0:00:03 > 0:00:06Today's show comes from the beautiful Victorian village
0:00:06 > 0:00:10of Saltaire, nestled in the West Yorkshire countryside.
0:00:10 > 0:00:11But it's no time to go sight-seeing
0:00:11 > 0:00:14because there's valuations to do.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:38 > 0:00:42We've got a deluge of stalwart Flog It fans ready to shower us
0:00:42 > 0:00:45with all manner of antiques and collectibles.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49And our experts won't let the British weather get in the way of their antique antics.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Michael Baggott is braving the elements.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I would love to say they were gold.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- It's a melon knife and fork.- Really?
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Whilst David Barby soldiers on.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Hello. Isn't that lovely?
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Absolutely exquisite.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08It looks like the whole of Saltaire has turned up
0:01:08 > 0:01:11and I know the weather is appalling but we will have a fun day
0:01:11 > 0:01:15so thank you so much for turning up. Without you, we wouldn't have a show.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17What are you here to find out?
0:01:17 > 0:01:18ALL: What's it worth?
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- What are you going to do?- Flog it!
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- Do you want to go inside?- Yes! - Come on, then!
0:01:35 > 0:01:36My word, the heavens opened up then
0:01:36 > 0:01:39but we are all safely seated inside drying off.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42While you're drying off, and our experts are getting ready,
0:01:42 > 0:01:44we have got a small musical interlude for you.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47There is a wonderful Wurlitzer organ up here on the stage.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- And there was even a little dog down on the front there. What is the dog called?- Daisy!
0:01:52 > 0:01:55I think there's a song there and here's Robert to play us in.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00PLAYS INTRO TO DAISY BELL
0:02:02 > 0:02:03Here we go.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06# I'm half crazy...#
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- Sing up. - # All for the love of you... #
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Whilst we finish off our song, here's what coming up.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20We could set a table fit for royalty using items on today's show.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23But which lot features the most princely sum at auction?
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Is it the Victorian salt cellars?
0:02:27 > 0:02:31The 1930's Shelley 20 piece tea service?
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Or the Georgian tea caddy spoon?
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Stay tuned to find out.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42It's time to get our first valuation under way.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Now, some people might accuse our experts of being born
0:02:46 > 0:02:48with a silver spoon in their mouth.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Sylvia, thank you so much for bringing in my absolute favourite
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- thing to see which is a silver spoon.- It is, yes.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58But before I tell you about it, where did it come from?
0:02:58 > 0:03:02It actually came from Overgate hospice shop,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- that I work for in Brighouse. - So you are a volunteer?- I am, yes.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11- And this came in?- It came in amongst a lot of other things.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14So you looked at that and thought, that's a bit different?
0:03:14 > 0:03:15- Yes.- That might be a bit special?
0:03:15 > 0:03:18It might be, and it might be a bit more than £5
0:03:18 > 0:03:21than a price tag might have gone on it.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Now, really, I should tell you it's worth £5 and pop along to the shop,
0:03:24 > 0:03:27shouldn't I, but that is an unkind thing to do.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31This is wonderful. This is what we call a tea caddy spoon.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34We have had on Flog It before,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38these wonderful wooden tea caddies with the twin divisions.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Well, they didn't just reach in for the tea leaves.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43You would have a little scoop or spoon like this.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47And the lovely thing about these spoons is you can make them
0:03:47 > 0:03:50in almost any fashion and style you want.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54Leaves, jockey's caps, hands, so they've become,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58now we don't use them, a tremendous area for collectors.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- I mean, it's dirty.- Yes!
0:04:01 > 0:04:04To be honest, if you are selling a bit of silver and it is as dirty as this,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07don't clean it, because the person that will buy it
0:04:07 > 0:04:11will clean it as much as they want to.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Sometimes you can over clean these things.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17We've got the maker's mark which D-U over N-H.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20It is a bit of a mouthful.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24It is Duncan Hart and Naphtali Hart.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28We haven't got a town mark but because this is a small article
0:04:28 > 0:04:30of silver, it only needs to bear the standard mark,
0:04:30 > 0:04:34the date letter and the duty mark which is for London 1805.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Urquhart and Hart, who made this,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39made much larger things as well.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43They are not specialist spoon or caddy spoon makers.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46So you could imagine that as a gentleman in 1805,
0:04:46 > 0:04:50you might have bought from them, the teapot, the sugar bowl,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52the cream jug, the tea caddy in silver
0:04:52 > 0:04:56and this was probably not made by them.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58It was probably made by a man called George Wintle.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03And they would have bought it from him and marked it up themselves.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06What's very nice is we have this fluted bowl
0:05:06 > 0:05:10and under all this blackness, we have bright cut decoration.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- Right.- It's a lovely little thing. Your initial valuation for the shop is a fiver.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- Probably.- We can do better than that.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21You would have thought we were all this history pouring behind it
0:05:21 > 0:05:24it would be hundreds and hundreds of pounds.
