0:00:05 > 0:00:07This vibrant, busy street is full
0:00:07 > 0:00:11of incredible stories and real treasures.
0:00:11 > 0:00:12But back in the early part of the 1970s,
0:00:12 > 0:00:16it was like any other high street in the United Kingdom.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19So what happened to change it so dramatically?
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Well, before we find out more, let's head over to our valuation day
0:00:22 > 0:00:24to find some treasures of our very own.
0:00:24 > 0:00:25Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Today, we are in Leicester, one of the most ethnically
0:00:49 > 0:00:52and culturally diverse cities in the UK.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Residents hail from over 50 different countries.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Home to our valuation day is the city's impressive De Montfort Hall,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03a venue which, over its 100-year history, has seen a vast
0:01:03 > 0:01:05range of acts gracing its stage,
0:01:05 > 0:01:10from Tina Turner to Frank Sinatra, as well as hosting Navratri.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13The Hindu festival celebrations here in Leicester are some
0:01:13 > 0:01:15of the most popular in the UK,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19and we are hoping to see a truly eclectic mix of treasures, too.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21While hundreds of people have already turned up,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24just look at this queue - it goes right out of the grounds.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26We're going to have a busy day today.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29And, hopefully, someone here has got something in these bags
0:01:29 > 0:01:31and boxes that is worth a small fortune.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Who knows, we could even have our first millionaire.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36Let's make Flog It! history!
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Hoping to find the star items are our two eager experts -
0:01:43 > 0:01:44the battle-ready Claire Rawle...
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Beats the opposition over the head, yes.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51..and Catherine Southon, who is already hunting out the characters.
0:01:51 > 0:01:52- My honest opinion?- No.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55You mean, no, you don't want my honest opinion?
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- Where is the nearest rubbish bin? - No, don't do that.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Whilst everyone takes their seats
0:02:00 > 0:02:03and the experts search out their items,
0:02:03 > 0:02:05here's what is coming up on today's show.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09We've got three very different lots, which hail from far-off lands.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12But which of these foreign finds will fly?
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Will it be this stunning mother-of-pearl Japanese panels?
0:02:16 > 0:02:18The tribal South Pacific club and spear?
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Or the very cosmopolitan French Dougal toy?
0:02:24 > 0:02:27We'll find out later, as these well-travelled items go under
0:02:27 > 0:02:31the hammer, hoping to find homes here, in Leicestershire.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34And it looks as though Catherine has one of those cosmopolitan items
0:02:34 > 0:02:37on her table right now.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Bev, good to meet you.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Nice little cardboard box you've brought here.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- Shall we have a look inside?- Yep.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50Dougal! Little Dougal from The Magic Roundabout.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Although I remember him being more...
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- sort of a yellowy colour...- That's right.- ..rather than sort of white.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57So, where did you get him from?
0:02:57 > 0:03:01My mum bought it from a white elephant sale.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05What had drawn her to it was the fact it was French.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- It was written in French.- Right.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Because the lid of the box is all in French.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10I mean, it's a little bit worn.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14And here, it just does say the equivalent of The Magic Roundabout.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17And you have got the pictures there of the roundabout.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21And on the top, the name Pollux, which I think is Dougal.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23I think that actually was Dougal, which is lovely.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26But generally speaking, he's not in bad condition.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28I mean, the thing is, with this,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31because it has been in its original box, this rubber
0:03:31 > 0:03:35is all in lovely condition, cos it does, sort of, tend to...
0:03:35 > 0:03:38break up a little bit and it does tend to tear.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Now, it was actually produced...
0:03:40 > 0:03:42The Magic Roundabout was produced in England
0:03:42 > 0:03:47and in France in the '60s, so, sort of, mid-'60s, 1965,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51but the fact that it is from France, it just makes it, to me,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- it makes it a bit more interesting.- Yeah.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56And the fact that it is white, as well...
0:03:56 > 0:03:59What are your thoughts on it being white?
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Um, I did my own research and, apparently,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05it started in France, The Magic Roundabout,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- and Dougal was white.- Right, OK.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09So, he could be an early Dougal.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- It could be.- You don't have a soft spot for old Dougal?
0:04:12 > 0:04:15No, because I think
0:04:15 > 0:04:19someone who collects Magic Roundabout toys,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22it would be nice for them to have something a bit different.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Where does he live at home?
0:04:24 > 0:04:29- In the loft. With the spiders.- No. It is time to move you on, Dougal.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31It is time to move you on to happier places.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34I'm not going to give you a big estimate on this, I'm afraid,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36Beverly. Um...
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- It's only going to be about £40 to £60.- That's fine, yeah.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- With a £30 reserve, is that all right?- That that's absolutely fine.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Do we know what your mum paid for it?
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- I doubt...- Probably only a few pounds.- I imagine it was pence.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- Thanks, Bev, for coming along. - That's OK. Thank you.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- And I'll see you at the auction. Thank you.- Thanks.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- Hi, Sylvia.- Hello.- Good to see you. Glad you came along today.- Yes.
0:05:02 > 0:05:03With your pencil box. What do you know?
0:05:03 > 0:05:06I mean, have you just dug this out of the back of a drawer?
0:05:06 > 0:05:08Um, yes, it's been in my cupboard a little while.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11We've had it in the family for at least 70 years.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- You didn't use it, then?- No, no. - Didn't keep your pencils in it?
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- No, no, I didn't.- You just thought, Flog It! is in town?
0:05:17 > 0:05:21Yes, cos my granddaughter is hoping to go off to college soon.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25And I thought, if it makes any money to help with her fees
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- for the equine course she is taking.- Oh, right!
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- So, do you know where it came from? - No, I've no idea where it came from.
0:05:32 > 0:05:33It's always been around.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37It dates from probably about 1910, 1915, something like that.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39It's actually made of papier-mache.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41And then it was lacquered, to give it this black finish.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44And then, originally, you would have had some lovely,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47bright gilt paintwork round the side.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49And then, this wonderful chrome
0:05:49 > 0:05:53and lithographic panel in the centre of the flight of the zeppelin,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56being hailed as flying. I mean, it was a new thing.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- It must have been a fantastic thing to have seen.- Yes.- Really.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04There is some really enthusiastic collectors of airships
0:06:04 > 0:06:06and all things zeppelin out there,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09because there are, sorts of bits of memorabilia with them on.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13So this, I think, will appeal, just to add to somebody's collection.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15It is one of those quirky objects that,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18if you put a sensible estimate on it, especially with online bidding,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21it will get picked up and, I think, do quite well.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- My feeling is you should look for between £40 and £60.- Righty-o.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28And I'd put a discretionary reserve of 40, the lower estimate.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- Does that sound all right?- Yes.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34I think it might go higher. I have seen items with zeppelins go higher.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37But there's no point in frightening everyone else off.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- So, if you are happy with that, we will go forward.- Yes.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- And, hopefully, help towards the equine studies.- Yes, right.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49Fingers crossed we'll get a sky-high price for this quirky little item.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54'Queen of the skies, seen here from a Universal newsreel camera plane
0:06:54 > 0:06:56'as it sped over New York.'
0:06:56 > 0:06:59The zeppelin became the cutting-edge form of air travel
0:06:59 > 0:07:01at the end of the 19th century.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Passengers were transported under an enormous, rigid,
0:07:04 > 0:07:09balloon-like structure, full of highly-flammable hydrogen gas.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11The space age looks and the excitement of the new
0:07:11 > 0:07:14made this form of transport highly popular.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17But in 1937, the German airship Hindenburg made
0:07:17 > 0:07:21a transatlantic flight which was to hasten the demise of the airship.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Due to land in Lakehurst, New Jersey,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26the voyage ended in disaster.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30'The Hindenburg appeared a conquering giant of the sky,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34'but she proved a puny plaything in the mighty grip of fate.'
0:07:34 > 0:07:37As she attempted to dock, the airship burst into flames
0:07:37 > 0:07:40and 35 people lost their lives.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43This tragedy quickly changed people's opinions
0:07:43 > 0:07:44of these giants of the sky.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48And in a few years, the zeppelin's glory days were a distant memory.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52There are hundreds of people here today with interesting items
0:07:52 > 0:07:53they no longer want.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56But I have been thinking about the things which are the most
0:07:56 > 0:07:59precious to us, those we'd never get rid of.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01While the queue are waiting for their valuations,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04I've been asking them a rather tricky question.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07If you had to leave your family home within a matter of days
0:08:07 > 0:08:11and put one or two precious items in a suitcase, what would you choose?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Would it be something sentimental, something valuable
0:08:14 > 0:08:16or something that you made that you cannot put a price on?
0:08:16 > 0:08:19I've got a little questionnaire for you, which I'm going to hand out.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24If you had to pick one item to take with you, what would you choose?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- My son.- Your son. You can't squeeze him into a suitcase.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30But think of an item, think of an object.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- What can I win?- Well, you can't win anything.- You're absolutely crazy.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39Just fill in that and I'll come back to you and see what you say.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42So, whilst the queue ponders this poignant question,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Catherine is valuing a silver tea set,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47which the owner is more than happy to part with.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50June, this is a lovely, little, shiny tea set that you have
0:08:50 > 0:08:52brought into Flog It! today.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Tell me about it, where did you get it from?
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Well, it was an inheritance.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00And I very much appreciated being left it,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04but I'm afraid it has been sitting in the attic for about ten years.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- Or more.- You inherited it from...? - From a friend.- OK.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- Silver is not quite your thing. - It is not quite my thing.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- China is a little bit more my cup of tea.- Right.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- My house is full of different china.- Right, OK.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Well, let's have a little look at this.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I mean, it's very typical of the period, late Victorian,
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- with this, sort of, half-fluted design...- Yes.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31..on the sugar bowl, the milk jug and also on the teapot.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Now, I have had a little look at them.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36They have got slightly different dates.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41One is 1899 and the other two are slightly later, 1901.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43But they are all of that sort of period.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46And they do go together as a set.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- Yes.- Now, on it, it has some initials on the front,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52like interlocking initials, each piece,
0:09:52 > 0:09:56with an R and I can't quite make out the other initials.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Do you know where they come from?
0:09:58 > 0:09:59I think they must've been family pieces.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03I'm quite sure that they had been passed down through the family.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Right. It's nice that you have got this gilding inside, as well.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08It is really nice quality.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10I mean, the sad thing is, when people buy these today,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- they are often scrapped, which is very sad.- I know.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16But there is a nice lot of silver there,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18a good heavy weight of silver.
0:10:18 > 0:10:23And the value of it, as such, would be about £300 to £500.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- Would it really? - What do you think of that?
0:10:26 > 0:10:29That sounds a lot more than I was expecting, because this
0:10:29 > 0:10:32sort of thing is not really desired much these days, is it?
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Well, it's not. I mean, that's the thing,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- you wouldn't use something like this today.- No.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41You wouldn't really have it on your table when you have people around.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45I would put this in with an estimate of £300 to £500.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47And as you are quite happy to sell,
0:10:47 > 0:10:50we will put a reserve on of 250. How does that sound?
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- Yes, that sounds good. - Are you happy with that?- Yes.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56So I'll see you at the auction, in a couple of weeks' time, raring to go?
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- Yes.- Does that sound good? - It does, it just sounds the job.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02And I'm quite familiar with auctions.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- I started my working life in an auctioneer's.- Did you?- Yes.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Oh, right. Well, you will be well at home there, then, won't you?
0:11:08 > 0:11:11So June is pleased to let her tea set go.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14But what things do our crowd really want to hang onto?
0:11:14 > 0:11:15It's back to our questionnaire.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Any more pieces of paper to hand back?
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Oh, thank you. Look at that, you have all been busy.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Thanks very much.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24OK, there's about ten here. Let's look at some of the answers.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25My engagement ring.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29My fretwork clock.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Photos of the family in lovely silver frames
0:11:32 > 0:11:34and one of the family tree.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36That's really, really nice.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Oh, my train set.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Toothbrush. Well, you can put that in your pocket, as well.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47It seems to me people are thinking practically and sentimentally, and
0:11:47 > 0:11:51not really value wise, which, in a way, is quite important, really.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52It is all about the sentiment.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55It is all about your heritage and hanging onto it
0:11:55 > 0:11:58and that sense of belonging, which you can't put a price on.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00For all of us here at the valuation day,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03this questionnaire is just a bit of fun,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06but for many of the Asian community who live in Leicester,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09this exact scenario was a frightening reality,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12one we will be finding out about a little bit later in the show.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14We've already seen hundreds of people
0:12:14 > 0:12:16and we're only halfway through the day.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19So, now it is time to make our first trip to the sale room.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22And here's a quick recap of what is up for grabs.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Bev's French Dougal might not be the right colour, but Catherine's
0:12:25 > 0:12:29hoping this makes him rare and, thus, a must-have for collectors.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Will Sylvia's zeppelin pencil box soar or will it leave
0:12:33 > 0:12:35the bidders deflated?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40And June's tea set is definitely worth its weight in gold.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Well, silver actually.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Let's hope our experts have got their valuations right.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48It's time to find out.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Today's auction comes from Gildings, in the quiet market
0:12:51 > 0:12:55town of Market Harborough, which is in stark contrast to the colourful,
0:12:55 > 0:12:59multicultural city of Leicester, which is 16 miles up the road.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02But we're hoping for some hustle and bustle here today at auction.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05And remember, at all sales, there is commission to pay,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08and here at Gildings, the rate is 15%, plus VAT.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Well, that is what I love to see -
0:13:10 > 0:13:12a jam-packed sale room, full of bidders and fine arts
0:13:12 > 0:13:15and antiques up for grabs. This is where it starts.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17We're putting our valuations to the test right now.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Mark Gilding is on the rostrum.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21I'm going to catch up with our first owners.
0:13:21 > 0:13:22Let's get on with the show.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Well, I've just been joined by Sylvia and Claire, our expert.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- This is for the granddaughter? - Yes, that's it.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- So she's going off to study at college?- Yes.- An equine course?
0:13:32 > 0:13:33Yes, that's it.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- Does she have horses herself? - She has got one, yes.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38I blame the parents.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- That's an expensive hobby, that one.- It is.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44We need top end of the estimate. Let's put it to the test.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46What is it worth? We are going to find out.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51Here's a papier-mache pen box with a printed design of an airship.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52There we go, showing with Gary.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Interesting little box, this one.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56A lot of interest on the book here.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58So, starting with me at £40.
0:13:58 > 0:14:04- £40, I'm bid.- We are in, Sylvia, we are in.- £40 bid. To 45.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06At £45?
0:14:06 > 0:14:10At 45. Now, £50, I'm bid. 50 on my book.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11Five, I will take.
0:14:11 > 0:14:1550 bid, then. The bid is with me still and selling at £50.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- It's gone, £50.- Lovely. - Can I honestly say?
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Congratulations, anyway.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25And thank you for bringing that in. But it just sparked a little memory.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27One of the main reasons why I got into the antiques trade
0:14:27 > 0:14:30was my uncle was an antique dealer. He had a shop and, in his shop,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33he had a grand piano.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35But underneath the piano,
0:14:35 > 0:14:40he had one of the wheels from one of the zeppelin airships.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43And it was like a ship's wheel, it was massive thing.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45And I, accidentally, when I was a little young kiddie
0:14:45 > 0:14:48of about six or seven, walked over and I trod on it, and he said,
0:14:48 > 0:14:52"Don't touch that, that's from one of the zeppelins that flew over."
0:14:52 > 0:14:54He gave me this big lecture and,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57"Oh, that is a bit of history there."
0:14:57 > 0:15:00And, you know, in a way, he inspired me to get into this business,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04and it was all because the zeppelin and standing on that ship's wheel.
0:15:04 > 0:15:05- So, there you go.- Yeah, lovely.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10So, now you know where my love of antiques comes from. Thanks, Uncle.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13And now for another memory from my childhood.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16If I said to you, "It's time for bed, Zebedee," boing!
0:15:16 > 0:15:17You'd know what was going on about.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21Yes, The Magic Roundabout. Beverly, you have put a smile on everybody's
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- face at the valuation day. - Yes.- You did.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25With your white Dougal.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27I didn't think Dougal was white, though.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- No, we thought he was yellow. - I thought he was yellow.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- This one is white. - Golden colour.- This one is special.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- Well, I like his little face. - He's nice.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36He has got character, hasn't he?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Grew up watching that, Magic Roundabout. It was great fun.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Right, we're going to see what he is worth. And here we go.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42Good luck, Beverly.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45So what do we say for this, then? Well, you tell me.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48I'm going to start at £5 and you tell me what you want to pay.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51At £5. I'm bid only at five. Eight. Ten.
0:15:51 > 0:15:5512. 15. 18. 20. 22.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00£22, I'm bid now. 22. At 22. 25 do I see?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Watching all carefully, make no mistake. 22.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- And away, then, at 22.- We're not selling, are we?- They were mean.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09We were barking up the wrong tree.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11We didn't get that reserve.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12Never mind.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Such a shame, but sometimes you can only find out how desirable
0:16:16 > 0:16:18something is by putting it under the hammer.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22Now, let's see if Catherine has any luck with her next lot.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- You inherited this from a good old friend.- Yes.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26And there is quite a lot of it here.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28We are talking a fair bit of money here.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30A fair bit of weight.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Yeah, there is a bit of weight there, which is where the value is.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Well, let's hope we are valuing this for its artistic merit rather
0:16:36 > 0:16:38than its scrap value,
0:16:38 > 0:16:40because, you know, this deserves to be saved, really.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42I'd feel happy if it wasn't scrapped.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Well, fingers crossed it won't be. OK? June has a fascinating story.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48If this is sells, we will tell you about it in just a moment.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51But first, let's see some hammer action. Here we go.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Late Victorian, three-piece, silver tea set.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Sheffield, 1899 to 1901.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01The bidding opens with me here at £360.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- Lovely.- Well, we have sold it, haven't we? Straightaway.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06420 in the room now. At 420.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08And all my bids are lost here, at 420.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10There is no bidding in the room.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13420. And a quick sale, then, at 420.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- £420. That was short and sweet. - That was very quick.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19Sold on its artistic merits, I think. That was a good result.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- It was, I'm very pleased. - With the money...
0:17:22 > 0:17:25This is so interesting, I'm going to hand it over to you.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Come on, tell me this story, because it is wonderful.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32I would like to spend some of it in going to Holland.
0:17:32 > 0:17:3556 years ago, I threw a bottle in the sea, in the English channel,
0:17:35 > 0:17:39and it was picked up about six weeks later on one
0:17:39 > 0:17:42of the Frisian Islands, the largest Frisian island, Texel,
0:17:42 > 0:17:47by a beachcomber. And we have been friends, corresponded ever since.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49I have been over there, he has been over here.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52But I heard earlier this year that he had died.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54And I thought that was the end of a nice friendship.
0:17:54 > 0:18:00But his son, who I hadn't seen for 41 years, has got in touch with me
0:18:00 > 0:18:03and has been over and wants to continue the association,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- and invited me over. I'd like to go over.- Isn't that fabulous?
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- It's an amazing story. - That's a great story, isn't it?
0:18:10 > 0:18:12So you are going to use some of the money to go over.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13And visit over there.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16That's brilliant, that's absolutely brilliant.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Well, that is our first set of items under the hammer.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Now, while we were in the area filming,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26I've been off to the city of Leicester to find out what
0:18:26 > 0:18:29makes it so vibrant and culturally diverse.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31And, as I discovered, back in the 1970s,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35an unbelievable act changed this city for ever.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48In the early 1970s, Leicester was much like any other city
0:18:48 > 0:18:49in the Midlands.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53But in 1972, some 6,000 miles away, in Uganda,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55a landlocked country in East Africa,
0:18:55 > 0:18:57one man's political beliefs were about to have
0:18:57 > 0:18:59a lasting affect on this city.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06Idi Amin was the president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08He was a ruthless dictator.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11And in 1972, he announced a shocking policy -
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Africanisation of the country.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17Asians made up only 1% of Uganda's population,
0:19:17 > 0:19:20but controlled 90% of its wealth.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23So, Amin wanted them out, to return the country
0:19:23 > 0:19:26and its economy to the Africans.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Amin ordered the expulsion of a staggering 80,000 Asians
0:19:29 > 0:19:31from the country that they called home.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35He believed that they were Britain's responsibility, as Uganda
0:19:35 > 0:19:37had been ruled by the British.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43And that is why I said that the responsibility of Asians
0:19:43 > 0:19:46in Uganda, it is the responsibility of Great Britain.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53The Asian community was given just 90 days to leave Uganda
0:19:53 > 0:19:56and were only allowed to take one 30kg suitcase
0:19:56 > 0:19:58and £55 in their pocket.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01All of their other belongings they had to leave behind,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04from homes to businesses, jewellery to graves.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Jafar was expelled from Uganda
0:20:07 > 0:20:09when he was a young man of just 21.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Today, he is a prominent businessman.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15But his memories of Uganda are still vivid.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18I remember Uganda as a beautiful country.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20I lived in a small village called Masindi.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25My father had built up over, sort of, 30 years a very thriving
0:20:25 > 0:20:29hardware, DIY, building materials business.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33And in first week in September, Idi Amin announced from
0:20:33 > 0:20:35the barracks that he had a dream
0:20:35 > 0:20:40and that he has been asked to expel all the Asians from the country.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44When we heard this, we thought this was simply a joke
0:20:44 > 0:20:48and we started laughing. How will this country survive without us?
0:20:48 > 0:20:51The professionals, the doctors, lawyers, accountants.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55But as the days went by, you know, he became very serious.
0:20:55 > 0:20:56So we started thinking,
0:20:56 > 0:21:00"Look, let's prepare for our departure from the country."
0:21:00 > 0:21:05We had so much to bring and we could only bring what we could carry -
0:21:05 > 0:21:08clothing, some photographs.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12My mother had a lot of china, cutlery and crockery
0:21:12 > 0:21:14and so on, very expensive items there.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16But in the back of our minds, we were saying,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19"Look, does it matter what we carry?"
0:21:19 > 0:21:24All we cared for was our lives, really. Because it was so bad.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Now, imagine having to pack all the important and sentimental things
0:21:34 > 0:21:39that you have gathered throughout your entire life into one suitcase.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41How impossible would that be to choose?
0:21:41 > 0:21:43I'd find that extremely difficult.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Not only would you have to put in sentimental things that give
0:21:45 > 0:21:48you a sense of connection to your past and your homeland,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51but also things for the future to prepare you for this new life
0:21:51 > 0:21:54in the UK. A lot of people had preconceived ideas
0:21:54 > 0:21:56about what it would be like here.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59So, not only would you put something in that is a family heirloom,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02but also something practical, to keep you warm
0:22:02 > 0:22:04in the freezing cold winters here.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Something like a blanket.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Almost a third of those expelled from Uganda came to Leicester.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13And 40 years on, the city has collected together
0:22:13 > 0:22:17some of those precious items that they brought with them.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21These two gold pendants just there - that horse and that elephant -
0:22:21 > 0:22:25and that tiny little carved wooden giraffe belong to Nisha,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27who was a young girl, aged just nine,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30when her parents were expelled from Uganda.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Nisha is very passionate about her heritage and that inspired
0:22:33 > 0:22:37her to set up this expedition here at the museum, which she works at.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- And she is with me right now. Pleased to meet you.- Hi.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44It must have been such an emotional thing to do, put this together.
0:22:44 > 0:22:45I think, yes, it was.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48And it is quite a big story for Leicester, so it was important to us.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51But once I got into it, it became very emotional because,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54you know, the story is about yourself.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56And how did other people in he community feel?
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Were they forthright in coming forth and saying,
0:22:58 > 0:23:00"Yes, you can have this?"
0:23:00 > 0:23:02I think they were forthright in wanting to talk to us,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05and there were very, very excited about it.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08But, I think, 40 years on, memories fade.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11And somehow, they wanted to glorify what had happened
0:23:11 > 0:23:14when they came here, so they wanted just the good memories,
0:23:14 > 0:23:18none of the sort of hardships they experienced when they came here.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21And how did you go about selecting which items you would use?
0:23:21 > 0:23:25Obviously, that was a hard decision by you, not just by the owners.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29I think it was difficult to get objects, because what people
0:23:29 > 0:23:32brought with them was very, very little.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35They weren't sure about giving it to us because...or lending it to us
0:23:35 > 0:23:38either, because these are things that were very precious to them.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40I can imagine you had to be quite selective.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Can you pick on one or two?
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Um, I think the Katanga shirt behind you.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50And that brought back a lot of memories about people
0:23:50 > 0:23:53wearing them, people going to events with them,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55something that was quite meaningful and special to them.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59And then, the other thing is this, sort of, Ugandan passport,
0:23:59 > 0:24:02because you always link passports and things to identity.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- Yes.- And this is about you.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08And, actually, looking at that, the stir of emotions you felt
0:24:08 > 0:24:09and people felt, as well.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- You went through that as a young girl.- That's right.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13At nine. What were your particular memories?
0:24:13 > 0:24:16My parents, kind of, disguised it as "We're going to go to London,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18"we're going to go on a holiday."
0:24:18 > 0:24:20So, when we got here, I think, initially, the first week,
0:24:20 > 0:24:21was fascinating.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24You know, just going round London on the tube with my older sister.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27We spent a few days in London and then we moved to Leicester,
0:24:27 > 0:24:29because we have some family here.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33Nisha's world was turned upside down by the expulsion from Uganda.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36But for her family, Leicester soon became home
0:24:36 > 0:24:39and they thrived and prospered here, just as in Jafar.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43The image I had of England in my mind,
0:24:43 > 0:24:44cos I was still very young,
0:24:44 > 0:24:49was that it was a very wealthy country and I expected
0:24:49 > 0:24:55gold-plated buildings and, you know, a land of milk and honey.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59We all lived in one house, three-bedroom house,
0:24:59 > 0:25:04with five brothers, two sisters, mother and father.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08My father, he had to bring all the groceries, everything on the bus.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11When I used to see him standing at the bus stop,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14it used to make me cry because I used to see him
0:25:14 > 0:25:17in a chauffeur-driven car back at home.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20So we had some very difficult times the beginning.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24As we went along, we found jobs and made some money.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Then we had cars and our houses and so on.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30But that was a long way away.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Now, who would've thought some 40 years ago, one man's action,
0:25:39 > 0:25:44and thus the arrival of the Ugandan Asian community here in Leicester,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47would change this city into the vibrant,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50multicultural place that it is today -
0:25:50 > 0:25:53a city that can rival any other in the UK.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Welcome back to De Montfort Hall.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08As you can see, it is still pretty much a full house down there.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Let's now catch up with our experts
0:26:10 > 0:26:13and see what else we can find to take off to auction.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15And battle commences with Claire.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- Wow, Linda, you are onto the teeth. - Yes.- These are amazing.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22So, tell me a bit about them, their history, how you got hold of them.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Well, I don't know an awful lot about the history.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29All I know is that, when we were growing up at home, they were
0:26:29 > 0:26:31always hung up on the hallway.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- We were always told never to touch them.- Right.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- You weren't allowed to play with them?- No, no, no.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- Beat each other up with them?- No.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41So, where did they come from, then?
0:26:41 > 0:26:43I think my father got them from the war,
0:26:43 > 0:26:45brought them back from the war.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- But we don't know, because he has died now.- Oh, it is difficult.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Where did he serve? What was his history in the war?
0:26:50 > 0:26:55He served in North Africa and Italy and Palestine, I think he went.
0:26:55 > 0:26:56Oh, OK.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00Unfortunately, we never asked him. And now I feel really...
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- Isn't that always the way? - Yes, I know.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04You always think, "If only I could ask."
0:27:04 > 0:27:08Let that be a lesson to people. Ask! Write it down.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11But it's interesting that he served in Africa
0:27:11 > 0:27:12and then went through to Palestine,
0:27:12 > 0:27:16because these actually are a little bit further east again.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18- Yes.- That one is from Fiji.- Right.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20And that is Maori, from New Zealand.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Originally, they would have been made for war.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27So, the one in your right hand is a Fijian club.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Now, it is known as the gun stop club, because, obviously,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33it looks a little bit like the stop of the gun.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37- Yes.- That's the end, then, sort of, the barrel end would be down there.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- I expect they're both quite solid and heavy?- Yes, they are.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- Is your arm getting tired?- It is a bit.- I'll leave you holding them.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- Yes, they're made with a very dense wood.- Yes.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49These two will date from about 1900.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52They are not hugely old, in terms of tribal art,
0:27:52 > 0:27:56that goes back over the centuries, but the way they are carved,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59they really caught my eye, because they are beautifully worked,
0:27:59 > 0:28:01especially the Maori one, where you get this very,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04very distinctive scrolling pattern.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06And again, with the Fijian work,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08it is almost like a, sort of, chip carving.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11I think they have both been carved in a very traditional
0:28:11 > 0:28:15form by a traditional carver, rather than mass-produced for a later
0:28:15 > 0:28:17tourist market.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- Have you got any idea, at all, of price?- No.- Nothing, at all?- No.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25In fact, we nearly didn't pick them up when we cleared the house out.
0:28:25 > 0:28:30- Oh, wow. For the two - I estimate 300 to 500.- Oh, right.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- So, glad you picked them up. - Yeah, lovely.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34I think that is a very sensible estimate.
0:28:34 > 0:28:35I think they will sell together,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- because they are from the same region of the world.- Yeah.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40And I think, put a reserve,
0:28:40 > 0:28:43perhaps just dip it under the lower estimate at 280,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46which I think is a very encouraging price for people.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48If they see a price like that, they will think, "We'll go for those,"
0:28:48 > 0:28:51which at the end of the day, is what you want them to do.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53- Lovely.- So I think they'll do well.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57That was an interesting valuation.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01You see, you can learn so much from listening to our experts.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05Before we look at our next item we're going behind the scenes.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08This is Aubrey. Hi, Aubrey. One of our off screen valuers.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09We've got six working.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12They basically do a little bit of preliminary research.
0:29:12 > 0:29:13What have you found out?
0:29:13 > 0:29:16We've got three lovely little bits of Victorian jewellery here.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Gold, turquoise and seed pearls.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Really desirable and very saleable objects.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Do you weigh the gold?
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Do you look at the pearls, to see if they're good seed pearls?
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Look for quality, look for craftsmanship?
0:29:27 > 0:29:30There's a number of factors. The weight of gold is an important one.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Together with the quality of the stones - how well made they are.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34And also, the appeal of them.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Whether they are commercial and saleable items.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- Yeah, and these are good? - They're really nice.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41You've got a lovely little pendant with a heart, which is always
0:29:41 > 0:29:44popular. Rings always do well. And then you've got a lovely brooch.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47In your opinion, what do you think? 2-300?
0:29:47 > 0:29:48200-300, maybe towards the top end.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Our off screen experts work flat out behind the scenes on a busy day
0:29:52 > 0:29:56like today. They could each be seeing up to 400 unique items,
0:29:56 > 0:29:59making sure everyone who comes through the door
0:29:59 > 0:30:02gets a valuation and some insight into their objects.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05These guys are invaluable to our screen experts.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Talking of which, next up, it's Catherine.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Helena, this is a lovely collection of Tunbridge Ware you've got here.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14There are some really nice examples. Where did you get it all from?
0:30:14 > 0:30:17I've been collecting for many years.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20I suppose I started collecting in the 1950s.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Some of them I got very cheaply, years ago.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26I wasn't earning very much money and now they just sit wrapped up
0:30:26 > 0:30:28and I don't have them out.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30What made you start collecting Tunbridge Ware?
0:30:30 > 0:30:32I've always collected something.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35From a child, there's always been something.
0:30:35 > 0:30:36As a child, you were always...
0:30:36 > 0:30:40First of all, it was stamps and then scrapbooks.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I always had lots of those things.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- Of course, where's the one from Hastings?- That one.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49You used to see all these sort of things. Presents from seaside places.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- They were souvenir pieces, really, weren't they?- Yes.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Most of what you have here is late 19th century.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02This is a lovely tea caddy. I love the domed lid. It's very attractive.
0:31:02 > 0:31:03All individual pieces.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09Slivers of different types of wood that have been glued together.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Are there any here that are real favourites for you?
0:31:12 > 0:31:17I suppose this is my favourite. Cos I know it's beautiful.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21The workmanship in it is fantastic.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24As I'm looking at it, I'm saying it's all Tunbridge Ware,
0:31:24 > 0:31:28but we've got three pieces which aren't.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32This is one that, sort of, stands out. Lovely little box.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35Blonde tortoiseshell veneer.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39But what I would probably do is sell it all together, as one lot.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- Would you be happy to sell it together?- Yes.
0:31:41 > 0:31:46That is the most valuable piece, as you probably know.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48And I would say, something like this, on its own, is probably
0:31:48 > 0:31:51worth about £60-£80.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56But I would sell them together in a group lot, for £300-£500,
0:31:56 > 0:31:57with a 300 fixed reserve.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03And let's hope you can move it on and maybe buy something else.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- Something different to add to your collection.- Yes.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08And so from one type of holiday souvenir to another
0:32:08 > 0:32:10of a very different kind,
0:32:10 > 0:32:12but no less intricate in their craftsmanship.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Hello, Allison, Harry. Good to see you.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Glad you came in with your lovely screen panels.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21What can you tell me about them?
0:32:21 > 0:32:23They belonged to my great aunt.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25I inherited them
0:32:25 > 0:32:30and they were hanging in my flat for the years I was there.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Got married, about ten years later, we downsized
0:32:33 > 0:32:39and a lot of things ended up in a cold, damp shed,
0:32:39 > 0:32:43- including these two ladies here. - Right.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- They're not really appropriate for my decor.- OK.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50So, when you had them originally they were not in these frames.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55- Were they just separate? - They were together. They were hinged.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58As I remember them, they were a screen,
0:32:58 > 0:33:02- which stood on the floor. - They're definitely Japanese.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04They'll date probably from the end of the 19th,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06beginning of the 20th century,
0:33:06 > 0:33:08when so much stuff was coming out of Japan.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11So many people had contacts over there, family.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14Don't know whether any of your family were possibly linked
0:33:14 > 0:33:19- over there?- Possibly. My aunt was one of 13 so...- Oh, my goodness.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22So she had some brothers who were travelling,
0:33:22 > 0:33:24so perhaps they came back from there at some stage.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26They would have been brought back as souvenirs
0:33:26 > 0:33:28and they were made for the export market.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30They weren't made for home use.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32So, basically, you have the two figures
0:33:32 > 0:33:35and these areas are all bone.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37And you can tell that because you have the brown flecks,
0:33:37 > 0:33:39because bone has blood vessels in it.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41So you have the brown flecks there.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45And then you have the engraved decoration, which is then inked,
0:33:45 > 0:33:46to give it the detail.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49But when you come up to the face, you can see it's a much smoother,
0:33:49 > 0:33:53more glossy finish to it. They are ivory,
0:33:53 > 0:33:55to give the proper skin tone,
0:33:55 > 0:33:59so she doesn't look like she has nasty blemishes on her face.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03And again, carved and inked and, because they're old,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06definitely pre-1920s, let alone pre-1947,
0:34:06 > 0:34:10you haven't got any issues with selling the ivory.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Just to highlight it, the areas around the collars
0:34:14 > 0:34:16and the sleeves, you've got shell.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Mother of pearl.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21You can probably see the light coming off it,
0:34:21 > 0:34:23giving it that lovely satiny look.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Amazingly, they're not in bad condition.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- You haven't enjoyed seeing them on the wall, Harry?- Not really.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33They don't suit where they were.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37They don't go in your bedroom, either? Strange that(!)
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Have you got any idea, at all? Thought about price?
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- Absolutely none. Which is why we came along today.- Excellent.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47I would suggest putting an estimate of 200-400 on them and I'm
0:34:47 > 0:34:52always keen on putting the reserve just below the lower estimate.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- So, perhaps, about 180?- Yep.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56So, having got the money for them,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59any idea what you're going to put it towards?
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- What did we decide? - Harry, what would you do with it?
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- I don't really know, to be honest. - You don't buy stuff for yourself?
0:35:07 > 0:35:12- Games.- Games, yeah. Are you going to allow him to do that?
0:35:12 > 0:35:15No, I think he knows that. It will go towards the garden.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23What a brilliant day we've had here at De Montfort Hall,
0:35:23 > 0:35:25our magnificent host location.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Everybody has thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29We found some real gems, but sadly it's time to say goodbye,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32as we have unfinished business in the auction room.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34We're going over to Gildings for the last time
0:35:34 > 0:35:36and here's what's coming with us.
0:35:36 > 0:35:41Will the tribal spear and club stand a fighting chance in the sale room
0:35:41 > 0:35:44and, potentially, make the long trip back to their homeland?
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Amazing that that little bit of holiday memorabilia can be
0:35:49 > 0:35:51worth hundreds of pounds.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Fingers crossed, Helena's examples are no exception.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00And there's no home for the Japanese panels at Allison's place.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02They've even been kicked out of the shed!
0:36:03 > 0:36:07But before we see the auction in action, it's time to find out
0:36:07 > 0:36:10what auctioneer Mark Gilding thinks about the club and the spear.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14On the auction preview day, I took the opportunity to pick his brain.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Look what we have here. Some ethnographica.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21All of our experts are frightened to put a value on this kind of stuff.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Cos this is a minefield. It's so complicated.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26You really do have to know what you're looking for.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29And after what happened to poor old Michael, with our aboriginal
0:36:29 > 0:36:32shield, you can get it wrong.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37At £30,000 - going once.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41Going twice, you're last chance on the internet, for 32,000.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Third and final time.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- Sold, £30,000.- £30,000.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54High-five.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58Apologies. We can't be an expert on everything
0:36:58 > 0:37:01and I thought I'd given it my best shot.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03So, with this tricky field,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06does Mark agree with Claire's valuation of £300-£500?
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Auctions are all about competition.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13And having two objects where people can really get stuck in
0:37:13 > 0:37:15and battle it out,
0:37:15 > 0:37:19that's where we can achieve towards the top end
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- or above the estimate for the vendor.- Good luck, anyway.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25We're not talking 5-10 grand here,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27but, hopefully, we're talking 500.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29A few hundred pounds is a pretty good value.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32We'll just have to wait and see.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35But first up, it's those delicate Japanese geisha panels.
0:37:37 > 0:37:38It's great to see you again, Allison.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- Have you been looking forward to this?- Yes.- And where's young Harry?
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- He's at school.- He's missing all the excitement of the auction.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49This is where anything can happen. These could be highly sought after.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- We're looking at £200-£400. - Yeah, we'll hope so.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55That's a lot of money for something in a cold, damp shed.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- They look beautiful.- They are beautiful.- Beautifully framed.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Yes, they are. Let's see if we can find them a new home.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03We're putting them to the test right now.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08Japanese panels. Mounted and framed. Lots of bids here.
0:38:09 > 0:38:17- Sounds promising.- £40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22130, 140, 150, 160, 170.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24175, I'm bid.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29180, and all my bids are out now.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32At 180. we're in the room. at 180.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36180, in the room and selling, at 180.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42Just under reserve. Bit of discretion. We got them away. £180.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- Fantastic.- That's a good sound, isn't it? That sold sound.
0:38:46 > 0:38:51- The mallet goes down. Yep, good?- Delighted.- Job done.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54Some lots just scrape through by the skin of their teeth.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57I would have liked a little bit more for those pretty things,
0:38:57 > 0:38:59but that's auctions for you.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Our next owner, Helena, who has been collecting Tunbridge Ware since
0:39:03 > 0:39:07the 1950s, sadly cannot be with us today, but we do have her items.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10All wonderful bits of micro mosaic, made in Tunbridge Wells.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12And we do have our lovely expert here, Catherine.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16Who has put 300-500 on them, which I think is sensible.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20I think it's a good estimate. And the thing is, it's a dealers lot.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Definitely. Here to be split up.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27Hopefully, a couple of dealers are going to go for it. Split it up.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Make their money on the best pieces. Good luck.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Let's hope we get the top end. Here we go.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38I really like this Tunbridge Ware. Casket-shaped tea caddy.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Bit of inlay. Nice little collection of stuff here.
0:39:41 > 0:39:48Bids on my book are starting at £190. 200, 220, 240, 260, 280.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49We're racing away.
0:39:49 > 0:39:56- We've sold.- 300 I'm bid now. 340. I'll stay in 20s, 360.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- Helena will be pleased.- She will.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02380, online now. 400, online. New bidder.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05You're out at the back. It's 400 online.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08At £400, I'm bid. Fair warning.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10The bid's with the internet and selling, at 400.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14£400, the hammer has gone down.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18Mid-estimate, that's OK. We're happy with it.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20And I'm sure Helena will be.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23That's more like it and, finally, let's see how
0:40:23 > 0:40:25the club and the spear do.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Going under the hammer right now, we have a bit of ethnographica.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33A Fijian club and a Maori ceremonial spear, belonging to Linda,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36who cannot be with us, but we do have her sister.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- What's your name?- Hilary. - Pleased to meet you.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Thank you so much for standing in at the last minute. Where's Linda?
0:40:42 > 0:40:47- What's she up to?- She's on her holidays.- Where's she gone?- Nice.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51To Nice. How lovely. Do you have any other brothers and sisters?
0:40:51 > 0:40:54I have two brothers. They're going to share it, if they go.
0:40:54 > 0:40:55I think they ought to go.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Although they haven't got huge age, the quality is there.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00I think they were carved by craftsmen
0:41:00 > 0:41:04and not made for the mass market, are they?
0:41:04 > 0:41:06But, unfortunately, the money is in the history side of it.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10The social history, which is lacking because they are fairly new.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12That's the sad bit about it, but, nevertheless, £500,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15an awful lot of money, if we get that.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18- Yeah. - Let's try, shall we? This is it.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Lovely carving on these. A bit of interest on the books.
0:41:22 > 0:41:29Opening with me at 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260,
0:41:29 > 0:41:31270, 280.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34It's totting up in the right direction.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Have you got that on the internet at 280? 290, 300.
0:41:39 > 0:41:45320, 340, 360, 380, 400.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46420.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50500.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52550, 600.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57In the room at 600. 650, 700.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00And 50. 800.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04850, 900.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10- And 50. 1,000.- Oh, my God.
0:42:10 > 0:42:121,100.
0:42:13 > 0:42:141,200.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18In the room at 1,200. 1,300 online.
0:42:18 > 0:42:201,400 online, 1,500 online.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23You're out at the back, I'm afraid. We're 1,500 online.
0:42:25 > 0:42:271,600 new bidding.
0:42:29 > 0:42:301,600 bid.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34At 1,600. 1,700 online.
0:42:36 > 0:42:381,800 I'm bid.
0:42:39 > 0:42:411,800.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45At 1,800, fair warning, internet.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46£1,800.
0:42:46 > 0:42:52At 1,800, we're with a telephone bidder, this time, at £1,800.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59That's what we like to see. That was a great result.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02You'll have to ring your sister up and tell your brothers.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05I think you'd rather be here than Nice right now?
0:43:05 > 0:43:07You're seeing that little golden moment.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10Thank you so much for bringing that in and well done.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12- Thank you. - That's what we like to see.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14That's what an auction is all about.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18People getting carried away and the price goes through the roof.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Join us for many more surprises next time, but sadly we have run out
0:43:21 > 0:43:24of time in Market Harborough and, so, until the next time,
0:43:24 > 0:43:25it's goodbye.