0:00:03 > 0:00:05Today, we're in rural Essex,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08just outside of Britain's oldest recorded town, Colchester.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10It predates the Roman invasion.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13But it's its modern-day inhabitants and their antiques
0:00:13 > 0:00:16who will be the stars of today's show.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:39 > 0:00:44The county of Essex is home to over 1.5 million people,
0:00:44 > 0:00:46and, although largely agricultural,
0:00:46 > 0:00:50it forms a major part of the London commuter belt.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Today's programme's taking place in
0:00:53 > 0:00:56one of the most impressive buildings in the area, Layer Marney Tower.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00And later on in the programme I'll be meeting the family who live here.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02But, right now, all of these people, hundreds of them,
0:01:02 > 0:01:06who have turned up at our valuation day have items of their own
0:01:06 > 0:01:08with histories that need investigating,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11and I know just the people to do it - our experts.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16'The knowledgeable Elizabeth Talbot.'
0:01:16 > 0:01:18It's always the colour, isn't it?
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Look at this, matches your eyes, Philip.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- What, gold?- Blue.- Oh, right.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28'And the ever-charming Philip Serrell.'
0:01:28 > 0:01:30It's probably Edwardian.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Bloke brought me a potato once to "Flog It!"
0:01:33 > 0:01:37And he said, "Has that got any age?" I said, "No, I don't think so. Why?"
0:01:37 > 0:01:40He said, "I thought it was King Edward's."
0:01:41 > 0:01:44'So, without further ado, let's put our experts to work.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46'And, as everybody takes their seats,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48'here's a taste of what's coming up.'
0:01:52 > 0:01:54'Philip gets a visit from the police.'
0:01:54 > 0:01:56How do you know all this about this?
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Well, I was a serving police officer for 32 years.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- HE CLEARS HIS THROAT - Right, fine.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04It's at this point that I think I should caution you.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07'And Elizabeth comes across this mystery object.'
0:02:07 > 0:02:11We have an intriguing object here.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14'Stay with us to find out what it is.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19'The house is known for its fabulous gardens.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22'Luckily, we have the perfect weather today
0:02:22 > 0:02:24'to make full use of them.'
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Construction started on this magnificent building in 1518
0:02:27 > 0:02:31and since then it's welcomed many guests, including Henry VIII.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35But today sees a first in its long list of achievements -
0:02:35 > 0:02:37a "Flog It!" valuation day.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39And, judging by the sound of this crowd,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41our experts really do have their work cut out.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43So let's catch up with them right now.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46'First up, that heritage police badge.'
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- How are you, Bob? - I'm very well, Philip, thank you.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- Nice to see you in the flesh. - There's enough of it, isn't there?
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- I didn't say that, you did! - It's a lovely day, isn't it?
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- Have you come far? - About 22 miles, that's all.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01Tell me about the Essex Constabulary.
0:03:01 > 0:03:02Where's that come from, then?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Well, years ago, and I mean many years ago,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09these badges were put on houses in the community
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- where police officers lived.- Really?
0:03:12 > 0:03:15So that it gave people who lived in the community
0:03:15 > 0:03:18an idea where to find a bobby if they wanted one.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22So, this, in rural Essex, this would have been up on an ordinary house...
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- Yes, that's right.- ..and you knew the local bobby lived in there.- Yeah.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27How do you know all this about this?
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Well, I was a serving police officer for 32 years.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- HE CLEARS HIS THROAT - Right, fine.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33When they were taken away from police houses,
0:03:33 > 0:03:37when most of the policemen moved into police-owned accommodation,
0:03:37 > 0:03:39these were taken down
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- as the houses were vacated and they were put in store.- Yeah.
0:03:43 > 0:03:44- Police headquarters.- Yeah.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48And one day there was a fire, which destroyed the store.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50Wouldn't destroy these.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53It didn't destroy them, but, of course, it burnt the paint off.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55And they were just scrapped.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- Really?- Yeah.- So, you got this out of a skip or something?- Yeah.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- So you've actually saved an object, haven't you?- I have, really, yes.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- And restored it. - And so the paint is new.- Yes, it is.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- Were these the original colours? - Yes.- OK.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12So you, basically, something with a bit of history,
0:04:12 > 0:04:13bit of local history...
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Yeah, because it's made at Maldon Ironworks.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- Now tell me... How do we know that? - Because it says so on the back.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22Oh, blimey O'Reilly. There we are, look, Maldon Ironworks.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24That's lovely, isn't it?
0:04:24 > 0:04:26From looking at this,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29I would think this is very much 20th-century, in a way, isn't it?
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- Early 20th century.- Yeah, sort of, 1910, 1920, that sort of era.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35But by the '50s, when I joined the service,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37they were virtually all gone.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40In my eyes, this is going to appeal to two people.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44It's going to appeal to someone who collects Essex memorabilia
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and it's going to appeal to someone who collects police memorabilia.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Correct, yeah.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54I think it's going to make between £80 and £120.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- The auctioneer's...- The auctioneer's friend.- Yeah, the standard price!
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Whilst I think it's going to make £80 to £120,
0:05:00 > 0:05:05I would put a reserve on it of £50 and I'd estimate it at 60 to 90.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- Right.- And I'll be quite philosophical and I'd say,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10"Well, OK, fine. I've enjoyed it, I've owned it",
0:05:10 > 0:05:12and it's a great story with you
0:05:12 > 0:05:15and if it makes 50 quid, OK, it would be nice to get a bit more,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- but it's... We can move on.- Right. - That's what I would do.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21But what would you be happy with?
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- Well, I'll be guided by you. - So if we put 50...- £50 reserve.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28£50 fixed reserve. 60 to 90 estimate.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32As I say, I hope it should make 80 to 120, but I love it.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36'Well, I'm glad to see the police have finally caught up with Philip.'
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Phil The Fence!
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Elizabeth has found a splash of colour in the rose garden.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44David and June, you've brought some colourful
0:05:44 > 0:05:47and actually very recognisable glass to us today.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50What can you tell me about your pieces?
0:05:50 > 0:05:55Well, these pieces come from my late cousin's house. He died in April.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57We brought them home.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59So, we really can't tell you too much about the history -
0:05:59 > 0:06:02where were they were bought, or who bought them?
0:06:02 > 0:06:05But did you bring them back from the home because you particularly
0:06:05 > 0:06:09liked them yourselves or it was part of your inheritance from his estate?
0:06:09 > 0:06:13Yes, we did talk about, the family, about who would like the vases.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17This large one, the banjo one, really needs somewhere to display it.
0:06:17 > 0:06:18It's a big piece, isn't it?
0:06:18 > 0:06:22No-one of the family or beneficiaries really found anywhere to put it.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24I mean, when it was in Stephen's house,
0:06:24 > 0:06:29he had a window on the landing with a deep shelf.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32And the sun shone through that and it's just an ideal place to put it.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35But we can't, so we decided that perhaps we'll sell it.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Can't do it justice in the same way. - No, no.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Fair enough. Well, just to tell you a little bit about it -
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Whitefriars is a name familiar to many people.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46We see it on "Flog It!" fairly often.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48They were designed by Geoffrey Baxter, as you say,
0:06:48 > 0:06:52and he launched his what's called the Textured Range in 1967.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54And he was experimental.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57He used to have a go with different things to make the moulds,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01from which he then took the glass formations.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Things like bark and metal and wire and such.
0:07:04 > 0:07:09So it's quite a clever combination of concept and artistic eye, really.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12The larger of the vases on the table is known as the banjo vase.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14This one was made in different sizes,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16to my knowledge this is the largest
0:07:16 > 0:07:18and one of the rarest sizes on the market.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23The other kingfisher-blue piece is a volcano vase.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27And the little sunburst one is in a colour called tangerine.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29So, obviously, as you appreciate, condition is everything and
0:07:29 > 0:07:33I must point out a couple of things which you are probably well aware of
0:07:33 > 0:07:36and that is that the banjo vase does have an internal crack.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38The vase is made of very thick moulded glass
0:07:38 > 0:07:43and, inside one of the elements, there is a crack that is visible.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46In terms of the sunburst vase, there is a little dent,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48it looks like it's had an impact or fallen over or something
0:07:48 > 0:07:51and just grazed the front of it.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53It is important to point that out,
0:07:53 > 0:07:58because, for a collector, they will rate it from the condition it's in.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01So I would advise that be sensible with all of the facts
0:08:01 > 0:08:04that we've talked about, that the auction should be approached with
0:08:04 > 0:08:07an estimate of £200 to £300 for the three pieces together.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12That we place a reserve of £200 on them, leave that as a firm reserve,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15so you know where you stand in terms of the safety-net element.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18If the market has changed, significantly,
0:08:18 > 0:08:20in the direction between now and the auction,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23then hopefully that will be borne out on the day.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- We'll watch with interest.- Thank you.- Thank you very much indeed.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29'Perhaps not for the collectors,
0:08:29 > 0:08:31'but what a bargain for the design enthusiasts.'
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Layer Marney Tower isn't just an important, historic building,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38it's also a family home.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40And two of the current members of the family are right here,
0:08:40 > 0:08:44right now. Nick, good to see you, and his daughter, Alice. Hi.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Now, Nick, you grew up here and your parents bought this house.- Yes.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49That must have been quite incredible at such a young age.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Well, I was actually born here in the bedroom that we live in,
0:08:53 > 0:08:54sleep in, whatever now.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57So it's all I've ever known and I think that probably takes away
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- some of the glamour, because you just get used to it.- Sure, sure.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02What made your parents buy this building?
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Were they after an historic building to do up?- No, they weren't.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11They were married in the church next door in 1957.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15And my father was out in South Yemen, what used to be called Aden,
0:09:15 > 0:09:17posted out of there with the Army.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20And my mother wrote to him and said, "Layer Marney's come up for sale."
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- "We've got to buy it." - No, she didn't. She just said, "It's come up for sale,"
0:09:23 > 0:09:26just because by the by and, "your daughter Victoria's well,"
0:09:26 > 0:09:29and this and that. And he wrote back and said, "Buy it."
0:09:29 > 0:09:31She bought it...against everybody's advice.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Well, Alice, I notice you're wearing a "Flog It!" T-shirt.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- You're helping out with us today.- Yeah, yeah.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- What was it like growing up here for you?- It was fantastic.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- It's the perfect, perfect place to grow up.- Play hide and seek.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Play hide and seek! Hide and seek, sardines.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48The second floor, you have to limit it by floor,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50because otherwise you'll just never find people.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53And the second floor is easily the best floor to sort of play in.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57What about all your school friends? Did they all want to come and have sleepovers?
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- And explore and get lost... - Great parties.- Great parties!
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- Really great parties!- Poor, old dad.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Thank you for taking time for talking.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Cos I know we've got work to do! - Yes!
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Shall we get on with it? Come on.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14'Over to Phil, who is taking us from wild parties
0:10:14 > 0:10:17'to afternoon tea parties.'
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Kay, where's this been?
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- Wrapped up in the bottom of a wardrobe.- Why?
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Well, I don't think I want to be polishing it
0:10:26 > 0:10:29and also I haven't got anywhere really to display it.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31I can see you don't want to be polishing it!
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- Look at this! It's blooming green, look!- It is, isn't it?
0:10:36 > 0:10:41"To Dad and Mother on their silver wedding, 21st of November, 1923."
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Whose Dad and Mother?
0:10:43 > 0:10:46My father's. My grandparents.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- Your grandparents?- Yes.- So this is your grandparents' tea set?- Yes.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51And you want to flog it?
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- Yes.- Why is that?- Well, it's just lying there, gathering dust.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00And, you know, I've got five bright grandchildren, so...
0:11:00 > 0:11:03So they're all going to have a share of a tea set?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Well, yes, that's right. There's only three pieces there.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I think it's interesting the way that times have changed, you know.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12Because this, in my eyes, this has gone through a variety
0:11:12 > 0:11:18of different sort of lives in its 80 or 100 years.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- This is Indian. We've got this chap here with a gun.- I know.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26I would think he's either lion or tiger shooting or elephant shooting.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Yeah, afraid so.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- I mean, all that.. And that was all glorified, wasn't it?- Very much so.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- It was a sport.- It was a sport. And it's horrid, really, to think about.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Dreadful.- But, nonetheless, it's there.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39And we can't change history.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Then, these things come out,
0:11:41 > 0:11:45because the price of silver has rocketed. Absolutely rocketed.
0:11:45 > 0:11:46So I believe.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- And this is worth more now than it was perhaps five years ago.- Really?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- A lot more. More than double.- Gosh.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56And that's simply because of the price of scrap silver.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I'm not suggesting that these would necessarily be scrapped,
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- but it's the base price.- Yes.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05I don't like the chap shooting the animals, but I quite like...
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- It almost reminds me of a Noah's Ark...- That's right.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11..or, you know, Dr Dolittle and the animals.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14It's lovely, cos you've got the elephants, you've got tigers,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16we've got a lion appearing somewhere, haven't we?
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Yeah, surprisingly.- Not sure what he's doing there.- No, I know.
0:12:20 > 0:12:26It's made round about, I would say, somewhere between 1915 and 1925.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Right.- Something like that.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Well, in fact, that's a silly thing to say,
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- cos it's got 1920 on it...- Yes, that's when it was presented.- 1923.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37So, it's probably made in the ten years before that.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40So, your family, were they out in India?
0:12:40 > 0:12:42My grandfather went out with the military
0:12:42 > 0:12:46before the First World War. Met my grandmother out there,
0:12:46 > 0:12:51returned with her to England, then fought in the First World War.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- Survived, he was in the Royal Horse Artillery...- Oh, blimey.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57..went back out again with the family.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- So, this would have been a present out there.- Yes.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- That really adds to its history, doesn't it?- Yes, it does.- Yeah.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- It's not going to be worth a huge sum of money.- No.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- I think an auction estimate on that needs to be about £200-£300.- Right.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- And I think you should put a reserve on it of about 180.- OK.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Just chip it under the bottom estimate
0:13:18 > 0:13:20and I think that'll do all right.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- Great.- And do you know? Despite what it is, I quite like it.- Yes.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- It's fun, I love the animals. - I'm beginning to like it bit more.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29No, we've got to sell it now, though!
0:13:29 > 0:13:32I think it does have a certain charm.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37There you are, you've just seen them.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Our experts have made a cracking start.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42We found our first items to go under the hammer.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44This is where we up the tempo,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46we're now going to put those valuations to the test.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Here's a quick recap of what we're taking off to auction.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Bob the bobby saved this plaque from the skip
0:13:53 > 0:13:56and I think it might generate a good deal of local interest.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03The Whitefriars Glass vases might not be in tip-top condition,
0:14:03 > 0:14:05but they still look spectacular.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Kay's Indian tea set is really attractive.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Someone is bound to fall in love with it at the auction.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24For today's sale, we've travelled south to the town of Rayleigh
0:14:24 > 0:14:25and the auction house.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33The man in charge today is Mark Stacey, who is sharing the rostrum
0:14:33 > 0:14:35with his brother, Paul.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38At £10.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42The room is full of potential bidders
0:14:42 > 0:14:45and our first lot is from the boys in blue.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Evening, all.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51This is the Essex Constabulary and it is, really,
0:14:51 > 0:14:53because I've just been joined by Bob, who was a policeman.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58- Indeed I was, for 32 years.- And I bet you thoroughly enjoyed that. Yeah?
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- And do you have lots of police memorabilia?- Of course.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Especially your own. It's something you've accumulated over the years.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Well, you brought in a rather lovely plaque for Philip to value.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Totally agree with the valuation, as well.- Yeah.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14We've seen this kind of thing on the show before, haven't we?
0:15:14 > 0:15:15Well, it should...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18It's a big area of collecting and it should do quite well.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22I'm hopeful. It's a little bit fresh, but fingers crossed.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Let's find out what the bidders think. Here we go. This is it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Coming now to lot 580.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34The large, cast-iron sign for the Essex Constabulary. There we are.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- Interest I have, straight in, commission bid's at £55.- Good, good.
0:15:39 > 0:15:4455 is bid. 60 now. At £60 with me. Any advances at 60?
0:15:44 > 0:15:4865, 70, 75 and 80.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- 85 on the telephone, the bid's on the telephone.- Brilliant.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Local interest, this is what it's all about.- Are we all done now?
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Last opportunity, the hammer's up and selling.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58On the telephone at £85.
0:16:00 > 0:16:01Yes, that's what it's all about.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05We can recycle anything you find and well done, Bob.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- And I think... It's because of the history behind it, really.- Yeah.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14Remember that fabulous silver tea set? Well, it's up next.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Kay, any regrets about putting the family silver under the hammer?
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- Just a few, but I've put them aside.- OK.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25But it's something you don't really use now, isn't it?
0:16:25 > 0:16:26Definitely not, I'm afraid.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29It used to be on display, but I haven't got room, really.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- I think the thing with this is I just love the subject.- Yes.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- I think that's what going to sell it, really.- It's rather unusual.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39And this isn't going for scrap, it's definitely not going to scrap.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- Hope not.- Someone's going to enjoy this.- I'd be bothered if it is.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44No, you'll be absolutely fine.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- Someone's going to enjoy it. - I hope so.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Fingers crossed we get that top end of the estimate.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56Lot 95, we have a three-piece, Indian, white metal tea set,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58nice tea set. Two commission bids, I have.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- Oh, look at that. - £170, bid's at 170.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04170 is bid. 180 anywhere?
0:17:04 > 0:17:05Are we all done at £170?
0:17:05 > 0:17:07It's a fair warning. 180, thank you, sir.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10190 against you, 200, 210,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12210 is my bid still. At 210.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15The commission's against you. You finished? One more?
0:17:15 > 0:17:20At £210, my bid, last chance then, please, at £210.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Hammer's going down.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Sold.- Yeah, that's good. I'm pleased with that.- Good?- Yeah.- So am I.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- That's pleased, hasn't it?- Yeah.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30There's a slight tear, isn't there?
0:17:30 > 0:17:34Don't worry about it. As you've said, you've got plenty of things
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- at home.- I have. - Lots of lovely memories.- I have.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- Thank you for bringing that in, Kay.- Not at all.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- Lovely to meet you, as well.- Thank you very much.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46It's always sad to say goodbye, but I'm sure it's going to a good home.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Going under the hammer right now,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50we've got some British 20th-century modern
0:17:50 > 0:17:53and when I mention the word "Whitefriars", you automatically
0:17:53 > 0:17:57think of Geoffrey Baxter, the iconic 1960s and '70s designer.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00I've just been joined by our two owners here,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03where we have three wonderful examples
0:18:03 > 0:18:04of Baxter's designs, don't we?
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- Yes.- Which is your favourite? - I think the banjo.- The banjo.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11The big banjo vase and the little starburst and there's a volcano.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14I think we've got the lot here. And this is what Baxter's so familiar
0:18:14 > 0:18:18with when you look at his work - all the sort of twigs and leaves
0:18:18 > 0:18:20and everything that's put into the mould.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23It says it all, really. It's heavy, moulded glass.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24He was very clever.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26But I like the fact the three together, actually,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28sort of, show the benefits of all of them.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30If you get one on its own, it's dramatic,
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- but three together...- The kingfisher blue, some tangerines. Not a lot of money here.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37200 to 300, I'd like to see double that for this.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Well, I'd like to, but there's a little bit of damage
0:18:39 > 0:18:40on a couple, which will...
0:18:40 > 0:18:42You know, collectors are very particular.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44So, I think that's why we've kept it reasonable.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- Hopefully, it still...- Good luck, let's find out what it's worth.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50They're going under the hammer right now. This is it.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Lot 775, we come to the large Whitefriars banjo glass vase
0:18:54 > 0:18:58and two other Whitefriars vases there. Lot 775.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Commission bid, must start the bidding to clear the book at £300.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- Straight in at the top end. - 310 anywhere? 310.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08320, 330, 340,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11350, 360,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13370, 380,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16390, 400. Be there in a minute.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19410, 420, 430,
0:19:19 > 0:19:21440, 450, I'm out.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Far back at £450.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25460's on the internet.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26470, if you'd like, sir?
0:19:26 > 0:19:30470. 470.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32480, against you.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35490. 490.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38At 490, back of the room at £490.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40500 coming on the phone.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42500, telephone bid. Are you out, sir?
0:19:42 > 0:19:45You're finished. £500, telephone bid. Any advances?
0:19:45 > 0:19:49Last chance then, please, I'm selling at £500.
0:19:49 > 0:19:50Hammer's going down.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56Satisfying result. I thought it was worth double that. Good result.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57Very pleased with that.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- You're going to be happy with that. - Yeah.- There is commission to pay.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Here, it's 20%, that includes all the VAT, all the other hidden costs.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06So, enjoy that money.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Well, I'm pleased with that - what a fantastic result.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Well, that's our first visit to the auction room done and dusted.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16We will be coming back here later on in the programme.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18As you know, today's valuation day
0:20:18 > 0:20:21is taking place at Layer Marney Tower.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25But I've been to another stately home just a few miles down the road,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28to investigate its own fascinating history.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45This is Hylands House just outside Chelmsford.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48And it's a great example of how buildings like this
0:20:48 > 0:20:50don't have to become relics or museums.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53This place has stayed relevant for each generation
0:20:53 > 0:20:55ever since it was built.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57English judge Sir John Comyns
0:20:57 > 0:21:01built the house as a family home in 1730.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05The original design was a red-brick building,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07which was very much the style of the time.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13Now, the majority of grand mansion houses like this one have remained
0:21:13 > 0:21:16in the same family for generations, spanning 300 or 400 years.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20They've become a symbol of power and family permanence. Not this one.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23It was only in the Comyns family for three generations
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and then it was bought and sold on the open market,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29like any other modern house today.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32You can see it bears no resemblance to the original build
0:21:32 > 0:21:35and there's a good reason for this.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39In 1797, the new owner, a Danish merchant,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42engaged the services of Humphry Repton,
0:21:42 > 0:21:43a pupil of Capability Brown,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46to redesign the building and the grounds,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49and what stands today is very much Repton's work.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54White walls and classical columns were now in vogue
0:21:54 > 0:21:57and it's a style that the settlers took with them to America.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Now, does it remind you of anywhere?
0:21:59 > 0:22:02MUSIC: The American National Anthem
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Yes, that's right - the White House.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07You're not the only person to think so,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10because a number of film and TV directors have used Hylands
0:22:10 > 0:22:13to replicate the presidential home.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15But the real story of the building lies inside,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17so let's go and take a look around.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Through the years, various owners have called Hylands home,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26and they've enjoyed its grandeur.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28It has also played an important part
0:22:28 > 0:22:31in the lives of many ordinary people,
0:22:31 > 0:22:35who stayed here in much less pleasant circumstances.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Now, this room was originally the library.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Today, it's used as the boardroom, where meetings take place.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47But between the years of 1914 and 1918, it was known as Ward B.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Like many other great stately homes, they were taken over and adapted
0:22:51 > 0:22:55to be used as military hospitals, to take care of wounded soldiers
0:22:55 > 0:22:56during the First World War.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01And it's believed that 1,500 servicemen were treated here.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06After World War I, the house returned to being a private home.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08But just a few years later,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12Hylands would once again play a vital role on behalf of the country.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18I've arranged to meet Kerry Lowen, estate manager of the house,
0:23:18 > 0:23:20to talk about this period of its history.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25Kerry, why was Hylands so important during the Second World War?
0:23:25 > 0:23:28It was chosen by the SAS to be its headquarters -
0:23:28 > 0:23:31the newly-founded SAS - in 1944.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36And from here, they planned all their exploits overseas.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38So, why did they choose this place?
0:23:38 > 0:23:41It was already marked down by the MOD for the Navy
0:23:41 > 0:23:43and not being that close to the sea...
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- No, we're quite landlocked, aren't we?- We are, very.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50And the SAS were looking for a headquarters.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55We believe that Lieutenant-Colonel Paddy Blair Mayne knew the owner,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- the last owner, Christine Hanbury...- Right, OK.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- ..so, they came here. - There was the correlation.- Yes.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01- OK.- Yes, I believe so.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- And the house was the right size...- Absolutely.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- And the infrastructure, the road system...- Plenty of space.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- It was perfect.- Yes. - There was a lot of land,
0:24:08 > 0:24:10they could actually parachute down to it, couldn't they?
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Yeah! I guess they could. Fortunately, they didn't.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15They did a lot of other things, but not quite that.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17And I'd imagine there some wonderful stories.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I know there's a story you wanted to tell me about this staircase.
0:24:20 > 0:24:21Yes, about the jeep.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25There were two American officers who were visiting,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28and Paddy, he had a bet with them
0:24:28 > 0:24:31that he could get their jeep up this grand staircase.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- Gosh.- So, immediately...
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- It's quite narrow, isn't it, when you look at it?- It is.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38And I must admit, when I heard the story, I didn't believe it myself.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40But actually I've seen a Willys Jeep,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42and actually, you could get it up there.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- And he managed...- Only to that first landing, though...
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Yes, he managed to drive it through the entrance hall
0:24:47 > 0:24:49and up to this first landing.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- Got it stuck, to great cheers of hilarity.- Yeah.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Undeterred, he marched over to the stables,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59which is where the other guys were sleeping,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02because the house was only used for officers and sergeants,
0:25:02 > 0:25:04marched them back over here, eight of them,
0:25:04 > 0:25:08and got them to carry it from there up to the grand staircase landing.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- I bet they were laughing their heads off all the way.- They were.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- They were. And woke Mrs Hanbury up in the process...- She caught them?
0:25:15 > 0:25:19..and she caught them, scolded them severely and sent them to bed.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- That is a great story.- Yeah. Yeah.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Well, you mentioned Mrs Hanbury, the owner of the house.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27How did she get on with the SAS, the troops that were stationed here?
0:25:27 > 0:25:31I think she kept a very close eye on them, and the house itself,
0:25:31 > 0:25:33but actually, I think they got really well,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36because we know that she got invited on more than...
0:25:36 > 0:25:40a couple of times a week to join the officers in the officers' mess,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- which was actually the library.- Mm.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Having lost her own son,
0:25:44 > 0:25:48I think she did keep a, sort of, mothering, watchful eye over them,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51and when they left, and waiting for them all to come back.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55When Christine Hanbury died in the 1960s,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Chelmsford Council took over the property.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00They opened the grounds to the public almost immediately
0:26:00 > 0:26:04and, in the 1980s, started restoration work on the house.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Eventually, the fabric of the building was repaired and restored
0:26:09 > 0:26:14and, soon afterwards, work began on bringing the interior back to life.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18Now, you have to remember that this was a house that was bought and sold
0:26:18 > 0:26:20so many times it didn't have the wealth of content
0:26:20 > 0:26:23that other great historic houses have.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26So, the curators here have worked extremely hard to find objects
0:26:26 > 0:26:28that may have once belonged here -
0:26:28 > 0:26:32like this beautifully-figured walnut longcase clock.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37It was made by Edward Hudson of Chelmsford, a local maker,
0:26:37 > 0:26:41circa 1745. It has two dials.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46The outer dial, which is in brass, the chaptering has Roman numerals.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49The subsidiary dial has been silvered, that's the second hand.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51The beautiful thing about this second hand
0:26:51 > 0:26:54is, every time it moves, a little figure up there
0:26:54 > 0:26:56swings backwards and forwards.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58It's the image of the Grim Reaper,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01reminding us that time is passing by.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03I think that's quite wonderful.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06Hylands House,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10a glorious piece of history that has stood the test of time.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Welcome back to our valuation day here at Layer Marney Tower,
0:27:28 > 0:27:30just outside of Colchester.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32It's now time to join up with our experts
0:27:32 > 0:27:34to see what else we can take off to auction.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36So, it's over to Elizabeth Talbot.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42It's not unusual to have collections of cigarette cards
0:27:42 > 0:27:45brought to Flog It!, but every collection is unique and individual.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47So, Maurice, tell me about yours.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Well, this was collected by my father and my grandfather,
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- between the wars, mainly.- Uh-huh? - And I've inherited them.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57And they've just been in the wardrobe for the last 20 or 30 years,
0:27:57 > 0:27:59and nobody really looks at them,
0:27:59 > 0:28:03so I decided to sort them out and file them up like this.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06So, this is just one book of obviously a much larger collection.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09- How many would you...?- I reckon there's 1,000 in the collection.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13- Really?- There's two catalogues like this and a lot of loose ones.- Yes.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- There's a lot of cards. - There are a lot of cards, yes.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18And some albums, as well, with them stuck in, as well.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21It's fascinating, because there are quite an array
0:28:21 > 0:28:24of different cigarette manufacturers represented in the collection.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27For some smokers, they had one brand that they favoured
0:28:27 > 0:28:28and they stuck to that,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31and that's all that you would find in a collection of cards,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34but this one has everything from the Lambert & Butler,
0:28:34 > 0:28:36right through to Gallahers and all the others.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Some rarer, some more common factories,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40and some of them are not marked at all,
0:28:40 > 0:28:42so it's quite a cross section.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Some of them date from the 19th century -
0:28:44 > 0:28:46so, from, actually, Victorian times...
0:28:46 > 0:28:47Victorian times, that's right.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50People don't always recognise that they date from that early.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52But right through until the '20s and '30s.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56- Have you got any favourites amongst the...?- I have.
0:28:56 > 0:28:57Those, those early ones.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00- These football ones, Gallaher ones. - Oh, the football ones?
0:29:00 > 0:29:02I really like those ones.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06- Yes.- And these rare Crowfoot Cigarettes and those ones there.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- With the animals on? - Yeah, lovely animals, they are.
0:29:09 > 0:29:10So, you've done all the hard work,
0:29:10 > 0:29:13you've laid them out, so people can see nicely what there is,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- and now it's time to sell them. - Now it's time to sell them, yeah.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Cigarette cards, they're not infrequently seen at auction,
0:29:19 > 0:29:24but each collection can attract bidders for different reasons,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26and all it takes is for one collector to be desperately
0:29:26 > 0:29:29chasing a card that they haven't got in their collection
0:29:29 > 0:29:33and another person to be chasing the collection for a different reason,
0:29:33 > 0:29:34because they want this set, that set -
0:29:34 > 0:29:36and you've got that competition,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39which can make it do magical things on the day.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43So, it's quite difficult to be accurate.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47I would recommend an estimate of £100-150 for the collection...
0:29:47 > 0:29:48Yeah, I'm happy with that.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50..and that that we put a £100 reserve on it,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52we put it firm and fixed, so if it doesn't make £100, which,
0:29:52 > 0:29:55gosh, it should do - but if it doesn't, I would put them
0:29:55 > 0:29:57back in the wardrobe and keep them for the future,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00because, you know, it's an insult not to sell them for at least £100.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- OK, I'm happy with that. - That all right?- Yes, OK.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06And then we'll just sit back and see what happens.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Well, that's one to watch at the auction.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12And now over to our resident fashion guru,
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Mr Philip Serrell.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- Peter, how are you doing? - I'm doing fine, thanks.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18- It's a warm day, isn't it? - Phew, yes!
0:30:18 > 0:30:20You've got very appropriate clothing on.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23My daughter'll be killing me now, cos she told me not to wear it!
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Yeah, well, there are shirts, and that is a shirt.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28Did you ever have a part in Hawaii Five-O?
0:30:28 > 0:30:30This is my "No, Dad" shirt.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31"No, Dad, don't wear it."
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- So, you brought these along.- Yes. - I think they're lovely.- Yep.
0:30:35 > 0:30:36This is salt-glazed,
0:30:36 > 0:30:40and it's very much in the shape of a 17th-century German bellarmine,
0:30:40 > 0:30:44but probably English. Stoneware.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- And this is a lovely cobalt blue.- Yes.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50And this, sort of, shrinkage on here is, when it's fired,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53the glaze just shrinks and you get almost, like, this mottled effect.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55And I think they're absolutely lovely,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58but condition is just everything with these.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- And the condition just ain't good, is it?- No.- Why's that, then?
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Well, because it was in the bottom of a swimming pool,
0:31:04 > 0:31:06- laying like that, and a digger caught it.- Oh!
0:31:06 > 0:31:09About 20 foot down in the ground.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11Did you see these the minute the digger caught them, or...?
0:31:11 > 0:31:13That one I did, yeah.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15It glanced off the top and just caught it,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18and then, obviously, we got down into the bottom and started...
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- Having a good dig around. - By hand, and then...
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- Did you find any more? - No. They were the only two in there.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26We dug the rest of the pool, and that was the only two there.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- And when was this? - 25 years ago, easily.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31There was supposed to have been a brewery there.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- Whether there was or not... - That's a lovely story.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35- Yeah, it's great. - Let's leave it at that.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Let's not look into this too deeply, let's just leave it at that.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40I think they're cool things, actually.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42What I really like about that is you've got a loop handle there,
0:31:42 > 0:31:44- so someone has got a strap of clay...- Yeah.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46..they've put it on there
0:31:46 > 0:31:48- and they've just pushed that down like that...- Yeah.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- ..And then it's gone down there, and then it's just...- Thumbprint.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53It's just thumbed. And it's salt glazed,
0:31:53 > 0:31:57because the salt gets chucked in to the kiln at a certain temperature,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59and it gives it that, sort of, mottled, brown finish,
0:31:59 > 0:32:01and I just think they're lovely.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- They're just a bit of fun.- Yeah. - OK? They are just a bit of fun.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07I mean, do you just want to see the back of them or...?
0:32:07 > 0:32:09Yeah, I mean, they've been hanging about for yonks
0:32:09 > 0:32:12and my wife's now fed up with polishing them and cleaning them
0:32:12 > 0:32:13- and...- Yeah.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- Wives have a habit of doing that, don't they?- Yeah.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18- Yeah, they do. - I'm under instructions.- Really?
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- Yeah.- It's a tough life, innit? - It is a tough life.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22- Yeah.- Yep.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26I think that I would put probably a 30-50 estimate on them.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Oh! As much as that?
0:32:28 > 0:32:31And I'd reserve them at 20 quid and keep everything I've got crossed -
0:32:31 > 0:32:33everything I've got crossed.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35And she was hoping to retire!
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Yeah, well, she can...
0:32:38 > 0:32:40but not on the strength of these.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42And I think you should wear that shirt to the auction,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45because that will provide a suitable distraction to the bidders,
0:32:45 > 0:32:47and they're not going to see that damage.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- I'm sure I can find a better one!- Really?
0:32:50 > 0:32:51Oh, all right. OK.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56I love it when people find things like that.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Can anybody tell me what this is?
0:32:58 > 0:33:00I'm sure Elizabeth can.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Sue, I'm intrigued by what you've brought in today.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- To a certain extent it's self-explanatory on the top.- Mm.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09It says here...
0:33:18 > 0:33:20And then, when we open this charming little box,
0:33:20 > 0:33:23which is a work of art in itself, we have...
0:33:23 > 0:33:24..an intriguing object here...
0:33:24 > 0:33:25SUE CHUCKLES
0:33:25 > 0:33:27..and a little bit more information on the lid.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29It's the model of...
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- So, in a way, it's all there for us.- Yes.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- But I have to say, I know nothing about disc dischargers. Do you?- No!
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- Nothing, at all. - How have you come to have it today?
0:33:47 > 0:33:50It was my father's, and I inherited it form him.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52Right, So, did he work for Marconi?
0:33:52 > 0:33:56- No, he worked for Bryant and May's matches.- Oh!
0:33:57 > 0:34:01- And the only thing I can think of is, cos it looks like a lighter...- Yes.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05..somebody gave it to him, because it was something to do with...
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- Smoking ephemera and everything. - Yes, that's right.- OK.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11- Well, OK, it is indeed a little cigarette lighter.- Oh, right.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- A little novelty cigarette lighter.- Yes.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Marconi - the firm Marconi, which was a very important
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- engineering and telegraphic communications company...- Yes.
0:34:21 > 0:34:27..established its roots in Britain in 1897, and G Marconi,
0:34:27 > 0:34:28who established the firm,
0:34:28 > 0:34:33opened up a brand-new factory in Chelmsford, in Hall Street, in 1898.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39In 1912, what happened was they had a very major conference in London
0:34:39 > 0:34:41and they had a very grand dinner at the Savoy Hotel.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- There were about 400 guests, I gather.- Yes.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48200 or so of those, which were the gentlemen,
0:34:48 > 0:34:53received, in honour of that occasion, a table lighter.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54- Oh, right.- In this presentation box.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- Yes.- The ladies received a perfume bottle.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58I don't know what the perfume bottles looked like,
0:34:58 > 0:35:00but I'm sure they were very nice.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02For anyone who collects cigarette lighters,
0:35:02 > 0:35:06- this is an amazing piece to add to a collection.- Right.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08It's on this lovely little marble base,
0:35:08 > 0:35:12and then the integral parts of it are all hallmarked silver.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- Yes.- No expense spared.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17And some beautifully-turned early Bakelite pieces,
0:35:17 > 0:35:21just to add the handles and the little fitments.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26Now, I have actually seen these sell for anything between £200...
0:35:27 > 0:35:30..to as much as £500.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31Oh! How fantastic!
0:35:31 > 0:35:34What isn't clear is quite why, on one day, someone's only prepared
0:35:34 > 0:35:37to pay 200 and, on another day, there's a competition to make £500.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40But that is kind of the ballpark area we'd be looking at.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42So, I think we should enter it for auction
0:35:42 > 0:35:45somewhere between £200-400 - nice, wide girth on that one.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Yes. Yes.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49- With a reserve of £200. - That's fabulous!
0:35:49 > 0:35:51OK, we'll put £200 firm on it,
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- and put it out there and see what reaction we get.- Yes.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Any ideas what you might invest or spend the money on?
0:35:58 > 0:36:02Yes, I think I'll go out, take my friends out for a really nice meal.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Good slap-up meal. Oh, well, good for you.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06- Well, they had a lovely meal when this was presented...- Yes.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08..so when you sell it you can have a lovely meal.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10Nice full circle, happy end to the story.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- That's right.- Fingers crossed, we'll achieve that for you, then.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18An interesting item there from a famous local name.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Well, what a fabulous day we have had here at Layer Marney Tower
0:36:22 > 0:36:25and we found some items worthy of such a historic setting.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27It's certainly done us proud.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29But right now, it's time to say goodbye
0:36:29 > 0:36:30to this magnificent location,
0:36:30 > 0:36:33as we head over to auction for the very last time today.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36And fingers crossed for one or two surprises.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38And here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42There's always collectors for cigarette cards,
0:36:42 > 0:36:44so Maurice's collection will do well.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49I liked Peter's stoneware jugs,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52and the story of how he found them was first class.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59Elizabeth has unravelled the mystery of the Marconi lighter for us,
0:36:59 > 0:37:03and valued it between £200-400.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09We're heading back to Rayleigh in Essex,
0:37:09 > 0:37:11where our sale is taking place.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15Let's find out what auctioneer Mark Stacey makes of Sue's lighter.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18There should be local interest with this little lot,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21our little Marconi lighter, belonging to Sue.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24This was her father's, and I don't really think they've used it.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27I really don't It doesn't look like it, does it?
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- No, not really.- Cos it's still in its presentation box,
0:37:29 > 0:37:30and it looks immaculate.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33How many of these do you think are knocking around?
0:37:33 > 0:37:35We'll, we've sold two over the last five years.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37- So, not that many. - So, not that many.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Obviously, being local, as well,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41but we do know that only 200 were ever given out.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- We've got £200-400 on this.- OK. - Do you think you'll get double that?
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Not double, no.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49I think the box is a little bit tired, the actual article itself -
0:37:49 > 0:37:50- it's not in pristine condition.- No.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53So, down the middle. £300.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- Really?- Yeah. - That's not a lot of money, is it?
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Not really, for what it is,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59but I think that's the way the market will be,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02and hopefully, we'll maybe get a little bit more.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Well, I'm hoping for a lot more than £300.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- Well, me too, but I think that's what we'd make.- OK.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Well, we'll find out who's right later,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14but first we have a bit of nostalgia up for grabs.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17I've just been joined by our next owner, Maurice,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19and our expert Elizabeth.
0:38:19 > 0:38:20Going under the hammer right now
0:38:20 > 0:38:22we've got a collection of cigarette cards.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24All of these are loose, thank goodness,
0:38:24 > 0:38:25they're all in the sleeves.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- They are.- And that's why we're looking at around £100-150.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- Yes. And there's lots of them. - Great albums.- Lots of them.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Right, let's find out what the bidders think.
0:38:32 > 0:38:33Here we go.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Moving on, lot 590,
0:38:36 > 0:38:39large collection of cigarette cards including Wills, Players.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Two albums, and there's two boxes there, as well.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44I have two commission bids and I must start the bidding at £80.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47Bids at £80, 95 anywhere?
0:38:47 > 0:38:49At £80, bid. 85, thank you, sir.
0:38:49 > 0:38:5190's on the internet.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Against you, 95. At £95, now.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55It's in the room at 95.
0:38:55 > 0:38:56Come on, come on.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58100 on the internet against you, sir.
0:38:58 > 0:38:59110.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01110 is bid. 110 now.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04In the room against you on the internet. One more?
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Are you all finished, then, at £110?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09It's in the room, and I shall sell at £110.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Hammer's going down.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- They've gone. Gone within estimate. - Yes, I'm happy with that.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17If they'd been stuck down - £20.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20He says. They sell them much lower than that.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- Yes, definitely. So, well done. - Thanks a lot.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- Thank you for bringing them in. - Yeah, thanks for that.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Another happy customer.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32Do you remember Peter and his fantastic Hawaiian shirt?
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Well, here he is again.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38A wonderful little lot going under the hammer right now -
0:39:38 > 0:39:41two 19th-Century stoneware flagons, belonging to Peter
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- and his wife Tiggy, who we didn't meet at the valuation day.- No.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Thank you for turning up today.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- I feel we will get that top bid. - I hope so, they're lovely things.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- I like the salt glaze one. - Lovely texture to the body.
0:39:51 > 0:39:52Right, let's find out what the bidders think.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55They're going under the hammer right now. This is it.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Lot 745, we come now to small stoneware flagons, as catalogued.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02Where we going to be with this lot? 10 to start us, 10.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04A cheap lot for £10. 10 bid, thank you, sir.
0:40:04 > 0:40:0512, anywhere?
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Are we all done at 10?
0:40:07 > 0:40:0812, 14, 16.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10And 16, and 18, now.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14£18. Are we all done? Fair warning, I'm selling at 18.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Hammer's going down.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- Well, he sold. He sold at 18. - I can retire on that.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- Absolutely right. - But I tell you what, though,
0:40:21 > 0:40:24you've had the pleasure of finding them, cleaning them
0:40:24 > 0:40:27and owning them, and I think that's where the value is, really.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- You saved them, that's the thing. - Yeah. They're back in circulation.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31- Exactly.- Absolutely right.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Back in circulation - nice thought.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Going under the hammer right now, my favourite lot in the entire sale.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43It's that Marconi disc discharger lighter.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47A little novelty thing, it is fantastic. Made in 1912.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Sue, I don't know why you're selling it. I think you should keep this.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53I know it's too late now, but you've obviously had your fun with it.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- Yes. Yes, yes. - Lots of memories, as well?
0:40:55 > 0:40:57Yes, absolutely.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00I just wish I knew exactly what it was and what it did.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02How it was used, yes. It's a bit of a mystery, isn't it?
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Shall we find out what they think?
0:41:04 > 0:41:08Yes, come on, then. It's over to Mark Stacey. Here we go.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Lot 111, we come now to the silver Marconi disc discharger,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14as catalogued. There we are. Unusual little lot, there.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Two commission bids I have,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19I must start the bidding, to clear the book, at £240.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21- The bid's at 240. - Brilliant.- 250 bid.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24260, 270, 280.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26290, 300.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30310, I am out. At £310. Bid's on my left at 310.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32320 on the internet.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Against you. 330, the internet's running.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Two bidders on the internet.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38340, now. At £340.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- Coming back in, sir? One more?- Yes.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42350. 360 against you.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- Sue, this is fabulous.- Unbelievable.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47At 370. 380.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50390. 390, in the room at 390.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53400 on the internet. At 400. You finished, sir?
0:41:53 > 0:41:55- Yes.- One more?- No, thanks.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58At £400. Another internet bidder. 410. Moving up.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Oh, this is turning out to be valuable, isn't it?!
0:42:01 > 0:42:02420.
0:42:02 > 0:42:03£420!
0:42:03 > 0:42:07430 bid. At £430. All on the internet, at 430.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09One more internet bidder, 440.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10450.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12One more.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- This is the power of the internet, isn't it?- Yeah, it is.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17And something that can be posted in bubble wrap.
0:42:17 > 0:42:18At £460, now. 470.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21470, now.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24Have we all finished on the internet, now? Fair warning. 480.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26490.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28490.
0:42:28 > 0:42:29One more, round it up.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33500, thank you.
0:42:33 > 0:42:34550 now.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36550 is bid.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38At 550.
0:42:39 > 0:42:40Have you finished?
0:42:40 > 0:42:44At £550. Last chance, then, please, internet bidders.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45One more?
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Selling, then, at £550.
0:42:48 > 0:42:49Are we all done?
0:42:49 > 0:42:51Yes!
0:42:51 > 0:42:55That's why I love auctions. Well done, Sue. Well done, Elizabeth.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- £550 - a lot more than we all thought.- Yes.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Wow. Wow. It's the Marconi interest, isn't it? I mean, it really is.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04Fantastic.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06And, of course, there was the local connection,
0:43:06 > 0:43:09- but that went on the internet.- Yeah, two bidders in the internet, yeah.
0:43:09 > 0:43:10- Well!- I can't believe it.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12I know there's commission to pay, here, It's 20%,
0:43:12 > 0:43:13that's inclusive of VAT,
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- but it's still a lot of money, isn't it?- It is.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18- It really is.- Yeah. - Have we made you day?
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- You have, indeed.- Ahh. And I hope we've made your day, as well!
0:43:21 > 0:43:24Please join us again for many more Flog Its to come,
0:43:24 > 0:43:25and, hopefully, many more surprises.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28But, from Essex, it's goodbye from all of us.