0:05:24 > 0:05:30But this is a more modest example. Let's say £50 to £100.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35- And let's put a reserve of £40 on it.- That would be smashing.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37To be honest, if it doesn't make that,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39if you put it in the shop for £50,
0:05:39 > 0:05:43it will probably sell anyway. But if there are two spoon collectors,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45and there are lots of them about and they find this,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48you might be going up to the 100 mark so that his great.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- It is.- Thank you so much for bringing it in.- You're welcome.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54We've got the teaspoon, what else do we need?
0:05:56 > 0:06:01My word, Frances, this is a jazzy, Shelley porcelain tea service.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- Are you a jazzy person?- Personally, no.- Where has it come from?
0:06:05 > 0:06:08My mother passed it on to me when she was downsizing.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Did she buy it when she first got married?
0:06:10 > 0:06:13I think she had it before she was married.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17I think it was a gift to her, perhaps a bottom drawer gift.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21And can you ever remember it being in use in your home?
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- No, never in use, but on display, yes.- On display but never used.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28That accounts for its pristine condition.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31There is no rubbing on the enamel or anything.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34But there is just one cup with a crack which is a great shame,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36and that is of long standing, actually.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- Yes. I know that was there when I received the set.- Right, right.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- Now, we are set out for a tea party of six people.- Yes.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Complete with the jug for milk and the sugar basin.
0:06:47 > 0:06:54We've got individual plates there to take cake or bread and butter.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- Where's the teapot? - I've never seen a teapot.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00This is all I've ever seen of it.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Right, so this is in fact a part tea service.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08I think the design is stunning. It makes me think of Agatha Christie.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12It makes me think of Poirot, it makes me think of the Jazz Age,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16early cinema, all that wrapped up in this particular design.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18I think it is fabulous.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22The one thing I could criticise are the triangular handles.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26I think it is very much in keeping with the shape of the cup which is triangular,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28and also the design,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30which is a very early Russian design,
0:07:30 > 0:07:35but to hold the cup, you have to pinch your fingers to hold it.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38But I think this is lovely. Why are you selling this?
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- It's been in storage, it's been packed away for about 12 years.- Gosh.
0:07:43 > 0:07:4512 years ago...
0:07:45 > 0:07:48This type of ware was very much in demand.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51The market's slightly wobbled and it's the more exotic patterns
0:07:51 > 0:07:54now that tend to make the high prices.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58When I say high prices, 15 to £2,500.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00This is a part tea service and I think
0:08:00 > 0:08:04because it is a part tea service and there is an element of damage,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06that will affect the price.
0:08:06 > 0:08:12And for this service, I would think in terms of round about 250
0:08:12 > 0:08:18to £300, but I think you must guard the reserve price at 250.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- Does that sound reasonable? - That sounds reasonable, yes.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23Are you slightly disappointed?
0:08:23 > 0:08:28I am disappointed but I think I am going by when I first received it
0:08:28 > 0:08:33and I researched it, I'm thinking of the value I came up with then.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- About 400 to 500 for a perfect set? - Yes, that's right.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- Things have changed.- The market has changed, yes, I understand.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I love it. I'm just thinking in terms of your mother
0:08:43 > 0:08:46who would have bought this at the time of her marriage.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48She would have been a sort of Charleston girl
0:08:48 > 0:08:52wearing those cloche hats and very with-it clothes.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- She probably was, yes. - Thank you very much.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- I hope we do exceedingly well for you.- Thank you.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Shelley shapes are pretty well in the sale room.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06A tea service in this popular Queen Anne style would fetch around £200.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09And although Vogue and Mode designs were shunned
0:09:09 > 0:09:14in the '30s for being impractical, they've got the last laugh now.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Their rarity makes them the most desirable.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20A set in this Vogue cube pattern, would set you back at least £500.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23And at the height of the market, in 2004,
0:09:23 > 0:09:30Flog It sold this Vogue Art Deco set for a whopping £3,400.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Now, that's one classy cup of tea.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43Claire, thank you for bringing along these wonderful coins.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45I think we'll all know what they are.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Before we getting to that,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51you haven't done a bullion job or anything like that? Where did they come from?
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Well, they have been in the attic for about 12 years.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57They came from my brother-in-law.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02One of my sons and his partner found out they are having twins in December.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- Oh!- So I thought, get them down, see what they're worth
0:10:06 > 0:10:09and they can either go on a holiday before the twins are born
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- or they can buy a couple of cots. - I think I would probably go on holiday, wouldn't you?
0:10:13 > 0:10:16They'll never know! They'll never know!
0:10:16 > 0:10:20Well, what we have got, are basically two gold sovereigns,
0:10:20 > 0:10:21very simple.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25When the sovereign was introduced in coinage,
0:10:25 > 0:10:27they were for use day-to-day.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30You often see Edwardian sovereign holders.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33People would use them as currency, when we were on the gold standard.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38We can quite clearly see that these are in sealed Perspex cases
0:10:38 > 0:10:40to keep them in absolutely pristine condition
0:10:40 > 0:10:43and we have these lovely presentation cases with them.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47When these were minted and sold in 1979 and 1981,
0:10:47 > 0:10:52- they were very much investments and collectors' pieces.- Yes.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56I remember my grandmother saying I should buy a gold sovereign as an investment.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59I think back then they were about £35.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02Up until very recently, they weren't very much more.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08They were about 70, £75. So, over 30 years, a terrible investment.
0:11:08 > 0:11:09Yes, yes.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12But gold has gone through the roof in the past year and a half.
0:11:12 > 0:11:18- Actually, now, if you're ever going to sell them, now is the time to do it.- Yes.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22We have got there, the figure of St George on horseback
0:11:22 > 0:11:25which you get on every sovereign and we have
0:11:25 > 0:11:27dear Queen Elizabeth's head on the back.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32We see them as auctioneers and valuers almost on a daily basis,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34so there is a fixed price for them.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Which is good in one respect as we can be nice and accurate about it
0:11:38 > 0:11:41but I don't think you are going to get that run up Flog It wow factor.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42No, no.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46Unless you put them in for £10, which you're not going to do. Very sensible!
0:11:46 > 0:11:50Have you got an idea of value yourself before you came today?
0:11:50 > 0:11:54I would have thought about 100, 150 each.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Absolutely, absolutely.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02I think what we'll do is we'll put them in at 250 to £350.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03Fixed reserve of 250.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07And then, hopefully, the gold market will stir a little bit in the next
0:12:07 > 0:12:10couple of weeks and we will do very well with them.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- Thank you very much for bringing them along today.- Thank you.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19We've been working flat out. We found our first items to take to auction.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22You know how this works. We put those valuations to the test.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Let's up the tempo and hopefully have one or two surprises.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28While we make our way over to the sale room, here's a quick run-down,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31to jog your memory of all the items we are taking with us.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35Sylvia's silver spoon has won Michael over
0:12:35 > 0:12:39and he has high hopes it will catch a collector's eye.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Frances's tea set has channelled the spirit of Poirot.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Let's hope David puts his little grey cells to good use
0:12:46 > 0:12:50and the bidders agree he has solved this valuation.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54And magpie Michael thinks the price of gold makes these sovereigns
0:12:54 > 0:12:56a sure bet in the saleroom.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04We're travelling 20 miles across Yorkshire
0:13:04 > 0:13:06to Calder Valley Auctioneers near Halifax.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10This is where all out items are going under the hammer today.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14This is what we have been waiting for, this is where it gets exciting.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Don't go away because somebody is going home with a lot of money.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Today we're the guests of the Calder Valley Auction Rooms.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23I tell you what, there is one big atmosphere in this room.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25170. At 170 all done...
0:13:25 > 0:13:28And it looks like auctioneer Ian Peace is ready to go.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32And first up, it's that lovely little spoon.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Sylvia, you are in the right place to spot these little gems
0:13:36 > 0:13:38all the time.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42We are looking at 50 to £100. It is Urquhart and Hart, good maker.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Good maker, nice entry-level caddy spoon.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48We'll have no problem getting it away and if there are a couple
0:13:48 > 0:13:50of collectors here, we might get to the top end.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Good luck. OK. Good luck, everybody, this is it. Let's stir things up.
0:13:55 > 0:14:01The silver engraved caddy spoon, rather nice. London 1805.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05What are my bid for this? 40? 30? 20? 20 I'm bid, thank you. £20.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07At 20. And five, sir, 30. And five.
0:14:07 > 0:14:1040, and five. 50, and five.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14£55, all done at 55? 55, then.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- £55, the hammer has gone down. - Oh, wonderful.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- That's good news, isn't it?- It is.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23And hopefully, lots more things will be found?
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- You want the tea caddy next, that's worth a couple of thousand.- Yes!
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Never mind the caddie, here's the set.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34We are certainly in the Mode for selling things.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38It is the Shelley tea service. The Mode pattern. Ready for this?
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- Absolutely.- Are you sure, Frances? - I'm sure.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- Is this a-come-and-buy-me, David? - No, I think the price is right.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46It is very stylish.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51It's not the flamboyant Art Deco designs you associate with Shelley.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- I think we might struggle. - It is a nation divided.- Oh, no!
0:14:55 > 0:15:00- The auctioneer had a word with you earlier, didn't he?- I'm confident. - What did he say to you outside?
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Yes, he said we have some bids on it. And it's going to fly.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- I've changed my mind! - This is auctions for you. It is so subjective.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11It's an "objet" concept, fine arts and antiques - a matter of opinion.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14At the end of the day, it's their opinion.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17They're the ones who are going to stick their hands up and bid.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Let's find out what happens. I'm going to enjoy this.
0:15:20 > 0:15:26Lot 246 which is the Shelley 20 piece tea service. Lovely design.
0:15:26 > 0:15:32- A phone line's booked.- I'm going to have to open the bidding at £300.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- Straight in at 300. I'm so pessimistic.- At 310.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39320, 330.
0:15:39 > 0:15:45I have 340 here. 340? 350. 355.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47360 if you like.
0:15:48 > 0:15:54I'm out at £360. Are there any further bids? £360 then.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56£360! That hammer has gone down.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- Are you happy?- I'm very happy. - That's good.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Shelley does the business.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05I say that about Claris Cliff but I might start saying that about Shelley now.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- Ever so happy with that? - Very. I'm very happy.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14Let's hope Michael's coins are just as bankable.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19Clare, I can't believe you've been foraging around in the attic to produce two gold sovereigns.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24What were they doing there? You could lose them in the attic amongst all that fibreglass.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27They belonged to my brother-in-law and when he died we had a lot of stuff
0:16:27 > 0:16:30so we just shoved it up there and then we forgot about it.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Like my mum does. There's stuff up in our attic as well.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- But we're having twins in the family, the first grandchildren. - Congratulations!
0:16:38 > 0:16:40So, we're hoping to get some money to go towards it.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45It's a bullion consideration and bullion is still high.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49On the day, I pitched them low because you never know what it's going to do.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52It fluctuates. Let's find out what the price for gold is, shall we?
0:16:52 > 0:16:58Now 139. Two cases of gold sovereigns. £200, please. £200.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03200, please. 200 I have. 210, 220, 230.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Should be hands everywhere at this.- 240, 250.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12260, 270, 280, 290, 300.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17And 10. 320, 330, 340, 350.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18Now we're at the top end.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22360, 370. 380, fresh bid.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- That's very good!- Yes. - 390, 400. And 10.
0:17:25 > 0:17:31At £410 at the back of the hall. £410 then. Your bid, sir.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33£410!
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- Great!- Yeah, it is. What can we buy for the twins now?
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Or the parents can have a holiday instead.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- Buy them something for £5 each and keep the 400!- Oh, Mr Meanie there!
0:17:48 > 0:17:5145, 55, £60. At £60.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56That's the end of our first visit to the auction room today. We're coming back later. Don't go away.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59There could be one or two big surprises.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02I love auction rooms because you get hands-on with history,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06items that are 200 or 300 years old are still sought-after and relevant today.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08That's really encouraging.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11But it's not always the case with historic buildings, as I found out.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14There's a Grade I listed building not far from here
0:18:14 > 0:18:17which is struggling to remain relevant to the town that built it.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Take a look at this.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31Halifax. A good northern market town with a tradition of working hard.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Few pretensions. You know what you're getting in Halifax.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39Or so I thought. Because here, in the centre of town, is Piece Hall.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44It's the only complete survivor of the great 18th century northern cloth halls.
0:18:47 > 0:18:53Built in 1779, the architecture is inspired by Imperial Rome.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57It's splendid. It's full of romance and mad ambition.
0:18:57 > 0:19:04You could say it's like a little piece of Italy, even if the weather isn't quite up to scratch.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11The elegant courtyard and galleried walkways seems somewhat out of place here in West Yorkshire.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13An unlikely match almost.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17But Halifax and Piece Hall were initially very well suited.
0:19:19 > 0:19:25Their union has lasted over 230 years. But now, sadly, the relationship is in jeopardy.
0:19:27 > 0:19:34The local people here are struggling to find a meaningful use for this building in the 21st century.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39There are a few shops dotted around and there's a stage down there for performances,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42but it doesn't really have any clear purpose.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47The Piece Hall ought to be one of the major attractions in England.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52Yet, even in Yorkshire, somehow I get the feeling that it is in danger of being taken for granted.
0:19:53 > 0:19:59But before we decide its future, it's worth understanding its past.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04The common bond that linked the town and the all was cloth.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06As Franne Wills from the Bankfield Museum explains.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11What Halifax and Calderdale benefited from was that we had all the right raw materials
0:20:11 > 0:20:14to make really good quality cloth.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16We had the water which is really important to the process,
0:20:16 > 0:20:20we had workers who were looking for diversification.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25We had individual weavers and they were producing this fantastic quality cloth called Kersey.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27What is so special about the quality?
0:20:27 > 0:20:32Kersey is a very hard wearing fabric, particularly popular with the British Army
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- and other armies at that time. - For uniforms?- For uniforms.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41You need something that's going to be hard wearing and do everything you needed it to do.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- And a mass order.- And a mass order.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47So it was the success of the cloth and the money that it brought in
0:20:47 > 0:20:51that encouraged the merchants to build what we have today, Piece Hall. All of this?
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Yes, they could see obviously, the Halifax and Calderdale people,
0:20:55 > 0:20:59to make the most of all business opportunities that they can,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03they wanted a statement piece and that is what you have in the Piece Hall.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06A statement piece of architecture saying, we're at the top of our game.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09We are producing the very best.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14It is encompassed in the architecture of the Piece Hall itself, I think.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21The exterior of the building was plain for security reasons, to protect the valuable cloth within.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26But once you got through these big heavy doors, this gateway,
0:21:26 > 0:21:30through this grand entrance... Well!
0:21:32 > 0:21:35It must have been love at first sight.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41Despite its Italian influence, it was a local man who designed Piece Hall.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Thomas Bradley was just 22 when construction began.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49It took four years to complete.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52And, oh boy! Was it worth it!
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Bradley had several challenges to overcome.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59One of the main ones being a sloping plot of land which we're walking down now.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04But he dealt with that quite cleverly by designing two floors at the top end
0:22:04 > 0:22:08and at the lower end at the bottom, three floors.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Genius!
0:22:10 > 0:22:15On the top floor, you've got this wonderful colonnade of Tuscan columns which look so rich.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19The middle floor, supported by square chamfered columns
0:22:19 > 0:22:24and on the lowered ground floor you've got this wonderful big, solid square plinths
0:22:24 > 0:22:27holding up a repetitive form of Tuscan arches.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Bella!
0:22:31 > 0:22:33But beauty doesn't come cheap.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38The building work cost almost £10,000 - astronomical at the time.
0:22:38 > 0:22:45It was mostly paid for by the manufacturers, renting 12x7 foot rooms to sell their cloth from.
0:22:45 > 0:22:51But considering its architectural extravagance, its trading times were frugal,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54as local heritage guide David Nortcliffe told me.
0:22:58 > 0:23:04This hall, as surprising as it seems, only opened two hours a week on Saturday morning.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06That's incredible, isn't it?
0:23:06 > 0:23:11They wanted to concentrate the trade into that period of time
0:23:11 > 0:23:16so that it was worth the merchants coming because they knew there would be plenty of cloth to go at.
0:23:16 > 0:23:22It was worth the producers who were individual producers from the hills coming in at that time
0:23:22 > 0:23:26because they knew there would be plenty of merchants to deal with.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30It was hectic, frantic, during that period, as people were looking,
0:23:30 > 0:23:34buying, feeling, sampling and arguing.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39Then, at 12 o'clock, the bell at the Westgate rang. End of story.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42No more trading. That was it for a week.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45It worked.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49The honeymoon period lasted for 35 years.
0:23:49 > 0:23:56But then, without warning, something new started to turn the heads of the local men.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57Mechanisation.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02By the third decade of the 19th century, trade was increasingly centred at the large mills
0:24:02 > 0:24:06rather than through the small individual tradesmen.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Industrialisation meant that, by 1830,
0:24:10 > 0:24:16less than 200 of the 350 rooms available here were occupied.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19For the next 50 years, the hall managed to survive
0:24:19 > 0:24:26by marketing itself as a focal point for entertainment to the broader population.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Things like balloon rides took place here, horse fairs.
0:24:29 > 0:24:36It was even frequented by internationally famous tightrope walkers doing their act.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41But in 1867, the Piece Hall could no longer pay its way
0:24:41 > 0:24:44and was given to Halifax Corporation as a gift.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50It had a new role as a wholesale fruit and vegetable market
0:24:50 > 0:24:53for, not just Halifax, but the area around.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Temporary buildings were put up in the middle here
0:24:56 > 0:25:03and up against the walls and so from the 1870s to the 1960s it flourished.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06So the place was really bustling, but I imagine some of the grandeur
0:25:06 > 0:25:07would've been lost.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11Well it had, because the place was cluttered frankly.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14It no longer looked like the impressive building
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- it deserved to be. - When did it start to go wrong?
0:25:17 > 0:25:20It started when changes in retailing,
0:25:20 > 0:25:24like the advent of supermarkets, came on the scene.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28It was also the fact that all these operations started to be more
0:25:28 > 0:25:33concentrating on mechanical handling rather than gangs of men
0:25:33 > 0:25:35lifting bags and bales about.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39So this was no longer suitable. The wholesale boys moved out.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44By the 1960s, the situation had reached a crisis point.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Nobody knew what to do
0:25:46 > 0:25:49with the grand but seemingly redundant Piece Hall.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Now, even though it was a Grade I listed building,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55there were suggestions it should be turned into
0:25:55 > 0:25:57an open air swimming pool
0:25:57 > 0:26:00or even converted into houses for old soldiers.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03In the 1970s, there were plans afoot to demolish this
0:26:03 > 0:26:05and turn it into a big carpark.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10But luckily, once again, the hall's fortunes changed.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12The Piece Hall was refurbished
0:26:12 > 0:26:15and re-opened to the public in 1976.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Since then, it's hosted entertainment events,
0:26:18 > 0:26:23specialist shops have opened and there is even an art gallery.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28How do you think the people of Halifax see the Piece Hall today?
0:26:28 > 0:26:32I think everybody finds it to be a great building,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36a worthwhile thing to have, an interesting feature in Halifax.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39But why should they come here?
0:26:39 > 0:26:41The shops are small and specialist.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43It's short of people coming through
0:26:43 > 0:26:46That's one thing that's got to be addressed.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- Plans afoot?- It needs some development work doing on it
0:26:49 > 0:26:53whilst keeping the character. That's equally important.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55There's a scheme afoot at the moment
0:26:55 > 0:26:58to apply for a grant from national sources
0:26:58 > 0:27:00to do things with it.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03That could make it more useful for big events
0:27:03 > 0:27:07and this might well become the equivalent of a town square.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- Exactly. It's got the potential. - Sure.- It really does have.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13The council have submitted an application to
0:27:13 > 0:27:16the Heritage Lottery Fund for £7 million to go towards transforming
0:27:16 > 0:27:20the Piece Hall, possibly turning the space into something like this.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25I hope they find a way to return the hall to its former vitality.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Because I, for one, think this splendid building
0:27:28 > 0:27:31should be at the heart of Halifax life once again.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Welcome back to our valuation day venue,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44the Victoria Hall in Saltaire. Now let's catch up with our experts
0:27:44 > 0:27:46and see what other treasures we can find.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Andy, thank you so much for bringing it in,
0:27:52 > 0:27:56this absolutely marvellous and curious box.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57My pleasure.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- Are you a box collector? - No, not by any means, no.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02So where did this fellow come from?
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Well, it came into my possession I would say 35 years ago,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09when my grandmother went into a care home at the time
0:28:09 > 0:28:12and we sort of took everything from the house.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16And this was just an item that nobody else wanted.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Well, I've always been a bit of a hoarder
0:28:19 > 0:28:21and nobody else wanted it really.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24You couldn't bear to...?
0:28:24 > 0:28:27I found inside it, in particular, was attractive.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- It's an interesting looking thing. - Did you know what it was made of?
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Well, I thought it was porcupine quill.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35But I'm not sure whether this is ebony
0:28:35 > 0:28:38or if the inlay is ivory or bone or something.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40You're absolutely right.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Porcupine quills that have been cut and fixed into panels
0:28:43 > 0:28:47into this wooden frame, which I'm sure is ebony.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51I mean, you get various tones of ebony. It's not just black.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54You can have these flecks and variations in it.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56If we open it up, as you say
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- the inside is a bit more special, isn't it?- Yes.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01We've got this fabulous inlay.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05It's difficult to say whether it is bone or ivory.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08I know we've got an elephant in there.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Maybe the plaque of the elephant is ivory.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14But it would be quite expensive work to do.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Do you think it's Indian?
0:29:16 > 0:29:20I think... Now this has tested me slightly.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24I've seen these variously described as African or Indian.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27But I think, especially with the use of ebony,
0:29:27 > 0:29:31they were made in Ceylon. I would be happy to be corrected,
0:29:31 > 0:29:35but as far as I consider it, it's a Ceylonese box.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38It is made for the tourist market.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41If you one ring handle and I'll get the other and heave,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45I dare say we've got all these fitted boxes here.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49I would imagine these would be for sewing requisites,
0:29:49 > 0:29:51they would be for jewellery,
0:29:51 > 0:29:55basically anything you wanted to put in them.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57But they're more a tourist purchase
0:29:57 > 0:29:59rather than a functional day-to-day object.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04When you go on your holidays and you bring back, you know,
0:30:04 > 0:30:09an unusual Spanish vase or that odd piece of pottery,
0:30:09 > 0:30:13this is what you would bring back maybe 100, 120 years ago,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16when you were a bit more well-heeled.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19I think this dates 1870 up to 1900.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- Right.- We do see them.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25I mean, you see then in larger sizes, smaller boxes.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29This is actually in not bad condition.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Some of the inlay is missing,
0:30:31 > 0:30:35but nothing's actually falling apart
0:30:35 > 0:30:37or hanging off or missing in a big way.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- So, shall we lift that back in? - Yeah.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- Any idea what it might be worth? - None at all.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46I thought £30 or £40 maybe?
0:30:46 > 0:30:50Oh, I'd give you £30 all day long for it.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54I think let's be conservative and say £80 to £120.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56- Oh, yeah. - Which is a bit on the low side.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00We'll put a reserve of 80, but if it made £100 to £150 on the day...
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- That'd be brilliant. - It wouldn't surprise me at all.
0:31:03 > 0:31:08- It's in basically nice condition. - I didn't think it'd be worth that.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- Should've kept it low, we could have a surprise.- Should have taken 30!
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Are you happy to put it into auction?- Yes, I am. Yes.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18You've lived with it for 35 years. Won't you miss it?
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Is 36 years too long to live with it?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23I think I can live without that, yeah.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Now, Wendie, you're going to tell me
0:31:30 > 0:31:34something about the acquisition of these lovely, lovely watercolours.
0:31:34 > 0:31:35Yes.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- You bought them a fortnight ago? - About that, yes.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- And this was from a car boot sale. - Yes.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- How much did you pay for them? - I paid a pound each.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- £2?!- A whole £2.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Ooh! Why did you pay so much?
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Because I wasn't sure whether they were just prints.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57These are delightful, delicious watercolours.
0:31:57 > 0:32:02- Aren't they lovely? - They are very, very nice indeed.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04It's clearly signed here, 'Sydney Lawrence.'
0:32:04 > 0:32:08We can trace him. He's a well-known artist. American.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12- American?- He was born round about 1858 and he died in the 1940s,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15so he had a long life.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19Round about 1889, he came over to England
0:32:19 > 0:32:23and he also lived at St Ives, which was a great centre
0:32:23 > 0:32:28for artists in the late 19th, early 20th century.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33So he was well-regarded for painting romantic landscapes.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Now it's so nice because this is a pair.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40These are comparatively new frames which might have led you
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- to think that they were prints. - Yes.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47We have a well-known artist, a very descriptive
0:32:47 > 0:32:52artist in watercolours, and the choice of subject is beautiful.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54These are of Palestine,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58and the caption underneath here is the Khayloum,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01which is this sort of area here
0:33:01 > 0:33:04which looks very much like a sultan's palace.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07And we have a view of the tower here
0:33:07 > 0:33:11and this is at, I suppose, midday.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15- Everything's light, it's full of freshness.- The colours are lovely.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Greens and blues reflected in the water.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21And you've got interesting details of figures all in perspective
0:33:21 > 0:33:25and this arrangement with the boat here, they are exquisite.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28And then you've got this picture here, which is the other
0:33:28 > 0:33:31side as viewed from that direction, because there's the tower.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- Can you see that?- Oh, right.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37So you're looking at it from the other side.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41And this is at sunrise, so this is a lovely pair,
0:33:41 > 0:33:43always intended to be together.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45And they would have been in a home
0:33:45 > 0:33:47from the beginning of the 19th century
0:33:47 > 0:33:50and they would have had one in each recess.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Because when you have pairs, they were always very good to hang
0:33:54 > 0:33:58either side of a doorway, either side of a window,
0:33:58 > 0:33:59either side of a fireplace.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- I was lucky to get two. - You were very lucky to get two.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06You were exceptionally lucky
0:34:06 > 0:34:08to buy them for £2.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- How often do you go to car boot sales?- At least every Sunday.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Every Sunday? There's one local, is there?
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Very early at daft o'clock.
0:34:15 > 0:34:20- Now did you buy them with the sole intention of reselling?- No.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23I'm more interested in their value, who painted them
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- and that they were real. - They are real.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29Well, we're going to put these up for sale for you
0:34:29 > 0:34:32and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34I estimate these would go for something in the region
0:34:34 > 0:34:37of about £120 - £150.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42I would be happy if I could put a reserve of £100 on these.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46That gives you £100 to spend at your next car boot sale.
0:34:46 > 0:34:51- Super.- I wish I was coming with you if you spot these bargains!
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- Wendie, thank you very much indeed. - Thank you.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Wendie, with an eye for a bargain like that you can take me
0:34:57 > 0:35:00car booting any time you like!
0:35:00 > 0:35:04As one of the country's leading silver experts, it's no surprise
0:35:04 > 0:35:07that Michael's sniffed out yet more of the stuff.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09He seems enthralled by Marjorie's collection.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14These look untouched. Where have you got them from?
0:35:14 > 0:35:17I inherited them about 20 years ago.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19I've never used them
0:35:19 > 0:35:23and I doubt whether the aunt I got them from ever used them either.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27Well, they're the wedding gift or silver anniversary present
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- that no-one ever uses. - It was a silver wedding gift, yes.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32- It was?- I mean, they're wonderful things.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35They're little salt cellars of course.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37Now if we pop one out,
0:35:37 > 0:35:41there we've got the four little spoons as well to go with it.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44But they're not tremendously practical and they are really made
0:35:44 > 0:35:48as a gift for a time when you would put these things out
0:35:48 > 0:35:53polished on a table for Sunday afternoon tea and guests would come,
0:35:53 > 0:35:57they'd be in their finery, and we don't do that anymore.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- I don't think we really did it 50 years ago, did we?- No.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04The upside from that is you collect small silver
0:36:04 > 0:36:07and pieces like this, they're in lovely condition.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09They're all hallmarked on the lip there.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14We've got the mark of The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company Ltd.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17They're a manufacturer I see a great deal of silver from.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21They were very prolific at the beginning of the 20th century.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24We've got basically the tower mark for London
0:36:24 > 0:36:26and the date letter for 1913.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28I didn't think they would be as old as that.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33Well, yeah. They're typically late Edwardian, early George V in style.
0:36:33 > 0:36:38You'd see a set like this probably even 20 years earlier
0:36:38 > 0:36:39in the Victorian period although,
0:36:39 > 0:36:43as time goes by, salt cellars get smaller.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45I don't know whether they're health conscious,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48but it's something that happens. The lovely thing is
0:36:48 > 0:36:50you've got all the original spoons
0:36:50 > 0:36:53and they're all marked as well, all 1913.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57So it's one maker, one date and it's complete.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01- Even the case closes as well.- Yeah. - Which is a lovely feature.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04So as a gift today, it's ready to go.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07No initials on it, pristine condition.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09So it's what dealers like to buy.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12That's the good news, I mean, you don't use it.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Is that why you've decided to sell it now?
0:37:15 > 0:37:20I've never used it. In fact, my sister has never even seen it.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23It's not been out of the sideboard.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27It's so often the story that these things are packed away,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29never to see the light of day until it's too late
0:37:29 > 0:37:32and they get moved on to somewhere else.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35I think we need to put them into the auction
0:37:35 > 0:37:37with a value of £100 to £150.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43If you'd be agreeable, we'll set the reserve slightly under that at 90.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- If you're happy to do that? - I'm very happy with that, yes.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- I think they're going to do very well.- Thank you.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53Well let's hope so - or else it will be salt in the wound for Michael.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59Well, that's it. We found our final three items to take off to auction,
0:37:59 > 0:38:03so it's time to say goodbye to this magnificent host location,
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Victoria Hall, and of course to Saltaire.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09And a big thank you to all the people that have turned up today.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13We're going to the auction room now. Here's a rundown of what we're taking.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17Michael thinks Marjorie's unwanted salt cellars
0:38:17 > 0:38:20will make a great gift for someone.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23Wendie picked up this pair of watercolours for just £1 each
0:38:23 > 0:38:28and David thinks they're worth a hundred times that value.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31And let's hope the bidders aren't spiky
0:38:31 > 0:38:35when it comes to Andy's porcupine quill box.
0:38:36 > 0:38:41We're heading back over to the auction house to sell our lots.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45Auctioneer Ian has been doing a sterling job so far,
0:38:45 > 0:38:49and speaking of sterling, here comes some silver.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53Going under the hammer right now we have a set of silver salt servers.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56We have those, but we don't have Marjorie.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- She's on holiday enjoying herself. - Lucky for some, isn't it?
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Yes, it is. But hopefully she'll have some good news
0:39:02 > 0:39:05when she comes home that these have sold at the top end.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Well, top end or they don't sell.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11- They're a good, tidy lot ready to go in the fitted case.- OK.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13No initials, so as a gift or anything.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- A good trade lot?- Good trade lot.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:39:17 > 0:39:22Lot number 357. The case set of four silver circular salts.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26I'm going to open this at £100.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- £110...- Good, straight in.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31I have 120. Are we all done?
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- It was sure to swing it, wasn't it? - Ooh, they've gone on.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36It's going to another bid.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38140. I'll take five, 145.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42I have 150 on a commission bid. 155.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45155 and I'm out at 155.
0:39:45 > 0:39:46155...
0:39:46 > 0:39:47GAVEL BANGS
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- Top end.- Clean. In and out.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52I just wish Marjorie was here to enjoy that.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56I know she's enjoying herself. Hope you come back with a lovely tan.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02Next up, it's those watercolours that Wendie picked up
0:40:02 > 0:40:04for just £2 at a car boot sale.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07And we could be looking at £150 here. What do you think, David?
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- Will we get top end today?- We should do. They're quality watercolours.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- They've always been together as a pair.- And they will stay as a pair.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- I hope so.- Let's find out what the bidders think.- Yes.- Here we go.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Lot 127, the Sydney Lawrence.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24A charming pair of coastal scenes.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Right, who'd like to start? £100
0:40:26 > 0:40:30£80. 50 to start for the pair. £50.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33And 60, do I see? And 60, and 70.
0:40:33 > 0:40:3680 here. £80, and 90...
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- Come on, come on.- 90 for the pair.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- They're worth £100.- £90. At £90.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46We're not quite there in the market at £90. £100 do I see?
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- At £90, are we all done? - Oh, no!- At £90.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51BANGS GAVEL
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- I can't believe that. A pair of watercolours.- Never mind.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58Are you going to take them home and put them on the wall?
0:40:58 > 0:41:00I can live with them. I like them.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04I'm very disappointed. I thought they were superb watercolours.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07I've a feeling that if Wendie gave those watercolours
0:41:07 > 0:41:11another go at auction, she'd get that £100 reserve.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Andy, I love this next item. Big fan of these boxes made in Ceylon.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21It is 20th century, but it's porcupine quill and bone.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24As Michael probably said at the valuation day,
0:41:24 > 0:41:28if it was 18th century you'd be looking at £2,000 and more.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32Yeah, I'd put it in as a "Come and buy me," just to see how it goes.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35- I dropped the reserve slightly. - Did you?- Yeah.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39- Oh, there's no need to worry! Gosh! - I just didn't fancy taking it home.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43Let's watch this, because this could be interesting.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- Here we go.- Lot 56, the early 20th century Ceylonese box.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50What bid on this box? Start with £50.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53That's very low, but there are a few hands, Michael.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- They're poised, aren't they? - Yes. That hand's not going down.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00110, sir. 110. 120 in the back. 130, 140.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02There's two hands there. 140.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05I've got you, 140. 140...
0:42:05 > 0:42:07- Confusion.- Yeah.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10150, 160, 170.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12180, 190, 200.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15And ten. 220...
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- This is more like it.- Fantastic.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20240, 250, at £250.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23£250, the chap in the back. 250.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27- GAVEL BANGS - It sold at £250. - Wow, fantastic.- Well done.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- Yeah, brilliant.- Top end. Hopefully you'll use that wisely.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Go off and buy some more antiques, maybe?
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- I'd like a bit of fishing tackle. - Oh, you fish?- Yes.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38Good for you. What's the biggest catch?
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Well, this season it's a 14 pound common carp.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43That's not bad going, is it?
0:42:43 > 0:42:48You don't need a box to keep your tackle in, do you? He just sold it!
0:42:53 > 0:42:55Well, that's it. It is all over, another day
0:42:55 > 0:42:57in another auction room for Flog It!
0:42:57 > 0:43:01I tell you what, after that one, because it was tough-going,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04I think I deserve a sit down. My voice is going as well.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07But I tell you, we've had great fun making this show
0:43:07 > 0:43:09and I hope you've enjoyed watching it.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11All credit to our experts and to Ian Peace,
0:43:11 > 0:43:13the auctioneer on the rostrum.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17So until the next time, from the Calder Valley, it's goodbye.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:36 > 0:43:39E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk