0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Dunham Massey,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06the ancestral home of the Earls of Stanford and Warrington.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09I think it's pretty safe to say the family that lived here were
0:00:09 > 0:00:12complete hoarders. During their time in residence,
0:00:12 > 0:00:16they amassed a staggering 25,000 different objects -
0:00:16 > 0:00:19objects which tell a story of love and political intrigue.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22And later on in the show, I'll be sharing some of my favourites
0:00:22 > 0:00:25with you, but right now, it's those all-important valuations.
0:00:25 > 0:00:26Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:51 > 0:00:54One of Merseyside's most impressive buildings is today's
0:00:54 > 0:00:56valuation venue, Wallasey Town Hall.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01In 1940, during the Second World War,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04it took a direct hit by German bombers.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08George VI and Queen Elizabeth came to see
0:01:08 > 0:01:10the effects of the early raids.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12But worse was to follow.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Liverpool and Merseyside soon became the most heavily bombed
0:01:16 > 0:01:18area in the country outside of London.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Having the largest west coast port,
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Merseyside was targeted because the docks brought in food and materials
0:01:26 > 0:01:27vital to Britain's survival.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33But despite the death toll and destruction,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37the port stayed open and visiting the area, Churchill said,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40"I see damage done by enemy attacks,
0:01:40 > 0:01:44"but I also see the spirit of unconquered people."
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Merseyside is an area
0:01:48 > 0:01:50with a powerful sense of pride in its history
0:01:50 > 0:01:53and quite rightly so, and that strong connection with the past,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56combined with the unflagging determination of this massive
0:01:56 > 0:02:00crowd here, is sure to provide us with a lively valuation day.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Isn't that right?
0:02:02 > 0:02:03- CROWD:- Yes!
0:02:03 > 0:02:06And who better to match that resolve and do us proud
0:02:06 > 0:02:10with their expert knowledge than the spirited Anita Manning?
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- OK. You're mine! Forever! - LAUGHTER
0:02:16 > 0:02:20And working alongside Anita is tip-top chap Nick Davies.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- Hi, Nick. How are you doing? - I'm fine. How are you getting on?
0:02:23 > 0:02:26It's great. The people in the queue are absolutely fabulous and
0:02:26 > 0:02:30I've found a couple of marvellous items that you had bagged before me!
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- Ah, got to be quick! - Don't worry, Anita.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36There's plenty to go around on this breezy day.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40So, as the flags flutter outside,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43it's time for a flurry of steps inside.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45Whilst everybody finds a spot in the main hall
0:02:45 > 0:02:49and our off-screen experts start unwrapping all manner of goods,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53how about we have a quick reveal of what's coming up in today's show?
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- In 1912...- Anita imagines the thrill of being an Edwardian woman.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Women threw away their corselettes.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07They would pin these hats on to their extravagant hairdos
0:03:07 > 0:03:10and it was that extra bit of flash.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Whereas Nick is butching it up as a Victorian man.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Cos if your hands got a bit hot and sweaty,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20you could have a really good grip on the sword.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24But who will win the battle of the sexes over at the auction?
0:03:24 > 0:03:26Oh! Ooh!
0:03:26 > 0:03:28MOUTHS
0:03:28 > 0:03:30We did stick it to them.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- Everyone having a good time? CROWD:- Yeah! - Yeah! That's what it's all about.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39Well, this is where it's going to happen, right here, right now. It's lights, camera, action.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42It could be you going home with a lot of money. Fingers crossed.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Or you, or you. And you're all on TV right now. I'm being filmed.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48There's a camera up there. Give it a wave. Look! There we are!
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Well, as you can see, everybody is so excited.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53They're all safely seated inside now, in the warm,
0:03:53 > 0:03:58so let's get on with the valuations and hand the proceedings over to expert Nick Davies.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Well, Phil.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02We were having a little bit of a chat before we sat down here
0:04:02 > 0:04:04and you were telling me something about this building
0:04:04 > 0:04:07and your family and a connection. Tell me about it.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11My family were Rowland Owen and Son, haulage contractors.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- They actually hauled a lot of the stone on this building.- OK.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20- And my Uncle Bob had a team of horses and a wagon.- Right.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25And he was sitting on a great big crate and when he got off it,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28a guy said to him, "Do you know what you've been sitting on?
0:04:28 > 0:04:31"You'll be able to tell your family you've been
0:04:31 > 0:04:34"sitting on the top of Wallasey Town Hall."
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Because the box he had had the urn in it that
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- goes on right on the very top! - Right up somewhere above our heads.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- Absolutely.- The urn was in the box. Fantastic.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- What a lovely little story. - So, it's great.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48And is that any relation to this?
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- His brother was quite a showman, really.- Right.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58He had a lot of things that made sound, made pictures,
0:04:58 > 0:05:03made any sort of noise whatsoever, and this was Uncle Steve's.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06He loved his equipment and he loved tinkering with things,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09so he's probably taken this apart at some point and oiled it
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- and put it back together again. - It looks in great condition.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16And we know what it is, it's a cylinder phonograph by Edison.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Obviously, Edison was very famous for his telephone work
0:05:19 > 0:05:22and his telegraphy and this has come from that.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Now, it's the standard issue. They did various versions.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Another one was the Edison Gem, which was a little bit smaller.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32And this is probably circa about the turn of century, 1898,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35somewhere round about that sort of period.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Have you used it at all?
0:05:37 > 0:05:42Well, we kept it because we've got a great big box full of recordings
0:05:42 > 0:05:45and we thought we'd have a party and play it,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- but the opportunity's never come. - You haven't had a phonograph party.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- No, we haven't.- Bring your phonograph, bring your wax...
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Let's just take this one off and have a quick look, shall we?
0:05:55 > 0:06:02That's where all the music is... Recorded on to these wax cylinders.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- And have you got any more of these? - I think...57.
0:06:06 > 0:06:0857?
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- So, you've got the top 40 and a few bonus ones as well.- Yes.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- And you've got the cover as well. - Oh, yes, we've got the cover.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17Brilliant.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20And obviously, the horn. So, it's all there. Let's talk about value.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22I would have thought it should fetch,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25with all those cylinders, somewhere around about £200 to £300,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- reasonably conservatively, I would think.- Lovely.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- Is that suitable for you? - That would be superb.- Fantastic.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Million dollar question - does it work?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37That will probably be enough.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- If I'm right, we just move that?- Yeah.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- PHONOGRAPH PLAYS - It's coming.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45MUSIC PLAYS
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- We've got a hornpipe. - A very nice hornpipe.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51It's always great to see these phonographs, which
0:06:51 > 0:06:56are the earliest commercial medium for recording and reproducing sound.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Their production came to an end in the 1920s,
0:07:00 > 0:07:05when the competing gramophone triumphed in the marketplace.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08And the rest, as they say, is history.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Peter, welcome to Flog It!
0:07:14 > 0:07:18And thank you very, very much for bringing this little item along.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19I'm very excited.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23This is the first time that I've been in the Wirral peninsula.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25And this is the first time Flog It!
0:07:25 > 0:07:28has been in the Wirral peninsula as well.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- Now, do you come from this area? - Yes.- Ah.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33What sort of work did you do here?
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- I don't work. I'm a pensioner. - You're a pensioner now.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I'm 80 in 12 weeks' time.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Aw. Well, congratulations!
0:07:41 > 0:07:45I have fallen in love with this little item here,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48the little British bulldog.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Yes.- Can you tell me - where did you get it?
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Handed down from my mother-in-law.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Has it been with you for a long time?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57It's been with me for over 50 years.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- For over 50 years.- Yes.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Let me tell you a little bit about it
0:08:01 > 0:08:04because it's a very interesting little item.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08It was made by Royal Doulton, designed by Charles Noke,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11a very prestigious designer.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15And he was famous for designing and making character jugs,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19depicting various different characters of the day.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24This little bulldog was made in 1941.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29Now, 1941, the middle war years, it would have been produced to
0:08:29 > 0:08:34cheer people up, as a piece of perhaps propaganda.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36And here we have the good old British bulldog
0:08:36 > 0:08:39and he's draped by this Union Jack.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44Let's take a wee look at the underneath of it.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47We see the mark here for Royal Doulton
0:08:47 > 0:08:53and we see this number here, which is the registration mark,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56which tells us when it was registered.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Yes.- And this was in 1941.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02But if we look at the item itself
0:09:02 > 0:09:07and think about the time that it was made, these middle war years, it
0:09:07 > 0:09:09was a time where people needed to,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11I don't know, feel good about things.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15I think that it's an evocative thing
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- and I know that you have enjoyed it. - Oh, I have enjoyed it.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23One wee thing that I maybe should point out,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26I don't know if you've noticed, our Union Jack here,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30we have a little discoloration in the blue, so it's faded a wee
0:09:30 > 0:09:35bit on there, so the collector will take that into consideration.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- Price-wise, what do you think? - I have no idea.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40Take a guess, Peter.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42£50?
0:09:42 > 0:09:46£50? Well, a wee bit more than that.
0:09:46 > 0:09:52But I would say that we could estimate it perhaps 80-120.
0:09:52 > 0:09:58- Now, would you be happy to...? - I would be more than happy.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02Well, I think that might even be a wee bit of a conservative estimate.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- Right.- But let's put it in
0:10:06 > 0:10:09and let's let the market decide.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Thank you very, very much for bringing it along.- My pleasure.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Earlier on in the programme, we mentioned
0:10:19 > 0:10:22some of the effects of the Liverpool Blitz during World War II.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25I've got a couple of photographs that I'd like to show you.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28One is of the most magnificent Willis organ,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30installed here in this concert hall in the 1920s
0:10:30 > 0:10:34and it would have been right down there, where the stage is now.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36It was absolutely huge.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Sadly, 20 years later, during the war, in 1940,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43this building took a direct hit.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46And the state of the organ there - well, it's reduced to matchsticks.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Well, the hall was rebuilt, but it took a long time.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52In fact, right up until 1951, and by then, times had changed.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Things had moved on.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57There was no need for a big organ down the end of the room - it was
0:10:57 > 0:11:01all about the big stage, with a live band on it and wonderful dances.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05Yes, this hall has been the scene of many a formal do.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07You can almost hear the swish of the ball gowns.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Not normally one to stand on ceremony himself,
0:11:11 > 0:11:16Nick Davies is, however, lording it over us on the balcony.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Hello, Jean. You've brought a rather nice ink stand for us here.- Yes.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21Can you tell me a little bit about it?
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- I can't tell you much about it, except that it's been in my loft for quite a long time.- Right.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30It's beautiful. It just reeks elegance of its day, doesn't it?
0:11:30 > 0:11:33It's by a gentleman called William Atkins.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36He was a silversmith in Birmingham at that period who made this
0:11:36 > 0:11:39type of desk furniture and it's been presented to someone.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- It's got a presentation engraving to the front.- Yes.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- So you've no idea who Mrs Wyard is? - No.- No?- None.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Well, neither do I, but it's come from Llandudno, apparently,
0:11:48 > 0:11:52cos it was gifted to her by the church over there.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55But it's hallmarked in Birmingham in 1907,
0:11:55 > 0:11:59so actually predates this building by about seven years.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00Oh, right.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03And as it says on the presentation, it was presented in 1910.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07It's got a lovely pen rest, but no pen. Often they go missing.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10In the days of tablets and laptops and computers,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13this seems a little bit obsolete, doesn't it, really?
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- Yes.- And it's a shame because it's so elegant.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21It's beautifully made, with all the intricate work, the reeded
0:12:21 > 0:12:26borders, the twin inkwells that all match, it's raised on four bun feet.
0:12:26 > 0:12:27It's hardly been used.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30It seems like it's been in your loft for donkey's years.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31Yes, probably has.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34What kind of a house would this have been in in that era?
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Well, I think if you can imagine a typical Edwardian gentleman,
0:12:38 > 0:12:42at his partner's desk, with his stationery box on top and his
0:12:42 > 0:12:46big ink blotter by his side, and his desk set, right in front of him.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50So, let's talk about the money side of things, the valuation.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52I'd see this at about 100 to £150.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54We'll put a reserve on it around about 90,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56just to make sure that everything's covered.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- OK.- I'm sure we'll be fine with that. So are you happy with that?
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- I'm happy with that. - Confident?- Yes. Yes.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Going to go to the auction and see it fly?- Of course, yes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Yes? Excellent! I'll look forward to seeing you then there.- OK.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Ethel, welcome to Flog It!
0:13:15 > 0:13:18And thank you very much for bringing me
0:13:18 > 0:13:23along this lovely little Victorian gentleman's pocket watch.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Now, tell me, where did you get it?
0:13:25 > 0:13:30Well, it was part of a collection of my husband's.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33He was an avid collector from when he was a boy.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38And he was a professional gardener and he was looking after a garden
0:13:38 > 0:13:42for an elderly lady and when she died, the housekeeper gave him
0:13:42 > 0:13:48a box with various things in and I think this was in the box.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Because she used to chat to him about his collections.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56So, it was a gift from someone who really appreciated the work
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- that your husband did.- Yes.- Aha.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- But you say that he was a bit of a collector.- Absolutely.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04That's putting it mildly.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08We were at a place where we had quite a bit of room in the garden
0:14:08 > 0:14:12and when he filled one shed, he just put another one up and filled that.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17And it was anything from little tinplate badges to
0:14:17 > 0:14:19agricultural machinery.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Did your husband's collection drive you nuts?
0:14:22 > 0:14:23It drove me batty!
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Because I couldn't control it at all.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30He used to go out early morning and he'd come back with bags and try to
0:14:30 > 0:14:34hide them coming in, scurry past the windows, hoping I wouldn't see him.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37And then find a place in the shed!
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Well, this is quite a valuable little item.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48It's in nine-carat gold, it dates from about the 1860s, 1880s,
0:14:48 > 0:14:55so it's a Victorian one. It has this lovely white porcelain face.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59Now, it's very important that the face isn't damaged
0:14:59 > 0:15:02because it's difficult to repair, but it's all there,
0:15:02 > 0:15:06and the numbers are in Roman numerals.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09But one of the things that I find most
0:15:09 > 0:15:13interesting about it is that it was a Liverpool maker.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- Yes.- So, we're going to a Liverpool saleroom
0:15:16 > 0:15:18to sell a Liverpool watch,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22so it's getting the best chance that it possibly can.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24I also like the decoration.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29We've got a wee bit of added detail here in this little embossed...
0:15:29 > 0:15:32It's almost like leaf and foliage decoration,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35so that makes it that much more pretty.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- Yes.- So, a sweet little thing.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43I would estimate it at 100 to 150,
0:15:43 > 0:15:48put a little reserve on it, maybe £90.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51And I'm sure it will go well with that
0:15:51 > 0:15:56and I really do think that Liverpool is the place to sell this watch.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58That's good.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Before we head off to auction, there is
0:16:03 > 0:16:05something I would like to show you.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10As we know with our own homes, if you've got a cupboard underneath the
0:16:10 > 0:16:14stairs, or a small spare bedroom, you just stuff things in it,
0:16:14 > 0:16:18you let it pile up, rather than sort it out and sell it or throw it away.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19It just gets sky high.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23But if your home is Dunham Massey, then space really isn't an issue.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27In fact, it turned the family that lived here into unwitting
0:16:27 > 0:16:32hoarders, and thank goodness it did because each of those objects
0:16:32 > 0:16:37tells a fascinating story of 300 years of family history and drama.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Dunham Massey was actually home to two great families -
0:16:43 > 0:16:47the Booths, otherwise known as the Earls of Warrington,
0:16:47 > 0:16:51and then the Greys, the Earls of Stanford.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Marriage brought them together and the money they made from coal
0:16:54 > 0:16:56and farming was carefully managed.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00They bought quality items, made to last,
0:17:00 > 0:17:04and looked after what they owned, never throwing anything away.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Now, the first treasure I want to show you is also Dunham's
0:17:08 > 0:17:11largest - the exquisite state bed
0:17:11 > 0:17:15and here it is, filling this magnificent Queen Anne room.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20It was inherited by the 2nd Earl in 1680 and then passed
0:17:20 > 0:17:24down through the family, treated as a precious family heirloom,
0:17:24 > 0:17:28right up until the 9th Earl sent it off for restoration.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31But sadly and suddenly, the 9th Earl passed away
0:17:31 > 0:17:33and the bed was sent back to the house.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Work hadn't even begun.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37The bed was still left in its packing cases
0:17:37 > 0:17:40and that's where it remained for the next 100 years,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42until the National Trust took over the house
0:17:42 > 0:17:46and looked inside these packing cases and discovered this bed.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Can you imagine that when they opened it up?
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Anyway, they took the brave decision back then to conserve and restore
0:17:52 > 0:17:57the bed, a project which took eight years, with a price tag of £200,000.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00I like the playful use of design here with the four supporting
0:18:00 > 0:18:03posts because they're modelled on palm trees,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06which would have been all the rage, something exotic.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07Look at the foliage at the top.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09That's created with ostrich and egret feathers,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11sort of hanging down rather dandily,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14but if you look closely at the feet, where it terminates to the
0:18:14 > 0:18:18floor, gilt, but that's copying the roots of the palm tree.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20It's quite whimsical, isn't it?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23But I have to stress the word conservation
0:18:23 > 0:18:27and not restoration here because not a great deal has been done,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30it's kept as honest as possible and for me, my favourite thing of
0:18:30 > 0:18:32the whole bed has to be - you're not
0:18:32 > 0:18:35going to believe it - the wear marks.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37I love that bruised fabric.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40That's centuries of wear, where the hands have grabbed it,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43they've drawn those curtains closed and they've drawn them back open.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47That is a massive visual link to our past,
0:18:47 > 0:18:49an incredible bit of our heritage.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54But of course, it's not all about big statement pieces.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Some of the most intriguing stories come in small packages.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03Now, in this room there's some fascinating objects that
0:19:03 > 0:19:06have been collected by the family over the years.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09And this portrait here - well, that's Lady Henrietta,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13who got married in 1763 to George, who later became the 5th Earl.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Now, what you have to bear in mind at this particular
0:19:16 > 0:19:20time in our history, marriage in aristocratic circles was
0:19:20 > 0:19:23more of a business arrangement, really.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Let's face it, it was a way of acquiring land or a title.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31But this was a marriage that had something else.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35Now, here is a handwritten letter by George's father to his mother,
0:19:35 > 0:19:37who was away sorting out the marriage plans with
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Henrietta's parents and it quite clearly shows that their son
0:19:41 > 0:19:45was desperately in love and I'll read you the last three lines -
0:19:45 > 0:19:48"If proper, you may tell the duchess,"
0:19:48 > 0:19:50that's Henrietta's mother, "she has made me
0:19:50 > 0:19:55"the happiest man in the world, by making G," that's George, "happy."
0:19:55 > 0:19:57And it certainly was a match made in heaven.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02They really did love each other, producing no less than ten children.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05And here are some little miniatures, painted on ivory,
0:20:05 > 0:20:09showing the couple. The detail is absolutely exquisite.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12This little, tiny locket was designed to be
0:20:12 > 0:20:14carried around on your person and here,
0:20:14 > 0:20:18they're still exchanging love tokens some 20 years after their marriage.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22I think they're exquisite. They're the best I have ever, ever seen.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25While this couple were playing happy families,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28other valued items in the house show a family in turmoil.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34This ribbon is thought to have been a garter ribbon of Charles I,
0:20:34 > 0:20:39the oldest and most prestigious Order of Chivalry in the UK.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43Charles I placed great importance on the Order of the Garter
0:20:43 > 0:20:48and portraits like this one show him proudly wearing his blue ribbon.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53A few years later, however, thanks to the English Civil War, Charles I
0:20:53 > 0:20:56was imprisoned on the Isle of Wight by Parliamentary forces.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59A member of the family tried to rescue him.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04Although he failed, he was rewarded with this ribbon for his chivalry.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07But when Charles I was finally executed in 1649,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10it put this family at loggerheads.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14At Dunham, young Sir George Booth opposed the King's execution,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16even leading a failed uprising.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22But his brother-in-law, the Puritan Lord Thomas Grey, did not.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26In fact, here we have a copy of Charles I's death warrant.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31Now, on it, you can quite clearly see the signature of Thomas Grey.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33And it's just above Oliver Cromwell.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36As the only peer to sign, as befitting his status,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40he was allowed to go first, so what you have here is the same
0:21:40 > 0:21:44family that fought with Charles I also helped him lose his head.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50A fascinating insight into turbulent times in England.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54But let me take you now from a king's death to restoration,
0:21:54 > 0:21:58as our next piece concerns Charles' son, the restored
0:21:58 > 0:22:03King Charles II, and in my opinion, I've saved the best till last.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07The library is almost the same as it was
0:22:07 > 0:22:11when it was first created by the 2nd Earl in the early 1700s.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14What dominates the room, though, is that fabulous carving.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18It really is astonishing!
0:22:18 > 0:22:21It's by Grinling Gibbons, my favourite wood carver.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24He is the Michelangelo of wood carving.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Now, this execution of the Crucifixion
0:22:27 > 0:22:29is his earliest known work.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34He did this in 1671 and I know that Charles II wanted to buy this,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38but somehow, it managed to end up here as a purchase by the 2nd Earl,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41and what a purchase for Dunham Massey.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44To really appreciate this, you have to get up close,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47to take a better look, and I've been given permission to climb
0:22:47 > 0:22:49these library steps to do just that.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51So, here we go.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56And the higher you get, well, the more it takes your breath away.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00This is phenomenal. He is a virtuoso woodworker.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Look at all these undercuts. He's got in there with chisels
0:23:03 > 0:23:07and gouges. It must have taken hours and hours and hours, by candlelight
0:23:07 > 0:23:09and by natural daylight.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12I couldn't even draw that, let alone carve it.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13The inner frame itself,
0:23:13 > 0:23:17that really is still life at life-size proportions,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20when you look at the wonderful, wonderful wheat sheafs
0:23:20 > 0:23:24and the little flowers and buds and the petals, it's exquisite.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Then, you look at the narrative of the work itself
0:23:26 > 0:23:29and you see the horses and you see the horsemen.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31There's a chap here with his hand on his hip
0:23:31 > 0:23:34and the wonderful beard and facial expression.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Can you imagine how long that would have taken him?
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Months and months and months. Possibly years.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Well, I really am tingling and you'll have to forgive me
0:23:43 > 0:23:46because I want to stay up here for, well, a long time,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49to take it all in, so you go on and I'll catch you up.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Gosh! What a busy day it's been so far.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Hundreds of people, which means thousands of antiques to look at.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07We really are spoilt for choice,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10but that's what this show is all about - fine art and antiques.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11We found some gems,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14we're going to put those valuations to the test in the auction room
0:24:14 > 0:24:17and here's a quick recap of what our experts have found.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21There's Phil's phonograph that she inherited from her Uncle Steve.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24With all those extra cylinders, it should attract interest.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30And Peter rose early to be one of the first in the queue.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34Let's hope his enthusiasm pays off with a good result in the saleroom.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Nick was impressed by this silver ink stand, rescued from the loft.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44I'm sure its auction will give Jean something to write home about.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49And finally, there's Ethel's Victorian pocket watch,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53saved from her late husband's secret stash in a garden shed.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Let's hope we can do him proud.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59We're heading across the Mersey,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03into the busy city of Liverpool for today's auction
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and regular viewers will no doubt recognise
0:25:06 > 0:25:10Flog It! favourite Adam Partridge on the rostrum.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Remember, if you are buying or selling in an auction room,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16there's also commission to pay. It does vary from saleroom to saleroom.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Here, at Adam Partridge's in Liverpool, it's 20%,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21inclusive of VAT.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28Our first item up for grabs is Jean's Edwardian silver ink stand.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31It's got everything going for it. I love the rectangular form.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33I think it's good. I think it's quality
0:25:33 > 0:25:39- and it's been liberated from the... - Loft!
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- What was it doing up there?! - Well, I don't know.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Just went up to have a look when I saw you were coming to Wallasey.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Is all the family silver up in the loft?
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- Well, it might be.- It might be!- Yes.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51This will look great on the writing table.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55The only thing going against it, it's got a presentation engraving
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- on it. That's the only thing. - Can that be polished out?
0:25:57 > 0:26:01I think it could be, yeah. It's just a nice, pretty example. It's just that engraving.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- So we'll see whether that makes a difference or not.- OK.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Let's find out what it's worth. It's going under the hammer now.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10210 is an Edwardian silver ink stand.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- I've got 80 already.- We've got one hand going up.
0:26:13 > 0:26:1590. 5. 100. And 10.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18110, over my right. At 110. Worth a bit more, is it?
0:26:18 > 0:26:20At 110 on my right-hand side.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23£110. Any further at 110?
0:26:23 > 0:26:25We'll sell now at £110.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30- It's gone, Jean. £110.- Yes, that was good.- Good result.- Yes.- Fantastic.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31Well done, Nick.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39And right now, we're flying the Union Jack for Britain,
0:26:39 > 0:26:42with this wonderful little bulldog, and it belongs to Peter.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Anita is our expert. We've seen these on the show before.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48I think since that James Bond movie came out,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50they're all coming out of the woodwork.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Why are you selling this?
0:26:52 > 0:26:56- It's just sitting there and I don't even look at it.- Doing nothing.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- Oh, you've fallen out of love with the little bulldog.- Yeah.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Confident, Anita, top end?
0:27:00 > 0:27:05The blue colour in the Union Jack is slightly faded. But hopefully.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08He's all there. Apart from that, he's in good condition.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Those collectors are a fussy bunch! - No cracks.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14No, he's in very good nick actually. I think we'll get this away.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- Oh, here we are.- Oh, look at him. Isn't that cute?
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- Straight in at £80 online. - There you go.- 80 is bid.
0:27:20 > 0:27:21£80, internet at 80.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25That's good, because my commission bids were 40. At £80 only.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27At £80, is online at 80.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30At 80. Are you all done at 80?
0:27:30 > 0:27:32We'll sell at 80 then. Anyone else on this at £80?
0:27:32 > 0:27:36All finished at £80. In and out, short and sweet, at £80.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40Well, there you go. It's gone for £80. The collectors loved it.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- Thank you.- You're happy, Peter, aren't you?- I am happy.- Yeah.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44As they say, the cheque will be in the post
0:27:44 > 0:27:47in about three weeks' time, less their commission.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- OK?- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52I'm glad we're sending Peter home happy.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Right now, time is up. No, it's not the end of the show.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Don't disappear and make a cup of tea.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59Time is up for Ethel's watch.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Going under the hammer right now, that gorgeous open-face
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Victorian gold pocket watch. I like this.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08It's by a Liverpool maker and it's hallmarked in Chester.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11So, it doesn't get better for local interest, does it, Ethel?
0:28:11 > 0:28:12Perhaps not, no.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- I think we'll find a local buyer for it as well.- Hope so.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- Why are you selling it? - Well, I've no-one to pass it on to.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21They're not interested. And it's just been in a drawer for ages.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- Does it work?- Yes. - It does work? Oh, brilliant!
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Well, that's half the problem with a lot of these pocket watches.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- It's gold and it's working. - And I think it's wonderful
0:28:30 > 0:28:34in this digital age that we can still get a marvellous
0:28:34 > 0:28:37timepiece that has been working for 100 years
0:28:37 > 0:28:40and will probably work for another 100 years.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Good luck, OK? This is it.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46It's the early 20th century nine-carat gold
0:28:46 > 0:28:50crown wind open-face pocket watch. Thomas Russell of Liverpool.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53With a seven jewelled movement and a Chester hallmark. There we go.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55Bid me 100.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- Start me at 100. Bid. - 100, straight in.- Yeah.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01At 100. Down 10. 120. 130. 140. 150.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05160. 170. 180. 190. 180 bid.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08At 190. 200. No? 190's at the back.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10At 190, Mr S.
0:29:10 > 0:29:16- At 190. And we sell this then at £190.- £190.- All done at 190.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- BANGS GAVEL - Yes! What a lovely sound.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23It is good actually, isn't it? It's a solid sound.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- Happy with that, aren't you? - Absolutely, yes.- Good.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29There is commission to pay, it's 20%. Everyone has to swallow that.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31That's the auctioneers, that's the way they earn their money.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34But look, great for bringing that in and also evoking
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- a bit of Liverpool's past. - Good.- A bit of history.
0:29:39 > 0:29:40Going under the hammer right now,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43we have an item which pioneered the home sound system.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Yes, it's the Edison phonograph and it belongs to Phil,
0:29:46 > 0:29:49who is right next to me, in lovely bright red. Look at that.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- Is that Liverpool or what? - Well, yes.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54You couldn't come to Liverpool without wearing red.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55Ooh! Or blue!
0:29:55 > 0:29:57- Or blue.- Or blue!
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- Or blue.- We had a laugh at the valuation day, didn't we?- Oh, yes.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- And it's all about good working condition.- It's super.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Lots of spare cylinders. And the horn is there.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Here we go, we're putting it under the hammer right now.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13270 is the Edison standard model phonograph there. £200 start?
0:30:13 > 0:30:16120. 130 bid already. At 130.
0:30:16 > 0:30:21Any advance on 130 for the phonograph? 140. 150. 160. 170.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Bid? 180.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- Come on.- 180 is this side. At 180.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28At 180, 190 online.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- 200, the room. - Ooh!- £200 in the room.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- 210 online.- 230.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- 250 online.- And there's interest.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- 260.- It's a great party machine.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45280, the phonograph now. 290.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- 300. In the room, still. Selling.- Wow!
0:30:49 > 0:30:50300 quid!
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- Yes!- The hammer's gone down. £300.- Yes.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56I have to say, Phil said just before Adam started auctioneering
0:30:56 > 0:31:00this off, I can't wait to see the back of these damn things!
0:31:00 > 0:31:01You did, didn't you?
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- Look, they've gone.- Oh, brilliant! Absolutely fantastic!
0:31:04 > 0:31:07They're going to a good home and they are a great collectible.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- Yeah, they are.- Pleased?- Wonderful. It's a great party machine.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13# Any time is party time! #
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Let's hope somebody really enjoys playing that phonograph
0:31:16 > 0:31:19and showing it off to the family and friends.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23Well, that concludes our first visit to the auction room today.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26We are coming back later on, so please don't go away because I think
0:31:26 > 0:31:30we might have one big surprise for you, so don't you miss it.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Now, Liverpool, back in the 19th century,
0:31:32 > 0:31:36like many great cities in this country, was dominated by rows
0:31:36 > 0:31:40and rows of back-to-back houses, where dirt and poverty lived
0:31:40 > 0:31:44side-by-side. One Victorian chap decided enough was enough.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48He wanted to put things right. He created a unique model village.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51His name was William Hesketh Lever and I went to
0:31:51 > 0:31:55investigate his village across the other side of the Mersey
0:31:55 > 0:31:57and it's called Port Sunlight.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10William Lever was the son of a Lancashire wholesale grocer
0:32:10 > 0:32:13who decided to specialise in selling household soap.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16He came up with the brand name Sunlight
0:32:16 > 0:32:20and when extremely successful sales called for expansion,
0:32:20 > 0:32:22the company bought land south of the River Mersey.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29Here, in 1888, William Lever built his soap works.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33A year later, he started building a village to house his employees,
0:32:33 > 0:32:37which became known as Port Sunlight.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41He believed that good housing would ensure a happy and loyal workforce.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45William Lever wanted clean,
0:32:45 > 0:32:47healthy living conditions for his workers
0:32:47 > 0:32:51and he was determined that Port Sunlight would be the perfect
0:32:51 > 0:32:54location to bring up a family and to this end,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58he personally oversaw all the planning of the village.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00He was something of a frustrated architect.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03He had a keen passion for building design
0:33:03 > 0:33:07and that, coupled with a rising fortune at his disposal,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10led to some rather astonishing architecture.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17Lever employed and worked in collaboration with
0:33:17 > 0:33:20nearly 30 different leading architects of his day.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23The result is that each block of houses has a different style
0:33:23 > 0:33:26and design approach.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Some have an Old English or Elizabethan feel,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31with much use of black and white half timbering.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Others were built in the Flemish style,
0:33:35 > 0:33:38with bricks imported from Belgium.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41But you can also spot classical elements intermingling with
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Mediterranean crescents.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46All in all, between 1889 and 1914,
0:33:46 > 0:33:51800 houses were built in an intoxicating mixture of styles.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57William Lever's concern for the welfare of his employees, however,
0:33:57 > 0:34:02wasn't just restricted to where his workers lived, but how they lived.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Lever believed in strict Victorian principles
0:34:06 > 0:34:11and he wished to raise the moral sensibilities of his workers.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14At the soap factory, the female workers finished at different
0:34:14 > 0:34:18times to the men, so they didn't leave the factory together.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21And this sense of Victorian propriety in keeping
0:34:21 > 0:34:24the sexes apart also applied to meal times.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29This is the Gladstone Theatre.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31Now, originally,
0:34:31 > 0:34:34this was a restaurant for the male employees of the factory.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36The ladies? Well, they were separate.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39They had their own restaurant just a few streets away.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41But first thing in the morning, on the way to work,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43the chaps would bring in their food here,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46so come lunchtime, when they arrived, it could be preheated
0:34:46 > 0:34:49and warmed up by the staff and if they didn't want hot food,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52they could always bring in their own cold packed lunch,
0:34:52 > 0:34:56so it was all about choices - keeping the workers happy.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59And here hey are, opening up their picnic hampers
0:34:59 > 0:35:01and billy cans of stew.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05And you can just make out that the walls are lined with artwork.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08The artwork that graced the walls
0:35:08 > 0:35:11were from William Lever's own personal art collection,
0:35:11 > 0:35:15probably put there to educate and civilise the men.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19And it seemed to work because it was remarked upon in 1909
0:35:19 > 0:35:22that proceedings were remarkably orderly.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24The caterer and his assistants had no
0:35:24 > 0:35:28difficulty in keeping down the horseplay and the spitting.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35The hall was also used for stage plays,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37in which guise it still continues to this day,
0:35:37 > 0:35:40but there was also music and dancing for the villagers -
0:35:40 > 0:35:43the women being told not to spend more than two
0:35:43 > 0:35:46shillings on a dress, so nobody could outdo each other.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Not all aspects of social engineering in the village
0:35:54 > 0:35:56were a success, though.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01The Bridge Inn opened in 1900 as a non-alcoholic temperance house.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04But the villagers felt it should have a licence
0:36:04 > 0:36:08and although William Lever had serious misgivings, by 1903,
0:36:08 > 0:36:12a vote was held and it was carried by an overwhelming majority.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19William Lever's vision, though,
0:36:19 > 0:36:21was about creating a better life for his workers
0:36:21 > 0:36:25and providing things which would make life a lot more pleasant,
0:36:25 > 0:36:27so he built schools, cottage hospital,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30swimming pool, concert halls, art galleries.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32The thing is - keep the workers happy
0:36:32 > 0:36:34and they'll do a much better job for you.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36It is the right philosophy.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38What I've got here is a fascinating photo album.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41It's a wonderful document of social history of what took place
0:36:41 > 0:36:42here in this village.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Organised events and trips out for the workers.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47And here's a photograph
0:36:47 > 0:36:51of the Science and Literary Society on a trip out to the Loggerheads.
0:36:51 > 0:36:52It's the most wonderful scene,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55sitting on the side of the hill, look, having a cup of tea.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57All rather genteel.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00And on the other hand, you have something rather physical -
0:37:00 > 0:37:03water polo. Now, you have to be really strong to play that sport,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06but there's a lovely photograph of it.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10Lever encouraged groups that promoted science, art,
0:37:10 > 0:37:12literature, and sport to come here.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Because he was the son of a wholesale grocer,
0:37:15 > 0:37:17he believed in the power of self-improvement.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22And one person who knows all about the benefits
0:37:22 > 0:37:25of growing up in Port Sunlight is John Spilletts.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27- Hello, John.- Hiya, Paul.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Pleased to meet you. Come and have a seat.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32I find this fascinating. You must have seen this hundreds of times.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34I've seen that and many other photographs
0:37:34 > 0:37:36of the history of the village, yes.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39It's a brilliant window into the golden age of this village,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- isn't it?- Yes.- Mind you, there still is a golden age here.- Oh, yes.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Now, your family has a connection to this place that goes back
0:37:45 > 0:37:50- three generations.- Yes.- Can you tell me about that?- Yes, my grandfather volunteered in 1914 to
0:37:50 > 0:37:52fight in the First World War.
0:37:52 > 0:37:57He was one of the 700 volunteers from the soap factory who
0:37:57 > 0:38:01volunteered on the same day and you can see from the war memorial
0:38:01 > 0:38:05back there that many of them didn't make it back.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- What happened to your grandfather? - He got killed in 1918 in France.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- I'm sorry to hear that.- Yes. - Brave young men.- Yes.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14- His name's on that monument. - His name's on the war memorial, yes.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16What was so brilliant for me
0:38:16 > 0:38:20was that I'd never actually seen a photograph of my grandfather
0:38:20 > 0:38:23and through the Port Sunlight Museum, I now have a
0:38:23 > 0:38:28- photograph of him, so that means a great deal to me.- It must have done.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32Tell me a bit about your father. He worked at the factory, didn't he?
0:38:32 > 0:38:37My dad worked at the factory from 1936 to 1979.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- What did he do? - He was in the stores department.
0:38:40 > 0:38:45And I've actually got his long-service watch there.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Look at that! Oh, yeah. I can read that.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51It says, "Presented by Lever Brothers, Port Sunlight Ltd to
0:38:51 > 0:38:57"WH Spilletts for good service, 1936-1961."
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- '51, I think. It's gone a bit tarnished.- It has, hasn't it?
0:39:00 > 0:39:01It's got a scratch.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- So, to get a good service after 15 years...- That is brilliant!
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- You don't get that today, I bet. - Not many do it now.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10So as a nipper, you used these facilities?
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Used all of them and there was a boys' club,
0:39:12 > 0:39:17an open air swimming pool where the garden centre is now,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20and we all learned to swim there.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23It was very cold. A local dance hall for us.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- Concert halls, things like that. - Concert halls, everything, yes.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- Art galleries. Fantastic!- Yes. It was just amazing.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33We felt as though we lived in some sort of special little bubble.
0:39:33 > 0:39:34It is like Utopia, isn't it?
0:39:34 > 0:39:36When you arrive here, all of a sudden,
0:39:36 > 0:39:38it kind of makes you feel happy.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- Yes.- It really does. - This is home. Port Sunlight is home.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Yeah, and a great place to live back then
0:39:43 > 0:39:46and I'm sure a great place to live today.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- John, thank you very much. - Thank you, Paul.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57Welcome back to Wallasey Town Hall on the Wirral peninsula.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Our off-screen experts are being kept very busy, with the queue still
0:40:00 > 0:40:05snaking its way out of the main door, through the grand staircase.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10It's also where Nick Davies has made a surprising discovery.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15Well, Amy. What's a nice girl like you doing with two swords like this?
0:40:15 > 0:40:17- My grandad gave them to me.- OK.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20They've been passed down, like, through the family.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Been passed down through the family. Fantastic.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Good family provenance, that's what we like.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29Honestly? We can discount this one more or less straightaway.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33Doesn't have any great value. Poorly made. Not great quality.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38This chap, however, is really nice. It's in really good condition.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41On here, on the hilt here, you've got VR.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43- Do you know what that would stand for?- No.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Queen?
0:40:46 > 0:40:48- Victoria.- Queen Victoria. VR.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52So we can date this quite easily to her reign.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54- And do you know what this is made of?- No.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57This is shark skin, with this wire binding in it as well.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01And the reason why they used this was if your hands got a bit hot
0:41:01 > 0:41:04and sweaty, you could have a really good grip on the sword.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06The leather scabbard's in great condition.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10Often, these are bent or twisted or split, bits missing.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12And also the tip here, it's a
0:41:12 > 0:41:15nice brass tip to protect the tip of the sword.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19And talking about the sword itself, let's have a look inside.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21We'll be very careful. A lot of people around.
0:41:21 > 0:41:22Don't want any accidents!
0:41:22 > 0:41:24There's the blade.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29And it's marked on the bottom - Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Henry Wilkinson ring any bells with you?
0:41:31 > 0:41:34If you were a lad and you were shaving, it probably will -
0:41:34 > 0:41:37Wilkinson Sword, you've seen the adverts with the slashed swords,
0:41:37 > 0:41:39just like this.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44It's what's known as an 1854 patent officer's sword.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46And it's engraved down the hilt.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50You've got the Prince of Wales plumes engraved there as well.
0:41:50 > 0:41:51And it's in really good condition.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53There is a little bit of pitting,
0:41:53 > 0:41:55a little bit of greying to the blade.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Can you see that grey colour coming through?
0:41:58 > 0:42:00It's a really good example.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04And dates wise, it's Victorian, it's going to be about 1850, 1860,
0:42:04 > 0:42:06somewhere around about there.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10If you're happy for us to put it for sale,
0:42:10 > 0:42:12we can put it through the auction,
0:42:12 > 0:42:17and I think we'd probably estimate it around about £100 to £120.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19We'll put this one with it, shall we?
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- You don't want to keep that, do you?- No.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25No, very wise. What would you do with the money?
0:42:25 > 0:42:28It's not long since my grandad passed away
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and I'm putting the money away, so I can take his ashes to Spain,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- where he liked to go, so I can spread them.- Oh, lovely.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- And you used to go there with him? - Yeah.- Excellent.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Well, hopefully, we'll do a little bit better and good old
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Henry Wilkinson will give a bit of support to your grandad.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Thanks ever so much for bringing them along
0:42:45 > 0:42:49and I look forward to seeing you at the auction. Thanks, Amy.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51Back in the main hall,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Anita's found two lovely examples of Art Nouveau decadence.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00Barbara, welcome to Flog It!
0:43:00 > 0:43:05And thank you for bringing along these wonderful, wonderful hat pins.
0:43:05 > 0:43:06It's my pleasure.
0:43:06 > 0:43:11Can you tell me first of all a wee bit about where you got them?
0:43:11 > 0:43:15Well, we used to live in New Zealand
0:43:15 > 0:43:17and I used to work in a second-hand
0:43:17 > 0:43:22shop and one day, in amongst all everything,
0:43:22 > 0:43:25the hat pins came in and I just took a fancy to them and asked
0:43:25 > 0:43:29my boss how much he wanted for them and he said, "Oh, have them."
0:43:29 > 0:43:34He used to call me Barbie. "Have them, Barbie, for 20 cents."
0:43:34 > 0:43:3720 cents! Well, I think that was a bargain.
0:43:37 > 0:43:38I think so, yes.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40I love this type of thing.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44These are hat pins that would have been made in the beginning of
0:43:44 > 0:43:46the 20th century.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50They were made by a very prestigious silversmith, Charles Horner.
0:43:50 > 0:43:55He was based in Halifax and made this type of item.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59Now, these were made in 1912.
0:43:59 > 0:44:03Now, let's think of the fashion at that time.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05Just a wee bit after the Edwardian time,
0:44:05 > 0:44:08when women threw away their corselettes.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12They had dresses that were looser and more flowing
0:44:12 > 0:44:16and they had these enormous, wonderful hats.
0:44:16 > 0:44:21Now, they would pin these hats on to their extravagant hairdos
0:44:21 > 0:44:25with something like that and it was that extra bit of flash,
0:44:25 > 0:44:29the Art Nouveau styles of that time, where we
0:44:29 > 0:44:33had these lovely carved motif here,
0:44:33 > 0:44:38and we have a little amethyst coloured glass, thistle shape.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41- So, it appeals to the Scottish in me.- Yeah.
0:44:41 > 0:44:46And it appeals to me as a lover of Art Nouveau items.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49So I think they're absolutely gorgeous.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53Now, tell me, have you ever worn a fabulous big hat at a wedding
0:44:53 > 0:44:55and worn one of them?
0:44:55 > 0:44:57No!
0:44:57 > 0:44:59No.
0:44:59 > 0:45:00Definitely not.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04Well, they were certainly a good buy for 20 cents.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07They are not rare but they're in very good condition.
0:45:07 > 0:45:12I would estimate them probably £45-£60.
0:45:13 > 0:45:18Would you be happy for me to put them into sale at that price?
0:45:18 > 0:45:19- Yes, yes.- Yeah?
0:45:19 > 0:45:22I'm sure they'll do much better than that,
0:45:22 > 0:45:27but I think that is an estimate which will attract the biddings.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29Will you be sorry to see them go?
0:45:29 > 0:45:32In one way, I will, because I do think they're pretty.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35But they're of no use.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37Maybe the next time you go for a wedding,
0:45:37 > 0:45:40- you're wearing a big hat, you'll think...- I should have kept them.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43I should have kept those! Anyway, thank you for bringing them along.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45There are lovely.
0:45:51 > 0:45:53Well, look at this.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56I've just found, I think, the oldest thing in the room so far today.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59Dated 1717, it's a Bible box and I zoomed in on it
0:45:59 > 0:46:03- because I love my treen. Hello, who am I talking to?- Cath.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07Cath, can I have a look at this? Oh, oh. Do you know something?
0:46:07 > 0:46:09When I first saw this, because of its paint finish,
0:46:09 > 0:46:12I thought it was painted pine.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15But it's not. I've just felt the weight and it's heavy, it is oak.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18Isn't that lovely? A Bible box from the reign of George I.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20I love that naive tulip as well.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23Tell me a little bit about its history.
0:46:23 > 0:46:29I don't know much about it, other than I inherited it from my grandma.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33She always had it sat in her bedroom with a pile of paper bags in it.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36Oh, did she? Well, you've got to use it for something.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39If you don't have a massive great big Bible to put in it,
0:46:39 > 0:46:41use it for storage because obviously it's a great thing.
0:46:41 > 0:46:46That's why I assume it survived, because it was a Bible box
0:46:46 > 0:46:48that things got handed down.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51It's got handed down through the family, yes, exactly.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53Original hinges, look.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57Handcrafted and forged and beaten out by a blacksmith on an anvil.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59Really, really nice.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01Two little drawers on the inside.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03They've been added at a later date. OK?
0:47:03 > 0:47:05My gut feeling is,
0:47:05 > 0:47:09the carving on the front has been added later by the Victorians.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Can you see, it just doesn't sit well with what's on the lid.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15And feel that. It's just wrong.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18- It's totally wrong. - It's deeper, isn't it?- Yeah, yeah.
0:47:18 > 0:47:23And the lock plate on the front is completely wrong as well.
0:47:23 > 0:47:25So, there's a few things wrong with it,
0:47:25 > 0:47:28but there's a lot of things that are right with it.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30It's not been put together by a craftsman,
0:47:30 > 0:47:33it's been put together by somebody that understands woodwork.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35It's more folk-arty because it's been painted
0:47:35 > 0:47:37and I like its crudeness.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40I like the fact that it's got a personality and it's got a charm.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44And this date is so right.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47You can see that is carved in the period.
0:47:47 > 0:47:48I can give you an idea of value.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52Because it's got things that are slightly wrong with it,
0:47:52 > 0:47:56I think this will sell for around £150, hopefully £250.
0:47:56 > 0:47:58But there's your ballpark figure.
0:47:58 > 0:48:00Yes, I think so,
0:48:00 > 0:48:03because I don't think my sons are going to be interested in it.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07Well, look, can we put it into Adam's sale,
0:48:07 > 0:48:09but put a reserve on at £150?
0:48:09 > 0:48:10Yes.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13Is that OK? That really gets people tempted
0:48:13 > 0:48:16because I'm pretty sure it will sell at £150. It has a character.
0:48:16 > 0:48:18Fingers crossed, you know, it might fly.
0:48:20 > 0:48:23While evaluations continue apace in the main hall,
0:48:23 > 0:48:26making the most of the afternoon sun,
0:48:26 > 0:48:28Nick Davies has headed outside with John.
0:48:30 > 0:48:35- Magnificent big building. - Beautiful.- And some miniatures.
0:48:35 > 0:48:37Tell me how you came about them.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40My father, a Yorkshireman, his job was to clear houses
0:48:40 > 0:48:44when they were left vacant. These are couple of things he came across.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47- So, houses locally, did he clear? - In Bridlington in Yorkshire.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50I've had them about nearly 20 years now.
0:48:50 > 0:48:55- Do you know who these chaps are? - I don't.- Neither do I.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57- No, I don't.- They're typical miniatures of their period.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59They will be painted on ivory.
0:48:59 > 0:49:04They're circa around 1850, 1860, somewhere in that region.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06Very elegant gentlemen.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09The artist is obviously a very good portrait painter
0:49:09 > 0:49:11and the faces are particularly good.
0:49:11 > 0:49:13The lower one is better painted than the one above.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16The hair is absolutely fantastic.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19When you look closely, the detail in it is quite remarkable.
0:49:19 > 0:49:24Single hair brushes to paint them. Patience of a saint.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27It would be no good with me. I can't paint a door.
0:49:27 > 0:49:29Which one of these two is your favourite?
0:49:29 > 0:49:32- I like the first one, the one at the bottom.- This one here?- Yes.
0:49:32 > 0:49:34I suspect it's a gold mount although I haven't tested it
0:49:34 > 0:49:35and it isn't marked.
0:49:35 > 0:49:38But a gut feeling, it's probably gold.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41We'll just turn it over there and on the back, we've got a fantastic
0:49:41 > 0:49:45plaited hair panel with some guilt initials in the bottom corner.
0:49:45 > 0:49:46I think it's SM.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50The hair memorial locket, so it's obviously when someone has died
0:49:50 > 0:49:54and in this period, memorial hair lockets were very, very fashionable.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58So, it's been plaited in with quite some skill, hasn't it?
0:49:58 > 0:50:00That's in great condition.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02We jump up to the chap on the top.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05Flip it over and we have hair again.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09But it looks a little bit hastily put together, shall we say?
0:50:09 > 0:50:12Or maybe over the years it has just come apart.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15Just flipping them back over again.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17I still think the bottom one is painted...
0:50:17 > 0:50:20I agree with you, I think that's the better example.
0:50:20 > 0:50:21Do you like them?
0:50:21 > 0:50:23Yes, but I think there are collectors
0:50:23 > 0:50:27who would probably appreciate them more than myself.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30- Excellent. You're happy for us to sell them?- Oh, yes.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32OK. So, we'll put them through to the sale.
0:50:32 > 0:50:37This chap at the bottom, he's probably worth around £80-£100.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40Depending on the mount of this one,
0:50:40 > 0:50:42I'd probably put him in at around £60-£80.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45So, that's where I'll leave it. Is that happy with you?
0:50:45 > 0:50:46I'm happy, yes, thank you.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48What would you like to do with the money?
0:50:48 > 0:50:51- I'm going to buy a new fishing rod.- A new fishing rod?
0:50:51 > 0:50:53Yes, I broke one the other day.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56So, the money from these will go towards those.
0:50:56 > 0:51:01You can step over how many feet over there and do a bit of fishing.
0:51:01 > 0:51:04Fantastic. Excellent. Well, let's hope we catch a big one.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07- Thank you. - See you at the sale.
0:51:07 > 0:51:08Well, that's it.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11As you just seen, we've now found our final items to take to auction.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14We've had a marvellous day here. Everybody has enjoyed themselves.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17A big thank you to all the people of Wallasey
0:51:17 > 0:51:19and the surrounding areas - you've really done us proud.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21And of course, to our host location,
0:51:21 > 0:51:22steeped in heritage and history.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25Right now, we're going to make a bit of history of our very own
0:51:25 > 0:51:27as we go to the auction room for the last time.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30Here's a quick cap of the items we're taking with us.
0:51:31 > 0:51:35It's all about doubling up for our last visit to the saleroom today.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37First, we've got the two Victorian swords.
0:51:37 > 0:51:41Let's hope we can help Amy-Leigh raise some funds
0:51:41 > 0:51:44for the memorial trip to her late grandfather's
0:51:44 > 0:51:46favourite holiday spot.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50There's those gorgeous little hat pins,
0:51:50 > 0:51:55sure to attract bids with the name Charles Horner attached.
0:51:57 > 0:51:59There's Cath's Bible box from 1717,
0:51:59 > 0:52:02used to store paper bags by her grandmother.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05Let's see if we can bag a sale in the auction.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12And finally, it's the two miniatures
0:52:12 > 0:52:15of those mysterious, elegant gentleman.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18Will a lady bidder take a shine to them?
0:52:18 > 0:52:21I think John might be pleasantly surprised.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27As we return to the noise and commotion of the saleroom,
0:52:27 > 0:52:29it's all eyes on Adam Partridge,
0:52:29 > 0:52:33as the auction continues relentlessly forward.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35- Amy-Leigh, good luck with grandad's swords.- Thanks.
0:52:35 > 0:52:39I've got to say, this is the cutting edge in the saleroom might now.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41So, tell me all about grandad.
0:52:41 > 0:52:46- Every year we used to go away on holiday.- To?- To Spain. In Salou.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50He used to go every year and in December he passed away.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53- So, you've inherited the swords? - Yes.- What are you planning to do?
0:52:53 > 0:52:56We're selling the swords to get enough money together for you
0:52:56 > 0:52:59- to go out to Spain? - And spread my grandad's ashes.
0:52:59 > 0:53:01Do you know what, he would love that, wouldn't he?
0:53:01 > 0:53:04He would, and he's put a smile on your face.
0:53:04 > 0:53:06- I know it means a lot to you. Did you ever go there with him?- Yeah.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09Ah, it's going to mean an awful lot to you and your mum and dad.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11So, what a trip! What a trip!
0:53:11 > 0:53:14We'll have to hope the swords work for them then.
0:53:14 > 0:53:15Yes. You've got me nervous now.
0:53:15 > 0:53:19- We'll have to wait and see.- Right, fingers crossed. Ready for this?
0:53:19 > 0:53:22- Yes.- Here we go, it's going under the hammer.
0:53:22 > 0:53:26Sword, two in the lot there. Lot 180 is the number and I'm bid 110.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29At 110, the bid at 110. Any advance on 110?
0:53:29 > 0:53:31- 120, 130, 140.- Straightaway.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34There you go. Sold already, straight in.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36I've got 150, my bidder. At £150.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40At 150. At 150, all done now.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42£150.
0:53:42 > 0:53:47- Short and sweet. £150. Well done. - Really pleased for you.
0:53:47 > 0:53:48Really pleased.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52And we wish you all the best, Amy-Leigh, on your trip to Spain.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55Barbara, Anita, good luck, let's stick it to them.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58Going under the hammer right now, two silver hat pins. I love these.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01They're kind of Art Nouveau, and they're very, very fashionable.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05Ready for this? Let's put the value to the test. Here we go.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07I've got 40. And five bid.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09We've sold. We've sold straightaway.
0:54:10 > 0:54:12We did stick it to them.
0:54:12 > 0:54:1770 at the back of the room. 75 online. At 75.
0:54:17 > 0:54:2180 bid. 80 is at the back. £80 on the hat pins at 80.
0:54:21 > 0:54:26Any more now at £80? Plus 5, 85. 90? No. 85 Internet.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29£85 on these and we sell then.
0:54:30 > 0:54:33He hasn't finished yet.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35All done at £90.
0:54:39 > 0:54:44Fantastic. £90. I thought we might get one more bid then, didn't you?
0:54:44 > 0:54:46And now it's my turn in the hot seat.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50Right, it's time for me to say a quick little prayer,
0:54:50 > 0:54:52which is quite fitting, because up next
0:54:52 > 0:54:53is the oak Bible box
0:54:53 > 0:54:55and it's my valuation and it belongs to Cath.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59Hopefully we're going to sell that today. Fingers crossed.
0:54:59 > 0:55:01It's had some love, hasn't it?
0:55:01 > 0:55:03But alas, no one in the family wants it any more, I gather?
0:55:03 > 0:55:06You've had a chat to your sons, haven't you?
0:55:06 > 0:55:07Yeah. They're not...
0:55:07 > 0:55:09They don't particularly want it,
0:55:09 > 0:55:13and so I thought it was better to sell it to somebody that does.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15Yeah, and look at this, a room packed full of bidders.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18Hopefully someone here today will go home with that.
0:55:18 > 0:55:19That's what it's all about.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21Let's find out what they think, shall we?
0:55:21 > 0:55:26Let's hand the proceedings over to our auctioneer, Adam Partridge.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30Next is 15, whish is an 18th-century and later carved oak Bible box,
0:55:30 > 0:55:34there. Carved with the date 1770, and a pleasant thing, now.
0:55:34 > 0:55:4080 and 5 is bid. At 80... 90, 5, 110. 120. At £120.
0:55:40 > 0:55:41Any advance on £120?
0:55:41 > 0:55:48At 120. Any more on this now? £120 at 120. Any more at £120?
0:55:51 > 0:55:52Come on.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54Can't sell it, I'm afraid.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56Quiet, so that tumbleweed is rolling through the saleroom.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59Didn't sell, but you're happy. You're happy. It's going home.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02It's going to be loved, still, so that's the main thing.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04I'll have somewhere to put me passport again.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06Well, I'm glad it's being put to good use.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11Now, can we do twice as well with our last lot?
0:56:11 > 0:56:14Right now, we really do need to reel in the bidders,
0:56:14 > 0:56:16because all the proceeds of the next sale are going towards
0:56:16 > 0:56:19a new fly-fishing rod for John, who's right next to me.
0:56:19 > 0:56:24- A keen fisherman.- Definitely.- Yeah? Trout? Salmon?- Trout.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26Trout, and sea fishing.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28Right now, we're talking about antiques.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30We've got two wonderful miniatures, painted on ivory,
0:56:30 > 0:56:32going under the hammer.
0:56:32 > 0:56:34We got a valuation put on by Nick, of 140 to 180,
0:56:34 > 0:56:36- somewhere round there. - Yeah, somewhere round there.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38We'd be happy with £150.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40- They are quality, but good decorator's pieces.- Absolutely.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43And Adam hasn't split them up, so selling as a pair.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46- I think one's a lot stronger than the other, so do you.- Absolutely.
0:56:46 > 0:56:48- Yeah, that's the one to get, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50- But look, let's put it to the test, shall we?- Yep.
0:56:50 > 0:56:51Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:56:51 > 0:56:56At 135 is this 19th-century English school oval portrait miniature.
0:56:56 > 0:56:57It's gone quiet.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00It's that tumbleweed moment, the tension's building!
0:57:00 > 0:57:03- Interest ticking over online... - Great.
0:57:04 > 0:57:10- And we're up to £200.- Excellent. - Yeah, straight in.
0:57:10 > 0:57:12At £210, they're still going. At 220.
0:57:13 > 0:57:18- It won't stop now. - 230, 40. 240 bid. At 250. At 260.
0:57:18 > 0:57:23- Nice lot, this, at £260. - John's shaking his head.
0:57:24 > 0:57:29280 bid. At £280. At 280, any more?
0:57:29 > 0:57:33290. At 290, 300. £300 now.
0:57:33 > 0:57:39At £300 now, any more at 300? The hammer's up online at 300, any more?
0:57:39 > 0:57:44- At 300. 20.- 320, yes. Late legs. - Somebody coming in.- Yeah.
0:57:46 > 0:57:50At 340, any advance again? At £340, are you all done?
0:57:50 > 0:57:53340, last chance to bid, in the room or online.
0:57:54 > 0:57:56Yes! That's what auctions are all about.
0:57:56 > 0:58:00That rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. £340.
0:58:00 > 0:58:02- That's a lot more than what we originally said.- It was.
0:58:02 > 0:58:05- That's good, thank you.- Well done, and thank you for bringing them in.
0:58:05 > 0:58:07And I'm sure John will be out
0:58:07 > 0:58:09shopping for his fishing rod in no time.
0:58:11 > 0:58:13Well, there you are, that's it, it's all over,
0:58:13 > 0:58:15and I hope you've enjoyed today's show.
0:58:15 > 0:58:17If you've got anything you want to sell,
0:58:17 > 0:58:19we would love to do it for you.
0:58:19 > 0:58:22Bring our items along to one of our valuation days.
0:58:22 > 0:58:26Details of up-and-coming dates and venues, you can find on our website.
0:58:28 > 0:58:31Follow the links - all the information will be there,
0:58:31 > 0:58:34and we would love to see you. Dust 'em down and bring 'em in.
0:58:34 > 0:58:36But, right now, it's goodbye from Liverpool.