0:00:05 > 0:00:07Where I'm standing today is totally unique.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Over there are the remains of a 12th-century cathedral,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14created by none other than Lady Godiva and her husband.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Over here, the bombed-out remains of a medieval cathedral
0:00:17 > 0:00:21and over here, one of the country's most modern cathedrals.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Only one city can boast three cathedrals, and that's Coventry.
0:00:25 > 0:00:26Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Today, we're at the fantastic Coventry Transport Museum,
0:00:52 > 0:00:56home to 240 cars and 94 motorcycles
0:00:56 > 0:00:59and hundreds of people laden with antiques and collectables,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02all here to see our experts and get a valuation.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04And if you're happy with the valuation,
0:01:04 > 0:01:05what are you going to do?
0:01:05 > 0:01:07ALL: Flog it!
0:01:10 > 0:01:12But it didn't stay dry for long.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Armed with an umbrella and a smile, James Lewis and Claire Rawle
0:01:15 > 0:01:18go in search of antiques that will get them misty-eyed.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23And being British, they couldn't help but mention the weather.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27- What have we got? - A sewing machine...
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- A what?!- A sewing machine.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31I thought you said a swimming machine!
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- Quite a good idea in this weather! - Yeah, just the job.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36There's already a lot of traffic queueing up
0:01:36 > 0:01:39to find out whether they'll be flogging it at auction.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41So, let's get off to a speedy start.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44It's time to get these people inside, into the warm,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46and get on with the valuing.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49In fact, it's 9:30, the countdown has already begun. Look.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55THEY CHEER
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- Are you ready...? - BUZZER
0:01:59 > 0:02:00Are you ready to go inside?
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- ALL: Yes!- Come on, then!
0:02:04 > 0:02:06At last, shelter from the rain
0:02:06 > 0:02:09comes in the form of Coventry Transport Museum.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Over 850 valuations will take place on these tables
0:02:12 > 0:02:14in the next eight hours.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19And here's a peek of what we'll see today,
0:02:19 > 0:02:21and not everything is as it appears.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27The Olympic flame has arrived at Flog It!
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Well, the torch, at least.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34Used in the 1948 Games, this is sure to set the auction room on fire,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38but will it get bronze, silver, or stacks of gold?
0:02:38 > 0:02:43And what is the pleasant surprise in store for the readers of this book?
0:02:43 > 0:02:47And at auction, things are getting tense.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- I'm shaking!- I can see you standing there, like this...
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Well, our experts' motors are certainly running
0:03:01 > 0:03:03here at the valuation tables.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05We're surrounded by cars and antiques
0:03:05 > 0:03:09and it looks like James Lewis is our first expert to the tables.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Let's take a closer look at what he's spotted.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Well, Joy, I have to tell you, I have always been a book lover.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19Not normal books, but this type of book. What a fantastic object!
0:03:19 > 0:03:23I can just imagine somebody sitting back in their study
0:03:23 > 0:03:26in late Victorian or Edwardian England, pretending to work,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29the wife is saying, "Now then, George,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31"you're not having a whisky again, are you?"
0:03:31 > 0:03:32And he says, "No, no, no.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36"I don't have any whisky in here... apart from in there."
0:03:36 > 0:03:41What a wonderful way of hiding a bit of tipple in your study!
0:03:41 > 0:03:42I absolutely love it.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45It has the novelty factor, the fun factor,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49it's useful, and it's an antique that looks the part, as well.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Is it something that you've drunk from in your years?
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- I don't think I fancy drinking out of it.- Why not?
0:03:54 > 0:03:56It smells a bit musty!
0:03:56 > 0:04:00It wouldn't smell musty by the time you've had a good old malt in there!
0:04:00 > 0:04:02So, tell me, how did it come to be in the family?
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Well, it belongs to my father, and he worked in London.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- He worked in hotels.- OK.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10And he often used to get the bus, the Green Line bus,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13near a shop that we called the second-hand shop.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Whether he got it from there, I don't know,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18I'm not sure where he got it from, but he used to play tricks on us
0:04:18 > 0:04:20and say, "I've got a good book here."
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Particularly if he got...if somebody else came to the house, you know.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- Did he use it? - Not that I'm aware of.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30So, your mother wasn't a hard-nosed drink stopper?
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- And he was more a red wine man, anyway.- Was he?
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Oh, yeah, that wouldn't be good for red wine.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Well, let's have a look at it.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40The whole thing is bound in what would originally have been
0:04:40 > 0:04:42a royal blue Morocco leather.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45And then it's detailed and stamped in gold here,
0:04:45 > 0:04:50and the thing that I love about it is the author is James Dixon.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52And James Dixon was a silversmith,
0:04:52 > 0:04:56working in Sheffield throughout the 19th century.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58If we turn there, that gives it away.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02We've got James Dixon and Sons of Sheffield and, I should think,
0:05:02 > 0:05:06that would have been made in England about 1910, something like that.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08The fact that it says Made In England
0:05:08 > 0:05:09would indicate it's slightly later,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12but the overall look is very much an Edwardian look.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15So, do you think it's silver all the way down,
0:05:15 > 0:05:16- or is it just the neck that's silver?- Yeah.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19HOLLOW KNOCKS
0:05:19 > 0:05:22So, there's a very large, rectangular...
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Somebody that liked a drink.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27It says, doesn't it? 24 ounces. 24 ounces of whisky in there.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- Oh, my goodness!- My goodness.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31That would sort you out for the night.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34So, anyway, it's a great object.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37I love it, and it's the sort of thing that you would like to see
0:05:37 > 0:05:41in a gentleman's library, say, something like that.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Value? £100-£150.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- Something like that.- Yeah.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- Is that all right? - Yeah, that's fine.- Good.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50I think it will do very well indeed.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53Mmm, that made me quite thirsty!
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Now, for more practical silver.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01Gwen, this is very pretty. A dear little purse.
0:06:01 > 0:06:02How did you come by it?
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Well, my great aunt, her name was Gladys Fletcher,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08and I was the only one in the family that had the same initial
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- before I married... - Oh, that was handy.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- So, you were given it because you had the same initial?- Yes.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17It's a really, really pretty item, this purse. It's so sweet.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19But what do you do with it today?
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- You couldn't get very much in it, could you?- No.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23You could maybe squeeze your credit card in,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25but you wouldn't get your phone in there.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28So, sadly, it hasn't got a practical use these days.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30However, it's so, so decorative,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32I think a collector would want it to put in a cabinet.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Now, you know it's silver, because it's got the assay marks on it,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39it was assayed in Birmingham in 1917.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41So, quite an interesting time, really.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43It was actually made at the time of the Great War,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46it's still got that late Edwardian look to it...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48and then you've got the little suspension chain,
0:06:48 > 0:06:49and this is called a little finger ring,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52because you'd actually put it on your finger
0:06:52 > 0:06:53and carry it in that way.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55And if we have a closer look at it,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58obviously, you've got a little button there which you press,
0:06:58 > 0:06:59and then you open it up
0:06:59 > 0:07:02and it's beautifully fitted inside in leather.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Now, it could easily have been used as a card case,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06because people had visiting cards in those days,
0:07:06 > 0:07:08and when you went round to visit,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11you left your card to show you'd been there,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14and it was all part of social etiquette and visiting,
0:07:14 > 0:07:17and then, of course, we find the initials that were hiding.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19So, there they are, the initials that meant you were given it.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21It really is very sweet.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Now, the other items we have here - a manicure set.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Very often, they were given as gifts in a fitted case,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29and I would think these probably originally came from a fitted case.
0:07:29 > 0:07:30People don't use them,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34but they tend to sell these days for the silver that's in the handles.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Obviously, we got a set of three, and then a funny little extra one.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- So, it's something you've decided to part company with?- Yeah.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- Well, it's better than keeping it in a drawer, isn't it?- Yes.
0:07:44 > 0:07:45When it's sold,
0:07:45 > 0:07:49are you going to splash out on anything in particular?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- Well, we're going to Disneyland Paris in the summer, so...- Oh, wow!
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- ..it will go towards that.- Right, so, we need to talk about value on them.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58I would suggest selling them as a group,
0:07:58 > 0:08:01because the main value is going to be with the purse,
0:08:01 > 0:08:02rather than the manicure set.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06So, I think we're looking at an estimate of 70 to 90,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- if that's all right with you? - Fine, yes.- Good.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12And a reserve...of £70,
0:08:12 > 0:08:13with perhaps a bit of discretion,
0:08:13 > 0:08:17so that if the auctioneer gets within 10%, they can be sold.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- Does that sound all right to you? - That's absolutely fine.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Excellent. Well, we'll put them in, we'll do our very best
0:08:23 > 0:08:27to get you on one of those really good rollercoaster rides in Disney.
