0:00:03 > 0:00:05Today we're in Bath, the city renowned worldwide
0:00:05 > 0:00:08for its magnificent Georgian architecture.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11This is the very regal Royal Crescent,
0:00:11 > 0:00:14a Grade I listed terrace of 30 magnificent houses,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17designed by the architect John Wood The Younger.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20It's another of his grand designs that's our backdrop
0:00:20 > 0:00:23for today's show. Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:44 > 0:00:48This beautiful Georgian city has an interesting layout.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51It's said that John Wood The Elder and his son, John Wood The Younger,
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Bath's most notable architects of the time,
0:00:54 > 0:00:57were interested in occult and masonic symbols.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Some of Bath's most famous streets viewed from the air
0:01:00 > 0:01:04are said to form the shapes of the sun and the moon, and also a key -
0:01:04 > 0:01:07all masonic symbols.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10But more of that later.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14John Wood The Younger designed the Assembly Rooms in 1769
0:01:14 > 0:01:17and it rapidly became an essential part of Bath's social life.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21The layout enabled people to dance, drink tea and play cards,
0:01:21 > 0:01:22all under one roof.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26But today, it's playing host to this lot!
0:01:26 > 0:01:28Look at that magnificent queue!
0:01:28 > 0:01:32The people of Somerset have turned up to get their antiques and collectables valued.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35They're here to chat to our experts and ask them a few questions.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39But there's one question they all have in common, which is...
0:01:39 > 0:01:40ALL: What's it worth?
0:01:40 > 0:01:44Our experts today include a pillar of the antiques world,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46auctioneer Anita Manning.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Is this your husband here? Is it?
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Can I put my arm round him?
0:01:52 > 0:01:55And another Grade I listed expert, Mr David Barby.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00I think that is absolutely wonderful and grotesque.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04When they were first opened in 1771,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07the Assembly Rooms were described as the most opulent and notable
0:02:07 > 0:02:10of any in the kingdom.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12We're going to make full use of this magnificent building today.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16We're going to show you the dance room, the Octagon Room and the Tea Room.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19But today, they're going to be filled with this lot,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Hundreds of people all wanting their antiques and collectables valued,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25ready to flog it.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29Today our team of experts, both off and on-screen,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31will give their valuations to our crowd of hundreds.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36We have a couple of playful items and something that goes
0:02:36 > 0:02:41for serious money. But can you guess what?
0:02:41 > 0:02:43We've definitely got our work cut out today,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46it's a full house. The sun has started shining through
0:02:46 > 0:02:48the windows on this magnificent building,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50putting a smile on everybody's face.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Let's hope it gets even better when we send the lucky ones off to auction.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Let's take a closer look at what our experts have spotted so far.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Georgina, these are a wonderful pair of tangerine pyramids.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05Please tell me where you got them?
0:03:05 > 0:03:09Er, I've stolen them from a school.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13They've just been sitting on the shelf, doing nothing,
0:03:13 > 0:03:17and as head teacher, I have taken the decision
0:03:17 > 0:03:20that we're going to sell them, for school.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- How long have they been there? - At least 20 years.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24I've been at the school 20 years
0:03:24 > 0:03:26and they've been there forever.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27- Do you know what they are?
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Whitefriar. I only know that because a parent spotted them,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33and that's when I took them off the shelf
0:03:33 > 0:03:36and decided to start looking after them.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Whitefriars is one of the most prestigious glass-makers
0:03:39 > 0:03:44in the history of British glass-making.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47They were a London company, started the mid-1700s,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50as James Powell and Company.
0:03:50 > 0:03:56It became Whitefriars. The quality of the product has always been high.
0:03:56 > 0:04:03During the 20th century, they employed some of the best designers.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06This pair of vases belongs to that category.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10The chap who designed this particular range
0:04:10 > 0:04:12was called Geoffrey Baxter.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- Right.- These things are very collectable now.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19These were made probably 1968, '69?
0:04:19 > 0:04:22They have a modernist look about them.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27When we look, it's like a bark effect that we have.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29And this was something quite modern,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32it was a modern effect. And the colour,
0:04:32 > 0:04:36to use that colour, orange, it was unusual
0:04:36 > 0:04:37that that would have happened.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42So...it blew cobwebs away
0:04:42 > 0:04:46from former design, it gave people something new.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49And, of course, I remember, late '60s,
0:04:49 > 0:04:55oranges and lime greens and shocking pinks.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- Psychedelic!- Psychedelic!
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- Oh, it takes me back!- Me too.
0:05:01 > 0:05:07These are not the most expensive of the Geoffrey Baxter Whitefriars
0:05:07 > 0:05:09but we do have a pair.
0:05:09 > 0:05:15I would put an estimate of perhaps 100-150 on the pair.
0:05:15 > 0:05:21Would you...or would the school...be happy?
0:05:21 > 0:05:24I'm sure the school would be happy. The children will be happy!
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- Do you think the children will miss them?- They won't miss them
0:05:27 > 0:05:29but they'll enjoy any money that's raised.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- That will go to what?- The school council can decide
0:05:33 > 0:05:37but I should think it will go towards more footballs and things for the playground.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Er, perhaps a reserve of £80?
0:05:41 > 0:05:43That's fine, that's more than I thought.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- That's excellent.- I shall be sad to see them go, actually!
0:05:49 > 0:05:53While the valuations are taking place, it's a real treat for me
0:05:53 > 0:05:56to be able to roam around this magnificent architectural delight.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58There is so much to see and take in.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02The balcony I'm on right now, overlooking David Barby down there,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06is where the musicians would have been situated during the 18th century.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Great stars of the day, like Rauzzini, who Mozart wrote for,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13came to Bath to sing and perform in front of hundreds of people.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16You can understand why they travelled hundreds of miles
0:06:16 > 0:06:19to perform in a wonderful venue like this.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Well, Brenda, what a lovely classical location.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34But my word, what a spooky object you've brought in.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Yes, I have, I'm afraid.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Where on earth did you get these from?
0:06:39 > 0:06:41They've been living in the kitchen drawer for years
0:06:41 > 0:06:43and I think they came from my parents or my grandmother,
0:06:43 > 0:06:45or...but I've always known them.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48They are so gothic and so grotesque,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50which is very fashionable at the moment,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52anything gothic is very fashionable.
0:06:52 > 0:06:58This is almost reminiscent of going into Highgate Cemetery, isn't it?
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- Oh yes.- Bones and skulls and goodness knows what.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07What I like is the actual grip, which is in the form of a femur?
0:07:07 > 0:07:08I think so, yes.
0:07:08 > 0:07:14And then the actual nut-cracking section is the complete skull.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- That's right.- It's also got, I've just seen it there,
0:07:16 > 0:07:21a registration number. So this is a British production.
0:07:21 > 0:07:28That will date it to, round about the 1918, 1920 period,
0:07:28 > 0:07:29that sort of date.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33And it's been in your family ever since that date?
0:07:33 > 0:07:36I presume so, yes. What metal is it?
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- It's a bronze/brass metal.- Yes.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42It has a lovely patination on it
0:07:42 > 0:07:46and it just shows it has been used and you've built this up.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49What were your parents like? Were they sort of interesting?
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Did they have a macabre sense of humour?
0:07:51 > 0:07:53No, I don't think so!
0:07:53 > 0:07:57It's just the skull, and crossed bones!
0:07:57 > 0:08:02I think it's maybe more likely my grandparents?
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Your grandparents.- I think more likely.- Right.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06But it has an element of fun as well.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Almost Treasure Island, doesn't it? - Yes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14- Right, now, these you don't want. - No.- You've never used them, at all?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- Not properly, no.- What do you mean, not properly?
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Well, with hammering nails into the wall for the Christmas cards...
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- You didn't do it with this!- I did!
0:08:21 > 0:08:22HE GASPS
0:08:23 > 0:08:25It hasn't suffered much, thank goodness.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- I can't believe you did that! Like that?- Well, tacks, you know.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33I like this, I hope somebody's going to like this at auction.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- I don't think it has great value because it's not 19th century.- No.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It's 20th century. I think somebody at auction would pay
0:08:40 > 0:08:43round about £50-£80 for that.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44That's pretty good!
0:08:44 > 0:08:47And the reserve, in my opinion, if you agree,
0:08:47 > 0:08:48would be £45.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- Right, that sounds fine.- Is that OK? - Thank you very much.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54It's such a fascinating, spooky object!
0:08:56 > 0:08:58From a slightly sinister item
0:08:58 > 0:09:00to a spooky coincidence.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Just have a look at this.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04It's rarely happened on "Flog It!"
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- This is Gwen.- Hello.- This is David. They've never met before.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09But you both have the identical objects.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14How bizarre is that? Tell me all about your little mouse band.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17It belonged to my husband's grandmother.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20She gave it for my children to play with.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- But because it was quite sharp... - Yes.- ..I wouldn't let the children play with it.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30Unfortunately, it's actually been kept in the loft for 40 years.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Which has kept it in good working condition.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- Yes.- And then all of a sudden, David came along
0:09:36 > 0:09:39and I thought, "Oh, that's better condition than Gwen's!"
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- Slightly. It is slightly, isn't it? - Slightly, yes.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43Let's hear your story then.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48I came across mine roughly about 38 years ago.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50I bought my first house.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Down in the bottom of the garden in the shed,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55I found this band.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59The Marx Merry Makers Jazz Band! Do you know what we should do?
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Simultaneously, why don't we wind them up?
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Shall I do this one?- Yeah.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06The key's on my side.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08OK, guys!
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Look at the drummer!
0:10:16 > 0:10:17SHE LAUGHS
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Let's put the lock on that, let's stop that.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22There's a little stop switch, you can stop it off
0:10:22 > 0:10:24cos obviously, it would irritate the parents.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- An American design.- Yes.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30We know that because you thought yours was a Dudley design,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33didn't you, because it says "Dudley" on the back of this one
0:10:33 > 0:10:36and on this one, we've got New York City.
0:10:36 > 0:10:385th Avenue. Louis Marx & Co.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43These were made in the very early part of the 1930s.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46In 1930, they sold for 98 cents.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Now that's a lot of money back then, in 1930.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52But clockwork toys were all the rage and they have been,
0:10:52 > 0:10:54obviously since Schuco came on the market,
0:10:54 > 0:10:58you know, those early 1900 tinplate toys.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Then tinplate toys fell out of fashion in the '60s,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03they were dangerous, they were sharp-edged,
0:11:03 > 0:11:04plastic toys took over.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- I think I'm going to say £200-£300. - Yes.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11With a reserve of £150.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- Yes.- Yes, I think so.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- A fixed reserve?- Yes.- Won't go for a penny less?- No.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21But I'm pretty sure they'll do the 200-300.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23I'm pretty sure yours will do the £300 mark,
0:11:23 > 0:11:25because the condition is so good.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Right. I wonder if that one's rarer?
0:11:28 > 0:11:30I don't know, and that's what I'm thinking.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33I'm going to call the valuations the same.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35And we could have a crescendo later on in the sale...
0:11:35 > 0:11:40cos they could fly away. They could, couldn't they?
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Well, it's that time, we're halfway through the day.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Let's remind ourselves what we're taking off to auction.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Those striking Whitefriars vases, from Georgina's school.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54That very gothic-looking 20th-century
0:11:54 > 0:11:57skull and crossbones nutcracker.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02And Gwendolen and David's identical clockwork music boxes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Today our auctioneers are in North Somerset,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12in the coastal town of Clevedon, overlooking the Bristol Channel,
0:12:12 > 0:12:14that bit of sea that separates South Wales
0:12:14 > 0:12:16from Somerset and Devon.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21This is where we're going to put our valuations to the test today, the Clevedon salerooms.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Marc Burridge, today's auctioneer, will be getting on the rostrum
0:12:24 > 0:12:28and selling all of our items, hopefully at the top end of the estimate.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Look at this, look what he has to face -
0:12:30 > 0:12:33a room, a sea of faces, packed full of bidders,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35hopefully bidding on our lots.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I'm going down there to catch up with our owners. Let's get on with the sale.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45Going under the hammer right now, we have a novelty item for you.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48It's so novel, it's been used as a hammer, how about that?
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- Banging nails in walls, is that right?- Yes, for my Christmas cards.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- You've got to put them up with something, haven't you?- I have. - Get them into the woodwork.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59What a wonderful nutcracker. Did you use it at Christmas time?
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- It didn't really work that well. - Doesn't work that well.- No, no.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04It was better as a hammer.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08I think it's incredible, I love the idea, it's very gothic, isn't it?
0:13:08 > 0:13:09- Yes.- Gothic horror.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11I think if Keith Richards was in the saleroom,
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- he'd love to buy this.- I wonder if they've sent him a catalogue?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17I don't know. It's got that rock'n'roll feel about it.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- Maybe, yes.- As David said, that whole gothic look too.- Very.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Hard rock.- Hard rock.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- Oh, it's heavy metal, isn't it? - No, it's hard rock.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32He's got a leather jacket with a skull and crossbones on it,
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- I know he has!- And studs.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Anyway, let's find out what the bidders think.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38It's going under the hammer now, good luck.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42The novelty nutcrackers, formed as a skull and bones.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45And we've got one, two, three, four, five commission bidders.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Always useful for me.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49At 60, 70, 80...
0:13:49 > 0:13:50What?!
0:13:50 > 0:13:51£90.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Brilliant!
0:13:53 > 0:13:55We've got 100. 100?
0:13:55 > 0:13:56100? 95 bid, 100 with me...
0:13:56 > 0:13:59I didn't expect it to go!
0:13:59 > 0:14:00555.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02£100...
0:14:02 > 0:14:03£100.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Look at that, Brenda.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- Brilliant.- That's the most unusual hammer I've ever seen.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- And what a price!- Yes.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- That's absolutely great, isn't it? - You're going to miss that now, aren't you?
0:14:15 > 0:14:17I am, I've got to find something else, haven't I?
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- I'll get you a hammer.- Thank you!
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Do you remember David and his clockwork toy?
0:14:24 > 0:14:29Well, after the valuation day, he decided the item was too rare to sell and he's keeping it
0:14:29 > 0:14:32for his new grandson to enjoy in the years to come.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35But Gwendolen is still flogging hers.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38What have you been up to since the last time I saw you?
0:14:38 > 0:14:42I popped into hospital and had half a knee replacement,
0:14:42 > 0:14:44which, er, I came out last Friday.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- Ooh, sounds painful!- Yes, but hopefully it'll be better afterwards.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Now, what are you holding there?
0:14:51 > 0:14:53That's the clock... That was my husband's grandmother,
0:14:53 > 0:14:57who the toy belonged to and she gave it to my husband
0:14:57 > 0:15:02for our children... My daughters are here. ..to play with.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- That's my husband's mother.- Very good-looking family, aren't they?
0:15:06 > 0:15:07Oh, but of course!
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- How lovely.- I thought you might like to see it.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- Isn't it sad selling this? Now you're making me feel like I've twisted your arm.- No, not at all.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Here you are with a bad leg. I've twisted your arm
0:15:18 > 0:15:21into selling this wonderful toy. It's a family heirloom!
0:15:21 > 0:15:24No. It's been in the family for a long time
0:15:24 > 0:15:28but it hasn't been on show for so long that it's a shame
0:15:28 > 0:15:30for it to deteriorate in the loft.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32I would like someone who collects it to...
0:15:32 > 0:15:36I know we had bags of fun playing with that, winding them up.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Let's see if we can get that £300 figure.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- It would be nice if we could.- That's what it's all about really.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45It would be nice, yes, yes.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- If possible.- That'll cheer you up.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- Oh, definitely!- That'll definitely cheer you up!
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Let's find out what the bidders think, shall we?- Yes.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56A Louis Marx Merry Makers tinplate Mouse Band.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Oh, this is it.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02In nice condition for its date, circa 1925.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04With "Dudley" on the back. Interest...
0:16:04 > 0:16:08There's one on the book here at £180.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11That's OK cos the reserve was 150.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13200, 220, 240, 260.
0:16:13 > 0:16:19260 in the room, I'm out. 280 now, 280 I'm bid.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21300? 320, no.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23£300, middle of the room.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24300 in the room.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Selling at £300 then...
0:16:26 > 0:16:28We did it!
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- Yes!- Brilliant.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- And we did end with a crescendo, didn't we?- We did.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Those mice know what they're doing.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- Yes, £300.- That was good.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- Top end of the estimate.- Yes, I'm very pleased, thank you!
0:16:43 > 0:16:46I'd like to say to all the pupils at Kenley Primary School,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48I hope you're watching this and enjoying the moment
0:16:48 > 0:16:50with Georgina and Anita.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53and I've just been given this.
0:16:53 > 0:16:54HE LAUGHS
0:16:54 > 0:16:56And I've just been given this.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59And this has been drawn by Henry Palmer,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02who's nine years old and he's in Year 5. Look at that.
0:17:02 > 0:17:03Ta-da!
0:17:03 > 0:17:07This is done by Angela, she's got me absolutely right!
0:17:07 > 0:17:11And I'm holding the tangerine pyramid vase,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14the textured glass vase, made by Whitefriars.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Tell me all about these vases. They've been used for paint pots,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- and flower pots...- Everything... Holding doors open.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22They've just been around school forever.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- Holding doors open!- Yeah.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Mind you, Whitefriars glass is exceptionally heavy.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31It's all moulded glass, there was a lot of them around in the '70s.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33There were about 12 different colourways.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Obviously the collectors wanted the lot.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36That's why they've sold well.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39We're looking at £100 plus for these,
0:17:39 > 0:17:40let's see what the bidders think.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Whitefriars tangerine glass triangle vase, and another.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48Very similar. I've got one, two, three, four, five, six on the book.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Six bids in the book!
0:17:50 > 0:17:51We start at 120.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Yes!
0:17:53 > 0:17:56150, 160 I'm bid.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Any advance on £160?
0:17:58 > 0:18:00All done then.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Selling with me, commission bid, on 160.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Well, that was short and sweet, wasn't it?
0:18:06 > 0:18:09£160, kids! That's good.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14The school council are going to spend £100 on toys for the playground.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16So I'm glad they sold.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Although I grew really fond of them!
0:18:18 > 0:18:22I'm a bit sad they're gone now.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Well, that concludes our first visit to the saleroom today.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29It was touch and go in places.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32I think the bidders were playing their cards quite close to their chest.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Before we return to the Assembly Rooms to look for some more antiques
0:18:35 > 0:18:38to sell, I'm off to explore one of the oldest secret societies
0:18:38 > 0:18:41in the country. Take a look at this.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47I'm off to find Bath's Masonic Museum and Lodge.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49It's located in the old Theatre Royal,
0:18:49 > 0:18:54where Mason and museum curator Trevor Quartermaine is waiting for me.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Freemasons have a reputation for secrecy and intrigue.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02But here in Bath, there are records of their meetings that date back
0:19:02 > 0:19:03to the early 1700s.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Their presence in the city is revealed
0:19:06 > 0:19:09with masonic icons dotted around some of the fine buildings here.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14Intriguingly enough, there are none on this building,
0:19:14 > 0:19:15Bath's Masonic Museum.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Shall we go inside and see if they'll reveal any secrets?
0:19:18 > 0:19:20There we go, push the bell.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Do you push it once, twice or three times? I wonder if there's a code.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30I'll try it three times.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- Hello, Trevor?- Hello. Welcome to the old Orchard Street theatre
0:19:40 > 0:19:41- and Masonic Museum. - Pleased to meet you.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Was it the three rings or the one that got you?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46It was the three rings, the three rings got me.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51According to some scholars, Freemasonry traces its roots
0:19:51 > 0:19:54back to the building of King Solomon's temple in Jerusalem
0:19:54 > 0:19:57in 967 BC.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00But the general consensus is that the society evolved
0:20:00 > 0:20:02from the organisation of stonemasons
0:20:02 > 0:20:06who built the great cathedrals and castles of the Middle Ages.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Gosh, look at this.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13You know, I wasn't expecting an interior like this.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15It's almost like a temple. It's very deceiving.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18From the outside, very, very severe exterior.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23On the inside, quite opulent and overwhelming, impressive.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Is this where the Lodge meets, this is where the meetings are?
0:20:26 > 0:20:28The seven Craft Lodges meet here
0:20:28 > 0:20:32and some of the 13 associated side degrees also meet here in this building.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35That chair is obviously the most important chair in the room.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37It's almost like a throne. Who sits on that?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39A Worshipful Master sits on that.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41He's Worshipful Master for his Lodge for one year,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43unless something unfortunate happens.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49How many people today attend the meetings here?
0:20:49 > 0:20:5310 years ago, there were 660 members meeting here.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Now it's 274. So it gives you an idea.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- Male and female? - No, no females at all.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Just male.- It's only in France that females can attend the same Lodge meeting as men.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- OK.- The reason for that in this country
0:21:05 > 0:21:07is that for two of the ceremonies,
0:21:07 > 0:21:11the person has to produce a naked left breast
0:21:11 > 0:21:13and that wouldn't be appropriate in mixed company.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18There is a ladies' Lodge here in Bath - it's called Aquae Sulis and they meet up at the university.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22I'm not being cheeky but it's got a sense of the, sort of,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Harry Potter-ness about it, with all the heraldic shields
0:21:26 > 0:21:30and you know, the symbolism, hasn't it? It's a bit Harry Potter-ish.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32It is. It's because everything within Freemasonry
0:21:32 > 0:21:35is veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols,
0:21:35 > 0:21:37which, of course, is what Harry Potter is.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40That's caught my eye. It's all hand-painted, it's beautiful.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Are they screens or does it open up?
0:21:42 > 0:21:45There are three separate boards and they're called tracing boards.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48There's one for each of the three degrees in Craft Freemasonry.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52These are an aide-memoire for the Master and the two wardens
0:21:52 > 0:21:54to explain to the new candidate coming into Freemasonry
0:21:54 > 0:21:56what's expected of him.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59And allegorically, you come in as rough ashlar,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01that's that rough piece of stone there.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Then the master and the two wardens, by means of education,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07or allegorically by means of a maul and a chisel,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10turn you from that, knock off your rough edges,
0:22:10 > 0:22:11that's where the expression comes from,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14turn you into a perfect ashlar, the thing on the other side,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17which will fit anywhere into a building or more especially,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19fit you to enter a regularly ordered society.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23What are the benefits for being a Freemason?
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- Comradery with other people. - Is it business networking?
0:22:26 > 0:22:28There's no business networking at all.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32In fact, we've found it very difficult here to get planning permission
0:22:32 > 0:22:34for various projects we've wanted to do on this site,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38so we certainly don't get any advantage for being a Freemason.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41For a supposed secretive society,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44it seems somewhat ironic that they have a museum.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49But Freemasonry has always had a mysterious, almost underworld, reputation,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51despite the fact it's reputed to have
0:22:51 > 0:22:54over six million members worldwide,
0:22:54 > 0:22:58and has an alumni including Winston Churchill, Peter Sellers,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01and even Oscar Wilde.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05The museum is tucked away in vaults underneath the main Lodge.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Freemasons didn't always have a grand room for their gatherings.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11This is a reconstruction of a meeting that would have taken place
0:23:11 > 0:23:13in a pub in the early 1800s.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Everything, as you can see, is scaled down in size.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18It's made portable, so it could be taken away and then put back
0:23:18 > 0:23:21into a place for another meeting, maybe in a different pub.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25But even back then, symbolism and ritual played a key role
0:23:25 > 0:23:26in all the proceedings.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28The members wore decorative aprons
0:23:28 > 0:23:33with the all-seeing eye watching over everyone present.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40Can anybody be a Freemason, of any age, any religion?
0:23:40 > 0:23:43It's really ecumenical. You can be Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47Christian, whatever you like, as long as you believe in a supreme being,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51power, force, thing, it, that created and controls the universe.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Let's just talk about the secrecy about the handshake.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Every schoolboy knows there's one involved, isn't there?
0:23:58 > 0:23:59There is... There's a mystery about it.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03There's more than one involved but they arise from the time
0:24:03 > 0:24:08of the ancient stonemasons where there were three parts of their apprenticeship.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11So if they were, say, building Winchester Cathedral,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and that's finished and they come up to Salisbury,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16how does the guy in charge of Salisbury know
0:24:16 > 0:24:20that this guy is a qualified mason?
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- And it's by the handshake. - By the handshake.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25So if he passes the first part of the apprenticeship,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28there is one handshake and one password.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30If he passes the second part of the apprenticeship,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33there's another pass grip and password.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- And finally, when he becomes a master mason...- I see.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38That means he can build flying buttresses that won't fall down
0:24:38 > 0:24:42on the bishop, there's a final pass grip and password.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- That's all they are.- That's all it is. As simple as that.
0:24:46 > 0:24:47Nothing else is secret.
0:24:47 > 0:24:53The penalty for lying was to have your right hand struck off,
0:24:53 > 0:24:55so that you couldn't work again.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00Could you turn up at one of your meetings in casual clothes
0:25:00 > 0:25:01or do you have to be suited?
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Not here, you couldn't. You have to be suited.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06But abroad, America, for instance,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- you can turn up in shorts... - Trainers.- ..trainers, whatever you like.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19What is clear is that Freemasons have a respect for craftsmanship.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23All the items here are for symbolic purpose only.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26But what I see, I really do like.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29And hopefully, that's a respect of crafts and building,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32and nothing more sinister.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38I've got to say, it's been absolutely fascinating.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Thank you so much for showing me around today.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43I suppose, really, we should finish on a handshake.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- Thanks for coming, Paul. - A special one?
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Well, from a secret society to a valuation day,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03where everybody's welcome. We're back at the Bath Assembly Rooms,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05and it's now time for me to join up with our experts
0:26:05 > 0:26:08to see what else we can find to take off to auction.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13But first, here's something to keep everyone inside entertained,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16while they wait patiently for their valuations.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like you to put your hands together
0:26:19 > 0:26:21in a moment because we've got a real treat.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26We have the Bath Minuet Company who are going to be performing a court dance and country dances
0:26:26 > 0:26:29as they would have been played out in the 18th century.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31So, a big round of applause!
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Take it away!
0:26:37 > 0:26:41It's known that Jane Austen frequented the Assembly Rooms
0:26:41 > 0:26:43during her time at Bath.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47She may well have joined in one of these very dances.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51It's good, isn't it?
0:26:51 > 0:26:54STATELY DANCE MUSIC
0:27:15 > 0:27:17APPLAUSE
0:27:24 > 0:27:29Jenny, when you look at the magnificent surroundings
0:27:29 > 0:27:30that we're working in today,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34and then we come to this very interesting object
0:27:34 > 0:27:39that we have here, and it's a commemorative set
0:27:39 > 0:27:42for the coronation in 1937.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47Well, this is an amazing set.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52We have the coronation coach here
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- and we have George...- VI.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- And...- Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03So it's our present Queen's father and mother.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Right, OK, we have that there.
0:28:05 > 0:28:13And we have an entourage of horse soldiers. Is this a Beefeater?
0:28:13 > 0:28:15I think so, yes.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19And he's a rather grand-looking character there.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24Now, Jenny, tell me where you got this. Give me the history of it!
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Well, it belonged to my paternal grandfather,
0:28:26 > 0:28:29I think it's quite a boy's toy, really.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31It's a boy's toy.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35You weren't really all that interested in it.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38No, the only other person who was vaguely interested
0:28:38 > 0:28:42was my brother, but he's really happy for it to go as well.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- OK.- It's been pretty neglected over the...- It's been neglected.- Yeah.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49This is quite a big commemorative set
0:28:49 > 0:28:51and it's in the original box.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- The box is not in good condition. - No.- And we see that
0:28:55 > 0:29:01our bands to fit on have almost disappeared.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04It's Johillco And Company.
0:29:04 > 0:29:12And they made... I suppose after Britains, they were the most famous maker of toy soldiers.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15These ones are made of lead
0:29:15 > 0:29:18and they went on to make plastic soldiers.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21They weren't expensive items
0:29:21 > 0:29:27and this set, it would have been bought in Woolworths as a gift.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32The estimate I would put on it would be...maybe £60-£80.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- Right.- Are you happy to let it go at that?
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Yes, I'd be happy to let it go at that.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Let's put it to auction, £60-£80.
0:29:40 > 0:29:47- A reserve of...maybe 55?- I'd prefer if you could make it 60?
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Of course, of course, we'll put it at 60.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54- Firm, with no discretion on that. - Yes, that would be fine.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57That's fine, we'll put it into auction.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Normally at our valuation days, the items come to us in the room,
0:30:06 > 0:30:08but there's something outside which is so big,
0:30:08 > 0:30:10we could not get it in the room. And here it is.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12It's a Rover P2. Hello, what's your name?
0:30:12 > 0:30:14- Alan.- And what's your name?- Maggie.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- And who's this?- Dollop.- Dollop?
0:30:17 > 0:30:20That's a strange name for a Jack Russell! Hello, Dollop.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Oh, you're only a pup, aren't you?
0:30:22 > 0:30:24But I love your car as well.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26That's gorgeous. How long have you had it?
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Since 2004.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- Not that long.- Not that long, no.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32That is a very good practical classic.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Why do you want to sell it?
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- I want to get something different. - Do you?
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- Another classic car? - Another classic car.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- Can I have a quick peep inside? - You may.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47Wow, the condition is just as good on the inside as it is on the exterior.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Have you done much to this car?
0:30:49 > 0:30:53I've had the seating and everything else reupholstered
0:30:53 > 0:30:57in leather. It was in Bedford cord before and it was...awful.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01Do you know what, back in 1947, this car was quite a lot of money,
0:31:01 > 0:31:05you had to be quite well-off to buy one, it was about £700.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Doctors, solicitors, people like that.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09An academic's car.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Thank you for coming here today and showing me the car.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Sorry we can't help... Couldn't get it in the room, or in the saleroom!
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Wouldn't fit on one of those tables! - You're better off selling it privately.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22I think in today's market, £8,000 plus
0:31:22 > 0:31:25but looking at the condition, you might be looking at a bit more,
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- maybe 9,000. What does she run like? - Lovely.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- You can have a drive if you wish. - Can I?
0:31:31 > 0:31:32Do you know something, the sun's shining.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37Just once around the circus. Can I do it?
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- Yes!- Can I grab the keys and jump in? - Yes.- You come with me.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56Do you know what, that was absolutely fabulous.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58I couldn't resist having a little go.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01And just sitting here, behind the wheel,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04looking at that long bonnet in front of you with those big chrome headlights,
0:32:04 > 0:32:08made me feel so important, going around this roundabout.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Very nice. Thank you so much!
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Guess I'd better get back to our experts and help them out -
0:32:13 > 0:32:14there's a lot of people there!
0:32:18 > 0:32:21David Barby has found our last item of the day.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24He's talking to Janita, who's got some gaming boards.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Let's take a closer look.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33Janita, I was hoping that when we were filming at Bath,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36that something would come along that would evoke,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39let's say, the late Georgian Regency period.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42And these boxes fall into that category.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Where did these come from?
0:32:45 > 0:32:50My mother was a great collector of Victorian treasures
0:32:50 > 0:32:54and after I left home and went abroad,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57she said she had to do something to fill up her time.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00She particularly loved mother-of-pearl
0:33:00 > 0:33:02and had an extensive collection of mother-of-pearl.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06I believe she found these in local antiques shops in Bath.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08- Oh right, in Bath itself?- Yes.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13Outside, they look rather...I wouldn't say "tatty"
0:33:13 > 0:33:15but they look as though they've suffered somewhere along the line.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18But they would do, these are Oriental boxes.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23They're lacquer, lacquer is not a stable material.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27The glory of these boxes is when I take off the lid...
0:33:27 > 0:33:32to reveal what the original lacquer work should have been.
0:33:32 > 0:33:39Inside, we have a collection of the most glorious mother-of-pearl counters.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42They've always been in your family home, have they?
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Yes, they've been in the home for over 50 years.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47And did you actually ever use them to play?
0:33:47 > 0:33:50I wasn't allowed to and nor were the grandchildren.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55Ah, very sensibly, cos these are lovely gaming pieces.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57These are the more valuable, the circular ones.
0:33:57 > 0:34:04And when I look at them, each piece is engraved with the family initials.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Oh, it's my initial, "B". I'm a Barby.
0:34:08 > 0:34:14- Right.- So these are glorious pieces, which are gaming pieces.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17So when you have the Assembly Rooms like this in Bath,
0:34:17 > 0:34:21you would have an element of gaming or assignations for gaming later.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25And these would have been the gaming pieces they would have used.
0:34:25 > 0:34:30We have circular ones and these delightful oval ones.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Each piece is beautifully engraved.
0:34:33 > 0:34:38They date from...let's say about 1800, 1820, that sort of period.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41These are made for the upper classes,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44- the Jane Austen crowd.- Good.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48These would have been commissioned probably from somewhere like China.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50I had thought they were Indian.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53They have a very... If I say Oriental,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55it covers a wide spectrum.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Normally you associate the mother-of-pearl counters
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- with China.- I see.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03But this decoration here, you're quite correct,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05is very much in the Indian manner.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07But not only have you got this box,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11but you also have...another box,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14which is equally as beautiful inside.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18And here, I think you see more of a Chinese influence...
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- Yes.- ..in the design.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Inside, we have the counters, but not as many counters
0:35:24 > 0:35:29as in the other box. And you also have...
0:35:29 > 0:35:31bezique markers in here.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34So you have this pocket guide to Imperial,
0:35:34 > 0:35:36issued by De La Rue.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39And then these are the whist markers.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43These are beautifully made out of rosewood and ivory.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48Not so many markers, but equally as attractive.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51I'd like to be very conservative on the estimates
0:35:51 > 0:35:53to attract a good market.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59And I'm going to put a comparatively reasonable estimate
0:35:59 > 0:36:02of £250-£300 on this box,
0:36:02 > 0:36:08- and on the other box, round about 125-150.- Yes.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11But I'm absolutely positive that they will go much higher...
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- Excellent!- ..than that figure that I've mentioned.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Can I suggest that we put the reserve at £240 on this one.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21- Yes.- And on this one, we'll take the lower figure of 125.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- Excellent.- They will be the reserves.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29They will guard it from going too cheaply but at the end of the day,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- you'll be pleasantly surprised. - Thank you very much.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37I've got my favourites, you've probably got yours.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Our experts have now made their final choices,
0:36:39 > 0:36:43so it's time to say goodbye to our regal surroundings, the Assembly Rooms,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46as we head off to auction for the last time.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Let's hope we have a few surprises. Here's what we're taking with us.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55Jenny's coronation carriage, royal figures and accompanying footmen.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59And finally, those Oriental 18th-century gaming boxes.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03How will they fare with the current unpredictable Chinese market?
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Here we are, back in Clevedon, with three more lots
0:37:10 > 0:37:11to go under the hammer.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13The room's packed and everyone's poised.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17Let's hope the bidders come through for our owners today.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19It was gathering dust in the attic
0:37:19 > 0:37:22but it's got to go because the money's going on some fruit trees.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- Yes, I'm going to buy a pear tree or two, hopefully...- Lovely.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28..in a new bit of land I've just bought.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Plant up an orchard! Fabulous, fabulous.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35You've probably forgotten what we're selling, haven't you?
0:37:35 > 0:37:39We are selling the coronation lead figures from May 12th, 1937.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41It's a good year to sell this in.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45- Why are you selling them?- It's been a family heirloom,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49which has, you know, really just been sitting neglected a bit.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Nice set, though. Nice set.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55We've got the box, we've got the soldiers,
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- we've got everything.- At £60-£80, it's good value for money.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00There's a lot there.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02But unfortunately, it stands alone here today.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04There are no other lead figures or toys
0:38:04 > 0:38:06or any memorabilia of that kind.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- Hopefully the bidders will find it on the internet.- Yeah.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12You never know, they might be here, it's jam-packed,
0:38:12 > 0:38:14there's a wonderful atmosphere, let's see how it does.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- Ready, Jenny?- OK.- Let's put it to the test. Here we go.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21The lead figures in the original box with the printed label,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23start me here, 45, give me 50 now,
0:38:23 > 0:38:2550, 50, 50,
0:38:25 > 0:38:2750, 50, 50, 50, 50 bid,
0:38:27 > 0:38:315 here, 60 now, in the room, and 5.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Come on. It's struggling.
0:38:33 > 0:38:3670, 75, 5 and 80.
0:38:36 > 0:38:3880 here? 80, 80, 80, 80 this side, anyone?
0:38:38 > 0:38:4180, 80, 80, bid's close to me here,
0:38:41 > 0:38:43at £75.
0:38:43 > 0:38:4580, anyone else? Selling on the 75 there.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Bang on mid-estimate, £75.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52- 75.- That's not bad.- 75.- Yes, that's not bad.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56- How many apple trees will that buy you?- At least two,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- maybe three.- You're smiling at the thought of it.- Yes.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02- It should get you three, shouldn't it?- Should do, definitely.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06- Plant something up and watch it grow.- Yes.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- And think of England! - And think of England!
0:39:11 > 0:39:14That's exactly what Janita did, when she hopped on a plane
0:39:14 > 0:39:16to join us here today.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Two Chinese gaming boxes, brought along by Janita,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22who flew in to the valuation day at Bath,
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- all the way from Istanbul.- I couldn't resist it!- Oh, bless you!
0:39:26 > 0:39:29This is real quality. I had a chat to the auctioneer about this,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32definitely Chinese, definitely 19th century, made for the export market,
0:39:32 > 0:39:34you were right, your hunch was there.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37But my word, those little counters!
0:39:37 > 0:39:41- Beautifully engraved.- The mother-of-pearl counters, stunning!
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Split into two lots, I think these are going to fly away.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48A comprehensive set, full, there's a lot of it as well,
0:39:48 > 0:39:50the condition is very, very good.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55I think the condition is good, there's just one lot where we have later pieces added.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- Good luck, both of you.- Thank you. - This is it.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00The Chinese lacquered games box there.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03One telephone, how many telephones? Two, three on the phones.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Three on the phone!
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Three telephones here this morning. On the book then
0:40:07 > 0:40:09at 240, 260, 280,
0:40:09 > 0:40:12300, 320, my bid, 320,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14340, 360...
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Now a bid in the room, look.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19420, 440, 460, 480,
0:40:19 > 0:40:23500, 520, 560, 580, 600...
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Auctions, don't you just love them?
0:40:25 > 0:40:28700, 750, 800...
0:40:28 > 0:40:30800, against all the phones...
0:40:30 > 0:40:35800, 850, 900...
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Come on, let's get 1,000.
0:40:37 > 0:40:38- 1,000.- Yes!
0:40:38 > 0:40:401,100...
0:40:40 > 0:40:42It was worth that flight, wasn't it?
0:40:42 > 0:40:461,300. 1,400. 1,500...
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- Did he anticipate this much on valuation day?- No, he didn't.
0:40:50 > 0:40:51On the phone at 1,400.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- Look...- Just finding out!
0:40:54 > 0:40:561,500 on the second phone.
0:40:56 > 0:40:571,500!
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- 1,600...- 1,600!- 1,700.
0:41:01 > 0:41:051,800. 1,900.
0:41:05 > 0:41:06- This is what auctions are all about. - Wow!
0:41:06 > 0:41:082,000.
0:41:08 > 0:41:122-1, 2-2...
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- This is just the first lot. - 2-3...
0:41:15 > 0:41:18- 2-4.- 2-5...
0:41:18 > 0:41:212-5, 2-6...
0:41:21 > 0:41:26Selling at £2,500 then.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29The hammer's gone down. Such a tiny little tap,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32it should have been a... £2,500.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35That's the first one, that is incredible.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Absolutely incredible. I'm tingling, are you tingling?
0:41:38 > 0:41:42- I'm very pleased!- Fazed, are you fazed?
0:41:44 > 0:41:48I'm going to sell lot 297 which is a similar box.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Who's going to come in 1,500?
0:41:50 > 0:41:52I'll go in £100 bids. 1,500,
0:41:52 > 0:41:581,600, 1,700, 1,800, 1,900...
0:41:58 > 0:42:00I wonder if it goes to the same buyer?
0:42:00 > 0:42:012-1...
0:42:01 > 0:42:032-2...
0:42:03 > 0:42:042-2.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06This was the later pieces as well.
0:42:06 > 0:42:082-3, 2-4,
0:42:08 > 0:42:122-5, 2-6.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13Gosh.
0:42:13 > 0:42:142-7.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Wow, this one's even more desirable.
0:42:17 > 0:42:192-9, 3,000.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24- £3,000!- It's exciting.
0:42:24 > 0:42:253,000, 3-2,
0:42:25 > 0:42:283-4... No.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32£3,200 then. And selling at... 3-4?
0:42:32 > 0:42:353-4, late legs.
0:42:35 > 0:42:393-6... 3-8...
0:42:40 > 0:42:41Gosh...
0:42:41 > 0:42:44No. £3,600 then. Where we were before.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47£3,600!
0:42:48 > 0:42:53Plus your other. £6,100!
0:42:53 > 0:42:55That's marvellous, that's beyond my expectations.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58- You didn't see that coming, David, did you?- I didn't.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02- 800.- I really looked at the boxes and I did not think they were in pristine condition.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Amazing! I came over for the birth of my fourth grandchild
0:43:06 > 0:43:08so not only have I got a baby grandson...
0:43:09 > 0:43:12But you've got a wonderful £6,000!
0:43:14 > 0:43:15I'm so delighted for you.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19- Beyond all expectations.- That's the beauty of the auction room.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21You just cannot predict what's going to happen.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24We told you there was going to be a surprise and boy, did we end with one!
0:43:24 > 0:43:27Thanks for joining us. See us again soon for many more.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Until then, it's goodbye from all of us.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- And well done you.- Thank you very much indeed!
0:43:42 > 0:43:46Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd