0:00:05 > 0:00:07Stately homes have a long tradition of housing
0:00:07 > 0:00:10ancient and priceless works of art.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12And here on the Shropshire Borders at Weston Park,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14their collections are bang up-to-date
0:00:14 > 0:00:17with a modern art gallery housing contemporary artists.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Well, let's hope our experts today find some treasures
0:00:20 > 0:00:23to rival the collections here at Weston Park.
0:00:23 > 0:00:24Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Weston Park has an enviable collection of artworks
0:00:50 > 0:00:53and antiques from around the globe.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58There are portraits by the Dutch artist, Van Dyck,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01tapestries from Paris,
0:01:01 > 0:01:03and Japanese ceramics.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Some fantastic pieces for our Flog It! fans
0:01:06 > 0:01:10to feast their eyes upon.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Today they've come from Shropshire and Staffordshire
0:01:13 > 0:01:15to have their antiques and collectibles valued.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17And fingers crossed, there's some treasures
0:01:17 > 0:01:18here in the queue today
0:01:18 > 0:01:21that we can take off to auction later on in the programme.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24And, of course, all of these people have turned up to ask our experts
0:01:24 > 0:01:26that one important question, which is?
0:01:26 > 0:01:29ALL: What's it worth?
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Hello!
0:01:31 > 0:01:35And here to tell us are our two wonderful experts,
0:01:35 > 0:01:38each with their own specialisms, to shed light on today's artefacts.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40The debonair David Barby...
0:01:40 > 0:01:44# The rain in Spain stays mainly...in England! #
0:01:44 > 0:01:47..and the gifted Michael Baggott.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- You want the jewellery?- Oh, yes!
0:01:49 > 0:01:51If you're giving it away, who am I to say no?!
0:01:55 > 0:01:57Well, it's absolutely marvellous
0:01:57 > 0:02:00to see everybody walking around and exploring the house,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02soaking up the atmosphere of our venue for today.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05And now everybody has made themselves quite comfortable,
0:02:05 > 0:02:06I think it's time we got on with some work.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Let's find out what David Barby's up to.
0:02:13 > 0:02:19OK, this is one of the most loveliest objects I've seen.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- And you were almost first in the queue.- Yes.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Was it desperation to sell it? - Yes, I think so!- Really?!
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- Do you not like it? - No, I don't like it at all.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Right. Tell me why you don't like it.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31It's the colour. It doesn't go with anything at all.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33But isn't that the intention?
0:02:33 > 0:02:36That little shock of jewel
0:02:36 > 0:02:38on an otherwise sort of bland surface?
0:02:38 > 0:02:40I suppose so, but it's just...
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Look at the colour combinations here.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44Blue, and this wonderful rust colour.
0:02:44 > 0:02:45Mmm... I just don't like it!
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Where did you get it from?
0:02:47 > 0:02:52My great-aunt gave it to me when my son was born, 25 years ago.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Right, what sort of aunt was she?
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- She was a matron-in-a-hospital aunt. - Right, right.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59A very strict aunt.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- And where did she get it from? - I don't know, unfortunately.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04I'm just trying to involve the social history where this came from,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06because this is a devastating piece
0:03:06 > 0:03:11of commercial art pottery by the Pilkington Company.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- Ah!- Now, Pilkington's were established
0:03:13 > 0:03:15way back at the end of the 19th century.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19So they started producing these artwares,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21which were THE de rigueur of the period.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Oh, wow!
0:03:23 > 0:03:26Everybody wanted to collect art pottery.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30They'd have a leaning either towards Persian or Orientalism.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32This fits the bill beautifully.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34The design is Persian.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37I love these tendrils, how they're all interlinked,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40and this very nice little border all the way around.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42But it is the lustre that's so evenly spread
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- and potted which is beautiful.- Oh.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48I hope you're not going to change your mind!
0:03:48 > 0:03:49No, I still don't like it!
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Well, I think this is absolutely exquisite.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- Very nice. And quite a rare pot.- Oh!
0:03:54 > 0:03:56They employed several artists,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58and the artist for this particular pot
0:03:58 > 0:04:01was William Slater Mycock.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03SHE GASPS
0:04:03 > 0:04:05That's the initials on the bottom, yes!
0:04:05 > 0:04:08And what you can't see is the impress mark underneath
0:04:08 > 0:04:11which is the Pilkington mark,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13which is the letter P, some B's,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and then you have a date letter, and this is 1907.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Wow, it is old! - So it's right at the beginning
0:04:19 > 0:04:20of the development of art pottery.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26It lasted probably for about another 35, 38 years.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Now, the most important element
0:04:28 > 0:04:30is how much is this going to realise at auction?
0:04:30 > 0:04:34I have no idea! Absolutely no idea at all.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36Well, because it's a comparatively rare pot,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39and lustreware, this type of lustreware,
0:04:39 > 0:04:40is very, very fashionable,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42I'm going to put, I think,
0:04:42 > 0:04:44a modest figure of £500-£800.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46SHE GASPS No!
0:04:46 > 0:04:48SHE LAUGHS Really?!
0:04:48 > 0:04:50If we reach that sort of money,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52are you going to buy another piece of furniture or an object?
0:04:52 > 0:04:55I was going to buy plants for my polytunnel!
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Plants? You'll be able to have a strawberry field!
0:04:57 > 0:05:00THEY LAUGH
0:05:00 > 0:05:03While David dreams of strawberry fields in the library,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Michael has found
0:05:05 > 0:05:10two altogether more austere items in the dining room.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Mick, thank you for bringing in
0:05:12 > 0:05:14this rather unusual pair of candlesticks.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Are they yours?
0:05:16 > 0:05:19They belonged to my late mother-in-law.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22My mother-in-law was bequeathed them by an aunt
0:05:22 > 0:05:24about 50 years ago, we believe.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26Right, were they a favourite of hers?
0:05:26 > 0:05:29She certainly used to treasure them,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31because they were given to her by an auntie.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33So we don't know a huge amount about them.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36We think they came from Germany. We don't know.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38If we look at the base here,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41we've got everything we need to see,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43which is an ostrich
0:05:43 > 0:05:44- above the letters, WMF.- Right.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46People that watch Flog It!
0:05:46 > 0:05:49will now be either shouting, or trying to shout,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52"Wurttemberg Metallwarenfabrik!"
0:05:52 > 0:05:57which is basically the metalwork factory in Nuremberg.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00They had huge, thick catalogues,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02and they churned this stuff out.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- So it was mass-produced? - It was mass-produced.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07The Germans are very good at mass-producing things.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09When you look at WMF, the first thing you look for,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11which sadly we don't have here,
0:06:11 > 0:06:13are naked ladies.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16The more naked ladies you can get on a bit of WMF, the better.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Mirror frames, candelabra, that's with a very big money is.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Then you start to look for
0:06:22 > 0:06:25basically this secessionist style.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27This European, Viennese interpretation
0:06:27 > 0:06:31of art nouveau and arts and crafts,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33which is semi-industrial.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37It's very angular, it's very functional.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39These would probably date to about
0:06:39 > 0:06:431905, 1910. Maybe even 1915.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45We have got one problem.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- Go on.- Do you know what that problem is?
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- No idea.- There.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52So has that been broken or mended?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Someone at some time has fallen out
0:06:54 > 0:06:56with the candlestick, or somebody else.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Any idea of value, then?
0:06:58 > 0:07:01No. I mean, it would been nice, sort of £100 plus...
0:07:01 > 0:07:02I think £100 plus is fine.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Let's say £100 to £150,
0:07:05 > 0:07:11and let's put the reserve at £100, because they're good-looking enough.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12I think, had they been...
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Just in case someone is watching
0:07:14 > 0:07:17with an unrepaired pair in pristine condition,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20those might have been £250, £300.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24So it has had an effect, but they're lovely things.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- Thanks very much for bringing them in.- You're welcome.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Rita, is this a family portrait?
0:07:31 > 0:07:33An ancestor of yours?
0:07:33 > 0:07:34No, I don't think so.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Tell me how you got it.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39My late mother-in-law, she had it a good many years
0:07:39 > 0:07:42and I've had it 40 years.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45So it's been in your knowledge for as many years...
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- Over 50 years... - ..your married life.- Yes.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- Oh, yes.- I think it's quite intriguing. It's a lovely portrait.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55I don't think it's by a famous artist.
0:07:55 > 0:08:01But it has got that very nice sort of Victorian image of a young lady.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- Somewhat, dare I say, a little bit racy.- Yes.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Because she is wearing a loose garment,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12which is open at the front.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16And she's also holding a fan, sort of to cool herself down.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19And I always think with loose garments, at the time
0:08:19 > 0:08:24this was painted, which is about 1850-1860, you always associate...
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Not exactly a lady of easy virtue,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30but one that possibly was the mistress.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34And her hair's unbraided, waiting for her gentleman lover.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- Oh, very nice. - It depends what you read into these.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- Probably I have a warped mentality! - Oh, I'm sure not. No!
0:08:41 > 0:08:44It just gives you that impression. The features are particularly good.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48I love the eyes. And of course, this necklace, is it a gift from him?
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- Possibly.- You read so many things into these Victorian paintings.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55I note that this is an oil painting onto a panel,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58but somewhere along the line, the glass has moved
0:08:58 > 0:09:02onto the actual painted surface, probably due to heat,
0:09:02 > 0:09:07that has caused a blemish here and here, which can be restored.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Then we go on to this rather luxuriant frame.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13This is what we call a gilded gesso work.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17In other words, it's a plasterwork which is then covered in gold leaf
0:09:17 > 0:09:20and over the years, if it's in a bedroom,
0:09:20 > 0:09:23above a fireplace or something like that, it gets discoloured.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26And then people start painting it with a gild paint
0:09:26 > 0:09:29and this is what has happened with this one.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33But this would have been an expensive frame.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38As for price, I'm going to sort of... I think about 150, 200 plus.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- I hope that's the sort of price we reach.- Oh, yes.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- Would you be happy in selling it at that sort of price?- Yes, I would.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48What are you going to do? You've got an empty space on your wall.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- I'll find another picture.- Have you got a stack of them?- Several, yes!
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- Thank you very much indeed. - Thank you.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Our experts have now made their first choices of items to take off to auction.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05And I think there could be one or two surprises there.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08This is what it's all about, putting those valuations to the test.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11So while we make our way over to the auction room, here's a quick recap,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14just to jog your memory of all the items that are coming with us.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Jenny's rare early Pilkington vase
0:10:17 > 0:10:20with a lovely rich lustre glaze.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24The bold WMF German candlesticks,
0:10:24 > 0:10:28in the Arts and Crafts tradition.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31And finally, that sweet oil painting of a mystery girl
0:10:31 > 0:10:33with a gentle gaze.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Who knows what went on behind those eyes!
0:10:36 > 0:10:41Today's auction is just half an hour down the road in Stourbridge,
0:10:41 > 0:10:45a small West Midlands town put on the map for its glasswork,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49which was reputedly started in the 17th century
0:10:49 > 0:10:53by French glassmakers from the Lorraine region.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Today, the industry continues to thrive in the town.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04And now it's time to hit the auction room.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13The sale room's filling up, all the bidders are in place,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17catalogues and registration cards in hand. There's one chap doing a last minute bit of viewing.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21Our items have come from all over the Midlands, but they've been
0:11:21 > 0:11:24viewed by people from all around the world, courtesy of the internet.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28That's what makes auctions so exciting today. I can't wait for this one to start.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32Our owners are waiting in the wings. In a moment, Nick Davies, our auctioneer,
0:11:32 > 0:11:37will be getting on the rostrum and selling our lots, so let's catch up with our owners and get on with it.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42£100 on commission. 110, anywhere else? £100 on the commission.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Why are you selling your oil painting?
0:11:44 > 0:11:47It's been in the family many years
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- and I really haven't taken much notice of it. - But she's beautiful to look at.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54That's the kind of portrait you want on the wall.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- And happy with the valuation David put on it?- Oh, yes. I think so, yes.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01£140. I think we stand to make a little bit more. I think it's quality.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04It is quality. I like it cos you can read
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- so many things into that particular portrait.- Yes.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Let's see what we can do. Let's see if we can
0:12:09 > 0:12:12send you away with the top end plus a bit more. Here we go.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16I can open this one just below estimate at 120.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19I look for 130 in the room. 120. 130, anybody in the room?
0:12:19 > 0:12:21At £120.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23130 anywhere else?
0:12:23 > 0:12:28At 120, it'll be then. With me here at 120. 130, I've got.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- This is better, Rita. - I hope so.- 130.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33140, fresh bid. 150.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Are you sure? At 140 here.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40Gentleman standing nearest me at 140. All done?
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- That's a good result.- That's fine. - So we're happy. You're happy.- Yes.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Job done.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47Done. Lovely.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53This next item is my favourite in the whole of the sale.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58Absolutely love it. Stylistically, it's perfection.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01And I'm talking about the pair of Arts and Crafts candlesticks.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04They are superb. And for that sort of money, £100 to £200 they are a steal.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- They've got everything you want. - They have!
0:13:07 > 0:13:11If you wanted to describe what WMF was, you could point
0:13:11 > 0:13:14to those candlesticks and you'd get it at once.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- What's the cause? You mentioned a good cause.- A hospice.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- What's that all about? - Well, my mother-in-law supported them throughout her life,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25so we thought it would be good to carry that on in her name.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29OK. Every penny helps, doesn't it, in this case?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- We'll get as much as we can today. - Fingers crossed.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Fingers crossed, exactly. Let's put it to the test. Here we go.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40£120. Takes all the other bidders out at 120 for the WMF.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45Do I see 130 in the room anywhere? At £120, maiden bid.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- A punchy bid to start with. 130 anywhere else?- Oh, come on!
0:13:48 > 0:13:49130 just in.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52140, 150? 160. 170.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57So 160 on commission. 160, it'll be. 170 anywhere else?
0:13:57 > 0:13:58All done at 160. And finished.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Well, 160 with the estimate. - Towards the top end.
0:14:02 > 0:14:03It's good. That's good.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- And all the money is going to the hospice, which is wonderful. - Yes. Thank you.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13The generosity of our Flog It! sellers never ceases to amaze me.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Going under the hammer right now, we have
0:14:16 > 0:14:20a Pilkington's Royal Lancastrian vase and I tell you what,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23the bidders would not have missed that lustre glaze, would they?
0:14:23 > 0:14:27I mean, it shimmies and shivers all over the sale room!
0:14:27 > 0:14:28Why are you selling this?
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- I know it's been up there on the mantelpiece.- I don't like it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- It's not your kind of thing. - Not at all.- What do you like?
0:14:35 > 0:14:40- Modernist. More modern.- OK.- It's a bit old fashioned.- OK, all right.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43As soon as you pulled it out of the bag, I thought, "Oh!"
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- That's it, £500 to £800. Were you surprised at that value?- Very!
0:14:47 > 0:14:52For something you don't like. That's the best thing, if you've got something you absolutely hate
0:14:52 > 0:14:54and it's worth a lot of money, makes you feel so good.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- That's right. Something completely disregarded as well.- Yes.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Let's find out what the bidders think. Let's put it to the test.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03It's now down to this lot. Let's get on with it. Here we go.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- And the hand's telling me to my right...- 500.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- £500 straight off on a commission. - Straight in at 500.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14At £500. Do I see 520 in the room anywhere else? At £500 a maiden bid.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17520 anywhere else? Are we all sure and done at £500?
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Seems cheap to me at 500. 520 anywhere else?
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- Hammer's coming down at 500. - The hammer's going down.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Well, that was short and sweet, but it has gone on the reserve.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- Happy with that?- Yes! Very! - That was exciting, wasn't it?
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- It was jolly quick as well, David. - Well, they had one bid.- One bid.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36No-one here to push them unfortunately.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41Well, you may not have blue blood, but you've definitely got green fingers.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46- You're cultivating things in your polytunnel.- That's what the money's going on.- What are you growing?
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- Just all sorts of things?- Yes. But I want to put it to an orchard now.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- Expanding.- Get some fruit trees. - You have enough money to put...
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Strawberry field, yes!
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Well, that's a lot of punnets for your Pilkington.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08Welcome back to Weston Park,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11our stately setting for today's valuation day.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Let's now catch up with our experts
0:16:13 > 0:16:17and see what other refined treasures we can find to take off to auction.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Well, a vase like this would not look out of place in a room
0:16:23 > 0:16:25such as we're in today.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- Definitely not, no. - What can you tell me about it?
0:16:28 > 0:16:31It's inherited from an aunt and uncle.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36He was out in some official capacity in Malaya in the thirties.
0:16:36 > 0:16:43It's always very important to have provenance for Chinese works of art.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45That's absolutely important.
0:16:45 > 0:16:51If we look at it, we've got a beautiful enamelled baluster vase,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55and it's very much in the taste of the middle of the 18th century,
0:16:55 > 0:16:59and you get this beautiful yellow ground.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03This is the ground that is most sought after.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07This was the colour that was reserved for the emperor.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13If we take the cover off, this lovely turquoise finish there - but it's
0:17:13 > 0:17:18quite thickly potted, and this is not typical of an 18th-century piece.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22So that starts to set the alarm bells ringing.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- And we've got these little bat and ring pendant...- Oh, they're bats.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I thought they were rams' heads.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34They are bats, and bats are very lucky in Chinese iconography.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38Really, you want five, but you can't have five animals on a vase,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40so you've got two.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44If we tip it over, there we've got a seal mark.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47That is the seal of the Emperor Qianlong.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52Which is actually bad news, because the vase isn't that early.
0:17:52 > 0:17:58This vase I would date to around the beginning of the 20th century.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01So 1900, 1910.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Had it had the reign mark of its period,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09it would be greatly more desirable and valuable.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Just the same vase, but a different mark.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16The Chinese didn't forge things, really.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19It was a mark of respect to put an earlier,
0:18:19 > 0:18:24especially an auspicious, reign mark on the base of a piece.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Basically, the potter who has made that is saying,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28"I feel this is as good as the Qianlong wares."
0:18:31 > 0:18:37- Any idea of its value? - I've got no idea at all.- £50 now?
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Can we do £100? Higher, higher. You've got some idea!
0:18:42 > 0:18:46I think we would be cautious
0:18:46 > 0:18:50to put £500 to £800 on this.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54And we'll put a fixed reserve of £500.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58If it were a real 18th-century Chinese vase and cover,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- we probably be putting... - Another nought on that?
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- 3 million, 4 million.- Oh, good God! So it's affordable!
0:19:05 > 0:19:06Let's give it a go.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08If it does make the top end or a bit more,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11any ideas what the money might go towards?
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Well, it's my wife's... I know she doesn't look it,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17it's her 65th birthday this July.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22- Big celebration?- Not that big! - But a high-quality one.- Definitely.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Not the size, the quality! - Absolutely.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- As with the vase.- That's right, yes.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32MUSIC PLAYS
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Leaving the strings singing out behind me,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38I've found this lovely wind instrument.
0:19:39 > 0:19:45What a lovely clarinet. I wish I could play it. I really do.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47And it's quite early as well, how did you come by this?
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Well, it's the usual thing. It was in my mum's loft.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- Yes, it's from my dad's side of the family.- Did Mum and Dad play at all?
0:19:55 > 0:20:00No, I think my dad's side of the family were musically minded,
0:20:00 > 0:20:01so it could be from there.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Do you know, this dates back to about 1810?
0:20:05 > 0:20:08And you see the maker's stamp, you're probably aware of that.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Clementi & Co, Cheapside, London.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Makers to King George III, no less!
0:20:14 > 0:20:17So it comes with provenance, doesn't it?
0:20:17 > 0:20:19A good pedigree there of maker.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22That's the most beautiful piece of boxwood I've seen.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Look at the figuring.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28You've got boxwood and ivory, and I think that would look lovely.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32It would grace anybody's sitting room, drawing room.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- Have you any idea of the value? - None at all.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39Well, I'd like to think it would do a couple of hundred pounds.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42To be on the safe side, if it's OK with you, I think with an estimate
0:20:42 > 0:20:46in the catalogue of £80 to £120 we'll see this definitely sell.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49And it will encourage bidders to go, "Oh, actually,
0:20:49 > 0:20:51"I don't mind going to 140, 160."
0:20:51 > 0:20:55All of a sudden, a couple more bids and it's gone up to 180, £200.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57You never know, do you?
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Thelma, Jeff, thank you for bringing in what at first
0:21:02 > 0:21:07I thought was a self-portrait in metal of me, but it obviously isn't!
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- What can you tell me about it? - Not a lot, really.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12It belonged to my grandmother.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16It was something that as a child I used to go round to my nan's
0:21:16 > 0:21:22- and she gave me a coin to pop in. - Did you get the coin back?- No!
0:21:22 > 0:21:25She was very shrewd, your grandmother!
0:21:25 > 0:21:27I mean, it's obviously a money box.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30And it's cast iron and it's a figure.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36They are very well-known in the antiques trade, these boxes,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40which is because, until about 20 years ago,
0:21:40 > 0:21:42they used to make an awful lot of money.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44They are American,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47which is where basically the base of the collecting is.
0:21:47 > 0:21:53And they are cast iron, and then they are cold painted with enamel colours.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58And we've got a couple of patent marks on the back for 1870,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00one on the base for 1875.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04The figure is William Tweed,
0:22:04 > 0:22:09who was a late 19th-century Democratic politician who was
0:22:09 > 0:22:11famous for taking bribes.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15So when you pop the coin in...
0:22:17 > 0:22:19..he nods, "Yes".
0:22:19 > 0:22:24As he did in real life! Have you got any idea what it might be worth?
0:22:24 > 0:22:32- None whatsoever.- I think we're sensible to put this in at £150 to £250.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35With a fixed reserve of 150.
0:22:35 > 0:22:41I hate to break your heart, but 20 years ago, 800 to 1,200,
0:22:41 > 0:22:431,000 to 1,500.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47So it's impacted that much. But thanks for bringing it in.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50I think it's a lovely, interesting piece of social history.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Let's catch up with David, who's found his doppelganger.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59We have something in common. We both share that marvellous name David.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- That's excellent, isn't it, David?- Super.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- David, it's lovely to meet you. - Nice to meet you, David.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07HE CHUCKLES
0:23:07 > 0:23:09I find this a beautiful object,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11and I'm just wondering if you collect Lalique
0:23:11 > 0:23:14and you are selling this to improve your collection or what?
0:23:14 > 0:23:15No, not really.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18I'm not normally a glass collector, but when I saw this
0:23:18 > 0:23:22I actually bought this from a curio shop and it was stunning.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25It was just the appearance as I walked past.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- The opalescent blue shone through. - And you succumbed.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- I succumbed to temptation on that occasion!- Well, this is beautiful.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36I think anybody that's collecting Lalique, this is the starter piece.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Because it was the most popular of all designs.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42This shell, the scallop shell design.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44You can understand why, because if you look at the back,
0:23:44 > 0:23:46it is called coquille, which is "shell".
0:23:48 > 0:23:51And just by holding it, you can see the opalescence.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:23:53 > 0:23:57In fact, I think it looks better from the back than the front,
0:23:57 > 0:24:00because of the opalescence.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Lalique developed this sort of opalescent style of glass
0:24:04 > 0:24:07manufacture at the beginning of the 20th century.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09This piece was the most popular.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14- Because it's the most popular, it's probably the least in demand.- Right.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18Right in the middle, we have this vacant area.
0:24:18 > 0:24:24And just at the top there, you can see "R" - for Rene - "Lalique".
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- So this is a genuine piece. - Excellent.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Let's talk in terms of price.
0:24:30 > 0:24:31I'm going to give you a very wide margin.
0:24:31 > 0:24:37- I'm going to say between 150 and 250.- Oh, right.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40I hope it's going to fall in between there, if not a little bit more.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42So, are you happy with that sort of price range?
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- That sounds very good to me. - We've got to fix a reserve,
0:24:45 > 0:24:50and I think the reserve should be just under the 150, at 140.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52That's fine, that's fine.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55I was anticipating roundabout three figures,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- so as far as I'm concerned that is spot on.- Excellent.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00David, I should be delighted to sell this for you.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- Thank you very much indeed.- Thank you.- Not at all.- Your hands are cold!
0:25:07 > 0:25:11It's now time to say goodbye to our sumptuous valuation day venue here
0:25:11 > 0:25:15at Weston Park before we head off to the auction room for the final time.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19Before we go, let's remind ourselves of what we're taking.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23The early 20th century Chinese Qianlong vase brought back
0:25:23 > 0:25:28by Tony's expat relative who lived in Malaysia.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31The beautifully crafted London-made boxwood clarinet
0:25:31 > 0:25:34dating back to around 1805.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40The 19th-century money box of the American politician William Tweed.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44And, last but not least,
0:25:44 > 0:25:48the Lalique bowl from a long tradition of French glassmakers.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Three more lots to go under the hammer. The tension is rising.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58Will there be any big money thrown at our items today?
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Something for all you glass collectors right now,
0:26:06 > 0:26:07a bit of Rene Lalique.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11It doesn't get better than this. And it belongs to David.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Not for much longer. Let's face it.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16I remember seeing you at the valuation day.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I walked past and I said, "Oh, we saw one of those six months ago."
0:26:19 > 0:26:22I picked it up, I put a valuation on it with the owner,
0:26:22 > 0:26:26they agreed to £200 to £300, and I think it sold for £280.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- Can you remember that conversation? - I can.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32- And then what did you say to me? - "Mine's bigger!
0:26:32 > 0:26:33"Can we get a premium price?"
0:26:33 > 0:26:35And David very kindly did the valuation,
0:26:35 > 0:26:37so we're going for the top end today.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42- Bigger is better!- I hope so, I hope so. It doesn't always apply.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44No, it doesn't, I know!
0:26:44 > 0:26:46THEY CHUCKLE
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Ours is perfect.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Yours is perfect, of course it is, David!
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Let's find out if the bidders think it's perfect.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56It's going under the hammer right now. This is it.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57£240.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Straight in, straight in.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04240 we're bid, do I see 250 in the room?
0:27:04 > 0:27:08250 I've got you, 260, 270, 280.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12270, the lady's bid. 280, is that a bid?
0:27:12 > 0:27:18280, 290. 300, 310. 320, 330.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22Bigger in this case does mean better!
0:27:22 > 0:27:26£320 for the Lalique. Are we all done at 320?
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Last chance, all done and finished.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- Well, I'm very happy with that, and I know you are as well.- Excellent.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Worth every penny, £320, the hammer has gone down.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37What did you originally pay for this?
0:27:37 > 0:27:40I bought it from a shop along with another little Victorian
0:27:40 > 0:27:44paperweight and I paid 120 for both of them.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- How long ago was that?- Two years.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Two years, you see, it's out there to be had, just go and look for it!
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- Put it into auction and make a profit.- And buy at auction as well.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- Exactly.- Cos that's the wholesale value, isn't it?
0:27:58 > 0:28:02Don't forget, there's always a buyer and seller's commission to add
0:28:02 > 0:28:06onto the hammer price, and here at Fieldings it's 15% plus VAT.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Well, I've been looking forward to this one.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12I really do rate this little chap, this American money box.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15And if I owned it, I wouldn't be selling it.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18I would call it a keeper, and I think Michael would as well!
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Its patination. You see, these things, the colour is wonderful.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26The rub, I call it the rub. Why do you want to sell this?
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- We don't like it! - You don't like it! Oh, bless.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32How did you come by it, remind us?
0:28:32 > 0:28:35It was my grandmother's, or my great-grandmother's.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40- So you can remember this?- Yes. - Memories. Are you sure you want to sell this?
0:28:40 > 0:28:41We could withdraw it right now!
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- It would cause a lot of problems, but we could!- Don't start it!
0:28:45 > 0:28:49OK, I rate this, I really rate it. Fingers crossed, here we go.
0:28:49 > 0:28:50This is it.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53I can open this one at 130,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56I'll look for 140 in the room. 130, 140.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00Anybody jumping in? 130 with me, 140 anywhere else in the room?
0:29:00 > 0:29:07- At £130, it will stay with me. 140, anywhere else? Are you sure?- Come on.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08We'll move on.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- Didn't sell it. - Your prediction has come true.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Paul has forced it upon you!
0:29:13 > 0:29:16It's a keeper, it's definitely a keeper!
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- Goes back in the wardrobe!- Please keep it. Oh, no, don't stick it in a wardrobe, have it on display.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22No, it was on display.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Do you know, the more that gets touched,
0:29:24 > 0:29:25the better it is going to look.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31My turn to be the expert now
0:29:31 > 0:29:35and it's the clarinet just about to go under the hammer at £80 to £120.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Hello, Jackie, it's great to see you.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39I know you said it's Mum's, and Mum's here,
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Mum is also called Jackie and it is your birthday today.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- Tell us how old you are, Jackie?- 85.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48I know it's rude to ask a lady her age,
0:29:48 > 0:29:51but I tell you what, this is cracking.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54We've got a birthday, we're going to have a party later on.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- I hope so, if it sells, yes! - Oh, dear!
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Hey, look, I stand by that valuation.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05It's worth every penny of it. And I know you watch Flog It!, Jackie.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- Oh, I do. Every programme. - She loves it.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Well, look, I'm really pleased to meet you.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Thank you for watching the show and for coming along.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Right, we're going to see if this is worth its value.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- We are bidding at...- £120.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- £120 takes all the other bidders out. - Straight in.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 says no.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32170 standing, 180 anywhere else?
0:30:32 > 0:30:35At £170 for the clarinet, I'm selling.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Are we all sure and done at 170?
0:30:40 > 0:30:42Yes, the hammer has gone down, £170.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Is it over? Oh, gosh!
0:30:45 > 0:30:47That was worth sitting...
0:30:47 > 0:30:49That was worth sitting all day long for.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Jackie has been sitting here since ten o'clock this morning.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55It's been a long day for you. It's now five o'clock in the afternoon.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- Hats off to you. - Never mind, I've enjoyed it!
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Angela and Alan, good luck to the two of you.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08I know it's been a long wait since the valuation day
0:31:08 > 0:31:10and you have had these figures running around in your head.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Will it be £800, could we get £1,000, could we get even more?
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Well, right now we're about to put the oldest item in the auction
0:31:17 > 0:31:22up for grabs, it's the Qing Dynasty, 1644 to 1912.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- This is the end of the period.- I can hear the champagne corks popping.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30I think especially as it's your 65th coming up soon!
0:31:30 > 0:31:32I can't wait for this.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36I'm tingling because we could have a great surprise. This is it.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40So I'm going to go to my right and find out where we start.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44We'll start at £500. £500, do I see 520 in the room?
0:31:44 > 0:31:50520, where would you like to bid? 520. 540. 560.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Well, it was a low start, wasn't it, Angela?
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Sometimes, the slower they are to bid is a good sign.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00620, 650. 680, 700.
0:32:00 > 0:32:07- 720. 750?- We're down to the two fans now.- 780.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13900. 1,000. 1,100.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17- This is better, isn't it?- 1,200.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24- 1,300. 1,400.- We might be here for some time!- 1,500.
0:32:26 > 0:32:341,600. 1,700? £1,600. 1,700 anywhere else in the room?
0:32:34 > 0:32:40- At £1,600, last chance.- £1,600, oh, we're very happy with that.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43- Brilliant.- Very happy.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47That is a good result, isn't it? Well done, Michael. Well spotted.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- I can spot those vases from 100 paces.- I bet you can!
0:32:52 > 0:32:53Thank you very much.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Well, that's it, it's all over for our owners.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02The tension and the excitement of the auction - I absolutely love it.
0:33:02 > 0:33:03All credit to our experts.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06It's not easy putting a value on an antique.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08I've learnt a lot and I hope you have.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11And big thanks to Nick on the rostrum, he did us proud.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Take care and see you soon.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd