0:00:06 > 0:00:10We have the most stunning fairytale castle as our backdrop today.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14We've also got a great crowd, although this one isn't saying much,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18and the cameras are rolling. All we need now are the antiques.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20ALL: Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:42 > 0:00:46We're in Aberdeenshire today in the grounds of beautiful Crathes Castle.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49With its romantic appearance, 16-century gargoyles
0:00:49 > 0:00:54and pepper-pot turrets, it could have been plucked straight out of a fairy story.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58And I can assure you everybody here in this queue, including the dogs,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01is looking forward to a fairytale ending.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05This is where their journey starts today, the valuation day,
0:01:05 > 0:01:07and they're all hoping they'll get picked
0:01:07 > 0:01:11to go through to the auction, where we make them a small fortune
0:01:11 > 0:01:13and hopefully their dreams come true.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Already working their magic are our lead experts,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19Anita Manning, who's on home turf...
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Oh, it's so exciting when you pull these things out, all the treasures!
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- Is that a tenner?- I wish.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27THEY LAUGH
0:01:27 > 0:01:30This is quite a nice thing, and it'll sell well just now.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32..and the cheeky Adam Partridge.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- What have we got with us today? - Probably all rubbish.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37OK. Next, please.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Both experienced valuers and auctioneers,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43they'll certainly leave no stone unturned,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46and when it comes to making bold predictions,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48these two are no shrinking violets.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51It's good. I'm very glad to hear that, son.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53THEY LAUGH
0:01:55 > 0:01:57Anita doesn't mince her words.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00I'm going to come straight to the point here.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02You could double your money on this.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Adam takes a risk.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08You've got a whole six setting, and it's all complete?
0:02:08 > 0:02:11As far as I can see. Maybe you as an expert can see it, but I can't.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15And, not wanting to be left out, I cannot contain myself.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18This is the surprise we could all be waiting for.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Whatever you do, keep watching. This is going to get exciting.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26So, with all that to come, it's time we got valuing,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29and Anita's already found her first item.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Let's take a closer look.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Murray, Irene, welcome to "Flog It!",
0:02:33 > 0:02:36and you've brought along this beautiful pot!
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Murray, tell me where it came from.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40It came from my mother.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43She gave it to us about 20 years ago.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47Mother was born about 20 miles from here.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51She worked as a domestic servant in the big houses in Aboyne,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55so we're assuming it was either given to her as a gift
0:02:55 > 0:02:59or perhaps a wedding present. We're not just quite sure.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04So, tell me, Irene, do you have this on display at home?
0:03:04 > 0:03:07We have had it on display at home,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10not all the time, because there's children as well.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13There was younger children, then grandchildren came along,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15so sometimes it's had to be packed away.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- I think it's a lovely piece. - It is, and it's from Worcester,
0:03:18 > 0:03:23the best of the factories. In fact it dates from about 1820.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27If we look at the base, we see the marks for Flight and Barr,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Royal Worcester.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Now, these were the precursors of the Worcester that we know,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36and they started making Worcester in 1840,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40so this was before that, so it's a good old age.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- That's earlier than we thought. - Nearly 200 years old.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46If we look at the piece in itself,
0:03:46 > 0:03:50we see this hand-painted scene here.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- It's a Highland landscape.- Yes.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Now, it's not signed, but it's beautifully done,
0:03:56 > 0:04:01and if we turn round, we have a painting of an exotic bird,
0:04:01 > 0:04:05and that's quite beautiful, and it's very beautifully done.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07What I like most, I suppose,
0:04:07 > 0:04:12are these enchanting, understated butterflies
0:04:12 > 0:04:16on the lid, and I think that they are absolutely exquisite.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20The piece together is quite beautiful.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- Why do you want to sell it? - It's just, how do we keep it now?
0:04:24 > 0:04:29Rooms are smaller, not the same places to display it any more.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Yes. I think that, in auction,
0:04:32 > 0:04:36we should be thinking in the region of £300
0:04:36 > 0:04:40as an early piece. Would you be happy to pass it on at that price?
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Yes. Yes. Yes.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- You're sounding a wee bit not very sure, Murray.- No. Er...
0:04:47 > 0:04:49I think we'd like to put a reserve on it.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- Oh, of course we would put a reserve to protect it.- Yes.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Er, we would put it in with an estimate of three to five.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- Right.- 300 to 500,
0:04:59 > 0:05:04and a reserve of 300 or just below 300.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- How do you feel about that? - Yes, we would go for that.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10You would go for it. Shall we put the reserve at 280?
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Yes.- Are you happy at that? Are YOU happy at that?
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- Yes. No, I'm fine.- Right.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Well, it really does have everything going for it.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Thank you so much for bringing it in,
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- and I'll see you at the auction. - Thank you.- It's a great pleasure.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28What a lovely piece to start with!
0:05:28 > 0:05:31And like Anita says, it has everything going for it.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Hopefully it'll fire up the sale room.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Time to rock over to Adam's table now, and he's chatting to Ann.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Thank you so much. You've brought along a delightful rocking cradle.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46Can you tell me how you came to own it, and what do you know about it?
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Well, it was about 30 years ago, and we came to Aberdeen,
0:05:49 > 0:05:54and we'd just bought an old fisherman's cottage on the coast.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- Oh, lovely! - And I was looking out for furniture
0:05:56 > 0:06:00that would go with it, and I saw this cot,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- and it fell in love with it. - I can see why.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06It's a very charming object. So you've bought it at auction?
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- Yes.- Which auction?
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- The one where it's going back. - Milne's, is it?- Milne's.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- So it's going home, in a way, 30 years later.- Yes.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- Did you use it ever, for a baby? - I didn't use it for a baby, no,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- but I used it to house my plants. - Well, it's a good use for it.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27A lot of people might rock their plants to sleep in that.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31And I think it might also appeal to teddy-bear and doll collectors.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34You can imagine that in a doll shop, in the window.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37What else do you know about it? Made from oak, of course.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41It's solid oak, and they told me it had come from Norway.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- I was surprised to hear that. - I was very surprised,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47but I had a friend who was an antique dealer,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50and she put an offer in for it for me,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53because she knew somebody else was interested,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56so they decided to exchange articles.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Right. I think it's early 20th century, sort of 1900s...
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- Yeah.- ..or soon after that.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05I wasn't sure about the Norwegian part of it.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- It looked English to me. - Could be.- We'll see what happens.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- Do you have it on display? - Unfortunately, no.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14It has been down my stairs, housing the hoover.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18Housing the hoover! That's quite a posh hoover container.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21So, I can see why you want it to go to auction,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24and you heard we were here, and I'm delighted you've come along.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Do you remember what it cost you 30 years ago?
0:07:27 > 0:07:33I think I paid about £200, which was a lot of money in those days.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- A lot of money, yes. - But I wanted it.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Sometimes when you want something you have to pay a bit extra for it.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44I'm a bit concerned that it won't quite make that nowadays.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47I'm not really interested. All I would like
0:07:47 > 0:07:50is whoever has it likes it and wants it.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53There's too much emphasis placed on the value sometimes.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- Well, I think so.- I would suggest putting an estimate lower than that.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- I would suggest £100 to £200. - I think that's very reasonable.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- And shall we put a reserve on it? - Of, say, 100?
0:08:05 > 0:08:10100, and if it doesn't make 100, we'll have to get it back to you!
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- Right.- But I'm hoping it will,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- and a little bit more too. - That would be lovely.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- We'll do our best, and thank you for coming along today.- Thank you.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21I agree - it's a great find,
0:08:21 > 0:08:25and deserves to be more than a hoover holder!
0:08:25 > 0:08:29We've got a great crowd, but not everyone here today
0:08:29 > 0:08:31is a stranger to the castle.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36In fact, Crathes has been attracting people far and wide for years.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Well, Ursula, we've left the great crowd of people on the main lawn
0:08:40 > 0:08:43because you wanted to show me this space,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46because you know this area really well. How long have you worked here?
0:08:46 > 0:08:50For 20 years, and I retired five years ago.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52And were you doing tours and guides, things like that?
0:08:52 > 0:08:58I was guiding, and I was doing my bit for Scotland
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- by guiding German tourists. - Oh, lovely!
0:09:01 > 0:09:05And I know you've brought to show me, because you watch "Flog It!",
0:09:05 > 0:09:10and you're fascinated at some of the early postcard albums
0:09:10 > 0:09:12that have been collected by families,
0:09:12 > 0:09:16and all of these are the same as what we seen on the show,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18but they're of German towns, been collected
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- throughout the First World War.- Yes.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24I would imagine there's a market for these in Germany,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26just as there is for the English postcards.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- I think so. - And what you're looking at here
0:09:29 > 0:09:33is an album that possibly could be worth £400 to £500.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- Well, I wouldn't want to sell it. - No, I don't think so.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39I feel I'm the keeper of these books,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42and it's like selling your granny, isn't it?
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Of course it is, and you can't do that.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48But this one is very particular to your family, isn't it?
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Let's just look at some of the photographs. They're family photos,
0:09:51 > 0:09:55and your mother obviously handed this down to you.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58My great-aunt handed it down to me, and that was my granny.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- Ahh! What was her name? Helen. - Helene.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07Helene. And she had a lovely contralto voice,
0:10:07 > 0:10:12and used to sing, but then she had diphtheria and lost it.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Gosh! Look, this is the whole family, isn't it?
0:10:14 > 0:10:18This is the lady who collected the postcards.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Oh, isn't that lovely? And what was her name?
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Johanna, but we called her Auntie Hannie,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- and she was engaged every year. - Was she?
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- Every year?- She got a lot of postcards from her admirers.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Oh, right! Why did she keep chopping and changing?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36I think she always thought there might be something better.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39There's a photograph at the back, isn't there, of you.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Let's have a look at you.- Here I am.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- People change with age! - You still look beautiful.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49You know that. You do! You really do.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- This ageing business is no good. - No, I know it's not.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54THEY LAUGH
0:10:54 > 0:10:58You've got a fabulous collection. If you ever wanted to sell this one,
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- £300 to £500 any day of the week. - Really?
0:11:01 > 0:11:05But this you should never sell. It's only got a value to your family,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07and it's absolutely priceless, so cherish it.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10It's very difficult to decide who should inherit it.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14A lot of youngsters in the family, but who is worthy?
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- Hmm! Well, only you can decide that. - Yeah.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Thank you for talking to me today. - My pleasure.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Wasn't Ursula wonderful?
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Let's get back to the main valuation action.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28Anita found a real treasure in the queue earlier.
0:11:28 > 0:11:29Let's take a closer look.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Sheila, welcome to "Flog It!", and thank you so much
0:11:33 > 0:11:36for bringing this wonderful bracelet along to us today.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Tell me, where did you get it?
0:11:38 > 0:11:41It was a Christmas gift from my husband
0:11:41 > 0:11:45about 20 years ago. Unfortunately I haven't ever worn it.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- Never worn it?- No, never worn it.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52He bought it from the auctioneers that you're doing the sale from.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- But it's just a bit bulky for me. - That's right. It is chunky,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and I think something chunky like that needs a big woman.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Well, that's how I feel, yes.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Women like us need something more delicate.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Correct. - You've never worn it?- No, never.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Do you know how much he paid for it? - Well, I asked him that question,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15and he said that he felt that it was either £50,
0:12:15 > 0:12:17but definitely no more than 100.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20He said he couldn't have afforded more than 100 at the time.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25Well, he's made a very, very good investment.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Let's have a look at the actual item now.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32The main part of the bracelet has this lovely fancy link,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36but it is a hollow link, and if we look here,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39we can see where it's been a little bit bashed
0:12:39 > 0:12:42and a little bit damaged, obviously not done by you,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45who has never worn this precious jewel!
0:12:45 > 0:12:49I'm 99.9 percent that it is gold,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52and it may be a higher carat than nine carat,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56but we wouldn't test it. The auctioneer won't test it,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59but the buyers will have to make up their own mind.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- Aha.- Best thing about this are these four gold coins,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06and if we look at this one, we have two sovereigns,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09and this one is for 1889,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13and we see the head of Queen Victoria.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17And if we look at the back, we see the typical back of a sovereign,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20which shows St George slaying the dragon.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25Our other sovereign here is slightly earlier.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28It's 1881,
0:13:28 > 0:13:32and we see a slightly younger queen here.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Now, the other two coins are Austrian,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38and these are Austrian LODs,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41and they are of high-carat gold as well.
0:13:41 > 0:13:47So all in all, a very desirable item in today's market.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49We'll sell it as one item,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53but what could happen is that, after it's been bought,
0:13:53 > 0:13:58the coins can be separated and the bracelet just worn as a bracelet,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01so we have many good elements here.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06I would put it into auction with a conservative estimate
0:14:06 > 0:14:09of £800 to £1,200.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13Would you be happy to put it into auction at that price?
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Yes. I would like to put a reserve on it, though.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18We certainly could do that. That would protect it.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21What reserve would you like to put on it?
0:14:21 > 0:14:25I'd like to put a reserve of 1,000, but I don't know if that's shooting -
0:14:25 > 0:14:28If you could bring it down a little bit,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31say 900, I think we've got a good chance at that,
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- and put it in at 900 to 1,200. - Yeah. That sounds good.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Well, I look forward to the auction,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- because gold is fiercely competed for in today's market.- Excellent.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46So, we've found our first three items,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50and two of them are going back to the same saleroom they were purchased in!
0:14:50 > 0:14:55But before we head off to auction, here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us and why.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Anita started with something grand -
0:14:58 > 0:15:00an early-19th-century Worcester pot,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04but will the estimate of £300 to £500 be a little lofty?
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Ann would like to get back the £200 she paid for the cradle
0:15:08 > 0:15:1230 years ago, but ultimately would like to see it go to a good home.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15And, always one to spot a bit of bling,
0:15:15 > 0:15:21Anita put £900 to £1,200 estimate on Sheila's gold bracelet.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34And this is where we're selling all our items today -
0:15:34 > 0:15:36John Milne Auctioneers in the heart of Aberdeen,
0:15:36 > 0:15:40and as the sale day arrives, my sense of anticipation gets higher.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44Anything could happen. It's an auction.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46Our auctioneer today is Graham Lumsden,
0:15:46 > 0:15:48and with a packed saleroom like this,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51he'll have to keep his eye on the ball when the bidding starts.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56So let's crack on with our first lot - that fabulous Worcester pot.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Irene and Murray, thank you for coming in today.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02We're just about to sell the ornamental tableware,
0:16:02 > 0:16:05and you're selling this because you can't find the right place for it.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- Nice piece of Worcester! - It's absolutely beautiful.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11It's early, it's exquisite, hand-painted.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- It's got everything going for it. - Yeah.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16And hopefully the price as well.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- We should be getting around £300 to £400.- Hopefully.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Fingers crossed, on a good day.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- It's not going to be a sad goodbye, is it?- No, no.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Where's it been lately? Come on. Be honest.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Just in a box at the moment.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Best thing to do, then, isn't it? Put it under the hammer and sell it.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37Let's find out what the bidders think. Here we go.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40It's ornamental tableware. It's Flight, Barr and Barr.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44Worcester two-handled gilt table centre with cover.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49And for this one, £400. Table centre and cover for £400.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Come on.- 350.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55£300.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58I can start at the door, 180. 190.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- 200. 210. 220. 240. 260.- Here we go.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- It's got going.- 275.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- 275.- Come on!
0:17:07 > 0:17:10At 280.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12It's now at the door at £280.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Any advance on £280? The bid is at the door. £280.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21It's going to be sold. All finished at £280?
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Hammer's gone down.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Spot on there! - And a few nervous moments there!
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- THEY LAUGH - £280. OK? Happy with that?
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- Yes, yes.- Yes!
0:17:32 > 0:17:37- Just spot on the fixed price. - Yeah. Right on that reserve there.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41One down, two more to go. It's Ann's oak cradle next.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Why are you selling this now, Ann?
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Because it's been in my underground for a long time,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52and I think somebody would enjoy it,
0:17:52 > 0:17:56and it needs a lovely old house or a...
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- Or a shop, in a shop-front. - For dolls, as well.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Exactly. Stick teddy bears in there, or dried flowers. Anything, really.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07In fact, if I was allowed to buy it, I would have snapped that one up.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Anyway, good luck. It's going under the hammer now.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Let's see if we can rock the saleroom.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15This Norwegian oak cradle.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19And for the cradle, open the bidding with me at 100.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22110. 120. 130. 140.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25150. 160.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28At 160. 160 for the cradle.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33Any advance now? £160, the cradle. The bid's to my right now at 160.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36It's going to be sold for £160. All finished now at 160?
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- Yes! £160!- 160!
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Straight in and straight out, really.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- You've got to be pleased with that. - I am pleased.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Pretty much what we thought. - Spot-on. Mid-estimate.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- I've got a lot more furniture, too. - See you next time we're up here.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Absolutely! THEY LAUGH
0:18:53 > 0:18:57That's a good result for Ann. I'm really pleased.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02Sheila's next, with her weighty gold bracelet and four sovereign coins.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Now, technically, what's a sovereign worth in auction now?
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- About £190?- That's right.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11You've got to factor in the commission, so it's not scrap value.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15But it's an item and will be bought as an item.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Let's hope we get the top end of this estimate,
0:19:17 > 0:19:20as it's being sold as an item and not for melt value.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22I know you got this - how long ago, as a present?
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- 20 years ago.- 20 years ago, and it cost around 100?
0:19:26 > 0:19:28£100, he reckons, yeah.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- It's a good investment, isn't it? - Yeah. Hopefully, yeah.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Hopefully we'll get £1,000 for this.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37Who knows? Until the hammer falls,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39we don't know how much exactly.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- But it certainly deserves the lower estimate.- Yeah.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48For the gold bracelet with coins, this one, £1,000.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51£900. Gold bracelet with coins for 900.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- 800. I can open the bidding with me for £800.- A good start.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- That's solid.- With me at £800.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00At £800. 820. 840.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03860. At 860 with me.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- It's going to be sold for 860. - This one down there, look.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10At 880. I am going to sell for 880.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15It is in the seat at 800. I am going to sell at £880.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18All finished now at £880? It's in the seat at 880.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- HE BANGS HAMMER - That's OK, isn't it? It's OK.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25He's used a little bit of discretion,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28but I think £20 discretion on that amount is fine.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Good old Graham! He got it away, and that's the main thing.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Close. - THEY LAUGH
0:20:33 > 0:20:37So far, so good! All three lots sold, and everyone goes home happy.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41But before we head back to the historic grandeur of Crathes
0:20:41 > 0:20:43and the valuation day, I took a look at an industry
0:20:43 > 0:20:47that had an important influence on Aberdeen's historic past.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Take a look at this.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07As an island nation, the United Kingdom has such a rich and wonderful maritime history.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Of course, that covers a whole host of subjects,
0:21:10 > 0:21:15from fishing to exploration, navigation, the Navy, and trade.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19But all of these things have one thing in common, and that's ships.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21And to build one, you've got to be in the right place,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24you've got to have the right skills, the equipment,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27and the experienced workforce. Now, here in Aberdeen,
0:21:27 > 0:21:31in this harbour, shipbuilding has been a traditional industry
0:21:31 > 0:21:34for the last 400 years, and during that time,
0:21:34 > 0:21:39they've built some of the most important ships in our history.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Of course, there were a number of places in the UK
0:21:42 > 0:21:46that had shipyards. But, for its size, Aberdeen stood out.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52And why is that? Well, there were a number of reasons,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55but, like most places that have a maritime heritage,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57the city's fortunes are directly linked,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00and of course, over the last 800 years
0:22:00 > 0:22:02this harbour has played a key role
0:22:02 > 0:22:05in not just the development and prosperity of Aberdeen
0:22:05 > 0:22:07but the whole northeast of Scotland.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10But the real success of the shipbuilding in the area
0:22:10 > 0:22:14is really down to the skills and the entrepreneurial vision
0:22:14 > 0:22:17of the Aberdonian shipwrights.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22There were several well known shipbuilding companies in Aberdeen,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25and collectively they built a wide range of vessels,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28including clipper ships, coasters, drifters,
0:22:28 > 0:22:32steamships and fishing vessels.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36For 200 years, between the 18th and 20th century,
0:22:36 > 0:22:38they built several thousand, but arguably,
0:22:38 > 0:22:43Aberdeen's inventive shipbuilding heyday was the 19th century.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48In the 1830s, a shipyard called Alexander Hall & Company
0:22:48 > 0:22:52pioneered the revolutionary Aberdeen Bow, and here it is.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55You see, speed was of the essence on the trade routes,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58especially if you were competing against steamships,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01and the Aberdeen Bow had a sleeker, more efficient bow
0:23:01 > 0:23:04than any of its contemporaries. It made it faster,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06and it improved sailing performances.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10And this is one of the original shipwright's working models,
0:23:10 > 0:23:14which is absolutely incredible. It's a wonderful survivor.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18The shipyard's also credited for testing models in a tank of water
0:23:18 > 0:23:21for the very first time, so they could keep improving on the design,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24honing its efficiency.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28The first vessel with the new bow was the schooner Scottish Maid,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31built by the Hall shipyard in 1839.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35The ship proved successful. It was swift and reliable,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38and inevitably led to many shipbuilders around the globe
0:23:38 > 0:23:42adopting the design, better known nowadays as the clipper ship.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49Picking up your cargo and delivering it as quickly as possible
0:23:49 > 0:23:52was essential, not only because it was more efficient,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55it saved time and money, but also the commodities you were importing,
0:23:55 > 0:23:59things like tea, were a lot fresher, so when they reached the open market
0:23:59 > 0:24:01they would command a higher price.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Now, we are a nation of tea-lovers, so you can imagine,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08when the Americans started to do the journey from China to London
0:24:08 > 0:24:12in a third of the time, in their own faster, slender ships,
0:24:12 > 0:24:14the British merchants were horrified,
0:24:14 > 0:24:18so enter the age of the tea clipper. And it was here in Aberdeen
0:24:18 > 0:24:21that the first-ever true tea clipper was built, in 1850 -
0:24:21 > 0:24:26one of the most famous vessels to be built here, the Thermopylae.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Her maiden voyage sailed to Melbourne in just 60 days,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32via Shanghai and Fuzhou, breaking records along the journey.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37And a Melbourne newspaper reported on the 13th of January 1869,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40"It seemed almost impossible... that a voyage to the antipodes
0:24:40 > 0:24:43could be accomplished by a sailing ship in 59 days."
0:24:43 > 0:24:47"She is in every respect a fine specimen of naval architecture,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50a model of symmetry and beauty."
0:24:50 > 0:24:52"Her sweeping lines and exquisite proportions,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55her graceful outline and general compactness,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58convey an idea of perfection."
0:25:01 > 0:25:04The Thermopylae was such a huge success,
0:25:04 > 0:25:08so much so that a year later, the most famous tea clipper in the world
0:25:08 > 0:25:11was constructed to compete and race against her -
0:25:11 > 0:25:15the Cutty Sark. However, the Thermopylae remained unbeaten,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17and still the fastest tea clipper ever.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21But it's not just merchant ships that were built here in Aberdeen.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23There's one very famous one I must show you -
0:25:23 > 0:25:26well, famous if you're Japanese, that is.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Thomas Glover, or the Scottish Samurai,
0:25:29 > 0:25:31was an Aberdeen man who was ambitious.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36He's not that well known in this country,
0:25:36 > 0:25:38but in Japan he is very famous,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41and to give you an indication of how popular he is,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44his former home in Nagasaki is now open as a museum,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47and it attracts around two million visitors a year.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Thomas Glover was a merchant and a businessman.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53He was so successful he became friends with the Emperor,
0:25:53 > 0:25:56and was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Now, here's the interesting bit. He also built warships
0:25:59 > 0:26:02for the Japanese Navy, and this is a beautiful scale model
0:26:02 > 0:26:06of the first-ever warship, the Jho Sho Maru.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09It's absolutely beautiful.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13It was constructed in 1869, and for ten years it was the flagship
0:26:13 > 0:26:16of the Imperial Japanese Navy,
0:26:16 > 0:26:18built by Alexander Hall & Company,
0:26:18 > 0:26:23weighing in at an incredible 130 tons.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25All of the hull has been armour plated,
0:26:25 > 0:26:27and it's four and a half inches thick.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30It's constructed with a round stern and a ram bow,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33which would cut right through anything,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35also enhancing the vessel's speed at sea.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Now, back in 1869, it cost £42,000 to build this ship.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44Today, that would work out at around £2 million,
0:26:44 > 0:26:46which is a lot of money...
0:26:47 > 0:26:49..but a lot of vessel.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56I've only scratched the surface of Aberdeen's shipbuilding heritage,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00highlighting just a couple of ships like the Jho Sho Maru and the Thermopylae,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03but all sorts of ships were built here in the 20th century,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07and during World War II, the harbour was an important naval base.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Aberdeen's rich shipbuilding history sadly ended in 1989,
0:27:12 > 0:27:16but the harbour continues to be at the core of the city's finances,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19and as you can see behind me today, there's a hive of activity going on.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24It's one of Britain's busiest ports, and one of Europe's most modern.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26According to the Guinness Book Of Records,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29this harbour is the oldest business in Britain.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32It's a true success story, and it's wonderful to see
0:27:32 > 0:27:35that it continues to adapt with the changing times.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43We've moored up back at the valuation day,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45and everybody's got the wind in their sails.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48But it's Adam who's spotted something first.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50It's very nice to see you. What's your name?
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- Virginie.- Virginie. That's not an Aberdeen name!
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- It's a French name. - That's right.- A very pretty name.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- Are you French yourself? - No, I'm Dutch.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- And what brought you to Aberdeen? - What do you think? Oil!
0:28:04 > 0:28:05What else?
0:28:05 > 0:28:09And you've brought along this very pretty little Shelley tea service.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12How long have you had this and when did you get it?
0:28:12 > 0:28:17About ten years ago I bought it in some sort of fair.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- I can't even remember. - And what attracted you to it?
0:28:20 > 0:28:23The colours. The black and white colours.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27- It's a very pretty set, isn't it? - I even made an embroidery about it...
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- Oh, really?- ..because I like it.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- So you do embroidery as well? - I do, I do. Still do, yeah.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Excellent. Well, generally speaking, we don't get great prices
0:28:38 > 0:28:42for tea sets nowadays, because people don't use them so much.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- Do you still use a cup and saucer? - Well, not every day,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- but I do it when I have guests. - Quite right, too.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50So, this is by the famous firm of Shelley,
0:28:50 > 0:28:54which means it's more desirable than most other tea services nowadays,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57and Shelley, very fine bone china.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01They have the highest percentage of bone in the makeup of their china
0:29:01 > 0:29:03- than all the others.- That's right.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- So it's always got a really good... - Clink to it.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09..clink to it. Exactly. And the number on the bottom there...
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- What's that? 11343? - What was it again?
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- 11343, that's right. - Which is the Vincent shape,
0:29:15 > 0:29:19and this was introduced in July 1924 so it helps us date it exactly.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22OK. I didn't know that.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Well, I'm glad I managed to tell you something, anyway.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29Why have you decided to bring it along today to sell?
0:29:29 > 0:29:33Well, because I have a very dear friend who recently died,
0:29:33 > 0:29:38and I thought it might be nice to do it for some sort of charity.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- That's a lovely gesture. - If I get a good amount for it,
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- we can do it for the charity. - So you don't use this any more?
0:29:44 > 0:29:48I do use it for when I have guests, but I have got other things as well.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Other tea sets. You've probably chosen the best one to sell.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- Well, I think so, yeah.- We've got a representative selection here,
0:29:55 > 0:29:57but how much of this do you actually have?
0:29:57 > 0:30:02I've got five more cups and saucers, and five more of these, of course.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05So you've got a whole six setting, and it's all complete?
0:30:05 > 0:30:07- It's still complete. - No chips or cracks?
0:30:07 > 0:30:11As far as I can see. Maybe you as an expert can see it, but I can't.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15We'll value it on the basis that it's all there,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17in perfect condition.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Do you remember what it cost when you purchased it ten years ago?
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- I think I paid £100 for it. - OK. We know why you're selling it.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29Valuation-wise, you don't want to get less than you paid for it.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Well, that's true. Hopefully a little bit more.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I suggest we put an estimate of £100 to £150 on it.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- That's good. Oh, that's good. - And put a reserve of 100,
0:30:39 > 0:30:42so that it doesn't go for less,
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- and hopefully it'll make a little bit more.- OK.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Wow, excellent! We've covered everything.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- Thank you very much. - It's a pleasure. Nice to meet you.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55It's such a great turn-out here today.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59Let's get back to the valuing, and Anita has spotted some more gold.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Let's listen in as she tells Willie what it's worth.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Willie, welcome to "Flog It!"
0:31:05 > 0:31:08It's lovely to be up in Aberdeenshire,
0:31:08 > 0:31:11and this is a big, cracking coin.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Tell me, where did you get it?
0:31:13 > 0:31:15I bought it ten years ago in Newcastle.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- So, are you a coin collector, Willie?- No.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- What drew you to it? - It just caught my eye,
0:31:21 > 0:31:24and the date. I thought it was worth it at the time.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- How much did you pay for it at that time?- 500.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30You paid 500. And that was retail price?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- Yeah, ten years ago.- And you thought this might be a good investment?
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Do you know something, Willie? You were absolutely right.
0:31:37 > 0:31:38SHE LAUGHS
0:31:38 > 0:31:42This is a gold £5 piece.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44In 1887, it was worth £5 -
0:31:44 > 0:31:47in today's market, much, much more.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51If we look at the coin, we can see the date on it here,
0:31:51 > 0:31:54and we'll talk about the date, because the date is significant,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57but we see St George and the dragon on the back of the coin,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00and the date, 1887.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Now, this was the year of Victoria's jubilee,
0:32:03 > 0:32:06and the coin collectors will be aware of that,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09and it will make it more desirable in the market.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13And on the front of the coin we have Victoria's head.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16We have many gold coins. We have half-sovereigns,
0:32:16 > 0:32:19sovereigns, and we have these £5 pieces.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24This type of coin is greatly sought-after by collectors.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Condition is an important issue,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29and the condition of this one I would say is perfect.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33You tell me why you think this is a good time to sell.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Well, the price of gold now, what I paid for it then,
0:32:36 > 0:32:40what I could possibly get for it now, it's perfect timing.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43And this is the right time to sell.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45I'm going to come straight to the point here.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47You paid 500.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51I would put an estimate on of 800 to 1,200.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53You could double your money on this,
0:32:53 > 0:32:57and that's in a period of ten years,
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- and I think that that is a pretty good investment.- Yeah.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04So, it was bought as an investment.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- You've waited until the market has turned up.- Yeah.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12Would you be happy to put it into auction at 800 to 1,200?
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Yes.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16We'll put a firm reserve on it, Willie.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19We'll give the auctioneer no discretion on that.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21- 800?- We'll put £800 on it,
0:33:21 > 0:33:25and we will hope that in the next two weeks,
0:33:25 > 0:33:28that gold creeps up a little bit more.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32- Let's flog it.- Let's flog it, Willie.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34Absolutely, and it won't be long until we do.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37But right now it's our last valuation,
0:33:37 > 0:33:39and I've found something a bit special.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42James, you've got a nice suntan. Where did you get that -
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- not in Aberdeen! - No, it was in Turkey.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Was it? What, last week? You were on holiday there?
0:33:48 > 0:33:51It was 40 degrees, and then we return here,
0:33:51 > 0:33:55- and it's down to about 12 or 15. - You get four seasons in a day here.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59- You're holding a real treasure in your hand here.- Thank you.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- Where did you get this from? - I bought it about 20 years ago
0:34:02 > 0:34:05at the equivalent of a car-boot sale in Aberdeen.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08It was just on one of the stalls there.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- How much did you pay for that?- £2.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14£2?! Gosh! And what have you done with it ever since -
0:34:14 > 0:34:18- stood it up in a cabinet? - Yes, it's been in a china cabinet.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Good. You've looked after it. That's very delicate.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- Can I have a look?- Yes, by all means.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- You know what it is, don't you? - Yes.- It's an arm-rest.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- Yes.- Normally made in pairs,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31so that bit of ivory would have been split down the middle,
0:34:31 > 0:34:33and modelled and tooled on both sides.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36This is a lovely example of what ivory should look like.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Can you see this swirling grain? Not straight lines.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42Almost like bits of marble. Carved as well,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45but plainly understated, and it's had a lot of wear.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48It's starting to flatten. It's had some rub.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52But this side... Wow! When you turn it over,
0:34:52 > 0:34:54it's a joy to behold. It really is.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57It's telling a story. I don't know what,
0:34:57 > 0:35:00but there's musicians playing, people carrying things,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02and all of this is cut from the solid.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04You see how they've got in behind the tree,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- so you can see right through it? - Amazing skill.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Oh! It could be Cantonese. I'm not sure.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13But it's definitely for the export market,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17and I would say sort of Victorian period, around about 1860s.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21Oh, I see! As old as that? I didn't realise it was quite as old.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Yeah, and it's a very curious market right now,
0:35:24 > 0:35:28because a lot of wealthy people in mainland China are buying back their heritage,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31and they'll find this on the internet if you want to sell it.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34There is a little bit of damage. It's only there.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- The head of an animal. - Looks like a dog, doesn't it?
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Have you any idea what this might be worth?
0:35:40 > 0:35:45I did show it to someone else, and they thought 200 to 250, maybe.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47So, you're about to turn...
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- My £2 into...- To 200. - ..profit, yes, hopefully.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55Well, how about we double that 200?
0:35:55 > 0:35:58I think a sensible guide would be £500 to £800.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Oh, well, that's tremendous.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- I really do. - Well, that would make me very happy.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Do you want to put a reserve on this?
0:36:05 > 0:36:10Probably. Maybe... What, 300, 400?
0:36:10 > 0:36:12OK. Let's put a reserve of £400 on.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15This is the surprise we could all be waiting for.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Whatever you do, keep watching. This is going to get exciting.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- Thank you so much, James. - Thank you very much.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26'It certainly is, but I should point out that the sale of ivory
0:36:26 > 0:36:29'after 1947 is banned in this country,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32'and I'm sure you'll agree, it's always best on the animal itself.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35'What makes this 19th-century arm-rest stand out
0:36:35 > 0:36:39'and give it its value is the pure skill of the craftsman.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44'Before we head off to the saleroom, here's a recap of what we're taking to the auction and why.'
0:36:44 > 0:36:48Adam only saw a sample of Virginie's Shelley tea set,
0:36:48 > 0:36:53so we took a gamble, valuing it at £100 to £150.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56With gold doing well, Anita thought Willie's jubilee coin
0:36:56 > 0:37:00was a sound investment. He paid £500 for it,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03but she predicted it could double this at auction.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05And finally, the sort of object we all dream of finding,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08especially with a £2 price tag!
0:37:08 > 0:37:11I can guarantee you, you really don't want to miss this one
0:37:11 > 0:37:14going under the hammer.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21So, we're back at John Milne Auctioneers in Aberdeen
0:37:21 > 0:37:24with auctioneer Graham Lumsden. The place is still packed,
0:37:24 > 0:37:28which can only be a good thing for Virginie and her tea service.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30I have Adam next to me, who did the valuation.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34- We're looking at £100 to £150. - On the valuation day,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37you just brought one sample in, and you've delivered the rest.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40But there was no poor condition with it, was there?
0:37:40 > 0:37:45No. A bit brown inside, and there was a little crack there.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47- A crack?- A little one.- Oh, right.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49- THEY LAUGH - A rather large one!
0:37:49 > 0:37:51THEY LAUGH
0:37:51 > 0:37:55- Adam's just gone bright red. - We will see.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57It's not Adam's fault if it doesn't sell,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59but I think we're right on the money with this.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03You were attracted by the colours, and hopefully the bidders will be.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05It's going under the hammer right now.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08The Shelley tea set. There we go, as seen.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12And for the Shelley tea set, £120.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16Shelley tea set for 120. £100.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- 80. I'm bid 80.- We're in at 80.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- Any advance now on £80?- Come on. - The Shelley tea set at £80.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26There's one bid on my left at 80. Any advance now on £80?
0:38:26 > 0:38:30The Shelley tea set. All finished now at £80, the Shelley tea set?
0:38:30 > 0:38:33All finished at 80? 80 it is. Not sold.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36It didn't sell. He was looking for a bid of 100. He had 80.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- Never mind.- That's the beauty of having a fixed reserve.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Yes.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45- I'll just take it home again. - You don't mind, Virginie.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47I don't mind at all. No. I don't mind at all.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- Sorry about that. - Thank you.- It was nice to meet you.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Shelley, for the first time, has let us down.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- Must have been the crack. - Must have been the little crack!
0:38:55 > 0:38:58A bit of brown inside. THEY LAUGH
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Condition is so important,
0:39:01 > 0:39:03and I'm sure Adam would have revised his valuation
0:39:03 > 0:39:07had he looked at the whole service, especially if he'd seen a crack.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12This next lot was bought ten years ago for £500.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Let's find out what it's worth ten years later.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18It's Willie's gold coin. It's the £5 jubilee coin.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22- Yeah.- £5 should be worth something like £1,000, shouldn't it, Anita?
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- What do you think? - Well, the date of it is important.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30This was the first year that they made coins for circulation,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33and there were 54,000 of these made.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36I bet quite a few have been lost over the years.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Because they were used, but this one is in good condition,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42and I think it was a very canny investment!
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Well done, Willie! Why are you selling now, ten years later?
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- The price of gold is... - You've been watching the markets?
0:39:49 > 0:39:52- Yeah.- And you have to check them virtually weekly now,
0:39:52 > 0:39:54because they do fluctuate.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57It has gone up a wee bitty since the valuation, so...
0:39:57 > 0:40:01I like the way you said that. Can you say that again? A wee bitty?
0:40:01 > 0:40:04It has gone up a wee bitty since the valuation.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08Let's find out what this lot think. It's going under the hammer now.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12This £5 gold jubilee coin, 1887.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15And for this jubilee coin,
0:40:15 > 0:40:18£1,200.
0:40:18 > 0:40:191,000.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- 700.- Yes.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- We're in at seven.- 750 with me.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Any advance now on £750?
0:40:26 > 0:40:28- Yes.- 800 at the door.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31It's outside the door at £800. 850.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35900. It's outside the door at £900, the coin.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- Come on!- Come on, come on, come on. We got a phone line. Look.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42The £5 gold piece, at £900. It'll be sold for £900.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45- All finished at nine? - Hammer's going down.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46- £900.- 900.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Not quite £1,000, but we made £900. Are you happy with that?
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Yes, I'm happy. - It was a good investment.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57Well, Willie did a good job at keeping his emotions in check,
0:40:57 > 0:41:01but doubling your money has to be good by anybody's standards.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05It's my turn to be the expert. I've just been joined by James,
0:41:05 > 0:41:08and we're going to sell that lovely Chinese carved ivory arm-rest.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Beautiful undercuts and figuring on that.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Quality, quality. Had a chat to the auctioneer yesterday.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18He agreed with the valuation. It should sell at the £400 reserve,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21but will it do five, six, seven? We don't know.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26If it had its other pair, you might do £1,500, £2,000,
0:41:26 > 0:41:28but the Chinese market is red hot right now,
0:41:28 > 0:41:31and they're buying all their artefacts back.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34Let's see if they're here, shall we? Here we go.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37This is an ivory Eastern hand-cut arm-rest,
0:41:37 > 0:41:41or wrist-rest. Can we start the bidding at £500?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- I'm bid £450 to start it. - Look, we're straight in, anyway.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48470. 480. 490. 500.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- 520.- Commission bids everywhere.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55At 520. 540. 560. 580. 600.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58The porter's bidding on behalf of somebody.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02680. 700. 720.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- 740.- Oh, this is great!
0:42:04 > 0:42:06780. 800. 820.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09840. 860.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11870. 880.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- At 880 outside the door. - James, this is...- Good, isn't it?
0:42:15 > 0:42:18- Late bidder.- 900. 920. 940.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21960. 980.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- James, you're in the money! - Aren't I just?
0:42:24 > 0:42:27At 1,100 in the room. Any advance, now, at £1,100?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30It's on my left in the room at £1,100.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- Are you shaking?- Yeah!
0:42:33 > 0:42:361,150. 1,200. At £1,200. Again on my left at £1,200.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41Going to be sold for £1,200. Any advance on 1,200?
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Wow! What a powerful market the Chinese market is!
0:42:44 > 0:42:47£1,200!
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Fabulous!
0:42:49 > 0:42:53- Fabulous! And how much did you pay for it? Remind us. Rub it in.- £2!
0:42:53 > 0:42:57£2. It is all out there. You've just got to get up early and go looking,
0:42:57 > 0:43:01and if it's not there on the first day it'll be there on the next day.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03James, thank you so much for bringing that in.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06We've all learned something here. I hope you have at home.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10Join us again for more surprises, but from Aberdeen, it's goodbye.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:14 > 0:43:18E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk
0:43:18 > 0:43:19.