0:08:27 > 0:08:28Sad.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36The Transport Museum celebrates Coventry's motoring history,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39and one man is just as interested in the city's past.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Martin, of all the official jewels
0:08:43 > 0:08:46that you could possibly bring along today... These are fabulous!
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- Not only that, they're Coventry, as well.- Well, yes.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52This is the nearest I'll get to wearing the civic regalia.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57These are mayor and mayoress jewels, presented to the mayor for one year.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00The leading maker of official jewels, as they were called,
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- was a firm called Fattorini.- Right.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05And they made a lot of pieces that were hallmarked in Birmingham,
0:09:05 > 0:09:07so not too far away from here.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Now, I've had a look. They're not Fattorini, unfortunately,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12but they're still wonderful quality.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15If we take this one to start with, the mayoress's piece...
0:09:15 > 0:09:17It's solid nine-carat gold,
0:09:17 > 0:09:21and then it's set with these freshwater seed pearls.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25The centre is enamelled and then applied again in gold
0:09:25 > 0:09:27with, it looks like, an Indian elephant.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30What was the logic of an elephant to Coventry?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Well, the elephant was a symbol of strength in heraldry.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36OK. Let's move now to the mayor's jewel.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39I mean, here we have the sceptre and the sword.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Within the outside, we have, alternating,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46rose-cut diamonds with green enamel leaves.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48So, both nine-carat gold,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52one set with diamonds, one set with fresh water seed pearls...
0:09:52 > 0:09:551948/49, so just after the war,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58but they've got a really limited market.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00That's what you have to remember.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04If you found a jewel of this quality that wasn't an official piece,
0:10:04 > 0:10:09that was just pretty, then it would be substantially more valuable.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11How did they come to be in your possession?
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Well, I'm very proud of my city,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- and so I collect lots of things to do with Coventry.- OK.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18And a friend rang me up one day and said,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20"I think you might be interested in these..."
0:10:20 > 0:10:23And now I think it's time to pass them on to someone else.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26OK. So what did they cost you, 30 years ago?
0:10:26 > 0:10:27I can't remember exactly.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- Around about 250 to 300...- OK. - ..something like that.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Yeah, OK. So, ideally, we certainly want to get the money back.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- I'd love that.- 30 years ago brings us back to 1982/83...
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- '80-ish.- So, early '80s.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43You actually bought these
0:10:43 > 0:10:46at the peak of the previous gold market,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50but that will sort of justify the valuation that I'll give you,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53which isn't that much bigger than it was 30 years ago.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59Now, we're back up to £300-£500, something like that.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01I think they'll certainly sell well,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04and I hope they will find a new home in Coventry
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- and somebody who has loved them as much as you do.- So do I.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10It's a very good read and an even better tipple,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12the Pleasant Surprise hip flask
0:11:12 > 0:11:15could reach the top end or end up in the drink.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21They don't make manicure sets like these any more,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24but will Gwen's silver set make the £70 reserve?
0:11:27 > 0:11:30And Martin has had these mayoral jewels for over 30 years,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32but now it's time to sell.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Will their provenance do Coventry proud into sale room?
0:11:43 > 0:11:44Just 19 miles from Coventry
0:11:44 > 0:11:47is the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51The river Avon is 75 miles long,
0:11:51 > 0:11:55and its gentle current makes it a perfect place for an afternoon row.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58And today, we're docking at Bigwood Auctioneers,
0:11:58 > 0:12:03where Christopher Ironmonger is the man on the rostrum.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06You can find anything at auction, from taxidermy to teacups.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09But beware, there is commission rates to pay,
0:12:09 > 0:12:11and it does vary from saleroom to saleroom.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Here, it's on a sliding scale.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17The seller's charge is 15% up to £1,000,
0:12:17 > 0:12:2012.5% between £1,000 and £2,000,
0:12:20 > 0:12:23and 10% over £3,000.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26And right now, we have a little surprise for you.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Yes, it's that hip flask disguised as a book.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32It belongs to Joy, and not much longer, I would imagine,
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- because I think this is lovely. - It's great fun.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38We're looking at £100-£150. I think you're spot on with the value.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40So, why are you selling it?
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Well, I decided I wanted to come to 'Flog It!'
