0:00:03 > 0:00:07A cloaked figure with empty eye sockets watches the road ahead.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10A luring voice gently calls your name
0:00:10 > 0:00:15as a large black beast runs across the deserted landscape.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20I'm in Dartmoor, and with the mist coming down like this,
0:00:20 > 0:00:23settling low, it really does create a spooky atmosphere.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26In fact, this place is full of stories of ghosts and spirits
0:00:26 > 0:00:30terrorising strangers that get lost on the moors.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Come to think of it, that should be my cue to leave.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Welcome to a rather spooky edition of "Flog It!".
0:01:00 > 0:01:04Man has inhabited Dartmoor for the past 12,000 years.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08So it's perhaps no wonder that legend, myth and intrigue
0:01:08 > 0:01:11is steeped in every standing stone and tor.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15From Spinsters' Rock,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19said to be three maidens turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath,
0:01:19 > 0:01:20to the pixies,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24who are said to leave fresh flowers on the grave of a local woman,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Dartmoor is Devon's most intriguing landscape.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33But "Flog It!" are fleeing 25 miles east of Dartmoor
0:01:33 > 0:01:36to take safe haven in Exeter's Gothic cathedral
0:01:36 > 0:01:39for a valuation day to give you the shivers.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47And today, bringing a little piece of history back from the dead
0:01:47 > 0:01:50are the high-spirited folk of Exeter. It's great to see you.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53What a turnout. Gosh, we've got our work cut out today.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55In all of these bags and boxes
0:01:55 > 0:01:57are items, mysteries and stories to be uncovered.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59And that's the job for our experts to do.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Because somewhere here, there's a hidden treasure
0:02:01 > 0:02:03that's worth a small fortune.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- You haven't come in to be valued, have you?- No!
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Have you come in to be valued?
0:02:11 > 0:02:16Now, hunting down our items are Caroline Hawley and Mark Stacey,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19both legends in their own right.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- They scare me, these, you know. - Yeah, it frightens me.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- I put it away in a cupboard. - Yeah, I know, me too.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26It's like the Village of the Damned.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29SOMETHING CLATTERS
0:02:29 > 0:02:31WOMAN SCREAMS
0:02:31 > 0:02:33- It is very spooky.- Hmm.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36I've just been told the hotel I spent the night in last night
0:02:36 > 0:02:39is haunted.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45I'll be investigating the spooky nature of all things Gothic later on.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48But now to the business of valuing antiques.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Never before seen on "Flog It!", could this tiny walking stick
0:02:57 > 0:03:02belong to the 19th-century star General Tom Thumb?
0:03:02 > 0:03:04And I get my hands on a signed platinum album
0:03:04 > 0:03:07from one of the biggest bands in the world.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10How much do you think the fans will pay for Coldplay?
0:03:12 > 0:03:15The founding of the cathedral dates to 1050,
0:03:15 > 0:03:16but the building we see today
0:03:16 > 0:03:19was built during the 13th and 14th century.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21And it really is wearing well.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23And so is one of our experts, Mr Mark Stacey,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26who's found a collection of medallions.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27Let's take a closer look.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Before I look at these, what's the connection here? Who are you?
0:03:32 > 0:03:34My name is Sue, this is my daughter Emma,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36and this is one of my grandchildren, Freya.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Well, I met Freya in the queue, didn't I, Freya?
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- Are you interested?- Are you interested?- I don't think she is.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- Oh, she is. She's nodding. - She's not really.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- I'm not sure she is interested, actually.- No.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- Now, you've brought these items in. - Yeah, I have, yeah.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50Tell me, why are they in your possession?
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Oh, well, unfortunately my father's had to go into a care home.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55And going through all his bits and pieces,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57we found these in a drawer.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00I presume most of them come from my grandfather,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03but my dad can't really remember much about them at all.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05So they've just really, like a lot of family things,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07they've been gathered over the years, put in a box,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- and people have forgotten who and where...?- Yes.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12They've gone from one drawer to another, because
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- we don't know much about them. So... - All right, go and find a drink.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Oh, right. Oh, I think we've lost Freya. She's bored.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Yeah, she's gone for a drink. She is, she's all right.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Are you going to come and sit back on Mummy, now?
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- Yeah, come on then!- Oh, look at this. Preferential treatment.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- What do you say?- Are you happy now?
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- Your dad's gone into a home, you say?- He has.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33He's all right, but he just can't remember where he got them from.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- He sort of forgets where...?- Yeah. Well, at 93, you probably do a bit!
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Oh, gosh. Well, I forget things now.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- And I'm only 33. - Oh, that's all right then.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- Weird mixture, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- These, the football and swimming, we presume are my grandfather.- Yeah.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Yes. And you've got three, well, two...
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Three medals. Yeah, two First World War, which I presume,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56again, are my grandfather's.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- Yeah, they would be, I think. And those are named on there. - Yeah, that's it, yeah.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03The Second World War medals, you don't have names on them,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06unless it's, you know, a very senior medal like a Military Cross,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10I think, or something like that. But it's a nice little group.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13But not terribly valuable, because they were the medals -
0:05:13 > 0:05:15it sounds awful - that everyone got.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17I mean, if we just have a look at some of them.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- This is obviously a gold medallion. - Yeah.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22And it says on the back "Hastings Regatta".
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Yeah, you don't often get silver or gold medals for swimming 60 yards.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31No, well, obviously a very successful regatta in Hastings.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34And then you've got various little silver, I think, medallions.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- Again, they're hallmarked.- Yeah, some of them are football.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- I mean, whoever won them was quite sporty, in your family.- Yeah.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44What is that? We don't know.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Each link is hallmarked, and it has a little number. I wonder...
0:05:47 > 0:05:51And on the front, it's got a picture of a tiny dragon on a link,
0:05:51 > 0:05:52- so I presume it's Welsh.- Oh, yes.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55I wonder if it's something to do with the Welsh Eisteddfod,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- you know, the music festival. - Yeah, I know the one, yeah.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Fascinating thing.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04Sadly, of course, in these times of high bullion prices,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07what will probably happen is that whoever buys this...
0:06:07 > 0:06:08They'll get re-melted.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12..will melt them down and it'll be made into something else.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- How would you feel about that? - It's good recycling.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17I'm into recycling, so...
0:06:17 > 0:06:20That's a very, very good way of putting it, actually.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- And we should all be recycling. - Yeah!
0:06:23 > 0:06:24But I think that's what will happen.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Apart from the medals, of course, they will go to a collector.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29And the little gold ring there.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32But I think we're looking at an estimate of something
0:06:32 > 0:06:34like 100 to £150.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- That's a lot more than we thought! - More than what I thought, yeah.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- Is it?- Yeah!
0:06:38 > 0:06:40And we'd put a reserve on them, of course.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43But I'd just tuck the reserve a little bit under that.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- Yeah.- That's fine, yeah.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47And maybe put a reserve of 75 so we don't give them away.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- That's brilliant. - But hopefully, on the day,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- there's enough there to interest people.- Yeah, very good.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- Wonderful. Well, will we see you all at the auction?- Hopefully, yes.- Yes.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00And we'll make sure we've got plenty of orange juice for Freya.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10So, David, Sharon, hello. Who is the Coldplay fan?
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- Well, I guess I'm the Coldplay fan, really.- Good taste!
0:07:14 > 0:07:16THEY LAUGH
0:07:16 > 0:07:18I just love Chris Martin's writing.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19And he went to school here, in Exeter.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- I believe he was brought up here, lived here.- He did, yes.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24His family still live here, I believe.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27And he went to Exeter Cathedral School.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- That's where he learned to sing. - Yes.- We have...
0:07:32 > 0:07:35..Coldplay memorabilia here. An award for a platinum disc.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37How did you come by it?
0:07:37 > 0:07:42We went to a charity ballroom dance and it was being auctioned there.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44I bid for it and very luckily got it.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47Do you have any provenance with this at all?
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Did anything come with this when you bought it?
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Would you have a piece of paper, a letter?- Well...
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Somewhere in the house is a note from Chris Martin's dad
0:07:55 > 0:07:58when he gave this to the charity and said,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00"Look, would you like to auction this?"
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- We're still looking for it, but it's there somewhere.- OK.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- We'll find it.- We are turning the house upside down to find it!
0:08:06 > 0:08:10Well, this was awarded to the band, look, as a platinum award
0:08:10 > 0:08:16in recognition of sales exceeding 50,000 units, for the album X&Y.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Seeing that on a wall as a piece of contemporary art is great anyway.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Yes.- It's different, it's visual, it's vibrant,
0:08:22 > 0:08:24but it's been signed by the band,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26and that's really, really cool as well.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29And how much did you pay for it? Are we allowed to know that?
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- Oh!- A princely £50.- Is that all?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- That's all.- Were you the only person bidding?
0:08:36 > 0:08:37We were the only people.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- Well, in fact, I was the only one. - I don't believe it.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42I don't believe it! Well, that's why you've got it for £50.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Well, look, I think this is quite exciting, and it's something new
0:08:45 > 0:08:49to "Flog It!", as well. We haven't seen anything like this before.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- Value-wise?- No idea.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57Why don't we say, for argument's sake, let's put one to £200 on this.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58- OK?- OK.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00I think that's a fair opening gambit,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03and I'm sure Coldplay fans everywhere, all over the world,
0:09:03 > 0:09:08if they were alerted to this, would love to own it.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12And you could have a very big hit on your hands.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14We've seen it happen before on the show.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- This could top the charts, it really could.- Excellent.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Excellent, thank you.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23It's hard to imagine Chris Martin singing here as a boy.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Now, I wonder if our audience
0:09:25 > 0:09:27are being inspired by their surroundings.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32I love the venue. It's a beautiful cathedral.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35I live in Exeter, so I come here fairly frequently.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Well, I'm an Exeter girl, so I've been here most of my life,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40and it's one of the most beautiful ones in the country,
0:09:40 > 0:09:41as far as I'm concerned.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43And it...always, always looks lovely,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46and there's always something interesting here.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51The sun is shining, so Caroline's doing her valuations
0:09:51 > 0:09:55and multiplications outside, with a very early calculator.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01So, Lionel, you've brought this fascinating piece of equipment in.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Tell me about it, please.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Well, I saw it at an auction, back in Rhodesia.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12And the reason I recognised it was because, years before,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14our father gave me his old slide rule,
0:10:14 > 0:10:15this type of cylindrical slide rule.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Yeah. And it's a cylindrical slide rule?
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Cylindrical, before the straight, flat types came out.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Yes, yeah.- And then I saw this come up in an auction in Salisbury.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25Harare, as it is called now.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30And I went along and nobody there knew what it was.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- And when I opened the box and saw this magnificent thing...- Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36..I thought, "Come hell or high water, I'm going to get this."
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Yes, I can well imagine, Lionel! And tell me, what did you pay for it?
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- I ended up paying 22 for it. - Which is equivalent to about...?
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- At that time, it was about £8.- £8.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50As you can see, this is in a most beautiful box, a mahogany box,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- made by a very good London maker, Stanley...- Yeah.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58..which was established in 1854, which all adds to the value.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- This particular model is from 1927. - Yeah.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05And it was invented, the cylindrical slide rule,
0:11:05 > 0:11:06by Professor George Fuller.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11It really is wonderful quality and fabulous condition.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13I'll just take it out of here.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17This is, like, the centre stadia line on your...this type of slide rule.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- Yeah.- That's where your answer comes up when you're finished.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Right.- And this goes up and down to pick up...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25There's this notch in here where you pick up your numbers
0:11:25 > 0:11:26- at the bottom.- Yeah.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31Multiplying by something, you pick it up off that one at the top.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32And that's how you retrieve your answers.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35And this moves up and down that.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39These calculations here, the line, is a continuous line.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43It's about 527 foot of one line. Around and round and round.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48So, Lionel, you've decided now the time's right to move this on?
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- Yeah.- Why have you decided that now is the time?
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Well, I suppose I need to buy next week's groceries, don't I?- Oh, gosh!
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Well, let's hope, we have to put a valuation on it,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02enough to buy them. Where do you shop? No, don't mention it!
0:12:02 > 0:12:03I won't mention that!
0:12:03 > 0:12:09I would think anywhere between 150 and £250.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13It's nice, we've got the instruction books with it, and also
0:12:13 > 0:12:15we'll put this later slide rule along with it,
0:12:15 > 0:12:17but the value is really in this.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22But if we put a reserve on it, and a fixed reserve...
0:12:23 > 0:12:28- ..are you happy with possibly £180, fixed reserve?- No, that's too low.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Too low? What sort of reserve were you thinking?
0:12:31 > 0:12:34I would not like it put on for anything less than 250.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Could we meet each other in between and say 200?
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- 200, all right.- 200, that's a deal. And we'll do our best for you.- OK.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- That's fair enough.- Thank you.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49We won't have to wait long to see if our experts are on the money.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51We're going over to the auction right now.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54And here's a quick recap of all the items that are going
0:12:54 > 0:12:55under the hammer.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59It's not your normal set of medals, so will this mixed collection
0:12:59 > 0:13:02get first, second or third prize in the saleroom?
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Will the Coldplay fans be queuing out of the door
0:13:07 > 0:13:10for this piece of music history?
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Or will Lionel's antique calculator steal the show?
0:13:16 > 0:13:17Find out in a moment.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Our auction today comes from the largest city in Devon - Plymouth.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29Plymouth has a beautiful coastline and a newly-developed city centre.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Today's saleroom, however, is located
0:13:31 > 0:13:36in the slightly less picturesque industrial estate at Roborough.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39But beauty's in the eye of the beholder and, personally,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42I can see some real stunners in today's sale.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47First up in the auction, it's my turn to be the expert.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49I am joined by David and Sharon, who are right next to me,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52and we're just about to talk about the X&Y album,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55the platinum disc sales from Coldplay.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58On the day, we said one to £200, because it was a bit of fun.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00We both couldn't gauge its value,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- because I know you only paid £50 for this.- Yes.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06But I know, since the valuation day, you've had a chat to Anthony
0:14:06 > 0:14:12and you've now upped that valuation to 500 to 700, fixed reserve at 500.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- That's right, yes.- Now, do I take it because you really want to keep it?
0:14:16 > 0:14:17- Well, we would like to keep it.- Yes.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19But also, we know that, you know,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21we're going to give half to the charity,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- and we don't want to... - We don't want to reduce that.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27OK, let's put it to the test. Here we go, look, this is it.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Coldplay, EMA platinum award disc.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33And I must start it at £400.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36At 410 if you want it. At £400, 10, 420.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42At 420, then. Still against you all at 420.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Quite sure at 420. Finished, everyone, then, at £420?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49430, 440.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54450, 460. At £460, one more if you want it.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57At £460, quite sure, then?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Hammer's gone down. He was asking for 460 in the room
0:15:04 > 0:15:08and it didn't sell, so it didn't make its reserve.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- So it goes home with you.- It does. - It's not a bad thing, is it?
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- And we're happy with that. - It's not a bad thing.- No, it isn't.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- You'll cherish it, won't you? - And we will.- It's lovely.- Good.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21So, the platinum disc is staying in Chris Martin's home county of Devon.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Next, will anyone want the precursor to the calculator?
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Fingers crossed, Lionel, things are going so well.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Have we got the measure of this saleroom?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32We're just about to find out with the cylindrical slide rule.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35And I love this. I love the box, I love the way it stands.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39We've seen them on the show before, but not in this condition.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- No, but it's pretty prehistoric, isn't it?- It is.- 1927, that is.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46And I would not know how to use one of those.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- You are lucky you were born in the push-button age. I wasn't!- Yes!
0:15:49 > 0:15:53It's got a revised estimate of two to £300 now,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57with a fixed reserve at £200. It really is an academic's toy.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Let's find out what the bidders think, shall we? Here we go.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Let's put it under the hammer. Good luck.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06On next to Lot 461. There it is,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09a Fuller's mahogany spiral slide rule.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13And it's got another little pocket calculator scale with it.
0:16:13 > 0:16:19And two bids, I'm bid £210 exactly. At 210. At £210.
0:16:19 > 0:16:2020 if you want it.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24At 210, 220. 230, 240.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26At £240.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Come on, come on.- At 240, then.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31We're finished at 240? Quite sure?
0:16:33 > 0:16:34Lionel, it's gone.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37The hammer went down just under mid-estimate at £240.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Not as much as I know you were hoping for.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- I'm not going to miss it.- You're not going to miss it, and it's gone.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- No, so it's fine.- Job done. That's what it's all about.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Job done. At the end of the day, we got it away mid-estimate.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Whether you can use it or not,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55items of this calibre will always be appreciated by someone.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Well, I've just been joined by Sue and Emma,
0:16:58 > 0:17:00and going under the hammer we've got a good little
0:17:00 > 0:17:02mixed lot - a group of medals there.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04And it's quite an exciting little lot,
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- and it's not a lot of money, either.- No, it's not.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- Well, there is a bit of gold in there, as well.- And some silver.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11And some silver. So it's a nice little lot
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- for a general sale like this. - It's quite nice, yeah.- Yeah.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Something we don't want, just sits in the cupboard.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- Could be earning you money. - Certainly could.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- CHILD CRIES - So let's put it to the test.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22And that's little Freya on her way!
0:17:22 > 0:17:23Overcome with excitement.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Yeah, but let's put this to the test, shall we?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27It's going under the hammer. This is it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32Next is Lot 221, it's a signet ring
0:17:32 > 0:17:36and another group of medals and various bits and pieces there.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41A job lot, and I'm bid £180 for it.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- Oh, wow!- Great.- Wow!- £180!- 210, 220.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50At 220, then. It's against you all in the room. At £220.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- Quite sure at 220?- Straight in, straight out.- Wonderful.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Commission bids left on the book, bang, £220.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57And the whole family's enjoyed that,
0:17:57 > 0:17:59because I know little Freya is here.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Just there, there's little Freya with Dad, look!
0:18:01 > 0:18:03THEY LAUGH
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- I think Freya's trying to buy something.- I hope not!
0:18:06 > 0:18:08You never know, you could've just bought something.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Look, great result. It happened so quickly.- Yeah!- It did.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13It baffled all of us! Straight in at the top end.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Yes, and I think, actually, you know,
0:18:15 > 0:18:17these little mixed lots are good,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- and they do fetch the prices. - Yes.- Very good.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- You've got to be happy with that? - Oh, definitely, yes.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25It's a bit more for... I've got four grandchildren,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27so I've got four presents extra to buy for Christmas now, so...
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- Brilliant.- That's going to be good. - Brilliant.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32If you've got any little mixed lots like that,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35we would love to see you bring them along to one of our valuation days.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Details of upcoming dates and venues,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40you can find on our "Flog It!" website. Log on to...
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Follow the links. All the information will be there.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45Come on, dust 'em down and bring 'em in. We'll sell them.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Well, that's it, our first three items under the hammer.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Now, I'm off back to Exeter Cathedral
0:18:55 > 0:18:58to take a look at the 12th-century architecture there
0:18:58 > 0:19:00and tell you how it got its name Gothic,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03a name which tends to send a chill down anybody's spine.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Gothic architecture, used to build churches,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17cathedrals and monuments throughout the country in medieval times.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23The ornate arched ceilings, stained glass windows and flying buttresses
0:19:23 > 0:19:27were a progression from the Norman buildings of years past,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30and took cathedral building to new heights.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Some 500 years later, however,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36and the word has different connotations.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40So, how did Gothic go from describing ecclesiastical
0:19:40 > 0:19:42architecture like this at Exeter Cathedral
0:19:42 > 0:19:47to evoking images of darkness, doom and gloom and misery like this?
0:19:58 > 0:20:00It's a story of transgression, subversion
0:20:00 > 0:20:05and misunderstanding, and it all started nearly 1,500 years ago.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09The first Goths to make a name for themselves
0:20:09 > 0:20:14were a group of Germanic people of the second century and onwards.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18The Visigoths and the Ostrogoths, known simply as Goths,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20were a powerful east-Germanic tribe
0:20:20 > 0:20:24who helped bring about the downfall of the Roman Empire.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26By bringing about the fall of the Roman Empire,
0:20:26 > 0:20:31the Goths helped destroy what was thought of as classical culture,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35and in turn they were thought of as primitive and barbaric,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38and that's what the word Goth started to imply.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42So, how could the architecture that surrounds me
0:20:42 > 0:20:46here today be synonymous with the barbaric and the primitive?
0:20:46 > 0:20:50I mean, there's nothing really brutal about Gothic architecture.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51Or is there?
0:20:53 > 0:20:58To find out, let's use Exeter Cathedral as our Gothic model.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Life started here in the 12th century,
0:21:00 > 0:21:06and much of the structure typifies the ideals of the Gothic architect.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10The stonemasons and the designers of the medieval period
0:21:10 > 0:21:12were obsessed with verticality.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16They wanted to build cathedrals that were filled with height
0:21:16 > 0:21:19and light, making you feel closer to heaven,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23and a few special features made this possible.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25So, for a lesson in Gothic architecture.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29First, the vaulted ceiling.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I'm walking below the longest uninterrupted
0:21:35 > 0:21:37ribbed-vaulted ceiling in the country,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40and it really is quite spectacular when you look down there.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43But what do I mean by ribbed-vaulted ceilings?
0:21:43 > 0:21:44Well, firstly,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47I have to take you back before this period of Gothic architecture
0:21:47 > 0:21:49to the Norman period,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51where Norman buildings were built a lot lower,
0:21:51 > 0:21:55because they didn't have this interlocking vaulted system
0:21:55 > 0:21:56in their ceilings.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00Their ceilings lacked architectural definition,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02they were more of a solid mass.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04A great deal of weight on the walls,
0:22:04 > 0:22:08which meant they couldn't achieve such wonderful height like this.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12The flying buttress.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15To support the great height of the cathedral,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17a new key feature was introduced -
0:22:17 > 0:22:21the flying buttress, and here you can see a series of them.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23They take the weight outwards and downwards.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26So, in doing that, it frees up a lot more space inside
0:22:26 > 0:22:31the building to add stained glass windows, adding a lot more light,
0:22:31 > 0:22:35one of the distinguishing features of Gothic architecture,
0:22:35 > 0:22:40completely at contrast to those dark, dismal days of Norman design.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41And incidentally,
0:22:41 > 0:22:46another key feature in Gothic design was the pointed arched window.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50The Gothic arch.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Gothic architecture is renowned for its pointed windows.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Previously, as you can see here on this example
0:22:55 > 0:22:57on the remaining Norman tower,
0:22:57 > 0:23:01the arches were softer and rounder, much more benign.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Medieval architects liked the stronger
0:23:03 > 0:23:05aesthetic of the pointed window,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08which geometrically fed your eyesight upwards
0:23:08 > 0:23:10into the ribbed-vaulted ceilings,
0:23:10 > 0:23:12and then onwards into the heavens above.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Like you can see with the example there on that Gothic arch.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21So, Gothic architecture hardly has the dark
0:23:21 > 0:23:26and gruesome undertones we've come to associate with the word.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Well, maybe the odd bit has, but mostly it seems unrelated.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32So, where is the link?
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Now, this is where it gets interesting.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38At the time of building this cathedral,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41the architecture wasn't described as Gothic -
0:23:41 > 0:23:43it was called Frankish work.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47And it wasn't until the Renaissance in the 15th century
0:23:47 > 0:23:49that the term Gothic was coined to describe it.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51So, why choose such a word?
0:23:52 > 0:23:56During the Renaissance, the classical culture of ancient
0:23:56 > 0:24:01Greece and Rome was again revered, and the work of the medieval times
0:24:01 > 0:24:05rejected as ignorant, and even vandalous, in comparison.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11So, the term Gothic, which had come to mean rude and barbaric,
0:24:11 > 0:24:15was given to our medieval architecture, considered by
0:24:15 > 0:24:19the men of the Renaissance to be a blot on our landscape.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Despite the haters, the Gothic style was unstoppable.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26By the mid-1600s it was reinvented for a more modern audience,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29and fast-forward to the 18th century,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32and its meaning migrated to a new form of literature -
0:24:32 > 0:24:35fantastical, dark horror stories from authors
0:24:35 > 0:24:38such as Horace Walpole and, later, Mary Shelley.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43And Gothic doesn't die there.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47In the next 200 years, it breathes life into film,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50back into architecture with its very own revival,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53and is expressed through music, art
0:24:53 > 0:24:55and a rather particular way of dressing.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07The word Gothic is as nuanced as it is descriptive,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10from the broad brushstrokes of a sinister atmosphere
0:25:10 > 0:25:15to the technicality that defines true Gothic architecture.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17It's a bridge between centuries,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20and a whole range of artistic and cultural endeavours.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Back at our valuation day, the cathedral looks rather different,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30with "Flog It!" involved.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33And there's some music to entertain the waiting crowd
0:25:33 > 0:25:37from a local Devon band playing a traditional Devonian tune.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42THEY PLAY FOLK MUSIC
0:26:04 > 0:26:07From folk entertainment to an old-fashioned diminutive
0:26:07 > 0:26:09circus performer.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12David, this is a charming object, but please explain to me
0:26:12 > 0:26:13what you think it is.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Well, the family legend has it
0:26:16 > 0:26:19that it was given to my great-grandmother
0:26:19 > 0:26:22by General Tom Thumb's mother,
0:26:22 > 0:26:25and it was one of his theatrical walking sticks.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26Good lord.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Now, Tom Thumb is supposed to be the smallest man alive?
0:26:30 > 0:26:32He was born Charles Stratton,
0:26:32 > 0:26:38and at the age of six months he had grown to 25 inches, two foot one,
0:26:38 > 0:26:44and stopped growing until he was 12, when he shot up to 40 inches.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Which is still quite small.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48At the age... Yes, and at the age of six,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52he was discovered by Barnum, PT Barnum, the American showman.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54Yeah, who brought a lot of circus acts together and things.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56- The weird and wonderful.- That's it.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00And Barnum put him on the stage at the age of six,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03and when touring England, performed in Portsmouth,
0:27:03 > 0:27:08and apparently this was a parting gift to my great-grandmother,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10who was the age of four, five, six,
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- and sort of fell in love with this little man.- Aw.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- I love it, cos it's such a tactile object.- Yes.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20I mean, it's got this lovely warm colour, where it has been
0:27:20 > 0:27:21handled for a long time.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24So, it's undoubtedly got a bit of age to it, this.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28And it does look like a little miniature walking stick, doesn't it?
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- Yes.- And it's got a little silver nib,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32or silver-plated nib on the bottom there.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34I'd love to believe the story.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37I mean, if the story's true, it's a museum piece.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Although you have brought this little photocopy
0:27:40 > 0:27:42or photostat of a...
0:27:42 > 0:27:46I found that on the web, and I thought that was a walking stick.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49It was only actually two nights ago, I looked at it again
0:27:49 > 0:27:52and saw that's the hilt of a sword.
0:27:52 > 0:27:53Yes, a little miniature sword.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56But this is almost an impossible thing to value.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59That's why I've brought it here today, yes.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04Well, people are either going to buy into the history of it
0:28:04 > 0:28:08and then think, "Well, it's worth 100, 200, £300..."
0:28:08 > 0:28:10I mean, if somebody out there thinks,
0:28:10 > 0:28:11"I've got a photograph,"
0:28:11 > 0:28:13or, "I've got more definitive proof
0:28:13 > 0:28:16"that he used a little walking stick like this,"
0:28:16 > 0:28:18then you could sell for a lot more.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22But I think my gut feeling tells me sort of 100 to 150,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24with maybe 100 fixed reserve.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- Right, that's fine.- So, let's give it a go, shall we?- Yeah.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31And let's hope it makes a big amount of money for such a small thing.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- Walk off with a record.- Oh!
0:28:34 > 0:28:38And I've gone for a walk myself, to reveal the exquisite detail
0:28:38 > 0:28:41within the cathedral that might have passed you by.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45This is so typical of an oak pew end dating from the 13th century,
0:28:45 > 0:28:49but look at this. Look at the ornate cresting on this.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52And you have to remember, this has been carved
0:28:52 > 0:28:56from one solid piece of oak, making this entire pew end.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00Look how this angel holding her arms like this has been fashioned
0:29:00 > 0:29:05by a master craftsman, a woodcarver, top of his genre.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07A technique which was taught by the monks,
0:29:07 > 0:29:11which was very, very fashionable during the 12th and 13th centuries.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15It's remarkable. And look at the patination and the wear.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Thousands and thousands of hands over the centuries have rubbed this
0:29:18 > 0:29:19over the years,
0:29:19 > 0:29:24and this is just one of many simple things that sometimes goes amiss.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27But just take your time and you can spot them.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29That's a true work of art.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36Now, we're out in the sun for more top-quality craftsmanship.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39We've come outside, Ken and June, isn't it lovely?
0:29:39 > 0:29:40- Absolutely brilliant.- Wonderful.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43And what's shining on me as well is the fact you've brought this
0:29:43 > 0:29:47lovely vintage Rolex gentleman's wristwatch in.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- Are you a bit of a collector, Ken? - Um, not really.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52I've got several watches.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53Many of them are old wind-up ones,
0:29:53 > 0:29:58but this was one that the wife's auntie asked me to get them serviced.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- Right.- That one and the mantel clock.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02And, of course, had them done.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05When I took them back, she actually gave them to me.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- Oh, wonderful. Have you ever worn it?- Never.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- It's just been put away in the safe. - Oh, that's such a shame!
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Taken out every now and again. Give 'em a wind up.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15Well, I think that's a real shame,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17because it's a lovely-looking watch.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20It's 1930s, which for you is a very good thing,
0:30:20 > 0:30:24because the Art Deco period is really collectible
0:30:24 > 0:30:26and is a hot area for watches.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Because I think that was the first time that people started to
0:30:29 > 0:30:31design proper wristwatches.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32Before then,
0:30:32 > 0:30:36they converted little ladies' pocket watches into wristwatches.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39And Rolex, of course, were in the vanguard of that.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43I love that inner chapter ring with Arabic numerals on it.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46And it's in silver as well, which is good.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48They come in gold, of course, and other metals.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52But it is a nice example of its type. Do you like it, June?
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- Yes, I do. Yes.- But it's a shame to see it stuck in the safe, isn't it?
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Oh, yes. Definitely.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59It's a really good-looking thing, and quite collectible.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Rolex is one of those top names in watches
0:31:01 > 0:31:03that people like to collect.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Um, have you thought about the value before?
0:31:06 > 0:31:10Er...several years ago, I took it to an auction room
0:31:10 > 0:31:12that was doing free valuations,
0:31:12 > 0:31:16and at that time they valued it between one and 200.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Ooh, that's good news for you, then, I hope.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Because actually, I think
0:31:21 > 0:31:24a realistic estimate today is around three to £400.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28And, you know, because it's in such good auction room condition,
0:31:28 > 0:31:30the fact that it hasn't been messed around with,
0:31:30 > 0:31:33it might even encourage the marker to pay a bit more for it.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35They are still quite collectible.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39And maybe putting the reserve at 280 fixed,
0:31:39 > 0:31:40so we won't sell it below that.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- No, I'd gladly take it home again if it didn't sell.- Exactly.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- I mean, it doesn't take up much room at home.- No.- No.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48So, you'd get a lot of interest, I think,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50countrywide, and possibly worldwide for it.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Ooh, well!
0:31:52 > 0:31:56- But I guess, to use a pun, time will tell.- That's it.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Well, thank you so much for bringing it in,
0:31:58 > 0:32:00I look forward to seeing you at the sale.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- Yep, well, as I say, we'll be there, definitely.- Wonderful.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06There's still treasure to be uncovered
0:32:06 > 0:32:07in the heart of the cathedral,
0:32:07 > 0:32:11and it's not just Mark and Caroline who can spot a winner.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Do you know what? There's so much to see here.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- This is Chinese.- Definitely Chinese.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Now, let's have a look at this, shall we?
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Has this been in the family a long time?
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Well, it belonged to my grandparents. Where they got it from, I don't know.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27That could be worth an awful lot of money.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30I'm going to get one of our experts to come here...
0:32:31 > 0:32:32They might not like it,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35cos we're putting them on the spot with the camera.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Andrew, have a look at this. This one's not marked.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- It would appear to be early 20th century.- Yes.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- The blue's not as dark as I would like it to be.- Yeah, yeah.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47So, um, value-wise?
0:32:47 > 0:32:48Yes, I'm quite intrigued.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51I really wouldn't want to put a value on that.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56I've seen similar things estimated around 80 to 120 or 100 to 150.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59They've made a couple of hundred pounds sometimes.
0:32:59 > 0:33:00It's in good condition.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- Yeah.- Mmm.- There you are, Michael, maybe a couple of hundred pounds.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Well, I thought it might be worth about 80.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Well, it's a lovely thing anyway. Enjoy it, won't you, as well?
0:33:09 > 0:33:12I'm sure with the flowers in it, that'll look absolutely stunning.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13SHE LAUGHS
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- Did you like that, Margaret? - I did, yes. I like blue.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23And you never know what's going to roll up on "Flog It!".
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- Hello!- Hello.- Monica, Megan. Tell me, how did you come by it?
0:33:27 > 0:33:31- We were taking some rubbish to the local tip here in Exeter...- Yes?
0:33:31 > 0:33:33- ..and it was there in the items to be sold.- No!
0:33:35 > 0:33:37- And how much did you have to pay for it?- £5.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42Oh, £5! Do you know how much Silver Cross prams retail for today?
0:33:42 > 0:33:44- Never had to buy one.- Around £1,000.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49And they're actually really trendy with all the cool celebrity mums,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52and these are really making a comeback.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- Buggies are out, proper prams are back in.- Yeah. Ideal.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59And the Silver Cross company was started by William Wilson
0:33:59 > 0:34:02in 1877 because he needed transport,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04and very smart transport, for his own children.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06- Wow!- And it's still going today.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11You know, when this was made in the '40s or '50s, we didn't all
0:34:11 > 0:34:13have cars. People... You know, there weren't so many cars.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17So it didn't need to fold flat and go into the back of a car,
0:34:17 > 0:34:18as things do now.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21So it was altogether a different way of life, way of living.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Why did you buy it?
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- Um...- Apart from it's a splendid thing.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Yeah, my eldest daughter, Zoe, she was pregnant at the time.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30We had quite a large country cottage
0:34:30 > 0:34:33and it was something for the baby to go in when they came to visit.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- And did they enjoy being in it? - They loved it, yeah.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37Let's just have a look at it.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40I mean, it's Silver Cross, it's marked here.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- It's got fabulous suspension, hasn't it?- It's amazing.
0:34:44 > 0:34:45It really is amazing.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49And it's got the original leather straps here, holding it on.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52The tyres are all right, this cream leather interior.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55And if we look under here...
0:34:55 > 0:35:00you can see, this, we lift it up, and it's to put baby bits in.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- And put this back here. You said you used that?- We did.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- We went out on walks and picnics. - Coach-built body.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10- You can see the condition of it is fantastic!- It is.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12I can't believe you got it in a tip.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14We've got to put a value on this.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19We'll put an estimate in auction between 50 and £70.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22And if we put a fixed reserve of £40, are you happy with that?
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Yeah, we would be, wouldn't we? Yep, thank you.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29And I think it'll give many more children a very happy start in life.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33- It's lovely, thank you so much for bringing it.- Thank you!
0:35:33 > 0:35:37Cities often have a trademark, and this is definitely Exeter's.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41Its architectural and artistic features are stunning,
0:35:41 > 0:35:44but sadly it is time to say goodbye to Exeter Cathedral
0:35:44 > 0:35:47as we head over to the auction room in Plymouth
0:35:47 > 0:35:49for the very last time today.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53And here's a quick recap of all the items we're taking with us.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57This pram may not be that practical, but it's a classic make.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Will anyone want to stroll away with it?
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Who wouldn't want to own a classic Rolex like this one?
0:36:05 > 0:36:08But how much will the bidders pay for the privilege?
0:36:11 > 0:36:13And we talk to an expert in America
0:36:13 > 0:36:15about the alleged Tom Thumb walking stick.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Back at our auction house on preview day, it's research time.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27Right, our Tom Thumb memorabilia. Remember this little walking stick?
0:36:27 > 0:36:33Well, we've managed to track down an authority on Tom Thumb items.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Kathy Mayer, who is the curator of the Barnum Museum
0:36:36 > 0:36:38in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where Tom Thumb was born.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40OK, there's no better person to talk to.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Now, we've got a video link lined up for you to have a look.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44It's a "Flog It!" first.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46Here's Anthony, here's Anthony's wife.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Here's Anthony, look, behind the scenes on the computer.
0:36:49 > 0:36:50Now...
0:36:50 > 0:36:52I'm just going to put that down here,
0:36:52 > 0:36:54because right in front of me, we have Kathy.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Good morning, Kathy, can you hear me?
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- Good morning. Yes, I can hear you, yes.- Thank you for talking to us.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03I notice there's a carriage in the background behind you,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06is that General Tom Thumb's?
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Yes, it is, as General Tom Thumb's carriage
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- is part of the museum's collection. - Wow.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14You've seen some images of our walking stick, what do you think?
0:37:14 > 0:37:18It's wonderful for a museum to see something
0:37:18 > 0:37:20that plausible as being authentic.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Not all artefacts that come to the museum
0:37:23 > 0:37:28- have that much rich opportunity to investigate.- Sure.
0:37:28 > 0:37:29But this walking stick actually did.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32It's the right period, it's the right size,
0:37:32 > 0:37:36the story corresponds, so it's an intriguing object for a museum.
0:37:36 > 0:37:37Yeah, this is fascinating.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41Do you have any walking sticks in the museum? You must have a couple.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43We do, we actually have writing props,
0:37:43 > 0:37:44we have all types of artefacts,
0:37:44 > 0:37:48but the walking stick that we have is probably from Tom Thumb
0:37:48 > 0:37:51a little later, when he was a little bit taller.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Is this something you might be having a bid on later?
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Ordinarily, we would probably follow it,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- but the Barnum Museum was hit with a tornado...- Oh, gosh.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03..two years ago, so sadly we've had to put a hold on acquiring
0:38:03 > 0:38:08any kind of other items while we fix the National Landmark structure.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Oh, well, look, good luck to your repairs, good luck to you
0:38:12 > 0:38:15as well and the museum, and thank you so much for talking to me today.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19- Thank you, and good luck. We will follow it, though.- Oh, great.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- Yeah, watch it go online. Bye-bye.- Bye-bye.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26Fabulous. Well, we've talked to the experts, and we're pleased.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29And hopefully, this will hit the top end of its estimate
0:38:29 > 0:38:31and do a little bit more.
0:38:32 > 0:38:37It's lift-off time as the auction gets under way for the second time.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39And first up, the vintage pram.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41Well, so far, so good.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44I tell you what, there's a wonderful atmosphere in here.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48It can only get better, and right now we're going to try
0:38:48 > 0:38:52and turn £5 into maybe 40 or £50 with Monica and Megan's help,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55with that little pram that you brought into the valuation day,
0:38:55 > 0:38:57- which you only picked up for a fiver, didn't you?- We did.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- At the dump, was it?- At the dump in Exeter.- At the local dump.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- And it's transported three grandchildren in it.- It has.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06Now, that's what I call great value for money.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08I mean, it really is good value for money.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11They're very expensive to buy new, these Silver Cross prams.
0:39:11 > 0:39:12Coach-built, fabulous quality.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15And hopefully, somebody else can push three grandchildren about in it
0:39:15 > 0:39:16- after today.- Hope so.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Well, you know, that's what it's all about - classic recycling.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21You can't get greener than antiques.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25Let's put it to the test. It's going under the hammer now, here we go.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29On next to lot 363, it's a Silver Cross pram.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31I remember it well, I was wheeled around in one
0:39:31 > 0:39:34till the age of about six, I think, which is a bit sad, isn't it?
0:39:34 > 0:39:37But there it is. And I'm actually bid £40, and I promise it's not me.
0:39:37 > 0:39:38At £40.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42Two if you want it, at 42. Five, at 45 now.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Eight anywhere? At £45.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Quite sure then? At £45. I'll sell it...
0:39:50 > 0:39:51It's gone, Megan.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55- Won't be taking it home then, will I? - It's gone, it won't be going home.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- That was a bit of fun.- Oh, brilliant, and what a good return on £5.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00- Very good.- Very good investment.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04That's nearly ten times what they paid for it.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Far from a rubbish result.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Well, time is definitely up for Kenneth and June's Rolex watch.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12It is a little gem from the Art Deco period.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Hello, great to see you again.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17- Do you wear a watch? - Do you know, I don't any more.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20No, I kind of clocked you, if you don't mind the expression -
0:40:20 > 0:40:22that wasn't supposed to be a pun -
0:40:22 > 0:40:24and I thought, "He doesn't wear a watch."
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Well, hopefully it goes for the top end of the estimate.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28I know you've tweaked the reserve slightly.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- Just upped it slightly. - Just upped it to £300 fixed.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34We should get that. Let's put it in under the hammer. Here we go.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36176.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39A gentleman's Rolex Marconi wristwatch.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42There it is, and £260, at 260.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45270, 280.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47At £280. 290.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49300...and 10.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51At £310 at the back, there.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54At £310 in the corner.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58And finished at 310, then. Quite sure?
0:40:58 > 0:41:03Just, we just got it away. 310. Phew!
0:41:03 > 0:41:04- Not bad.- Not bad.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Not bad. You happy with that?
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- I would've been just as happy if it hadn't have sold, you know?- Sure.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14It's not a problem for me, it's just that...it's gone.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16It'll be a bit of spending money for us when we go to Australia.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20- Are you off to Australia? Have you been before?- Yes.- Good for you.
0:41:20 > 0:41:21What a lovely country.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29Going under the hammer right now, Charles Stratton's walking stick.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Yes, Tom Thumb.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Wonderful little walking cane, David,
0:41:33 > 0:41:37thank you for bringing that in. Why have you decided to sell this?
0:41:37 > 0:41:42Um, it's just been sat in a drawer for years and years, so...
0:41:42 > 0:41:45At least it's been safe while it's in the drawer,
0:41:45 > 0:41:49because condition is key here, and it's perfect, isn't it?
0:41:49 > 0:41:52If I'm taking it just to an auction house,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55they might've just dismissed it, or put it in a minor lot,
0:41:55 > 0:41:57but bringing it here, you've done the research.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Well, we like it, let's find out what this lot think, shall we?
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Here we go. It's going under the hammer now. Good luck.
0:42:02 > 0:42:09The next lot is lot 400, which is a small or miniature walking stick,
0:42:09 > 0:42:13there it is, attributed to General Tom Thumb.
0:42:13 > 0:42:19Um, several bids for it. I'm bid at £210 to start it, at 210.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- Straight in!- Against you all in the room at 210. 220, 230...
0:42:22 > 0:42:25240, 250...
0:42:25 > 0:42:28250, then. Still against you all at 250.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30Finished in the room at 250.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- 260, then.- Another bid on the phone.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36At 270, 280, 290.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38At £290.
0:42:38 > 0:42:39300.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43I'm bid 10. At £310.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- At 310, 320. 330. - Walking a bit further.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48At £330.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52340 now. At 340, bidding's on the phone.
0:42:52 > 0:42:58At £340, last chance in the room, then. At £340. Finished?
0:43:00 > 0:43:01That was a great result.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03That wasn't a tiny result, that was a great result,
0:43:03 > 0:43:05you've got to be happy with that.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07It is. Probably a new fishing rod out of that.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09THEY LAUGH
0:43:09 > 0:43:10Well done.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18Well, that's it. Another day, another auction for "Flog It!".
0:43:18 > 0:43:21We started the show on spooky Dartmoor,
0:43:21 > 0:43:23we unearthed treasures from Exeter Cathedral,
0:43:23 > 0:43:26and the auction, well, that was daunting enough, wasn't it?
0:43:26 > 0:43:28But we live to tell the tale.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30I hope you've enjoyed today's show.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32See you next time for many more surprises.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd