09:38Our sale today comes from Knutsford, a town steeped in history.

0:09:38 > 0:09:40And our auction is taking place

0:09:40 > 0:09:44in this wonderful red brick Victorian building, which was previously a school.

0:09:44 > 0:09:47Today, it's the sale room courtesy of Frank Marshall.

0:09:47 > 0:09:51Let's go inside and catch up with our owners, and have a quick chat to Nick Hall,

0:09:51 > 0:09:54the man with all the local knowledge, the man with the gavel. See you inside.

0:09:56 > 0:09:59The sellers' commission here is 15%, including VAT.

0:09:59 > 0:10:03Auctioneer Nick Hall has more to reveal about these paintings.

0:10:06 > 0:10:10James believes they're by the Japanese artist Tadashi Nakayama.

0:10:10 > 0:10:13Well, he was close. It's actually Takashi Nakayama.

0:10:13 > 0:10:18- Right, OK. - One letter difference, but two completely different artists.

0:10:18 > 0:10:21- One a lot earlier?- Yes.

0:10:21 > 0:10:24Now, Takashi was working slightly earlier than Tadashi.

0:10:24 > 0:10:27Late 19th into the early 20th century,

0:10:27 > 0:10:30rather than from the early into the middle 20th century.

0:10:30 > 0:10:34And Tadashi's work is much more contemporary and vibrant,

0:10:34 > 0:10:37a little bit like the modern British movement. This is more traditional.

0:10:37 > 0:10:40OK, so does this put a little more value onto it?

0:10:40 > 0:10:42Well, there's another oddity.

0:10:42 > 0:10:46Actually, Tadashi, that James said it was, makes more money,

0:10:46 > 0:10:48and Takashi that this is actually by, makes less money.

0:10:48 > 0:10:53- But the estimate is bang on.- I hope you're following this at home!

0:10:53 > 0:10:54This is very confusing.

0:10:54 > 0:10:58But he didn't have a lot to go by, because it is only signed T.

0:10:58 > 0:11:00Yes, we went through all the initials

0:11:00 > 0:11:03and surnames of this Japanese artist.

0:11:03 > 0:11:05And we found there were several similar-sounding ones.

0:11:05 > 0:11:09And it is just then a case of having the time and diligence to trawl through

0:11:09 > 0:11:12and to find examples, check signatures

0:11:12 > 0:11:15so you know you've got the right name before you go to print.

0:11:15 > 0:11:18Has there been much interest? That's what we want to know.

0:11:18 > 0:11:19After all that, not a lot.

0:11:24 > 0:11:27I'll break the news to James a bit later.

0:11:27 > 0:11:32But first, let's catch up with Evelyn, who's joined by her daughter-in-law, Alison.

0:11:32 > 0:11:35What have you been up to since I last saw you?

0:11:35 > 0:11:39- Much the usual things.- What's the usual?- You've been on holiday.

0:11:39 > 0:11:43- Holiday? Where have you been? - Only to Blackpool.

0:11:43 > 0:11:46- Hey, that's only down the road, isn't it?- It is!

0:11:46 > 0:11:47You don't go far, do you?

0:11:47 > 0:11:51The last time I was in Blackpool, I was walking along the seafront,

0:11:51 > 0:11:53and you're not going to believe this,

0:11:53 > 0:11:58but there were something like about a hundred Elvis Presleys walking towards me.

0:11:58 > 0:11:59I'm not surprised.

0:11:59 > 0:12:03In all of their gear, because there was an Elvis convention going on.

0:12:03 > 0:12:05You could have seen worse.

0:12:06 > 0:12:08# I'm all shook up... #

0:12:08 > 0:12:10Look, fingers crossed, OK?

0:12:10 > 0:12:13Let's hope the bidders are as enthusiastic as we are about this.

0:12:13 > 0:12:14I'm looking forward to it.

0:12:14 > 0:12:17It's going under the hammer right now. Here we go.

0:12:17 > 0:12:22Lot number 51 is the Victorian chequered mother-of-pearl

0:12:22 > 0:12:24mounted rectangular two-division tea caddy.

0:12:24 > 0:12:27A pretty lot, where are we going to go? Not too dear, 80 for it?

0:12:27 > 0:12:31£80 anywhere? Somewhere? Where's 80? 70? 60, bid me, surely.

0:12:31 > 0:12:33Oh, we're going wrong way.

0:12:33 > 0:12:37Have a look at the screen. There we go. 60 only, who will start me?

0:12:37 > 0:12:39Where's 60? We've got to see a hand up somewhere. 60.

0:12:39 > 0:12:44And five online, we're up and running. 70, they're awake at last.

0:12:44 > 0:12:48- Come on, 75. 75, 80. At £80. - Thank goodness for that.

0:12:48 > 0:12:52Steadily, slowly, 85. All bids online at the moment. At £85.

0:12:52 > 0:12:57At 85, bidders online. Nothing in the room?

0:12:57 > 0:13:01It's online at 85, 90 at £90. 95.

0:13:01 > 0:13:04Slowly but surely, we're getting there. Round it up for me?

0:13:04 > 0:13:07Come on, it's 95 online. Make a round figure, one more.

0:13:07 > 0:13:11There's 95 bid online, 95 it is, nothing in the room.

0:13:11 > 0:13:16Going online, I'm selling if you're sure at 95. Yours online, thank you.

0:13:16 > 0:13:20- I'm going to take that. That was OK.- Thank you very much.

0:13:20 > 0:13:22I felt a little bit frightened.

0:13:22 > 0:13:23When you stick your neck on the block,

0:13:23 > 0:13:27and you say, yes, madam, it's going to be 80-120 or whatever,

0:13:27 > 0:13:31and it's always struggling, you feel really as if you've let you down.

0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Anyway, you've not. - I haven't, no, thank goodness.

0:13:34 > 0:13:39- I got it right for once.- You thought it wasn't going to sell at all.

0:13:39 > 0:13:43I did. In fact, I've left a place for it to go back.

0:13:45 > 0:13:50Oh, y'Evelyn of little faith. Now it's the case of mistaken identity.

0:13:52 > 0:13:54Going under the hammer right now,

0:13:54 > 0:13:57two Japanese watercolours by Takashi - see? Here we go.

0:13:57 > 0:14:00We got it right, didn't we? The auctioneer put us right.

0:14:00 > 0:14:03James, unfortunately you failed on the Christian name,

0:14:03 > 0:14:05but I don't blame you - it is confusing.

0:14:05 > 0:14:10- What did I say?- Tadashi. - That's right.- And what is it? - Takashi.

0:14:10 > 0:14:13- Oh, it was close!- Very close. I wouldn't have known, either.

0:14:13 > 0:14:16But the good news is, it hasn't affected the value.

0:14:16 > 0:14:18Good, good, I hope not.

0:14:18 > 0:14:22But you have altered the value, because we had a fixed reserve at £100,

0:14:22 > 0:14:24and you had a chat to the auctioneer before the sale.

0:14:24 > 0:14:28Well, I just thought I really don't want to take them home this time.

0:14:28 > 0:14:30Because I have looked at them a long time,

0:14:30 > 0:14:31and I'm ready to let them go.

0:14:31 > 0:14:36- OK.- Ta-who?- Takashi.- Well, hopefully you'll be kashi-ing it in later.

0:14:36 > 0:14:40- Sorry, awful.- Hey, look, good luck. Good luck.

0:14:40 > 0:14:42A touch of the Orient has come to Cheshire.

0:14:42 > 0:14:44Let's find out what they think,

0:14:44 > 0:14:46because it's down to this lot here. Here we go.

0:14:46 > 0:14:49Lot number 460.

0:14:51 > 0:14:54A nice little pair of Japanese watercolours.

0:14:54 > 0:15:00- They are by TaKAshi Nakayama. - Oh, rub it in!

0:15:00 > 0:15:04Where are we going to go? £100 for them? 80? 60?

0:15:04 > 0:15:08- Nice pair of signed original Japanese watercolours.- See?

0:15:08 > 0:15:11- They would have made it if they were Tadashi.- 50? Someone, now.

0:15:11 > 0:15:14A nice period pair of original signed Japanese watercolours.

0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Where is £50? Thank you. 55.- We're in!

0:15:17 > 0:15:2260 seated. Five, Sir? 65. At £65.

0:15:22 > 0:15:25At 65, bidding, madam? 70.

0:15:25 > 0:15:28- It's a pair, not just one. 65 against you.- Go on!

0:15:28 > 0:15:31Pretty things. I've got 65, gent standing. Any advance?

0:15:31 > 0:15:39Any further bids? £65. All done, if you're sure. Selling at 65.

0:15:39 > 0:15:43- £65.- Not too bad.- Well, thank goodness you reduced the reserve.

0:15:43 > 0:15:47- We got it away.- We did, thank you. I didn't want to take them back.

0:15:47 > 0:15:51What a bargain. They are an authentic touch of the orient.

0:15:51 > 0:15:56Next, it's Grandad's gold. You were both at the valuation day.

0:15:56 > 0:16:00You're here today. But you're earning all the money. You're doing the hard work.

0:16:00 > 0:16:02I know you're splitting it all up between you.

0:16:02 > 0:16:07- We might not tell them how much we get!- You can't do that!

0:16:07 > 0:16:09Good luck, OK? This is it.

0:16:09 > 0:16:14Lot 667 is the Victorian nine carat rose gold curb link Albert chain.

0:16:14 > 0:16:18- We've got over 60 grams of gold there.- It's a lot.

0:16:18 > 0:16:19There's a lot of weight there.

0:16:19 > 0:16:23With interest, I can come straight in and start the bidding at £650.

0:16:23 > 0:16:29- 650, I have.- I was worrying unnecessarily!- 660, 680, 700.

0:16:29 > 0:16:36720, 740, 760, 780, 800, 820, 840, 860, 880. 900, 920.

0:16:36 > 0:16:41- That's good.- £920 of bids with me. On commission now. At 920.

0:16:41 > 0:16:45Any further bids? Nothing online. 920 I have, 920 I sell.

0:16:46 > 0:16:50- 920.- Yes! That was short and sweet. Somebody was really after that.

0:16:50 > 0:16:53- £920. Happy?- Yeah.- Got to be happy!

0:16:53 > 0:16:56What are you going to do with your share?

0:16:56 > 0:17:01I'm studying natural horsemanship. So I'm helping spend it toward the qualification.

0:17:01 > 0:17:03Brilliant. And what about you?

0:17:03 > 0:17:07- I'm going to spend it on some music, because I compose music.- Do you?

0:17:07 > 0:17:11- Do you play keyboards? - Piano.- Piano, OK.

0:17:11 > 0:17:16I'm a bit of a half glass empty man. I must try and be more optimistic.

0:17:22 > 0:17:25That's the end of our first visit to the auction room today.

0:17:25 > 0:17:28We are coming back later on in the programme, so don't go away.

0:17:28 > 0:17:30After all this excitement, I need some fresh air.

0:17:30 > 0:17:33There's nothing like a walk in the woods.

0:17:37 > 0:17:39Now, this is where my passion for woodwork

0:17:39 > 0:17:43and timber craftsmanship comes from, a walk through a small

0:17:43 > 0:17:46coppice or a wood amongst trees in their living, organic form.

0:17:46 > 0:17:49But let's face it. Where would we be without wood?

0:17:54 > 0:17:57Not only has it inspired craftsmen throughout history

0:17:57 > 0:18:00to construct magnificent pieces of furniture,

0:18:00 > 0:18:03but also fine buildings, bridges and ships.

0:18:03 > 0:18:04But if you want my opinion,

0:18:04 > 0:18:08it is the mighty oak tree that has put the Great in Britain.

0:18:08 > 0:18:10It's built this country.

0:18:10 > 0:18:14And here in Cheshire, the architects of the 15th century took it one stage further.

0:18:14 > 0:18:17Not only did they construct fine timber-framed buildings,

0:18:17 > 0:18:22but they decorated them internally and externally with timber elements

0:18:22 > 0:18:26in a style that's become very, very familiar.

0:18:26 > 0:18:29And here is a wonderful example.

0:18:30 > 0:18:34Bramall Hall in Cheshire is one of our finest

0:18:34 > 0:18:35black and white buildings.

0:18:35 > 0:18:38It's a style that shouts Tudor,

0:18:38 > 0:18:41though the heart of the building dates from the 14th century.

0:18:41 > 0:18:44What we see today is a mixture of additions

0:18:44 > 0:18:48and alterations spanning seven centuries.

0:18:48 > 0:18:51Each aspect presents a different stage in its evolution.

0:18:53 > 0:18:56Now, from this elevation, there is evidence of several different

0:18:56 > 0:18:59periods of history, shown through architecture.

0:18:59 > 0:19:02Looking up there, the oriel window, that dates back to the 1400s,

0:19:02 > 0:19:04a really important time for architecture.

0:19:04 > 0:19:07Here, 16th century, these two bay windows,

0:19:07 > 0:19:11leaded glass everywhere, that shows incredible wealth.

0:19:11 > 0:19:14But to top it off, up there, the gable ends, look at that.

0:19:14 > 0:19:16In a small coronet, like a crown.

0:19:16 > 0:19:20That is so over the top, that's showing off, it says, yes, 19th century.

0:19:20 > 0:19:25And moving around here, this wing was renovated in the 20th century.

0:19:25 > 0:19:26Sympathetically done,

0:19:26 > 0:19:31matching in with the theme of the black and white exterior.

0:19:31 > 0:19:34Now, up there is a rather interesting carving

0:19:34 > 0:19:36which you might miss, so I will point it out.

0:19:36 > 0:19:38An angel with outstretched wings.

0:19:38 > 0:19:41And she's holding a shield with a single lion.

0:19:41 > 0:19:45That's the coat of arms for the De Bromale family, the original owners of the hall.

0:19:45 > 0:19:49But if you notice, the angel is standing on a carved man's head with a large beard.

0:19:49 > 0:19:55Coming out of his mouth are sprigs of oak leaves. Beautifully carved.

0:19:55 > 0:19:58That symbolises the Green Man, the May King,

0:19:58 > 0:20:02which is the medieval festival of spring, rebirth and vitality.

0:20:13 > 0:20:16Now, this is the original front door, constructed of oak,

0:20:16 > 0:20:20sawn and quartered to three inches thick, that is incredibly heavy.

0:20:20 > 0:20:23But if you look carefully, you can see a door within a door.

0:20:23 > 0:20:26Now, this was used at night.

0:20:26 > 0:20:29The purpose being, if the house was being attacked,

0:20:29 > 0:20:32somebody was trying to force an entry, the person on the inside,

0:20:32 > 0:20:36let me just show you here, was at an advantage, because

0:20:36 > 0:20:40if you were attacking and had a sword, you were drawing it to strike

0:20:40 > 0:20:44somebody, you were at disadvantage, because you couldn't get your sword through.

0:20:44 > 0:20:48So, from the inside, somebody defending the property could thrust away.

0:20:48 > 0:20:50They had the upper hand.

0:20:51 > 0:20:54And here we are in the medieval great hall,

0:20:54 > 0:20:59which is the oldest part of house, dates back to the 14th century.

0:20:59 > 0:21:03This is where all the daily living would have taken place.

0:21:03 > 0:21:05It was the social heartbeat of the house.

0:21:05 > 0:21:10In 1370, Alice De Bromale married John Davenport,

0:21:10 > 0:21:15and their descendants owned Bramall for the next five centuries.

0:21:15 > 0:21:17The family didn't just make things in wood.

0:21:17 > 0:21:22They also created stone carvings to keep people out of their woods.

0:21:25 > 0:21:28Now, the Davenports had a rather gruesome family crest,

0:21:28 > 0:21:30and it's the felon's head.

0:21:30 > 0:21:34These chaps, criminals with ropes around their necks.

0:21:34 > 0:21:39It serves as a reminder of the family's wealth and power throughout the Middle Ages.

0:21:39 > 0:21:42Now, these stone heads were originally sat on the stone pillars

0:21:42 > 0:21:44of the main gate at the front of the house

0:21:44 > 0:21:49to ward off any would-be poachers or people with evil intentions

0:21:49 > 0:21:52to stay away, or else.

0:21:52 > 0:21:55I think the message is quite clear, don't you?

0:22:02 > 0:22:06This is the great chamber where all the entertainment took place.

0:22:06 > 0:22:11These remarkable wall paintings date from the early 1500s.

0:22:11 > 0:22:13And it's almost like a tapestry.

0:22:13 > 0:22:19The artists have painted directly onto the oak. Isn't it just marvellous?

0:22:19 > 0:22:22And here to tell me a little more about it and what it means

0:22:22 > 0:22:24is one of the guides here, Pat McCormick.

0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Hello.- How do you do? - What a fascinating place to work.

0:22:27 > 0:22:31- It's a wonderful place. - What do some of the images mean?

0:22:31 > 0:22:36Well, we believe this image demonstrates some of the folklore images that we have in the paintings,

0:22:36 > 0:22:41and if you look at it, you'll see it's a white horse, but in fact it's got a raven's head.

0:22:41 > 0:22:44- Oh, so it has.- And seated is a little figure with wings.

0:22:45 > 0:22:48We don't know where the image originated,

0:22:48 > 0:22:51but quite a lot of our visitors like to link it

0:22:51 > 0:22:55to the nursery rhyme Ride A Cock Horse To Banbury Cross,

0:22:55 > 0:22:58because there is a cross at the front.

0:22:58 > 0:23:00Now, this is a bit of fun. What's going on here?

0:23:00 > 0:23:02Well, we believe it's a bit of a visual joke,

0:23:02 > 0:23:05because it's a painting of a boar hunt.

0:23:05 > 0:23:10The Davenport men would have done a lot of boar hunting in the forests around here,

0:23:10 > 0:23:13and the painter has interpreted the boar hunt

0:23:13 > 0:23:18with the hunter, if you look, on the ground,

0:23:18 > 0:23:22mounted by two enormous fierce boars. So it would have been...

0:23:22 > 0:23:25On top of him, so it's been turned around, hasn't it?

0:23:25 > 0:23:29- It's been turned around.- The hunter has become the hunted.- Indeed.

0:23:29 > 0:23:34Look at this roof, as well. I mean, the craftsmen really had an understanding

0:23:34 > 0:23:37of how to work with wood in construction.

0:23:37 > 0:23:41These quatrefoils everywhere, lovely hammered beams.

0:23:41 > 0:23:43Very, very nice.

0:23:43 > 0:23:46And as you were spinning around and dancing and enjoying yourselves,

0:23:46 > 0:23:51you'd look up and notice all of this decoration, wouldn't you?

0:23:52 > 0:23:56You can see we have the image here of a 16th century woman

0:23:56 > 0:24:01and man who are all about the music and dance in the hall.

0:24:01 > 0:24:05- In full costume.- In full costume, with an instrument we think is a mandolin

0:24:05 > 0:24:09of some description, and the woman is reading from a musical score.

0:24:09 > 0:24:11Isn't that lovely? Marvellous, marvellous.

0:24:11 > 0:24:14- Thank you for showing me around. - It's my pleasure.

0:24:14 > 0:24:19Unbelievably, the paintings were later covered by panelling,

0:24:19 > 0:24:23which is probably the reason why they've survived so well.

0:24:23 > 0:24:25But there's more. Follow me.

0:24:29 > 0:24:32I am in the roof space right now, well behind the scenes.

0:24:32 > 0:24:35The general public do not come here,

0:24:35 > 0:24:38and like all good historic houses, there are bats in the belfry.

0:24:38 > 0:24:42I haven't seen any yet, but there is evidence of bat droppings everywhere.

0:24:42 > 0:24:46Originally, from the chapel, you'd have been able to look up

0:24:46 > 0:24:49and see this wonderful construction.

0:24:49 > 0:24:51So this whole space would have been decorated.

0:24:51 > 0:24:55Wonderful, bright, vivid colours, hues of reds, blues and golds,

0:24:55 > 0:24:58so that as you look up, you look up from the chapel and you say,

0:24:58 > 0:25:01yes, there really was a God, wasn't there?

0:25:07 > 0:25:12This is incredible. I am very lucky to be up here. And so are the bats!

0:25:12 > 0:25:14I hope they appreciate it.

0:25:22 > 0:25:26Taking a walk through Bramall Hall tells the tale of how

0:25:26 > 0:25:29craftsmen who used wood over the years in so many different ways

0:25:29 > 0:25:33and styles, and with 700 years of history behind it,

0:25:33 > 0:25:38it can only become an even more fascinating experience in the years to come.

0:25:50 > 0:25:54Welcome back to our valuation day, and to St John's Minster.

0:25:54 > 0:25:58Let's now catch up with our experts and see what else they can find.

0:25:58 > 0:26:02And first up, it's James.

0:26:02 > 0:26:06Only somebody called Bruce could possibly

0:26:06 > 0:26:08bring in a pair of boomerangs.

0:26:09 > 0:26:13- Don't tell me your wife is Sheila as well?- No, unfortunately!

0:26:13 > 0:26:16These are lovely. Tell me their story.

0:26:16 > 0:26:21My brother was in Australia, based at Woomera rocket range.

0:26:21 > 0:26:24Where did you say? He was working on a rocket range?

0:26:24 > 0:26:30- Woomera rocket range. They used to test the ballistic missile rockets there.- OK.

0:26:30 > 0:26:33- That was in the REME. - In where?- The REME.

0:26:33 > 0:26:36The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

0:26:36 > 0:26:39Right, we're learning something today.

0:26:39 > 0:26:43And what he did, I don't know. But he was there for quite a few years.

0:26:43 > 0:26:47Unfortunately, he had an accident on New Year's Day - I can't

0:26:47 > 0:26:53remember the year - and died, and these were part of his possessions that came back to UK.

0:26:53 > 0:26:59- So approximately when was this?- The very early '50s.- The early '50s, OK.

0:26:59 > 0:27:02So, we know that they're 60 years old at least.

0:27:02 > 0:27:06The thing with tribal art is it's very, very difficult to age

0:27:06 > 0:27:09unless you're an absolute specialist.

0:27:09 > 0:27:13Everybody associates boomerangs with Australia.

0:27:13 > 0:27:18However, what most people don't realise is they were actually

0:27:18 > 0:27:20made throughout the world at some point.

0:27:20 > 0:27:22You actually get Indian boomerangs,

0:27:22 > 0:27:25you get the Native Americans with boomerangs.

0:27:25 > 0:27:28You also get the Egyptians using boomerangs.

0:27:28 > 0:27:33And one of the things discovered in Tutankhamen's tomb was a collection of boomerangs.

0:27:34 > 0:27:37And some of them are made in hardwood like these,

0:27:37 > 0:27:41some of them in bone and some of them in ivory.

0:27:41 > 0:27:43Some were designed for killing animals.

0:27:43 > 0:27:47Some were designed as scarers, so what they would do,

0:27:47 > 0:27:51they would throw the boomerang over the grass plains,

0:27:51 > 0:27:55and the little birds would think, it's a bird of prey,

0:27:55 > 0:27:58they would zoom off in the opposite direction, and they would

0:27:58 > 0:28:03raise a net and catch all the birds fleeing from the boomerang.

0:28:03 > 0:28:06But also, they were used in hand-to-hand combat, as well.

0:28:06 > 0:28:11Now, the tell-tale signs on here, a picture of an emu.

0:28:11 > 0:28:16That almost looks like a whale, doesn't it? Strange, really.

0:28:16 > 0:28:20This one, much more geometrical, very stylised.

0:28:22 > 0:28:25If you turn it over, it's plain on the other side.

0:28:25 > 0:28:29Now, I would think that if that was designed as a true

0:28:29 > 0:28:33piece of tribal art, it would be carved on both sides.

0:28:33 > 0:28:34But I've been wrong in the past.

0:28:34 > 0:28:40My feeling is these are probably made for the tourist market, but early.

0:28:42 > 0:28:46Now, there is a massive market for any form of Aboriginal art,

0:28:46 > 0:28:48even modern stuff, in Australia.

0:28:48 > 0:28:55So when it comes to value, that has got to be worth £150, in my opinion.

0:28:55 > 0:28:59And that has got to be worth another 50-70, at least.

0:28:59 > 0:29:03If these are period, they could make considerably more than that.

0:29:03 > 0:29:08- You've given me a heart attack!- So, these are very interesting indeed.

0:29:12 > 0:29:14From boomerangs to Madonnas.

0:29:17 > 0:29:21It's appropriate that you should have brought a Madonna and child in today

0:29:21 > 0:29:24as we're sitting in this wonderful minster.

0:29:24 > 0:29:29- Yes.- I think she's beautiful. Just tell me what you know.

0:29:29 > 0:29:33Well, my mum was brought up by my nana and four sisters.

0:29:34 > 0:29:38I believe Auntie Kate, she collected a lot of items,

0:29:38 > 0:29:41and we think that that's one of them.

0:29:41 > 0:29:46It was made in about 1950 by the Royal Doulton factory.

0:29:46 > 0:29:52And we know that this figure was only in production for two years, from 1949 to 1951.

0:29:53 > 0:29:57And as such, she's a rarity, really.

0:29:57 > 0:29:59We'll just have a look underneath at the mark,

0:29:59 > 0:30:04which really tells us so much, and tells us all we need to know.

0:30:04 > 0:30:08The printed mark there tells us it was made in the Royal Doulton factory,

0:30:08 > 0:30:12and beneath that, there is the title, the Madonna of the Square.

0:30:13 > 0:30:18And although she looks like the Madonna, and she could easily be

0:30:18 > 0:30:24holding the infant Christ, I think she's probably a lavender seller.

0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Oh!- And that, I think, brings us back

0:30:27 > 0:30:31- to the fact that she is called the Madonna of the Square.- Right.

0:30:31 > 0:30:36So, she has this dignity which you'd associate with the Virgin Mary,

0:30:36 > 0:30:39but also, there is something everyday about her, isn't there?

0:30:39 > 0:30:42- Yes, there's something natural. - Exactly.

0:30:42 > 0:30:46It comes in various colourways. Green I think is amongst the rarest.

0:30:46 > 0:30:53Um...And she was modelled by one of Royal Doulton's best models,

0:30:53 > 0:30:56a lady called Phoebe Stabler.

0:30:56 > 0:30:58So that adds to her value, as well.

0:30:58 > 0:31:03- You're obviously not going to miss her.- No, I do like her. She's really pretty.

0:31:03 > 0:31:05But she is lying about the house,

0:31:05 > 0:31:08and we've four grandchildren visiting regularly,

0:31:08 > 0:31:12and I would be very worried that she might get broken.

0:31:12 > 0:31:17OK. Normally, a Doulton figure of this type might make

0:31:17 > 0:31:20between £20 and £50, but because she is so uncommon,

0:31:20 > 0:31:25I think we're going to get a figure of between £200-300 for her.

0:31:25 > 0:31:27- Is that OK?- Yes, that is!

0:31:28 > 0:31:32I suggest we put a reserve at the bottom end of the estimate, £200.

0:31:32 > 0:31:38- OK.- I gather you can't come to the auction, is that right?

0:31:38 > 0:31:41It's our ruby wedding, and we're going to Portugal.

0:31:41 > 0:31:46Unfortunately, we can't change it. But my son...

0:31:46 > 0:31:51my husband's rung my son, and he said he would be happy to come along.

0:31:51 > 0:31:54He knows the piece.

0:31:54 > 0:31:57And he's the lad who has the grandchildren who might break it.

0:31:57 > 0:31:59Archie and Eilish, yes.

0:32:06 > 0:32:09- How do you come by these? - They were left to my husband.

0:32:09 > 0:32:12Did he know somebody that was in the hunt?

0:32:12 > 0:32:16- Or did he take part in the hunt?- No, not really. He's there.- Oh, hello!

0:32:16 > 0:32:21- Separated by a Victorian sort of... - She usually talks to me like that.

0:32:21 > 0:32:23It's the best thing that's happened to us today.

0:32:23 > 0:32:28What are we doing? Where are we? I'll just say trees.

0:32:28 > 0:32:33OK, now, one's Chinese, one's Japanese. Which is which?

0:32:34 > 0:32:38- I haven't a clue.- Have a guess. - That's Chinese.- Oh, wrong way!

0:32:38 > 0:32:41You had a 50-50 chance. You should have phoned a friend. You're wrong.

0:32:41 > 0:32:44That's the Japanese, that the Chinese.

0:32:44 > 0:32:49Now, what's a Japanese figure and a Chinese plaque doing in your family?

0:32:49 > 0:32:52Well, my mum looked after a neighbour,

0:32:52 > 0:32:56and my mum was given it as a gift from the neighbour, so he gave it

0:32:56 > 0:32:59to us and then obviously we've kept it for this long.

0:32:59 > 0:33:04- Right, and they both came from the same place?- Yes.

0:33:04 > 0:33:09This is known as a Japanese okimono, and an okimono is basically

0:33:09 > 0:33:15a carving of a certain size normally made out of one section of ivory,

0:33:15 > 0:33:21and in the Meiji period, which is about 1900, 1910, when this was formed,

0:33:21 > 0:33:26there was a very different attitude to animal welfare.

0:33:26 > 0:33:32And if I ever saw a piece of modern ivory trying to be sold, I wouldn't sell it.

0:33:32 > 0:33:37But these things were done in times gone by, in both Japan and China.

0:33:37 > 0:33:45This is around 1900, this is slightly earlier. This is about 1880, 1890.

0:33:45 > 0:33:50And we've got a hard padauk wood stand.

0:33:50 > 0:33:52Padauk wood is rosewood family.

0:33:52 > 0:33:56We see figures and attendants in formal gardens with these

0:33:56 > 0:34:02building structures and very stylised trees.

0:34:02 > 0:34:04So this is an object just to be looked at

0:34:04 > 0:34:07and enjoyed for its artistic merit rather than ever to be used.

0:34:07 > 0:34:09We've got a tiny chip out of it on the bottom,

0:34:09 > 0:34:13but other than that, it's in relatively good condition.

0:34:13 > 0:34:19So, Japanese Meiji period ivory. That's going to be worth £80-120.

0:34:19 > 0:34:22Something like that. What do you think to the Chinese panel?

0:34:22 > 0:34:27- Would you be happy at £100-150? - Yeah.- Would you?

0:34:27 > 0:34:32I think you'd be very silly to be happy with that. I think it is worth a bit more.

0:34:32 > 0:34:35- How about 200-300? - Yes, I'd be happy with that, as well.

0:34:35 > 0:34:39Is that all right? Good. I reckon 300-500 is more to the mark.

0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Brilliant. - I think It'll do really well.

0:34:42 > 0:34:47And at the moment, the Chinese market is so buoyant,

0:34:47 > 0:34:49you can just see it racing away.

0:34:49 > 0:34:51That is a great thing.

0:34:57 > 0:35:00We have had a fabulous day here at St John's Minster,

0:35:00 > 0:35:03but sadly, it is time to say goodbye to Preston

0:35:03 > 0:35:05and all the marvellous people that turned up

0:35:05 > 0:35:09as we head to the auction room for the last time and hopefully make a few dreams come true.

0:35:09 > 0:35:13And here's a quick recap of all the items that we're putting under the hammer.

0:35:13 > 0:35:18Will Brucie's brother's boomerangs be returning home

0:35:18 > 0:35:21at James's estimate of £150-250?

0:35:22 > 0:35:25This Madonna's far too valuable to risk

0:35:25 > 0:35:27when the grandkids come to stay.

0:35:27 > 0:35:30David's valued her at £200-300.

0:35:30 > 0:35:35And James think the market is just right for these oriental carvings.

0:35:35 > 0:35:38Split into two separate lots, he's valued the figure at £80-120

0:35:38 > 0:35:43and the plaque at £300-500.

0:35:46 > 0:35:49We're back at Frank Marshall's in Knutsford,

0:35:49 > 0:35:52with Nick Hall taking today's auction.

0:35:52 > 0:35:55Now, Bruce's indigenous artefacts.

0:35:55 > 0:35:59- # Your boomerang won't come back? - # My boomerang won't come back... #

0:35:59 > 0:36:01It's great to see you, Bruce, it really is.

0:36:01 > 0:36:05- Who have you brought along there? - This is my son, Zachary.- Hello.

0:36:05 > 0:36:08I have got to ask this question, and I expect you're thinking it as well.

0:36:08 > 0:36:12- Did you ever throw these? - No, I didn't.- Oh, you missed out!

0:36:12 > 0:36:15You should have gone to a park and had a throw. Did you?

0:36:15 > 0:36:18- No, I've never thrown them. - Do you know, I would have done that.

0:36:18 > 0:36:23I would have tried them. Zach can enjoy the money, can't he?

0:36:23 > 0:36:25- Well, Dad can. - Oh, it'll go on him.

0:36:25 > 0:36:29- A round of golf or two, and that'll be it.- You play golf, do you?

0:36:29 > 0:36:32- We do, yes. - What's your handicap, then?- Golf!

0:36:34 > 0:36:37- Spoils a good walk, doesn't it?- No!

0:36:37 > 0:36:39It just makes a good walk better.

0:36:39 > 0:36:42Hey, listen, let's find out what the bidders think, shall we?

0:36:42 > 0:36:47Because at the end of the day, it is down to this lot and a few people on the phone and online.

0:36:47 > 0:36:49It's going under the hammer.

0:36:49 > 0:36:55Lot 165, the two South Australia 1940s boomerangs.

0:36:55 > 0:36:59I can come in with a bidding, I have got commission interest,

0:36:59 > 0:37:02and I can come in straight at 180.

0:37:02 > 0:37:09- At 180 with me now. - Yes!- 200, 210, 220, 230, 240.

0:37:09 > 0:37:16- There is someone bidding in the room.- 250, new bidder. 260, 270 280.

0:37:16 > 0:37:23290, 300, 310. 320. 320 with me. 320 now. Are you sure? I have got £320.

0:37:23 > 0:37:27Nothing online? The bid is with me at 320. Bidding on the phone?

0:37:27 > 0:37:33320 it is. Out at the back, but it's on the book at 320.

0:37:33 > 0:37:38All done, if you like. I am selling for sure at £320. They're sold, 320.

0:37:38 > 0:37:44- Happy?- Excellent.- You're thinking pound notes, now, aren't you, Zach?

0:37:44 > 0:37:47He's thinking rounds of golf.

0:37:48 > 0:37:51John and Colette's son Andrew is here to oversee the Madonna.

0:37:54 > 0:37:59- Did you grow up as a young lad looking at this figurine? - It's been in our family for 30 years.

0:37:59 > 0:38:02It was passed down from a great-great-aunt of my mum's.

0:38:02 > 0:38:05Unfortunately, she's got nowhere to store it that's safe.

0:38:05 > 0:38:10I've got children that are running round the house, and she's scared of it getting smashed.

0:38:10 > 0:38:13- How old are your children?- Three and one.- A dangerous age.- Absolutely.

0:38:13 > 0:38:18Fingers crossed. You never know what's going to happen. This is an auction. Here we go.

0:38:18 > 0:38:23Lot 329, the Royal Doulton figure, the Madonna of the Square.

0:38:23 > 0:38:25Who will bid me 150 to get the ball rolling? 150.

0:38:26 > 0:38:30Thank you, sir, 150 seated. Any advance on 150 now? 150, 160.

0:38:30 > 0:38:33160, now. A rare figure, this one. 170.

0:38:33 > 0:38:38It only had two years production. Are you still in? 180. 190 now.

0:38:38 > 0:38:41At 190. At 190 seated, still in, sir?

0:38:41 > 0:38:45For the sake of another tenner, don't lose it. 190.

0:38:45 > 0:38:49I have got 195 on the book against you, sir. Going 200? 200 seated.

0:38:49 > 0:38:54That gent seated at £200, third row. Any advance on £200? Nothing online.

0:38:54 > 0:39:00With you, sir, at 210. At 210 is the bid. In the room, standing, 210.

0:39:00 > 0:39:05Are you sure? At 210, all done? Yours at 210.

0:39:05 > 0:39:08- Oh, that was close!- Who said being an auctioneer was easy?

0:39:08 > 0:39:11- A knife edge, that one. - They'll be happy with that.

0:39:11 > 0:39:15- I'm sure. It was within the estimate, so great. Let them know, won't you?- Thank you.

0:39:16 > 0:39:18Now, up next, the Oriental carvings,

0:39:18 > 0:39:22and the first to go under the hammer is the Japanese ivory figure.

0:39:24 > 0:39:29- It's good to see you. Who's this? - This is my sister.- What's your name?

0:39:29 > 0:39:33- Lisa.- Lisa, how do you do? Right, OK, this is good.

0:39:33 > 0:39:36So, family heirlooms. These were Mother's.

0:39:36 > 0:39:40- What you do for a living? - I'm just at home with my children at the minute, a housewife.

0:39:40 > 0:39:43That's a full-time job. That's hard work. How many kids have you got?

0:39:43 > 0:39:48- Four.- That's hard work. That IS hard work. I wouldn't want four children.

0:39:48 > 0:39:52- You must be exhausted. - I get by. You have to.- How about you?

0:39:52 > 0:39:55- The same, I stay at home with my children.- Not with four?

0:39:55 > 0:39:59- No, three.- Not far behind me. - Are you going to have another?

0:39:59 > 0:40:02- No, three's my lot.- You've seen what four does, haven't you?

0:40:02 > 0:40:05Put me off for life!

0:40:05 > 0:40:10This sort of thing, ten years ago, would have been £50-80.

0:40:10 > 0:40:14But the market is so buoyant, if they want it, they just keep going.

0:40:14 > 0:40:18- And they do not stop. - That's good, really good.

0:40:18 > 0:40:21- That's what we want to hear. - An unstoppable rollercoaster ride.

0:40:21 > 0:40:25- You've just heard from James Lewis. - If they want it. IF they want it.

0:40:25 > 0:40:29Sit back, fasten the seatbelts. Here we go. Good luck.

0:40:29 > 0:40:35Lot number 429 is the nicely carved ivory figure group.

0:40:35 > 0:40:41£80 anywhere? Surely, where's 80? 70? £60 bid me. 60, 70, 80 online.

0:40:41 > 0:40:45- Thank you.- This is good.- Getting there. At £80, the bid is online.

0:40:45 > 0:40:52Someone to open. 85, 90. We can see this interest coming in at £90.

0:40:52 > 0:40:55Five do I hear? 100. Still climbing slowly at £100.

0:40:55 > 0:41:00Any further bid, any advance? 110 now. 120, still going at 120.

0:41:00 > 0:41:07120 now. The bid is online at 120. 130, 140, keep going, don't slow up.

0:41:07 > 0:41:11140, 150. The bid is online.

0:41:11 > 0:41:14This is the one we thought just might struggle.

0:41:14 > 0:41:22The bid is online at 170. At £170. 175, 180. 190, 200. At £200.

0:41:22 > 0:41:24Still online at 200. Nothing in the room?

0:41:24 > 0:41:27The phones are all out, so it is online at £200. All sure?

0:41:27 > 0:41:31- Sold online for £200. - That's fantastic.

0:41:31 > 0:41:34Gosh, and here's the second one.

0:41:34 > 0:41:40Lot 430. Chinese carved ivory plaque. Nicely carved little thing.

0:41:40 > 0:41:43This plaque, I think this plaque is quite special, don't you?

0:41:43 > 0:41:49- This is the goodie.- £700 straight in on one of the phones. At £700.

0:41:49 > 0:41:52Any advance on £700?

0:41:52 > 0:41:59- Gosh.- 740, 60, 80, 800 online. 840, 860. I will come back. 900, 920.

0:41:59 > 0:42:05940. £1,000, the bid on the phone at 1,000. And 50. 1,100, 1,150.

0:42:05 > 0:42:08What's Mum going to say? I wish she was here.

0:42:08 > 0:42:101,300, 1,350,

0:42:10 > 0:42:141,400, 1,450. 1,500, 50, 1,600.

0:42:14 > 0:42:191,650, 1,700. 1,800. 1,850.

0:42:19 > 0:42:22- 1,900, 1,950, £2,000.- Oh, my God!

0:42:22 > 0:42:282,100, 2,200. At £2,200. 2,300, we're not there yet!

0:42:28 > 0:42:302,400. 2,500.

0:42:30 > 0:42:34- Still going. 2,600, 2,700. - You'll have to catch me in a minute.

0:42:34 > 0:42:38Come on, it's only money! 2,700, don't stop there. 2,700.

0:42:38 > 0:42:44At 2,700, back on the phone, do I hear? It's 2,700 online.

0:42:44 > 0:42:50No bidding in the room? 2,800, 2,900. 2,900. Come on, round it up.

0:42:50 > 0:42:52Give me three. I've got 2,900.

0:42:52 > 0:42:57£3,000! 3,100. 3,100, we're not there yet.

0:42:57 > 0:43:02At 3,100. Or are we? It's at 3,100. At £3,100...

0:43:02 > 0:43:043,200, 3,300.

0:43:04 > 0:43:07- I am amazed, you?- It's carrying on. I can't believe it.

0:43:07 > 0:43:12Very excited people in the far corner here. Congratulations to you.

0:43:12 > 0:43:16It's £3,300 online. Direct from Shanghai at £3,300.

0:43:16 > 0:43:20- He said in Shanghai, coming from Shanghai.- We're out in the room.

0:43:20 > 0:43:25The phones are all dead. £3,300 online. The hammer is up.

0:43:25 > 0:43:27We're selling at 3,300. Sold!

0:43:27 > 0:43:29£3,300!

0:43:29 > 0:43:32APPLAUSE

0:43:34 > 0:43:40- Oh, my gosh.- Wow. £3,300. - Oh, my goodness.- I'm in shock.

0:43:40 > 0:43:45- I'm lost for words. How about that? - Absolutely over the moon.

0:43:45 > 0:43:49Thank you so much for coming in. Well done, James.

0:43:49 > 0:43:52I told you there was going to be a surprise, didn't I?

0:43:52 > 0:43:57It doesn't get better than that. That's what auctions are about. Hope you've enjoyed the show.

0:43:57 > 0:43:59We'll see you next time. Take care.

0:44:01 > 0:44:03Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

0:44:03 > 0:44:05E-mail subtitling@BBC.co.uk