0:00:07 > 0:00:10Today, we're in Sheffield, renowned across the world
0:00:10 > 0:00:13as the crucible of the Industrial Revolution,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16forever welded to its steel producing heritage,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19and this same industry has inspired writers and thinkers
0:00:19 > 0:00:22whose works have helped shape the world.
0:00:22 > 0:00:23Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:26 > 0:00:29THEME MUSIC PLAYS
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Our valuation day comes from the centre of Sheffield,
0:00:49 > 0:00:53famed worldwide for producing the finest steel and cutlery,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56and here, rubbing shoulders with the city's cathedral,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59is the home of the Cutlers Company.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01It's a guild that was started nearly 400 years ago,
0:01:01 > 0:01:05and it's been at the very heart of Sheffield ever since,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09looking after the interests of the cutlery companies and their workers.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12Today, we're in Cutlers' Hall,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15where the motto is "Succeed Through Honest Endeavour,"
0:01:15 > 0:01:17and that is what the show is all about.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19And we certainly have our work cut out today.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Hundreds of people have turned up, laden with bags
0:01:21 > 0:01:23and boxes full of antiques,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26and we will endeavour to see all of them, put a value on them
0:01:26 > 0:01:30and talk about their craftsmanship, and the best items will be taken off
0:01:30 > 0:01:33to auction where, hopefully, we'll succeed in making
0:01:33 > 0:01:35a small fortune for the owners.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39And to help dig out the real gems is our own set of jewels...
0:01:39 > 0:01:41experts Anita Manning...
0:01:41 > 0:01:44I expected to see some Sheffield plate in!
0:01:44 > 0:01:46..and James Lewis.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48These are North African.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55And there's an equally impressive team behind the scenes,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58on-hand to inspect the antiques coming in.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03And, today, we've got items of virtually every kind.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07From this Staffordshire ceramic to this carved wooden frame...
0:02:07 > 0:02:12from gold and silver medals, to Victorian needlework,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15but which one do you think fetches over 40 times
0:02:15 > 0:02:17its purchase price at auction?
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Stay tuned and find out later.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24This spot I'm standing in right now is called the Minstrels' Gallery,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26traditionally, where the musicians would have sat and played
0:02:26 > 0:02:30their instruments, entertaining the gentlemen who dined below.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Today, it's full of hundreds of people, all hoping they are one of
0:02:33 > 0:02:36the lucky ones to get chosen to go through to the auction later on.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39And, right now, Anita Manning has found one of the lucky ones.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Let's take a closer look.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Brenda, a fascinating little group here.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Tell me where you got them, first of all.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52I got them from my father, who got them from his father,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54who got them from his father.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57So, it's my great-grandfather's, originally.
0:02:57 > 0:02:58Can you tell me anything about them?
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Not a lot. No, in fact, originally,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04when I was told that they were medals,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07I assumed they were war medals and they're not.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09They're not, they're not, they're not.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Now, let's have a look at this one first of all,
0:03:12 > 0:03:14because this is quite interesting.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17This one was a medal, or a jewel,
0:03:17 > 0:03:21which was worn by someone who belonged to
0:03:21 > 0:03:24the Ancient Order of Buffalos,
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- or the Buffs as they were known. - Right.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Now, this was a Freemasonry group, and this order is,
0:03:32 > 0:03:39in the main, associated with stagehands and theatre people.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44Now, tell me, do you know if your great-grandpa
0:03:44 > 0:03:47was involved in the theatre?
0:03:47 > 0:03:49No, I don't.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52So, we can't put any of the pieces together?
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- No, I'm sorry.- Now, we also know
0:03:55 > 0:03:59that this is made of 9-carat gold.
0:03:59 > 0:04:05Now, I'd like to have a wee look at the script on the back.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10"This order of merit was conferred upon...
0:04:10 > 0:04:13"Frank Pasley, CP,
0:04:13 > 0:04:19"by the...something, something as a mark of appreciation for...
0:04:19 > 0:04:24"his service in the cause of Buffaloism."
0:04:24 > 0:04:28And it's dated...1930.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32And that name, Pasley, is that a family name?
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- Yes, that was my maiden name. - That's your maiden name?- Yes.
0:04:36 > 0:04:37And our other one is
0:04:37 > 0:04:39a little silver gilt one,
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- so it's not of such high value.- No.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45But I think it would be interesting to sell both of these
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- as a group together.- Right.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52Value on it, the estimate that I would suggest to you would be...
0:04:52 > 0:04:55150 to 200.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56Oh.
0:04:56 > 0:04:57Would you be happy with that?
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Yes. THEY LAUGH
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- OK.- I'm amazed.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05We'll put a reserve on them - perhaps 130?
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- Would you be happy with that? - Whatever you think, yes.- Yeah.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13- I'll see you on the day and I'm sure they'll do very well.- Thank you!
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Medals for theatre, that is a "Flog It!" first.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19OK, James, time for an award-winning performance.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21Eric, I always think it's interesting
0:05:21 > 0:05:24when you look at objects like this,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26that an object that does that same task,
0:05:26 > 0:05:31changes so much through time. When I grew up, I had a wristwatch.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Today, I don't bother. My watch is now on my phone,
0:05:35 > 0:05:39and when this watch was made in the late 18th century,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42the wristwatch wasn't even thought of.
0:05:42 > 0:05:43Is this something that has been
0:05:43 > 0:05:45passed down from grandparents, or is it
0:05:45 > 0:05:49a find? A car boot find? An antiques fair buy, or...?
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- A car boot find. - So, how long have you had it?
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- I've had it about 10, 12 years. - Right.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58A guy wanted money for a shed roof.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02- He says, "I'm trying to get £140 together."- Right.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03So, that's what I gave for the watch.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- That's a lot of money at a car boot sale.- Yeah.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10The first thing to say is it's known as a pair case.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14The engraving on the balance wheel cover...
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- is just outstanding.- It is. - And...
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Graydon of Dublin! An Irish one!
0:06:20 > 0:06:22That's nice to have.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25So, we've got an Irish watch in an English case,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29because we've got a hallmark for London, 1778,
0:06:29 > 0:06:34so...a watch that was made over 200 years ago,
0:06:34 > 0:06:39pair case, good order, a verge escapement that's working.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- Lovely.- Yeah.- I really like it.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45And we've got a silver watch chain as well,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47that's probably worth its scrap metal value.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49So...
0:06:49 > 0:06:51..what's it worth?
0:06:51 > 0:06:56I'd like to put an estimate of £200 to £300 on it,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59with a £200 firm reserve. Is that all right for you?
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- That's absolutely marvellous. - Brilliant.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Me son and me wife'll be happy,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05cos that's who I'm going to give the money to.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Well done, you. That's a great thing.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11There's no time to lose, and while our teams are cracking on,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13there's something I want to show you.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19As I walk around Cutlers' Hall, I am just in awe...
0:07:19 > 0:07:22at the architectural detail, the work that's gone into creating
0:07:22 > 0:07:24this place and maintaining it.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27It's all lined in sycamore and oak, and the light fittings as well.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31All of this has come from the ocean-going liner, The Olympic.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Launched in 1910, she was the biggest ship in the world.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37The Olympic was truly a luxury liner.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40There were exquisite lounges, grand dining rooms,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43and even gentlemen's smoking parlours,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46all fitted out in the finest styles of the day.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50After an illustrious career, the Olympic was finally retired
0:07:50 > 0:07:54in 1935 with all her fittings sold off to the highest bidder.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59The Cutlers' Company managed to buy the panelling from the reading room.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00And here it is. Look at this!
0:08:00 > 0:08:02This wonderful fluted column, look at that,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05coming down to this turned base here.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Wonderful moulding, inset panels, but look at these
0:08:08 > 0:08:11little acanthus leaves running all along there.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13This was in the library
0:08:13 > 0:08:16in the second class section of the vessel.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17And, from the first class lounge,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20came this magnificent electric light.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Bought at auction and, I think, a jolly good buy as well.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28But, for me, it has to be the wood panelling.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32I could definitely live with a section of that in my house.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33That's real history.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37It's full steam ahead with our experts,
0:08:37 > 0:08:42and a colourful little collection has landed on Anita's table.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Julia, welcome to "Flog It!".
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- You've brought me two albums of postcards.- Yes.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Now, when I'm looking at postcard collections,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53the first thing I look at is the album,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56and this is a very pretty album,
0:08:56 > 0:09:00this green one, with the Art Nouveau decoration.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Tell me where you got these cards.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05I inherited them when me godmother died.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- And how long ago was that? - 27 years ago.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Do you play with them? So you take them out and have a wee look?
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- Not really. The folders are too delicate.- Right.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19These are quite interesting and pretty cards. Very nice indeed.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Probably dating from 1910, 1920.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- Postcards are very collectible today.- Yes.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30And I think that people with all their elaborate machines
0:09:30 > 0:09:33and means of communication,
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- are still fascinated by what people did in the past to communicate.- Yes.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42And that's perhaps why postcards are good in today's markets.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46But, the most expensive ones are tending to be
0:09:46 > 0:09:50the early McGill ones, saucy postcards,
0:09:50 > 0:09:55postcards that have to do with special events or suffragettes,
0:09:55 > 0:09:57that type of thing.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01What we have here is a charming collection of colourful postcards,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05so we must so look at the estimates in that light.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06The estimate, I think,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08is £60 to £80.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- Lovely.- Would you be happy with that? - Yes, thank you.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Shall we put a reserve on them?
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- Yes, please.- Uh-huh. Put a reserve of the lower estimate,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- which is £60.- Yeah.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24And if the auctioneer maybe has just a little tiny bit of discretion
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- on that.- That's fine.- OK. - Yes, thank you.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29And what are you going to do with the money?
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- Put it towards our golden wedding anniversary.- Ah, right!
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- The party fund!- Yes. - Good idea, good idea.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- Well, thank you so much for bringing them along.- Thank you, Anita.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Overlooking our valuations today, is artwork on a very different scale,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48and it's not just the portraits that have been painted.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53The columns that I'm surrounded by in this room aren't real marble.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57They're stone painted with a scumble glaze to look like expensive marble.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Luckily enough for us, though, our items are the real deal.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04It's time to gather them up now as we're off to auction, to put those
0:11:04 > 0:11:09valuations to the test, and here's a quick recap of what we're taking.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12'Brenda's Buffalo medals are a real family heirloom.'
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Can they cause a stampede at the auction?
0:11:18 > 0:11:20'Julia's quaint postcards would make
0:11:20 > 0:11:23'a wonderful addition to any collection.'
0:11:24 > 0:11:29And can Eric pocket a nice return on his car boot find?
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Our sale today is across town at Sheffield Auction Gallery,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43just a couple of miles south of the centre.
0:11:49 > 0:11:50Right, this is the moment of truth,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53this is where we're putting our valuations to the test.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55'Auctioneer Robert Lee is already on the rostrum,'
0:11:55 > 0:11:57I'm going to catch up with our owners,
0:11:57 > 0:11:59cos I know they're feeling really nervous.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Let's get on with our first lot.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Who's going to go with me at 95?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Folding now at 95.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Brenda, good luck. We've got the two medallion pendants
0:12:08 > 0:12:11going under the hammer, one silver and one gold.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14I think that the price is spot on.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Yeah, I'm hoping for...a good price on these,
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- because we've got a lot of gold in it.- Yeah.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24And it's a marvellous medal with this great buffalo head on the top.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- I like it. - And it's unusual as well, isn't it?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Right, let's put this to the test. Here we go. Good luck, Brenda.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Now, 9-carat gold Buffalos' medallion pendant,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36also we've got a silver medallion pendant, Philanthropy.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Two good medals.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Commissions forcing me to start this hold on, 140, 150, 160,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45170, 180 in green.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49190, 200, sir, 210, 220, I'm out.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54The gentleman in green holds it at £220. 230 I'm after.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Got to be 230 elsewhere.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01They're going to go on my left at £220, and we're done.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02Thank you, sir.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Oh, that's good. £220.- Thank you.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- Happy?- Yes.- Very happy?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09I'm happy, yes.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Wonderful. - Were you getting worried, slightly?
0:13:12 > 0:13:14No, not really.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17I...we put a reserve on at 130, so I was quite happy
0:13:17 > 0:13:20when it came in at that, so, the rest was a big bonus.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24Yeah, nearly £100 more. Well done. Well done, Anita.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26'It's a great start.'
0:13:26 > 0:13:31Will Julia's postcards also get the stamp of approval from the bidders?
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- Now, I know there's a sentimental connection, isn't there?- Yes.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Tell us about that.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42They belonged to my godmother and her mother...
0:13:42 > 0:13:47and I inherited them 27 years ago when my godmother died.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Did she collect them all herself, or was it something that she
0:13:50 > 0:13:53sent some family members that had been collected?
0:13:53 > 0:13:56I think her mother's, because her mother was in service, I think the
0:13:56 > 0:13:58family sent them to her mother,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02but my auntie's were mostly birthday cards and things.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05OK. Let's put the valuation to the test. Here we are. Good luck.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09Two early 20th century albums containing approximately
0:14:09 > 0:14:14150 postcards, both including some earlier fine examples.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Commissions force me to start these...
0:14:16 > 0:14:1835, 40,
0:14:18 > 0:14:2145, 50, 55,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24I need £60 elsewhere. 60 bid, gentleman standing.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28Who's on 65? I'm out with me commissions.
0:14:28 > 0:14:2960 bid so far.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34Any advance? It's going to go at £60. Have we done?
0:14:34 > 0:14:36We just made it at the lower end, didn't we?
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Are you happy with that? Are you OK with that?
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- Well, that's the reserve that I put on, so...- Yeah.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Yeah, it's been an experience as well.
0:14:43 > 0:14:4670 on commission. 75 I need. It's going to go...
0:14:46 > 0:14:48on commission at £70.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Well, this is what it's all about, the excitement of the auction room.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Anything can happen, it's a roller-coaster ride.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56If you've not been to an antiques sale before,
0:14:56 > 0:14:58get down to your local saleroom, or, better still,
0:14:58 > 0:15:00turn up at one of our "Flog It!" valuation days
0:15:00 > 0:15:03and hopefully, you could be in an auction room the next time,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06being the envy of all your friends, going home with lots of money.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Details of up-and-coming dates and venues you can find on our website.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Look online or check the details
0:15:11 > 0:15:13in your local press.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15With me so far at £25...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Eric's watch is up next, but, unfortunately,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21time is not on his side.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22Going under the hammer right now,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25we have a Georgian silver pocket watch and chain.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28It was a car boot find belonging to Eric, who, unfortunately,
0:15:28 > 0:15:29is stuck in traffic out there!
0:15:29 > 0:15:32I'm just hoping he makes it in time to see this go under the hammer.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35It's a great one, isn't it? A lot of money for a car boot sale.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Yeah, but then it's a great watch. - It is.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40George III hallmarked silver pair case pocket watch,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44London, 1778. Big lots have a big price for it.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49Commissions force me to start at 160, 170, 180, 190, £200.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51210 I'm after elsewhere.
0:15:51 > 0:15:52210...
0:15:52 > 0:15:55210 bid. Who's on 220?
0:15:55 > 0:15:58I'm out straightaway, 220 new bid. 230, 240.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- 250, 260.- This is good.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03270, 280, 290,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06300, 320, 340,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- 360, 380...- Fantastic.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11400, 420,
0:16:11 > 0:16:13£400 bid on my right, seated.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15I need 420 to progress.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Bid now or lose it. Have we done?
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- £400!- Great!
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Phew! That was a great car boot buy, wasn't it?
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Eric would have been so pleased with that. My fingers were crossed that
0:16:28 > 0:16:32he was going to walk in the room as the hammer was going down to see the £400
0:16:32 > 0:16:34on the screen up there.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Great result!
0:16:36 > 0:16:38And when Eric finally made it in,
0:16:38 > 0:16:42the sale price really made up for being stuck in traffic.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Getting 400 is absolutely smashing!
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Absolutely.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Well, that's it for our first set of lots, but don't go away.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54There's still plenty of saleroom excitement
0:16:54 > 0:16:55to come later in the show.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03The Cutlers Company has been at the heart of Sheffield
0:17:03 > 0:17:05for hundreds of years.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08And all around this magnificent hall are clues to the
0:17:08 > 0:17:11importance of cutlery and steel to the city.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13There's the most wonderful quote
0:17:13 > 0:17:16that runs around the cornice of this ceiling.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18It starts over there.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21"In Cutlers Iron Work, we have, in Sheffield,
0:17:21 > 0:17:26"the best of its kind done by English hands, unsurpassable,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29"when the workman chooses to do all he knows,
0:17:29 > 0:17:31"by that of any living nation."
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Now, that quote is by John Ruskin,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36one of the most influential characters
0:17:36 > 0:17:37during the Victorian period.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39One of my personal favourite art critics,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43but also somebody that had great influence on the city of Sheffield.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56Here in the city centre is the spectacular Millennium Gallery.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Inside is a fascinating collection of exhibits,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02created very much for the workers of Sheffield.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06This is just a small part of the Ruskin collection
0:18:06 > 0:18:08on permanent display here in the museum.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11John Ruskin, the man who started this collection,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14was one of the greatest figures in the Victorian era.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16He was a critic, he was a writer,
0:18:16 > 0:18:18he was an artist and a social reformer,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and he left a lasting impression on the city of Sheffield.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24He was the only child of a wealthy sherry importer and
0:18:24 > 0:18:28from a young age, he accompanied his father on business trips
0:18:28 > 0:18:30around Britain and continental Europe,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32and they were visit rich clients who lived in
0:18:32 > 0:18:35rather large country houses, and from a young age,
0:18:35 > 0:18:40the young Ruskin got a taste and a passion for landscapes,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43fine art, particularly works celebrating nature.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Ruskin came to fame in 1843 at the tender age of 24
0:18:48 > 0:18:50when his first book was published,
0:18:50 > 0:18:51"Modern Painters",
0:18:51 > 0:18:56celebrating and defending the works of artists such as Turner.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Turner was far from the great artist we know today, back then.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01He was little known and his work,
0:19:01 > 0:19:06his style was condemned by the British press and the art world.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10In their opinion, traditional artists, the Old Masters
0:19:10 > 0:19:15such as Constable, they were the ones that produced real art.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Nowadays, the book is regarded as a classic.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Back then, it was an instant success and it established Turner as
0:19:21 > 0:19:23England's greatest landscape painter
0:19:23 > 0:19:27and Ruskin as a powerful voice to be reckoned with in the art world.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38Ruskin's passion for art wasn't just about celebrating famous painters.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42He believed art lay in the beauty of the natural world around him, from
0:19:42 > 0:19:46the smallest pebble to the largest tree, to the mightiest of landscapes.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48And he encouraged people to go out and paint it,
0:19:48 > 0:19:50to draw what they saw,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53and it didn't matter if it was any good or not,
0:19:53 > 0:19:57because being in contact with these wonderful natural objects means you
0:19:57 > 0:20:01are enriching your lives, and I can understand what he's getting at.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Look at the example here, a collection of shells and some coral.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Look at the shapes, look at the forms as well.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Nature gets this so right, it's not contrived.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13This is what Ruskin was going on about.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18What really set Ruskin apart from his contemporaries
0:20:18 > 0:20:22was that he believed art should be enjoyed by everyone.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26It shouldn't just be something to adorn the walls of the wealthy.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30In 1875, Ruskin made this idea a reality.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34He bought a small cottage in Walkley just outside of Sheffield
0:20:34 > 0:20:38on a hillside location and set up the city's first museum.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Ruskin wanted it to inspire and educate Sheffield's craftsmen,
0:20:42 > 0:20:46who were losing their skills to mass production and machinery.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50At the least, he hoped it would bring some beauty to the lives
0:20:50 > 0:20:53of people working and living in terrible conditions.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57He deliberately chose a hillside location out of the city
0:20:57 > 0:21:00so that people would have to walk out of the smog
0:21:00 > 0:21:04and pollution out to the countryside to appreciate nature.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09Admission was free and opening times were 9am until 9pm
0:21:09 > 0:21:12to allow factory workers time to make the journey.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17The museum may have been small, but it was a huge success.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19The collection was an eclectic mix that reflected
0:21:19 > 0:21:24Ruskin's wide range of interests, which included Renaissance art,
0:21:24 > 0:21:25Gothic architecture,
0:21:25 > 0:21:30engravings and illustrations of flowers and birds like these ones here.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34He even added a collection of coins, geology and a library.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38The gallery drew visitors from all over the country, but as
0:21:38 > 0:21:43the number of exhibits grew, it had to be moved to bigger premises.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47In 2001, Ruskin's legacy to Sheffield was given a new,
0:21:47 > 0:21:50permanent home, right here in the centre.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53It's not in the countryside as Ruskin had intended,
0:21:53 > 0:21:58but then, Sheffield is not the smoggy city it was 150 years ago.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01This is just a small part of what Ruskin left behind.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03The rest is in storage.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10And I've got the chance to look at it with curator Louise Pullen.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11It seems Ruskin made some
0:22:11 > 0:22:14very personal contributions to the collection.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- Are these by Ruskin? - Yes, they are.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21This is one of his quite famous works of a peacock feather,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and this is an enlargement of each individual filament here.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- That's quite clever.- Very clever.
0:22:26 > 0:22:32He wanted to show just the beauty of detail of the different colours.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- He was a very talented artist. - Indeed, very much.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37One of Ruskin's big passions was geology
0:22:37 > 0:22:40and he managed to amass quite a collection.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- And all of these drawers are full? - Yes, very much so.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46We have around 2,000 minerals that Ruskin collected
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- the majority of them. - Can I open one?- Yes, of course.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51Look at that. Here they are.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Also, this was a museum, not just that people could get hands-on,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- but it was also a place of education.- Yes.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02He really wanted people to be able to come out from the smoky city
0:23:02 > 0:23:05and just find something of beauty, to improve themselves by being
0:23:05 > 0:23:08enlightened in a way by things he found beautiful.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11And he hoped very much that people would go and start sketching,
0:23:11 > 0:23:14start drawing, start being aware of what was out there.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18And Ruskin's ideas did bear fruit, particularly in the case
0:23:18 > 0:23:21of Sheffield knife-grinder, Benjamin Creswick.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24The curator of the museum noticed him drawing in the corner,
0:23:24 > 0:23:27saw a great talent, and introduced him to Ruskin,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30who was so impressed with him that he sat for a portrait,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- a beautiful bust portrait was produced.- And this is an example?
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- And this is an example of it. - A man of many talents.- Indeed.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38From a knife-grinder he ended up as
0:23:38 > 0:23:40model master at Birmingham School of Art.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- That's what it's all about, isn't it?- Yes.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- Finding the talent out there, nurturing it, championing it.- Yes.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- And giving it a fresh start.- Yes.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- Louise, thank you so much for talking to me.- Thank you very much.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54This is a real joy.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Ruskin is one of my heroes and I can literally spend days in here.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03The story of John Ruskin's involvement with Sheffield
0:24:03 > 0:24:04played a big part in his life.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08The collection is a testament to John Ruskin himself.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11It's wide ranging, it's ahead of its time,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14but more importantly, it's a celebration of beauty in many,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17many forms, and the great thing is,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20the collection is still growing, and it's inspiring people today.
0:24:27 > 0:24:28Back in the main hall,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31the buzz of the valuations is filling the air, and Anita
0:24:31 > 0:24:36has come across something that I'm sure Ruskin would have approved of.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Viv, welcome to "Flog It!"
0:24:38 > 0:24:41and thank you for bringing in this little sampler.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Tell me, where did you get it first of all?
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Well, it came from my mother, who, I think,
0:24:46 > 0:24:50probably bought it at auction, maybe in Kendal.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52It could be 40, 45 years ago.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57Tell me, are you interested in textiles and needlework?
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Is there a background in the family in that type of thing?
0:25:01 > 0:25:02There certainly is, yes.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05My great-grandmother was a milliner,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08my grandmother did a lot of embroidery,
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- my mother made costumes for the stage...- That's wonderful!
0:25:13 > 0:25:16..and I do some embroidery as well.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Let's have a look at this sampler, Viv.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25We have this border of flowers, and this is a cross-stitch.
0:25:25 > 0:25:31And we have this larger flower pattern in the middle and
0:25:31 > 0:25:35top and bottom, we have some religious text.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39And the person who did this sampler was a little girl called
0:25:39 > 0:25:44Sarah Peters, and it was done in March the 15th, 1822,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- so it's a fairly early one.- Mm-hm.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51Tell me...you've got this history of textiles
0:25:51 > 0:25:56and needlework in the family, why are you wanting to sell this one?
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Well, two things, really.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01One is there's only a limited amount of time that you can display
0:26:01 > 0:26:04textiles before they fade.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05And the other is...
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- I want a new bathroom.- Oh, right!
0:26:08 > 0:26:10A lot more down to earth, that side of it.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15- Right, and any money that's got will go towards that.- Yes.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20Now, samplers, ten years ago, were getting fairly high prices.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24They have gone down a little bit in price.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27The ones that people are looking for are the really early ones
0:26:27 > 0:26:30and we have a fairly simple one here.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34This one I would put in with an estimate of 50 to 80.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Would you be happy to sell it at that price?
0:26:37 > 0:26:38- Yes, yes.- OK.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42Well, we'll put a reserve of maybe £45?
0:26:42 > 0:26:47- That's good.- 45.- Yes.- Thank you for bringing it along.- Thank you.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51James has set his sights on a prize for rifle shooting.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Will his valuation be on target?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Here we have an electroplated trophy.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02And it's inscribed, "Sixth...
0:27:02 > 0:27:06"WYRV, West Yorkshire..." What would that be?
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- Rifle Volunteers.- Rifle Volunteers.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14"Presented by the officers of B Company to the shooting club won
0:27:14 > 0:27:20by Lance Corporal S Walker, 1882." It's silver plated, not solid.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24And, at the moment, with the silver values being so high,
0:27:24 > 0:27:25if this were silver,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28you would have a high chance of it being melted down.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Nobody's going to want to melt this down for its scrap value,
0:27:31 > 0:27:33it's going to always be worth more as an object.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35But, being silver plated rather than silver,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38obviously nowhere near the same value.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41What's the history? Why is it here?
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- Well, it was passed onto me by my late brother.- OK.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49It was something that he'd picked up either at an auction
0:27:49 > 0:27:51or a car boot sale or something.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- A car boot!- It was, uh...
0:27:53 > 0:27:57blackened with years of tarnish when I got it.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00I spent about four hours cleaning it up
0:28:00 > 0:28:05and it's very sad that Lance Corporal Walker's family
0:28:05 > 0:28:07no longer have it, I think,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09and I'm sure that some collector will be interested in it
0:28:09 > 0:28:14and I'd rather it be owned by someone like that who perhaps
0:28:14 > 0:28:16would know a little bit more about it.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20When a medal collector buys them, or somebody interested in military
0:28:20 > 0:28:24history, the first thing they do is start to research,
0:28:24 > 0:28:29so this cup will, somehow, by a collector buying it, make
0:28:29 > 0:28:34this little chap, his story, live again, and I love that part of it.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38So, as is, £60 to £100.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42I really wouldn't want to sell it for...
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- £60.- I don't blame you.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- Well, it's your chance to put a reserve on.- Yes.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50What would you like to put on as a reserve?
0:28:50 > 0:28:53- I'd put £150 on it.- 150? I don't think it's worth that.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55I think it's too much to...
0:28:55 > 0:28:57100 then?
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- I think 100's fine.- To start with.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01With a firm reserve of 100,
0:29:01 > 0:29:06we have to put that estimate above the reserve legally, so, we would
0:29:06 > 0:29:11put maybe £100 to £150 on it, but with the history, you never know.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- Well, thank you very much. - It's an absolute pleasure.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16It is an unusual trophy and, hopefully,
0:29:16 > 0:29:20will hit an even higher price at the auction.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22What I love about our valuation days,
0:29:22 > 0:29:27is that it also gives me a chance to get amongst the "Flog It!" crowd
0:29:27 > 0:29:30and see what treasures they've brought in.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Meg, have you got the time on you?
0:29:33 > 0:29:35I'm looking there! It's quarter to 12!
0:29:35 > 0:29:39- I fell for that one!- I see you holding that, you're clutching that.
0:29:39 > 0:29:40Is that quite precious to you?
0:29:40 > 0:29:42It's a bit of Staffordshire pearlware.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46It is, it is, and I would love to say that it's from my family,
0:29:46 > 0:29:47but it's not.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- Isn't it? How did you come by it? - I found it in a charity shop.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- How long ago?- About two...about 18 months to two years ago.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Do you mind me asking how much you paid for it?
0:29:57 > 0:29:5814.99.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Well, that was a very good buy, wasn't it?
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Were you just attracted to it because, visually,
0:30:03 > 0:30:04it's a pretty object?
0:30:04 > 0:30:08Yes. There's just something very... I love old things.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- Yeah, so do I. I used to collect early Staffs as well.- Ah!
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- You know all the flat back figures...?- Yes.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- ..designed to go on the mantelpiece against the wall?- Yes.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- Do you know it's pearlware, do you?- No.- Yes, it's pearlware
0:30:18 > 0:30:20because you can see there's a blue tinge to the glaze.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- Can you see that?- Oh, right, yes.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24- There's a slight blueness. - I can now.- Yeah?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- I would say this is circa 1810, 1820.- Wow.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30I like the two characters leaning against these faux marble columns.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Can you see they're faux marble,
0:30:32 > 0:30:33- like the columns here in the building?- Oh.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Painted to look like real marble. Can you see there?
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- There's some damage.- Yeah.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41There would have been a cartouche there, or a scroll, just acting as
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- a pediment, architecturally quite strong...- Yeah.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47..cos this whole shape resembles the facade of a building,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49and this was a powerful message back in the 1800s.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52People everywhere went to church,
0:30:52 > 0:30:54and this is no different to other fashions
0:30:54 > 0:30:57of the time, like needlework samplers and tapestry samplers...
0:30:57 > 0:30:59- Yeah.- ..all with messages of religion.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02I think this is brilliant, I really do,
0:31:02 > 0:31:06and I think we put a value of £80 to £120 on it.
0:31:06 > 0:31:07Gosh!
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Can I tell you...
0:31:10 > 0:31:14if this was in good condition and all the other elements were there,
0:31:14 > 0:31:19the other cherubs and the cartouche on the top, the scrollwork...
0:31:19 > 0:31:22this would realise in the region of £400 to £500.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Gosh.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- Yeah, it's quite rare. - I'm quite happy with 80 to 120.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29I'll bet you are. Now, are you sure you want to sell it?
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- Oh, yes.- Why do you want to sell it?
0:31:31 > 0:31:36Um, because my eldest granddaughter, Ferne, she's at uni and she's 21...
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- OK.- ..and so she's off to Vietnam. - Is she?
0:31:39 > 0:31:43Well, hopefully, what I'm holding is Ferne's spending money in Vietnam.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Good luck to her. Good luck to you.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- I can't wait to see you in the auction room.- Thank you.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Thank you very much.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Prepare now to meet our last antique and James is about to give us
0:31:53 > 0:31:56a flavour of the Orient.
0:31:56 > 0:31:57Syndonia and Barbara...
0:31:57 > 0:32:00I've got to ask, Syndonia, where does that come from?
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Well, it's a family name that goes back many generations.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06We can trace it back to 15...something.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08And you guys are sisters?
0:32:08 > 0:32:10- Yeah, we're twins.- Twins? - Yeah, she's older than me!
0:32:10 > 0:32:12OK, how did this come into your possession?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- It was a wedding present to my mother and father...- OK.
0:32:16 > 0:32:23..in 1927 from our Great-Uncle Frank who was a collector himself.
0:32:23 > 0:32:29It's Chinese and it's carved in the manner of these things that
0:32:29 > 0:32:34were exported from Canton in the late 19th century, 1890s.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Now, the immediate assumption is
0:32:37 > 0:32:40that we have a photograph frame...
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- Yes.- ..but, I don't think it is.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45I think it's a frame that originally would have housed miniatures
0:32:45 > 0:32:48painted in watercolour on ivory.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50We see these very stylised reserves
0:32:50 > 0:32:53with figures in formal gardens
0:32:53 > 0:32:55under flowering prunus.
0:32:55 > 0:33:02And then we see these fantastic, fanciful birds and these tall, plain
0:33:02 > 0:33:08uprights dividing the apertures where you would have the pictures.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10I just think it's a great object.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14It has a lovely feel to it, it has a lovely colour,
0:33:14 > 0:33:18but then, we have to be realistic in looking at how much damage there is.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24But, the market for Chinese art at the moment is second to none.
0:33:24 > 0:33:29In China, under Chairman Mao in the 1960s,
0:33:29 > 0:33:35if you had something like this, that referred to the Imperial past,
0:33:35 > 0:33:39you were seen as looking back, rather than looking forward,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- and that's not what the Communist state wanted you to do.- No.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47These pieces were burned, they were smashed, they were destroyed,
0:33:47 > 0:33:51but now, China's opened up to the West
0:33:51 > 0:33:54and what they're wanting to do is buy back their own art.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56So, value...
0:33:57 > 0:33:59HE SIGHS
0:33:59 > 0:34:02It's difficult because of the damage and I love it,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06but at the same time, I think we need to keep it sensible.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11So, let's put an estimate of 250 to 350.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Is that all right for you? How do you feel?
0:34:13 > 0:34:15If we could put a reserve on it...?
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- You've got to put a reserve on it, you've got to.- Yes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21£250 fixed reserve, but if you want to change your mind,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24it's your thing, it's your family history.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26If you want to change it, it's totally up to you.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29Better it to go to someone who will appreciate it,
0:34:29 > 0:34:31than be stuck in a cupboard somewhere for ever.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- Is that where it's been? - It's been in a trunk.- No!
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Well, it's going to breathe again and live a new life
0:34:38 > 0:34:40and I think it's a lovely little thing.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42It looks more attractive every time I look at it.
0:34:50 > 0:34:51Well, there you are.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53What a fabulous day we've had here in Cutlers' Hall,
0:34:53 > 0:34:57a place full of history, and hopefully, when we go to the
0:34:57 > 0:35:00auction room for the last time, we will make some history of our own.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02We've found some fabulous items.
0:35:02 > 0:35:03Let's put those valuations to the test.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Here's a quick recap of what we're taking into the auction room.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11'Viv's sampler might not be completely in vogue right now,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14'but will it catch someone's eye in the auction room?'
0:35:16 > 0:35:18David spent a lot of time getting the shine back on
0:35:18 > 0:35:20his shooting trophy.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Hopefully, that will make it a target for the bidders.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28And Margaret's Staffordshire ornament has seen better days,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31but I'm sure it could be meeting a new owner.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36And, with the Chinese market so hot, it is just the right time
0:35:36 > 0:35:39to be putting this wooden frame under the hammer.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51On the day before the auction,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53I had a chance to take a closer look
0:35:53 > 0:35:56at the Chinese wooden frame with auctioneer Robert Lee.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00- There's a lot of work that's gone into that.- Ooh! Crikey.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02I wouldn't like to do it, would you?
0:36:02 > 0:36:05All that intricate work, decoration there.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08It's not everybody's cup of tea, but for me, I like it.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12I'd imagine that's done by maybe three or four different people.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15I think you could be right there, Paul, looking at the work.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- Some of it's better quality than others.- Yes, in places.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20There's a bit of damage, isn't there? On the cresting at the top.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24There's quite a few...if you look at it here there's quite a bit
0:36:24 > 0:36:27of damage, not just that area, there's some round there as well.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- Hmm.- If you look at it all over, there's little pieces broken here
0:36:30 > 0:36:33and there, which is understandable, I suppose, given its age.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37What do you think of the value? 250 to 350.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Some of the Chinese stuff is doing really well, but...
0:36:40 > 0:36:41It's hard to put a price on, isn't it?
0:36:41 > 0:36:45Yeah, it is very, very difficult. I'm not totally convinced by it.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48I think you might struggle to get that for it.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51In my view, maybe £150, £200.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54You never know with an internet sale who is actually going to bid.
0:36:54 > 0:36:55Fingers crossed.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01It's sale day and the auction is in full flow.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Stay tuned, there could be one or two surprises.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Auctioneer Robert Lee is already on the rostrum,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09our owners are in place...let's get on with the show.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17Well, if you love textiles, you will fall in love with this next lot.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20It's a sampler belonging to Viv and it is wonderful, isn't it?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23And it's documented, it's dated 1822,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26and that's what samplers are all about, a bit of social history.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- Mm-hm.- Hopefully, the descendants of Sarah Peters will be out there
0:37:29 > 0:37:32and this will be picked up, eventually, on the internet.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Who knows? I mean, anything's possible, isn't it?
0:37:34 > 0:37:38And anything's possible right now. This is our lot. Good luck.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43A Regency needlework sampler inscribed "Sarah Peters' work,
0:37:43 > 0:37:47"March 15th 1822." It's a gem, isn't it?
0:37:47 > 0:37:50The bidding has started at...
0:37:50 > 0:37:52£28. 30, I'm after.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55With me, sir, at 28, 30. 35.
0:37:55 > 0:37:5740, sir. I'm out.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Must be 45 to move on, it's got to go.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02On my left is saying, "Come on." Does anybody else want it?
0:38:02 > 0:38:06All done, are we, at £40? Hammer's going to drop.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10- She's gone.- It's gone at £40. - Oh, dear.- Oh, it's under...
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- Well, it's with discretion.- It's with a little bit of discretion.
0:38:13 > 0:38:14It's a little bit disappointing.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18Hopefully, it'll get me two tiles for my new bathroom.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21I'll tell you what, let's call it a big bag of grout!
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- That'll do nicely.- It sounds better than two tiles, doesn't it?
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Flexible grout.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29'From the delicate art of sewing,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31'it's time for something a bit more macho...
0:38:31 > 0:38:33'David's shooting trophy.'
0:38:35 > 0:38:40I really like this. It's unusual and unusual things normally sell well.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Why do you want to sell this now?
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- Well, uh...- Doesn't suit the house or doesn't suit you?
0:38:45 > 0:38:49I thought that it might end up with someone who appreciated it more.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53- Sure.- Not just for the antique value, but for the...- Social history.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- The military history... - It's all about the history
0:38:55 > 0:38:58at the end of the day, it's the beauty of the object, not the value,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01but right now, let's find out what it's worth.
0:39:01 > 0:39:02Here we go. This is it.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07John Round & Co electroplated presentation leaded trophy cup.
0:39:07 > 0:39:13Nice piece this. I'm forced to start at 95, 110 bid. Who's on 120?
0:39:13 > 0:39:19110 with me so far. 120 from the gentleman on my left. 130, sir?
0:39:19 > 0:39:22140 now. 150. 160.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25170. 160 on my left.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Anybody else at 170?
0:39:27 > 0:39:31Buy the shield at 160, at £160, have we done?
0:39:33 > 0:39:34Thank you, sir.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35- £160! I'm pleased with that.- Yeah,
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- I'm quite pleased with that, yeah. - It's a nice thing,
0:39:38 > 0:39:42a really nice thing. Thank you for bringing it in.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Can James also hit the target with his next valuation,
0:39:45 > 0:39:46the Chinese wooden frame?
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- Syndonia and Barbara... - Yes.- Good to see you again.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54I had a chat to the auctioneer yesterday,
0:39:54 > 0:39:58and I kind of thought, "I can see the lower end here,
0:39:58 > 0:40:00"I can see the lower end because of the damage."
0:40:00 > 0:40:02He was a little bit uncertain
0:40:02 > 0:40:04and he probably would have pitched it at around 150,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07so he thinks it might struggle and there hasn't been any interest,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09so, look, fingers crossed, it's going to get away.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Yeah, it's one of... The thing I loved about it was it was early.
0:40:12 > 0:40:18- Almost all of this sort of Cantonese carving is 1880, 1900.- Sure.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- This is sort of 1820s, 1830s. - So, good luck. We are on right now.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23This is it, it's going under the hammer.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24- Look, on the screen. - Oh, yes.
0:40:24 > 0:40:29A mid-19th century carved wood frame incorporating the three arches.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32There's lots of work gone into that one.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35The bidding has started at £140.
0:40:35 > 0:40:41150 I need elsewhere...in the room or on the net. 140 with me.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43It must be 150 to progress.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47(We're taking it home!)
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- Anybody else at 150? I'm going to have to move on...- Gosh!
0:40:50 > 0:40:54..at £140. All done, are we?
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Nope, sorry, not sold.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- I'm ever so sorry. - That's actually quite a good result.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03- Is it?- She wasn't quite sure if she wanted to let it go.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- We'll keep it in the family. - You showed us something beautiful.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- Yes.- I'm absolutely stunned because the Chinese market is so buoyant.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- It's hot. It's hot right now.- And it was early, it was early, but...
0:41:13 > 0:41:19- Never mind.- Oh, well.- We'll take it back.- We tried our best.- Yes.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21We tried our best.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24'The market for Chinese antiques might be red-hot now,'
0:41:24 > 0:41:27but I think the damage let it down.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31The finale for today's show is my favourite item. Can you guess why?
0:41:33 > 0:41:37Prepare to meet my valuation. Yes, guess what's coming up?
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Meg, good to see you again, and here is Andrea, Meg's daughter. Hello.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- Hello.- We've got 80 to 120.
0:41:42 > 0:41:48- I'm hoping for that top end of £180, maybe £200.- Whatever.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49I like this, I like it a lot.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Fingers crossed somebody else falls in love with this as well,
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- cos you love it.- I do. - I love it and you love it.- Yes.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57And if all three of us love it, that means that lot out
0:41:57 > 0:42:00there in this packed saleroom are also going to love it.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- That's what it's all about, isn't it?- Yes.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Let's put it to the test. Here we go.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07Early 19th century Staffordshire pearlware
0:42:07 > 0:42:09moralising mantelpiece ornament.
0:42:09 > 0:42:14A bit of damage on it, but it hasn't detracted the commission bidders.
0:42:14 > 0:42:19They're starting the bidding at £420. I'll take elsewhere...£420.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21440, 460...
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- Eh, straight out!- 500. 520.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26550. 580.
0:42:26 > 0:42:27SHE GASPS
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- 600. 620.- Oh, jeez!
0:42:29 > 0:42:31£600 bid on commission.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34620, I'll accept elsewhere.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38£600 bid on commission. Anybody else for 620?
0:42:38 > 0:42:39It's going to sell.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42One last look round now, bid now or lose it,
0:42:42 > 0:42:44with me at £600, hammer's going to drop.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50£600!
0:42:52 > 0:42:53Oh! Oh!
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- I'm shaking for you, I'm tingling. - I'm speechless for once!
0:42:57 > 0:42:58What do you think of that?!
0:42:58 > 0:43:01If you knew that was worth £600, would you have kept it?
0:43:01 > 0:43:03- No!- No.- No!- You wouldn't have treasured it,
0:43:03 > 0:43:04- you'd have still sold it.- Yes.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06- Think of the money, think of the money!- Yeah!
0:43:06 > 0:43:09- I think we'll have a bit of a party now, won't we?- Yeah.
0:43:09 > 0:43:10Wow, what a surprise!
0:43:10 > 0:43:13I told you there was going to be a surprise, didn't I?
0:43:13 > 0:43:17That's what the show's all about. Wow! What a way to end as well!
0:43:17 > 0:43:21We've run out of time here in Sheffield, but...whew!
0:43:21 > 0:43:24- I'm speechless as well.- I am too! - Meg, enjoy that money, won't you?
0:43:24 > 0:43:28- I will.- And see you next time for many more surprises.