0:00:09 > 0:00:13Today, for the first time ever, "Flog It!" comes from a working military base.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15This is HMS Heron in Somerset,
0:00:15 > 0:00:18Britain's largest naval aviation base.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21And later on in the programme, I'll be going up in that.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Our valuations today come from inside the Fleet Air Arm Museum,
0:00:48 > 0:00:50which is on the base here at HMS Heron,
0:00:50 > 0:00:53and it holds Europe's largest collection of aeroplanes
0:00:53 > 0:00:57and helicopters, designed specifically to launch from ships.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Today, this naval air base is the busiest in the country,
0:01:03 > 0:01:07with aircraft being dispatched all over the globe on military,
0:01:07 > 0:01:09anti-terrorism and even anti-piracy missions.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Well, let's hope today's antiques are all above board and shipshape,
0:01:13 > 0:01:15we don't want the anti-piracy
0:01:15 > 0:01:17squadron descending on us.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21And as well as hundreds of members of the public here today,
0:01:21 > 0:01:23we have our own "Flog It!" antique experts,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26guardians of high standards and excellence.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30The very respectable Charlie Ross.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- Real diamonds.- Are they, really? Well, goodbye(!)
0:01:33 > 0:01:36And the impeccable Thomas Plant.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- Do you know how to use it? - Course not.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40I was looking like I do.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Well, what a fabulous queue we have here today.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45People have come from all over the area,
0:01:45 > 0:01:47from the flats of the Somerset Levels,
0:01:47 > 0:01:49from the highs of the Quantock Hills
0:01:49 > 0:01:52and the banks of the River Parrett, all carrying antiques
0:01:52 > 0:01:54and collectibles, hoping they are one of the lucky ones to get
0:01:54 > 0:01:57chosen to go through to the auction later on.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59Time to get this queue inside,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01so our experts both on and off screen
0:02:01 > 0:02:06can get a proper look at the wonderfully diverse items arriving here today.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09And for those of you who know your Japanese Meiji
0:02:09 > 0:02:10from your Chinese Qing,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14which one of these three Oriental items makes thousands at auction?
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Will it be this menacing looking samurai sword?
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Or the Chinese ivory aide-memoire?
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Or the Cantonese vase decorated with famille rose?
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Surrounded by incredible aircraft, there's
0:02:33 > 0:02:37no shortage of things to look at here at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41But right now, it's time to focus our attentions on our first item of the day.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Let's go straight to Charlie Ross,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47who's installed himself beneath the beautiful wings of Concorde.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Frances, will you dance?- I'd love to. And I am such a fan of yours,
0:02:50 > 0:02:56I decided to come and bring this just on the chance of meeting you.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- Well, here I am.- Very nice, too. - I must say, you made my day.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01- Good.- I'm going to go home now.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04When I said, "Would you dance?"
0:03:04 > 0:03:07I wondered whether that might be a little dance card.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- That's exactly what I thought it was as well.- But it is quite large
0:03:11 > 0:03:17if you think of the sort of size of handbags for fancy ladies that
0:03:17 > 0:03:18- went dancing.- That's right.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20I think that would be possibly a little large.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- She'd have a lot of dances, wouldn't she?- She'd have a lot of dances.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24There's a lot of pages.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- We could dance all night, couldn't we?- That's right, yes.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30It might be a notepad or an aide-memoire,
0:03:30 > 0:03:32if you would like to put it into fancy French.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Of course. It's posh then.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36It's beautifully, beautifully carved.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- Do you know where it was made?- No, but is it ivory?- It is ivory, yes.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Because I've had it in a drawer and I kept on taking it out
0:03:44 > 0:03:47and I kept thinking, "Is it or isn't it?"
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Because it is so nicely decorated, I thought it can't be plastic.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54No, it isn't plastic.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- It is Chinese. It is actually Cantonese.- Oh, yes.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58It is from Canton.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Now, what we need to say about ivory, it is
0:04:00 > 0:04:04illegal to sell any ivory that is post-1947.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06I was a bit worried about it.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08That's why it stayed in the drawer for a while.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10You don't need to worry, this is well pre-1947.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15I would think this is certainly 1910, 1920.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17It might even be a little bit earlier.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- Gosh!- You have got all the courtiers here,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25carved in superb depth.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- It's so small, isn't it?- Wonderful.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32See the thickness of ivory there, and if you hold it up to the light,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34you can see the scene perfectly well.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- Can you see that?- Yes.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- Isn't that extraordinary? - It is, fabulous.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42There's no chips, no damage. There is a little bit of discolouration.
0:04:42 > 0:04:48And you have got a wonderful little clasp here, which I think is silver.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53And that will be commensurate with the sort of quality of the item.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- Have we got anything written in it? - No.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00I was waiting for you to say whether you were going to do a waltz
0:05:00 > 0:05:01or a foxtrot or...
0:05:01 > 0:05:05I'm a little bit worried here, there is something written here.
0:05:05 > 0:05:06Oh, my goodness.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Can you see that?- What does it say?
0:05:08 > 0:05:11You better not read it out, it might be naughty.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14It says, "Punishment list."
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- It can't be!- It does. Doesn't that say punishment list?
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- Well, it doesn't say shopping list, does it?- No. It doesn't say tango.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- No, it doesn't. Value?- No idea.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- I think that will make between £100 and £200.- That's lovely.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Also, it is nice and small.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- It is small.- If you are collecting something...
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- That's absolutely right.- Yes.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39I wouldn't like to sell it without a reserve,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- just in case there aren't the right people there.- Yes.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44And I would like to put a reserve of 100,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46with a little bit of auctioneer's discretion.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- Are you happy with that?- Yes, because I've met you through it.- Oh!
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- So that's perfect.- You keep saying all the right things.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58I don't think Charlie could have started on a higher note.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02And there is no chance of coming down to earth with our next seller.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05So, Chris, any connection with this place here?
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I've actually flown on a Concorde journey
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- from Bahrain to London.- Have you now?
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- Yes, when I was working in the Middle East.- Were you in the oil industry?
0:06:12 > 0:06:14No, no. I was out working for an Arab company
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- in the furnishing business. - And how quick was it?
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- 3.5 hours from memory.- How amazing!
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Very enjoyable.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25Well, we're digressing from the pot. What do you know about it?
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Virtually nothing. It belonged to my father.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32And it has been here in the family for at least 45, 50 years.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33That's all I know.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- We use it for paintbrushes and that sort of thing.- It is Chinese.- Yes.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- It is Canton.- Oh, really?- What we call the Chinese Canton ware.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45With this famille rose palette to it.
0:06:45 > 0:06:52Famille rose are the pinks we pick out against the green and the gilt.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55You have some ladies here chatting to somebody sitting within
0:06:55 > 0:06:56a window.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00And on the other side, exotic birds and butterflies,
0:07:00 > 0:07:04which are delightful. And they sort of unite the piece throughout.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Chinese works of art,
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Chinese ceramics are immensely popular at the moment, the reason
0:07:10 > 0:07:15being is the Chinese nationals are buying back their heritage.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17However, I'm going to slightly disappoint you.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21This was made for our market in Canton in the middle
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- of the 19th century. - Yes.- Our market.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- Therefore, they are not so keen on buying it back.- Yes.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29But it is still immensely decorative.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Are you happy to let it go?
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Well, we don't really use it as such, so, yes.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39So, if I were to say we would put it in at £100, 100-150,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- fixed reserve of 100? - Yes, that's all right.- Is that OK?
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Yeah, that's fine.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47I think one should do that because it is so decorative.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- And the really nice thing about it... - TING...
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- Good ring?- It's perfect. - Oh, good. Yes.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58Well, let's hope Thomas' valuation rings true in the auction house.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01But right now it is time to swoop down there, to catch up with
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Charlie Ross and see what else he has spotted.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- Ailsa, how romantic is this?! - Lovely, isn't it?
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Sitting around a little table with you,
0:08:10 > 0:08:13with a heart-shaped casket between us.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Very nice, isn't it? - Where did it come from?
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Well, it belonged to my late aunt.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- They were living in Yorkshire at the time.- Yeah.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23And one of the big houses up there, I don't know which one,
0:08:23 > 0:08:27was having a sale, and the proceeds were going towards the troops.
0:08:27 > 0:08:32Oh, really? When was the sale, 1938, '39?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Somewhere around there, yes. And she bought it there.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- And that is really all I know about it.- And you inherited it from her?
0:08:38 > 0:08:41I inherited it from her about three or four years ago.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43I think it is a dressing table casket.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47It is for putting rings in or hair tidies, things like that.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- You know what it is made of, do you? - Silver?- It is indeed silver.- Yes.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- And where was it made, do you know that?- I don't, no.- This is Dutch.
0:08:56 > 0:08:57Oh, right.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01This is a piece of Dutch silver that was then imported into England.
0:09:01 > 0:09:02Oh, I see.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06And you can tell that from the hallmark here, which is
0:09:06 > 0:09:07an English hallmark.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12And provided it had the sufficient standard or grade, it could
0:09:12 > 0:09:14then receive the English assay mark.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- This has been assayed for 1892. - Heavens!
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- Oh, I didn't realise it was that old. - You didn't?- No.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22So, it is truly Victorian.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26And the embossed decoration here is in tremendous condition.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Yes, it's the little figures on it that are wonderful, aren't they?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Little cherubs in the garden here with figures
0:09:33 > 0:09:37and some wonderful, wonderful decoration
0:09:37 > 0:09:39all the way around.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Open it up and it has got a slightly gilded interior.- That's right.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46That is another sign of quality.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50I suspect as a trinket holder,
0:09:50 > 0:09:54probably it would have had a velvet lining inside it.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Oh, right.- Which is no longer there.- No.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58It is not 100% certain,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02but I would expect that if you were putting things like rings
0:10:02 > 0:10:04in a box like that, you wouldn't want them to rub against...
0:10:04 > 0:10:07I can't remember her ever having anything velvet in it.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08It was always like that.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10You don't want to put it back in the cupboard.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12I don't really, no.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13If I said a figure of 50 quid,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- you'd probably be disappointed, would you?- Mm.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19I think it is worth between £100 and £200.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Lovely.- Happy with that?- I am.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24We will put a fixed reserve of 100, obviously,
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- so it can't be sold for any less. - No, no.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29And hope that the auctioneer works it up to the top end.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33It's over to local West Country boy, Thomas Plant,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36who is sat beneath the first British-built Concorde.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- So, it's Chris?- It is, yes. - And Linda?- It is.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- And you're fellow Bristolians.- Yes. - Correct.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46We're like the Three Musketeers from Bristol.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50So, why have you come to Yeovil from Bristol?
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Because we thought it was the ideal place to come
0:10:52 > 0:10:54with these particular items.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- We're looking at these aeroplane timepieces.- Yeah.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Tell me, how did you come by them?
0:11:01 > 0:11:04My father, during all his career,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07worked at Filton in the aircraft industry,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11mainly on the engine side, but, during the war,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14he was able to purchase these from the company,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17because when the aeroplanes were brought in, they were refurbished,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19bits and pieces were taken out.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22But your father used them as a clock beside his bed,
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- because they lit up in the night. - The luminous hands.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31Yes. So, he used it as his bedside clock.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35What was your father's involvement within Filton?
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- Was he a repairer, an engineer? - He was a toolmaker.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Did you follow him into the business?
0:11:41 > 0:11:43I worked there during all my career.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- Within Filton?- Not within Filton, the last ten years within Filton.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50So you never saw this being built in Filton? The wings were built there.
0:11:50 > 0:11:57I was responsible for building wings on the A400M military aircraft.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01But your father, he was a protected occupation.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05How did he feel about that, did he ever talk about that?
0:12:05 > 0:12:06He didn't talk a lot about it,
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- because he worked on a lot of secret stuff.- Did he?- During the war.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12So, these could have come off a secret plane?
0:12:12 > 0:12:14I wouldn't think so!
0:12:14 > 0:12:16We could romanticise!
0:12:16 > 0:12:18One is slightly earlier than the other,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- the bigger one is earlier.- Is it? - It will be earlier.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24The design is very similar with the luminous hands,
0:12:24 > 0:12:28this one is made by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths company.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- It's made by the same company. - Yes, they both have AM
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- on the back, don't they?- Yeah. - Air Ministry.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- Yeah.- And the George VI crown.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- So, the King's crown on there.- Yeah.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45So, they're all fully marked up and the provenance
0:12:45 > 0:12:48is second to none, coming straight from your father.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Did they keep good time?
0:12:50 > 0:12:53They used to and one of them does still work.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- I don't think they're broken... - They're still ticking.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58They haven't been used for such a long time.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- He did wind them up, just now.- Yeah.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Are you going to be sad to let these go?
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Erm, not really, no. They're no sentimental value.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Erm, as I said, I thought it was a very interesting place to bring it.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15We have two daughters with no interest in it, whatsoever.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17I think, if we put these in together
0:13:17 > 0:13:21as two aircraft war issue timepieces,
0:13:21 > 0:13:25I would suggest an estimate of 120 to 180 on them.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- OK.- Is that all right?- Yeah, that's fine.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Put a discretionary reserve on it at 120.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- So we'll see you at the auction? - Lovely.- Yes.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Before we head off to auction,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45there is something I would like to show you.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50This is Cobham Hall, the museum's reserve store,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52where all the new arrivals are brought.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55And as you can see, there's quite a lot of them.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59They're here with numerous miscellaneous aircraft parts,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02items that currently aren't in exhibition.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07But everything you see here is meticulously itemised and logged.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10What interests me are the incredible human stories
0:14:10 > 0:14:12that lie behind these aircraft,
0:14:12 > 0:14:17and how a new way of working is helping to rediscover them.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Now, this Harrier Jump Jet may not look like history,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23but in the ever-changing world of military aviation,
0:14:23 > 0:14:27it already is - it was decommissioned in 2010.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Now, if you look inside that cockpit, I've been told
0:14:30 > 0:14:33there's lots of grains of sand from the pilot's boot.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38And it's these little visual marks that evoke the human stories
0:14:38 > 0:14:43that are involved in and around these aircraft that's so important.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Looking at it today, I really hope it will be preserved
0:14:46 > 0:14:50as it is now for future generations to see.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54It's so evocative looking at an item that exudes its history.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56I've arranged to meet up with Dave Morris,
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Curator of Aircraft here at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04He is globally pioneering a whole new way of restoring aircraft.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09What IS your approach to, let's say, conservation, or restoration?
0:15:09 > 0:15:10That's a really interesting one,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13because we're trying to look carefully at what those words mean -
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- conservation, restoration, preservation...- Yeah.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18If you're lucky enough to be given Constable's Hay Wain
0:15:18 > 0:15:20or Botticelli's Venus or a Chippendale table...
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- You leave it well alone. - You wouldn't necessarily
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- just race for the paint pot, I hope.- No.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28But a lot of 20th-century mechanical objects have suffered in that way.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Let's take the Harrier Jump Jet - we've ended up here.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34That looks to me like it's in pretty much original condition
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- and you haven't touched that yet. - It is exactly why
0:15:36 > 0:15:39we selected that, when it became available.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40It's straight from, erm,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43its last theatre of war operation in Afghanistan,
0:15:43 > 0:15:47and exactly how we would want to now look at keeping an object -
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- straight from use. - Is this a new way of thinking,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53or has this policy been in place for quite a few years?
0:15:53 > 0:15:56The more detailed work that we're getting into, where we're actually
0:15:56 > 0:15:59carefully looking at our objects and in some instances
0:15:59 > 0:16:02un-painting them - quite literally taking paint layers back,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04millimetre by millimetre,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07to expose original finishes and history from beneath -
0:16:07 > 0:16:09that's quite new, and it's something
0:16:09 > 0:16:11we've been involved with now since the year 2000.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14What was the first plane you worked on in that way?
0:16:14 > 0:16:17The first project that we took in that direction
0:16:17 > 0:16:20was the World War II Chance Vought Corsair fighter,
0:16:20 > 0:16:24which again has been in the collection for many years,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27had obviously been repainted during the 1960s,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31but the more we investigated it, the more we started to believe
0:16:31 > 0:16:33that beneath that 1960s paint,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36it looked like it had a lot, if not all,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39of its original 1944 paintwork intact.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42And that's what you're looking for, that real human DNA,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45the people that actually built that in the first place and gave it
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- its FIRST paint job...- You can paint it as many times as you like,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50but it's only original once.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Talking to Dave and stepping into his world
0:16:53 > 0:16:56makes me think of a forensic scientist.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59And in many ways, that's exactly what he is.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02I know in a moment you're going to show me
0:17:02 > 0:17:05something you're currently working on. But first, tell me about this,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08because this is early naval aviation history, isn't it -
0:17:08 > 0:17:09the Seaplane Lighter...?
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Absolutely - this dates back to World War I.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16It is a purpose-built vessel for carrying a sea plane.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20So, basically, it's an iron-hulled barge, isn't it,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22that you put a seaplane on and towed?
0:17:22 > 0:17:24It is, but more significant than that,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26it was the first time that the Admiralty had actually
0:17:26 > 0:17:31ordered from a company a vessel to carry an aeroplane at sea,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- ie. an aircraft carrier.- Right.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- So, you have to consider this to be...- A first.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38..the start point of where the modern aircraft carrier begins.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Unbelievable! How many of these have survived?
0:17:40 > 0:17:44We have the only one known to exist, as a complete Seaplane Lighter.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- Where did you find it? - Well, fortunately,
0:17:46 > 0:17:50somebody who was a ships historian and enthusiast in that part
0:17:50 > 0:17:53of the River Thames, where it was operating as a flat-top Thames barge,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56identified it, recognised it, they wrote us a letter and said,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58"We think we've seen a World War I Seaplane Lighter
0:17:58 > 0:18:00"still being used on the Thames."
0:18:00 > 0:18:01And that was recently?
0:18:01 > 0:18:031996 was when they pointed it out.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- So it was still afloat in 1996? - Still being used, still afloat.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09And we were lucky to get it released from the company
0:18:09 > 0:18:11and bring it into storage here.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14If we hadn't been tipped off and hadn't acted on it,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- it would have literally been cut up for scrap.- Wow.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18How lucky, how lucky! And here we are standing on it.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22The Seaplane Lighter has been painstakingly restored
0:18:22 > 0:18:24over the past 17 years,
0:18:24 > 0:18:28to reveal as much of its original identity as possible.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31The aeroplane that Dave is currently restoring
0:18:31 > 0:18:33is the only remaining one of its kind.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37And during World War II, it might have changed history for ever.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39The French commissioned a fleet of the American-made
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Grumman Martlets, but with the Nazi occupation of Paris,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45there was a very real threat
0:18:45 > 0:18:47that the aeroplanes would end up in German hands.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Miraculously, word got out in time,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53and the contract was transferred to the British.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Today, Dave is working in a way that will reveal
0:18:55 > 0:18:58as much of the aeroplane's story as possible.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00You've brought me to this section of wing -
0:19:00 > 0:19:01what are you going to show me?
0:19:01 > 0:19:05Here is a good example of the type of thing we're discovering.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08People often say, "So, what is the point, what are you finding,
0:19:08 > 0:19:09"why do you do this?"
0:19:09 > 0:19:12And again, it's tracking back through the object's history.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15You'll see lots of different layers and different colours here,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18where we now have understood through research which colour
0:19:18 > 0:19:20relates to what date of the aircraft.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24The Americans used this aeroplane extensively during World War II.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27And colour footage does exist of their fleets.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31Sadly, nothing has been found of the British using the Grumman Martlet,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34making Dave's work even more important.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38And then things like this green scrape here,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- there's quite a definite... - It goes right along, doesn't it?
0:19:41 > 0:19:43There's quite a lot of speed attached to that scrape there.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47And it's dark green. We've had that chemically analysed,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50and it matches identically the green on the upper surface of the wing.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53So what caused that, then, two wings colliding?
0:19:53 > 0:19:56It can only be that it's run across the wing tip
0:19:56 > 0:19:57of another Grumman Martlet -
0:19:57 > 0:20:00one of the other aircraft on the squadron.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03A landing accident or a taxiing accident, maybe on a carrier
0:20:03 > 0:20:05or an airfield - we don't know.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07But now we can start tracking that further,
0:20:07 > 0:20:12because we know that the lighter colour dates from April 1941 -
0:20:12 > 0:20:15and of course, the green stripe is below that,
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- so it has to predate April '41.- Yes.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20That puts it on one of two squadrons, so we can now start looking
0:20:20 > 0:20:23at those squadron records, and seeing if we can fine-tune
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- the research.- Good detective work!
0:20:25 > 0:20:28That's exciting, isn't it?
0:20:28 > 0:20:31We're beginning literally to get under the skin of the object.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Scrape some off - I see you've got a little scalpel in your hand.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- A tiny blade...- You find an edge that starts to go...
0:20:36 > 0:20:38So you're taking the dark blue off now...
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Yeah, we're getting rid of the dark blue,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43and the silver coat, which is immediately beneath the dark blue...
0:20:43 > 0:20:46I was going to have a go, to say I've done something, but I don't
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- want to take off the cream, so... - Well...
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- Oh, look, there's a bit, look. - Find an edge, and see how you...
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- Shall I just keep scraping? - Just keep going with the blue.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Just keep going with the blue. That's fine.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59'You have to admire Dave's commitment,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02'given that he's already spent seven years working on this aircraft,
0:21:02 > 0:21:04'and it's not finished yet.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06'But when it IS done, this aeroplane
0:21:06 > 0:21:09'really will have been brought back to life.'
0:21:09 > 0:21:13I'm part of a generation who has known men who flew planes like this,
0:21:13 > 0:21:15risking their lives during World War II. And sadly,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18as that generation leaves us, it's more important then ever now
0:21:18 > 0:21:22to remember their history, and their contribution,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26so the next generation can understand - and learn.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Well, time certainly flies when you're having fun.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40We are ready to go over to the auction room for the first time today.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Here is a quick recap of what we are taking with us.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Frances's delicately carved aide-memoire
0:21:47 > 0:21:49should sing out to someone with an eye for detail.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Will Chris's brush pot with its famille rose decoration
0:21:54 > 0:21:56appeal to an artistic palate?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Time for a new home
0:22:00 > 0:22:04for Chris and Linda's World War II aircraft clocks.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07And will the romantics out there
0:22:07 > 0:22:10battle it out for Ailsa's heart-shaped trinket box?
0:22:13 > 0:22:16We've travelled across the Somerset Levels to Bridgwater.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Today, we have set up camp in Tamlyns.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24The room is absolutely packed. There is a wonderful atmosphere here.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25Let's get on with the show, let's catch up
0:22:25 > 0:22:28with our owners as we hand proceedings to Claire Rawle.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32And don't forget, there is commission to pay
0:22:32 > 0:22:35on anything you sell at auction,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37and, here, it is 15% plus VAT.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40And first up, it's the aide-memoire.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Frances, good luck. - Thank you very much.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Every single penny is going towards a family reunion in,
0:22:45 > 0:22:48guess where, not Skegness.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51No. Las Vegas.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- My children are both going to have big birthdays.- Right.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56So, the boys come in from Australia
0:22:56 > 0:22:58and we are all going out from England.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01How lovely! Oh, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
0:23:01 > 0:23:03They want to go on trips on helicopters
0:23:03 > 0:23:07and I don't know what, and Granny has always got to pay, hasn't she?
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Yeah, so we need some money with our little Chinese carved
0:23:10 > 0:23:11ivory aide-memoire.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14They say small is beautiful, I think this is stunning. Good luck.
0:23:14 > 0:23:15Thank you very much.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20Lot 62. I have to start this one away at £75. At 75.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Do I see 80 anywhere?
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- It's a good start.- 90. Five. 100, the bid is in the room now.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- It's gone, Frances.- At £100...
0:23:28 > 0:23:33- Yes.- Do I see 110 anywhere? At £100, bid is in the room. 110.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- 120. 130.- Great.- 140. 150. 160.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- At 160, you all done then? - I feel a bit of roulette coming on.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43It's selling, then, at 160...
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- Hammer's gone down.- Yes.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- That got quite exciting. - That was very good, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50One helicopter ride, I think.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Yes?
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Well, that is the first of our Oriental pieces sold,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59and here's another one.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02The Chinese Cantonese brush pot is going under the hammer.
0:24:02 > 0:24:0419th-century, made for the English market
0:24:04 > 0:24:07and we're looking for around £100 to £150.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Why do you want to sell this?
0:24:09 > 0:24:11It has been in the back of the cupboard for years and years,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- so we are thinning out. It might as well go now.- OK.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Well, good luck. It is going under the hammer right now.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21A nice little Cantonese one. It is a nice start away at £75. At 75.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26Do I see 80 anywhere? Bid is at 75. 80. Five. 90. Five. 100.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- In the room at £100.- Sold it.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31At 100. Now 110 anywhere? At £100, then.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33The bid is in the room. You all done?
0:24:33 > 0:24:35It is going to sell for... Oh, 110 on the internet.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37120 in the room.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40At 120. At 120. Now 130 out there.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43At £120, the bid is in the room then still.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46130. 140 in the room.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49At £140. At 140. Now 150.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52At £140. Now 150.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Claire is very good at talking to the internet,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57somebody that is not really there in person.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- £140.- I'm pleased with that.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- That is as good as you are going to get for that vase.- Excellent.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Time's up for those World War II aeroplane clocks.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Chris and Linda, it's great to see you.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- Now, I know you worked at Filton. - That's right.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- So you've got a passion for aircraft.- Yeah.- And it was wonderful to see aircraft memorabilia
0:25:16 > 0:25:18coming into our valuation day.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- We were all excited about that, weren't we?- Oh, yeah.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23We don't know where these dials are from - it could be from...
0:25:23 > 0:25:25It could be from a Hurricane, or a Spitfire, we don't know.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Hopefully there's somebody out there that does, and they're here
0:25:28 > 0:25:31right now to buy it. It's going under the hammer, this is it.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34152, the World War II period - and they ARE period -
0:25:34 > 0:25:36nice aircraft timepieces,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39and these I'm going to start away at £85.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41At 85. Do I see 90 anywhere? Bid's with me at 85.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44At £85. Now 90.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46At 90. 95. 100.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49110. 120 in the room.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52At 120. Got a room bid at 120. So, 130 out there?
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- Good, yes. - 130 I have. 140 in the room.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58At £140. 150. 160.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01At 160. One seven... 170.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05180. At 180. At £180...
0:26:05 > 0:26:06190.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09£200. At £200.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12220 out there? At £200 - you all done then?
0:26:12 > 0:26:14They're going to sell at £200...
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- Great result. - Wonderful. Just goes to show -
0:26:18 > 0:26:21history...to do with aviation...
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- Your dad would be pleased as well, wouldn't he? CHRIS:- He would be.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Result.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29I love the fact that Chris's dad used these old clocks
0:26:29 > 0:26:31on each side of his bed.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33I hope today's buyer finds an equally original place
0:26:33 > 0:26:36for these wonderful World War II items.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Going under the hammer right now, a big heart. Yes, a large heart.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Not our Ailsa's heart, but it is that wonderful silver trinket box.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- And it is a whopper, isn't it? - It is.- I do like this.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- I know it caught Charlie's eye. - It's nice quality.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Fingers crossed we will get the top end of the estimate.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- Thank you.- Happy with that?- Yes. - OK, let's go for it.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56And this one I have to start straight in at £120.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00- Yes.- 130. 140. 150. 160. 170. 180.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- 190. 200. 220.- What?
0:27:03 > 0:27:06280. 300. 320.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- 350...- I don't understand. - Wow, Charlie.- 400.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- 420.- There's a bid on the book. - Now I've got 450 here.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15At £450. At 450.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Claire was looking at a bid on the book, working the bids.
0:27:18 > 0:27:19£450...?
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- GAVEL BANGS - Yes!- Oh, lovely!
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- What?- That was a lot of heart there. £450!
0:27:25 > 0:27:30- How about that?!- Wonderful. Thank you.- Back to the drawing board.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32It's nice when it goes like that, isn't it?
0:27:32 > 0:27:36One bemused expert and one delighted seller.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39It's the unpredictability of the auction room that makes it
0:27:39 > 0:27:41such an exciting place to be in.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43There you are, that is the end of the first visit
0:27:43 > 0:27:44to the saleroom today.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47We are coming back here later on in the programme,
0:27:47 > 0:27:49so don't go away because there could be one or two surprises.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Now, while I was in Yeovilton, I found out about the history
0:27:52 > 0:27:54of 815 Naval Air Squadron
0:27:54 > 0:27:57and what it takes to be a pilot with them today.
0:28:17 > 0:28:22815 Squadron has been operating out of HMS Heron for over 70 years now.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26Today, they are the largest helicopter squadron in Europe.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Before I meet them, here is a quick bit about their history.
0:28:31 > 0:28:37815 were formed in 1939 at the beginning of the Second World War.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40The first aircraft the squadron flew was the Swordfish.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42And their first major mission was to provide
0:28:42 > 0:28:47support during the Dunkirk evacuation in May 1940.
0:28:47 > 0:28:52The Second World War had propelled huge changes in aviation design,
0:28:52 > 0:28:56and by 1958, 815 were a helicopter squadron
0:28:56 > 0:28:59using sonar to spot submarines.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04By 1981, the Somerset-made Lynx helicopter
0:29:04 > 0:29:06was at the forefront of the squadron.
0:29:09 > 0:29:10And today, some 30 years later,
0:29:10 > 0:29:14it's still the Lynx helicopter that the squadron flies.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Nowadays, missions include anti-terrorism deployments
0:29:17 > 0:29:20and even battling pirates in the Indian Ocean.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25It takes four years to train to be an 815 pilot today.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27And physical fitness is paramount
0:29:27 > 0:29:31when you are carrying 15 kilos of kit on your person.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36And here's a man who knows all about it - Lieutenant Adam Rudkin.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39What does it take to be an 815 pilot today?
0:29:39 > 0:29:41Well, it takes about four years of training
0:29:41 > 0:29:43and a lot of commitment and hard work to get to this
0:29:43 > 0:29:46point to be at a front-line squadron, such as 815.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50Just tell me about the squadron. You know, it has got a great name,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52hasn't it? 815, it is renowned worldwide.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54What does it feel like to be part of that?
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Oh, I feel very lucky and honoured.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59You know, 815 is the home of front-line Lynx aviation.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01And it is a great squadron, it's unique.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03You never know what you're going to do from day to day.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Are you confident now to sort of jump in most aircraft
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- and helicopters and fly them? - Um... Just this aircraft.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12You know, I mean, they are all the same basically,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15but have a lot of different nuances and techniques, yeah.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17I'll stick with the Lynx for now.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21Adam's confidence flying the Lynx comes from his extensive training.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26And knowing exactly what to do in an emergency.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29This next exercise is designed to prepare pilots
0:30:29 > 0:30:31for a worst-case scenario -
0:30:31 > 0:30:32crashing at sea.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Three guys from 815 Squadron just about to do the dunking,
0:30:36 > 0:30:38and I know you have done this before.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41You have to do it virtually once every two years?
0:30:41 > 0:30:42Yeah, maximum of every two years,
0:30:42 > 0:30:45so we end up doing it quite regularly, unfortunately.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Obviously you get better with age doing this, don't you?
0:30:48 > 0:30:51You would hope, but generally you get more scared as you get older.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Is it really quite frightening?
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Well, yeah, you're getting upside down in the dark.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58You're trapped in cos you've got your seatbelt holding you.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00And all this kit, what you're wearing now.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03We've got life jackets and all our survival suits,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06and we're trapped into the aircraft with a five-point harness,
0:31:06 > 0:31:07so loads of different things catch on.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10It goes upside down, all the oxygen goes out, you start panicking.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13So it is, you know, not a very pleasant experience,
0:31:13 > 0:31:14but really useful as well.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Everyone who has had a real incident, they always come back
0:31:16 > 0:31:19and say this training is exceptionally useful.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Well, look, guys, good luck.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25I'm pleased I'm staying here and watching.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- You can join us if you like. - No, thanks.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Lieutenant BJ Smith, Head of Survival Equipment,
0:31:32 > 0:31:34talked me through the exercise.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37They will all brace themselves in there.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39They will have one hand on their lap strap,
0:31:39 > 0:31:41one hand on the window to release it.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43And as the module comes down, it will submerge
0:31:43 > 0:31:48and they will make their exit once the movement has stopped.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51The aircrew who have ditched have told us of their experiences,
0:31:51 > 0:31:52where they can't remember
0:31:52 > 0:31:55a thing from the moment of impact to the moment they come back
0:31:55 > 0:31:57up to the surface cos that habitual reaction,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00the muscle memory, has kicked in and they've just went through all
0:32:00 > 0:32:02the training that has been instilled in them.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- 'Right - this is it.' - Brace, brace, brace!- Here we go.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09This is where it must get frightening for them inside.
0:32:09 > 0:32:10I really wouldn't like to do that.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17That's really creating disorientation for
0:32:17 > 0:32:18the guys in there.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26That's incredible. That's absolutely incredible.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Hopefully experiencing that level of anxiety
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- in these controlled conditions brings their confidence up.- Sure.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36If that happens in reality, they know what to expect.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Like I say, you made that look easy.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41You were out just like that every single time.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45There is a definite incentive when you are stuck underwater - you want
0:32:45 > 0:32:47to get out as quick as possible cos it is not very pleasant at times.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Well, look, well done, and thanks for, you know, being our guinea pigs today.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Cos I certainly wouldn't have got in there.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55Well, that really was quite sobering,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58watching those guys do that sort of training.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02It really drums home the risk they undertake in their role.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06And before an 815 pilot can go up in a Lynx, they need to rack
0:33:06 > 0:33:10up 62 hours of flying in a helicopter simulator.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14This is just a part of their overall flight training, but it's essential.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16And there is one man who has been training
0:33:16 > 0:33:19wannabe 815 pilots for 20 years -
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Lieutenant Commander John Hartley.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24And he has offered to give me a lesson.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- So you are pretty much ready to go. - All right.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30Moving the stick forward, the aircraft goes forward?
0:33:30 > 0:33:33If you move the stick forward, the aircraft will go faster
0:33:33 > 0:33:35and it will also sort of dive down and go forward.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Pull it back, you will slow down and you will climb.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- Let's give it a go. Come on, I'm really excited.- OK, here we go.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- OK, right.- So ease back on the stick gently, nice and gently.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Wow, that is very sensitive.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49If you look to your left, at 11 o'clock, down low,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- you will see a runway.- I can.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- So if you look over there, now that's Yeovilton.- OK.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59- That is where we are.- OK. Do you want me to land?
0:33:59 > 0:34:01We want to attempt to land there.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03If you come between... Straight, in a line down the runway.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Imagine you are in an aeroplane and you are going to go
0:34:05 > 0:34:07and do a regular landing.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10Well, I've never done a regular landing in an aircraft.
0:34:10 > 0:34:11I would raise my left hand just a little inch
0:34:11 > 0:34:14because we're going to fall short, I think.
0:34:14 > 0:34:15- OK.- That's looking very good.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Lower your left hand.
0:34:18 > 0:34:19Just gently.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Raise your left hand a little bit.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24A little bit more. Raise your left hand. Steady the impact.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Oh, no! No!
0:34:27 > 0:34:30OK, raise the lever a bit to about 30 or 40.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Now we are looking really good for a landing on that grass.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37Raise this hand. Just an inch. Gently, gently. Gently.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Squeeze left pedal.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42Beautiful. And let it land. Oh, I think we are down.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- We are on the grass.- How did we land?
0:34:45 > 0:34:48We're in trouble with the Commodore, but we're down.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52I've got to say, that was absolutely brilliant.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55I've never done anything like that before in my life.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58A big thank you to John there for talking me through
0:34:58 > 0:35:02and getting me through my first simulated flight.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Well, that has certainly given me a taste for flying,
0:35:06 > 0:35:08and now it's time for the real thing.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12# Revvin' up your engine Listen to her howlin' roar
0:35:14 > 0:35:18# Metal under tension Beggin' you to touch and go. #
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Don't worry, I won't be flying,
0:35:20 > 0:35:24I will be in the safe hands of Adam Rudkin, who I met earlier.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31# Right into the danger zone. #
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Today, we're flying over the base in a Lynx helicopter.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38The Lynx holds the world record as the fastest helicopter.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Given its age, I think that is quite remarkable, it really is.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Today, I am flying with pilot Adam and observer Laura, whose job
0:35:45 > 0:35:50it is to navigate and, in a conflict situation, release the arms.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Such a smooth flight today, perfect conditions.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59And the view is stunning.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03I must say, Adam has got a great job here, our pilot.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Today has certainly given me a snapshot of what is involved
0:36:07 > 0:36:09in becoming a pilot in one
0:36:09 > 0:36:11of Europe's largest helicopter squadrons.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16And it is as challenging today as it was during 815's early days.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19And with the old Lynx finally nearing the end of its life,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22here at Yeovilton, the squadron will soon be entering a new era -
0:36:22 > 0:36:24the dawn of the Wildcat.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26But that's another story.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36We're back down on the ground at this extraordinary location
0:36:36 > 0:36:38with its fascinating history.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41With many men from the base currently on active service
0:36:41 > 0:36:46in Afghanistan, let's not forget the bravery of those left behind.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50Singing for us today, we have the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir.
0:36:54 > 0:37:04# Aaaah
0:37:08 > 0:37:11# Wherever you are
0:37:11 > 0:37:14# My love will keep you safe
0:37:14 > 0:37:17# My heart will build a bridge
0:37:17 > 0:37:22# Of light across both time and space
0:37:22 > 0:37:25# Wherever you are
0:37:25 > 0:37:28# Our hearts still beat as one
0:37:28 > 0:37:31# I hold you in my dreams each night
0:37:31 > 0:37:34# Until your task is done
0:37:34 > 0:37:37# Light after darkness
0:37:37 > 0:37:41# My wondrous star
0:37:41 > 0:37:45# Our hopes and dreams My heart and yours
0:37:45 > 0:37:47# Forever shining far
0:37:47 > 0:37:51# Light up the darkness
0:37:51 > 0:37:54# My prince of peace
0:37:54 > 0:37:58# May the stars shine all around you
0:37:58 > 0:38:00# May your courage
0:38:00 > 0:38:05# Never cease
0:38:05 > 0:38:19# Aaaah... #
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Fabulous. Fabulous.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Fabulous. Wasn't that great?
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- Pat.- Yes, Thomas. - I love this swagger stick.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- I really like swagger sticks.- Yes. - In a former life,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41I should have been sort of in the British Army, I think.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45I can see you marching up and down with that under your arm!
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Why have you brought it in?
0:38:47 > 0:38:50I've been itching to find out something about it.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54My husband bought it, I think, in an auction sale.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57It's one of those things that sort of appeared.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00My husband died 20 years ago.
0:39:00 > 0:39:05And because that's not my history, or even his history, it has no...
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- It's not a family thing.- No.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- Something he's purchased.- Yes.- OK.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Well, it's English cos we've got British hallmarks here.
0:39:14 > 0:39:20This dates from 1822. And 57 on there within a wreath.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22- What does the 57 mean?- A regiment.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- OK.- So an infantry regiment.- Right.
0:39:25 > 0:39:31And the Albuhera, which I've looked up,
0:39:31 > 0:39:35and it's from the Peninsular War, 1811.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Got a bit of age to it.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40And this is obviously a foot soldier,
0:39:40 > 0:39:44one of the soldiers who were hugely outnumbered in this battle,
0:39:44 > 0:39:50- had this made post the battle... - As a sort of memento.- A memento.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54And regiments do. They have these battles on their coats of arms.
0:39:54 > 0:40:01This is... Is this a bamboo of some description? Very bendy.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Little silver ferrule on the end. I think it's delightful.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Have you got any idea of value?
0:40:06 > 0:40:11No, not really. Um... No, I haven't.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15- It's probably worth, I would say, at least £50-80.- Yes.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19- Would you be interested in selling it?- Yes, I think so.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Because it's not any good to me. Not really.
0:40:21 > 0:40:26- Somebody else will love this.- Yes. - Somebody else will collect this
0:40:26 > 0:40:30and it will end up with somebody who collects Peninsular War memorabilia.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34- In its good company. - It would be amongst friends.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37With regards to a reserve, I would suggest £50 with discretion.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39- I was going to say that. - Were you?- I was.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Singing from the same hymn sheet. That's wonderful.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45While Thomas marches into the saleroom with that one,
0:40:45 > 0:40:49here's a speedy little number that's just up Charlie's street.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- I recognise this! This is a Model T Ford.- It is, indeed.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55What's the history of it, as far as you're concerned?
0:40:55 > 0:40:59- I was given it when I was seven years old.- Seven?- Yeah, yeah.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03By a family friend who used to come down and see us once a year from Manchester and it
0:41:03 > 0:41:07kind of started me off from there and ended up with my collection.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09I ended up with almost 200 different Dinky and Matchbox toys.
0:41:09 > 0:41:15- Really? Have you still got them? - Unfortunately not. They've all gone now.- Why have you got rid of them?
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- My children have grown up and it was something they weren't interested in. - Weren't they?
0:41:19 > 0:41:23No, and girls being girls, they'd rather spend the money and have something.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- There's daughters for you!- This one's always been my prized treasure. - Oh, no!
0:41:27 > 0:41:31I'm feeling guilty, sitting here. It comes from a TV series.
0:41:31 > 0:41:32Yes, so I understand.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36The Secret Service TV series with Gerry Anderson.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- I don't remember that one.- Well, 1970s. So you wouldn't, would you?
0:41:39 > 0:41:41No.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44I would, of course! The great thing is it has its box.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46Was that true of all your collection?
0:41:46 > 0:41:49Pretty much most of them, yeah. I was always told to keep the box.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- Clever man. The boxes themselves are worth money now.- Yeah.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56And the paintwork's good. You haven't driven it around much.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59No, it's never come out of that little card there.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- Has it never come out of the card? Well, I'm not going to do that now! - It's stayed in there all this time.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07One thing that intrigues me, did it ever have a steering wheel?
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- It never had a steering wheel when I had it. - Then I suspect it didn't have one.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- I'm not sure if it ever came with one.- There doesn't seem to be a mark inside where the steering wheel
0:42:14 > 0:42:19- might have been.- No. - And there aren't any marks on his hands where there might have been.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24I'm not sufficiently expert enough in Dinky Toys to know whether this model had a steering wheel.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26I rather suspect it didn't.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28- Right, OK. - Why do you want to sell it?
0:42:28 > 0:42:31Both my girls are off on their first school trips this year,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35which costs an arm and a leg anyway, and they want spending money.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39- So it's like raid dad and... - What do you think it's worth?
0:42:39 > 0:42:42I've always thought it would be around £30-40.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- I think it's worth more than that. - Really? OK.
0:42:44 > 0:42:4730-40 is a conservative estimate.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51I'd like to see an estimate of 50-80 on it, really.
0:42:51 > 0:42:52Right, OK.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56You reckon it's worth 30-40. I think it's worth 50-80.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59So we'll put an estimate of 50-80, but just to be safe,
0:42:59 > 0:43:01- we'll put a reserve of 30.- OK.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04- So that's your bottom line with which you'd be happy.- Yeah.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08- But I will be disappointed if it doesn't make 50-80.- Well, that'd be very good.- Is that a deal?
0:43:08 > 0:43:13- Yeah, gives them more spending money. - Splendid. Thank you very much indeed.- Thank you.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Thomas has homed in on an unusual necklace
0:43:19 > 0:43:22he spotted in the queue earlier.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26Catherine, thank you for bringing in this fantastic piece
0:43:26 > 0:43:29of late-19th-century vulcanite jewellery.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32Tell me - is it something you've had for some time?
0:43:32 > 0:43:35It belonged to my mother, she had a collection of Victorian
0:43:35 > 0:43:37and Edwardian costumes.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40I don't know who gave it to her or whether she purchased it
0:43:40 > 0:43:43but when my mum had this collection she would take
0:43:43 > 0:43:49them around to various village halls and things to raise money.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- For what reason?- It went to the local hospital.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55- Really?- Yes.- Oh, fascinating.- And there was a group of us
0:43:55 > 0:43:59who wore the costumes and this was one of the necklaces
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- that I used to wear.- And was it against a black costume?- Yes.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05- It was mourning jewellery.- A black-beaded costume.- Yeah.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07So vulcanite is...
0:44:07 > 0:44:09It's like an early plastic.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12- Goodyear was the man who sort of invented it.- Right.
0:44:12 > 0:44:17And it's a mixture of sulphur and India rubber.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19Melted and mixed...
0:44:19 > 0:44:22And it makes this sort of resin which then gets moulded.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25I don't know what the grapes represent.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28The grape and vine. The interesting thing about this
0:44:28 > 0:44:32is that this is the poor relation to jet.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35So, Whitby jet, which took that high polish and was very dark
0:44:35 > 0:44:38and very popular in the 19th century.
0:44:38 > 0:44:43- But extremely expensive.- Hm.- This was its sort of simulant,
0:44:43 > 0:44:44so to speak.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47It's quite dull, actually, isn't it, really?
0:44:47 > 0:44:48It hasn't got that lovely shine.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52I think it would have had that shine. All things of rubber -
0:44:52 > 0:44:53they do deteriorate over time.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56But it's a super, big, bold piece, isn't it?
0:44:56 > 0:45:00- Yes, it is lovely.- And when you're thinking of Victorian jewellery
0:45:00 > 0:45:03- that's what you want, you know.- Mm. - Exciting.- Yes.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05- Do you like it?- Yes, I do.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- I do like it.- Why is it here on this table...with me...
0:45:08 > 0:45:09about to sell it?
0:45:09 > 0:45:12It's just in a box and I wanted to come to Flog It!
0:45:12 > 0:45:14- This has got collectors for.- Yes.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16And certainly people who collect early plastics
0:45:16 > 0:45:18- or composites.- Mm.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21I think it's worth...
0:45:21 > 0:45:24Typical auctioneer's estimate, you know, 100 to 120.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26That's what I would like to put...
0:45:26 > 0:45:28That's what I think it's worth.
0:45:28 > 0:45:32With regards to reserve, I think one should put a sensible reserve
0:45:32 > 0:45:35of about £80 on it. That fixes it at 80.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38If it doesn't sell for 80,
0:45:38 > 0:45:41I think you'd be pleased to keep it, wouldn't you?
0:45:41 > 0:45:42Yes. Yes, that would be fine.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46Everyone's come out to play today.
0:45:46 > 0:45:51- I've thoroughly enjoyed it, actually. - Has he got a name, that teddy?
0:45:51 > 0:45:55- Yes, he's Brigadier Charles Edward. - He's great, isn't he?- Thank you very much.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57'Well, I'd rather meet him
0:45:57 > 0:46:00'in battle than the original owner of our next item.'
0:46:00 > 0:46:05So, Pat, I love Japanese katanas, samurai swords.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09Tell me, why do you own this sword?
0:46:09 > 0:46:12I inherited it from my father, who took it as part of a debt.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15- As part of a debt?- Yes.
0:46:15 > 0:46:19- And what did your father do? - My father was a cycle dealer.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21- A cycle dealer? Push-bike?- Yes.
0:46:21 > 0:46:26- We used to make our own frames and that sort of thing.- Really?
0:46:26 > 0:46:29- Going back to the 1940s-'50s. - Fantastic.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33Hand-built cycle frames at that time, of course, were the in thing.
0:46:33 > 0:46:38So your father took this as a bad debt. Was it always like this?
0:46:38 > 0:46:40- Exactly.- Nothing's been done?- Nope.
0:46:40 > 0:46:44I wrote to the British Museum, cos I thought it was an awkward
0:46:44 > 0:46:46thing to take up there or put it through the post
0:46:46 > 0:46:51and they sent me back a document of appraisal of the whole thing.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53Did they give you a date to the blade?
0:46:53 > 0:46:58- They reckoned roughly 500 years old. - OK. Super.
0:46:58 > 0:47:02This is what we call a katana - a long samurai sword.
0:47:02 > 0:47:06The samurai, a tribe of Japan, the highest tribe of Japan,
0:47:06 > 0:47:11wore these swords, with also another one - a wakizashi, a smaller blade.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14There are different components to it.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18So the blade, the tsuba, which is the guard, and then menuki,
0:47:18 > 0:47:23which is these mounts here, which are later in date.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26This bit which they've dated is called the tang.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28So you remove the little peg in the blade
0:47:28 > 0:47:33and it will all slide off and the tsuba will come out as well.
0:47:33 > 0:47:37- Here is what they've deciphered. - That's right.
0:47:37 > 0:47:42And you sent them photographs of the sword maker's name and the details.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45Exactly.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48On here, you see the dragon, which is
0:47:48 > 0:47:50chasing the pearl of eternal life.
0:47:50 > 0:47:55This chase and the fight you see, sometimes there's two dragons
0:47:55 > 0:47:59and the flaming pearl is used in Japanese and Chinese art.
0:47:59 > 0:48:03It's quite rare to see a blade of this age in this country.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06Normally, they've come back from the spoils of war,
0:48:06 > 0:48:09during the Second World War, after the surrender.
0:48:09 > 0:48:13Now, samurai were banned from wearing swords in
0:48:13 > 0:48:15the early 20th century, with the new emperor,
0:48:15 > 0:48:19and the samurais were almost extinguished from their society.
0:48:19 > 0:48:23In that period, the Meiji period, they worked heavily on their art,
0:48:23 > 0:48:27such as these bits here, the menuki and the tsuba.
0:48:27 > 0:48:31What would have happened is that through 500 years,
0:48:31 > 0:48:35when this blade was first forged, the handle would have deteriorated.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38So these are late 19th century, early 20th century.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41Am I right in assuming, as would the scabbard?
0:48:41 > 0:48:43The scabbard would have deteriorated.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45This isn't the original?
0:48:45 > 0:48:48This is a holding scabbard. We've presented it out like this,
0:48:48 > 0:48:51we've broken it down into its component parts.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53We've got to think of what it's worth.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56- I think these items are collected separately too.- They are.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59You're quite right. Some of these are worth a lot of money.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01That one is a very nice tsuba.
0:49:01 > 0:49:05It's probably worth £300-500 just on its own.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08- Yes, I'd say.- And these are worth a little bit of money on their own.
0:49:08 > 0:49:14- £300-500.- Yes.- The blade is probably worth £1,500-2,000 on its own.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18So I think an estimate of £2,000-3,000 is very sensible.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21- Right.- What do you think? - I'm happy with that.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23With regards to reserve, I think
0:49:23 > 0:49:27- we need to sort of have a £2,000 reserve.- Right.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31Possibly, I would suggest a little bit of discretion on it.
0:49:31 > 0:49:35So, £2,000-3,000 is the estimate and then the reserve at £2,000,
0:49:35 > 0:49:39- with a 10% discretion. - That's all right.- Is that all right?
0:49:39 > 0:49:40Yes, thank you.
0:49:40 > 0:49:44For me, the best thing I've seen all day, the best thing I've
0:49:44 > 0:49:47seen in a long time, because it's not just a sword, it's a culture.
0:49:47 > 0:49:48It's wonderful.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52Absolutely, Thomas. Well, that's it.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54You've just seen it, our final item of the day,
0:49:54 > 0:49:56which means sadly it's time to say goodbye to the
0:49:56 > 0:50:00Fleet Air Arm Museum, our magnificent host location,
0:50:00 > 0:50:03as we go over to the auction room for the very last time today.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06And here's a quick recap.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09The early-19th-century swagger stick should bring the military
0:50:09 > 0:50:12collectors out in force.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17And in such pristine condition,
0:50:17 > 0:50:22this little T Ford Dinky Toy should do a roaring trade.
0:50:22 > 0:50:24A late-19th-century mourning necklace,
0:50:24 > 0:50:27but is it a good year for selling vulcanite?
0:50:31 > 0:50:34And will Pat's samurai sword, originally given
0:50:34 > 0:50:38to his father as a debt repayment, make its money today?
0:50:39 > 0:50:41Before we put it to the test,
0:50:41 > 0:50:44I caught up with auctioneer Claire Rawle, who wanted to
0:50:44 > 0:50:48be 100% sure of its authenticity before she put it under the hammer.
0:50:48 > 0:50:52I absolutely love this lot and I cannot wait for the auction.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55I really cannot. I want to see the top end plus, Claire!
0:50:55 > 0:50:59- Yeah, that would be good.- We've got £2,000-3,000 on this.- Yeah.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01- It's lovely.- It is. I must admit, when I initially saw it,
0:51:01 > 0:51:05I had a few concerns about it because it's so good.
0:51:05 > 0:51:06And there are so many...
0:51:06 > 0:51:09There were so many manufactured straight after
0:51:09 > 0:51:11the Second World War and so many copies about.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14You have to be very careful with Japanese swords, especially samurai
0:51:14 > 0:51:18swords - the blades of this length, it is the one area where there's very strict legislation.
0:51:18 > 0:51:22Any copies that have been made purely as decorative items,
0:51:22 > 0:51:24it's actually against the law to sell.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26I certainly couldn't sell them.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29I stand a prison sentence and quite a big fine if I did it.
0:51:29 > 0:51:31So you have to be very careful with them.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33Also, you have to be careful
0:51:33 > 0:51:37because there are some countries you just cannot export blades to.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40These, above a lot of other swords, particularly Japanese samurai.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43Patrick took this to the British Museum
0:51:43 > 0:51:45- and they said it is over 500 years old.- Yeah.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48So he had a good letter of provenance with this.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51Yeah, he just couldn't find it when I spoke to him!
0:51:51 > 0:51:54But I also sent off images to a specialist in London.
0:51:54 > 0:51:58- He was fine and he wishes us all the best.- It's all there, isn't it?
0:51:58 > 0:52:00Has there been a lot of interest?
0:52:00 > 0:52:04I think I'll have them lined up on the telephone and online as well cos the live bidding makes a difference.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07One of my guys is quite a long way away.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10He's the other side of the world, so he's getting quite excited about it.
0:52:10 > 0:52:14So are we. Whatever you do, don't go away. This could get really, really exciting.
0:52:14 > 0:52:18Well, it's getting tense here on the front-line of Tamlyns auction house
0:52:18 > 0:52:21where the bidders are battling it out at today's fine art
0:52:21 > 0:52:23and antique sale.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26Pat, did you swagger into the auction room this morning?
0:52:26 > 0:52:29I bet you did! Are you confident?
0:52:29 > 0:52:32I was going to lend it to Thomas cos I thought it might suit him.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36- Well, I don't know about that. - I think it does, actually.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39He looks like an officer. Normally carried by a man in uniform.
0:52:39 > 0:52:44- This is my uniform. - Oh! His auctioneer's uniform!
0:52:44 > 0:52:45From the Peninsular War!
0:52:45 > 0:52:50- Yes.- Anyway, good luck. - Thank you.- Here we go.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52- It's going under the hammer right now.- Right.
0:52:52 > 0:52:56Nice little item, 332. And I start away at £42.
0:52:56 > 0:52:59At £42. Do I see five anywhere? At 42.
0:52:59 > 0:53:02- 45. 48.- Come on!- 50 in the room.
0:53:02 > 0:53:07At £50. Bid's in the room now. At £50. Now, do I see five? At £50.
0:53:07 > 0:53:08Room bid, then. At 50.
0:53:08 > 0:53:13At 50, it's going to sell. Are you all done at £50?
0:53:13 > 0:53:16- Well, it's gone and it went rather quickly.- Yes, it did.- £50.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19Yes, I thought it might have been of interest,
0:53:19 > 0:53:23but then, I suppose you've got to be of an age...
0:53:23 > 0:53:27Or have two or three bidders that really want it, to push each other, push those bids up a bit.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31- Yes.- But it's gone. It's gone within estimate. We're happy.
0:53:31 > 0:53:33Yeah, that's fine. I'm happy.
0:53:33 > 0:53:37A bargain, going for the lower end of Thomas' valuation.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40Let's hope Charlie's Dinky car gets some mileage.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43Going under the hammer right now, our little toy car,
0:53:43 > 0:53:46the Model T Ford belonging to Mike. You know the line, don't you?
0:53:46 > 0:53:50- You can have it in any colour you want...- It has to be black!
0:53:50 > 0:53:52Yeah.
0:53:52 > 0:53:57- Because black was the paint that dried the quickest.- Yeah.
0:53:57 > 0:54:01- Get them off the assembly line. - Get them out, yeah.
0:54:01 > 0:54:02Anyway, good luck with this.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Lot 232.
0:54:04 > 0:54:08Little Dinky car here. There we are, with its box. The Model T Ford.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11It's got a little stand and everything with it. Lot 232.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14And I start away at £22. At 22, do I see five anywhere?
0:54:14 > 0:54:16Bid's with me at 22.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20At 22. At 22. Surely 25. At £22.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23At 22. 25. 28.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25- £30.- Right, we're climbing.
0:54:25 > 0:54:30At £30. At £30, it is. Now, do I see two anywhere? The bid's at 30.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32All done. It's going to sell at £30.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34Gone.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36Gone for £30.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38- You wanted it to go.- I did, yeah.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40And it was a gamble.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43- I had it in my head around that price.- Had you?- Yeah, on the day.
0:54:43 > 0:54:49- You're not too disappointed?- No. Not at all.- Job done, then.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52Catherine has many memories of happy days spent modelling,
0:54:52 > 0:54:55associated with her striking vulcanite necklace.
0:54:55 > 0:54:57It's like an early Bakelite, isn't it?
0:54:57 > 0:55:00Like sort of Victorian plastic - vulcanite.
0:55:00 > 0:55:03Yes, it's very light, it looks heavy but it's not at all.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05It's lovely to wear.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07And are you going to miss this now?
0:55:07 > 0:55:10Not really, because it's been in the cupboard for ages.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13Well, I think we should get on and sell some antiques right now,
0:55:13 > 0:55:15- are you ready for this, Catherine? - Yes, ready.- This is
0:55:15 > 0:55:18- what we've come for, let's get on with it.- 42...
0:55:18 > 0:55:21This is rather fun, the Victorian vulcanite necklace.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24And I'm sure you all had a good look at this.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26And this one I have to start straight in at...
0:55:26 > 0:55:28- £90. And I'm looking for 100.- Oh.
0:55:28 > 0:55:29- Straight in.- 100, 110.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32120 at the back, at 120...
0:55:32 > 0:55:35130...140...150.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38No, 150 bid's here. At £150, do I see 160?
0:55:38 > 0:55:41- At £150.- I'm amazed.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43£160 on the internet.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45170, at 170, now 180...
0:55:45 > 0:55:48He's still hovering... 180.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51No, 180. Net bid this time at £180.
0:55:51 > 0:55:52At 180.
0:55:52 > 0:55:56You all sure? Selling, then, at £180...
0:55:56 > 0:55:58Yes! £180.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00- What a great result!- Awesome.
0:56:00 > 0:56:03And I've learnt something there. I never knew
0:56:03 > 0:56:05- anything about vulcanite before.- No.
0:56:05 > 0:56:07- Well, I'm glad you pounced on it. - What?!
0:56:07 > 0:56:09SHE LAUGHS
0:56:11 > 0:56:14Fingers crossed now for one of the rarest pieces we've
0:56:14 > 0:56:15seen on Flog It!
0:56:15 > 0:56:18Well, I know Thomas and Patrick have been looking forward to this moment.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21You know what's going under the hammer.
0:56:21 > 0:56:26We are in the cutting edge of the saleroom with this samurai sword, which is around 500 years old.
0:56:26 > 0:56:30I had a chat to Claire and she actually endorsed what you said -
0:56:30 > 0:56:31it is right.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34The blade is the important thing in this.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37The mounts also make it, but the blade is 500 years old
0:56:37 > 0:56:39and you look at the way it's been folded, you have that
0:56:39 > 0:56:44temper on the blade and all the mounts, the tsubas are wonderful.
0:56:44 > 0:56:48We're going to put it to the test right now. It's going under the hammer.
0:56:48 > 0:56:52This is the Japanese katana. Going to start it away at £1,300.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56At 1,300. Do I see 1,400 anywhere? At 1,300.
0:56:56 > 0:56:581,400 on the net. 15 with me.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01At £1,500. At 15. 16 on the net.
0:57:01 > 0:57:0417 with me. At £1,700 with me.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07At 17, 18, 1,900 with me.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10At 1,900. 2,000 on the internet.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13- Now on the internet.- We've got it, Patrick!
0:57:13 > 0:57:15At 2,000. Do I see 2,200 anywhere?
0:57:15 > 0:57:18At £2,000, the bid's on the internet.
0:57:18 > 0:57:202,200, if you want it, on the phone.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23£2,000 on the internet. Do you want to go 2,200?
0:57:23 > 0:57:25Yes, we've got 2,200.
0:57:25 > 0:57:29At 2,200. 2,400 on the internet? 2,400 on the internet.
0:57:29 > 0:57:312,600 is the next bid.
0:57:31 > 0:57:352,600 on the telephone. At 2,600 on the phone.
0:57:35 > 0:57:37At 2,600. 2,800 on the internet.
0:57:37 > 0:57:393,000?
0:57:39 > 0:57:423,000 on the telephone?
0:57:42 > 0:57:44Take 2,900.
0:57:44 > 0:57:482,900. I'll take 3,000 on the internet, then.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50At 2,900 on the telephone. 3,000, he says.
0:57:50 > 0:57:52At 3,000. Next bid will be 3,200.
0:57:52 > 0:57:54No?
0:57:54 > 0:57:56- At £3,000...- Well done, Thomas.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58At £3,000, are you all done?
0:57:58 > 0:58:02It's going to sell to the internet bid at £3,000.
0:58:02 > 0:58:06We did it. How about that? What a great result!
0:58:06 > 0:58:07Quality, quality, quality.
0:58:07 > 0:58:10- Patrick, you've got to be over the moon.- I'm over the moon.
0:58:10 > 0:58:14- You'd have taken the bottom end of that estimate.- I would have.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17What a way to end a show. Patrick, you've put a big smile on our faces
0:58:17 > 0:58:20and we've seen absolute quality. Well done, Thomas.
0:58:20 > 0:58:23Well done, Claire, on the rostrum. I hope you've enjoyed today's show.
0:58:23 > 0:58:26We've had a marvellous time here in Somerset. I cannot wait to come back.
0:58:26 > 0:58:29But until then, it's goodbye from all of us.