0:12:42 > 0:12:44cos I've been once before and thoroughly enjoyed myself
0:12:44 > 0:12:45and enjoyed myself this time.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49It belonged to my dad, you see. He would have so enjoyed being here.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50- Oh, bless.- It was lovely. - Here we go.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53The James Dixon and Sons EPNS spirit flask
0:12:53 > 0:12:58tooled in the form of a book. It's got "A Pleasant Surprise" on it.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00There we are, the registration marks, etcetera.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03And I've got an opening bid on the book, a commission bid of £85.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06At 85. At 90, do I hear it? 90, 90, 90? 100?
0:13:06 > 0:13:09100, 100. 110. 110.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Good, we're getting the top end.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13140? 135. 140?
0:13:13 > 0:13:15140, 140? 145? 145.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17150? 150. 155?
0:13:17 > 0:13:19150 in the front row. At 150.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Do you want 160, up there?
0:13:21 > 0:13:23That's a good, good sale.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25£150, gentleman's bid, are we done?
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- GAVEL BANGS - There we go. Well done, you.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Well done, James.- Thank you.- Thank you for bringing that along as well.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- Don't forget, there is a seller's commission to pay here.- Yes, OK.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- But otherwise... Well done, you. - Thank you very much.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- And it was a good experience, wasn't it?- It was.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42It was a lovely experience, thank you all very much.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Well, I think congratulations are in order right now.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52I've just been joined by Gwen and our expert Claire,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55but it's Gwen's 44th wedding anniversary.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- Is there a special name for that? - Not that I know of.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- No, not that I know of either. Do you know?- No.
0:13:59 > 0:14:0144 years, that's a triumph.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03I know you've brought your husband along, and he's over there.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Hello, there! Waiting in the wings.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09We're just about to put the silver purse with the manicure set
0:14:09 > 0:14:12under the hammer at £70-£90. Why are you selling this?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Just because it was just in a drawer, so, you know...
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Best to go to a collector. - Never even looked at, so...
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Best to go to a collector, and I'm sure it will, actually.- Yeah, yeah.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Silver's good at the moment, isn't it? So...
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- It will sell.- It's popular.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Now, I have the silver purse, Birmingham 1917,
0:14:27 > 0:14:30and you've got the manicure implements etcetera.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Who's got £60 to get me going? 50 over there.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36At 50, 50, 50, 55, 60,
0:14:36 > 0:14:3765, 70, is it?
0:14:37 > 0:14:3965 at the back of the room.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- At 65. 70.- It's gone.- Five, Sir?
0:14:41 > 0:14:4370, here at 70, at the front of the room.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46At 70, it's going to be sold at 70. Is there any...? 75?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- Last chance at £70. - GAVEL BANGS
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Spot on, there. Well done, Claire.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Yeah, that was a good trade lot, that one.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56You know, that will be split up and moved into different places,
0:14:56 > 0:14:58but it will definitely find a good home with collectors.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- That's good.- Well done.- Thank you.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- And is this your first auction experience?- It is! I'm shaking!
0:15:03 > 0:15:05It is! I can see you standing there like this...
0:15:07 > 0:15:09No need to be nervous, Gwen!
0:15:11 > 0:15:13So, to our next lot.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19We've got a pair of nine carat gold civic badges going under the hammer
0:15:19 > 0:15:21for the mayor and the mayoress of Coventry.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- A lot of local interest, hopefully, Martin.- I hope so.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- Should be, shouldn't it?- I hope so. - Yeah. How did you come across these?
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Well, I'm very keen on Coventry, having been brought up there,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34and I couldn't resist them 30 years ago to add to my own collection.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Did you buy them in auction? - No, I bought them from a friend.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39OK. Good things?
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- Very.- Unusual.- Not very commercial.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45But, gold is doing very well.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- I'm just hoping they'll make above the scrap value.- Oh, yes.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Well, let's find out. They're going under the hammer right now.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57We've got the diamond rose cuts etcetera,
0:15:57 > 0:15:59seed pearls in little cases there.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Anyway, I've got a commission bid,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03I can start straight in at £500 on the book.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06We're straight in! 500.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07It's gone up to 6.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10600 in my book. I've got 650.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13700, 750? I've got 800, 850?
0:16:13 > 0:16:16800 on the book. At 800, 850, is it?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18850, 900, 950.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21900 with me on the book. At 900, do you want 50? You're out.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- At £900, are we done? - GAVEL BANGS
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- Happy?- Of course, very good. - Very good, £900.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Back to our valuation day and to a museum that is embracing
0:16:37 > 0:16:40the old and the new, the slow and fast.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44And Claire was certainly quick to spot a good find.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48You have brought in a lovely postcard album.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49This is something very dear to my heart,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52because I've always had a special interest in ephemera.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55This is something that has come through the family, is it?
0:16:55 > 0:16:57This postcard album belonged to my auntie,
0:16:57 > 0:17:02and when she died in the late '80s, I inherited a lot of her things.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Unfortunately, it has just been sort of tucked away somewhere.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09When we brought it out we were really fascinated to see the postcards.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13You can see her name, Beth Cadbury, on all the postcards.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Right, so she's a Cadbury, now. Are we talking chocolate Cadburys?
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- We are talking chocolate Cadburys, yes.- Excellent.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22Of course, there was a huge interest in collecting postcards
0:17:22 > 0:17:25in this period, because this is an early 20th-century album.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30Ranging from the Edwardian period, sort of 1910,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33let's have a quick look through. It's really quite a nice collection.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37A few have come out. The trouble with these old albums is the paper gets quite brittle.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Very fragile.- As you can see, some really pretty cards.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45They're lovely, the chromo-lithographic ones.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- It's just knowing which ones are... - The popular ones. People collect different things.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Some people prefer transport, some people prefer Christmas cards.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55So, they appeal to a wide range of people which is good,
0:17:55 > 0:18:00because it opens up the market for you. So, really, a very nice album.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- Now, have you ever had it valued in the past at all?- No, no.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Oh, right, so you sort of...
0:18:05 > 0:18:08I've no idea what, if it's worth anything at all, but it's just
0:18:08 > 0:18:11so lovely, and we haven't really got room in our little house.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13The only way to look at them is to frame them.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15And you can't frame loads of postcards.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17No. It's always the problem with things in albums.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Bearing in mind we're in a transport museum,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22I thought, I bet they haven't got this in here!
0:18:22 > 0:18:23The Irish donkey cart.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25I think it opens up, doesn't it?
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Yes, that's right. It will open up.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29It'll all drop out, like in a concertina.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32And I thought that was rather sweet, as well,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35the sort of children pulling the little cart.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38One of the good things about it, it's all to one person.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41It's a very personal collection, so to a collector,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43I think it would sell well.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45I think I would certainly put about £40-£60 on it,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48but I wouldn't be surprised to see it make more than that.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51And I think we ought to put a reserve on it.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- If you would be happy with a reserve of £40?- Yes.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- Does that sound all right to you? - That's fine.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59And have you got an idea what you're going to put the money towards?
0:18:59 > 0:19:02We're taking the grandchildren away at Easter, so...
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- Down to the New Forest. They're mad on ponies!- Oh, brilliant.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Well, I have hopes for this.
0:19:08 > 0:19:09And I hope it goes towards
0:19:09 > 0:19:12the beginning of a new hobby for the grandchildren.
0:19:12 > 0:19:13OK.
0:19:13 > 0:19:19And, for something never before seen on "Flog It!", an Olympic torch.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23Paul, I have to say, there are certain things in history
0:19:23 > 0:19:26that everybody wants to get their hands on.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28I think the World Cup is one.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33And I think very close behind that is an Olympic torch.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36What's it doing here in the centre of Coventry?
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Well, it's been gathering dust for the last 40 years in my loft.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Not doing anything with it, but with the Olympics
0:19:42 > 0:19:46still in everybody's mind, I thought it was a good time to, perhaps, sell.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49How is it in your loft? Do you have Olympic athletes in the family?
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Well, my father used to run, but I'm sure he would have told me
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- if he had been a stage bearer in the Olympics.- Gosh, yes.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58We kept a pub, and it probably came into his possession
0:19:58 > 0:20:01from someone coming into the pub and perhaps selling it some time ago.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04So, do you think someone's paid off their bar bill with this?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Swapped it for a pint of beer, or paid off their slate?
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- It could have been something like that.- Gosh!
0:20:08 > 0:20:12He gave it to me as part of my 21st birthday present.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15I was more interested in the stereo that I got at that time.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18And then, this has just gathered dust and kicked around in the loft.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23I've got a feeling there will be more demand for this than there will be for your old stereo.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24You may be right!
0:20:24 > 0:20:29This was obviously for the London Olympics of 1948.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34The torch was designed by Ralph Lavers. And he had them cast in aluminium.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Of course, in the 1940s,
0:20:37 > 0:20:39aluminium was still a very fashionable material,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43which is why it would have been used for a modern Olympiad.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46There were 20 of them made, and each person would have kept
0:20:46 > 0:20:50their individual torch as a souvenir of their leg.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53And of course, the people that carried them
0:20:53 > 0:20:57were past Olympiads, gold medallists, silver medallists.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59I think the design is an interesting one.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02It looks remarkably like a toilet plunger,
0:21:02 > 0:21:04when you hold it the other way up.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09But, the thing that I find interesting about, it's got
0:21:09 > 0:21:12a cavity here, which is obviously where the flame has been held.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15But, I think that should contain an inner section.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19It must've done. So, I think there's an inner section missing.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24But, having said that, what a wonderful thing to own.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26I'd love to own one of these.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30It's the sort of thing that evokes lots of emotions,
0:21:30 > 0:21:34and when you're talking about emotion, figures go out the window,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37and your heart kicks in, rather than your head.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40But, it's a great time to sell it.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- We should put an auction estimate of £600-£1,000.- Gosh!- All right?
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Yeah, yeah.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50That's not bad for something that looks like a toilet plunger, is it?
0:21:50 > 0:21:52HE LAUGHS Certainly isn't, no!
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Now, just time to race back to Claire's final valuation,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59and she's got a confession.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Turning to these, I do have to admit to you I'm
0:22:02 > 0:22:06slightly out of my comfort zone with this type of pottery and porcelain,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09so tell me the history of them, how you came by them.
0:22:09 > 0:22:15We actually bought these at auction. We were looking at Moorcrofts.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17They didn't sell in the antiques sale
0:22:17 > 0:22:19because they didn't reach their reserve,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22so I asked Tony to have a look at them because they appeared in
0:22:22 > 0:22:24the next week's sale,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27and he agreed with me that they were worth investing in.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- Why are you selling them? - We both quite like the newer designs.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Moorcroft have got some really good designers now,
0:22:35 > 0:22:39Rachel Bishop, Perry Goodwin. We like the bolder colours.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- They've got a new one out, which is called the Female Form.- Oh, right.
0:22:43 > 0:22:51And it stands at about 28 inches high. Big! But it's £4,200.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54We are just saving up a pot of money towards that.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Very nice thing to have, though. Obviously, this is much earlier.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00This dates to the early part of the 20th century,
0:23:00 > 0:23:02and you can see that in the design, really.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06It's the sort of Florian Ware, the MacIntyre, was the factory,
0:23:06 > 0:23:10and this was a typical design that was done at that time.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14And you have got the semi-tube lining which is more obvious.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Yes, and it is a typical colourway this, where you have got
0:23:18 > 0:23:21the lovely blues and green against the creamy white background.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24But, these are lovely. And they are so bright and so clean,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28as though they haven't been used, so a lovely feel inside.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32Because, if we take a look, you've got the factory mark underneath.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- The design itself just sings out, doesn't it?- Recognisable, isn't it?
0:23:35 > 0:23:39Yes. Out of a lot of items of ceramic at the moment
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Moorcroft has continued to be very collected
0:23:42 > 0:23:45and actually quite expensive.
0:23:45 > 0:23:46So, you want to put them in a sale,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49have you got an idea what you would like for them?
0:23:49 > 0:23:51I watch "Flog It!" Every day.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Oh, right, excellent. Well done, well done!
0:23:54 > 0:23:56So you've seen a bit of this going through, over the years.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01- Quite a bit going through and you can keep an eye on the prices that way, can't you?- Yes, yes indeed.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03I mean, these, I think, would do well,
0:24:03 > 0:24:07so I don't know if you felt round about the £600
0:24:07 > 0:24:10would be, sort of, the lower end?
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- I don't know how you feel about that.- Yeah, that's fine.- Good.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17So we'll do a firm 600. Six to eight. And really hope they fly away
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- and then you can put the money towards your female form.- Yes.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25They once belonged to a Cadbury,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27and they certainly are a sweet piece of history.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33This little light of Paul's is sure to brighten up the auction,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36but just how much will it sell for?
0:24:39 > 0:24:42And Moorcroft is a superior ceramic,
0:24:42 > 0:24:46but will the current market allow it to make the £600 reserve?
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Back a Bigwood's, I caught up with auctioneer
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Christopher Ironmonger to see if the Olympic torch
0:24:59 > 0:25:01is going to get gold.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Look at that, Christopher. Maybe I should be running along doing that.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Flying the flag for Bigwood's.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Well, this belongs to Paul.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Now, he has picked the right year and the right country to sell this.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- He has indeed.- This is the year of the Olympic Games.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Now, this is the Olympics of 1948.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25James, our expert has put £600 to £1,000 on that.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Well, I am confident that it'll go.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Quite interestingly, it was known as the Austerity Games
0:25:29 > 0:25:31because it wasn't that long after the War,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35so probably this is a fairly simplistic design compared to
0:25:35 > 0:25:37the Olympic torches that I think we are going to see this year,
0:25:37 > 0:25:39which are fairly elaborate.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41We've already got some phone lines booked,
0:25:41 > 0:25:42we've got quite a bit of interest in it.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45I'm confident that we'll well exceed the estimate.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Let's hope we can break a record with this one.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50We will certainly do our best.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53But first, a smaller historical record.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59Meg and Keith, the postcard album is just about to go under the hammer.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Now, I know this was a personal collection sent to your aunt,
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- wasn't it?- Yes, she collected it.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08And there is not a lot of money involved in this. £40, maybe £60.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- Well, look, good luck. Good luck.- Thank you.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12That's all I can say, because I wouldn't sell this.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Would you if it was your own?
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Well, maybe no. I know, but you have got other things.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20- They'll probably go to a good home. - A collector?- Yes.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Incidentally, the first postcard was sent in London and it was
0:26:24 > 0:26:28hand-painted and it had a Penny Black on it, and that was in 1840.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Shame that is not in this collection, isn't it?
0:26:30 > 0:26:32- I was going to say, "I didn't notice that one."- No, nor did I.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34That would've been slipped out.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- You'd have saved that one, wouldn't you?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Early 20th century postcard album,
0:26:39 > 0:26:42principally compiled of cards sent to Ms Beth Cadbury
0:26:42 > 0:26:43of Rose Hill, Worcester.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45And I can't open the bidding at £50.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47On the books at 50, with commission at 50.
0:26:47 > 0:26:4860 over there.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51I've got 70 with me. At 70. And 80.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- And 90. And 100. And 110.- Wow. - 120 is it?
0:26:53 > 0:26:55It's gone big time.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Are you done at 110?
0:26:57 > 0:26:58Bid's with me on the book.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00You are out at the back. 110 it is.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Sold.- Good.- And a great result.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05We see it time and time again on the show,
0:27:05 > 0:27:07postcard albums always sell well.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Thank you so much for coming in. There is commission to pay
0:27:09 > 0:27:13and I know you are sharing the money out with the grandkids, aren't you?
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- Yes, we're taking them on a holiday. - Who have we got behind you?
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- This is Georgie and this is Abby. - Hello, Abby. Hello, Georgie.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Are you going on holiday straightaway?- Yes.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23The car is parked outside.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Well, it doesn't get more immediate than that, does it?
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- Where are you going, may I ask? - New Forest.- Oh, how lovely.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- With all the ponies.- Yes.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Well, if you're going to buy Moorcroft,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42you've got to buy the early stuff - McIntyre Moorcroft.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45And that's my favourite and yours. That is real, real quality.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Tony and Teresa, it's great to see you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52- Sounds like a pop duo, doesn't it? Tony and Teresa, TNT.- That's right.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Dynamite! Well, let's hope this one goes off with an explosion.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- I hope so.- Why are you selling this? This is absolute quality.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- I would like a more modern piece. - You like your modern pieces.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04- I do, indeed.- Do you? How long have you had this then?
0:28:04 > 0:28:07A few years. We bought it for an investment.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09And how much did you pay for it?
0:28:09 > 0:28:13- 600.- 600. Well, hopefully, hopefully, we can get your money back.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15We have enjoyed it £600 worth.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18You've had £600 worth of smiles out of it.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Now, have you seen anything in the auction that you like?
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Because I just noticed you're holding a bidding paddle.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- What are you buying?- There is a piece of Moorcroft over there.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- Piece of Moorcroft. Hey, well... - That I may have missed.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33But you are selling Moorcroft, that's not that modern.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36No, I know, but it is a vase, not a teapot.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Well, look, let's sell the teapot first, shall we?
0:28:38 > 0:28:39It is going under the hammer now.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Early 20th century Moorcroft McIntyre and Co.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43teapot and hot water pot
0:28:43 > 0:28:47with the Florian Ware blue poppy pattern. Rather nice, isn't it?
0:28:47 > 0:28:50What are my bids for this? Who has got 500 to get me going?
0:28:50 > 0:28:53400 then? 400 on bid. 400 it is.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55At 400. 420 now?
0:28:55 > 0:28:57At 400. 420 is it?
0:28:57 > 0:29:01420. 440? 440. 460.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03He has got a commission bid on it, he's looking at the books.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- Is he?- Yeah, looking down.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07480? 480. 500?
0:29:07 > 0:29:11At £480. Are you done at £480?
0:29:11 > 0:29:15- We are not going to sell it. - 500 is it? Last chance at 480.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18No-one wanted it today, it's as simple as that.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- I'll have to like the teapot. - I think you will.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23You know you said you were going to bid on a bit of Moorcroft,
0:29:23 > 0:29:25- you don't have to now, do you? - I'll keep that one.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28That bit of Moorcroft is going home. And that's a better piece.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- It is obviously meant to stay with you.- Obviously, yes.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34- Not disappointed. - No, you're still smiling.- Yes.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38And it just goes to show, there are no guarantees at auction,
0:29:38 > 0:29:40even with big names like Moorcroft.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44And flying the flag for team GB, we have Paul Eastwood
0:29:44 > 0:29:46and Mr James Lewis.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49The Olympic torch is about to go under the hammer.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52I had a chat to the auctioneer, Christopher, yesterday.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54And he's very enthusiastic about it.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58He agreed with the valuation, but he said it should do the top end.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01And we both said, you are in the right place at the right time.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Have you purposely saved it for this year?
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- Did you think about selling it last year?- No.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10- Last year I thought about making a table lamp out of it.- Did you?
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- I'm glad I didn't.- No, exactly!
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Because it is a great time to sell it,
0:30:14 > 0:30:17purely because you have got instant PR for this.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20It depends whether the missing burner will really put
0:30:20 > 0:30:21a lot of people off.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23So, that is why I've conservatively estimated it.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Yeah, it might put the academics off,
0:30:25 > 0:30:27but I don't think it will put the general collectors off.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- Hopefully not. - No, they'll overlook that,
0:30:29 > 0:30:32because it looks architecturally really, really good.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35It is going under the hammer right now, here it is.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39Games of the 14th Olympiad, held in 1948,
0:30:39 > 0:30:41very appropriate coming up this year.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44And I start off with commission bids on the book
0:30:44 > 0:30:47and I'm going to start it at 1,050.
0:30:47 > 0:30:491,050.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- 1,050.- Well, that's our top end, isn't it?
0:30:53 > 0:30:541,100 there.
0:30:54 > 0:30:551,150 I've got.
0:30:55 > 0:30:581,200? 1,200.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00And that clears my commission bids. At 1,200.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03Look, there's a couple people on the phone now.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05It is out of the room, it is backwards and forwards
0:31:05 > 0:31:06to the phones.
0:31:06 > 0:31:0714?
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Let's go in hundreds. 15 now.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- I don't believe it.- 15. 16.
0:31:12 > 0:31:1517.
0:31:15 > 0:31:1718.
0:31:17 > 0:31:1919.
0:31:19 > 0:31:212,000.
0:31:22 > 0:31:23Go 22.
0:31:25 > 0:31:2624.
0:31:27 > 0:31:2926.
0:31:29 > 0:31:3128.
0:31:32 > 0:31:343,000.
0:31:35 > 0:31:3632.
0:31:38 > 0:31:3934?
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- 32.- I just love these moments.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47At 3,200. Any further advance?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50It is going to be sold. £3,200.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- Yes, hammer's gone down.- Well done.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56- Thank you very much!- £3,200!
0:31:56 > 0:32:00- Brilliant.- What a wonderful way to end today's show.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03What a lovely surprise. Thank you so much, Paul, for bringing that in.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Enjoy the money, won't you? Enjoy the money. Well done.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Well, sadly, we've run out of time here.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11What a marvellous time we've had at Stratford-upon-Avon
0:32:11 > 0:32:12and in Coventry.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14I hope you have enjoyed it. Join us again soon
0:32:14 > 0:32:18for many more surprises, but until then, it's goodbye from all of us.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd