0:00:04 > 0:00:06ORGAN PLAYS
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Ah, the city of dreaming spires.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13That famous phrase was coined by the poet Matthew Arnold.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15He fell in love with the architecture
0:00:15 > 0:00:17in this university city.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Today, we're in Oxford at the Oxford Union,
0:00:19 > 0:00:22one of the most famous debating chambers in the world.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24And I'm pretty sure we've got one or two things to debate
0:00:24 > 0:00:26over the items we find today.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28Welcome to "Flog It!".
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Oxford boasts the oldest university in the English-speaking world,
0:00:54 > 0:00:58and it's made up of 38 colleges which are the lifeblood of the city.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03There is stunning architecture to be found at every turn,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and today "Flog It!" comes from Oxford Union.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11Built in 1853, the union has gained a reputation
0:01:11 > 0:01:13for the cut and thrust of its debate,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17and even today no topic is out of bounds.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19The union has a long history of playing host
0:01:19 > 0:01:21to a variety of diverse speakers,
0:01:21 > 0:01:23from Mother Teresa to Kermit the Frog,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26and today, it welcomes our "Flog It!" production team
0:01:26 > 0:01:28of over 40 people, including six camera crews,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31and literally hundreds of antiques brought in
0:01:31 > 0:01:33from the good people of Oxford and beyond.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35And they're all here to ask our experts
0:01:35 > 0:01:37that all-important question which is...
0:01:37 > 0:01:39ALL: What's it worth?
0:01:39 > 0:01:41And what are you going to do if you're happy with the valuation?
0:01:41 > 0:01:43ALL: Flog it!
0:01:46 > 0:01:49"Flog It!" experts include self-confessed magpie
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Christina Trevanion, who's on the lookout for something sparkly.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Oh, it glitters, I like it.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- And is it something you're thinking about selling?- Yes.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- Nice fetching red sticker.- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05And Mark Stacey, who's always up for a bit of friendly banter.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07What on earth is that?
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Is that a family album?
0:02:09 > 0:02:10- SHE LAUGHS - No, afraid not.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Who will be the first to find today's hidden treasures?
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- That looks nice.- Hmm. - It does, doesn't it?
0:02:15 > 0:02:17It does, doesn't it? Hi.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- Hiya.- Don't be beguiled, I saw it first.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26And what better place to host a show?
0:02:26 > 0:02:29A world-class debating chamber,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32an independent temple to free speech.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38and it's been full to the brim with speakers since 1878.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Now, let's hope their powers of persuasion
0:02:40 > 0:02:44rub off on our experts who are ready to get valuing antiques.
0:02:46 > 0:02:47Coming up in today's show...
0:02:50 > 0:02:52..Mark succumbs to temptation.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- I couldn't resist it.- No. - I couldn't resist it.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Christina uncovers something a bit surprising.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03We've got this wonderful foundry mark on the bottom here.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05No wonder he was a bit frisky.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10And Thomas reveals his insider tip on pearls.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Tell us, Thomas, we all want to know.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16..these were natural, all of them natural...
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- How much?- 60-80,000.
0:03:19 > 0:03:20Wow.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23From the architectural wonder of Oxford Union
0:03:23 > 0:03:27to another wonder of the world, our first contributor, Anne,
0:03:27 > 0:03:31is keen to sell her tea set to make a very special pilgrimage.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- Hello, Anne.- Hello, Mark.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37And it's Anne with an E, is it? You're quite definite about that?
0:03:37 > 0:03:39Most very definite. I am a proper Anne.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Well, I'll make sure we write that down on the paperwork.
0:03:42 > 0:03:43Anne with an E.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45Tell me about this charming three-piece tea set
0:03:45 > 0:03:46you've brought in.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48There is quite a story to it.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52When I was married, we went to Chester for Christmas.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54We stayed with the Nuns of Chester.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59And I went out shopping and I saw this.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02I bought it for £250...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- Gosh.- ..in 1969.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- It's quite a lot of money, isn't it? - Oh, yes.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13And I went back to the retreat house with the nuns...
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and I put it in my basket under the bed.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18And when we left, I said to Robert,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22"You did put the silver in the car, didn't you?"
0:04:22 > 0:04:24"No, I thought you did."
0:04:24 > 0:04:25Oh, no, so it was still left under...
0:04:25 > 0:04:29I said, "Oh, we've left it under the bed in the retreat house!"
0:04:29 > 0:04:32SHE LAUGHS So you had to go back and get it?
0:04:32 > 0:04:33We phoned,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36and the nun who answered said,
0:04:36 > 0:04:41"Oh, does the Cooper family always take the family silver with them?"
0:04:41 > 0:04:43I'm sure it's the first time they'd ever had that, Anne.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- It was.- Well, you've bought a very nice set.
0:04:46 > 0:04:47The shape's very Victorian, Anne.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51And if we actually look under the teapot
0:04:51 > 0:04:53we've got a full set of hallmarks there,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56including the little mark for Queen Victoria.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58The Queen Victoria's head.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Um, and then it's hallmarked for London,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04and the date letter is 1858.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- Oh.- So, it's mid 19th century.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10And there's also a maker's mark for John Hunter.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13It's quite a good weight as well, isn't it?
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- I'm assuming you've had it an awfully long time.- Yes, and I use it.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- You use it still?- Mm-hm.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I'm old-fashioned, I love afternoon tea,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25and I occasionally have friends in for afternoon tea.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- It's very grand, isn't it?- Hmm.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29How could you bear to part with it, Anne?
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- I have a great project for next year.- Have you?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36I am going to go to India, somehow,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39to work in the rural area...
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- Good Lord.- ..amongst children,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46helping them to live a better life,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50but also, I must see the Taj Mahal e'er I die.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- I'd love to see the Taj Mahal. - Well, I'm sure I am going to.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- Oh, wow, you're very lucky. - Next year.- I hope so.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59So, we need to cash you some money to get you on your way
0:05:59 > 0:06:00to India.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Well, I think it's going to be quite commercial.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- Do you?- Yes.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07And I think if we were putting this set into auction,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10we'd want to put an estimate of something like £600-£800.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Oh. That is great news.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18And we'll put a reserve of 600.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- That would be wonderful. - Would you be happy with that?
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- Yes, yes.- And I really hope this makes
0:06:24 > 0:06:26a really good price for us at the auction,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28and we get you to India.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30But will you promise to send us a photograph of you
0:06:30 > 0:06:32sitting outside the Taj Mahal?
0:06:32 > 0:06:33Of course I will.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Send it to the "Flog It!" office and they'll send me a copy as well,
0:06:36 > 0:06:40cos it'll be lovely to see you fulfilling an ambition.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42It would be just wonderful. I'm determined.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45I can see that, Anne.
0:06:45 > 0:06:46What an incredible lady.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50The pressure's clearly on to make Anne's dream a reality.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Now, I'm up here in what's known as the Strangers' Gallery.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58This would have been as far as nonmembers,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01and ladies would have been allowed to go in the old days.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04And talking of ladies, we have the gorgeous Christina
0:07:04 > 0:07:05who's just below me there,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08and it looks like she's found something incredibly interesting.
0:07:08 > 0:07:09Let's take a closer look.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Jill and David, what a wonderful box of tricks you've brought in
0:07:17 > 0:07:18for me today.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22Where have they come from, cos you've got this wonderful set of
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Lewis Carroll, Alice In Wonderland slides
0:07:24 > 0:07:27from Alice In Wonderland the book.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31Yes, these were given to my father back in the 1950s.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- Right.- He was a headmaster.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Colleague of his who was retiring knew that he was interested,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41and he said, "You'll have more use for them than I will."
0:07:41 > 0:07:45So, he gave them to him, and most of the time since then
0:07:45 > 0:07:47I think they've been tucked away in a cupboard.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- Oh.- Sadly.- Yeah.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51But I thought there'd be a little bit of local interest today
0:07:51 > 0:07:53with Lewis Carroll having spent a lot of time
0:07:53 > 0:07:55at Christchurch in Oxford.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Absolutely. I mean, really, really local really, isn't it?
0:07:57 > 0:07:58It's fantastic.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Um, you very, very kindly brought the book in as well.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Yes.- Which is the 42 illustrations by John Tenniel,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07obviously the great Punch illustrator.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- That's right.- Was that where he came from? I didn't know that.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Yeah, he illustrated prolifically for Punch.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Every illustration in the book...
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- Appears on the magic lantern slide. - The magic lamp.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19If we hold them up to the light we can actually see
0:08:19 > 0:08:22the illustrations quite clearly on the glass plates.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- And obviously...- The book, yeah.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26..relating it to the book as well, which is fantastic.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28And imagine reading it, and then...
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Especially this with the Cheshire cat.- I love that wonderful big grin.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33The bit about the grin that disappears, isn't it?
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Absolutely, yeah.- It's fantastic. - And...
0:08:35 > 0:08:37what have we got here? We've got this one.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39"The hatter hurriedly left the court
0:08:39 > 0:08:43"without even waiting to put on his shoes."
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- SHE CHUCKLES - Lovely titles, aren't they?
0:08:46 > 0:08:49They're brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51Really, they are in remarkable condition
0:08:51 > 0:08:53bearing in mind they're glass.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55I'm going to put that one back in there now.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- Value-wise, it is very difficult to know...- I can imagine.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01..a market for them. I mean, there is a market for them
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- but there's not a huge market for them.- Hmm.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07They're not probably as collectable as you would hope,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10bearing in mind how delicate they are and how long they've survived.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Would you be willing to sell the book as well? Because...
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- Yes, certainly...- It's why we brought the book in
0:09:15 > 0:09:17and put them together because we felt that
0:09:17 > 0:09:19it's just as you said, it's nice to see the pictures.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- It brings it to life a bit more, doesn't it?- Yes.- It really does.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24And I love the fact that we've got this book,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27and it belonged to Alice Williams,
0:09:27 > 0:09:29who I'm sure is absolutely no connection at all
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- but isn't that wonderful? - No, she didn't,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34she was actually a cousin of my father-in-law, David's father.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37And dated 1911.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- Similar sets have made in the region of around about £50 at auction.- OK.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45And we'd be happy to put it in at sort of £50-£70
0:09:45 > 0:09:47with maybe a discretionary reserve of 50.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48That would be fine.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- Wonderful.- Thank you so much for bringing it.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53It's been so lovely to tie up the slides to the pictures
0:09:53 > 0:09:55and really have a good look at them.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56It's been fantastic.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- See you at the auction.- Yeah. - Definitely.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Here's hoping, come the auction,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03those slides won't fall down the rabbit hole.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07From one famous fantasy story to another,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09much older myth, come look at this.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11I think it's the union's masterpiece.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16The library was the union's first debating chamber,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19and on the wall there are some rather spectacular
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Pre-Raphaelite murals.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30When the new debating chamber was almost finished, the architect
0:10:30 > 0:10:35was visited by his friend the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38And as the walls were bare, Rossetti offered to paint them.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Rossetti was a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood,
0:10:43 > 0:10:47along with William Morris, Millais and Waterhouse.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49They were a group of young artists who wanted to
0:10:49 > 0:10:51transform and revitalise British art.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55And their theme was King Arthur, his Knights and the Legends.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02Tennyson had just published his poem
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Le Morte d'Arthur - The Death Of Arthur,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08and it fired up the imagination of the young artists.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11The problem was, they were so enthusiastic to get painting
0:11:11 > 0:11:13they didn't prepare the walls properly.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17So, from day one, the murals started to deteriorate.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19There have been two restoration attempts on them,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22so, thankfully, they won't disappear too soon.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27I've been told, rumour has it, that an ex-librarian...
0:11:27 > 0:11:30came in here after hours with a felt tip marker
0:11:30 > 0:11:33and started colouring in the bits that were missing.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Well, I'm sure her intentions were good.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39Now, here's hoping these murals survive for the next generation.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41What an amazing place to study.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44But these murals aren't the only treasure in the Oxford Union today,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48Mark's come across an Art Deco beauty.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51You've brought this absolutely stunning necklace in to show us.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- Mm-hm.- Now, is it something you've been wearing?
0:11:54 > 0:11:57No, I've never worn it. It's too small for me.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I inherited it when my mother died.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- And did you know she had it?- No.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- It was hidden around the house somewhere?- Yes.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05When we were clearing out her apartment
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I found it in her underwear drawer.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- No?!- I do not know anything about it.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13I wish I did.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Yeah, me too, because it's a corker, it really is.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- It's beautiful, yes.- You'd almost be tempted when you first saw it
0:12:20 > 0:12:21to think that it was costume jewellery.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- I did.- Did you really?
0:12:23 > 0:12:26I wasn't aware of...it was real pearls.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30I had a feeling that it was a diamond, um, but that's all.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- It harks back, of course, to a different generation...- Yes.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37..where people dressed up to go to dinner, you know,
0:12:37 > 0:12:39a choker of pearls in the evening,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- balls and cocktail parties. - Yes, yes.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Different lifestyle. - A different lifestyle.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47And I can see a lady wearing that to the cocktail party.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- The clasp, I think has been added later to the pearls.- Oh, right!
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- Well, the clasp I think is Art Deco actually.- Right.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- You know, it's got that sort of geometric look.- Yes, yes.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Set with diamonds and sapphires.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Gold, probably 18 carat, it's not marked.- Mm-hm.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- And platinum.- Right.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12To set diamonds you have to set them in a white metal
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- because it reflects the inner stone. - Right, yes.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18If you set them in a yellow metal, you don't get that twinkle,
0:13:18 > 0:13:19that sparkle so much.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- It certainly does that. - It certainly does that.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23There's a bling element here.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25SHE LAUGHS
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Um, the pearls themselves are graduated which is a nice sign.
0:13:28 > 0:13:29Mm-hm.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32I've tested them. You know the test for pearls?
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Bite them?- Yeah.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35Run your teeth around them.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40Cos real pearls are very gritty and they rub on the teeth.
0:13:40 > 0:13:41That's right.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45I think actually the clasp is slightly more commercial
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- than actually the pearls are.- Mm-hm.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50I wonder, whoever buys this
0:13:50 > 0:13:54would try and make it into a more commercial piece of jewellery.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- Yes, because they'd probably get more wear out of it that way.- Yes.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59I mean, it's always tricky with these sort of things
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- because jewellery is a very personal thing.- Yes.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Um...
0:14:03 > 0:14:09I would say the diamond alone there is probably about ¾ of a carat,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12and then you've got three reasonable-sized stones.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16I certainly think it should make £800 at auction,
0:14:16 > 0:14:18it depends how we pitch the estimate.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- OK.- My colleagues and I feel we ought to say 600-800...
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- Right.- ..with a 600 fixed reserve.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- Yes.- So, we don't sell it below £600.- No, no.
0:14:28 > 0:14:29- Would you be happy with that? - Yes, I would.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- I'm sure somebody will fall in love with it.- Hope so.
0:14:32 > 0:14:38Maybe even a young, slim, beautiful woman who wants to wear it,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- again, as a pearl choker. - I would love to wear it but...
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- That would be lovely, wouldn't it? - My neck is too fat.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46I think most people's neck
0:14:46 > 0:14:49is a little bit on the thick side for this. It's very small, isn't it?
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- They were very slim in those days, weren't they?- They were.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- I'm sure it'll sparkle on its own. - Thank you.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55Thank you very much.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Well, we've had a marvellous day here at the Oxford Union so far.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06We've seen all manner of things come through the door.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Let's hope our experts, our very own talking heads
0:15:09 > 0:15:11are on the money with those valuations.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13It's time to put them to the test.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15We're going to the auction room for the first time,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18and here's a quick recap of what's going under the hammer.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Will our buyers snap up Jennifer's Art Deco necklace?
0:15:25 > 0:15:29Or will it be Anne's silver tea set that sets the auction alight?
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Our final item is those quirky Alice In Wonderland slides.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Will they capture the imagination of the bidders?
0:15:40 > 0:15:42They're brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49From one iconic site to another,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52today's auction comes from Greenham Common.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55The auction house is literally built on the site
0:15:55 > 0:16:00of the former RAF base which housed cruise missiles during the Cold War
0:16:00 > 0:16:02and sparked the Greenham Protest.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It's manned by none other than our very own Thomas Plant...
0:16:05 > 0:16:08£1,000 is in the room. Is there any advance at £1,000?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13..who's taken a shine to that diamond and pearl necklace.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- Thomas, they don't suit you. - They don't, do they? No.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19But they are beautiful. They've got a slight Art Deco look to them.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- These are wonderful pearls.- That's where the value is?- Well, no, no.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23- Not quite?- Not quite, no.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Interesting enough, yes, they're lovely pearls.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- They are cultured pearls.- OK.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- We believe these to be cultured. - Explain what you mean why that.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33So, the cultured pearl means that
0:16:33 > 0:16:37a bead has been implanted inside the oyster
0:16:37 > 0:16:41and the oyster has covered it in its nacre
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- which is this lustre you see over the pearl.- Yeah.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46And then it's extracted out again.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49A natural pearl is a piece of grit
0:16:49 > 0:16:52which the oyster has taken in itself, rolled it around
0:16:52 > 0:16:56and created a natural pearl so it's all pearl.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- And how do you tell the difference? - Well...well.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Tell us, Thomas. We all want to know.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- There is a difference. The easiest way is to X-ray them.- OK.
0:17:05 > 0:17:06Right, and that's the only definite way.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09And what are you looking for in an X-ray then? Just a bit of grit?
0:17:09 > 0:17:11You see a bead. You actually see the bead.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15The actual plastic bead which is put inside the pearl.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19What do you value those cultured pearls at without the clasp?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Uh, literally £50 a strand.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- £50 a strand?- Yeah, that's what you get...- Well, that's OK, isn't it?
0:17:24 > 0:17:25- Yeah.- That's £150 there though.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29£150, but is the clasp worth 450?
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- That's beautiful, isn't it? - Beautiful.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- That will get taken off there.- Yes, yes.- ..and put onto something else.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37The stone is about just ¾ of a carat.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- So, these are a touch and go, these are £600-£800.- Hmm.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42They might make... I've had a bit of interest.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- What people are looking for are natural pearls.- OK.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47They are hot to trot.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- If these were natural, all of them natural...- How much?
0:17:51 > 0:17:5360,000-80,000.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55Wow.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57They may not be natural pearls
0:17:57 > 0:18:00but it's still a beautiful Art Deco necklace.
0:18:00 > 0:18:01Will the buyers dive in?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Well, I've certainly been looking forward to this lot
0:18:05 > 0:18:07ever since the valuation day.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09The Art Deco three-string pearl necklace
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- belonging to Jennifer, who's right next to me now.- Hello.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Fingers crossed. Hello. Isn't this exciting?
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- It is.- It is, isn't it? We've got a packed auction room.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19It's full of wonderful treasures, and I know,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Mark, this should...should get the top end, shouldn't it?
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Well, I don't know a lot about pearl necklaces...
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- ..but it was the clasp that caught my eye.- It's the Art Deco clasp.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- That's where the value is.- Stunning.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31That will get taken off and put onto something else.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- It's a beautiful-looking thing. - Exquisite, exquisite.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- It's beautiful, isn't it? - Why are you selling this?
0:18:36 > 0:18:38It doesn't fit me,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41and I've decided to do a headstone for the family plot.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Right, OK.- And so I want the money to go towards that.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Let's get down to business, shall we?
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Let's put it under the hammer and hopefully find it a new home.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Yes.- OK?- Yes.- Here we go, this is it.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55This is a fine Art Deco three-string baroque pearl necklace
0:18:55 > 0:18:58with platinum and diamond sapphire clasp. The clasp is amazing.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Lovely-looking clasp and the pearls are great as well.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04I can start the bidding with me here at £400.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06At £400. At 400.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07420. 440.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09460. 480.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11480. 480 against you all.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14At £480 it's with me.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16At £480, is there any advance?
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- That's not looking good. - No, it doesn't, does it?
0:19:19 > 0:19:20480?
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- GAVEL BANGS - Passed the lot at 480.- ALL: Oh.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- I'm surprised about that. - The bidders weren't here.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- I'm surprised.- Do it another time.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- There is another auction room on another time.- Yes, yes.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Keep it for a specialist jewellers, that would be my advice.- OK.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- Thank you.- Yeah, good luck. - I've enjoyed it anyway.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Yeah, well, that's it, it's the Flog It experience,
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- getting to the auction room, yes. - Yes, definitely, definitely.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41What a shame.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45I just can't believe we didn't find a home for the Art Deco icon.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49Let's see if Anne's tea set can fare a little bit better.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52For our next lot I've just been joined by Anne and Mark our expert.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54And I know Anne is looking forward to doing
0:19:54 > 0:19:55some voluntary work in India.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Fingers crossed we can raise enough money for that flight.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- I do desperately hope so. - This is touch and go.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04It is touch and go, cos tea sets, you know,
0:20:04 > 0:20:05- are not the most commercial items. - No.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09We don't take tea like we used to, you know?
0:20:09 > 0:20:12But this is quite an early Victorian set - 1858.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15It's nicely chased. Architecturally it was quite interesting.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- It's very decorative. - It's not a typical spun one,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19so there's some virtue in its craftsmanship.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22And it's got a bit of weight to it, so it should lift the 600
0:20:22 > 0:20:24but hopefully a little bit more if we can.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25Here we go.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29This is a fine Victorian three-piece silver tea set.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30There we are.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32For J Mayer. Teapot, sugar basin and milk jug.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35And I can start the bidding with me here at £500.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- At £500 against you all at 500.- Come on, it's going to be close this.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42At 520. 550. 580. 600 I have.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- At £600.- He's got 600, so we've got the reserve.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47At 600, is there any advance at 600?
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- At £600...- Please.- ..against you all.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52At £600...
0:20:52 > 0:20:53- GAVEL BANGS - It's gone.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Just got the reserve.- Just gone. - Just on the reserve.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Do you know something?
0:20:58 > 0:20:59I had my doubts.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01I knew it'd be touch and go.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Really?- And so did Mark. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:21:03 > 0:21:04Well, look, it's gone - only just.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06We had our doubts but that is a good result.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09£600, plus commission here whoever bought that.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11That takes it to that scrap value,
0:21:11 > 0:21:13so it wasn't going to get a penny more,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16which is a shame, it wasn't valued on craftsmanship but on weight.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17Look, enjoy the £600.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19That's going towards that trip of a lifetime.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- Yes.- Thank you. Thank you for coming in.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26At least that's a good chunk of cash towards Anne's flight to India.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Our final item is those unique Alice In Wonderland slides.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Jill and David, it's great to see you again.- Thank you.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37We are going under the hammer right now, 42 magic lantern slides
0:21:37 > 0:21:39of Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- Absolutely love these, I really do. - Oh, good.- Why are you selling these?
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Well, basically, we haven't got a magic lantern projector, so...
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- You can buy one.- We could, but where would we put it?
0:21:51 > 0:21:52But there are collectors out there.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56There's plenty of societies that have magic lanterns.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59They hold regular meetings, and they swap slides,
0:21:59 > 0:22:00and they give demonstrations
0:22:00 > 0:22:04and it evokes this wonderful period of pre-television.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06You're sitting there in this Victorian England
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- watching these wonderful slides. - Fantastic.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09Queen Victoria did this as well.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Let's conjure up some magic, shall we?- Yes, yes, hopefully.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13Let's put it under the hammer.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Next lot is this set of
0:22:17 > 0:22:1942 Alice In Wonderland slides,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21each numbered with scenes of the story,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23painted by Macmillan & Co, there we are.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Presented in a black metal carry case.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Together with an Alice In Wonderland book.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29It's a lovely little lot, this one.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32I can start the bidding with me here - 35 and 40.
0:22:32 > 0:22:3435 I have. Looking for 40.
0:22:34 > 0:22:3640 and 45.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37And 50 and 55.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38And 60...
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- He's very keen, isn't he?- ..and five.
0:22:40 > 0:22:4370. And 75.
0:22:43 > 0:22:4475 standing.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46At 75 it is against you all.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Is there any advance at £75?
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Selling then at 75...
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- GAVEL BANGS - Well done. £75 straight in.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- Wasn't it quick?- Good estimate.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56THEY LAUGH
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- Lovely.- Brilliant. And you...
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Cos I know that you're very keen family historians,
0:23:00 > 0:23:02have you managed to track down YOUR Alice?
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Well, we know the Alice who was in the book...- OK.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10..and this is a picture of Alice and her parents.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12That would have been taken at about the age
0:23:12 > 0:23:15she would have been when she was given the book initially.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16About 1910, 1911.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- Oh, it's great to have that.- Wow. - I really just love it.- A real Alice.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Well, those slides really bring to life the magic of Lewis Carroll.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27I really hope the new owner enjoys the madness of Wonderland.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28Off with her head!
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Before we leave the auction room in Newbury, it's time for us
0:23:32 > 0:23:35to tell the story of a lost architectural treasure.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36The "lee-do" or the lido,
0:23:36 > 0:23:40however you want to pronounce it, is enjoying something of a revival.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Now, just outside of Newbury there's a group of local campaigners
0:23:43 > 0:23:46who are determined that their local outdoor swimming pool
0:23:46 > 0:23:48is not going to miss out.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08Looking around this lido, it's hard to believe this was once
0:24:08 > 0:24:09the place to be seen.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14But rewind 40 years,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17and King's Meadow was once a teenage hang-out,
0:24:17 > 0:24:19the British version of the American drive-in.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25This place would be queued out of the door,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28with keen swimmers, and the average cost to take a dip
0:24:28 > 0:24:29was just sixpence.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36Today, King's Meadow is a shadow of its former self.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39It closed to the general public in 1974,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42and since then it's suffered damage, decay
0:24:42 > 0:24:44and even the threat of demolition.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47As you can see, it is in a sorry state.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48It needs a lot of TLC,
0:24:48 > 0:24:54in fact, £1.5 million worth of TLC to be precise.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59If this goes then so does a vital part of our heritage.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02So, can this lido make a big splash again?
0:25:04 > 0:25:07King's Meadow Lido was built in 1902,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09and although it's a listed building
0:25:09 > 0:25:12it is dependent on volunteers for support.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15With such a big amount to raise,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18the King's Meadow campaigners have a long way to go.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21Leading the charge are Anne and Richard Jessel.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25When you think of it, it's 110 years old.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28It isn't looking so bad, to be honest.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Anne was a high board diver who spent many a day
0:25:31 > 0:25:33practising her backflips at the lido.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42I used to be a diver and my parents used to take me around the country,
0:25:42 > 0:25:45and a lot of the lidos that I used to dive in
0:25:45 > 0:25:48very sadly...they have now disappeared.
0:25:48 > 0:25:49I mean, just look at this pool.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54110 years old, built specifically for ladies, OK?
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Ladies have the priority here.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Considering there was a gentleman's pool right opposite,
0:26:00 > 0:26:06they had the right idea when they built it half canopied like this
0:26:06 > 0:26:11because in those days women bathers were very, very private.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12HE LAUGHS
0:26:12 > 0:26:17So, um, I've always said that the first month of bathing in this pool,
0:26:17 > 0:26:20nobody would be allowed in unless they were all wearing
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- Edwardian bathing dress. - That'd been nice if...
0:26:24 > 0:26:26When we get to the point of restoring it back
0:26:26 > 0:26:28for everybody to use.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Look at the way the quality of all the work, architecture,
0:26:32 > 0:26:34everything is so nice.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37This must not disappear.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Well, this is safe here for you, Anne, it's the shallow end.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- Diving board shouldn't be here. - What do you mean, it's safe for me
0:26:43 > 0:26:44at the shallow end? I'm a diver.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52The golden age of lidos began in the 1930s
0:26:52 > 0:26:54when outdoor swimming was all the rage.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Over 150 lidos sprang up across the UK.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01They provided cheap public swimming
0:27:01 > 0:27:03and were part of a greater modernist movement
0:27:03 > 0:27:06to encourage health and fitness.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09If you couldn't afford to go abroad in the summer,
0:27:09 > 0:27:12the lido was the next best thing.
0:27:12 > 0:27:1596-year-old Charlie swam in this pool almost everyday,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and he's still fighting fit.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20You feel alive in the open air.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23You feel refreshed.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Even with rain, you get warm rain on you...
0:27:27 > 0:27:29..when...in the summer,
0:27:29 > 0:27:31so, it doesn't matter if it's raining.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34But everything is lively...
0:27:36 > 0:27:38..and the people are so much happier.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41What was the lido like in its heyday?
0:27:41 > 0:27:44There was often queues to get in.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46It was a thoroughly enjoyable pool.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50But their popularity could not last forever.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Many were put out of business in the 1960s and '70s
0:27:55 > 0:27:57when foreign travel became much cheaper
0:27:57 > 0:28:01and most people could afford to go abroad and they shunned the lido.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03But in recent years outdoor swimming has been enjoying
0:28:03 > 0:28:05something of a renaissance,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and the lido has been caught up in this wave.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21To see what King's Meadow Lido could become
0:28:21 > 0:28:24take a look at Clifton Lido in Bristol.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29It was almost demolished to make way for flats,
0:28:29 > 0:28:35but in 2007 it was saved and underwent a £2 million restoration.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Mel Sainsbury is once again a Clifton Lido regular.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48I used to come in the '70s...
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Hot summer of '76 with my small children.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53And it's amazing to have an oasis like this,
0:28:53 > 0:28:57and how I missed it and mourned it when it was closed all those years.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03The benefits of outdoor swimming cannot be underestimated.
0:29:03 > 0:29:04It's a wonderful place early in the morning.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07I swim before dawn three times a week at least.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10But to see the winter, or summer, or spring,
0:29:10 > 0:29:11to see the day dawning,
0:29:11 > 0:29:15it just puts a whole new (SIGHS) perspective on your day ahead,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18cos it makes you feel...makes you feel real somehow
0:29:18 > 0:29:20and connected with yourself, it's fantastic.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Clifton Lido is now a private health club,
0:29:25 > 0:29:29but the original aim of the lido was cheap public swimming.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33The building has been restored but the message has been somewhat lost.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39However, in this economic climate the restoration of lidos,
0:29:39 > 0:29:41like King's Meadow, depends upon
0:29:41 > 0:29:44the passion and the enthusiasm of lido fans.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Anne and Richard are still fundraising,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50and if they succeed they will ensure
0:29:50 > 0:29:56that the next generation of outdoor swimmers enjoy the bracing waters.
0:29:56 > 0:29:57How can we possibly lose it?
0:29:57 > 0:30:01I mean, Reading would look upon this, if it was restored,
0:30:01 > 0:30:04or WHEN it is restored, I hasten to say,
0:30:04 > 0:30:06as a jewel in the town.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Well, it's clear, the appetite for outdoor swimming is here.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16And what better way to build on the back of a successful Olympics
0:30:16 > 0:30:19than to restore our lidos back to their former glory?
0:30:19 > 0:30:22So, come on, pull on a pair of bathers, pop on a swim cap
0:30:22 > 0:30:24and take the plunge outdoors.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38There's a great atmosphere filling the Oxford union,
0:30:38 > 0:30:40and I have the best seat in the house,
0:30:40 > 0:30:44the president's chair, where I can survey the entire chamber.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Our experts are hard at work,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49so let's catch up with Christina who spotted the first item.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Elizabeth and Neville, I love this.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Thank you so much for bringing it in today, it's absolutely beautiful.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59Tell me a little bit about it.
0:30:59 > 0:31:00Well, it came down through the family,
0:31:00 > 0:31:02well, from my aunt actually...
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- Mm-hm.- ..who was married to an American service guy.- Right.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- And... So, I've no idea where they'd bought it...- OK.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13..but I've had it for about 15 years.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Do you use it as a doorstop? It's incredibly heavy, isn't it?
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- It would make a good doorstop, wouldn't it?- Yeah.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- Did you carry it in with you today? - Yes.
0:31:19 > 0:31:20My goodness.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25Well, it's a Japanese bronze dating from about 1920.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27And it's actually a copy after the original
0:31:27 > 0:31:31which is in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34It's got that wonderful sort of movement and fluidity about it,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- hasn't it?- Hmm.- It's just stunning. - I love the pose.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40With this wonderful sort of front leg raised, it's beautiful.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44And if we turn it over we've got this foundry remark on the bottom here,
0:31:44 > 0:31:48so, we can see... Unfortunately, we can't track down who that was by,
0:31:48 > 0:31:51but it is certainly a very, very good copy.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53Why are you selling it if you like it?
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Well, we've got so many pieces really,
0:31:56 > 0:31:58it's finding a home for everything.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Japanese metalworkers were some of the finest in the world,
0:32:01 > 0:32:02especially during the 19th century.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05This is slightly later than that but I still think it will find
0:32:05 > 0:32:08a market at auction as a decorative bronze.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11I think we're probably looking somewhere in the region maybe of
0:32:11 > 0:32:14£80-£120 as a decorative item,
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- not a doorstop, I hope people won't use it as a doorstop.- So do I.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21But I still think it's rather lovely, um...
0:32:21 > 0:32:25The Chinese oriental market really has been incredibly buoyant
0:32:25 > 0:32:28for early wares over the last few years,
0:32:28 > 0:32:32but Japanese not so much, which is why my estimate is quite cautious.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36- Mm-hm.- So, I think if we set an estimate at £80-£120
0:32:36 > 0:32:38with a reserve of 80,
0:32:38 > 0:32:40how would you feel about that?
0:32:40 > 0:32:41- Yeah, that'd be fine.- Yes?- Yeah.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45And would you like to do a discretionary reserve or firm at 80?
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- I think I'd like a firm reserve. - A firm reserve.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- So, if it doesn't sell, you're happy to have it back.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53And we'll hope that he'll trot his way out of the auction house.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56- THEY CHUCKLE - Good.
0:32:56 > 0:32:57What a sculptural piece.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59I'm sure there'll be a market
0:32:59 > 0:33:01for a Japanese bronze like that at auction.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Our next item of the day needs no introduction.
0:33:05 > 0:33:11And despite his protestation, Mark is keen to get his hands on it.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13- Marion, hello.- Hello, Mark.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- How many times have we filmed Moorcroft on "Flog It!"?- Oh, loads.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- Loads, isn't it?- Yeah, quite a big percentage I should think.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23And I said to myself when I came into the Oxford Union today
0:33:23 > 0:33:25that I wasn't going to film another piece of Moorcroft.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27SHE LAUGHS
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- I couldn't resist it.- No. - Have you had it long?
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- I've had it at least 40 years. - Really?- Yeah.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- And was it an inherited piece? - No.- You bought it?
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- I bought it.- Could you remember how much for?
0:33:38 > 0:33:40I can't, no, but it couldn't have been very much.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- But you just fell in love with it like I have?- Yes, yeah.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Originally, William Moorcroft worked at a factory
0:33:47 > 0:33:52called Macintyre's in the Art Nouveau period, so, the late 19th century.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- Yeah.- 1895 to 1910-ish.- Mm-hm.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- This is 1920s.- Yeah.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- And... But it's a very, very sought after pattern...- Right.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- ..called Eventide.- Yes.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- And it's a good size, isn't it? - Yes, it is.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09And if we have a little look underneath...
0:34:10 > 0:34:13..we can see the impress mark.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- Yeah.- And we can see the WM mark. - Yes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- And there's also remains of a paper label.- Yes, yeah.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- Now, you've had it a long time. - Yes, I have.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26And you've always known it was a great piece.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- I didn't know. - THEY LAUGH
0:34:30 > 0:34:31- Tell me why.- I didn't at all.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Well, it was only sort of on recent programmes of all the
0:34:34 > 0:34:38antique shows on the television that I've realised,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41"Ah, I think I might've got something like that."
0:34:41 > 0:34:43And you brought it to "Flog It!".
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- I saw you were in town so I brought it along.- Oh, fantastic.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- I'm so pleased you have.- Yeah.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Now, when it comes to valuation...
0:34:50 > 0:34:52it's almost a difficult one, isn't it?
0:34:52 > 0:34:55If I was putting it into an auction I was running,
0:34:55 > 0:34:57I would probably be conservative...
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- Yes.- ..and say 700-900.- Yes.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Don't look at me like that, Marion. SHE LAUGHS
0:35:02 > 0:35:06My colleague, however, who's helping me today...
0:35:06 > 0:35:08- ..is much more optimistic than I am. - Yeah.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- ..and he thinks 1,000-1,500.- Yes.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Which one would you prefer, Marion?
0:35:14 > 0:35:18- The 1,000-1,500.- Now, why did I guess you were going to say that?
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- Well, I think it's worth a stab, it's worth a punt.- Yes.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24What about a reserve?
0:35:24 > 0:35:28- I would like a £1,000 fixed reserve, please.- Fixed reserve.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30And if we do sell it successfully,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32have you earmarked the money for anything in particular?
0:35:32 > 0:35:36- Well, we have got a golden wedding anniversary coming up.- Really?- Yes.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- Now, that's 50 years? - 50, yes. In February.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- You don't look old enough, Marion. - Uff, on a good day!
0:35:43 > 0:35:45- Let's hope we get a lot of money. - Yeah.
0:35:45 > 0:35:46- Thank you.- Get a golden price for it.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- Yes, that would nice, wouldn't it? - Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52The golden price to celebrate a golden anniversary.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56But before we go off to auction, we've found some Oxford students
0:35:56 > 0:35:59who are not only smart but they can belt out a good tune.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02In homage to all the beautiful architecture here,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05we have our very own a cappella group, The Oxford Gargoyles,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08with their own debating version of Mas Que Nada.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10I now hand the proceedings over to Rebecca. Thank you.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15# Dum, do, do-do, dum, do, do
0:36:15 > 0:36:18# Dum, do, do-do, dum, do, do
0:36:18 > 0:36:24- # Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba - Oooooh ari-aaa-daio
0:36:25 > 0:36:27# Oba, oba, oba
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- # Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba - Oooooh, o-o-o-oh
0:36:33 > 0:36:37# Ari-aaa-daio
0:36:37 > 0:36:39# Oba, oba, oba
0:36:40 > 0:36:42# Mas que nada
0:36:42 > 0:36:45# Sai da minha frente eu quero passar
0:36:45 > 0:36:48# Pois o samba esta animado
0:36:48 > 0:36:50# O que eu quero e sambar
0:36:50 > 0:36:52# Do-do-do-dooo
0:36:52 > 0:36:56# Este samba que e misto de maracatu
0:36:56 > 0:36:57# Ba-ba-da-ba-ba
0:36:57 > 0:37:00# E samba de preto velho
0:37:00 > 0:37:02# Samba de preto tu
0:37:02 > 0:37:03# Ba-ba-da-ba-ba
0:37:03 > 0:37:05# BA-BA-DA-DA-DA. #
0:37:06 > 0:37:07CHEERING
0:37:12 > 0:37:14APPLAUSE DROWNS OUT SOUND
0:37:18 > 0:37:20It's been a busy day here for Mark and Christina,
0:37:20 > 0:37:22a few surprises on both sides.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24But now, it's off to the saleroom.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28We must say goodbye to the Oxford Union and, "Hello, Newbury,"
0:37:28 > 0:37:30to Thomas Plant who awaits us on the rostrum.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33And here's a quick recap of what's going under the hammer.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Will it be the Japanese bronze horse that sets the pace
0:37:37 > 0:37:38in the auction room?
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Or will the tried-and-tested Moorcroft vase win the day?
0:37:48 > 0:37:51It's a familiar face on the rostrum, Thomas Plant,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54who will hopefully help our lot soar in the saleroom.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56Against your all...
0:37:56 > 0:37:58- But first... - GAVEL BANGS
0:37:58 > 0:38:01..Thomas is keen to examine Marion's Moorcroft.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03He has some suspicions about its true age.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07We've handled and we've seen a lot of Moorcroft
0:38:07 > 0:38:11over the last 12 years on the show. It's quality throughout.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13This is not a particularly early piece, is it?
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Well, we didn't think it was particularly early.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- I think it's a modern piece. - Well, it's...
0:38:19 > 0:38:21- We don't like the paper label. - I don't like it.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23The way it's been washed off and then stuck back on.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Cos that paper label should have said, "To the Queen...
0:38:25 > 0:38:29"..Queen Mary," on there. "By appointment of the Queen Mary."
0:38:29 > 0:38:31And we don't like the chip out of it here.
0:38:31 > 0:38:32And it just looks a bit...
0:38:33 > 0:38:35It's a bit fresh.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Mark has put 1,000-£1,500 on this.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42What's your gut feeling on this? 8-12?
0:38:42 > 0:38:45It is 8-12. It might have even been 7-9.
0:38:45 > 0:38:46But there's a fixed reserve at 1,000,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49and we've had mixed reviews from certain people
0:38:49 > 0:38:51wanting it and not wanting it.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54So, we are quite concerned that it might not sell.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57The glaze is very, very sharp.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01It's very sharp for a piece reporting to be 1930s...
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- That's not 1930s.- ..1940s, you know? It's not, is it?
0:39:04 > 0:39:06No, it's not, no.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08I'd say '60s to '70s.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- That's what worries me. - Well, I'd like to be proved wrong.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15I'd like to think that sells for 1,000, £1,200 for Marion's sake.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- For everybody's sake.- Everybody's sake.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- It just doesn't look or feel right. - No, it doesn't.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24So, is Marion's Moorcroft actually a later edition
0:39:24 > 0:39:26than Mark originally thought?
0:39:26 > 0:39:29But first, will that bronze horse gallop away with it?
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Neville, Elizabeth, fingers crossed, OK?
0:39:33 > 0:39:35The bronze horse, a touch of the Far East
0:39:35 > 0:39:38is just about to go under the hammer here in Newbury.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40I think this is the right area to sell this in.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42We're right by the racecourse, it's just down the road,
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Lambourn is up the road as well, all the gallops are around here.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- It's a bit sporty.- Yeah, let's hope it'll generate some interest.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52- I hope so.- Yeah.- Right, well, let's put this one to the test, shall we?
0:39:52 > 0:39:54The horse is just about to go under the hammer.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Lot number 385, and this is this
0:39:58 > 0:40:00modern Chinese bronze figure of a horse,
0:40:00 > 0:40:01marked to underside.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Bids here with me, and I start this one at £55.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07At 55. 60. And 65 with me.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09At 65. Against you all at 65.
0:40:09 > 0:40:1070. 75.
0:40:10 > 0:40:1380. 80 we've got in the room.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14At £80 in the room first
0:40:14 > 0:40:15then we're going to the telephone.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17£80, it's brilliant.
0:40:17 > 0:40:18Any advance at £80
0:40:18 > 0:40:19that's in the room?
0:40:19 > 0:40:2085.
0:40:20 > 0:40:2290. 95.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25100. 110. 120.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27130. 140.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- 150.- Oh, back in.- 160.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32170. 180.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34190. 200.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38210. Go on.
0:40:38 > 0:40:39No? Are you sure?
0:40:39 > 0:40:40One more?
0:40:40 > 0:40:42220.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47230, are you sure?
0:40:47 > 0:40:50At £230, make no mistake, on the telephone.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52£230, against you all,
0:40:52 > 0:40:53selling then.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- GAVEL BANGS - 230. Brilliant.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00- Fantastic.- Trade was done in Newbury. - Thank you very much.
0:41:00 > 0:41:01You're welcome. Brilliant.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- Yeah, they liked it. It was the right market.- That's right.- Yes.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07It shows the influence of telephone bidders on the auction as well.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- Of course.- It was the telephone against the room.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- That's right.- It galloped away. - Oh.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13THEY LAUGH
0:41:13 > 0:41:14It certainly did.
0:41:14 > 0:41:15First past the post.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Now, to the debate surrounding the big M.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Is it 1920s or not?
0:41:21 > 0:41:24It's now in the hands of the bidders.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26When you talk about ceramics, there's one great name
0:41:26 > 0:41:29you can always throw into the mix, William Moorcroft.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31I mean, he's up there with the best of them.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34And that's what we've got right now, Moorcroft bowl belonging to Marion.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- Yeah.- Now, we had a little chat yesterday, the auctioneer and myself
0:41:38 > 0:41:42on the preview day, and we've are looking at it and we thought,
0:41:42 > 0:41:46"Does it will 1920s? We're both not sure."
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- Right.- We're not sure about the little paper label either.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- I think it's OK actually.- You think it's OK?- I think it's all right.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53I think the glaze is nice.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55- It's just you don't see this pattern very often.- No.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- It's a good size.- It's a good colour. - It's a very good colour.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Architecturally it stands nicely as well. I do like the colours on this,
0:42:01 > 0:42:03- I really do.- The colours are nice.
0:42:03 > 0:42:04Have you enjoyed looking at it?
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Well, it's been put away for quite a long time.- No?!
0:42:07 > 0:42:11I... You know, you can understand jewellery, and silver
0:42:11 > 0:42:12and pocket watches being put away,
0:42:12 > 0:42:15but surely not something that stands so well.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Well, we used to have it out until we knew what the value of it was.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- Right, OK. Then you got slightly worried?- ..wrapped up and put away.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- OK, good luck.- Yes.- Good luck.- OK.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Let's hope the Moorcroft collectors are in this room right now.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30It is jam-packed, and it's over to Thomas with his gavel.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Next lot is the Moorcroft Pottery Eventide vase here.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36A tubeline design. There we are. Lovely-looking lot.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39Bids, start here with me at £800.
0:42:39 > 0:42:40800, 800.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- 820. 850. 880.- He's got a phone line over there, look.
0:42:43 > 0:42:44900. And 920.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45950. 980.
0:42:45 > 0:42:471,000, that I'm at.
0:42:47 > 0:42:491,100. 1,200. 1,300.
0:42:49 > 0:42:501,400.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52- I think we're going to say it's... - It's good, yeah.
0:42:53 > 0:42:551,500. 1,600.
0:42:56 > 0:42:5915... 1,550 I'll take if he wants it.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01- Resolved.- Yeah.- Two telephone bids.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03No? At 1,500 with you, madam.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05Giving the best opportunity.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07At £1,500 against you all...
0:43:07 > 0:43:09- GAVEL BANGS - Fantastic result.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11£1,500, top end of the estimate. Well done, Mark.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13- Pleased with that.- Yeah, that is brilliant.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17- You took it to the right person. - Yeah.- Mark knows his ceramics.- I do.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20- Well, you liked it right from the start, didn't you?- I did, yes.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23- Well, congratulations on that as well, and enjoy it.- That is lovely.
0:43:23 > 0:43:24- Well done.- Thank you so much.
0:43:27 > 0:43:28If you want to have something valued
0:43:28 > 0:43:30bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32I'm sure our experts will help you out.
0:43:32 > 0:43:34Who knows? You can make a small fortune at auction as well.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36Come along to one of our valuation days.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38Details you can pick-up on our BBC website,
0:43:38 > 0:43:40or check the details in your local press
0:43:40 > 0:43:43because we will be coming to a town close to you shortly,
0:43:43 > 0:43:45so, keep an eye out for us.