Alnwick Castle

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0:00:02 > 0:00:05We love a bit of history here on "Flog It!"

0:00:05 > 0:00:07And it doesn't get any better than this - this is Alnwick Castle,

0:00:07 > 0:00:11the family seat to the Duke of Northumberland.

0:00:11 > 0:00:15It's nicknamed the Windsor of the North and it's our host venue today.

0:00:15 > 0:00:17Welcome to the show.

0:00:37 > 0:00:40There's been a castle here for over 1,000 years,

0:00:40 > 0:00:44built close to the volatile border between England and Scotland.

0:00:44 > 0:00:47It was designed to protect the town against attacks from the Scots.

0:00:49 > 0:00:53And our "Flog It!" crowd is under attack from one of our own Scots,

0:00:53 > 0:00:58expert Anita Manning, who will do anything to draw in the punters.

0:00:58 > 0:01:01You'll all get a wee sherry when we go inside.

0:01:01 > 0:01:05- Wow!- And if you've got anything good, a big sherry!

0:01:05 > 0:01:07And Anita's flanked by David Fletcher,

0:01:07 > 0:01:09who has a more sober approach.

0:01:09 > 0:01:14Are they both in good condition? That's what's so crucial with these things.

0:01:14 > 0:01:19- You do get tea in there.- You said sherry!- Aye, but I was only kidding!

0:01:20 > 0:01:23Well, of course, this is the BBC, after all!

0:01:23 > 0:01:26What a marvellous turnout we have here today

0:01:26 > 0:01:28and I've got a good feeling about this one -

0:01:28 > 0:01:31the sun is coming out - everybody's smiling, look!

0:01:31 > 0:01:32THEY CHEER

0:01:32 > 0:01:36And the great thing is, somebody here in this queue

0:01:36 > 0:01:40has got something that is worth a small fortune and they don't know what they've got yet.

0:01:40 > 0:01:43And nor do we - but it's up to our experts to find it,

0:01:43 > 0:01:47- so I think we should get on with the show, don't you? Shall we go inside?- ALL: Yes!

0:01:47 > 0:01:50And whilst they make their way into the castle,

0:01:50 > 0:01:54here's a taster of what we've got to look forward to.

0:01:56 > 0:02:00In this intriguing venue, we find all manner of intriguing items,

0:02:00 > 0:02:02each with their special history.

0:02:02 > 0:02:04But which will fetch the most at auction?

0:02:04 > 0:02:08Is it the Art Deco gold Dunhill lighter?

0:02:09 > 0:02:11The Marklin electric train set?

0:02:11 > 0:02:15Or the bi-corn naval officer's hat?

0:02:15 > 0:02:18Everybody is now safely seated inside the outer bailey -

0:02:18 > 0:02:20we are filming outdoors today,

0:02:20 > 0:02:23so fingers crossed it's not going to rain. But what a stunning backdrop!

0:02:23 > 0:02:25It doesn't get much better than that.

0:02:25 > 0:02:28Hopefully, we can have some wizard work by our experts today,

0:02:28 > 0:02:31and Anita Manning is first at the tables,

0:02:31 > 0:02:34so let's get a closer look at what she's spotted.

0:02:34 > 0:02:38Anne, thank you for bringing along these two glass items.

0:02:38 > 0:02:41Can you tell me, where did you get them?

0:02:41 > 0:02:45I inherited them from my sister and she died about 12 years ago.

0:02:45 > 0:02:48She had them out on display in her house and I always admired them

0:02:48 > 0:02:51and then I got them after she died.

0:02:51 > 0:02:53I did intend to try and collect more.

0:02:53 > 0:02:56That would have been a good idea

0:02:56 > 0:02:58- and I love to see lots of glass together...- That's right.

0:02:58 > 0:03:02I think it looks beautiful, particularly that type of glass.

0:03:02 > 0:03:07- Do you know what this is called? - I know it as cranberry glass.

0:03:07 > 0:03:08Uh-huh, well done, that's good!

0:03:08 > 0:03:11So these are Victorian,

0:03:11 > 0:03:17they would have been from about 1850 to 1900.

0:03:17 > 0:03:22If you hold it up, look at this - wonderful, mouth-watering tones -

0:03:22 > 0:03:29that sort of pinky-red, and I think that's absolutely lovely.

0:03:29 > 0:03:33Glass-makers have always experimented with colours

0:03:33 > 0:03:38and they coloured glass by including different coloured powders or enamels.

0:03:38 > 0:03:41Cranberry glass was expensive

0:03:41 > 0:03:46because this lovely colour was produced by the addition

0:03:46 > 0:03:52of a gold chloride in and that would give them that wonderful red colour.

0:03:52 > 0:03:54Tell me, do you have it on display?

0:03:54 > 0:03:57I used to, when I lived in the type of property that I thought

0:03:57 > 0:04:01it looked best in, but I live in a more modern bungalow now.

0:04:01 > 0:04:03- So time to pass it on?- Yes.

0:04:03 > 0:04:07If you look at the items more closely, we will see that

0:04:07 > 0:04:15the jug has this wonderful twisted glass handle and the glass-blower

0:04:15 > 0:04:18would have taken that and twisted it round

0:04:18 > 0:04:20to make this wonderful shape.

0:04:20 > 0:04:24That's an added interest to the item.

0:04:24 > 0:04:26Here, we have a little sugar shaker and this would have sat

0:04:26 > 0:04:31on your summer table when you had your strawberries and cream

0:04:31 > 0:04:35and it would have been used to sprinkle your sugar on.

0:04:35 > 0:04:39The top, with these perforations,

0:04:39 > 0:04:42is silver-plated, and this has been well-used,

0:04:42 > 0:04:48because the plate has started to come off of the lid here.

0:04:48 > 0:04:51- Yes.- We have to take that into consideration.

0:04:51 > 0:04:53I would like, if we're going to put them into auction,

0:04:53 > 0:04:56to put them as one lot.

0:04:56 > 0:05:02I would put an auction valuation of 45-60.

0:05:02 > 0:05:06- Would you be happy to sell it at that price?- Yes, I would.

0:05:06 > 0:05:11Good. No sentiment... Will you be sorry to see them go?

0:05:11 > 0:05:14Not really. Not really, no, not now.

0:05:14 > 0:05:17Well, we'll put them in, 45-60,

0:05:17 > 0:05:22and we'll put a reserve price of £40 on them.

0:05:22 > 0:05:26- They might run away at that, Anne! - Well!

0:05:26 > 0:05:28- And it'll be great fun at the auction.- Yes.

0:05:28 > 0:05:31Well, we'll look forward to that, Anita.

0:05:31 > 0:05:35Next up, magpie David's spotted some gold.

0:05:35 > 0:05:36- Hello, Richard.- Hello, David.

0:05:36 > 0:05:41- You've brought along with you three gold items.- Yes.

0:05:41 > 0:05:44Now, I'm interested in the inscription in the lid, here.

0:05:44 > 0:05:49"Eaton Quality Award." And something similar in this. 1995, this one is.

0:05:49 > 0:05:54- And you were awarded these? - Yes, they were quality awards.

0:05:54 > 0:05:57OK, and were they personal to you, or did other people...?

0:05:57 > 0:06:00- No, it was a division in the company got it.- OK.

0:06:00 > 0:06:05Very interesting that they should have given you something which has turned out to be an investment.

0:06:05 > 0:06:08When I retire, I don't suppose I shall get anything.

0:06:08 > 0:06:11But if I do, I hope it's something that will go up in value!

0:06:11 > 0:06:14The sovereign and the gold ingot here have both increased

0:06:14 > 0:06:18substantially in value since the mid-'90s,

0:06:18 > 0:06:25but a gold sovereign today is going to be worth £160-200.

0:06:25 > 0:06:27This little chap here, the ingot, it tells us

0:06:27 > 0:06:32it's 999.9 parts per 1,000 pure gold,

0:06:32 > 0:06:35and there are five grams there,

0:06:35 > 0:06:39so if you put that in at about £20 a gram, you've got another £100 there.

0:06:39 > 0:06:40Now, these are based on melt values,

0:06:40 > 0:06:43but that's not to say they'll be melted.

0:06:43 > 0:06:46That's a bit confusing, sometimes, as people assume that

0:06:46 > 0:06:50if something has a high melt value, it automatically gets melted.

0:06:50 > 0:06:53But that's not the case, because people will buy these as investments.

0:06:53 > 0:06:56This one is a half-sovereign.

0:06:56 > 0:06:58This dates from 1900,

0:06:58 > 0:07:04so this has a bit of extra age and as such has appeal to collectors.

0:07:04 > 0:07:08So we'd expect that to make a little bit more than the melt figure,

0:07:08 > 0:07:10but it is really quite badly worn

0:07:10 > 0:07:15- and I would reckon that at between £60-100.- Yes.

0:07:15 > 0:07:17- You're happy to sell them, presumably?- Yes, I am.- OK.

0:07:17 > 0:07:21So if we think in terms of them having a minimum value

0:07:21 > 0:07:28of about £320, and I'm optimistic that they'll make 360, 370 maybe...

0:07:28 > 0:07:32- Very good.- Sell them as one lot, with a reserve of £300.- Yes. - That's OK, is it?- Yes.

0:07:32 > 0:07:38We'll go ahead on that basis, Richard, and I'll look forward to seeing you at the sale.

0:07:38 > 0:07:41That's a golden opportunity for someone to put aside

0:07:41 > 0:07:44an investment for the future.

0:07:44 > 0:07:48Back on Anita's table, she's joined by Ada, who's getting the sharp end of the stick.

0:07:48 > 0:07:54Thank you for bringing along this sweet little collection of tie pins.

0:07:54 > 0:07:56Can you tell me, where did you get them?

0:07:56 > 0:07:58Well, they're not mine, actually.

0:07:58 > 0:08:02They were collected by my husband - I think he started in the '60s

0:08:02 > 0:08:07and I just thought I would bring them along.

0:08:07 > 0:08:11- Tell me, did he wear these?- Well, of course, everyone wore ties then.

0:08:11 > 0:08:14- It was a different age!- It was.

0:08:14 > 0:08:19And do you think it was just a wee thing to satisfy a collecting bug?

0:08:19 > 0:08:23Yes, he certainly wasn't a person for collecting jewellery, as such,

0:08:23 > 0:08:27cos he didn't wear anything except a plain gold ring,

0:08:27 > 0:08:29I think it was just the collecting.

0:08:29 > 0:08:35Uh-huh. It's the fun of going out and searching and finding something that you haven't got.

0:08:35 > 0:08:37Let's have a wee look at them - we've got 15 here.

0:08:37 > 0:08:41And a variety of different types.

0:08:41 > 0:08:46I particularly like that one there, and that is a nine-carat gold one,

0:08:46 > 0:08:52probably from the Edwardian era, 1900-1910.

0:08:52 > 0:08:56What we have here is a peridot, which is that lovely green stone

0:08:56 > 0:09:01and two tiny seed pearls here - it's almost like a baby bar brooch.

0:09:01 > 0:09:04Yes, it is.

0:09:04 > 0:09:08Here again, we have a gold one, and in the centre here,

0:09:08 > 0:09:13we have a tiny little diamond chip, so that's quite a nice one as well.

0:09:13 > 0:09:17- That's my favourite, actually. - That's your favourite? Ah!

0:09:17 > 0:09:22And I quite like this one, which has a piece of turquoise

0:09:22 > 0:09:27and a little tiny diamond chip, so three rather nice ones here.

0:09:27 > 0:09:32And we have maybe more typical ones. He must have liked these sort of

0:09:32 > 0:09:36floret shapes - here it's almost like a starfish, with seed pearls...

0:09:36 > 0:09:38It's very delicate, isn't it?

0:09:38 > 0:09:43We've got a four-leafed clover and this looks like little milky opals.

0:09:43 > 0:09:48- Oh, they're opals, are they? Right. - We have a sweet variety here.

0:09:48 > 0:09:51A couple of them are gold, most are gold-plated

0:09:51 > 0:09:55and they're not containing any precious stones.

0:09:55 > 0:09:57What about value, what do you think?

0:09:57 > 0:10:02I honestly don't know what they're worth. I don't think they're worth very much,

0:10:02 > 0:10:05but I just think someone else should have them.

0:10:05 > 0:10:07I think you're absolutely right.

0:10:07 > 0:10:13- I think we should put them into sale at say, £50-70.- Right.

0:10:13 > 0:10:18We've got 15 there and let's hope that we go towards the top estimate.

0:10:18 > 0:10:22We can put a reserve price on them and I would suggest that

0:10:22 > 0:10:26the reserve price would maybe be in the region of £45.

0:10:26 > 0:10:29- Right. That's fine. - Would you be happy enough with that?

0:10:29 > 0:10:32- I would, yes, fine. - OK, let's put them there.

0:10:32 > 0:10:33Will you be sad to see them go?

0:10:33 > 0:10:37No, because I'll be pleased that somebody else can have them.

0:10:37 > 0:10:39- It's a good thought, isn't it?- Yes.

0:10:39 > 0:10:42And hopefully, they will go higher than the bottom estimate

0:10:42 > 0:10:44and towards the top estimate.

0:10:44 > 0:10:45Well, that would be good.

0:10:46 > 0:10:47What a lovely little collection.

0:10:49 > 0:10:52It looks like eagle-eyed David has been train-spotting.

0:10:53 > 0:10:57- Hello, Mary.- Hello.- Thank you for bringing this in for us today.

0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Are you interested in trains and locomotives?- Mainly toys.- OK.

0:11:01 > 0:11:05- And do you collect them?- Yes. - And this is part of your collection.

0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Well, yes.- Why are you selling it?

0:11:07 > 0:11:10It's been on top of my wall unit for the last 20 years

0:11:10 > 0:11:13and I wanted to sell it to try and make some money

0:11:13 > 0:11:17for one charity of mine and some trips away, I think.

0:11:17 > 0:11:19OK, splendid.

0:11:19 > 0:11:22You probably know as much about this as I do if you're a collector.

0:11:22 > 0:11:26The tender is known as a steeple car,

0:11:26 > 0:11:28made by a firm called Marklin,

0:11:28 > 0:11:32a very well-known firm of German tin-plate toy manufacturers.

0:11:32 > 0:11:36A particular type of locomotive, as you can see, really -

0:11:36 > 0:11:37rather strange in appearance.

0:11:37 > 0:11:40But I gather a very functional type of locomotive.

0:11:40 > 0:11:42It has an electric motor -

0:11:42 > 0:11:47the power is picked up through the pantograph, it's a 220-volt motor.

0:11:47 > 0:11:51With that amount of voltage flooding through it,

0:11:51 > 0:11:52it's capable of whizzing along.

0:11:52 > 0:11:55And it tows this carriage - also by Marklin -

0:11:55 > 0:12:00I forget the name of that type of carriage. Can you help me?

0:12:00 > 0:12:04- I think it's a Mitropa. - A Mitropa carriage, exactly right.

0:12:04 > 0:12:07We can date this to about 1926.

0:12:07 > 0:12:12I mean, there are various early features that enable us to do that.

0:12:12 > 0:12:15Not least, the way these rivets are painted,

0:12:15 > 0:12:19little dots painted onto the green ground.

0:12:19 > 0:12:22The carriage itself is lithograph, that's not hand-painted,

0:12:22 > 0:12:24that's printed, that decoration.

0:12:24 > 0:12:30And the mark also, which is an MC, formed in a monogram.

0:12:30 > 0:12:35Look at it, not unlike the MCC as in Marylebone Cricket Club monogram,

0:12:35 > 0:12:39which helps us to determine that it's of a relatively early date.

0:12:39 > 0:12:41It's an incredibly realistic thing

0:12:41 > 0:12:45and any child would just love to play with this,

0:12:45 > 0:12:47and they were made for children, of course.

0:12:47 > 0:12:50I think they've become boys' toys really

0:12:50 > 0:12:53and you're probably quite unusual in being a lady who collects.

0:12:53 > 0:12:57- Strange.- I wasn't saying it was strange at all,

0:12:57 > 0:13:00I think it's charming. Good for you, buck the trend, I say.

0:13:00 > 0:13:04Have you any other similar tin-plate toys in your collection?

0:13:04 > 0:13:09- I have a few wind-up toys, horses that jump...- OK.

0:13:09 > 0:13:13- ..a bartender whose nose goes red and blows smoke out of his ears. - As you'd expect.

0:13:13 > 0:13:15But where they are, I haven't a clue.

0:13:15 > 0:13:18- They're there somewhere.- But you might dig them out one day?- Yes.

0:13:18 > 0:13:23I think this is going to make somewhere between £200 and £300.

0:13:23 > 0:13:28- Lovely.- And a reserve of £200. - Yes, that's lovely.- Excellent.

0:13:28 > 0:13:30Did you buy it yourself or did you inherit it?

0:13:30 > 0:13:33I bought it from the salerooms just round the corner.

0:13:33 > 0:13:37- Can you remember what you paid? - About £30, I think.

0:13:37 > 0:13:40With any luck, we'll be adding a nought to that.

0:13:40 > 0:13:45OK, so off we chug, "chug" is the wrong word,

0:13:45 > 0:13:47because it's an electric locomotive.

0:13:47 > 0:13:49Off we whizz to the sale room with it.

0:13:49 > 0:13:53I'll sit in the front, you can sit in the back. And I'll see you there.

0:13:53 > 0:13:57'Mary's train set may have been designed as a child's toy,

0:13:57 > 0:14:01'but there's nothing childish about the price they can command in the saleroom.

0:14:01 > 0:14:04'Back in 2008, we saw this collection of popular Hornby engines

0:14:04 > 0:14:08'sell for a steamy £550.

0:14:08 > 0:14:10'But it's pre-war Marklin

0:14:10 > 0:14:12'locomotives that fetch the most

0:14:12 > 0:14:17'and really desirable models like this one are worth over £2000.

0:14:17 > 0:14:20'Let's hope the price Mary gets

0:14:20 > 0:14:23'for hers goes off the rails.'

0:14:23 > 0:14:26Well, that's it, that's our last item found this morning.

0:14:26 > 0:14:28Now it's time to put those valuations to the test,

0:14:28 > 0:14:31as we head over to the auction room for the first time.

0:14:31 > 0:14:34And while we make our way over there, here's a quick recap,

0:14:34 > 0:14:38just to jog your memory of all the items going under the hammer.

0:14:38 > 0:14:42Anne's Victorian cranberry glass is right up Anita's street,

0:14:42 > 0:14:45but will the bidders love it?

0:14:47 > 0:14:49David thinks Richard's

0:14:49 > 0:14:50gold collection will appeal to collectors,

0:14:50 > 0:14:53rather than scrapdealers.

0:14:55 > 0:14:59Anita hopes these 15 delicate tie pins

0:14:59 > 0:15:01will be a success in the sale room.

0:15:03 > 0:15:05And David's also confident

0:15:05 > 0:15:06about his train set.

0:15:06 > 0:15:10He's valued it for ten times the original price.

0:15:15 > 0:15:19We're travelling an hour down the north-east coast

0:15:19 > 0:15:22to Boldon Auction Galleries in Tyne and Wear.

0:15:22 > 0:15:23Commission rates do vary,

0:15:23 > 0:15:28but here, sellers pay 17.5%, plus VAT.

0:15:28 > 0:15:32As you can see, it's a packed saleroom. There's two floors here.

0:15:32 > 0:15:37Hopefully, a lot of these people are going to be bidding on our lots. We'll find out a bit later.

0:15:37 > 0:15:40We could have one or two surprises. Don't go away, anything can happen.

0:15:40 > 0:15:42Auctioneer Giles Hodges is raring to go,

0:15:42 > 0:15:46the bidders are primed and here's our first lot.

0:15:46 > 0:15:48It's Anne's jug and sugar sifter.

0:15:48 > 0:15:50Not you at all?

0:15:50 > 0:15:52- You didn't like the cranberry glass?- I did like it.

0:15:52 > 0:15:55- Why are you selling them? - It was handed down through the family

0:15:55 > 0:15:58and I'd like to share the money with my grandchildren.

0:15:58 > 0:15:5965, £70?

0:15:59 > 0:16:05Well, cranberry glass isn't getting as much as it was getting five or six years ago,

0:16:05 > 0:16:09but these are nice pieces and they're in good condition.

0:16:09 > 0:16:12- Not my cup of tea, I've got to say. - We're subject to fashion and fad,

0:16:12 > 0:16:16the same as any other type of business,

0:16:16 > 0:16:19and this is a wee outer taste into these markets.

0:16:19 > 0:16:21Well, let's find out what the bidders think, shall we?

0:16:21 > 0:16:25It's going under the hammer right now. Good luck, both of you.

0:16:25 > 0:16:29We've got the Victorian cranberry glass jug,

0:16:29 > 0:16:31with the clear glass handle

0:16:31 > 0:16:33and the sifter with the plated mount to match.

0:16:33 > 0:16:35There we go, and a £20 bid.

0:16:35 > 0:16:41At 20, for the bid of cranberry. 25. 30, 35, 40.

0:16:41 > 0:16:43This is OK, it's going.

0:16:43 > 0:16:46- £40, latest bid on the front row. At £40. 45.- Yes.

0:16:47 > 0:16:5250. Five. £55, it's on the balcony.

0:16:52 > 0:16:55At £55. 60, anybody?

0:16:55 > 0:16:59In the room, on the balcony, at £55.

0:16:59 > 0:17:04- Yes. Sold, good valuation. - That's not a bad price for them.

0:17:04 > 0:17:07- Much better, a wee bit better than I thought.- I'm delighted.

0:17:07 > 0:17:09Happy, happy, everyone?

0:17:09 > 0:17:11THEY LAUGH

0:17:11 > 0:17:14- Yes, thank you. - Are you happy?- Job done.

0:17:14 > 0:17:18Let's hope the new owner is just as happy as us three.

0:17:19 > 0:17:22Well, it certainly is a good time to sell gold

0:17:22 > 0:17:24and that's exactly what we're doing.

0:17:24 > 0:17:25Richard has three gold awards,

0:17:25 > 0:17:28lovely coins, in a way, but they're awards.

0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Awards, yes. - Why are you selling these now?

0:17:31 > 0:17:34I've had them for many years, I got them in the 1990s

0:17:34 > 0:17:38and I just thought, gold's at a good price.

0:17:38 > 0:17:40- It is. You were aware of that, weren't you?- Yes.- Exactly.

0:17:40 > 0:17:44We have the 22-carat gold sovereign,

0:17:44 > 0:17:46dated 1980, the half sovereign,

0:17:46 > 0:17:50and a little medal as well, roughly about 17 grams.

0:17:50 > 0:17:53I have, again, four bids.

0:17:53 > 0:17:55380 to start me.

0:17:55 > 0:17:59- At 380. 390...- That's the scrap value.- Yes, I think.

0:17:59 > 0:18:03400, 410, 420, 430,

0:18:03 > 0:18:07440, 450, 460.

0:18:07 > 0:18:13- 460, with me. It's on commission at £460, are we all done?- Straight in.

0:18:13 > 0:18:18Still on the internet at £460.

0:18:18 > 0:18:20That's OK, we'll take that.

0:18:20 > 0:18:23It's done far better than it would've done in an ISA,

0:18:23 > 0:18:25or stocks and shares, or a building society.

0:18:25 > 0:18:27It's something tangible to look at and talk about.

0:18:27 > 0:18:30You can't show off your ISA to a friend.

0:18:30 > 0:18:32You can't invite them round and say, "Look at my ISA."

0:18:32 > 0:18:35But at least you can say, "Look at these, these are nice."

0:18:35 > 0:18:40And you can boast about what you sold your gold for on Flog It! You can't boast about your ISA.

0:18:40 > 0:18:46And let's see if our next lot is something to boast about.

0:18:46 > 0:18:50Going under the hammer right now, a collection of 15 tie pins.

0:18:50 > 0:18:52Something that wouldn't really suit me, Ada,

0:18:52 > 0:18:58- because I've actually only worn a tie on TV once.- Scruff.

0:18:58 > 0:19:01- Lovely collection though, Ada. - Yes, I think so. Yes.

0:19:01 > 0:19:05- I'm sure these are going to find a home right now.- I hope so.

0:19:05 > 0:19:06Happy with the valuation?

0:19:06 > 0:19:10Yes, well, 45 is not dear. I think we have two or three gold ones

0:19:10 > 0:19:12there and there is such a variety

0:19:12 > 0:19:15in tie pins that people like to collect them.

0:19:15 > 0:19:18Let's find out what the bidders think. They're going under the hammer right now.

0:19:18 > 0:19:24A collection of 15 various tie pins, some of them nine carat.

0:19:24 > 0:19:27I'm bid 30 to start them, at £30.

0:19:27 > 0:19:3235, 40, 45. On the balcony at £45. 50, anybody?

0:19:32 > 0:19:37- We're in.- At £45. On my right, at £45.

0:19:37 > 0:19:38This is good.

0:19:38 > 0:19:41Ladies and gentlemen, at 45.

0:19:41 > 0:19:45Yes, he sold them, hammer's gone down, 45.

0:19:45 > 0:19:47That's a good valuation.

0:19:47 > 0:19:51I would've liked a wee bitty more, but that's what happens.

0:19:51 > 0:19:53They've gone to a good home, I imagine.

0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Somebody's going to use those.- Yes.

0:19:55 > 0:20:00But not me. You can't pin me down and make me wear a tie, Anita!

0:20:00 > 0:20:03Going under the hammer right now,

0:20:03 > 0:20:05Mary's train set, with a value of £200-300.

0:20:05 > 0:20:08- You're a bit of a toy collector. - Yes, that's right.

0:20:08 > 0:20:11You got this in auction, 30 years ago? How much did you pay for it?

0:20:11 > 0:20:16- I think about £30, I'm not sure. - That's not too bad, is it?

0:20:16 > 0:20:18Hopefully, we can turn it into 200 to 300?

0:20:18 > 0:20:21- That's what we're hoping to do. - Lovely, good.

0:20:21 > 0:20:25I'm pretty confident, I'm not 100% confident, but pretty confident.

0:20:25 > 0:20:30Let's find out. I was going to say, it's a boy's toy, but obviously not, it's a girl's toy as well.

0:20:30 > 0:20:32Let's find out what the bidders think.

0:20:32 > 0:20:37We have the pre-war Marklin electric four-wheel speed loco

0:20:37 > 0:20:39and the little single carriage.

0:20:39 > 0:20:40I'm bid £200.

0:20:40 > 0:20:43At 200. 20, anybody?

0:20:43 > 0:20:45- It's placed.- 220, 240,

0:20:45 > 0:20:49260, 280, 300.

0:20:49 > 0:20:53To my left at £300. Another 20 now.

0:20:53 > 0:20:56- At £300, to my left.- That's good.

0:20:56 > 0:21:00- That's very good, 300. - £300, anybody on the net?

0:21:00 > 0:21:06£300, are we all done, ladies and gents at £300?

0:21:06 > 0:21:08That was worth hanging on to, wasn't it?

0:21:08 > 0:21:12Bought for £30, sold for £300. Everything has a value over time.

0:21:12 > 0:21:14It's sort of affordable, I suppose.

0:21:14 > 0:21:18- Somebody else can look after it now. - Yes.

0:21:21 > 0:21:24That's the end of our first visit to the auction room today.

0:21:24 > 0:21:26You've heard what our experts' opinions were

0:21:26 > 0:21:29and you've seen what the bidders' reactions were.

0:21:29 > 0:21:32We are coming back later on in the programme, don't go away.

0:21:32 > 0:21:35But the great thing about antiques is they have not just a good life,

0:21:35 > 0:21:38they have a second life, third life and fourth life

0:21:38 > 0:21:41under a different owner, in a different guise.

0:21:41 > 0:21:43They just keep going around and around.

0:21:43 > 0:21:45While I was up here in the area,

0:21:45 > 0:21:47I took the opportunity to go off and film a building

0:21:47 > 0:21:50that's had many different guises over the centuries,

0:21:50 > 0:21:53and it's absolutely fascinating. Take a look at this.

0:21:58 > 0:22:02Lindisfarne Castle, on the Northumberland coastline,

0:22:02 > 0:22:06is cut off from land twice a day by three miles of the North Sea at high tide.

0:22:06 > 0:22:11Now, that building behind me has to be the ultimate grand design.

0:22:11 > 0:22:13But is it a 16th-century fort,

0:22:13 > 0:22:17built to protect Lindisfarne harbour from the invading Scots?

0:22:17 > 0:22:20Maybe it's a coastguard's lookout, a Jacobite hideaway,

0:22:20 > 0:22:23inspiration for Charles Rennie Mackintosh,

0:22:23 > 0:22:27or even a luxury holiday home for a London publishing tycoon.

0:22:27 > 0:22:31Over the last 400 years, Lindisfarne Castle

0:22:31 > 0:22:32has been all of those,

0:22:32 > 0:22:35and I'm here today to find out how one place

0:22:35 > 0:22:37can have so many different owners.

0:22:37 > 0:22:40The story starts back in 1570.

0:22:40 > 0:22:43It was decided that the island and harbour

0:22:43 > 0:22:48needed greater protection from the Scots, and so a fort was built here.

0:22:48 > 0:22:52Now, imagine how bleak it must have felt being posted here

0:22:52 > 0:22:55on the highest point of the island in the deepest of winter.

0:22:58 > 0:23:01Luckily, the fort had a relatively easy life.

0:23:01 > 0:23:04There were never any bloodthirsty battles here.

0:23:04 > 0:23:09In 1603, the accession of James VI of Scotland to the English throne

0:23:09 > 0:23:11united the two kingdoms.

0:23:11 > 0:23:15So there was no longer a need for Lindisfarne to have a border fort.

0:23:15 > 0:23:17However, for the next three centuries,

0:23:17 > 0:23:21a detachment from the Berwick garrison were stationed here

0:23:21 > 0:23:23to defend the harbour against various enemies.

0:23:23 > 0:23:27And in 1893, the building became a coastguard station.

0:23:30 > 0:23:35Then in 1901, Edward Hudson, the editor of Country Life magazine,

0:23:35 > 0:23:39discovered the empty remains of the castle whilst on holiday.

0:23:39 > 0:23:41He scaled the walls and looked around.

0:23:41 > 0:23:43The coastguards had left it in squalor,

0:23:43 > 0:23:45but Hudson saw the castle's potential

0:23:45 > 0:23:49and he fell in love with it.

0:23:49 > 0:23:52As a Londoner, he had a romantic view of the country

0:23:52 > 0:23:54and aspired to have the same lifestyle

0:23:54 > 0:23:56that his magazines promoted.

0:23:56 > 0:23:59Hudson leased the castle from the local landowner

0:23:59 > 0:24:02and immediately commissioned his good friend

0:24:02 > 0:24:05and architect Edward Lutyens to transform the fort

0:24:05 > 0:24:09into a dream holiday home within its Tudor walls.

0:24:09 > 0:24:13It was a challenge that Lutyens was certainly up for.

0:24:13 > 0:24:15He embraced the project.

0:24:15 > 0:24:18At the age of 33, he'd already established himself

0:24:18 > 0:24:21as England's leading country house architect.

0:24:21 > 0:24:23He was fit for the challenge.

0:24:23 > 0:24:26It got him away from that picturesque Surrey house look

0:24:26 > 0:24:29and he was able to embrace local materials.

0:24:32 > 0:24:36So how did Lutyens go about creating a modern holiday home

0:24:36 > 0:24:38from a castle fort?

0:24:38 > 0:24:42He extended the building, playing with the rise and fall of levels,

0:24:42 > 0:24:47angles and contrasts between stone, grass and skyline.

0:24:48 > 0:24:52Inside, he leaded windows and created fantastic columns

0:24:52 > 0:24:53and rounded arches.

0:24:54 > 0:24:58The rooms are linked with dramatic corridors

0:24:58 > 0:25:03and play on the subtle combinations of stone, bricks, slate and cobble.

0:25:03 > 0:25:07The almost seamless integration of the materials and textures

0:25:07 > 0:25:13gives the impression the rooms are carved from the rock itself.

0:25:15 > 0:25:18Lutyens embraced the castle's original features

0:25:18 > 0:25:21with his own arts and crafts details,

0:25:21 > 0:25:24something typical of his early style.

0:25:24 > 0:25:26This is part of the original fort building.

0:25:26 > 0:25:29That huge red brick fireplace, and these windows

0:25:29 > 0:25:33have been cleverly incorporated into an old gunpowder magazine.

0:25:33 > 0:25:37The vaulted ceiling above dates to the 18th century.

0:25:37 > 0:25:41That was cleverly installed to take the weight of a new gun battery,

0:25:41 > 0:25:42right above our head.

0:25:42 > 0:25:45But the attention to detail is quite exquisite.

0:25:45 > 0:25:48It runs throughout this entire building.

0:25:48 > 0:25:50Some of it is obvious, some of it is subtle.

0:25:50 > 0:25:53For instance, these curtains just pull back on these rods.

0:25:53 > 0:25:56They swing back.

0:25:56 > 0:26:00The curtains aren't bunched in a tight group when they're drawn back.

0:26:00 > 0:26:04It allows the maximum amount of light to flood through the window.

0:26:04 > 0:26:06Something on a more subtle note.

0:26:06 > 0:26:10The architectural detail on the door over there. I'll show you.

0:26:10 > 0:26:14All the doors in this building have the most wonderful latches.

0:26:14 > 0:26:16Just look at this.

0:26:16 > 0:26:19All incorporated with a lead weight in them.

0:26:20 > 0:26:23The idea of that is, it moves the bolt across.

0:26:23 > 0:26:25It not only shows off Lutyens' unique style,

0:26:25 > 0:26:29but it embraces the whole of the arts and crafts ethos.

0:26:29 > 0:26:32Something born of good craftsmanship.

0:26:32 > 0:26:34Something beautiful to look at,

0:26:34 > 0:26:37and something practical.

0:26:37 > 0:26:40And that ticks all the boxes.

0:26:47 > 0:26:52Perhaps the most unusual feature in this building is this,

0:26:52 > 0:26:54the internal wind indicator.

0:26:54 > 0:26:56It's something that Lutyens installed

0:26:56 > 0:26:59in many of the fine buildings he designed.

0:26:59 > 0:27:03This was painted by the artist MacDonald Gill in 1912.

0:27:03 > 0:27:07Gill and Lutyens share the same sense of fun and vibrancy

0:27:07 > 0:27:09in their work.

0:27:09 > 0:27:11This is a good example. It's full of ambiguities.

0:27:11 > 0:27:14There are several stories going on at once

0:27:14 > 0:27:16within the main theme.

0:27:16 > 0:27:18In this case, the main theme

0:27:18 > 0:27:20is the effects of the unfavourable winds.

0:27:20 > 0:27:23This depicts a scene from 1588.

0:27:23 > 0:27:25In the centre, you see Lindisfarne.

0:27:25 > 0:27:29But around it, the defeated Spanish fleet being blown up the east coast,

0:27:29 > 0:27:32with the English fleet in hot pursuit.

0:27:32 > 0:27:36Around it, here, all the other castles protecting Northumberland.

0:27:36 > 0:27:39Places like Alnwick and Bamburgh.

0:27:39 > 0:27:42Isn't that marvellous? There's the dial.

0:27:42 > 0:27:45It's linked to this weathervane, using a series of cogs and rods.

0:27:45 > 0:27:46And it still works.

0:27:46 > 0:27:50At the moment, the dial says 'West South Westerly'.

0:27:54 > 0:27:57In its heyday, the castle played host to magnificent parties

0:27:57 > 0:27:59and welcomed a number of distinguished guests,

0:27:59 > 0:28:02including the future King George V,

0:28:02 > 0:28:05and the cellist Medim Suggia.

0:28:05 > 0:28:08Just imagine the atmosphere at one of these parties.

0:28:08 > 0:28:12It had become a home that exuded warmth and comfort.

0:28:12 > 0:28:14Perfect for entertaining,

0:28:14 > 0:28:17and a million miles away from the cold and functional fort

0:28:17 > 0:28:19of its former life.

0:28:19 > 0:28:22Hudson bought the castle in 1918.

0:28:22 > 0:28:24But without an heir to leave it to,

0:28:24 > 0:28:27and an increasing workload back in London,

0:28:27 > 0:28:29he decided to sell it three years later, in 1921.

0:28:29 > 0:28:32It then passed through the hands of two private owners,

0:28:32 > 0:28:37before being given to the National Trust in 1944.

0:28:37 > 0:28:40The incredible transformation this castle has gone through

0:28:40 > 0:28:41over the centuries

0:28:41 > 0:28:43makes it a building like no other.

0:28:43 > 0:28:46It'll be fascinating to see what it looks like,

0:28:46 > 0:28:50and who its visitors are in another 100 years' time.

0:28:58 > 0:29:00From Lindisfarne Castle,

0:29:00 > 0:29:03it's back to Alnwick Castle, our spectacular valuation day venue.

0:29:03 > 0:29:05It's time to seek refuge inside,

0:29:05 > 0:29:08because the weather hasn't won its battle.

0:29:08 > 0:29:11Louise, I think your coach awaits you here.

0:29:11 > 0:29:13It's ready to take you home.

0:29:13 > 0:29:15What have you brought in to show us today?

0:29:15 > 0:29:18I've brought in this Bicorne hat I found in the house I've just bought.

0:29:18 > 0:29:21It's an old vicarage.

0:29:21 > 0:29:24- Is that far from Alnwick? - It's about 40 miles from here.

0:29:24 > 0:29:27So you've just bought an old vicarage,

0:29:27 > 0:29:29- and now you're doing it up? - I am, yes.

0:29:29 > 0:29:31And you found this in the house?

0:29:31 > 0:29:33There was a lot of old boxes left in the attic,

0:29:33 > 0:29:35and when we cleared out the boxes,

0:29:35 > 0:29:37this was in the bottom of one of the boxes.

0:29:37 > 0:29:40We've seen these on the show before.

0:29:40 > 0:29:43There is great interest in maritime memorabilia.

0:29:43 > 0:29:46Have you seen what's inside here yet?

0:29:46 > 0:29:47- No.- Do you know

0:29:47 > 0:29:49what we're talking about?

0:29:49 > 0:29:52It's an officer's hat. Look at that.

0:29:52 > 0:29:54Bicorne, meaning 'two sides to it'.

0:29:54 > 0:29:56There are tricornes, that point at the front.

0:29:56 > 0:29:59I think possibly the most famous

0:29:59 > 0:30:01person to wear a bicorne

0:30:01 > 0:30:02would be Napoleon Bonaparte.

0:30:02 > 0:30:04You hold this, will you?

0:30:04 > 0:30:07Can we have a model

0:30:07 > 0:30:09that can wear this?

0:30:09 > 0:30:11- What's your name?- Thomas.

0:30:11 > 0:30:12Are you ready? Here we go.

0:30:12 > 0:30:16Gosh, this chap had a tiny little head, didn't he?

0:30:16 > 0:30:19- How d'you feel, Thomas? - THEY LAUGH

0:30:19 > 0:30:21A little bit silly, probably!

0:30:21 > 0:30:24Look at the work and detail that's gone into that.

0:30:24 > 0:30:27- There's a name on the front, isn't there?- Yes.

0:30:27 > 0:30:29Have you done any research on this?

0:30:29 > 0:30:31I couldn't find anything on the name.

0:30:31 > 0:30:35'MH Piuie Esquire'.

0:30:35 > 0:30:37It's a shame. If we knew who owned this,

0:30:37 > 0:30:39we could trace the vessel he was on.

0:30:39 > 0:30:41So the whole thing would have provenance, more history.

0:30:41 > 0:30:44Normally, it's the provenance that puts the weight of value

0:30:44 > 0:30:46onto an item like this.

0:30:46 > 0:30:49The hatbox itself is really interesting.

0:30:49 > 0:30:51That's quite collectible in its own right.

0:30:51 > 0:30:53I've a feeling the hatbox and the hat

0:30:53 > 0:30:55are virtually the same value each.

0:30:55 > 0:30:57I think you had a good find.

0:30:57 > 0:30:59Let's put a valuation of £60 to £100 on it.

0:30:59 > 0:31:03I know this will get snapped up by maritime collectors.

0:31:03 > 0:31:06- Are you happy with that?- Very happy.

0:31:06 > 0:31:10- Do you know why they fold flat like this?- No.- No, I don't know.

0:31:10 > 0:31:14It's because they're designed to be tucked under the arm for comfort,

0:31:14 > 0:31:18when you walk along when you're not on duty.

0:31:18 > 0:31:19Wonderful little thing.

0:31:19 > 0:31:22They're worn right up until 1914, in the British Navy.

0:31:22 > 0:31:25We'll put that back inside,

0:31:25 > 0:31:27and take that over to the auction room for you.

0:31:27 > 0:31:30Hopefully, we'll get the top end of the estimate.

0:31:30 > 0:31:32I think that's rather good.

0:31:32 > 0:31:36- A classic bit of antique recycling. That's what it's all about.- Thanks.

0:31:36 > 0:31:38'What a fascinating piece of history.

0:31:38 > 0:31:42'Now, over to the guest hall, where David's head's been turned

0:31:42 > 0:31:45'by a small, but perfectly formed, collectible.'

0:31:45 > 0:31:47- Hello, Susie.- Hello, there.

0:31:47 > 0:31:49This is a stylish thing, isn't it?

0:31:49 > 0:31:53A cigarette lighter, of course.

0:31:53 > 0:31:57It appears to be gold. I'll look in a moment.

0:31:57 > 0:32:00I'm pretty certain it's by Dunhill.

0:32:00 > 0:32:03What's more, it looks to me that it was made between the wars.

0:32:03 > 0:32:06It's sort of in the Art Deco style.

0:32:06 > 0:32:08Reminds me a bit of a skyscraper.

0:32:08 > 0:32:11That very modern style of architecture sweeping America

0:32:11 > 0:32:13in the 1930s.

0:32:13 > 0:32:17Above all else, it's just a cool thing to own.

0:32:20 > 0:32:24You can imagine sitting on your sun chair on your yacht

0:32:24 > 0:32:28in Monte Carlo, flicking it and lighting your very long cigarette.

0:32:28 > 0:32:30Perhaps in a holder as well.

0:32:30 > 0:32:32It is SO cool. Let's have a look

0:32:32 > 0:32:34and see if I'm right.

0:32:36 > 0:32:39I am. It's clearly marked 'Dunhill'.

0:32:39 > 0:32:42It also states, on the base, 'Cartier Licence'.

0:32:42 > 0:32:45So it was made under licence to a Cartier design.

0:32:45 > 0:32:47What a combination of names,

0:32:47 > 0:32:48Cartier and Dunhill.

0:32:48 > 0:32:50We also have the assay mark,

0:32:50 > 0:32:53which tells us that it's nine-carat gold.

0:32:53 > 0:32:57Engine-turned decoration, very understated base,

0:32:57 > 0:33:02and capital, echoing the architectural theme.

0:33:02 > 0:33:03Tell me how you came to own it.

0:33:03 > 0:33:06Last year, we were at a car-boot sale,

0:33:06 > 0:33:08and wandering around, and picked it up,

0:33:08 > 0:33:10because I thought it was a cute piece,

0:33:10 > 0:33:13which was up for sale for £7.

0:33:13 > 0:33:15- £7?- Yes.

0:33:15 > 0:33:18And the boyfriend bartered it down to £4.

0:33:18 > 0:33:20We knew it was a Dunhill lighter,

0:33:20 > 0:33:23cos it was at the bottom,

0:33:23 > 0:33:25but when we got it home

0:33:25 > 0:33:26and took the filler cap off,

0:33:26 > 0:33:29there was some engraving on the inside.

0:33:29 > 0:33:32I said, "here, it says .375."

0:33:32 > 0:33:34I said, "That's nine-carat gold."

0:33:34 > 0:33:35Exactly.

0:33:35 > 0:33:39That was a fantastic buy. Did you do any homework?

0:33:39 > 0:33:41A little bit, yes.

0:33:41 > 0:33:43And you found out much what I've told you?

0:33:43 > 0:33:47- Yes. A 1934 hallmark. - 1934? That's the hallmark.

0:33:47 > 0:33:52- It came as no great surprise to you when I told you what it was?- No.

0:33:52 > 0:33:54OK. So it cost you £4?

0:33:54 > 0:33:58- Have you any idea what it might be worth?- No.

0:33:58 > 0:34:00Well, you have to bear in mind it's gold.

0:34:00 > 0:34:03There's going to be a significant melt value in the case.

0:34:03 > 0:34:06But it's worth far more than its melt value.

0:34:06 > 0:34:09You have to bear in mind the mechanics aren't gold.

0:34:09 > 0:34:11I think they're probably brass.

0:34:11 > 0:34:16I think it's worth something between £250 and £350.

0:34:16 > 0:34:19- I would suggest a reserve of £250. - Lovely.

0:34:19 > 0:34:21Which is quite a profit on £4.

0:34:21 > 0:34:26Well done, your boyfriend and you.

0:34:26 > 0:34:28I think we'll do very well for you.

0:34:28 > 0:34:29It's a wonderful object.

0:34:29 > 0:34:31Smoking is no longer fashionable,

0:34:31 > 0:34:34but its paraphernalia

0:34:34 > 0:34:36is still very popular.

0:34:36 > 0:34:38Zippo and Ronson models are the most collected.

0:34:38 > 0:34:43But good news for Susie, it's Dunhill that fetches the most.

0:34:43 > 0:34:46In 2011, "Flog It!" saw this aquarium lighter

0:34:46 > 0:34:47go under the hammer

0:34:47 > 0:34:50for an impressive £1,510.

0:34:50 > 0:34:53Collectors of the brand can pay

0:34:53 > 0:34:55up to £10,000

0:34:55 > 0:34:56for a gold concealed

0:34:56 > 0:34:58watch lighter like this one.

0:34:58 > 0:35:01Now, still burning through their valuations,

0:35:01 > 0:35:03over to Anita.

0:35:03 > 0:35:06Thank you for bringing along this

0:35:06 > 0:35:07lovely little suite of jewellery.

0:35:07 > 0:35:09Can you tell me, where did you get it?

0:35:09 > 0:35:11From my mother, just before she died.

0:35:11 > 0:35:14It had apparently belonged to her grandmother

0:35:14 > 0:35:16and had come down through the family.

0:35:16 > 0:35:18- Are you married, John?- I am, yes.

0:35:18 > 0:35:21- Did your wife wear that at all? - No, she didn't.

0:35:21 > 0:35:23She thought it was a bit too flamboyant.

0:35:23 > 0:35:26That's right. A bit ornate for today's tastes.

0:35:26 > 0:35:30What I find delightful, first of all,

0:35:30 > 0:35:31is that it's in its original box.

0:35:31 > 0:35:36That's always good, in the buying of jewellery.

0:35:36 > 0:35:41The date, somewhere between 1880 and 1900.

0:35:41 > 0:35:44It's made of coral, and it's all small pieces of coral

0:35:44 > 0:35:47which have together been gathered.

0:35:47 > 0:35:51We can see the little child lying in a bed of flowers and leaves.

0:35:51 > 0:35:54Quite a romantic thought.

0:35:54 > 0:35:55If we turn it round the back,

0:35:55 > 0:36:00we can see there is a brooch or pin mechanism here,

0:36:00 > 0:36:02so it can be worn as a brooch.

0:36:02 > 0:36:06But we also have a hook, so it can be used as a pendant.

0:36:06 > 0:36:09And we have these long drop earrings,

0:36:09 > 0:36:12which were very popular in Victorian times.

0:36:12 > 0:36:15It's a nice little suite, John.

0:36:15 > 0:36:18I like the colour of coral. I think it's beautiful and it's warm.

0:36:18 > 0:36:21I quite like the flamboyance of it.

0:36:21 > 0:36:25I would wear that with a yellow jumper, or whatever.

0:36:26 > 0:36:30- Have you had it valued before?- No.

0:36:30 > 0:36:33We're not talking about precious stones here.

0:36:33 > 0:36:36It is a natural substance.

0:36:36 > 0:36:39If it was coming into auction, I would put it

0:36:39 > 0:36:41in the region of £50 to £80.

0:36:41 > 0:36:44It may do more than that, John.

0:36:44 > 0:36:47That may be a conservative estimate.

0:36:47 > 0:36:52- But I think it's the proper estimate to draw the bidding in.- Right.

0:36:52 > 0:36:56Would you be happy to put it in with a reserve on the lower estimate?

0:36:56 > 0:37:01Well, I'd prefer to see the lower end up a bit,

0:37:01 > 0:37:04- if that's possible. - It is, of course.

0:37:04 > 0:37:08In the end, John, we want you to be happy.

0:37:08 > 0:37:11But we certainly can't put the reserve above the lower estimate.

0:37:11 > 0:37:15If we take the lower estimate up,

0:37:15 > 0:37:17you might feel more comfortable with that?

0:37:17 > 0:37:20Yes, I would.

0:37:20 > 0:37:23£60 to £80, with a FIRM reserve of £60?

0:37:23 > 0:37:25Right, fine. I hope people fight over it.

0:37:25 > 0:37:30They will. I think it'll go at least to the higher estimate.

0:37:30 > 0:37:32And we might get a wee surprise.

0:37:32 > 0:37:34Yeah. Fingers crossed.

0:37:34 > 0:37:38Not long to go before we find out.

0:37:38 > 0:37:41Sadly, it's time to say farewell to these magnificent people

0:37:41 > 0:37:45that have turned up today, without whom we would not have a show.

0:37:45 > 0:37:48A big thank you there, and also to our magnificent backdrop,

0:37:48 > 0:37:50Alnwick Castle.

0:37:50 > 0:37:52Let's get straight over to the saleroom.

0:37:52 > 0:37:55Here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.

0:37:59 > 0:38:02Louise rescued this officer's hat from her loft.

0:38:02 > 0:38:04I'm confident it will be snapped up by a naval collector

0:38:04 > 0:38:06on the double.

0:38:08 > 0:38:11Susie paid just £4 for this stylish Dunhill lighter,

0:38:11 > 0:38:14which certainly set alight

0:38:14 > 0:38:16David's imagination.

0:38:16 > 0:38:20Anita thinks the vibrant coral jewellery will draw the bidders in,

0:38:20 > 0:38:22with a conservative estimate.

0:38:28 > 0:38:30We're back at Boldon Auction Galleries

0:38:30 > 0:38:33in Tyne and Wear.

0:38:33 > 0:38:36Remember, if you're buying or selling at auction,

0:38:36 > 0:38:38there is commission to pay.

0:38:38 > 0:38:41Here, it's 17.5%, plus VAT.

0:38:41 > 0:38:45So check the details in the catalogue, because it does vary

0:38:45 > 0:38:47from auction room to auction room.

0:38:50 > 0:38:54Going under the hammer right now, the hatbox belonging to Louise,

0:38:54 > 0:38:56with a value of around £60.

0:38:56 > 0:38:59It might do £100, but it's somewhere in that margin.

0:38:59 > 0:39:01- We might be taking this home.- OK.

0:39:01 > 0:39:02I hope not.

0:39:02 > 0:39:06- Nevertheless, it was a good find in the house, wasn't it?- Yes, it was.

0:39:06 > 0:39:08How are the restoration works going so far?

0:39:08 > 0:39:10Slowly, but surely.

0:39:10 > 0:39:13We were knocking a wall down yesterday, so I had my hard hat on.

0:39:13 > 0:39:16Hopefully, we can have some proceeds from this

0:39:16 > 0:39:18- to go towards that.- Yes.- I hope!

0:39:18 > 0:39:21Here we go. This is it.

0:39:22 > 0:39:24An old, Napoleonic-style hat.

0:39:24 > 0:39:26Inscribed 'M H Piuie, Esquire'.

0:39:26 > 0:39:28I have one, two, three

0:39:28 > 0:39:31- four commission bids before we start.- Great.

0:39:31 > 0:39:36We are starting at £100.

0:39:36 > 0:39:39£10, anybody? At £100. £10, anybody in the room?

0:39:39 > 0:39:41At £100, or the net.

0:39:41 > 0:39:43At £100.

0:39:43 > 0:39:46With me, on the commission. So, the maiden bid's going to get it.

0:39:46 > 0:39:49- At £100, we're away.- Yes!

0:39:49 > 0:39:51At £100, thank you.

0:39:51 > 0:39:53Thank goodness for that.

0:39:53 > 0:39:55That'll get all your plaster, hopefully.

0:39:55 > 0:39:58- Bags of plaster.- Yes. - And a bit of cement.- Hopefully.

0:39:58 > 0:40:02Good luck with the rest of the project, and thanks so much

0:40:02 > 0:40:04- for bringing that in.- Thanks.- Phew!

0:40:07 > 0:40:10Next up, the gold Dunhill lighter belonging to Susie.

0:40:10 > 0:40:12I have good news for you.

0:40:12 > 0:40:15Since the valuation day, about six weeks ago,

0:40:15 > 0:40:17the price of gold has shot up in value.

0:40:17 > 0:40:19Had a chat to Giles yesterday. He said it's gone up

0:40:19 > 0:40:21at least £100.

0:40:21 > 0:40:22A little bit more.

0:40:22 > 0:40:25- That's not bad going, is it? - It's not.

0:40:25 > 0:40:26It's worth the wait!

0:40:26 > 0:40:29So it's made by Dunhill, retailed by Cartier.

0:40:29 > 0:40:31Top names. A nice little thing.

0:40:31 > 0:40:36The nine-carat gold Dunhill-Cartier tall boy lighter.

0:40:36 > 0:40:38London, 1934.

0:40:38 > 0:40:41With the engine-turned case.

0:40:41 > 0:40:43- I've two commission bids. - (That's good!)

0:40:43 > 0:40:46- Starting at four...- Four...?!

0:40:46 > 0:40:48£460 starts me.

0:40:48 > 0:40:50That's great!

0:40:50 > 0:40:51At £460.

0:40:51 > 0:40:53£480, now.

0:40:53 > 0:40:57At £460. £480, anybody?

0:40:57 > 0:40:59At £460,

0:40:59 > 0:41:00are we all done?

0:41:00 > 0:41:02The internet's quiet.

0:41:02 > 0:41:06- At £460... - That's not bad, Susie, is it?

0:41:06 > 0:41:08We're away, at £460.

0:41:08 > 0:41:10That was virtually straight in, wasn't it?

0:41:10 > 0:41:13At £460. Bang! Sold.

0:41:13 > 0:41:17- Well, your chap turned a good profit on that.- Yes, he did.

0:41:17 > 0:41:20- What a cool item. Very Noel Coward, isn't it?- Very.

0:41:20 > 0:41:23- Thank you so much for bringing that in.- Thank you very much.

0:41:23 > 0:41:27Not a bad profit on a £4 investment, Susie.

0:41:27 > 0:41:31Going under the hammer now, something really stylish.

0:41:31 > 0:41:35Coral brooch and some long drop earrings, belonging to John.

0:41:35 > 0:41:38Well, they weren't really John's, were they?

0:41:38 > 0:41:40But they were your grandmother's?

0:41:40 > 0:41:41Great-grandmother's.

0:41:41 > 0:41:43Gosh! They've been in the family a long time.

0:41:43 > 0:41:45I'm not quite sure how they came down,

0:41:45 > 0:41:48but I ended up getting them from my mother.

0:41:48 > 0:41:51I don't think the box has been opened for about ten years.

0:41:51 > 0:41:55- I love this.- There's not a lot of money here. A reserve of just £60.

0:41:55 > 0:41:58They might do better than that. They aren't a precious stone.

0:41:58 > 0:42:01We don't have gold, silver, or diamonds.

0:42:01 > 0:42:03- But they have the look. - They have the look.

0:42:03 > 0:42:07- So, hopefully, we're looking for twice that!- Or three times!

0:42:07 > 0:42:10Fingers crossed, here we go. It's going under the hammer.

0:42:10 > 0:42:13We have this Victorian coral brooch,

0:42:13 > 0:42:15with the matching earrings,

0:42:15 > 0:42:17and in its original box.

0:42:17 > 0:42:20And I'm bid £40 to start it.

0:42:20 > 0:42:22£45, £55.

0:42:22 > 0:42:23- £65.- That's good, it's bouncing

0:42:23 > 0:42:25backwards and forwards.

0:42:25 > 0:42:28£65. £70. Fresh place.

0:42:28 > 0:42:30£75. £85.

0:42:30 > 0:42:32£90. £95. £100.

0:42:32 > 0:42:34- £105.- The commission bid

0:42:34 > 0:42:35he's working from the book.

0:42:35 > 0:42:38£115, £120. £125.

0:42:38 > 0:42:39£130.

0:42:39 > 0:42:42£135. £140.

0:42:42 > 0:42:46- £145.- They LOOK expensive, let's face it.

0:42:46 > 0:42:48Bidders upstairs. Now the net.

0:42:48 > 0:42:51- £180.- £180!- £190.

0:42:53 > 0:42:54£220.

0:42:54 > 0:42:57He's off the book. It's all going on in the room.

0:42:57 > 0:42:59It's in the room at £230.

0:42:59 > 0:43:01£300.

0:43:01 > 0:43:04£320. £380.

0:43:04 > 0:43:08- Wow, John.- £400.

0:43:08 > 0:43:10Got £400 on the internet.

0:43:10 > 0:43:12£420. It's in the room at £420.

0:43:12 > 0:43:14- That's a good price. - We've quadrupled it.

0:43:14 > 0:43:16First and the last time.

0:43:16 > 0:43:18At £420...

0:43:18 > 0:43:20£440.

0:43:20 > 0:43:22Wow.

0:43:22 > 0:43:25At £440. You're all out upstairs.

0:43:25 > 0:43:28At £440, and we're away!

0:43:28 > 0:43:31At £440.

0:43:31 > 0:43:34Wasn't that wonderful?

0:43:34 > 0:43:37- Wasn't that wonderful?- Result!

0:43:37 > 0:43:40The thing is, you couldn't ask someone to make them today,

0:43:40 > 0:43:43at that sort of price, £440.

0:43:43 > 0:43:46So that's how you can gauge values, in a way.

0:43:46 > 0:43:48They were worth every single penny of that.

0:43:48 > 0:43:49Proper quality.

0:43:49 > 0:43:52I told you there'd be a good surprise at the end.

0:43:52 > 0:43:54I hope you enjoyed that. I know John did.

0:43:54 > 0:43:56He's going home with lots of money!

0:43:56 > 0:43:59Join us next time, but from Boldon, here, on the north-east coast,

0:43:59 > 0:44:02- it's goodbye from us. Well done, John!- Yeah, that was brilliant!

0:44:24 > 0:44:27Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd