0:00:10 > 0:00:14I'm here in the heart of London, where later on in the programme,
0:00:14 > 0:00:15I'll be showing you
0:00:15 > 0:00:17some of the hidden work by one of our greatest architects,
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Sir Christopher Wren.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21But right now, it's time for me to catch up with the rest
0:00:21 > 0:00:24of the team at our valuation day, so I better get my skates on.
0:00:24 > 0:00:25Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Today's valuations come from Longleat, in Wiltshire.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58A 16th century Renaissance palace, Longleat House
0:00:58 > 0:01:03was built by Sir John Thynn, a political player in the Tudor court.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07A well read man, he started a book collection at Longleat,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10which has been growing ever since.
0:01:12 > 0:01:13Nearly five centuries later, it is
0:01:13 > 0:01:16one of the largest private book collections in Europe,
0:01:16 > 0:01:22with over 40,000 volumes catalogued within seven libraries.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27But today, it is
0:01:27 > 0:01:31the volumes arriving outside the house that we're interested in.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38And here, on the beautiful east side of the house, bathed in the morning
0:01:38 > 0:01:42sunshine, the crowds are already gathering in their numbers.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Somebody here is going to go home with a small fortune today,
0:01:46 > 0:01:47so don't go away.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49It is up to our experts to find that hidden gem
0:01:49 > 0:01:51and take it off to auction.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56And it is a responsibility our two experts,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Michael Baggott and Claire Rawle,
0:01:58 > 0:02:03enjoy immensely, as they get to meet all the local characters.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06My family might have used these planes here.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- We don't know.- Oh, that is marvellous.- We don't know.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11I'll get Paul to come and have a look at that.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13That is right up his street.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15And he's not wrong. Thank you, Michael,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18I'll have a look at that tool box later on in the show.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22There are certainly plenty of treasures to go around.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- Oh, you've got quite a selection. - A Longines and an Omega.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- Oh, OK.- But I've got a gold one here but no name on it.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30I like this one, sort of like a jumbo watch.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Which reminds me, we can't keep our "Flog It!" fans waiting.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37It is time to get cracking with those valuations.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39And on this glorious day,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43where better to set up than in the gardens here at Longleat?
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Whilst our crews get their cameras ready,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51here is what is coming up on today's show.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Barbara is shocked to discover the value of her Beatles signatures.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- As much as that?- This is, of course, if they are all genuine.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05But when the autographs are sent to the auctioneer's experts,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07the jury is out.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08One said...
0:03:10 > 0:03:11I wouldn't like to say no,
0:03:11 > 0:03:13but equally, I wouldn't like to say yes.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17So are they are or aren't they genuine?
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Well, find out when the bids come in later on in the show.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26Well, everybody is now safely seated,
0:03:26 > 0:03:28so it is lights, camera, action.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32This is where the action is taking place today, outside, right here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34So let's now catch up with our experts
0:03:34 > 0:03:36and join up with Michael Baggott.
0:03:36 > 0:03:37He has spotted a real gem.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44So, Wendy, I absolutely love your rat. Is it something you've bought?
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- No, my twin sister bought it many years ago.- Marvellous.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- At a car-boot sale.- You're joking! At a car boot?- Yeah.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55And she only paid a couple pound for it at the most.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- So, did your sister give it to you?- Yeah.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Well, she had about five at the end,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04and they all come to me.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- Did she know what she had bought? - Oh, yes.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- So, she knew it was a netsuke?- Yes.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- Yeah.- Something like that she told me they were.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17This is not the best netsuke in the world, but it is a very nice one.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- Thank you.- And it is Japanese.- Oh.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22And for people that don't know what netsukes are, they're the
0:04:22 > 0:04:28toggle that you would use to secure an inro or a sagemono.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31And sagemono just means various hanging things.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Now, it is basically...
0:04:33 > 0:04:37When the Japanese wore Japanese dress and not Western suits,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39you had no pockets.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42So everything that you needed as a gentleman or a lady was
0:04:42 > 0:04:45suspended from the obi, from the band.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47And this little toggle would slip through
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- and stop anything falling on the floor.- Oh.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Netsukes are carved in different materials.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57The best ones tend to be carved ivory.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00That isn't necessarily so, but wood,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04a nice little exotic hardwood like this, is easier to carve.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06What wood is that?
0:05:06 > 0:05:10That is going to be something like a tropical rosewood.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- And if we look, we can see the two little holes in the base.- Yeah.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17And that is where the cord for the inro or the purse or
0:05:17 > 0:05:19pouch would have passed through.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22And what is really nice is we've got that little signature there,
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- that two-character signature of the artist who carved it.- Oh.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30And the detail is quite nice. It is not very fine.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33The very fine ones of these, you will have the hairs of the rat
0:05:33 > 0:05:37picked out and it will almost come alive in your hand.
0:05:37 > 0:05:43But this is a lovely, middle-range example of a netsuke.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48In terms of date, we are looking towards the end of the 19th century.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51So we are 1880 to 1900.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Any ideas of what it might be worth now?
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- No, none at all. - Let's say £30 to £50.- Oh!
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- And let's say a fixed reserve of £30.- Oh, yeah.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03So it is very much entry-level.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06The only problem with these is that in the last ten or 15 years,
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- there has been massive modern copies.- Yeah.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12And they have sort of flooded the market
0:06:12 > 0:06:15and people are a little bit wary about them.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- But that's right as rain. You now, that is 120 years old.- Oh, my God.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- If it's a day.- Yeah. - So, if this one does well,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23you'll have to find out the other three.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I'll have to find the others out again, yeah.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- Thanks very much for bringing this in.- Thank you. Thank you very much.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Now, I wonder what Wendy's other netsukes are like,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36originally a functional piece of wood, as Michael said,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39to hold in place items hanging from the sash of a kimono.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43By the late 18th century, these exquisite animals were being
0:06:43 > 0:06:47carved up by artists Masanao and Tomotada.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54Now, highly sought after, a world record was broken in 2010
0:06:54 > 0:06:57when this 18th-century ivory netsuke made
0:06:57 > 0:07:01£265,000 at auction.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04So, dig them out, Wendy, you never know what you've got.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Now, on what is possibly the hottest day of the year,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14lots of people are taking advantage of a bit of shade underneath
0:07:14 > 0:07:18the lime trees, and it is also where I can catch up with Nick and Moira
0:07:18 > 0:07:20and that marvellous tool chest.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26So, tell me a little bit about this. I guess you are the man to do that.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- These were yours, were they? - No, these were my father's.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34And I am led to believe that he'd done his apprenticeship in a small
0:07:34 > 0:07:37village just outside of Warminster
0:07:37 > 0:07:42and a lot of the tools were used and some of the joinery work was
0:07:42 > 0:07:44actually in Longleat at the moment,
0:07:44 > 0:07:49so there is a connection between these tools and Longleat.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Right. So what trade did you take up?- I'm a carpenter.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- You are a carpenter as well? You followed Dad in his footsteps?- Yeah.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- You must have used some of these planes.- I've tried.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01I tried using the big one at the bottom, what they call a triplane.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03I find it far easier to get the router out
0:08:03 > 0:08:05and run it down or go down to the DIY shop.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- To be married to a carpenter is pretty handy.- Oh, yes.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- Your house must be in tiptop condition.- Oh, yeah.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Built-in wardrobes?- Yes. - Best of everything?
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Everyone else's house is.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Just look at the fruit wood, look at what you are using there.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22Some of those planes are beautifully made.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- I would say some of these date back a good 150 years.- Yeah.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28What catches my eye are this sort of thing.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30You know, the little side rebate planes where you can actually
0:08:30 > 0:08:32put a groove on the side of the wood.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- And there is lots of varieties of moulding plane there.- One like that.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Yeah. And I mean, that's lovely, isn't it?
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Look how beautiful that is. Look how beautiful that is.- Yeah.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Have you any idea what sort of value all of these planes are?
0:08:45 > 0:08:47I don't know.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50£150, £200 perhaps.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I'd say you are about spot on.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56If I had to put a value on this, I'd have said £100 to £200.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00You are looking at about £6-£8 per moulding plane.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Again, the same sort of money with the big jack planes.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05The box itself, the tool chest,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08well, that's worth a good £60 to £80 as well.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11A fixed reserve at 100. Hopefully, we'll get that top end.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Yeah.- And I'll see you both in the auction room?- Will do.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- Yes, thank you.- We'll see you there. - Good luck.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18BOTH: Thank you.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Well, I'm really glad Michael spotted that item in the queue,
0:09:21 > 0:09:25exactly what I'd like to get my hands on.
0:09:25 > 0:09:26And back in the main area,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30another person capitalising on an early queue discovery
0:09:30 > 0:09:31is Claire Rawle.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- Hello, Jean.- Hello, Claire. - I feel really quite honoured today,
0:09:36 > 0:09:38cos you've come a long way here, haven't you?
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Well, I have, I've come from London.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- But it was just nice to get some fresh air.- Yeah.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- And be out of London for a couple of days.- You're making it a holiday?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- You're staying here? - Just for a couple of nights, yes.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Excellent, well done. Anyway, to business.- Yeah.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53So, we have a selection of wristwatches
0:09:53 > 0:09:56and pocket watches, all from sort of different eras as well.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- So what can you tell me about them? - I can't really tell you an awful lot.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04I know that the larger one was my grandfather's.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07In fact, I think both of the pocket watches were.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09I don't know how old they are.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13And I'd be really quite interested cos recently my uncle died.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14Right.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- So I've really got no-one to ask. - Oh, OK.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- So, were the wristwatches your uncle's, then?- Yes, they were.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- This one is Victorian, the large, the sort of jumbo sized watch.- Yes.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25And then you've got the more standard.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Again, both open-faced pocket watches.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Then of course, you move into wristwatches,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34because wristwatches only really turned into wristwatches
0:10:34 > 0:10:36at the beginning of the 20th century.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37This is a nine-karat-cased one,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40and this is the earliest of the wristwatches.
0:10:40 > 0:10:41And as you can see,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43it looks a little bit like a pocket watch still,
0:10:43 > 0:10:45because it has got this very clear open face
0:10:45 > 0:10:47and it is quite a thick case.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49And the earlier ones did tend to look still a little
0:10:49 > 0:10:52bit like the pocket or the fob watches that you saw at the time.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55The two at the end here are much more recent.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59We've got two very good makes - Longines and Omega.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02And the two of those could date from
0:11:02 > 0:11:05maybe sort of the '70s, into the '80s.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Oh, that recent?- Reasonably recent.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Oh, I didn't realise they were that recent.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Yeah, but modern collectibles and still desirable
0:11:12 > 0:11:16because people always like retro styles.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19These are much more collectible, whereas those are more practical.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22So you've got quite a mixture of ages and styles.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23So, you've obviously decided...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26You've dumped them out of a drawer somewhere, haven't you?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- You decided the time has come. - That's exactly it.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31And also I'm going to be moving flats in London
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- in the next couple of months.- Yeah.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37And I really wanted the money to go to buy something nice,
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- to remind me of my uncle, who was my favourite uncle.- Oh, that's great.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43That's much better, isn't it, than having watches just sitting,
0:11:43 > 0:11:48hidden away. As a group, we're looking at £300 to £400.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51And quite a lot of that value is actually in the two more
0:11:51 > 0:11:52modern wristwatches.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55It's not always age that defines value, it is
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- whether something can be worn and used.- Used.- Yeah.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- So if you are happy with that... - I am, very much so.- Excellent.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Well, I'll look forward to seeing you at the auction.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05And I really hope that they sell well and you will be able to
0:12:05 > 0:12:06then buy something great
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- to remember your uncle by. - Something really nice, yes.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- Brilliant. Well, thanks very much. - That would be lovely.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Well, what a brilliant start we've made already.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Our experts have found three items ready to take off to the sale room.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24They will be working flat out throughout the rest of this day
0:12:24 > 0:12:25to find some more gems.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28But right now, let's put those values to the test.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Here's a quick recap of all the items going under the hammer.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35There is Wendy's wooden netsuke,
0:12:35 > 0:12:39that is around 120 years old and bought for only a couple pounds.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Hopefully, the bidders will appreciate this tool chest
0:12:45 > 0:12:46as much as I do.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53And Jean came all the way from London for her valuation,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56so let's hope she gets a good result.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08We've headed just a few miles northeast to the market town
0:13:08 > 0:13:10of Devizes in the heart of Wiltshire,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13where today's auction is happening.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17It is already filling out with browsers and bidders.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20And wielding the all-important gavel is auctioneer Alan Aldridge.
0:13:20 > 0:13:2140.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Well, it looks like the bidders are taking to their seats.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29The auction is just about to start. Whatever you do, don't go away.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32This could get very, very exciting. But do remember, if you are
0:13:32 > 0:13:35thinking of selling something or buying on auction, there is
0:13:35 > 0:13:38commission to pay. Here, it is 18%.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41That includes the VAT and all the other little, hidden extra costs.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45But factor that sum into your cost, won't you, because it does add up.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Right, let's get on with the sale.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49And in this crowded sale room,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53let's hope our first diminutive lot wasn't hard to spot.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Going under the hammer right now
0:13:57 > 0:13:59we have a little netsuke belonging to Wendy.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- It was a car boot find and it's been kept in a...- Drawer.- Shame!
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Some of these can be worth, as we know, an awful lot of money.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09It's a lovely 19th-century rat.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- I think it is just amusing and it will find a home today.- Yeah.- Right.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15OK, we're going to find out if this rat can run up a drain pipe
0:14:15 > 0:14:17right now, it's going under the hammer.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22A netsuke in the form of a rat. Give me £35 for him.
0:14:22 > 0:14:2425 to start me.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Ten to get me away.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Ten I've got. I've got ten. I've got 15.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33At £15. At 15. Is there 20? At 15, is there 20?
0:14:33 > 0:14:3520. 25.
0:14:35 > 0:14:3730.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42At £25. What about 28?
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- At 28.- £28.- Yep.- 29.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48At £28. At 28. At 28...
0:14:48 > 0:14:52£28, and that hammer has gone down. That is a sold sound.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54He used a bit of discretion.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57You know, it was a car boot find and it was a gift, so cost you nothing.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- It'll buy my grandchildren some ice cream on holiday.- That's perfect.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05I couldn't think of a better way of spending your money, Wendy.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07And the next lot is the one I valued.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- Michael, it is great to see you again.- Thank you.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Michael brought in those wonderful carpentry tools in that
0:15:14 > 0:15:16lovely box, which really belong at Longleat, don't they?
0:15:16 > 0:15:17That is definitely true.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Every time I think of these lovely, old, artisan tools,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23I think of things made with precision and love and discipline.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Anyway, let's find out what the bidders think, it is
0:15:25 > 0:15:28going under the hammer right now. This is it.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31A very nice carpenter's pine box,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33containing 13
0:15:33 > 0:15:35tri-moulding planes, etc.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Start me at £150 for it.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42100 to get me away? 50. 40. 30.
0:15:42 > 0:15:4430 I've got. 30, I've got 40.
0:15:44 > 0:15:4745. 50. 55?
0:15:48 > 0:15:5060. 65?
0:15:50 > 0:15:5370. 75?
0:15:53 > 0:15:5480. 85?
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- We're selling, aren't we?- 90.
0:15:57 > 0:15:5892?
0:15:58 > 0:16:0195. 100.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04What about 98?
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Go on, then, at 98.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08At £98...
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Is there 100 anywhere else?
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Sold. £98. Well done, you.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- And well done, Alan, on the rostrum as well.- Yeah, very good.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- Happy with that?- Yes, I think so.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Those little tiny moulding planes will be on display
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- on a shelf somewhere.- I think so.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Hopefully, in a craftsman's workshop.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Or a nice oldie rowdy pub.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Yes.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Great idea, Michael.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Now, let's hope we can raise some funds with our next item
0:16:37 > 0:16:42so Jean can buy something special to remind her of her favourite uncle.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46We are looking at £300 to £400.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48You could say time's up. It is for Jean because...
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Hey, you are selling the watches.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53But this is Jean's first ever visit, Claire, to an auction room.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- Exciting.- About time.- It's really exciting.- It is, isn't it?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- I'm loving it, yeah.- Great.- And it's noisy, it's really loud in here.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03There is a cracking atmosphere and things are flying out the door.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05We'll find out what the bidders think.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Here it is, going under the hammer.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Very interesting little lot of watches. Five items in total.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16And should be somewhere around about £350, £400.
0:17:16 > 0:17:17350, start me?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Three to get me away.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Two? 150.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25150 I've got. 150 I've got.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26175.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Two.
0:17:28 > 0:17:29225.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30250.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- 275. Three.- Great.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35325. At 300.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Is there any more?
0:17:37 > 0:17:39£300...
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- Yes! The hammer's gone down. - Well done, yeah.- Claire was spot on.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- Great valuation.- She certainly was. - Happy with that?- Certainly am.
0:17:45 > 0:17:46- Thank you.- Good.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49And now you can say, on your first visit to the sale room,
0:17:49 > 0:17:51you had a great day out on "Flog It!" and you sold something.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- Oh, I certainly can. It's been fabulous.- Thank you.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55And you're going home with a bit of money.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Aren't you right. That's fabulous, thank you very much.
0:17:58 > 0:18:0025. 30.
0:18:00 > 0:18:0135.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03At £30 on my left.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Well, that's our first visit to the auction room done and dusted.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Now, in this series, we're taking a look at famous people
0:18:11 > 0:18:16throughout history who were born in the places where we visit.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19So today, I'm going to be finding out about one of our greatest
0:18:19 > 0:18:23architects, who was born just a few miles down the road.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26I'm, of course, talking about Sir Christopher Wren.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Behind me is one of the most famous buildings to dominate
0:18:47 > 0:18:50the London skyline - St Paul's Cathedral.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Its dome has been a symbol of our capital city for centuries,
0:18:54 > 0:18:55it's even survived the Blitz.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59And below it, some of the country's greatest events have taken place.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01But what about the man who designed it?
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Well, believe it or not, Sir Christopher Wren isn't only
0:19:04 > 0:19:06just responsible for this spectacular building,
0:19:06 > 0:19:08his name is all over this city.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12And today, I'm here to explore some of his hidden treasures.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18Wren was born just a few miles from today's valuation day
0:19:18 > 0:19:21location in Wiltshire in 1632.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26But it is here, in London, that his legacy would be most prominent.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31He designed and redesigned some of our greatest buildings,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35including Hampton Court Palace,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38the Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41But he had no formal training as an architect.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Back then, architecture was basically a rich man's hobby,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48a series of mathematical calculations the educated
0:19:48 > 0:19:50would use to create their visions.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Now, whilst Wren had designed a few buildings elsewhere,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56it was an event that took place in the city of London that would
0:19:56 > 0:19:59secure his name in history.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03The Great Fire of London in 1666
0:20:03 > 0:20:06destroyed over two thirds of the city.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09That was over 13,000 homes and buildings.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Officially, the death toll was just six people.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16But without any real knowledge of who lived where,
0:20:16 > 0:20:20it was more likely to be hundreds or even thousands.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Wren was a favourite architect of King Charles II
0:20:24 > 0:20:28and the obvious choice to lead a rebuilding programme.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Within two weeks of the disaster, he had surveyed the damage
0:20:32 > 0:20:36and was already drawing up plans to rebuild the city.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40He was soon involved in scores of other new projects across London.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Including this, the first of my hidden gems - the monument
0:20:46 > 0:20:50to the fire itself, the event that led to the most prolific period
0:20:50 > 0:20:52in his life.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Now, it stands 202 feet away from where the fire first started
0:20:56 > 0:21:00and it rises 202 feet into the sky,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03exactly the same height as it is the distance.
0:21:03 > 0:21:04Now, that tells us
0:21:04 > 0:21:08that Wren really cares about the finer points of detail.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10And there's also a tube station named after it.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17The fire the monument commemorates was so devastating
0:21:17 > 0:21:21because housing regulations weren't really enforced back then.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25Cramped, wooden, thatched-roofed houses stood side-by-side
0:21:25 > 0:21:28and were engulfed when the fire took hold.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32The fire that started here in Pudding Lane made people
0:21:32 > 0:21:36realise just how dangerous the buildings in London were.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39And Wren became part of the team that reformed
0:21:39 > 0:21:40the standard of buildings -
0:21:40 > 0:21:44out went the thatched roofs, in came slate,
0:21:44 > 0:21:48out went the clapperboard wooden buildings, in came brick and stone
0:21:48 > 0:21:51to make London a much safer place.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55But Wren's work had other surprising consequences.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59The rising new housing led to a rapid growth in industry -
0:21:59 > 0:22:01furniture makers, potters
0:22:01 > 0:22:06and metal workers were all in high demand, replacing what was lost.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14He realised that it wasn't just homes that needed rebuilding,
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Wren is reputed to have built a pub on this site.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Legend has it that upstairs he built an office from which
0:22:23 > 0:22:26he could observe the work at nearby St Paul's.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29And downstairs, the workers who were rebuilding the city could
0:22:29 > 0:22:32enjoy a sup of ale when their work was done.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35It is a claim to fame this pub is making the most of,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37and who can blame them?
0:22:37 > 0:22:42Wren was building a community, not just grand facades and ornate,
0:22:42 > 0:22:43decorative buildings.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47He realised that people needed more than that.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Including places to worship.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Over 87 churches were destroyed during the fire
0:22:55 > 0:22:59and Wren constructed over 50 new ones.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02And this is one of his creations - St Mary Le Bow
0:23:02 > 0:23:03in the heart of the city.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07And it is where the phrase "Born within the sound of Bow bells"
0:23:07 > 0:23:09actually originates from.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12And I've arranged to meet the rector, George Bush, to find
0:23:12 > 0:23:15out about the tower that Wren built.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22It is an incredible work of architecture and engineering,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25that tower. The west face of the church is quite austere,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- but when you look up and see the tower, wow!- Yes.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29It is likely that Sir Christopher Wren,
0:23:29 > 0:23:34who was working here from 1671 to 1680,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37it's likely that he was very involved in the design
0:23:37 > 0:23:39and building of the tower,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41possibly rather less so in the facade of the church.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44You can see that, it is quite noticeable.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- I mean, that is on a par with St Paul's, that tower.- Yes.
0:23:48 > 0:23:49It is his second most ambitious project.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- Yeah.- And it is the second most expensive project.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Why is this church so important to the city?
0:23:55 > 0:23:58The medieval church on this site had a tower,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01and in that tower, was a bell,
0:24:01 > 0:24:06Bow bell, and that rang out at nine o'clock every evening
0:24:06 > 0:24:07to indicate to the apprentices
0:24:07 > 0:24:10and everybody else in the city that the working day was over.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14And the sound of that bell was picked up at all the gates,
0:24:14 > 0:24:18and then the city settled down for the night.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21So, if you were born under the sound of that bell,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- you were a true Londoner. - If you could hear that bell...- Yeah.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26..that meant that you were Londoner.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29To be born was an even greater blessing,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31to be born within that sound.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Resonating throughout our history, that's incredible.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36I didn't know it was from this church.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39You think it is in Bow, in East London, but this is Mary Le Bow.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Cos this was right at the centre of the city, in the middle
0:24:43 > 0:24:46of Cheapside, which was the main trading street in the city.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48That's where the hub of the city was.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Absolutely, the centre of the city.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- And obviously, the bells still ring out today.- Yes, and a new tower.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57In Wren's tower, we now have 12 bells,
0:24:57 > 0:25:01which are wrung very regularly for services and celebrations.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05So thanks to Sir Christopher Wren's enduring architecture,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Londoners can still live and work within the sound of Bow bells.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15His legacy stretches far and wide over this great city.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19And if you ever visit London, you'll probably be closer to
0:25:19 > 0:25:23a building designed by our most famous architect than you think.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Welcome back to Longleat, where the sun is still shining bright
0:25:37 > 0:25:41and people are beating a path to the valuation tables here,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43in the beautiful gardens.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- Having a good time everyone? - ALL: Yes!
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Hey, look, fingers crossed, it could be you or you going home
0:25:52 > 0:25:54later on in the programme with lots of money!
0:25:54 > 0:25:56They could have that hidden gem.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58But right now, let's catch up with Claire,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01who has indeed found a hidden jewel.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Hello, Sue and Debbie. It is lovely to see you. You look glorious!
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Well, you've brought along something so pretty today.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- It really is glorious.- Yes, we love it.- So, shall we have a look at it?
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- Yeah.- So, if we look in here...
0:26:13 > 0:26:15And there it is, a little piece of treasure.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17That is so, so pretty.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21So, obviously, it is an amethyst and seed pearl set in nine karat with
0:26:21 > 0:26:24a chain, but what can you tell me about it?
0:26:24 > 0:26:25It belonged to my husband's aunt.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29And when we were tidying up the house, we found it. I've loved it.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- I've worn it a couple of times. - Oh, right.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- And only yesterday you found the actual box.- Yes.- Oh, really?
0:26:34 > 0:26:36I've kept it out of the box
0:26:36 > 0:26:37and I suddenly found the box to put it in.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Just sort of sitting around in a drawer somewhere?- Yes.- Exactly.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- Tidying up.- Yeah.- It's lovely.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45And I love the combination of the sort of amethyst with
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- the little seed pearls.- Yes. - Very, very Victorian.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51And as I say, it is set in nine karat gold
0:26:51 > 0:26:53and a nine karat chain in there.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56And at the back of it, if we just have a little look at it.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Then you've got the brooch. It has got a brooch pin.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Yes, I've worn it as a brooch.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Yes. It is a brooch or a pendant. So, they're very often...
0:27:03 > 0:27:06You know, this is a good multipurpose jewel, then.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08It is the sort of thing that could be worn.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11But also there are collectors of jewellery that actually
0:27:11 > 0:27:12just like it displayed in boxes.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- I mean, it is just so beautiful.- It is.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- It is dainty with not being too big. - Yes.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20But on the other hand, it's not so dainty that, you know,
0:27:20 > 0:27:21you feel it's lost when you wear it.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24Right, though, I understand you've got the link, haven't you, at home?
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- Yes, a link which goes just to the chain.- That's right.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Cos it needs something that means that it can hang on the chain.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33So it is quite important to get that bit with it before we auction.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- I found it on the carpet this morning.- On the carpet?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Right, OK. Just glad it didn't go up the Hoover, I guess.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Good, so we'll get the link with it so it can hang on its chain.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Now, I think it will actually sell very well.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47I think you're going to be looking close to £300 for it.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52- Mm!- Really, I'd say an estimate of three to 350 on that, very easily.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- Fantastic.- And I'd put a reserve,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58just perhaps pitch it under the 300, perhaps at 280.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01I really wouldn't like to see it go for any less than that.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03- No, I think the same actually.- Yeah.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Jewellery is selling well at the moment.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08I think that will be a sensible price. Are you happy with that?
0:28:08 > 0:28:09- Very happy.- Excellent. Good.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Well, I shall look forward to seeing you at the auction.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- Thank you very much.- Thank you for coming. Great, thank you.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Now, while the valuations continue apace,
0:28:21 > 0:28:25why don't we take a few minutes to do some exploring inside?
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Longleat House opened to the public in 1949.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34But before that, you could often look at stately homes
0:28:34 > 0:28:35by appointment.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41During the 18th century, it was common for butlers
0:28:41 > 0:28:44or housekeepers to show visitors around the house.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Now, on one occasion, the Second Marquis was here,
0:28:47 > 0:28:51in the Green Library, looking at some books, as you do.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54He heard voices close by coming towards the library.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57He didn't want to be sociable, so he hid in a gap,
0:28:57 > 0:28:59a void in the bookcase.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01He squeezed in there and hid in there.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03He didn't want to see anybody.
0:29:03 > 0:29:04Now, in big old houses like this,
0:29:04 > 0:29:08it was quite common for spaces like that because walls got
0:29:08 > 0:29:12moved around and room sizes got altered, creating these voids.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14However, on this occasion,
0:29:14 > 0:29:17the couple that were in here gravitated towards this
0:29:17 > 0:29:19side of the library,
0:29:19 > 0:29:23noticed there was just a little, tiny gap in the bookcase like that.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27He hadn't pushed it too... And they pushed it open, they were curious.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30And they looked inside, and there he was, the Second Marquis.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34That must have been so embarrassing for all parties concerned.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Well, I expect the Second Marquis was particularly red-faced.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41What a great family legend.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45And now, back outside in the gardens, there are some more
0:29:45 > 0:29:48rosy cheeks, but that is thanks to all this sunshine we are enjoying.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57Barbara, thank you for bringing in this unassuming looking album.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00It doesn't look great at the start of it. But if we open it up...
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- Well, that gives it away, doesn't it?- Yes.- The Beatles!- Oh, yes.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07So, this is your autograph album?
0:30:07 > 0:30:11Well, yes, I collected various autographs over the years.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13As I was an Army wife and we moved around a lot,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17I put them into an album to keep them safe.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20So, are these autographs that you yourself got or were
0:30:20 > 0:30:22they given to you?
0:30:22 > 0:30:26The Beatles and the Cliff Richard one were given to me
0:30:26 > 0:30:30- by my very first boyfriend. - Oh, lovely.- Many years ago.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- He had a member of the family who worked for the BBC.- Oh.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37So he was enamoured of me
0:30:37 > 0:30:40and so he thought I would quite like the autographs.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41- To prove his love.- Yes.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45And we've obviously got,
0:30:45 > 0:30:47from the Beatles here, we've got
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, George Harrison.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53And then on a separate one, which usually it's on a separate one.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55- "Love to Barbara, from John Lennon." - Yes.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59I am not an expert by any means in autographs.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02And the one thing I think we've come to realise over
0:31:02 > 0:31:05the years on "Flog It!" is that sometimes these
0:31:05 > 0:31:09signatures are acquired genuinely,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12somebody passes a book or a piece of paper into a dressing room,
0:31:12 > 0:31:15but it is not actually that person who signed it.
0:31:15 > 0:31:16Right. Yep.
0:31:16 > 0:31:21- So I think what we have to do is give these to the auctioneer.- Mm-hm.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25And he will call in a specialist who will be familiar
0:31:25 > 0:31:28with the genuine signatures and how they're done.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Your story is promising.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Because, you know, it is a BBC connection.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36You could see someone taking a quiet moment
0:31:36 > 0:31:38and just getting the signatures from them
0:31:38 > 0:31:42rather than in the humdrum of a concert or something like that.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- So, there is hope.- Well.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Of course, we have got a dedication there.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- They are always better when they are just the name.- Yes, of course.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Because then they can be for any person.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57I think the other autographs, and with them Cliff Richard,
0:31:57 > 0:32:01is collectible. But he's been going for a long, long time.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03He has done an awful lot of autographs.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07And we have got The Shadows. And of course Cilla Black.
0:32:07 > 0:32:13These, I think, are a matter of fives, tens, 15s of pounds.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17But they add to the history, because it is your album that you
0:32:17 > 0:32:19collected and it shows the continuity.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Beatles signatures, any idea of the value?
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Not a clue.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28I think we'd be cautious and say £800 to £1,200,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- and put a reserve of 800. - As much as that?
0:32:31 > 0:32:33That might be on the low side on the day.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- Wow.- But 800 to 1,200 certainly.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- This is, of course, if they are all genuine.- Yes, of course.
0:32:39 > 0:32:40And of course, there is...
0:32:40 > 0:32:45You can sort of have a middle ground that two might be right
0:32:45 > 0:32:47and one might be signed by somebody else.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49There's a whole degree of grey in between.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51But we will leave that to the auctioneer.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55But as four genuine Beatles signatures, 800 to 1,200,
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- no problem at all.- Wow. - Fixed reserve of 800.- Mm-hm.
0:32:59 > 0:33:00But, I mean, this is your...
0:33:00 > 0:33:02your life and your autographs,
0:33:02 > 0:33:04why have you decided to part with it now?
0:33:04 > 0:33:09Well, I've had them for... What, it must be nearly 50-odd years now.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Um...
0:33:11 > 0:33:14They don't do anything, they are just stuck in a drawer.
0:33:14 > 0:33:15I've got the memories.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19You've got the memories, you don't need the notes of paper any more.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21No. And I think, obviously, gradually,
0:33:21 > 0:33:22they start to deteriorate a little bit.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24No, I think we are all right.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Pencil is best for autographs as long as you don't rub it.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31But no, I think we are fine. Thank you so much for bringing them in.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- My pleasure.- And hopefully we'll have a favourable results on the day.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35Thank you.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38The big question is, are those Beatles signatures genuine?
0:33:38 > 0:33:40Keep watching to find out.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Now, from the glamour of the pop world to the charm of a bygone era,
0:33:43 > 0:33:47when people still used calling cards.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52Well, hi, Sandy.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56You've brought along this silver salver or card tray, take your pick.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Salver, I'm not sure exactly what it is.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00Yeah, well, I'd call it a card tray.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02I expect salvers to be that much bigger.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- Right.- So tell me a bit about it, where has it come from?
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Well, I don't actually know very much about it at all.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11My mother used to go to this little antique shop round the corner
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- many, many years ago and buy things. - Yeah.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17And this is one of the items that she just put away.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19She never showed it or displayed it.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22And I actually have not displayed it, as you can tell. I've not cleaned it.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25So you are not overly enamoured with it either, then.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26- I'm afraid not.- Right.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29Obviously, she'd bought it and then she decided that she'd keep it
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- for the future, but she never did anything with it.- OK.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34So you've inherited it and kept it in the cupboard ever since.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38- Yeah.- Well, it is a nice thing. I like it because it is quite plain.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41It is very much made in the Georgian style
0:34:41 > 0:34:45and it is very clearly marked on the back. So if we just turn it
0:34:45 > 0:34:49over, it has got a Birmingham assay mark and it dates from 1939.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50Right.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54And look, you've got a silver mark, the year mark and the maker's mark.
0:34:54 > 0:34:55And it is all nicely...
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Obviously, it hasn't been over polished over the years.- No.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02So it is very well marked indeed. It is a very nice, plain item.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05You do base the value a bit on weight. And we have weighed it.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07And it is nine troy ounces.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09I don't know what that means.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12It is not hugely heavy, but it is a good chunky piece.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16So, based on its weight and its style, I'm thinking at auction
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- you're looking at about between £70 and £100.- All right.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- I don't know if that sounds about right to you.- I don't mind.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- I'll go with whatever you say.- OK.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28And I think a reserve of £70, a fixed reserve of 70,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- if you are happy with that.- I'm quite happy.- And it should do fine.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- Wonderful.- Have you got any idea what you might buy in its place?
0:35:35 > 0:35:39- Just probably put it in the holiday fund.- Sounds good.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41Well, thanks for bringing it along, it is a lovely thing.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- As I say, it should sell very, very well.- Wonderful.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46- I'll see you at the auction, then. - Wonderful.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - Thank you.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Well, we have really met some lovely people here
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and we'll be sorry to say goodbye.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Well, what a marvellous day we have had here at Longleat House,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01our magnificent venue for today.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Everybody has thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07But right now, it's time to put our last set of valuations to the test.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11We have some unfinished business to do in the auction room, so here
0:36:11 > 0:36:15is a quick recap of all the items that are going under the hammer.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18We've got that sparkly amethyst and seed pearl necklace,
0:36:18 > 0:36:21which can also be worn as a brooch.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28And here is a tongue twister, it is Sandy's silver salver,
0:36:28 > 0:36:31or card tray, which is much easier to say.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39And to end it all, it is the exciting autograph album.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43Michael's estimate is conditioned on the autographs being genuine,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46but are they? Well, we'll have to wait and see.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54The auction is still going strong in Devizes with plenty
0:36:54 > 0:36:59of flurries, nods and winks to keep Alan, our auctioneer, very busy.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02And next under his hammer is that really good-looking
0:37:02 > 0:37:03piece of adaptable jewellery.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09I take it Debbie cannot be with us today.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- No, Debbie is doing a personal training course today.- Oh.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14- She is very upset about not coming to see this.- Oh.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16- Does she want to become a personal trainer, then?- Yes.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Oh, good luck to her. A lot of money here.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20We are looking at £300 to £400?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- It's quality.- Lovely thing, don't you think?- Oh, I do, yes.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27And as you say, lovely quality. It should, I think, sell easily.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29And you know what we say, quality always sells.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Let's find out what the bidders think, here we go. This is it.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Edwardian amethyst and seed pearl
0:37:35 > 0:37:39brooch-pendant with a 20 inch chain,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41up around 400 quid.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Who has the 400?
0:37:43 > 0:37:45350.
0:37:45 > 0:37:46Three to start me.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48250 to get me away.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51250 I've got. 250, I've got 275.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- It took a long time to get in, didn't it?- It did.- At £300.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56320. 320.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58350. At 320.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Not going to dwell on it.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02£320...
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- Well done, Alan, good auctioneering. - Yes.- 320.- Yeah, yeah.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- That's good.- We're happy?- Yes.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- You best get on the phone.- I will do. Thank you very much indeed.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16And I hope Debbie is happy with that result, too.
0:38:16 > 0:38:17Going under the hammer right now
0:38:17 > 0:38:19we've got a 20th-century silver salver.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21It is not a lot of money, it belongs to Sandy.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- In fact, this was your mother's, wasn't it?- It was.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26It is good quality English silver.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- Is this valued on the scrap? - It is a bit, I'm afraid.
0:38:30 > 0:38:31It is a bit with this.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- We want the top-end of the estimate, whatever happens, don't we?- Indeed.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- That would be nice.- Shall we find out what the bidders think?- Well, yes.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- Wonderful.- It is going under the hammer now. This is it.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41Look, that's your lot.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45Hallmarked silver salver, somewhere around about £75.
0:38:45 > 0:38:4775.
0:38:47 > 0:38:5060 I've got. 60 I've got. 60 I've got. 65. At 60.
0:38:50 > 0:38:5365. 70.
0:38:53 > 0:38:5770. At £70, is there five anywhere else? At £70.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59All going...
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Gosh, that was... I tell you what, hammer action or what?!
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Yeah.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- So, it's gone. Happy?- Yes, very happy.- Good.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09It never has to be polished by you
0:39:09 > 0:39:12and you don't have to put it back in the attic.
0:39:12 > 0:39:13Thank goodness for that.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17Well, it is certainly a nice little sum to go into Sandy's holiday fund.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Now, I couldn't wait to find out
0:39:19 > 0:39:23if those Beatles autographs were genuine, so on the preview day,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26just before the auction, I caught up with auctioneer Alan.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- Have you done your research? - Yes, Paul.- And?
0:39:29 > 0:39:34What we do, we have a couple of chaps who we use for advice.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39- We sent them to those chaps.- Yeah. - They came back as no.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Now, we use three fellows.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Two definitely said no,
0:39:43 > 0:39:46one said,
0:39:46 > 0:39:47wouldn't like to say no,
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- but equally, wouldn't like to say yes.- OK.
0:39:50 > 0:39:51So...
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Lennon, definitely wrong.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57But maybe the others.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59But only a very small maybe.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03So, you've revised the estimate, the new figure is now what?
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- 150 to 250.- OK. Reserve at? - With a set reserve, 150.- OK.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Because there are still some good names in there.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11There are some good other names, but also,
0:40:11 > 0:40:14if somebody makes up their mind that they are the Beatles,
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- they could still make £500, £600, £700.- Yes.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21But by putting the secretarial, it is up to the buyer to decide.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25So, you are calling them secretarial, meaning someone
0:40:25 > 0:40:28backstage passed these, they signed them, passed them back out the door.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- Exactly.- Looks like The Beatles signed them, but they didn't.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- That is exactly what it is. - So the onus is on the buyer, yeah.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Well, good luck. Good luck with that.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Let's hope that we do get some high notes there.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Well, although the auction house think Barbara's Beatles
0:40:42 > 0:40:46signatures are probably not genuine, which is a real shame,
0:40:46 > 0:40:49at the end of the day, it is still down to the bidders to decide.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56What went through your mind when Alan bring you up and said,
0:40:56 > 0:40:57"Look, you know, in our opinion,
0:40:57 > 0:41:01"those autographs aren't signed by The Beatles?"
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Well, it was disappointing, I don't mind admitting.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08- But, you know, you have to accept these things.- Sure.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12But we still have a reviewed valuation of £150 to £250 because
0:41:12 > 0:41:16of the other artists involved, and there are some good names there.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17I think so, yeah.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Hopefully, you're going to get the top end of the revised estimate.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23- I'll keep my fingers crossed.- Ready for this?- Yes.- Let's do business!
0:41:23 > 0:41:25It's going under the hammer now.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27All the others in there are all proper autographs,
0:41:27 > 0:41:30but we think The Beatles ones are secretarial.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33But at the end of the day, you have got to make up your mind.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35I've got a few bids on my book.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39And I will come in at...£300.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41That's more of a yes, isn't it?
0:41:41 > 0:41:44320. At 300. 320.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47320. 340. 360.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49380. 400.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53420. 440. 460.
0:41:53 > 0:41:54480.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57500. 520.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59540. 560.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05This is good. Whatever comes of this, this is very good so far.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07570?
0:42:08 > 0:42:09At 560.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13Against you all, with me at 560...
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- That is a good result.- Oh, wow! - That is a very, very good result,
0:42:16 > 0:42:18considering that revised estimate.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- You know, it blew that out of the water.- That's tremendous.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25And as Michael said, you know, it is more of a yes or erring
0:42:25 > 0:42:28on the side of caution that one of those autographs might be right.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- Because one alone is worth £500. - I know there are roller coasters
0:42:31 > 0:42:33at Longleat, I didn't expect one today at auction.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- Well, you must be pleased with that. - Oh, I am absolutely thrilled.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41- You know, was prepared to... OK, I was lucky to get 150.- Yes.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Which would have paid for my piano to be tuned.
0:42:43 > 0:42:44Now I can pay for that
0:42:44 > 0:42:47and put some money aside towards my trip to Australia.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50- Fantastic! Well, enjoy it, won't you?- I will.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54What a brilliant result. You never can tell what is going to happen.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58Well, there you are. What can I say? Job done!
0:42:58 > 0:43:02It is all over for our owners, and they have gone home happy.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05That's the main thing. And one or two big surprises.
0:43:05 > 0:43:06I hope you enjoyed today's show.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08If you've got anything you want to sell,
0:43:08 > 0:43:10we would love to see you.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14Details of up-and-coming dates
0:43:14 > 0:43:16and venues you can find on our BBC website.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18Or check the details in your local press.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20Dust them, down them, bring them in.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23But until then, from Devizes, in Wiltshire, it's cheerio.