0:00:03 > 0:00:07I'm in the Leicestershire countryside, a few miles from Melton Mowbray, the rural food capital,
0:00:07 > 0:00:10home to Stilton cheese and the humble pork pie.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14But there's no time to be thinking about eating today, because we're here to "Flog It!"
0:00:36 > 0:00:41And continuing our tasty theme, we're in a rather tasty location.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46Our setting today is the resplendent grounds of Stapleford Park.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48With a history dating back to King Arthur,
0:00:48 > 0:00:51and connections to William the Conqueror,
0:00:51 > 0:00:54it seems to be the perfect setting for our team of experts
0:00:54 > 0:00:57to get stuck in to all those antiques and collectables.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02MUSIC: "I'm So Excited" by The Pointer Sisters
0:01:02 > 0:01:05And it seems there's already quite a queue dishing out items
0:01:05 > 0:01:07for our experts to sample.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Forget the furniture. Think of the weather!
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Elizabeth Talbot and Mark Stacey are already watering at the mouth.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16I feel quite excited about it, actually.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- I'm very excited. I'm trying to contain my excitement.- I'm sure.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Gosh, you've got a lot of interesting things, haven't you?
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Well, that looks rather nice.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- That's lovely, isn't it?- I got that in Edinburgh.- It's like Christmas, isn't it?
0:01:31 > 0:01:34You never know what's going to come out of the bag or the box,
0:01:34 > 0:01:39and I'm really excited about it, I think we're going to have a wonderful day.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44And it looks like we're going to have a great day here in Leicestershire.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47And here's a taster of what's coming up on today's show,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50just to whet your appetite.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Our experts' valuations get a bit woolly.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- How much does a sheep cost? - I don't know, I don't ask.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Cos I don't think you're going to get much sheep out of this.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02They ain't as dear as you think, you know.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04And we soak up all the excitement of the sale room
0:02:04 > 0:02:08when we watch our favourite items being sold.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11No, that person hasn't got their bidding card.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16And I slow the pace right down and escape to the tranquillity
0:02:16 > 0:02:17of an architectural gem.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20When the sun moves round, later on in the day,
0:02:20 > 0:02:25that glass is going to sparkle like a jewel in the crown.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33The Grand Hall is filling up, and our experts are raring to go.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Being in fine foodie territory, it's rather fitting -
0:02:36 > 0:02:39our first valuation celebrates fine wine.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Here's Mark to tell us more.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- Hello, Dennis.- Hello. - Hello, Dorothy.- Hello.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47You've brought a charming pair of bottle coasters in to show us today.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Can you tell us where you got them from?
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Yes, they were rescued from the dustbin.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- From the dustbin?- From the dustbin, actually.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58But we've had them in the house since about something like about 1956,
0:02:58 > 0:03:00or something like that, as long as that.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05They actually belonged to a cousin of my father's.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10And he cleared out the house, and these were completely black.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13He didn't realise that they were silver plated.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14Oh, right.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- And we rescued them. - I'm glad you rescued them, because it would have been a shame
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- if they'd been thrown away, wouldn't it?- Yeah.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22I think they're very attractive,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25but we can't really leave them to the family,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28because you can't split them up.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- It would spoil it, wouldn't it?- Oh, yes, it would. It would spoil it. - And who do you give them to?
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- Um, it's...- And would they want them these days, cos there's not...
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- That's another thing, you see, would they?- Well, I think they're charming.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- I mean, they're silver plate, as you say.- Yes.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47They're, I would have thought, towards the end of the 19th century, late Victorian.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51But I love the little piecework decoration, and I love the shape,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55and this sort of cast decoration of the trailing vines.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- Which leads you to imagine a nice decanter of claret.- Yes.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Or port, do you know what I mean?
0:04:02 > 0:04:05So it's actually, they're lovely form that point of view.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08They've got nice turned bases as well,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11with little silver plated roundels in there,
0:04:11 > 0:04:15and in some cases, the little roundels would have been used
0:04:15 > 0:04:20- to put a family motto, or a crest, or armorium design on there.- Yes.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23But these are perfectly plain, so somebody could replate that
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and put their own crest or initials on if they wanted to.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Now, have you thought of the value on these pieces?
0:04:31 > 0:04:35We hope that they're worth, sort of thing, at least £100.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39I think they're certainly worth that, I mean I think they're worth that.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41The market is always difficult.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43The good thing about them is they're a pair,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46and people like wine-related items.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49And if you live in a nice big Georgian house,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52these would look lovely on a sideboard with your decanters,
0:04:52 > 0:04:53full of drink in there.
0:04:53 > 0:05:00I would think we're probably looking at something like £150-£200.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- Yes.- And we would put the reserve at £150.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- Yes.- Possibly with a 10% discretion for the auctioneer, if that's OK,
0:05:08 > 0:05:12so if he gets to, sort of, £140, he can still sell them,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15but hopefully, we'll get between the two figures.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- I can't promise above £200.- No.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19But auctions are live events, you never know.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- Depends who's at the sale. - Absolutely.- Yes.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Well, it sounds like Dennis has the measure of auctions,
0:05:25 > 0:05:29and we'll find out if we'll be raising a glass to a great result
0:05:29 > 0:05:31later on in the show.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Now, Elizabeth's in the Orangery next door,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37where she's joined by an old favourite.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40MUSIC: "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Well, it's not unusual to find a piece of Clarice Cliff on "Flog It!",
0:05:45 > 0:05:50but Barbara and Roger, you've brought quite an unusual bowl here.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52What's the story or history behind it?
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Well, um, I saw this in my mum's house,
0:05:56 > 0:06:01about 20 years ago, I think, now, and I thought it was a Clarice Cliff.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06It was quite, you know, unusual for Mum to have something valuable or with a name to it.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10And she just said, "Oh, I bought it in a coffee morning,"
0:06:10 > 0:06:14and I said, "Well, don't give it away, will you?" SHE LAUGHS
0:06:14 > 0:06:16"It's got some value, I think," and she said, "Oh,"
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- I pestered, and in the end, she said, "Oh, take it with you," on one of our visits.- OK.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23So, do you like it?
0:06:23 > 0:06:27Um, not really. I think I was just proud I had a bit of Clarice Cliff,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30in a way, and perhaps if I felt someone was coming,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- I might put it out to say, "I've got some Clarice Cliff!"- Yes.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- But not...- It's not your taste particularly.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- It doesn't appeal, no, not really. - How about you, do you like it? - I don't like it at all, no!
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- THEY LAUGH - That's it, blunt and to the point, you don't like it at all.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46I mean, Clarice Cliff, as we all know, is very much, um...
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- You either love her or hate her work.- Yes.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51It's not to everybody's taste, by any means.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52But a bowl such as this,
0:06:52 > 0:06:59which dates from the early parts of her creative period, 1920s, 1930s,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02is from the era when the colours were bright,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- the patterns were modern and unusual.- Yes.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08They didn't conform to the traditional, staid way
0:07:08 > 0:07:11of presenting decoration on a bowl.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14So as you see here, the floral pattern,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- which is bright and cheerful and asymmetrical...- Yes.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21..is on this strange, speckled, sort of cafe-au-lait, muddy brown band,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- which covers the majority of the surface.- Yes.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- So it's quite an odd piece.- Yes. - So it's a piece of Clarice Cliff,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31and it comes from the Bizarre Fantasque range,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34and if we look on the bottom, it's very well-documented there,
0:07:34 > 0:07:39you'll see that the marks are printed there, and also the name of the pattern, Canterbury Bells,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41is very efficiently painted on the bottom,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44so there's no question about what it is there.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Now it's not a pattern I've seen sell very often,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49so there are two ways of looking at it.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- It's one of the rarer patterns.- Yes. - It's not the rarest, it's one of the rarer.- Yes.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56But sometimes that can actually be a bad sign,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- because it could mean that it wasn't popular in the day.- Yes.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03She designed it, she decorated pieces, and it was limited production.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06The condition of it's good, though,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09structurally, physically, the bowl is in very good order.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12There's a teeny, tiny, pin-head sized chip on the foot ring,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- but really hardly anything to worry about.- Yes.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20So have you any concept, then, knowing that it's Clarice Cliff, of which you were very proud.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- SHE LAUGHS Yes, I was.- Do you have any concept of value at all?
0:08:23 > 0:08:28I'm not very good at selling things. I usually give them away, which must be a thing from my mum!
0:08:28 > 0:08:29SHE LAUGHS
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- I would say £50 at the most, I think. - About £50.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Any advance on £50?
0:08:35 > 0:08:40Well, I thought, as it's a rarer item, not being made, it would be more expensive.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45I would think that you need to double your £50,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48and I won't be surprised if you didn't treble your £50
0:08:48 > 0:08:52as a bottom estimate, and I'd have thought that that would sell quite comfortably
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- for between £150-£250.- Oh, really?
0:08:55 > 0:09:00You sound... More in line with what the expert across the table was thinking, which I think is right.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03You know, it's a good, sound, big piece that's in good order,
0:09:03 > 0:09:07and for what you get, £150, £250 is, I think, very fair.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Well, unusual it may not be,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15but will it charm the bidders in the sale room? Stay tuned to find out.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19Back in the Hall, Mark has spotted a rather real love-it-or-hate-it item.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Good morning.- Good morning.- How are you?- Very well. And you?
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Now you've brought a little Doulton figurine,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28but it's a very interesting story attached to this, isn't it?
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Well, it's my son's and he lives in Belgium,
0:09:30 > 0:09:32and he bought it at Waterloo Market.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36And he wants to get rid of it, cos he wants to buy himself some more sheep.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- Some more sheep?- More sheep, yeah. - He's a gamekeeper, you see, and he's got a little...- Oh, I see.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- How much does a sheep cost? - I don't know, I don't ask.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Cos I don't think you could get much sheep out of this.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- They ain't as dear as you think they are.- Are they not?- No. - OK, well let's hope they're not.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52HE CHUCKLES
0:09:52 > 0:09:55So why do you think he bought it? Was it because it's very British?
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Well, he liked it, and he'd seen one advertised on the internet
0:09:59 > 0:10:01on his phone. He seen what that went for so he thought
0:10:01 > 0:10:03he might make a bit of extra money.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- OK, OK.- Whether he can or not, I don't know.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Do you remember what he paid for this in Belgium?
0:10:08 > 0:10:10I think he paid 155 euros.
0:10:10 > 0:10:17Which is £135, something like that, which is quite a fair bit of money.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22I've not had one of these. It's very much a British thing.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- It symbolises the war effort. Doesn't it?- It does.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29You've got a soldier really with his bag there
0:10:29 > 0:10:33and his orders in here wearing his hat.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36But modelled as a great old British Bulldog.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38I mean, it is by the Royal Doulton factory of course
0:10:38 > 0:10:40and we've got the mark underneath here.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Yeah, I did see that.- Which is Royal Doulton with a crowned lion above
0:10:44 > 0:10:47and the registration number as well which is rather nice.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49It's fully marked so we know who it's by.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52We know the date, it's going to be early 20th-century,
0:10:52 > 0:10:56the mark on there is between 1902 and 1932.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59So I think it's probably for the First World War.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01And it's just a lovely subject, isn't it?
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- I think it is, I think it's wonderful.- You really like it?
0:11:04 > 0:11:06If that was mine I wouldn't sell it.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Really? Does it stir up a great patriotism?
0:11:09 > 0:11:12When he first showed me I said, why do you want to sell it?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14He said, I'm short of money. I said, I'll buy it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18No, he said, you won't. It's going to an auction.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- In my glass cabinet it would look lovely.- Oh!- With my other dogs.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23I'm sorry he's not selling it to you now.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- I know, he wouldn't. - He's a meanie, your son.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Tell him from me. He's very mean not letting you have it
0:11:29 > 0:11:32but I'm glad he's left it in for the show.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37- Yeah. I think so.- I would probably put an estimate of 150 to 200 on it.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- We'll put a reserve fixed at 150. - Yeah, lovely.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Even after commission, we should get his money back at least.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46He'll be happy with that, his money back.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Hopefully it might go over 200. Fingers crossed.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52If they like it like we do then it should be well away.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56Well, I'm sure that doggie will find a new home.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Well, it certainly has been lights, camera, action.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02But we're not going to stop there, right now we are off to auction.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06We've found our first three items so let's put those valuations to the test.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10While we make our way over, here's a quick recap just to jog your memory.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Of everything that's going under the hammer.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Dorothy and Dennis rescued these pretty little wine coasters
0:12:16 > 0:12:17from the bin!
0:12:17 > 0:12:22But there's nothing trashy about Mark's valuation of 150 to £200.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27Clarice Cliff may be an old friend of the show, but Elizabeth
0:12:27 > 0:12:30was thrown by the bowl's rare pattern.
0:12:30 > 0:12:36Time will tell whether her estimate of 150 to £250 was spot on.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40And Fats is reluctantly selling his son's Doulton Bulldog
0:12:40 > 0:12:43which Mark valued at 150 to £200.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53This is where the action happens,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Gildings auction rooms in Market Harborough.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59I'm ready for this, I hope you are because anything can happen.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00It's an auction.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07This is what I like to see. A packed auction room, full of bidders.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09We've got the ingredients of a classic sale
0:13:09 > 0:13:12so don't go away because there could be one or two surprises.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15In a moment, auctioneer John Gilding will take the rostrum.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19I'll catch up with our owners. I know they're feeling really nervous.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21This could get exciting.
0:13:21 > 0:13:2328, bid 28, 28...
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Don't forget to factor in commission rates the auction house
0:13:26 > 0:13:29will charge when buying or selling in the sale room.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34This can vary from anything around 16 to 20% plus VAT.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37And there's often lotting fees to take into account.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40So always check in advance before you take the plunge.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44And we've got a great atmosphere in Market Harborough today,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47so without further ado, let's get cracking with our first lot.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52Good luck, Fats, good luck, Mark, the British Bulldog is up for grabs.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54It's in battledress, it's in khaki.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Hopefully it will get 150 to £200.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59They do make around £200 at auctions
0:13:59 > 0:14:02so hopefully we've priced it right at 150 to 200.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06It's Doulton, and I gather your son bought this in Belgium recently
0:14:06 > 0:14:09and he paid top money for it anyway didn't he, around £200?
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Well, yeah, he did, actually, but, we'll have a go.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16We'll have a go. That's what it's all about. We'll do our best. And this is it. Here we go.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Now this is a good one.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22This is the Royal Doulton khaki coloured British Bulldog.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24We are in business if the auctioneer says this is good.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Never seen one of these before, so there we go.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Bit of an unknown quantity. £100, open to bidding.
0:14:31 > 0:14:37At £100 I'm bid at 100. And ten on the net. 120. 130. 140.
0:14:37 > 0:14:43- There's a phone line.- 140, I'm bid 140. You're out on the net at £140.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45And the telephone's out.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- 150 on the telephone. - We got the reserve.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52I'll take the bid on the telephone at 150. At 150 I'm bid.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53160 on the net.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59On 170 on the telephone. The net's out. At £170 I'm bid.
0:14:59 > 0:15:06All out in the room? I shan't dwell. It's £170. And selling at 170.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08That's a good price. It's a good price.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12We nearly got that £200 but well done, Fats. Well done.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15You cannot knock that for a great start.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17Let's hope we're on a roll.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19HE LAUGHS
0:15:19 > 0:15:20Guess what's coming up next.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25It is the most obvious if we talk about antiques and collectables.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Yes, you got it. Clarice Cliff.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30And it wouldn't be Flog It without Clarice, would it?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- No, I suppose not.- Thank you for bringing a piece in.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- You're welcome.- And I know this is your first auction, for both of you.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37Yes.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Gosh, you've left it a long time, haven't you?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- You've never been to an auction before?- No, honestly.- Sum it up.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48- What do you think?- It's exciting. Don't scratch my nose.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51We were warned that might buy such a lot.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55Everybody says that, they're frightened to itch their hair or their ears.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- It's not that bad really. - To isn't that bad, is it, no.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Canterbury bells.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Lovely bowl here please. Bidding starts with me at £100.
0:16:05 > 0:16:11100. £100 I'm bid at £100. 110 anywhere, quickly.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15At £100. 110 bid, 110 bid, 110, 110.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18120 bid, 120 bid, 120.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21You're all out in the room. All out on the net.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23At £120 I'm bid.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25All done? Thought this would be more.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30I'm watching you all carefully. Finished away then at £120.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33We shall pass on that lot, please.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35I can't believe it.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Clarice, you've let us down.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40That's very rare. That's very rare.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43In Flog It's 10 years of being on the road and finding all the Clarice
0:16:43 > 0:16:46I think only three times it's let us down.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53I don't think any of us saw that coming. It just goes to show,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56you never know which way an auction's going to pan out.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Let's hope we have more luck with our next lot.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Well I've just been joined by Dennis and Dorothy
0:17:05 > 0:17:08and we are just about to sell a pair of silverplated
0:17:08 > 0:17:11wine coasters which were rescued from the dustbin.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14But you've hung onto them, all credit to you.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- Oh, yes, we've had them on... - On display, polished up, used?- Yes.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- It doesn't get better than that? - It doesn't.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- It's classic recycling.- It is.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- And I love them actually. They're really...- It was those fruity vines
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- attracted you.- How well you know me, and fruity vines, Paul.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32But, there was the condition really. I liked them a lot. And a pair.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33- People like pairs.- Yes.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37They're quite interesting actually. Yeah, very, very pleasing.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41A great decorators item and they're a bargain for what you put on.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45They are. £150. I mean, hopefully they'll sell.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49It's such a strange market at the moment we just don't know
0:17:49 > 0:17:52until you get them into the sale room.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- And now is the moment of truth. - The pair of coasters.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01Lovely pair of coasters here, please. £85 only bid. 95, 110.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- Come on.- I'm tempted at 110. 120 bid, 120, 130, 130?
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- There's someone bidding, Dorothy.- 130 and 140.
0:18:08 > 0:18:14- On the net at 140.- 140.- 150 in the room.- 150 I'm bid, 160 on the net.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16170 at the door.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18170 I'm bid. 180 on the net.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21£180 I'm bid. Are you all done? All out in the room.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25All out on commission and selling at 180 to the net.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- Done it. £180. Very, very happy. - That's right.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32For something that was going to be thrown in the dustbin.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36You see, you've got to, good job he was alert!
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- And it's all down to finding the one pair basically.- That's right, yes.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- You're pleased as well. - I am. As they say, in darts, 180!
0:18:45 > 0:18:46Pleased with that.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Standing at the door, £55.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Well, he polished up his goods, got a great price
0:18:51 > 0:18:53and impressed Dorothy to boot.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Now, during my time in Leicestershire,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59I visited the home of someone willing to go to any length
0:18:59 > 0:19:00to wow a lady.
0:19:02 > 0:19:03Now what would you do
0:19:03 > 0:19:06if you wanted to impress Queen Elizabeth I?
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Well, for a start, you'd build a house fit for a queen.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Something like this one. It's Kirby Hall.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17Building work started here in 1570 under Sir Humphrey Stafford.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Lord Chancellor to the Queen.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20Shortly after his death,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23the house was completed by Sir Christopher Hatton,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26one of the Queen's favourite courtiers, built in the hope
0:19:26 > 0:19:29that one day she might stay whilst on one of her trips
0:19:29 > 0:19:31around the country.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35And my first impressions today are this is fairytale architecture.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38It's one of the most gorgeous houses I have ever seen.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59Christopher Hatton was a glamorous figure in the Elizabethan court.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03It's thought that he first caught the Queen's eye with his excellent dancing.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Kirby was at the forefront of new ideas and design
0:20:07 > 0:20:10and the courtyard here is particularly innovative.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14As you can see we've got these wonderful classical columns or pilasters as they are known.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18They run around all four sides of this courtyard on two levels.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20The upper level and the lower level.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25Now, throughout the 16th century, smaller classical columns were being
0:20:25 > 0:20:28used as architectural ornamentation.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31But this is the very first time in this country
0:20:31 > 0:20:34that detail like this has been used to unite all four sides
0:20:34 > 0:20:38of the facade of this incredible building
0:20:38 > 0:20:42creating this very powerful, dramatic effect.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49Architecture started to reflect the revival of ancient Greek
0:20:49 > 0:20:51and Roman art in the 16th century.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Kirby embraced this trend with relish.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57The richly carved decoration in the courtyard is one of the most
0:20:57 > 0:21:02exuberant displays of architectural ornamentation in England.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05The carvings were copied from mason's pattern books,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08a kind of catalogue where you picked the design you liked
0:21:08 > 0:21:10and then had it replicated.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16Kirby's design was groundbreaking for its attitude towards symmetry.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20Everywhere you look you can see it is absolutely perfect.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24It signalled a brand-new attitude towards building, telling us
0:21:24 > 0:21:27that the Renaissance ideas of balance and proportion
0:21:27 > 0:21:30had finally arrived here, in England.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44The window at the extreme right is longer than the others.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46That's because it was designed to give off
0:21:46 > 0:21:50extra light for the Lord who sat at the high table in the hall.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53This layout has been balanced visually.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55In the left-hand corner by another long window,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57which is purely aesthetic.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00In the past, architects would have not worried about maintaining
0:22:00 > 0:22:02this sense of symmetry.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Kirby achieved this while keeping within
0:22:05 > 0:22:09the traditional layout of the grand home of the period.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Despite all the great effort that's gone into
0:22:12 > 0:22:15this wonderful building it is a bittersweet story.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18There is no real actual evidence to suggest the Queen
0:22:18 > 0:22:21ever bothered to come and visit, let alone stay.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24And because its various owners were adamant that the best rooms
0:22:24 > 0:22:27should only be used for royalty,
0:22:27 > 0:22:31they were never lived in, and it just seems such a waste.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40After Christopher Hatton I died,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44the house was handed down through the generations.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49But in 1857, the 11th Earl of Winchelsea ran up
0:22:49 > 0:22:52such huge gambling debts and was so short of money that the only way
0:22:52 > 0:22:56he could pay them off was to strip the lead off the roof
0:22:56 > 0:23:00of this impressive building, leaving the house to fall into ruin.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06But that was by no means the end of the story.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Although the house remains derelict,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12the rooms are empty and the building is largely roofless,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15the gardens have been brought back to their former glory.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21What we see here is the restoration of the 1690s parterre garden.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26It's a lovely example of cut work and was created in the 1990s,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28by which time the hall was under
0:23:28 > 0:23:30the guardianship of English Heritage.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34It's thought one of the reasons this parterre style
0:23:34 > 0:23:37was a popular choice in this era was because the gravel path meant
0:23:37 > 0:23:40you could hear people sneaking up behind you.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43The layout of the house, with one room leading on to another,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47meant it was impossible to have a conversation in private.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52Therefore, it's thought any delicate conversations would be taken
0:23:52 > 0:23:55outside under the guise of walking in the gardens.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59Kirby was described in 1694 as having "ye finest garden in England"
0:23:59 > 0:24:02and apparently Christopher Hatton IV
0:24:02 > 0:24:05was so dedicated to it, he committed so much time,
0:24:05 > 0:24:10that it caused him to miss many commitments in the House of Lords.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13He was so serious about the construction of this garden
0:24:13 > 0:24:18that he demolished a complete village to create
0:24:18 > 0:24:21what he thought would be a better-looking backdrop.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24There was once a medieval church on that grass mound,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26and he got rid of all of that,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29plus several houses running all along here.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36These formal gardens were designed to be most impressive
0:24:36 > 0:24:37when admired from above,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40and this mound was used as a viewing platform.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45All the work carried out on the hall from the 20th century onwards
0:24:45 > 0:24:49has been in the spirit of repair rather than reconstruction.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Yet, when you look at the stonemason's work
0:24:52 > 0:24:55it's still as crisp and clear as it ever was
0:24:55 > 0:24:58and it gives us that wonderful sense of magic and culture
0:24:58 > 0:25:01that this place would have exuded back in its heyday.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04For me, this has been a real treat,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07and I can guarantee it will be a great day out for you as well.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Welcome back to our valuation day here at Stapleford Park.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40There's still lots of people here, and they're all happy, aren't you?
0:25:40 > 0:25:45- Yes!- Let's find out what else our experts can unearth.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47- John.- Hi, Mark.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50We see a lot of tiles in our business, antiques,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53because they were very popular for generations.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56I must admit I've never come across a set of tiles like this
0:25:56 > 0:25:58with the various sporting subjects on them.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- They're lovely, aren't they? - They are.
0:26:01 > 0:26:06They came from my father-in-law who died seven years ago,
0:26:06 > 0:26:09and he used to work at the local garage in Melton Mowbray.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14And also used to do a lot of restoration of fireplaces
0:26:14 > 0:26:16and we assume that, obviously,
0:26:16 > 0:26:20when he was taking a fireplace out that he retained a lot of the tiles.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23That's what it looks like to me, as we've got some with stains on
0:26:23 > 0:26:27which look as though they've been around the fireplace.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- Did he mount them as trivets? - Yes, he did.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32He mounted them for our copper kettles that we have at home.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34He's done a very good job on them.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35They're nicely done
0:26:35 > 0:26:38and they fit very nicely into the style of the time.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42Of course, they're by the very famous firm of Minton's.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44John, do you know much about the Minton factory?
0:26:44 > 0:26:46No, I don't know a lot.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51I've got one or two pieces of porcelain from Minton
0:26:51 > 0:26:53but I know it's one of the top factories.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Yes, it's one of the oldest firms in the country,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00founded in the late 18th century and right throughout their history,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Minton's have been known for great innovations.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04They employed the best artists
0:27:04 > 0:27:08and craftsmen in the potting industry,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10and we know them a lot from majolica,
0:27:10 > 0:27:15because Minton again produced the finest Victorian majolicaware.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18They're really quite a long-established firm
0:27:18 > 0:27:21and came up with a lot of good ideas.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23And these are one of them, I think.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26So, in terms of auction, I'd like to put them in
0:27:26 > 0:27:30with an estimate of £150 to £200, with a £150 reserve and hopefully
0:27:30 > 0:27:34people will see what we see in them and they'll go for the top end.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36- Yeah.- I think they're really lovely, John.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Would you like to put them in for auction?
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Yes, no problem, because they're just lying around in the attic.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- Let somebody else enjoy them. - Yeah, fine, you know.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50I think they're really fun, I think they're really good.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53I like the colour of them, I like everything about them
0:27:53 > 0:27:57and I think they could well set the auction room alight a bit.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59I certainly hope we'll get £150 if not £200.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- If not a bit more, actually.- Right.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Well, let's hope someone in the saleroom loves them as much as Mark.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12I've moved outside the hall for a rather special valuation of my own.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18Well, I think if I do this and move my bishop here...
0:28:18 > 0:28:20..that's checkmate.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21Game over.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25I've decided to do my valuation outside
0:28:25 > 0:28:27purely because of what I found inside.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32And this is Jan and her chess set. Hello there. Did you like that?
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- I did.- Tell me a little about this, because this is cute.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36It really is.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39And such small proportions. They're ivory. Did you know that?
0:28:39 > 0:28:44- I did have an idea they were made of ivory.- They're beautiful.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48Yes, really exquisite. The detail is lovely. Where did you get them from?
0:28:48 > 0:28:52I lost my mum a couple of years ago and we found them
0:28:52 > 0:28:56amongst her items, and I think they were possibly my father's.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01He was in the forces and did a lot of travelling,
0:29:01 > 0:29:05so I don't know if that's how he came about having them.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08I do like them. They're quality, aren't they?
0:29:08 > 0:29:13- I'd say these were made around 1900. - Really?- 1900, 1910.- Really? Gosh.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16They're lovely. And the thing is they're complete.
0:29:16 > 0:29:22- And, as far as I can see, there's no damage.- No, no.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- I don't think there is any.- Did you ever have a chessboard?- I didn't.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28- So you've never played?- No, I can't.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31It's quite astonishing how many people don't play the game.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35Its origins are from India 1,500 years ago.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39And it's been played in its present form ever since the 15th century.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42So it's nice to think that some things don't change,
0:29:42 > 0:29:45isn't it, really?
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Time has stood still.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50And just think of the people throughout history,
0:29:50 > 0:29:53probably here in this magnificent house we're at today,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Stapleford Park, have played chess.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00I think the first chess world championship
0:30:00 > 0:30:04took place in around 1886, so there's certainly a big history.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- Yes, definitely.- Have you any idea what they're worth?
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- No, I have no idea at all.- No..
0:30:10 > 0:30:15- Would you be happy if they sold for £100?- Gosh, yes.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17I think there's a lot of chess collectors out there
0:30:17 > 0:30:19that just collect the pieces.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23They really do. They don't need the boards.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26But I think if you put these into auction they might
0:30:26 > 0:30:30just do the top end of what I'm going to say,
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- which is £150 up to £200. - Really?! Goodness me! Gosh!
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- Shall we put them into auction with a value of 150 to £200?- Yes.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39Would you be happy with that?
0:30:39 > 0:30:44- And a reserve at £150 with a 10% discretion?- Yes, OK.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45So we can encourage some bidding.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48And in the meantime, can I teach you?
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- Would you like a game? - I would like. Yes.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53There's no time like the present. Come on.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Let's move all of these back.
0:30:56 > 0:31:02MUSIC: "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" - Ennio Morricone
0:31:04 > 0:31:07Well, I think we could be some time, so I think we'd better
0:31:07 > 0:31:11get back to the hall and see what Elizabeth has on her table.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- A little world of miniature here in front of us, Angela.- Yes, yes.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19Do these date back away in your life or have you recently acquired them?
0:31:19 > 0:31:23No, they date right back to when I was a youngster.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28I was given them to put in my doll's house and I played with them.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31And then, when the doll's house went,
0:31:31 > 0:31:35these were just put on one side and they've been around ever since.
0:31:35 > 0:31:3850-odd years, probably, sat in that box.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43The doll's house, I think, was bought by my parents,
0:31:43 > 0:31:48but this was given to me by my grandfather's cousins
0:31:48 > 0:31:52who didn't have any children themselves and they had a hardware
0:31:52 > 0:31:56shop in Sleaford, donkey's years ago, and that's all I know about it.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59How they acquired it, I don't know.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03OK. It's quite interesting because it is made out of a stamped
0:32:03 > 0:32:07and pierced metal, and is of German origin.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11There are two factories that it might be.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16It could be Marklin, Rock and Graner or it might be Waltershausen.
0:32:16 > 0:32:23And they specialised in doll's house and other small-scale toys,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26particularly made out of metal, which was machine-made.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29But very, very fragile and made for children in a period
0:32:29 > 0:32:33where toys were made but children were not supposed to play with them.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35So they are quite delicate and fragile,
0:32:35 > 0:32:39and it looks as though some of these have suffered a little bit
0:32:39 > 0:32:42over the years with a bit of damage.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46I can remember throwing the back of that chair away when it broke off.
0:32:46 > 0:32:47It's quite interesting.
0:32:47 > 0:32:53We have a little table which has fallen over a bit, that's lovely.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57A little salon suite, the two chairs and the settee.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Almost a bit of a laundry basket there, maybe.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- This, you tell me, was a...? - A little treadle sewing machine.
0:33:03 > 0:33:04It was intact at one time,
0:33:04 > 0:33:07but I think the box it has been kept in has suffered a bit.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10I think this is probably my favourite piece.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14This little wall mirror with a little arm for a candle to stand in.
0:33:14 > 0:33:20Yes, I can remember a piece of metal being at the back of it
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- to give the effect. - A proper little mirror. How super.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25The plus side is there is so much there,
0:33:25 > 0:33:28so many different items all in one go.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32The downside is that there is the damage.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37So if you weigh those two elements up, there are records of toys
0:33:37 > 0:33:40of this nature from those factories
0:33:40 > 0:33:43making anywhere between, I gather, £100 to £500 per piece.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46I think that is too exorbitant for these.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49I think, as a collection, you would offer them
0:33:49 > 0:33:54for auction at around £200 or £300, that would be the sort of level.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57And if you would like to reserve on them, we can place that on for you.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59A low-end estimate.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01If you think there ought to be a reserve,
0:34:01 > 0:34:04- but I don't really want to keep them. - No?
0:34:05 > 0:34:09Well, how about we put on a very low reserve of £100, just in case nobody
0:34:09 > 0:34:13turns up at the sale and you're not giving them away for the sake of it.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17I've been meaning for years to take it to an auctioneers and just
0:34:17 > 0:34:20sort of get rid of it, really, because it's not doing any good.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23It's just sitting in a box.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- Time for it to move on.- Yes.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27So, on that note, let's get over to the saleroom
0:34:27 > 0:34:31and hope we can make Angela one happy lady.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34And here's what we're taking to auction with us.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Mark was bowled over by these Minton tiles
0:34:36 > 0:34:41which he's hoping will fetch £150 to £250.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45I honed in on Jan's chess pieces and I'm confident that
0:34:45 > 0:34:50their in excellent condition will pitch them around £150 to £200.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54And whilst Angela seems happy to let this miniature furniture set
0:34:54 > 0:34:59go for next to nothing, Elizabeth is convinced its worth at least £200.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Well, we're back in Gilding's auctioneers in Market Harborough,
0:35:09 > 0:35:11and the sale is in full swing.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17But before we crack on with our lots,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20I had a chat with auctioneer John on the sale preview day
0:35:20 > 0:35:23and picked his brains on those Minton tiles that caught Mark's eye.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26You will like this lot, I know you will.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29We're in the right part of the country to sell this item.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Hunting territory. Now, this is a whole hunting theme going on here.
0:35:32 > 0:35:3415 Minton tiles.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37And we've got a value of £150, hopefully £250.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39All sorts of hunting.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43Well, I'll be very disappointed if we don't make that, because this is,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46I sell about 28,000 lots a year
0:35:46 > 0:35:49and I've not come across these before.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- Really?- And I daren't tell you how many years I have been selling.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Are these early Minton, are these circa 1880,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58or something a bit later?
0:35:58 > 0:36:02I would have thought you are about right. 1880, 1890.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- I like the rat hunting. - It's an amazing collection.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10Do you think this would go somewhere in a shooting lodge may be? In a fireplace?
0:36:10 > 0:36:11It could have been a fireplace
0:36:11 > 0:36:16in a shooting lodge but I've got a gents washroom or a cloakroom.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21You've got a cheeky grin on your face and hopefully we can double our estimate here.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23Hopefully, that would be good.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27So, what are we waiting for?
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Let's get back to the sale and see if John is right about those tiles.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34Going under the hammer right now, one of the greatest names
0:36:34 > 0:36:37in ceramics, Minton, but it's in the form of 15 tiles.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40They belong to John, but sadly he's not with us today.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- But we do have Sue, his wife, and these were your father's.- They were.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46So quite fitting that you're here today to say goodbye to them.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- Yes, that's right. He's probably up there watching.- You think he is?
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Did he come home with lots of tiles?
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Oh, he was a big collector of everything.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Probably sick of the sight of them.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01- That's why they've been kept in a box, in the shed?- In the attic.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05- In the attic. What do you think of them?- Not a lot.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Well, I know Mark, our expert, fell in love with them.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12Oh, I think they're fantastic. I've never seen some of those tiles.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14I've not seen them before.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16The hunting tiles and you have so many different sports.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Polo, otter hunting.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21I just think it appeals to so many collectors as well.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Well, we had a chat to the auctioneer yesterday
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- and he absolutely adored them. - Did he?
0:37:26 > 0:37:29He also said we're in the right part of the country to be selling
0:37:29 > 0:37:32these because it is hunting, shooting, fishing territory
0:37:32 > 0:37:34and there is a great deal of social history,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36and that is what it's all about.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38That's where the money will go, in the social history,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41not just with the Minton tiles, but the subject matter.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- Absolutely, absolutely.- Lot 23.
0:37:44 > 0:37:45The sporting tiles,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49a wonderful collection of sporting tiles by Minton.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Brilliant little lot here.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53£100 opens the bidding, and you're all out.
0:37:53 > 0:38:00100. 110, 120, 130. 150, 160. 170 in the room.
0:38:00 > 0:38:07- The commissions are lost at 170. Phone, 180. 190. 200.- Yes. Phone.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11220 in the room. 240. 260.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Here we go.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18280. 280, on the telephone with Mary.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22At £280. All done?
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Mary on telephone wins at £280.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27Sold.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32That's good though. Over the top end. We are happy with that, £280.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- John will be pleased as well. - He will.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Thanks for bringing those in because it gave us a big talking point.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42Something we'd never seen before and that's what the show is all about.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44If you've got something like that, we'd love to see it.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48Bring it along to our valuation days and you can pick up details on our BBC website.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Just log on to bbc.co.uk/flogit
0:38:50 > 0:38:53follow the links and the information will be there.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59And now it's time for one of my favourite items of the day, that super little chess set.
0:38:59 > 0:39:04- Jan, we never did finish that game of chess, did we?- No, we didn't.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07Nobody won, it was a stalemate but we'll get there in the end.
0:39:07 > 0:39:13But right now, hopefully, we are going to sell this ivory chess set without the board.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- Fingers crossed.- Let's hope so.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19I'm feeling a bit worried, I've got to say that. I must admit.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21But the auctioneer hasn't said anything,
0:39:21 > 0:39:23and that's normally a good sign.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- OK.- Because if he thinks they're going to struggle he'll say so.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30He'd normally want to talk about it but he hasn't said anything.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- That's good.- Yes. - So he agrees with the value.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37It's whether or not of the bidders agreed. That's what it's all about.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Cantonese ivory and stained ivory chess set with a mahogany box.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Another lovely piece here.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50And it's in very nice order. Bidding starts with me at £90.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55£90, 95. 100. 110. 110 bid.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59- 120. 130 with me. - Someone's bidding on the internet.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02140. 150 with me.
0:40:02 > 0:40:08Out on the Net, £150. I'm bid 150. £150 I'm bid. Are we all done?
0:40:08 > 0:40:13I shall sell. All out on the Net. All out in the room.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Sold at £150.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- Happy?- Yes, very. Cheers.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Now, you could enjoy £100 of that
0:40:24 > 0:40:27and spend maybe £20 on a very cheap chess set and go and learn.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- Then go and learn. - Yes, have some fun.- I'll do that.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Thank you for bringing that in. I enjoyed our day at Stapleford Park.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36So did I. Yes.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41There are laws governing when it's legal to sell ivory,
0:40:41 > 0:40:43so always seek expert advice if you're unsure.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47In the case of this chess set, Jan was able to sell it
0:40:47 > 0:40:51because it is classified as a worked item which predates 1947.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Now, just time to squeeze in the last lot before we end the show.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Remember the doll's house furniture we saw earlier?
0:40:57 > 0:40:59It's just about to go under the hammer
0:40:59 > 0:41:02and I've been joined by Angela, who's looking absolutely splendid.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- Very summery.- Yes. - Now, after 50 years of having these
0:41:05 > 0:41:09in a box, I think it is about time we did sell them, don't you?
0:41:09 > 0:41:10True, very true.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14Because I know the more they get handled, the more they get damaged.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- They do.- The backs of the chairs are falling off now.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21One of the chairs has lost its back which I threw away as a child.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26- The other one has a back that's very loose, if it hasn't already fallen off.- I think it has.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29We were having a chat to the auctioneer earlier,
0:41:29 > 0:41:33and both of the backs of the chairs weren't, err, on.
0:41:33 > 0:41:38- So fragile. It's amazing it survived so long.- He was slightly dubious.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42But having said that, I kind of turned it around by saying,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45if you do own a classic Victorian doll's house
0:41:45 > 0:41:47and you haven't furnished it,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50and this furniture does cost a lot of money, why not go off to auction
0:41:50 > 0:41:54because you can room set one parlour with this.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59- I would think it is mendable, quite honestly.- Yes, yes.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01So, will we find a buyer? Let's find out. Here we go.
0:42:01 > 0:42:07This is an unusual lot, doll's house furniture. Marklin, Rock and Garner.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11Waltershausen. 55 pound bid for the lot.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15The whole suite of furniture, 55 pound bid.
0:42:15 > 0:42:2260. Bidding on the Net. Five. 70. Five. 80. Five. 90. Five.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26100. 110. 20.
0:42:26 > 0:42:31120 here. 130? 130. 140.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34150. 160.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39That's what you call a keen bidder. I've not seen that for a while.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42180. 190. 200.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47£200. All out on the Net. And sold!
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Sold in the room for £200. That's brilliant!
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Ever so pleased with that.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54- I'm really surprised. - And the damage didn't bother them.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57- No.- They've got a doll's house.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00Simple as that. Thank you for bringing that in.
0:43:00 > 0:43:05Thank you very much. That's been really great.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08Here at 70. All done, sold.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13Well, that's it, it's all over for our owners.
0:43:13 > 0:43:14Another day in another auction room.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17As you can say, the sale is still going on around me,
0:43:17 > 0:43:19but it has been a bit of a mixed day.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22We didn't sell everything, but at least everyone's gone home happy,
0:43:22 > 0:43:25and that's what it's all about. I hope you've enjoyed the show.
0:43:25 > 0:43:30Join us again soon for more surprises, but until then, from Market Harborough, goodbye.
0:43:45 > 0:43:51Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:51 > 0:43:54Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk