Essex 56 Flog It!


Essex 56

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Today, we're in rural Essex,

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just outside of Britain's oldest recorded town, Colchester.

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It predates the Roman invasion.

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But it's its modern-day inhabitants and their antiques

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who will be the stars of today's show.

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Welcome to "Flog It!"

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The county of Essex is home to over 1.5 million people,

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and, although largely agricultural,

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it forms a major part of the London commuter belt.

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Today's programme's taking place in

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one of the most impressive buildings in the area, Layer Marney Tower.

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And later on in the programme I'll be meeting the family who live here.

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But, right now, all of these people, hundreds of them,

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who have turned up at our valuation day have items of their own

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with histories that need investigating,

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and I know just the people to do it - our experts.

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'The knowledgeable Elizabeth Talbot.'

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It's always the colour, isn't it?

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Look at this, matches your eyes, Philip.

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-What, gold?

-Blue.

-Oh, right.

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'And the ever-charming Philip Serrell.'

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It's probably Edwardian.

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Bloke brought me a potato once to "Flog It!"

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And he said, "Has that got any age?" I said, "No, I don't think so. Why?"

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He said, "I thought it was King Edward's."

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'So, without further ado, let's put our experts to work.

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'And, as everybody takes their seats,

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'here's a taste of what's coming up.'

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'Philip gets a visit from the police.'

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How do you know all this about this?

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Well, I was a serving police officer for 32 years.

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-HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

-Right, fine.

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It's at this point that I think I should caution you.

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'And Elizabeth comes across this mystery object.'

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We have an intriguing object here.

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'Stay with us to find out what it is.

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'The house is known for its fabulous gardens.

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'Luckily, we have the perfect weather today

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'to make full use of them.'

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Construction started on this magnificent building in 1518

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and since then it's welcomed many guests, including Henry VIII.

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But today sees a first in its long list of achievements -

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a "Flog It!" valuation day.

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And, judging by the sound of this crowd,

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our experts really do have their work cut out.

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So let's catch up with them right now.

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'First up, that heritage police badge.'

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-How are you, Bob?

-I'm very well, Philip, thank you.

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-Nice to see you in the flesh.

-There's enough of it, isn't there?

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-I didn't say that, you did!

-It's a lovely day, isn't it?

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-Have you come far?

-About 22 miles, that's all.

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Tell me about the Essex Constabulary.

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Where's that come from, then?

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Well, years ago, and I mean many years ago,

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these badges were put on houses in the community

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-where police officers lived.

-Really?

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So that it gave people who lived in the community

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an idea where to find a bobby if they wanted one.

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So, this, in rural Essex, this would have been up on an ordinary house...

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-Yes, that's right.

-..and you knew the local bobby lived in there.

-Yeah.

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How do you know all this about this?

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Well, I was a serving police officer for 32 years.

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-HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

-Right, fine.

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When they were taken away from police houses,

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when most of the policemen moved into police-owned accommodation,

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these were taken down

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-as the houses were vacated and they were put in store.

-Yeah.

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-Police headquarters.

-Yeah.

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And one day there was a fire, which destroyed the store.

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Wouldn't destroy these.

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It didn't destroy them, but, of course, it burnt the paint off.

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And they were just scrapped.

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-Really?

-Yeah.

-So, you got this out of a skip or something?

-Yeah.

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-So you've actually saved an object, haven't you?

-I have, really, yes.

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-And restored it.

-And so the paint is new.

-Yes, it is.

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-Were these the original colours?

-Yes.

-OK.

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So you, basically, something with a bit of history,

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bit of local history...

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Yeah, because it's made at Maldon Ironworks.

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-Now tell me... How do we know that?

-Because it says so on the back.

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Oh, blimey O'Reilly. There we are, look, Maldon Ironworks.

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That's lovely, isn't it?

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From looking at this,

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I would think this is very much 20th-century, in a way, isn't it?

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-Early 20th century.

-Yeah, sort of, 1910, 1920, that sort of era.

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But by the '50s, when I joined the service,

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they were virtually all gone.

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In my eyes, this is going to appeal to two people.

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It's going to appeal to someone who collects Essex memorabilia

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and it's going to appeal to someone who collects police memorabilia.

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Correct, yeah.

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I think it's going to make between £80 and £120.

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-The auctioneer's...

-The auctioneer's friend.

-Yeah, the standard price!

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Whilst I think it's going to make £80 to £120,

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I would put a reserve on it of £50 and I'd estimate it at 60 to 90.

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-Right.

-And I'll be quite philosophical and I'd say,

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"Well, OK, fine. I've enjoyed it, I've owned it",

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and it's a great story with you

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and if it makes 50 quid, OK, it would be nice to get a bit more,

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-but it's... We can move on.

-Right.

-That's what I would do.

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But what would you be happy with?

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-Well, I'll be guided by you.

-So if we put 50...

-£50 reserve.

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£50 fixed reserve. 60 to 90 estimate.

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As I say, I hope it should make 80 to 120, but I love it.

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'Well, I'm glad to see the police have finally caught up with Philip.'

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Phil The Fence!

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Elizabeth has found a splash of colour in the rose garden.

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David and June, you've brought some colourful

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and actually very recognisable glass to us today.

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What can you tell me about your pieces?

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Well, these pieces come from my late cousin's house. He died in April.

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We brought them home.

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So, we really can't tell you too much about the history -

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where were they were bought, or who bought them?

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But did you bring them back from the home because you particularly

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liked them yourselves or it was part of your inheritance from his estate?

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Yes, we did talk about, the family, about who would like the vases.

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This large one, the banjo one, really needs somewhere to display it.

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It's a big piece, isn't it?

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No-one of the family or beneficiaries really found anywhere to put it.

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I mean, when it was in Stephen's house,

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he had a window on the landing with a deep shelf.

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And the sun shone through that and it's just an ideal place to put it.

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But we can't, so we decided that perhaps we'll sell it.

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-Can't do it justice in the same way.

-No, no.

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Fair enough. Well, just to tell you a little bit about it -

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Whitefriars is a name familiar to many people.

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We see it on "Flog It!" fairly often.

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They were designed by Geoffrey Baxter, as you say,

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and he launched his what's called the Textured Range in 1967.

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And he was experimental.

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He used to have a go with different things to make the moulds,

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from which he then took the glass formations.

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Things like bark and metal and wire and such.

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So it's quite a clever combination of concept and artistic eye, really.

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The larger of the vases on the table is known as the banjo vase.

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This one was made in different sizes,

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to my knowledge this is the largest

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and one of the rarest sizes on the market.

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The other kingfisher-blue piece is a volcano vase.

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And the little sunburst one is in a colour called tangerine.

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So, obviously, as you appreciate, condition is everything and

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I must point out a couple of things which you are probably well aware of

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and that is that the banjo vase does have an internal crack.

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The vase is made of very thick moulded glass

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and, inside one of the elements, there is a crack that is visible.

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In terms of the sunburst vase, there is a little dent,

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it looks like it's had an impact or fallen over or something

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and just grazed the front of it.

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It is important to point that out,

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because, for a collector, they will rate it from the condition it's in.

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So I would advise that be sensible with all of the facts

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that we've talked about, that the auction should be approached with

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an estimate of £200 to £300 for the three pieces together.

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That we place a reserve of £200 on them, leave that as a firm reserve,

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so you know where you stand in terms of the safety-net element.

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If the market has changed, significantly,

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in the direction between now and the auction,

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then hopefully that will be borne out on the day.

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-We'll watch with interest.

-Thank you.

-Thank you very much indeed.

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'Perhaps not for the collectors,

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'but what a bargain for the design enthusiasts.'

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Layer Marney Tower isn't just an important, historic building,

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it's also a family home.

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And two of the current members of the family are right here,

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right now. Nick, good to see you, and his daughter, Alice. Hi.

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-Now, Nick, you grew up here and your parents bought this house.

-Yes.

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That must have been quite incredible at such a young age.

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Well, I was actually born here in the bedroom that we live in,

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sleep in, whatever now.

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So it's all I've ever known and I think that probably takes away

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-some of the glamour, because you just get used to it.

-Sure, sure.

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What made your parents buy this building?

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-Were they after an historic building to do up?

-No, they weren't.

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They were married in the church next door in 1957.

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And my father was out in South Yemen, what used to be called Aden,

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posted out of there with the Army.

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And my mother wrote to him and said, "Layer Marney's come up for sale."

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-"We've got to buy it."

-No, she didn't. She just said, "It's come up for sale,"

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just because by the by and, "your daughter Victoria's well,"

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and this and that. And he wrote back and said, "Buy it."

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She bought it...against everybody's advice.

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Well, Alice, I notice you're wearing a "Flog It!" T-shirt.

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-You're helping out with us today.

-Yeah, yeah.

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-What was it like growing up here for you?

-It was fantastic.

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-It's the perfect, perfect place to grow up.

-Play hide and seek.

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Play hide and seek! Hide and seek, sardines.

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The second floor, you have to limit it by floor,

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because otherwise you'll just never find people.

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And the second floor is easily the best floor to sort of play in.

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What about all your school friends? Did they all want to come and have sleepovers?

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-And explore and get lost...

-Great parties.

-Great parties!

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-Really great parties!

-Poor, old dad.

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Thank you for taking time for talking.

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-Cos I know we've got work to do!

-Yes!

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Shall we get on with it? Come on.

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'Over to Phil, who is taking us from wild parties

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'to afternoon tea parties.'

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Kay, where's this been?

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-Wrapped up in the bottom of a wardrobe.

-Why?

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Well, I don't think I want to be polishing it

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and also I haven't got anywhere really to display it.

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I can see you don't want to be polishing it!

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-Look at this! It's blooming green, look!

-It is, isn't it?

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"To Dad and Mother on their silver wedding, 21st of November, 1923."

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Whose Dad and Mother?

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My father's. My grandparents.

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-Your grandparents?

-Yes.

-So this is your grandparents' tea set?

-Yes.

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And you want to flog it?

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-Yes.

-Why is that?

-Well, it's just lying there, gathering dust.

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And, you know, I've got five bright grandchildren, so...

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So they're all going to have a share of a tea set?

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Well, yes, that's right. There's only three pieces there.

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I think it's interesting the way that times have changed, you know.

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Because this, in my eyes, this has gone through a variety

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of different sort of lives in its 80 or 100 years.

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-This is Indian. We've got this chap here with a gun.

-I know.

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I would think he's either lion or tiger shooting or elephant shooting.

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Yeah, afraid so.

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-I mean, all that.. And that was all glorified, wasn't it?

-Very much so.

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-It was a sport.

-It was a sport. And it's horrid, really, to think about.

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-Dreadful.

-But, nonetheless, it's there.

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And we can't change history.

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Then, these things come out,

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because the price of silver has rocketed. Absolutely rocketed.

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So I believe.

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-And this is worth more now than it was perhaps five years ago.

-Really?

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-A lot more. More than double.

-Gosh.

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And that's simply because of the price of scrap silver.

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I'm not suggesting that these would necessarily be scrapped,

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-but it's the base price.

-Yes.

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I don't like the chap shooting the animals, but I quite like...

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-It almost reminds me of a Noah's Ark...

-That's right.

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..or, you know, Dr Dolittle and the animals.

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It's lovely, cos you've got the elephants, you've got tigers,

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we've got a lion appearing somewhere, haven't we?

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-Yeah, surprisingly.

-Not sure what he's doing there.

-No, I know.

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It's made round about, I would say, somewhere between 1915 and 1925.

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-Right.

-Something like that.

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Well, in fact, that's a silly thing to say,

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-cos it's got 1920 on it...

-Yes, that's when it was presented.

-1923.

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So, it's probably made in the ten years before that.

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So, your family, were they out in India?

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My grandfather went out with the military

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before the First World War. Met my grandmother out there,

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returned with her to England, then fought in the First World War.

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-Survived, he was in the Royal Horse Artillery...

-Oh, blimey.

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..went back out again with the family.

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-So, this would have been a present out there.

-Yes.

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-That really adds to its history, doesn't it?

-Yes, it does.

-Yeah.

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-It's not going to be worth a huge sum of money.

-No.

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-I think an auction estimate on that needs to be about £200-£300.

-Right.

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-And I think you should put a reserve on it of about 180.

-OK.

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Just chip it under the bottom estimate

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and I think that'll do all right.

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-Great.

-And do you know? Despite what it is, I quite like it.

-Yes.

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-It's fun, I love the animals.

-I'm beginning to like it bit more.

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No, we've got to sell it now, though!

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I think it does have a certain charm.

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There you are, you've just seen them.

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Our experts have made a cracking start.

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We found our first items to go under the hammer.

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This is where we up the tempo,

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we're now going to put those valuations to the test.

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Here's a quick recap of what we're taking off to auction.

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Bob the bobby saved this plaque from the skip

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and I think it might generate a good deal of local interest.

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The Whitefriars Glass vases might not be in tip-top condition,

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but they still look spectacular.

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Kay's Indian tea set is really attractive.

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Someone is bound to fall in love with it at the auction.

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For today's sale, we've travelled south to the town of Rayleigh

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and the auction house.

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The man in charge today is Mark Stacey, who is sharing the rostrum

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with his brother, Paul.

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At £10.

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The room is full of potential bidders

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and our first lot is from the boys in blue.

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Evening, all.

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This is the Essex Constabulary and it is, really,

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because I've just been joined by Bob, who was a policeman.

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-Indeed I was, for 32 years.

-And I bet you thoroughly enjoyed that. Yeah?

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-And do you have lots of police memorabilia?

-Of course.

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Especially your own. It's something you've accumulated over the years.

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Well, you brought in a rather lovely plaque for Philip to value.

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-Totally agree with the valuation, as well.

-Yeah.

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We've seen this kind of thing on the show before, haven't we?

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Well, it should...

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It's a big area of collecting and it should do quite well.

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I'm hopeful. It's a little bit fresh, but fingers crossed.

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Let's find out what the bidders think. Here we go. This is it.

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Coming now to lot 580.

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The large, cast-iron sign for the Essex Constabulary. There we are.

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-Interest I have, straight in, commission bid's at £55.

-Good, good.

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55 is bid. 60 now. At £60 with me. Any advances at 60?

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65, 70, 75 and 80.

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-85 on the telephone, the bid's on the telephone.

-Brilliant.

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-Local interest, this is what it's all about.

-Are we all done now?

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Last opportunity, the hammer's up and selling.

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On the telephone at £85.

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Yes, that's what it's all about.

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We can recycle anything you find and well done, Bob.

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-And I think... It's because of the history behind it, really.

-Yeah.

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Remember that fabulous silver tea set? Well, it's up next.

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Kay, any regrets about putting the family silver under the hammer?

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-Just a few, but I've put them aside.

-OK.

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But it's something you don't really use now, isn't it?

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Definitely not, I'm afraid.

0:16:250:16:26

It used to be on display, but I haven't got room, really.

0:16:260:16:29

-I think the thing with this is I just love the subject.

-Yes.

0:16:290:16:32

-I think that's what going to sell it, really.

-It's rather unusual.

0:16:320:16:35

And this isn't going for scrap, it's definitely not going to scrap.

0:16:350:16:39

-Hope not.

-Someone's going to enjoy this.

-I'd be bothered if it is.

0:16:390:16:42

No, you'll be absolutely fine.

0:16:420:16:44

-Someone's going to enjoy it.

-I hope so.

0:16:440:16:46

Fingers crossed we get that top end of the estimate.

0:16:460:16:49

Let's find out what the bidders think.

0:16:490:16:51

Lot 95, we have a three-piece, Indian, white metal tea set,

0:16:510:16:56

nice tea set. Two commission bids, I have.

0:16:560:16:58

-Oh, look at that.

-£170, bid's at 170.

0:16:580:17:01

170 is bid. 180 anywhere?

0:17:010:17:04

Are we all done at £170?

0:17:040:17:05

It's a fair warning. 180, thank you, sir.

0:17:050:17:07

190 against you, 200, 210,

0:17:070:17:10

210 is my bid still. At 210.

0:17:100:17:12

The commission's against you. You finished? One more?

0:17:120:17:15

At £210, my bid, last chance then, please, at £210.

0:17:150:17:20

Hammer's going down.

0:17:200:17:23

-Sold.

-Yeah, that's good. I'm pleased with that.

-Good?

-Yeah.

-So am I.

0:17:230:17:26

-That's pleased, hasn't it?

-Yeah.

0:17:260:17:28

There's a slight tear, isn't there?

0:17:280:17:30

Don't worry about it. As you've said, you've got plenty of things

0:17:300:17:34

-at home.

-I have.

-Lots of lovely memories.

-I have.

0:17:340:17:36

-Thank you for bringing that in, Kay.

-Not at all.

0:17:360:17:38

-Lovely to meet you, as well.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

0:17:380:17:41

It's always sad to say goodbye, but I'm sure it's going to a good home.

0:17:410:17:46

Going under the hammer right now,

0:17:460:17:48

we've got some British 20th-century modern

0:17:480:17:50

and when I mention the word "Whitefriars", you automatically

0:17:500:17:53

think of Geoffrey Baxter, the iconic 1960s and '70s designer.

0:17:530:17:57

I've just been joined by our two owners here,

0:17:570:18:00

where we have three wonderful examples

0:18:000:18:03

of Baxter's designs, don't we?

0:18:030:18:04

-Yes.

-Which is your favourite?

-I think the banjo.

-The banjo.

0:18:040:18:08

The big banjo vase and the little starburst and there's a volcano.

0:18:080:18:11

I think we've got the lot here. And this is what Baxter's so familiar

0:18:110:18:14

with when you look at his work - all the sort of twigs and leaves

0:18:140:18:18

and everything that's put into the mould.

0:18:180:18:20

It says it all, really. It's heavy, moulded glass.

0:18:200:18:23

He was very clever.

0:18:230:18:24

But I like the fact the three together, actually,

0:18:240:18:26

sort of, show the benefits of all of them.

0:18:260:18:28

If you get one on its own, it's dramatic,

0:18:280:18:30

-but three together...

-The kingfisher blue, some tangerines. Not a lot of money here.

0:18:300:18:34

200 to 300, I'd like to see double that for this.

0:18:340:18:37

Well, I'd like to, but there's a little bit of damage

0:18:370:18:39

on a couple, which will...

0:18:390:18:40

You know, collectors are very particular.

0:18:400:18:42

So, I think that's why we've kept it reasonable.

0:18:420:18:44

-Hopefully, it still...

-Good luck, let's find out what it's worth.

0:18:440:18:47

They're going under the hammer right now. This is it.

0:18:470:18:50

Lot 775, we come to the large Whitefriars banjo glass vase

0:18:500:18:54

and two other Whitefriars vases there. Lot 775.

0:18:540:18:58

Commission bid, must start the bidding to clear the book at £300.

0:18:580:19:02

-Straight in at the top end.

-310 anywhere? 310.

0:19:020:19:05

320, 330, 340,

0:19:050:19:08

350, 360,

0:19:080:19:11

370, 380,

0:19:110:19:13

390, 400. Be there in a minute.

0:19:130:19:16

410, 420, 430,

0:19:160:19:19

440, 450, I'm out.

0:19:190:19:21

Far back at £450.

0:19:210:19:23

460's on the internet.

0:19:230:19:25

470, if you'd like, sir?

0:19:250:19:26

470. 470.

0:19:260:19:30

480, against you.

0:19:300:19:32

490. 490.

0:19:320:19:35

At 490, back of the room at £490.

0:19:350:19:38

500 coming on the phone.

0:19:380:19:40

500, telephone bid. Are you out, sir?

0:19:400:19:42

You're finished. £500, telephone bid. Any advances?

0:19:420:19:45

Last chance then, please, I'm selling at £500.

0:19:450:19:49

Hammer's going down.

0:19:490:19:50

Satisfying result. I thought it was worth double that. Good result.

0:19:510:19:56

Very pleased with that.

0:19:560:19:57

-You're going to be happy with that.

-Yeah.

-There is commission to pay.

0:19:570:20:00

Here, it's 20%, that includes all the VAT, all the other hidden costs.

0:20:000:20:04

So, enjoy that money.

0:20:040:20:06

Well, I'm pleased with that - what a fantastic result.

0:20:060:20:10

Well, that's our first visit to the auction room done and dusted.

0:20:100:20:13

We will be coming back here later on in the programme.

0:20:130:20:16

As you know, today's valuation day

0:20:160:20:18

is taking place at Layer Marney Tower.

0:20:180:20:21

But I've been to another stately home just a few miles down the road,

0:20:210:20:25

to investigate its own fascinating history.

0:20:250:20:28

This is Hylands House just outside Chelmsford.

0:20:420:20:45

And it's a great example of how buildings like this

0:20:450:20:48

don't have to become relics or museums.

0:20:480:20:50

This place has stayed relevant for each generation

0:20:500:20:53

ever since it was built.

0:20:530:20:55

English judge Sir John Comyns

0:20:550:20:57

built the house as a family home in 1730.

0:20:570:21:01

The original design was a red-brick building,

0:21:020:21:05

which was very much the style of the time.

0:21:050:21:07

Now, the majority of grand mansion houses like this one have remained

0:21:090:21:13

in the same family for generations, spanning 300 or 400 years.

0:21:130:21:16

They've become a symbol of power and family permanence. Not this one.

0:21:160:21:20

It was only in the Comyns family for three generations

0:21:200:21:23

and then it was bought and sold on the open market,

0:21:230:21:26

like any other modern house today.

0:21:260:21:29

You can see it bears no resemblance to the original build

0:21:290:21:32

and there's a good reason for this.

0:21:320:21:35

In 1797, the new owner, a Danish merchant,

0:21:350:21:39

engaged the services of Humphry Repton,

0:21:390:21:42

a pupil of Capability Brown,

0:21:420:21:43

to redesign the building and the grounds,

0:21:430:21:46

and what stands today is very much Repton's work.

0:21:460:21:49

White walls and classical columns were now in vogue

0:21:500:21:54

and it's a style that the settlers took with them to America.

0:21:540:21:57

Now, does it remind you of anywhere?

0:21:570:21:59

MUSIC: The American National Anthem

0:21:590:22:02

Yes, that's right - the White House.

0:22:020:22:04

You're not the only person to think so,

0:22:040:22:07

because a number of film and TV directors have used Hylands

0:22:070:22:10

to replicate the presidential home.

0:22:100:22:13

But the real story of the building lies inside,

0:22:130:22:15

so let's go and take a look around.

0:22:150:22:17

Through the years, various owners have called Hylands home,

0:22:210:22:24

and they've enjoyed its grandeur.

0:22:240:22:26

It has also played an important part

0:22:260:22:28

in the lives of many ordinary people,

0:22:280:22:31

who stayed here in much less pleasant circumstances.

0:22:310:22:35

Now, this room was originally the library.

0:22:370:22:39

Today, it's used as the boardroom, where meetings take place.

0:22:390:22:42

But between the years of 1914 and 1918, it was known as Ward B.

0:22:420:22:47

Like many other great stately homes, they were taken over and adapted

0:22:470:22:51

to be used as military hospitals, to take care of wounded soldiers

0:22:510:22:55

during the First World War.

0:22:550:22:56

And it's believed that 1,500 servicemen were treated here.

0:22:560:23:01

After World War I, the house returned to being a private home.

0:23:030:23:06

But just a few years later,

0:23:060:23:08

Hylands would once again play a vital role on behalf of the country.

0:23:080:23:12

I've arranged to meet Kerry Lowen, estate manager of the house,

0:23:140:23:18

to talk about this period of its history.

0:23:180:23:20

Kerry, why was Hylands so important during the Second World War?

0:23:210:23:25

It was chosen by the SAS to be its headquarters -

0:23:250:23:28

the newly-founded SAS - in 1944.

0:23:280:23:31

And from here, they planned all their exploits overseas.

0:23:310:23:36

So, why did they choose this place?

0:23:360:23:38

It was already marked down by the MOD for the Navy

0:23:380:23:41

and not being that close to the sea...

0:23:410:23:43

-No, we're quite landlocked, aren't we?

-We are, very.

0:23:430:23:46

And the SAS were looking for a headquarters.

0:23:460:23:50

We believe that Lieutenant-Colonel Paddy Blair Mayne knew the owner,

0:23:500:23:55

-the last owner, Christine Hanbury...

-Right, OK.

0:23:550:23:57

-..so, they came here.

-There was the correlation.

-Yes.

0:23:570:24:00

-OK.

-Yes, I believe so.

0:24:000:24:01

-And the house was the right size...

-Absolutely.

0:24:010:24:03

-And the infrastructure, the road system...

-Plenty of space.

0:24:030:24:06

-It was perfect.

-Yes.

-There was a lot of land,

0:24:060:24:08

they could actually parachute down to it, couldn't they?

0:24:080:24:10

Yeah! I guess they could. Fortunately, they didn't.

0:24:100:24:13

They did a lot of other things, but not quite that.

0:24:130:24:15

And I'd imagine there some wonderful stories.

0:24:150:24:17

I know there's a story you wanted to tell me about this staircase.

0:24:170:24:20

Yes, about the jeep.

0:24:200:24:21

There were two American officers who were visiting,

0:24:210:24:25

and Paddy, he had a bet with them

0:24:250:24:28

that he could get their jeep up this grand staircase.

0:24:280:24:31

-Gosh.

-So, immediately...

0:24:310:24:33

-It's quite narrow, isn't it, when you look at it?

-It is.

0:24:330:24:35

And I must admit, when I heard the story, I didn't believe it myself.

0:24:350:24:38

But actually I've seen a Willys Jeep,

0:24:380:24:40

and actually, you could get it up there.

0:24:400:24:42

-And he managed...

-Only to that first landing, though...

0:24:420:24:44

Yes, he managed to drive it through the entrance hall

0:24:440:24:47

and up to this first landing.

0:24:470:24:49

-Got it stuck, to great cheers of hilarity.

-Yeah.

0:24:490:24:53

Undeterred, he marched over to the stables,

0:24:530:24:56

which is where the other guys were sleeping,

0:24:560:24:59

because the house was only used for officers and sergeants,

0:24:590:25:02

marched them back over here, eight of them,

0:25:020:25:04

and got them to carry it from there up to the grand staircase landing.

0:25:040:25:08

-I bet they were laughing their heads off all the way.

-They were.

0:25:080:25:11

-They were. And woke Mrs Hanbury up in the process...

-She caught them?

0:25:110:25:15

..and she caught them, scolded them severely and sent them to bed.

0:25:150:25:19

-That is a great story.

-Yeah. Yeah.

0:25:190:25:21

Well, you mentioned Mrs Hanbury, the owner of the house.

0:25:210:25:23

How did she get on with the SAS, the troops that were stationed here?

0:25:230:25:27

I think she kept a very close eye on them, and the house itself,

0:25:270:25:31

but actually, I think they got really well,

0:25:310:25:33

because we know that she got invited on more than...

0:25:330:25:36

a couple of times a week to join the officers in the officers' mess,

0:25:360:25:40

-which was actually the library.

-Mm.

0:25:400:25:42

Having lost her own son,

0:25:420:25:44

I think she did keep a, sort of, mothering, watchful eye over them,

0:25:440:25:48

and when they left, and waiting for them all to come back.

0:25:480:25:51

When Christine Hanbury died in the 1960s,

0:25:510:25:55

Chelmsford Council took over the property.

0:25:550:25:57

They opened the grounds to the public almost immediately

0:25:570:26:00

and, in the 1980s, started restoration work on the house.

0:26:000:26:04

Eventually, the fabric of the building was repaired and restored

0:26:060:26:09

and, soon afterwards, work began on bringing the interior back to life.

0:26:090:26:14

Now, you have to remember that this was a house that was bought and sold

0:26:140:26:18

so many times it didn't have the wealth of content

0:26:180:26:20

that other great historic houses have.

0:26:200:26:23

So, the curators here have worked extremely hard to find objects

0:26:230:26:26

that may have once belonged here -

0:26:260:26:28

like this beautifully-figured walnut longcase clock.

0:26:280:26:32

It was made by Edward Hudson of Chelmsford, a local maker,

0:26:320:26:37

circa 1745. It has two dials.

0:26:370:26:41

The outer dial, which is in brass, the chaptering has Roman numerals.

0:26:410:26:46

The subsidiary dial has been silvered, that's the second hand.

0:26:460:26:49

The beautiful thing about this second hand

0:26:490:26:51

is, every time it moves, a little figure up there

0:26:510:26:54

swings backwards and forwards.

0:26:540:26:56

It's the image of the Grim Reaper,

0:26:560:26:58

reminding us that time is passing by.

0:26:580:27:01

I think that's quite wonderful.

0:27:010:27:03

Hylands House,

0:27:050:27:06

a glorious piece of history that has stood the test of time.

0:27:060:27:10

Welcome back to our valuation day here at Layer Marney Tower,

0:27:250:27:28

just outside of Colchester.

0:27:280:27:30

It's now time to join up with our experts

0:27:300:27:32

to see what else we can take off to auction.

0:27:320:27:34

So, it's over to Elizabeth Talbot.

0:27:340:27:36

It's not unusual to have collections of cigarette cards

0:27:390:27:42

brought to Flog It!, but every collection is unique and individual.

0:27:420:27:45

So, Maurice, tell me about yours.

0:27:450:27:47

Well, this was collected by my father and my grandfather,

0:27:470:27:50

-between the wars, mainly.

-Uh-huh?

-And I've inherited them.

0:27:500:27:54

And they've just been in the wardrobe for the last 20 or 30 years,

0:27:540:27:57

and nobody really looks at them,

0:27:570:27:59

so I decided to sort them out and file them up like this.

0:27:590:28:03

So, this is just one book of obviously a much larger collection.

0:28:030:28:06

-How many would you...?

-I reckon there's 1,000 in the collection.

0:28:060:28:09

-Really?

-There's two catalogues like this and a lot of loose ones.

-Yes.

0:28:090:28:13

-There's a lot of cards.

-There are a lot of cards, yes.

0:28:130:28:16

And some albums, as well, with them stuck in, as well.

0:28:160:28:18

It's fascinating, because there are quite an array

0:28:180:28:21

of different cigarette manufacturers represented in the collection.

0:28:210:28:24

For some smokers, they had one brand that they favoured

0:28:240:28:27

and they stuck to that,

0:28:270:28:28

and that's all that you would find in a collection of cards,

0:28:280:28:31

but this one has everything from the Lambert & Butler,

0:28:310:28:34

right through to Gallahers and all the others.

0:28:340:28:36

Some rarer, some more common factories,

0:28:360:28:38

and some of them are not marked at all,

0:28:380:28:40

so it's quite a cross section.

0:28:400:28:42

Some of them date from the 19th century -

0:28:420:28:44

so, from, actually, Victorian times...

0:28:440:28:46

Victorian times, that's right.

0:28:460:28:47

People don't always recognise that they date from that early.

0:28:470:28:50

But right through until the '20s and '30s.

0:28:500:28:52

-Have you got any favourites amongst the...?

-I have.

0:28:520:28:56

Those, those early ones.

0:28:560:28:57

-These football ones, Gallaher ones.

-Oh, the football ones?

0:28:570:29:00

I really like those ones.

0:29:000:29:02

-Yes.

-And these rare Crowfoot Cigarettes and those ones there.

0:29:020:29:06

-With the animals on?

-Yeah, lovely animals, they are.

0:29:060:29:09

So, you've done all the hard work,

0:29:090:29:10

you've laid them out, so people can see nicely what there is,

0:29:100:29:13

-and now it's time to sell them.

-Now it's time to sell them, yeah.

0:29:130:29:16

Cigarette cards, they're not infrequently seen at auction,

0:29:160:29:19

but each collection can attract bidders for different reasons,

0:29:190:29:24

and all it takes is for one collector to be desperately

0:29:240:29:26

chasing a card that they haven't got in their collection

0:29:260:29:29

and another person to be chasing the collection for a different reason,

0:29:290:29:33

because they want this set, that set -

0:29:330:29:34

and you've got that competition,

0:29:340:29:36

which can make it do magical things on the day.

0:29:360:29:39

So, it's quite difficult to be accurate.

0:29:390:29:43

I would recommend an estimate of £100-150 for the collection...

0:29:430:29:47

Yeah, I'm happy with that.

0:29:470:29:48

..and that that we put a £100 reserve on it,

0:29:480:29:50

we put it firm and fixed, so if it doesn't make £100, which,

0:29:500:29:52

gosh, it should do - but if it doesn't, I would put them

0:29:520:29:55

back in the wardrobe and keep them for the future,

0:29:550:29:57

because, you know, it's an insult not to sell them for at least £100.

0:29:570:30:00

-OK, I'm happy with that.

-That all right?

-Yes, OK.

0:30:000:30:02

And then we'll just sit back and see what happens.

0:30:020:30:06

Well, that's one to watch at the auction.

0:30:060:30:09

And now over to our resident fashion guru,

0:30:100:30:12

Mr Philip Serrell.

0:30:120:30:14

-Peter, how are you doing?

-I'm doing fine, thanks.

0:30:140:30:17

-It's a warm day, isn't it?

-Phew, yes!

0:30:170:30:18

You've got very appropriate clothing on.

0:30:180:30:20

My daughter'll be killing me now, cos she told me not to wear it!

0:30:200:30:23

Yeah, well, there are shirts, and that is a shirt.

0:30:230:30:25

Did you ever have a part in Hawaii Five-O?

0:30:250:30:28

This is my "No, Dad" shirt.

0:30:280:30:30

"No, Dad, don't wear it."

0:30:300:30:31

-So, you brought these along.

-Yes.

-I think they're lovely.

-Yep.

0:30:310:30:35

This is salt-glazed,

0:30:350:30:36

and it's very much in the shape of a 17th-century German bellarmine,

0:30:360:30:40

but probably English. Stoneware.

0:30:400:30:44

-And this is a lovely cobalt blue.

-Yes.

0:30:440:30:47

And this, sort of, shrinkage on here is, when it's fired,

0:30:470:30:50

the glaze just shrinks and you get almost, like, this mottled effect.

0:30:500:30:53

And I think they're absolutely lovely,

0:30:530:30:55

but condition is just everything with these.

0:30:550:30:58

-And the condition just ain't good, is it?

-No.

-Why's that, then?

0:30:580:31:01

Well, because it was in the bottom of a swimming pool,

0:31:010:31:04

-laying like that, and a digger caught it.

-Oh!

0:31:040:31:06

About 20 foot down in the ground.

0:31:060:31:09

Did you see these the minute the digger caught them, or...?

0:31:090:31:11

That one I did, yeah.

0:31:110:31:13

It glanced off the top and just caught it,

0:31:130:31:15

and then, obviously, we got down into the bottom and started...

0:31:150:31:18

-Having a good dig around.

-By hand, and then...

0:31:180:31:21

-Did you find any more?

-No. They were the only two in there.

0:31:210:31:24

We dug the rest of the pool, and that was the only two there.

0:31:240:31:26

-And when was this?

-25 years ago, easily.

0:31:260:31:29

There was supposed to have been a brewery there.

0:31:290:31:31

-Whether there was or not...

-That's a lovely story.

0:31:310:31:33

-Yeah, it's great.

-Let's leave it at that.

0:31:330:31:35

Let's not look into this too deeply, let's just leave it at that.

0:31:350:31:38

I think they're cool things, actually.

0:31:380:31:40

What I really like about that is you've got a loop handle there,

0:31:400:31:42

-so someone has got a strap of clay...

-Yeah.

0:31:420:31:44

..they've put it on there

0:31:440:31:46

-and they've just pushed that down like that...

-Yeah.

0:31:460:31:48

-..And then it's gone down there, and then it's just...

-Thumbprint.

0:31:480:31:51

It's just thumbed. And it's salt glazed,

0:31:510:31:53

because the salt gets chucked in to the kiln at a certain temperature,

0:31:530:31:57

and it gives it that, sort of, mottled, brown finish,

0:31:570:31:59

and I just think they're lovely.

0:31:590:32:01

-They're just a bit of fun.

-Yeah.

-OK? They are just a bit of fun.

0:32:010:32:04

I mean, do you just want to see the back of them or...?

0:32:040:32:07

Yeah, I mean, they've been hanging about for yonks

0:32:070:32:09

and my wife's now fed up with polishing them and cleaning them

0:32:090:32:12

-and...

-Yeah.

0:32:120:32:13

-Wives have a habit of doing that, don't they?

-Yeah.

0:32:130:32:16

-Yeah, they do.

-I'm under instructions.

-Really?

0:32:160:32:18

-Yeah.

-It's a tough life, innit?

-It is a tough life.

0:32:180:32:21

-Yeah.

-Yep.

0:32:210:32:22

I think that I would put probably a 30-50 estimate on them.

0:32:220:32:26

Oh! As much as that?

0:32:260:32:28

And I'd reserve them at 20 quid and keep everything I've got crossed -

0:32:280:32:31

everything I've got crossed.

0:32:310:32:33

And she was hoping to retire!

0:32:330:32:35

Yeah, well, she can...

0:32:350:32:38

but not on the strength of these.

0:32:380:32:40

And I think you should wear that shirt to the auction,

0:32:400:32:42

because that will provide a suitable distraction to the bidders,

0:32:420:32:45

and they're not going to see that damage.

0:32:450:32:47

-I'm sure I can find a better one!

-Really?

0:32:470:32:50

Oh, all right. OK.

0:32:500:32:51

I love it when people find things like that.

0:32:530:32:56

Can anybody tell me what this is?

0:32:560:32:58

I'm sure Elizabeth can.

0:32:580:33:00

Sue, I'm intrigued by what you've brought in today.

0:33:010:33:04

-To a certain extent it's self-explanatory on the top.

-Mm.

0:33:040:33:07

It says here...

0:33:070:33:09

And then, when we open this charming little box,

0:33:180:33:20

which is a work of art in itself, we have...

0:33:200:33:23

..an intriguing object here...

0:33:230:33:24

SUE CHUCKLES

0:33:240:33:25

..and a little bit more information on the lid.

0:33:250:33:27

It's the model of...

0:33:270:33:29

-So, in a way, it's all there for us.

-Yes.

0:33:370:33:40

-But I have to say, I know nothing about disc dischargers. Do you?

-No!

0:33:400:33:44

-Nothing, at all.

-How have you come to have it today?

0:33:440:33:47

It was my father's, and I inherited it form him.

0:33:470:33:50

Right, So, did he work for Marconi?

0:33:500:33:52

-No, he worked for Bryant and May's matches.

-Oh!

0:33:520:33:56

-And the only thing I can think of is, cos it looks like a lighter...

-Yes.

0:33:570:34:01

..somebody gave it to him, because it was something to do with...

0:34:010:34:05

-Smoking ephemera and everything.

-Yes, that's right.

-OK.

0:34:050:34:07

-Well, OK, it is indeed a little cigarette lighter.

-Oh, right.

0:34:070:34:11

-A little novelty cigarette lighter.

-Yes.

0:34:110:34:14

Marconi - the firm Marconi, which was a very important

0:34:140:34:18

-engineering and telegraphic communications company...

-Yes.

0:34:180:34:21

..established its roots in Britain in 1897, and G Marconi,

0:34:210:34:27

who established the firm,

0:34:270:34:28

opened up a brand-new factory in Chelmsford, in Hall Street, in 1898.

0:34:280:34:33

In 1912, what happened was they had a very major conference in London

0:34:350:34:39

and they had a very grand dinner at the Savoy Hotel.

0:34:390:34:41

-There were about 400 guests, I gather.

-Yes.

0:34:410:34:45

200 or so of those, which were the gentlemen,

0:34:450:34:48

received, in honour of that occasion, a table lighter.

0:34:480:34:53

-Oh, right.

-In this presentation box.

0:34:530:34:54

-Yes.

-The ladies received a perfume bottle.

0:34:540:34:56

I don't know what the perfume bottles looked like,

0:34:560:34:58

but I'm sure they were very nice.

0:34:580:35:00

For anyone who collects cigarette lighters,

0:35:000:35:02

-this is an amazing piece to add to a collection.

-Right.

0:35:020:35:06

It's on this lovely little marble base,

0:35:060:35:08

and then the integral parts of it are all hallmarked silver.

0:35:080:35:12

-Yes.

-No expense spared.

0:35:120:35:14

And some beautifully-turned early Bakelite pieces,

0:35:140:35:17

just to add the handles and the little fitments.

0:35:170:35:21

Now, I have actually seen these sell for anything between £200...

0:35:210:35:26

..to as much as £500.

0:35:270:35:30

Oh! How fantastic!

0:35:300:35:31

What isn't clear is quite why, on one day, someone's only prepared

0:35:310:35:34

to pay 200 and, on another day, there's a competition to make £500.

0:35:340:35:37

But that is kind of the ballpark area we'd be looking at.

0:35:370:35:40

So, I think we should enter it for auction

0:35:400:35:42

somewhere between £200-400 - nice, wide girth on that one.

0:35:420:35:45

Yes. Yes.

0:35:450:35:47

-With a reserve of £200.

-That's fabulous!

0:35:470:35:49

OK, we'll put £200 firm on it,

0:35:490:35:51

-and put it out there and see what reaction we get.

-Yes.

0:35:510:35:54

Any ideas what you might invest or spend the money on?

0:35:540:35:58

Yes, I think I'll go out, take my friends out for a really nice meal.

0:35:580:36:02

Good slap-up meal. Oh, well, good for you.

0:36:020:36:04

-Well, they had a lovely meal when this was presented...

-Yes.

0:36:040:36:06

..so when you sell it you can have a lovely meal.

0:36:060:36:08

Nice full circle, happy end to the story.

0:36:080:36:10

-That's right.

-Fingers crossed, we'll achieve that for you, then.

0:36:100:36:13

An interesting item there from a famous local name.

0:36:140:36:18

Well, what a fabulous day we have had here at Layer Marney Tower

0:36:190:36:22

and we found some items worthy of such a historic setting.

0:36:220:36:25

It's certainly done us proud.

0:36:250:36:27

But right now, it's time to say goodbye

0:36:270:36:29

to this magnificent location,

0:36:290:36:30

as we head over to auction for the very last time today.

0:36:300:36:33

And fingers crossed for one or two surprises.

0:36:330:36:36

And here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.

0:36:360:36:38

There's always collectors for cigarette cards,

0:36:390:36:42

so Maurice's collection will do well.

0:36:420:36:44

I liked Peter's stoneware jugs,

0:36:470:36:49

and the story of how he found them was first class.

0:36:490:36:52

Elizabeth has unravelled the mystery of the Marconi lighter for us,

0:36:560:36:59

and valued it between £200-400.

0:36:590:37:03

We're heading back to Rayleigh in Essex,

0:37:070:37:09

where our sale is taking place.

0:37:090:37:11

Let's find out what auctioneer Mark Stacey makes of Sue's lighter.

0:37:110:37:15

There should be local interest with this little lot,

0:37:150:37:18

our little Marconi lighter, belonging to Sue.

0:37:180:37:21

This was her father's, and I don't really think they've used it.

0:37:210:37:24

I really don't It doesn't look like it, does it?

0:37:240:37:27

-No, not really.

-Cos it's still in its presentation box,

0:37:270:37:29

and it looks immaculate.

0:37:290:37:30

How many of these do you think are knocking around?

0:37:300:37:33

We'll, we've sold two over the last five years.

0:37:330:37:35

-So, not that many.

-So, not that many.

0:37:350:37:37

Obviously, being local, as well,

0:37:370:37:39

but we do know that only 200 were ever given out.

0:37:390:37:41

-We've got £200-400 on this.

-OK.

-Do you think you'll get double that?

0:37:410:37:44

Not double, no.

0:37:440:37:46

I think the box is a little bit tired, the actual article itself -

0:37:460:37:49

-it's not in pristine condition.

-No.

0:37:490:37:50

So, down the middle. £300.

0:37:500:37:53

-Really?

-Yeah.

-That's not a lot of money, is it?

0:37:530:37:55

Not really, for what it is,

0:37:550:37:57

but I think that's the way the market will be,

0:37:570:37:59

and hopefully, we'll maybe get a little bit more.

0:37:590:38:02

Well, I'm hoping for a lot more than £300.

0:38:020:38:05

-Well, me too, but I think that's what we'd make.

-OK.

0:38:050:38:08

Well, we'll find out who's right later,

0:38:080:38:11

but first we have a bit of nostalgia up for grabs.

0:38:110:38:14

I've just been joined by our next owner, Maurice,

0:38:150:38:17

and our expert Elizabeth.

0:38:170:38:19

Going under the hammer right now

0:38:190:38:20

we've got a collection of cigarette cards.

0:38:200:38:22

All of these are loose, thank goodness,

0:38:220:38:24

they're all in the sleeves.

0:38:240:38:25

-They are.

-And that's why we're looking at around £100-150.

0:38:250:38:28

-Yes. And there's lots of them.

-Great albums.

-Lots of them.

0:38:280:38:30

Right, let's find out what the bidders think.

0:38:300:38:32

Here we go.

0:38:320:38:33

Moving on, lot 590,

0:38:340:38:36

large collection of cigarette cards including Wills, Players.

0:38:360:38:39

Two albums, and there's two boxes there, as well.

0:38:390:38:41

I have two commission bids and I must start the bidding at £80.

0:38:410:38:44

Bids at £80, 95 anywhere?

0:38:440:38:47

At £80, bid. 85, thank you, sir.

0:38:470:38:49

90's on the internet.

0:38:490:38:51

Against you, 95. At £95, now.

0:38:510:38:53

It's in the room at 95.

0:38:530:38:55

Come on, come on.

0:38:550:38:56

100 on the internet against you, sir.

0:38:560:38:58

110.

0:38:580:38:59

110 is bid. 110 now.

0:38:590:39:01

In the room against you on the internet. One more?

0:39:010:39:04

Are you all finished, then, at £110?

0:39:040:39:06

It's in the room, and I shall sell at £110.

0:39:060:39:09

Hammer's going down.

0:39:090:39:11

-They've gone. Gone within estimate.

-Yes, I'm happy with that.

0:39:110:39:15

If they'd been stuck down - £20.

0:39:150:39:17

He says. They sell them much lower than that.

0:39:170:39:20

-Yes, definitely. So, well done.

-Thanks a lot.

0:39:200:39:23

-Thank you for bringing them in.

-Yeah, thanks for that.

0:39:230:39:26

Another happy customer.

0:39:260:39:28

Do you remember Peter and his fantastic Hawaiian shirt?

0:39:290:39:32

Well, here he is again.

0:39:320:39:34

A wonderful little lot going under the hammer right now -

0:39:350:39:38

two 19th-Century stoneware flagons, belonging to Peter

0:39:380:39:41

-and his wife Tiggy, who we didn't meet at the valuation day.

-No.

0:39:410:39:44

Thank you for turning up today.

0:39:440:39:46

-I feel we will get that top bid.

-I hope so, they're lovely things.

0:39:460:39:48

-I like the salt glaze one.

-Lovely texture to the body.

0:39:480:39:51

Right, let's find out what the bidders think.

0:39:510:39:52

They're going under the hammer right now. This is it.

0:39:520:39:55

Lot 745, we come now to small stoneware flagons, as catalogued.

0:39:550:39:59

Where we going to be with this lot? 10 to start us, 10.

0:39:590:40:02

A cheap lot for £10. 10 bid, thank you, sir.

0:40:020:40:04

12, anywhere?

0:40:040:40:05

Are we all done at 10?

0:40:050:40:07

12, 14, 16.

0:40:070:40:08

And 16, and 18, now.

0:40:080:40:10

£18. Are we all done? Fair warning, I'm selling at 18.

0:40:100:40:14

Hammer's going down.

0:40:140:40:16

-Well, he sold. He sold at 18.

-I can retire on that.

0:40:160:40:19

-Absolutely right.

-But I tell you what, though,

0:40:190:40:21

you've had the pleasure of finding them, cleaning them

0:40:210:40:24

and owning them, and I think that's where the value is, really.

0:40:240:40:27

-You saved them, that's the thing.

-Yeah. They're back in circulation.

0:40:270:40:30

-Exactly.

-Absolutely right.

0:40:300:40:31

Back in circulation - nice thought.

0:40:320:40:34

Going under the hammer right now, my favourite lot in the entire sale.

0:40:380:40:41

It's that Marconi disc discharger lighter.

0:40:410:40:43

A little novelty thing, it is fantastic. Made in 1912.

0:40:430:40:47

Sue, I don't know why you're selling it. I think you should keep this.

0:40:470:40:50

I know it's too late now, but you've obviously had your fun with it.

0:40:500:40:53

-Yes. Yes, yes.

-Lots of memories, as well?

0:40:530:40:55

Yes, absolutely.

0:40:550:40:57

I just wish I knew exactly what it was and what it did.

0:40:570:41:00

How it was used, yes. It's a bit of a mystery, isn't it?

0:41:000:41:02

Shall we find out what they think?

0:41:020:41:04

Yes, come on, then. It's over to Mark Stacey. Here we go.

0:41:040:41:08

Lot 111, we come now to the silver Marconi disc discharger,

0:41:080:41:11

as catalogued. There we are. Unusual little lot, there.

0:41:110:41:14

Two commission bids I have,

0:41:140:41:16

I must start the bidding, to clear the book, at £240.

0:41:160:41:19

-The bid's at 240.

-Brilliant.

-250 bid.

0:41:190:41:21

260, 270, 280.

0:41:210:41:24

290, 300.

0:41:240:41:26

310, I am out. At £310. Bid's on my left at 310.

0:41:260:41:30

320 on the internet.

0:41:300:41:32

Against you. 330, the internet's running.

0:41:320:41:34

Two bidders on the internet.

0:41:340:41:36

340, now. At £340.

0:41:360:41:38

-Coming back in, sir? One more?

-Yes.

0:41:380:41:40

350. 360 against you.

0:41:400:41:42

-Sue, this is fabulous.

-Unbelievable.

0:41:420:41:44

At 370. 380.

0:41:440:41:47

390. 390, in the room at 390.

0:41:470:41:50

400 on the internet. At 400. You finished, sir?

0:41:500:41:53

-Yes.

-One more?

-No, thanks.

0:41:530:41:55

At £400. Another internet bidder. 410. Moving up.

0:41:550:41:58

Oh, this is turning out to be valuable, isn't it?!

0:41:580:42:01

420.

0:42:010:42:02

£420!

0:42:020:42:03

430 bid. At £430. All on the internet, at 430.

0:42:030:42:07

One more internet bidder, 440.

0:42:070:42:09

450.

0:42:090:42:10

One more.

0:42:100:42:12

-This is the power of the internet, isn't it?

-Yeah, it is.

0:42:120:42:14

And something that can be posted in bubble wrap.

0:42:140:42:17

At £460, now. 470.

0:42:170:42:18

470, now.

0:42:200:42:21

Have we all finished on the internet, now? Fair warning. 480.

0:42:210:42:24

490.

0:42:240:42:26

490.

0:42:260:42:28

One more, round it up.

0:42:280:42:29

500, thank you.

0:42:320:42:33

550 now.

0:42:330:42:34

550 is bid.

0:42:340:42:36

At 550.

0:42:360:42:38

Have you finished?

0:42:390:42:40

At £550. Last chance, then, please, internet bidders.

0:42:400:42:44

One more?

0:42:440:42:45

Selling, then, at £550.

0:42:450:42:48

Are we all done?

0:42:480:42:49

Yes!

0:42:490:42:51

That's why I love auctions. Well done, Sue. Well done, Elizabeth.

0:42:510:42:55

-£550 - a lot more than we all thought.

-Yes.

0:42:550:42:59

Wow. Wow. It's the Marconi interest, isn't it? I mean, it really is.

0:42:590:43:02

Fantastic.

0:43:020:43:04

And, of course, there was the local connection,

0:43:040:43:06

-but that went on the internet.

-Yeah, two bidders in the internet, yeah.

0:43:060:43:09

-Well!

-I can't believe it.

0:43:090:43:10

I know there's commission to pay, here, It's 20%,

0:43:100:43:12

that's inclusive of VAT,

0:43:120:43:13

-but it's still a lot of money, isn't it?

-It is.

0:43:130:43:16

-It really is.

-Yeah.

-Have we made you day?

0:43:160:43:18

-You have, indeed.

-Ahh. And I hope we've made your day, as well!

0:43:180:43:21

Please join us again for many more Flog Its to come,

0:43:210:43:24

and, hopefully, many more surprises.

0:43:240:43:25

But, from Essex, it's goodbye from all of us.

0:43:250:43:28

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