0:00:05 > 0:00:09Today I'm scaling the dizzy heights of Lincoln Cathedral,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11once the tallest building in the world.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14More about why I'm up here a little bit later on in the show
0:00:14 > 0:00:16but, right now, let's see if our experts can find
0:00:16 > 0:00:19some real heritage with their feet firmly on the ground.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Not only will we be scaling the heights of the cathedral today,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49we'll be reaching dizzy altitudes in the saleroom
0:00:49 > 0:00:53with a sale that astounds us all and fetches one of Flog It's
0:00:53 > 0:00:54top ever prices.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57I'm looking for 10,000.
0:00:57 > 0:00:5810,000...
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- I can't believe that. - Missed something really big.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03And, from the high figures in the auction room
0:01:03 > 0:01:06to the high society in Lincolnshire.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Our valuation day takes place in a rather salubrious location.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Today's mansion is the very impressive Normanby Hall,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17which sits on an estate that dates back to the Tudor times,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20once owned by the Sheffield family, who certainly know
0:01:20 > 0:01:22how to choose a good location
0:01:22 > 0:01:25because they once owned the land in The Mall in London,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28which has now become Buckingham Palace.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Well, the Hall is now part of a country park which is open to all
0:01:31 > 0:01:35and thank goodness for that, because it looks like all of Lincolnshire has turned up.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38What a fabulous crowd we have here today.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40The sun is shining, there are smiles on people's faces
0:01:40 > 0:01:44and I think it's time to get everybody seated and get on with the valuing.
0:01:44 > 0:01:45So, come on in.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49We're making the most of the beautiful gardens
0:01:49 > 0:01:53where our experts are getting ready to pick up their favourite items and whisk them off to auction
0:01:53 > 0:01:57but who will find the one that fetches that amazing value?
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Michael Baggott is first to find something that catches his eye.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07What have you got tucked under your arm?
0:02:07 > 0:02:08I say!
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- Are there any more of these at home?- Er, no.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15And ringing the bell for the ladies is our very own Caroline Hawley.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- It is heavy.- Really heavy. - Yeah, in brass alone, it's worth a bit of brass.- Is it?
0:02:21 > 0:02:24And they're already fighting over who saw it first.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28Put that saw down, Michael, and no-one will get hurt.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Yes, I think your arm would fall off if you tried to saw, or chop.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- I'll have a go.- You'd have a go?
0:02:34 > 0:02:37There's a tree over there. There's a tree over there, Caroline.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- It's a big one!- Get chopping.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44In its heyday, the Normanby estate included around 10,000 acres of land
0:02:44 > 0:02:49and, judging by our queue, we could be dealing with as many items today.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51The crowds are certainly building up here today,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54right in front of the Hall, which was built in 1820
0:02:54 > 0:02:57for Sir Robert Sheffield by the architect, Robert Smirke,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00better known for his work on the British Museum.
0:03:00 > 0:03:06Fingers crossed, we're going to find some real historical artefacts of our very own, right here today.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Well, yes, we most certainly will, but can you spot which of these items
0:03:10 > 0:03:13sells for tens of thousands of pounds,
0:03:13 > 0:03:17after bidders around the world get themselves into a bit of a frenzy over it?
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Will it be these beautiful, and original, set of Russian dolls?
0:03:24 > 0:03:27This collection of tribal artefacts?
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Or this rare Thonet bentwood chair in fantastic condition?
0:03:33 > 0:03:37We have to confess, even our experts didn't recognise the item's potential originally,
0:03:37 > 0:03:42so you'd be skilled if you could spot today's star find.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44THEY LAUGH
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Back at our valuation tables, Michael's got his hands on the saw
0:03:48 > 0:03:50and this time it could be dangerous.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- Well, Graham, it shouldn't take too long to get through this table.- No.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Not with this beast here.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- I'd hate to see the toolbox this came from.- I can't carry it.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Tell me, where did you get this crazy thing from?
0:04:02 > 0:04:06It was being thrown out in a pub in London about 40 years ago.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- Thrown out?- Thrown out, yes.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12I asked the manager if I could have it and he said, "Yes."
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Oh, well done you for saving it.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Can you remember which pub in London it came from?
0:04:17 > 0:04:20It was City Pride in Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- So there was nothing in the name of it to... - Absolutely no, nothing in there.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27There were just different items, antiques hung on the wall,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29old mirrors and that sort of thing.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- Anything a bit quirky to raise a giggle?- Yeah.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35They decided this had seen out its use and was going in the skip?
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Were you working at the pub at the time?- Yes.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42You thought, "No, I shall save the saw!"
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- Do you have an interest in tools, or woodwork?- I'm a joiner by trade.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- Oh, so this was absolutely... - It was an element.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- You couldn't see it in the skip, could you?- No, no.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56It's just a wonderful thing. This, of course, is an advertising sign.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- Right.- We've got the name here, Spearior.- Yeah.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Which is, of course, Spear and Jackson.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04The blade is aluminium
0:05:04 > 0:05:06and the fittings are all beautifully turned brass.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11I think it's entirely possible this dates to about 1920, up to 1930.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13As old as that?
0:05:13 > 0:05:15And it's incredibly collectable.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20There are collectors of tools now which I don't think 40 years ago there really were.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24I think we'd be safe at
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- £200 to £300.- Flipping heck!
0:05:26 > 0:05:30And we'll put a fixed reserve of say 150 on it.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34But you've done a wonderful job, really, actually looking after this for 40 years.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- You've got a lot of pleasure out of it.- Yeah, we've had some laughs.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- And I'm sure somebody else... - I just hope the manager's retired that forgot he's given me it.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44He was going to throw it away, wasn't he? He's got no complaints.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46It was 40 years ago!
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I think there's going to be a tool collector that's...
0:05:48 > 0:05:51This might be their Holy Grail for their collection.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Thank you for bringing it in. It's given me a laugh today.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- Good.- It really has, Graham. Thank you very much indeed.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Well, Michael certainly enjoyed getting to grips with that giant saw
0:06:02 > 0:06:04but I found something a little easier to handle.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Peter, I like this a lot and I've seen these before.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12It's a cordial flask. The last one I saw was covered in wax.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14Somebody had stuffed a candle down the top
0:06:14 > 0:06:16and used it as a candle holder.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18How long have you had this?
0:06:18 > 0:06:20We've had it since my parents died about five years ago
0:06:20 > 0:06:25but it's been in the family, certainly for my father's lifetime,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27probably beyond that, I would guess.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- The family, going back a few generations, is Irish.- Right, OK.
0:06:31 > 0:06:32So, erm...
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- I guess it's come from that side. - It's come from the family, yeah.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- Erm, Daniel O'Connell, Irish politician.- Irish politician, yeah.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- Roman Catholic.- Yeah.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- He campaigned for Catholics to sit in Parliament.- Yeah.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46He also campaigned the repeal of the Act of Union
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- between Great Britain and Ireland in 1827.- Yeah.
0:06:51 > 0:06:57Which, I think, dates this to the very late 1820s, or early 1830s.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- Yeah.- Why do you want to sell it?
0:07:00 > 0:07:03It's been in the garage five years. We haven't looked at it.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07I don't think anyone in the family is particularly interested in it.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11Let it go to somebody who appreciates it more than we do.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12- A collector?- Yeah, yeah.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14You see, I like this kind of thing.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17I'm very passionate about country pottery
0:07:17 > 0:07:21and this is the sort of basic as it gets, really. Staffs pottery.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24This is not for the upper echelons, these things were affordable
0:07:24 > 0:07:28and they were knocking them out, you know, in their thousands.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- I've never seen one with that pattern on...- No, nor have I.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- ..on the jacket.- Nor have I. I think this is quite rare.- Yeah?
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Mm, I do. I've only seen a couple before and they've been in very good condition
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- and they've made around £400.- Yeah.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44But I've not seen them with the spots on the jacket.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- Nevertheless, it's the condition. - Yeah.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49There is a chip on his nose, as you can see.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52You can forgive that, you know.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- But it's the back I'm worried about. - Right.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57There's not only a hairline crack running right through the vessel,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- there's also...- A bit missing.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Otherwise I'd like to say £300 to £400 quite easily.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04OK.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- I think if we put it in at £200 to £300.- Yeah, OK.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- And put a reserve at £200.- Right.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- On a good day, you know, we are going to get that top end.- OK.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Excellent.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19The experts are still unearthing treasures in the back garden
0:08:19 > 0:08:22but I'm off for a wander around this beautiful estate.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Lincolnshire is famous as an agricultural county,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29producing over a quarter of the nation's vegetables
0:08:29 > 0:08:32and Normanby Hall has a pretty spectacular vegetable patch,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34all of its own.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43The gardening team here, under the supervision of the head gardener,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45only grow heritage fruit and vegetables,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48keeping true to the garden's Victorian principles.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Thank goodness they've moved on from the Victorians' method
0:08:51 > 0:08:55of keeping the pests at bay, nicotine and drops of arsenic everywhere,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58but, I must say, they have restored this garden back
0:08:58 > 0:09:02to its former glory. It's a delight and a joy to walk around.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06When the Sheffield family lived here, exotic fruit and vegetables
0:09:06 > 0:09:09would have been shown off with great pride at dinner parties
0:09:09 > 0:09:13but like many others around the UK, this garden was conscripted
0:09:13 > 0:09:17into the Dig For Victory campaign during World War II.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20During the war years, British food imports were halved
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and by 1943, over a million tonnes of vegetables were being grown
0:09:23 > 0:09:27in gardens and allotments across the country.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30You can't beat growing your own fruit and veg,
0:09:30 > 0:09:32just cultivating it and watching it grow
0:09:32 > 0:09:35and then having the satisfaction of picking it and eating it.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38I'm going to be cheeky now and pinch a raspberry.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Look at that gem, look at that, wonderful and soft.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Mm, quite sharp and tangy, as well.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49Just one more!
0:09:49 > 0:09:51HE LAUGHS
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Back on the lawns, our experts are enjoying the fruits of their labours.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58On Caroline's table are two beautiful dolls
0:09:58 > 0:10:01who are full of themselves, and that's not an insult.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03So, Alice, tell me
0:10:03 > 0:10:07how did these lovely Russian dolls come into your possession?
0:10:07 > 0:10:12Well, my great aunt got them when she was about five and, erm,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15they were brought back by her uncle from Russia,
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- who was in the Navy and he used to travel the world.- Right...
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- And about three years ago she decided to give them to me.- Lucky lady!
0:10:23 > 0:10:28- So where do you keep them?- Nana keeps them.- Nana keeps them, right.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- So tell me, Pam, do you like them? - I do like them, yes.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- It's the history involved with them.- Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36When you see them, you know,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39the thought of children playing with them is just charming.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44Yeah. They're beautifully made, hand-painted, softwood,
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- and can you see on the bottom here, Made in Russia?- Yeah.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53That Made in Russia puts them into the 20th century.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57So they date from after 1900.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59How many dolls are there?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- 12.- 12!
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- Can we take the top off and have a look?- Yeah.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05Oh, look!
0:11:05 > 0:11:08There she is, look, how colourful.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10And another one.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15And another one!
0:11:15 > 0:11:19They're beautiful and they've hardly been played with at all, have they?
0:11:19 > 0:11:22I think the top one's been fiddled around with a bit.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26Yes, that's because this will have been outside, on display,
0:11:26 > 0:11:28and it's just, there's no damage at all,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- but it's just slightly worn, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- But I think we'd all be slightly worn if we were over 100 years old, wouldn't we?- Yeah.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Do you have any idea of value? - No, no.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41What about you, Alice, have you thought about the value of these?
0:11:41 > 0:11:43I've thought about it but I can't guess.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Right, let's see if we can shed some light.
0:11:47 > 0:11:53I would think they are probably worth between £40 and £60.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- How does that sound? - It sounds really good, yeah.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57It does sound really good. Good.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- And to be safe, let's put a reserve of £30.- Yeah.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- And sell them, are you happy with that?- Yeah, I am.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Brilliant, we'll do that. Great.- Thank you.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Thank you very much, Pam and Alice. Thanks for coming.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17Well, our first three items are good to go so it's time to head off to auction
0:12:17 > 0:12:19and here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24Alice's beautiful Russian dolls are just too precious to play with
0:12:24 > 0:12:27but will they find an owner to admire them at auction?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Will Peter's Staffordshire incarnation of Daniel O'Connell
0:12:30 > 0:12:33find some fans in Lincoln?
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Or, will it be Graham's advertising sign that goes against the grain
0:12:36 > 0:12:39and cuts through the estimate in the saleroom?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43We've travelled south to the Roman city of Lincoln,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45a heritage lover's dream.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Time has stood still amongst the cobbled streets
0:12:47 > 0:12:52and the Tudor houses, all overlooked by the magnificent Norman cathedral.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57We've brought our expert selection of historic items along,
0:12:57 > 0:12:59where auctioneer Colin Young is on the rostrum
0:12:59 > 0:13:02and today's sale is live on the internet.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05The seller's commission here is 15% plus VAT
0:13:05 > 0:13:07so make sure you factor that in
0:13:07 > 0:13:10if you're planning to buy anything on the hammer price.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Will any of these items be the one that surprises us all
0:13:13 > 0:13:15and goes for thousands?
0:13:16 > 0:13:21First up, it's Alice, selling something at auction for the very first time.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23We need to sell these Russian dolls
0:13:23 > 0:13:28because the money is going towards the upkeep of the horse?
0:13:28 > 0:13:29- A saddle.- A saddle.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- And tell Paul what colour saddle? - Either pink or purple.- No!
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Oh, no, don't! You don't want a pink or purple saddle.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- It's a grey horse.- Oh, is it?
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- Pink, and then it will stand out. - Yeah.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Oh... I don't know what to say about that.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47I didn't know they sold pink saddles, Alice.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Well, look, if that's what you want, then fingers crossed,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- Hopefully your dreams will come true.- Yeah.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56I think it's a first we've had a set of Russian dolls on the show before
0:13:56 > 0:13:58so fingers crossed, it's all going to come good.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- Eh? Eh?- Yes.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Right, let's put it to the test, shall we,
0:14:04 > 0:14:05that's what it's all about.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Do you know what, if this doesn't sell,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10I'm going to be mortified for you.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Lot number 345...
0:14:12 > 0:14:14This is it, look at the auctioneer.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16..hand painted Russian dolls.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19There we go, who's going to start me at...
0:14:19 > 0:14:23start me at the highest first, 100. 100...
0:14:23 > 0:14:25All right, start me at the smallest, then.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Start me at ten and we'll get on. Ten? Ten bid, ten bid, 15 do I see?
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Ten bid, 15 now, surely. 15, 20 bid. 25 bid.
0:14:31 > 0:14:3430, 30 bid, 35?
0:14:34 > 0:14:3635 bid, 40, 40 bid, five. 50, 50 bid, five? No.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39£50 bid, five bid, 60. £60 bid and five?
0:14:39 > 0:14:40At £60 bid, five anywhere else now?
0:14:40 > 0:14:42At £60 bid, let's slow it down and two, if you like.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45At £60 bid, two bid, five, 65.
0:14:45 > 0:14:4868 bid. £70 bid. At £70, two do I see now?
0:14:48 > 0:14:5172 bid, 75 bid, 78 now?
0:14:51 > 0:14:53At 75 bid, eight as a last call now.
0:14:53 > 0:14:5475, are we all done?
0:14:54 > 0:14:56At 75, last call...
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- That was a good result, £75.- Yeah.
0:14:59 > 0:15:0180, again, do I see? At £80 bid, two anywhere else now?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04At 80, are we all done, everybody's out in the room now?
0:15:04 > 0:15:08You're out on the net, we're selling on the book this time, at £80.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09GAVEL FALLS
0:15:09 > 0:15:10Look, you, big smiles.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Look at the camera, look at that wonderful smile.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Look, I hope you get your pink saddle, OK?
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Fingers crossed, you get it. Don't be disappointed if it's a brown one.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22HE LAUGHS Thank you!
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Great result for Alice and a possible start for an auctioneering career.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28The Irish gin flask is next.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Hopefully the bidders will fall in love with this like I did.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- We are looking at £200-£300.- Yeah.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- Have you had any second thoughts about this?- No.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41I think if it doesn't sell, we'll probably give it to a museum or something.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44It's got that look about it, it's got that quality about it,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47which should go to a bygone museum. It's got everything right about it.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- It's the spots.- It's the spots. That could be a really good thing.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54We just need the buyers here - the bidders to fall in love with it,
0:15:54 > 0:15:55take it home and cherish it.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58This is the 19th-century Irish reformed stoneware flask.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01What shall we say? Who's going to start me at a couple of hundred?
0:16:01 > 0:16:05£200 for it, 200. 150 to go, surely? 150 anybody?
0:16:05 > 0:16:11150. 100. £100 bid already. 110, making it 110, 120. 120?
0:16:11 > 0:16:14130. 140 now, 140.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18At 140. 150. 150 on the net. 150.
0:16:18 > 0:16:24160. 170. 170. At 170. 180 now - 180, do I see?
0:16:24 > 0:16:28No, 170. Are we are all done at 170? Done and finished. 170!
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I'm afraid I have to withdraw that then, ladies and gentlemen.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Well, we were a few bids out there. I think he was calling at 170.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36We were two bids away really from selling it.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40So we know we're in the right ballpark figure. It just wasn't our day today.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Yeah, I think I'll go and contact a local museum and see if they're interested in it.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46That's a good call and very generous of you as well.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Let other people appreciate it, because it is rare,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- but it's just not everybody's cup of tea.- No. Yeah.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54It's solved the problem of you asking me
0:16:54 > 0:16:57what I was going to do with the money!
0:16:57 > 0:16:59And now for something pretty unusual.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Advertising signs are making a resurgence. There's a comeback now.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- Everybody wants them.- That's nice!
0:17:05 > 0:17:07I particularly like those early advertising signs.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09I've not seen a large saw like that before.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Obviously it was on display in a tool monger's shop,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15or it could have been hanging up on the wall, looked really nice.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18I think you'd have had that as a centrepiece to a display,
0:17:18 > 0:17:22and all the actual saws coming off - all the different ones.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- It's got all sorts of possibilities. - Yes. Fingers crossed.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- Fingers crossed.- Good luck. This is it. It's going under the hammer now.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Who's going to start me at, erm, start me at £200 for it?
0:17:33 > 0:17:36200? 200 for the saw?
0:17:36 > 0:17:40150 to go then, surely? 150?
0:17:40 > 0:17:44100? £100? £100, anyone?
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- It's not good, is it? - No tool collectors here today.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50£100 bid. Ten anywhere else, surely? And £100.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54At £100, anybody else going to join in? At £100, bid. Ten now, surely?
0:17:54 > 0:18:00At £100 bid. Ten now? Ten. 120, I've got. 130. 140 now.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03140 bid. 150.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05150 bid.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08There we go. Tool collectors.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- Lord be praised, they're everywhere.- Yeah.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14150. 150. At 150, we're on the market and we're selling!
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- Just!- Just - skin of the teeth. It's a difficult thing to value.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- Maybe if it had been in the tool sale with other tools, it would have done 200.- That's it.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28But the tool collectors found it online and they bid online.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- That's where they wanted to be. - You can't get a saw for it now.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34You can't, no. Not for the teeth per inches to that one!
0:18:34 > 0:18:38I just hope it wasn't bought by someone with a really big tree they're going to have to cut down,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41because they'll be disappointed when they get it in the post.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43It's the hammer I was looking for! It suits the size.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50There you are, that completes our first visit to the saleroom today.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52We are coming back later on in the programme.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Now, you know I love a good restoration project.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Almost a decade ago, I came across one of the toughest jobs of all,
0:18:58 > 0:19:02repairing an 800-year-old stained glass window in Lincoln Cathedral.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Well, almost ten years later, we are back in the area.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07I thought I'd pay it a visit in situ,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11and see it in all its former medieval glory.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16But this time from a different angle, dangling 100 feet from the ceiling on a rope.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18Take a look at this.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27During the 12th century, Lincoln was considered to be
0:19:27 > 0:19:29one of the wealthiest cities in the country.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33And its cathedral really showcases the city's importance.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38This glorious place of worship was built from around 1185 onwards,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41and it's one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture
0:19:41 > 0:19:43you will find in Britain.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46For nearly 300 years its middle tower was the tallest building
0:19:46 > 0:19:49in the world, succeeding the Great Pyramids.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Today it stands as a glorious reminder
0:19:52 > 0:19:54of Lincoln's historical past.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59It's a city packed with history. Roman arches,
0:19:59 > 0:20:04medieval architecture and ancient waterways show off a rich past.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06After the Battle of Hastings,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09William the Conqueror built Lincoln Castle as his northern stronghold,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11and the cathedral once owned land
0:20:11 > 0:20:14stretching from the Humber to the Thames!
0:20:14 > 0:20:19Now when John Ruskin, the leading art critic and social commentator of the Victorian era,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23described this as the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27worth any two of our other cathedrals, he was possibly right.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Because behind this great facade
0:20:29 > 0:20:33is one of the most gorgeous Gothic buildings in Britain.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38The building of this current cathedral continued
0:20:38 > 0:20:41long to the 13th and early 14th century.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45The beautiful pointed arches on the inside
0:20:45 > 0:20:47were at the forefront of Gothic architecture
0:20:47 > 0:20:49and became a signature style for the period.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53It allowed more space, more light and larger windows.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Now one of the real wonders of this cathedral is the Dean's Eye -
0:21:00 > 0:21:03a large stained glass window over 800 years old.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Almost a decade ago, I came here to meet up with
0:21:06 > 0:21:09some of the extraordinary craftsmen and craftswomen
0:21:09 > 0:21:13who've been involved in the project of restoring the window back
0:21:13 > 0:21:15to its former medieval glory.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19When I was here in 2003,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22the cathedral was five years into a unique project,
0:21:22 > 0:21:27restoring the medieval stained glass window that dominates the north transept.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32In the 1980s it was noticed that the whole 800-year-old window was curving outwards,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35probably as a result of southerly winds creating a vacuum
0:21:35 > 0:21:37on the outside of the window.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40It was decided that 77 panels of medieval glass
0:21:40 > 0:21:44should be restored and replaced, adding a layer of protection
0:21:44 > 0:21:48to ensure it would last a further 800 years.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54The cathedral's team of stonemasons and glaziers were at the forefront of this project,
0:21:54 > 0:21:59using traditional methods to delicately return the window to its former glory.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02The panels of glass, consisting of thousands of individual pieces,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06had to be restored, ranging in size from about 30cm to about four feet!
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Germany is at the forefront of stained glass restoration.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Last time I was here, I met German glass specialist Thomas Kupper,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18who was brought in to lead the project,
0:22:18 > 0:22:23restoring and repairing the beautiful medieval window panels.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24This looks almost complete now,
0:22:24 > 0:22:28will you be responsible for replacing it back into the Dean's Eye?
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Yes, we will be. It's a very exciting project,
0:22:31 > 0:22:33and we're going to be there in two or three years' time.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37When the Dean's Eye is complete, I'll come back and see it.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- You must do.- I will do.- It will be a glorious piece of work.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49Almost a decade later, here it is, in pride of place in this magnificent cathedral.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52I'm so glad I've taken the time to come back here,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54because that is just stunning!
0:22:54 > 0:22:57It took 17 years and £1.5 million
0:22:57 > 0:23:01to restore the Dean's Eye back to its former glory.
0:23:01 > 0:23:07And a whole host of people have worked on this, from historians, architects, archaeologists,
0:23:07 > 0:23:09stonemasons, glaziers, leadworkers -
0:23:09 > 0:23:13they've all played their part in this unique restoration project.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18But it's from the inside that you can see this beautiful glass
0:23:18 > 0:23:20up there in all its glory.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Stained glass windows were often called the poor person's Bible.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Painted at a time when a large part of the population couldn't read or write,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30the individual roundels are designed to tell a biblical story
0:23:30 > 0:23:36and these 16 round windows depict angels, bishops, kings and biblical characters.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39With the topmost roundel showing Christ as judge.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42And you can imagine how, in the 13th century,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45constructing this window was an incredible achievement,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48with no illuminated tables for the artist to work on,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51each section would have been set out on a workbench,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54and when the jigsaw puzzle was finally completed and the light
0:23:54 > 0:23:59finally shone through the window, it must have been a glorious surprise.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03Today I am back to meet Thomas and admire the modern restoration
0:24:03 > 0:24:05of this medieval masterpiece.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Here it is in place, I can't believe it. Wonderful!
0:24:08 > 0:24:10It is absolutely magnificent.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14The thing is, we've been up there working for almost 20 years -
0:24:14 > 0:24:18day in, day out - putting the glass in, conserving it on the bench -
0:24:18 > 0:24:23but once the scaffolding came down, and the day came for the grand opening,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26it was just amazing to see all in its glory.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- You were a proud man?- Oh, yes! The whole team was proud.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Before I go, I really want to get a close look at the hard work
0:24:32 > 0:24:34that's gone into this magnificent window,
0:24:34 > 0:24:36but it's going to mean some work on my part.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41I'm looking forward to this, but I'm kind of...
0:24:41 > 0:24:43It's with trepidation, really!
0:24:43 > 0:24:45I want to get up there and see it,
0:24:45 > 0:24:48but I don't really want to do the process of getting up there.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53A specialist rope team working behind the scenes at the cathedral
0:24:53 > 0:24:59has been rigging these ropes down from the roof for the last few hours, to get me to the top.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03I've got a cameraman going up on another rope just over there,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and he's going to be following all the action.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09I've got a camera on my head, as well.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11And we also have a camera mounted up here.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14And what we will see is the Dean's Eye in all its glory.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16That's what it's all about.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- Oh, you're looking good! - LAUGHTER
0:25:31 > 0:25:37Wow! I'm about halfway up. It is...just incredible!
0:25:37 > 0:25:40The symmetry is unbelievable!
0:25:43 > 0:25:48I never realised this would be...so difficult.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53It is immense! It's absolutely...immense!
0:25:55 > 0:25:57A protective eye on the face of the cathedral,
0:25:57 > 0:26:01the window was designed to face northwards, to ward off the Devil.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05And if you think it's a spectacle now,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08imagine what it must have looked like in the Middle Ages,
0:26:08 > 0:26:12when most people lived in a single storey building with little
0:26:12 > 0:26:14more that slits for windows.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Well...I've done it.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Wow!
0:26:24 > 0:26:29I never would believe, in a million years,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32it would look as fabulous as that.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35That is strikingly marvellous.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40All credit to everybody who has worked on this restoration project,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42it is just incredible.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46What a fantastic thing to say you've worked on -
0:26:46 > 0:26:51preserving our heritage for many more generations.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54And to think - this is 800 years old, and it looks as good as new.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57And it only needed an MOT after 750 years!
0:26:58 > 0:27:01I'll remember this day for the rest of my life!
0:27:08 > 0:27:11That really was one of the most incredible things I've done on this show.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13But with my feet firmly back on the ground,
0:27:13 > 0:27:15we're back at Normanby Hall on the hunt
0:27:15 > 0:27:21for our own precious antiques and collectibles destined for the saleroom.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24Michael's first at the table - full of weaponry.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Could it contain that item worth tens of thousands?
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- Anne, you're obviously not a lady to be messed with.- No, not at all.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Not with all these lethal weapons on the table in front of me.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Erm, they don't look like the sort of things you'd have gone out
0:27:38 > 0:27:40and bought intentionally.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42No. A friend gave them to me.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46A family member had brought them back from Africa some years ago,
0:27:46 > 0:27:48so they'd been handed down to him.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50That's good. That's what we want to hear.
0:27:50 > 0:27:56Because there are two sorts, broadly, of tribal artefacts.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01The first type is items made for use.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06- The others are those made for the tourist market.- Right.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11So, this group, to me, has a look of functionality about it.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13We've got two shields.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16This might be cowhide -
0:28:16 > 0:28:21- I know the Zulus had large cowhide shields like these.- Right.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23This obviously is a fighting shield, as well.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26We've got a carved, dug-out handle on the back.
0:28:26 > 0:28:31And that's good, because you'd think with later ones, they might have added to them.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34They'd have the ability to hammer or to strap on a handle.
0:28:34 > 0:28:35Whereas this is integral carving.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40And we've got the most important thing - we've got colour on all these things.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44When you get a bit of wood and carve it, it's very plain and dry.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48You might paint it - this has been painted red and white -
0:28:48 > 0:28:54but as you handle it, the grease off your fingers, the muck, the grime builds in
0:28:54 > 0:28:59and you get this lovely colour where you'd naturally handle it.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03We've got the two short spears - two fighting spears,
0:29:03 > 0:29:09and we've got the throwing axe - and again, it's not over-elaborate.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11If you were making this as a tourist piece,
0:29:11 > 0:29:13you might do a bit more carving.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17- It's just carved there for grip. - Right.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19All good points.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24- We've got this gourd.- Gourd? - Gourd - a calabash.- Right.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Which is a double gourd you'd use to carry your water in.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Which, of course, in Africa is an immensely important thing.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33And again we've got all the discolouration
0:29:33 > 0:29:36around the mouthpiece where it would be making contact.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38So this is good.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43I mean, dating this stuff, even when you're an expert in it, is hard.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44Difficult.
0:29:44 > 0:29:51I would think we were safe saying it's about 1890 to 1900.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- Gosh.- I certainly don't think it's any later than that.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Now, when you're friend gave you these things, did you not
0:29:57 > 0:30:03think to put them up on the wall in a large display of tribal artefacts?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Absolutely. That was my intentions, but because of the spears,
0:30:06 > 0:30:08I was quite worried.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Because I've got young grandchildren,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13so we've popped them in the cupboard and that's where they've been.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Did your friend, when he gave them to you, give you an idea of value?
0:30:16 > 0:30:17Not at all. Haven't got a clue.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19You haven't got a clue?
0:30:19 > 0:30:23So, right, erm... The weapons aren't greatly valuable.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28I think this - the shield - and the calabash are the nicest things.
0:30:28 > 0:30:34- As a group, let's put them in at £200 to £400.- Really?
0:30:34 > 0:30:35- Yep, yep, yep.- Gosh!
0:30:35 > 0:30:41And we'll but a reserve on that at a sensible but not unrealistic level - say £150.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45- Yeah. Yeah.- But, yeah, tribal art is a very difficult thing to value.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48So a nice broad estimate reflects the fact that you're saying,
0:30:48 > 0:30:52"Well, it's really up you what you think it's worth,"
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- and they'll make your bids accordingly.- OK.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Out of the cupboard, into the saleroom. Happy with that?
0:30:58 > 0:30:59Yes, very. Thank you very much.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Don't have to worry about any malicious grandchildren
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- chasing you with a spear. - Absolutely not.- Excellent.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- Thanks very much for bringing them in.- Thank you. That's great.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13An intriguing mixture of objects, and Michael's right.
0:31:13 > 0:31:14They are tricky to value.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Let's hope there's a buyer in the saleroom that spots something
0:31:17 > 0:31:19that catches their eye.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Now to the front of the house where, at the end of the day,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Caroline is ready for a sit-down.
0:31:25 > 0:31:26This is wonderful.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30Tell me how you came by it and what you know about it.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32I know that it's a Thonet chair
0:31:32 > 0:31:37because it's got its original label underneath
0:31:37 > 0:31:40and I understand that Thonet, or his ancestors,
0:31:40 > 0:31:42invented the bentwood chair.
0:31:42 > 0:31:49That's correct. In 1840, he invented the patent for steam-bending beech
0:31:49 > 0:31:52into what is known as bentwood chairs.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57It wasn't until we got home that we actually found out it collapses.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01Let's have a look. Watch your fingers.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06It folds up and the label, yes, as you correctly said,
0:32:06 > 0:32:10the Thonet label, Wien. Vienna.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14The seat and the back are done in Bergere work,
0:32:14 > 0:32:18which is the cane work. No breaks at all.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23As you know, once there's a break, the whole thing tends to unravel,
0:32:23 > 0:32:25but it's in remarkably good condition.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27What date would you say it is?
0:32:27 > 0:32:33I would think it's possibly 1920, 1910-20. That sort of period.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35What did you pay for it?
0:32:35 > 0:32:38I actually paid £6.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43- Oh, boy!- Six, seven years ago. - That's a good price.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45That is a very good price.
0:32:45 > 0:32:51I would put an estimate for auction of £100-150,
0:32:51 > 0:32:53so your £6 has performed very well.
0:32:53 > 0:33:01So, if we put a reserve of possibly just under that, maybe £80,
0:33:01 > 0:33:06- discretionary. See what happens, are you happy with that?- Very happy.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- Excellent, good.- Shall we go and flog it?- We will!
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- After I've had a sit-down. - Yes.- Thank you.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Well, we found all our items to take off to the saleroom and after
0:33:17 > 0:33:18a fantastic day of valuing,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21our crowds have left the magnificent Normanby Hall.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Which, sadly, we have to say goodbye to right now
0:33:24 > 0:33:28as it's off to auction for the very last time in Lincoln.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Here's a quick recap of what's coming with us.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34One of our items is worth a small fortune
0:33:34 > 0:33:36and goes for 100 times more than the estimate,
0:33:36 > 0:33:40but will it be Anne's collection of tribal artefacts
0:33:40 > 0:33:42liberated from the bedroom cupboard?
0:33:42 > 0:33:47Or will Pauline's bargain £6 chair shock us all
0:33:47 > 0:33:49and send her away with a handsome profit?
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Back in Lincoln, there's a real buzz in the saleroom
0:33:54 > 0:33:57and Colin Young has had a huge amount of interest.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59First up, we have the beautiful bentwood chair.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00While Pauline is on her holidays,
0:34:00 > 0:34:04good friend Lesley is here to see it go under the hammer.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- It's a nice chair.- It is and what makes it especially nice
0:34:07 > 0:34:09is the name. It's a Thonet.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14Without the name, it's just an ordinary bentwood chair.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Thonet, I'm hoping it's going to push it up.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Ready to put it to the test?
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Here we go, let's put it under the hammer.
0:34:21 > 0:34:27Who's going to start me at £100? A very rare chair, this. 100.
0:34:27 > 0:34:3480 to go. £80. 50. £50, anyone?
0:34:34 > 0:34:37£50 bid, at 50. 5 anywhere else?
0:34:37 > 0:34:40At £50, 5, surely?
0:34:40 > 0:34:45Now do I see at 55, now 60? 60 and 5, do I see 65, 70?
0:34:45 > 0:34:49A lot more than the six quid you paid for it.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Come on again, surely one of you now.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54We're up to 75. At 75, on the market on that basis.
0:34:54 > 0:34:55Let's keep rolling.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59There's two of you hovering, surely you're going to come in now.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02At 75 bid, a very rare Thonet chair.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06Any more now at 75, are we all done?
0:35:06 > 0:35:09At £75.
0:35:10 > 0:35:15Yes, he sold it! £75, he's used discretion on the reserve.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18£75, you've got to get on the phone and tell her.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- She'll phone me tonight. - It's fantastic!
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- I'll follow you next time.- She'll find some more.- Brilliant.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29Sometimes it's worth setting a discretionary reserve,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31let the auctioneer make his mind up,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33and that's not bad for a £6 investment.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38Well, the tension is still running high in the saleroom
0:35:38 > 0:35:40and people are lined up on the telephone.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44Auction houses are unpredictable and this feels like something big.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Going under the hammer right now
0:35:47 > 0:35:49we have a little group of ethnographica.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52You're probably thinking, "What's he going on about?
0:35:52 > 0:35:54"What's ethnographica?" Anne can tell us.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- Who have you brought along? - This is Lewis.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- Shake my hand, how old are you?- 11.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04- You're on your school holidays right now?- Yes, he is.- Enjoying them?- Yes.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08You're one of the reasons why Anne is selling her ethnographica.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13We're talking about tribal art, aren't we? African tribal art.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18Quite dangerous African tribal art. It's lovely stuff.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20It's a very interesting field.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23I think you have to be a specialist really to appreciate it.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28- I just love the group of items. - It's a nice little sensible group.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31We see a lot of this on the programme over the years
0:36:31 > 0:36:34and a lot of it goes back to its country of origin.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38We see a lot of Aboriginal artefacts, Maori artefacts,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Polynesian and all of these cultures are buying their history back
0:36:41 > 0:36:45and putting it in museums. They are paying top money for it.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49Good luck, this is it. Look at the auctioneer up there.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Lot 145 showing now, this is the tribal art, the African spear,
0:36:53 > 0:36:57axe or hatchet. A very fine group lot, this.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59I think we ought to get straight into this
0:36:59 > 0:37:01because we've got all the telephones...
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Telephones! Promising.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Who's going to start me first, straight in, £500?
0:37:05 > 0:37:06500, who's first?
0:37:06 > 0:37:09500, bid at 500, 550.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13Do I see 550 from Australia? 600 bid.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16£600 bid from Australia.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20650 now. 700, 750, 800 now.
0:37:20 > 0:37:26At 850, 900. 950 bid.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30950 again. 1,000 bid, 1,100 now.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32At 1,000, 1,100 now do I see?
0:37:32 > 0:37:361,100 on the telephone, 1200, 1300.
0:37:36 > 0:37:381,400 do I see now?
0:37:38 > 0:37:42We're up to 1,500, 1,600, 1,700 now.
0:37:42 > 0:37:451,800 bid. 1,900.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48At 1,900, there's three people there just waiting to go.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50We're at 2,100 bid.
0:37:50 > 0:37:532,200, I'll come back to the phones in just one moment.
0:37:53 > 0:37:562,400, 2,500, 2,600, 2,700.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00UK bidder this time. 2,800 back in Australia.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02At 2,800, 2,900 do I see now?
0:38:02 > 0:38:05At 2,800, 2,900, and 3,000.
0:38:05 > 0:38:093,200 may I see now? Thank you.
0:38:09 > 0:38:133,400 now. 3,400 anywhere else now?
0:38:13 > 0:38:16At 3,200, are we all done?
0:38:16 > 0:38:173,400 on the phone.
0:38:17 > 0:38:203,400!
0:38:20 > 0:38:243,800 bid. 4,000 now. Thank you, sir.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28Lewis, it's £4,200!
0:38:28 > 0:38:324,600. 4,600 now. 4,800 bid.
0:38:32 > 0:38:365,000 bid. 5,000 now. 5,500.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40You thought this was a bit of junk, didn't you, really?
0:38:40 > 0:38:44I'll need a cup of tea in a moment, Paul.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47Hey, listen, it hasn't stopped. 5,600.
0:38:47 > 0:38:535,800 now, 5,800. 6,000 bid. 6,200.
0:38:53 > 0:38:576,500. Is anybody going to bid 7,000?
0:38:57 > 0:38:597,000 anywhere else?
0:38:59 > 0:39:026,800 bid, 7,000 now.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07- £7,000!- This is crazy!
0:39:07 > 0:39:12- Anne, have you got any more of this at home?- No, sorry.- 7,400 now.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- 7,500 I'm bid. That'll do. - This is crazy.
0:39:15 > 0:39:207,800. 8,000.
0:39:20 > 0:39:27Let's keep rolling. 8,200, 8,500. 8,800.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32£8,000... It's £9,000!
0:39:32 > 0:39:36Michael, we've missed something.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Top it up to 10,000 now.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42I'm looking for 10,000.
0:39:42 > 0:39:4710,000 bid. 11,000 may I see now? 11,000 bid.
0:39:47 > 0:39:5111,000 on the telephone and 12,000.
0:39:51 > 0:39:5513,000. It's not unlucky, 14 now.
0:39:55 > 0:39:56It's not for the vendor.
0:39:56 > 0:40:0215 do I see now? 15,000. 16 now.
0:40:02 > 0:40:0516,000, 17,000.
0:40:05 > 0:40:0917,000. 18,000. 18,000. 19 now.
0:40:09 > 0:40:1119,000. 20,000.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16- £20,000!- 22,000?
0:40:16 > 0:40:2222,000. 24 now. 26. 26,000.
0:40:22 > 0:40:2328,000.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31At 28,000. £30,000 may I see now?
0:40:31 > 0:40:3330,000, 32 now.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37At £30,000, my original telephone bidder.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40£30,000.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Is there anyone else now with 32,000? At £30,000.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Going once. Going twice.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Your last chance on the internet for 32,000.
0:40:51 > 0:40:57Third and final time. Sold. £30,000.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01£30,000! Lewis, high five!
0:41:02 > 0:41:07£30,000. That is absolutely incredible!
0:41:07 > 0:41:12- I'm shaking.- Wow!
0:41:12 > 0:41:14We were hoping for 200-300.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- I thought that might have been ambitious.- 200-300 was ambitious.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19- We've just got £30,000. - I can't believe it.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Missed something really, really big.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Got to go and have another look at that in a minute.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27When I left home, I said, "I bet we get the lower end."
0:41:27 > 0:41:29You were looking at the 150.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32I'm flabbergasted, I really don't know what to say.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36Apologies, to start with. I'm so sorry.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38We can't be an expert on everything
0:41:38 > 0:41:43and I thought I'd given it my best shot, but there's something in there.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Possibly one of them was made of gold and covered in wood.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49We've all learned this is what antiques is about.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53- Believe me, we've all learned something today.- I can't believe it.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57I just can't believe it. Not in a million years.
0:41:59 > 0:42:00What an unbelievable result.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03A complete shock for Anne and for all of us.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05It's incredible, isn't it?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Absolutely incredible.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10You were shocked as well. We all were.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- No-one saw this coming. 30,000. - You really couldn't.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17This was one of those areas where it comes in,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20it's been looked at, it's been estimated, we've catalogued it.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22The market decides.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26It turns out the winning bid came all the way from Australia
0:42:26 > 0:42:29where an eagle-eyed curator at Sydney's Primitive Art Museum
0:42:29 > 0:42:31spotted this shield on the auction website
0:42:31 > 0:42:34and recognised it as Aboriginal Australian.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Shields like this were first used for ceremony and combat.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41Often brought to the UK by settlers who colonised Australia
0:42:41 > 0:42:43in the 18th and 19th centuries.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48Nowadays they are rare and valuable pieces of Australian history.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51The good thing is, that's found its way back to its homeland.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Back to Australia, to a museum for the next generations to appreciate.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59I know Anne is a very, very happy lady.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01A few days later, we caught up with Anne
0:43:01 > 0:43:04now that the good news had a chance to sink in.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08On the day of the auction, it was like I wasn't there,
0:43:08 > 0:43:12to be honest with you. I couldn't see anybody.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16It was the strangest feeling I've ever had in my life.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18Now I know it's Aboriginal
0:43:18 > 0:43:22and the story that's unfolded is absolutely marvellous.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25I feel very proud indeed that it's gone back to its homeland,
0:43:25 > 0:43:27where it should be.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29I'd recommend anybody to do it because who knows,
0:43:29 > 0:43:33you might have hidden treasure there like I did.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd