0:00:06 > 0:00:10Today we're by the seaside in a sun-lit Blackpool,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13where I'll be looking out for antiques and local arts and crafts.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16From the small... to the not so small.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20And later on in the programme, I'll be having a go at painting one.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23Now, can you guess which one? Well, here's a quick clue.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25It won't be that one. Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:45 > 0:00:50Blackpool Tower is probably the best known of all the town's attractions.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Rising 518ft and 9 inches into the air.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57And it's a true product of the county, having been designed
0:00:57 > 0:00:59and built by people from all over Lancashire.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Our valuation day takes place in the base of the structure,
0:01:03 > 0:01:04in the Tower Circus.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Hundred of people have turned up,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08laden with unwanted antiques and collectibles.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12And they cannot wait to get through the door to see our experts.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15And hopefully, one or two of their items will get spotted and go
0:01:15 > 0:01:19through to auction later on, if they're happy with their valuation.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21And if you are happy, what are you going to do?
0:01:21 > 0:01:22ALL: Flog it!
0:01:24 > 0:01:28And looking out for a masterpiece or two are today's experts.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32We've got Anita Manning. And David Fletcher.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- How are you?- Great. What a great queue.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36- Amazing, isn't it? - Have you found any goodies?
0:01:36 > 0:01:39I've seen all sorts of things. How about you?
0:01:39 > 0:01:40I've found some lovely things,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- but I'm not telling you about them just now.- OK.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46With a busy day ahead, it's time to stop clowning around
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and get everyone inside and unpacked for today's valuations.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54Later on in the show we'll find out which of these more that
0:01:54 > 0:01:56doubles its estimate at auction.
0:01:56 > 0:01:57This silver tea service...
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Or this unassuming tray.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04All will be revealed later on in the programme.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09But first, let's go straight to the Circus Ring where Anita is
0:02:09 > 0:02:11dolled up for her first item.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Ladies, welcome to "Flog It!" You're mum and daughter.- Yep.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- Whose dolls are these?- Mine.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24- Where did you get them from?- From an antiques fair about 30 years ago.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- Do you collect dolls, Jean?- Yes. - How many do you have?
0:02:28 > 0:02:30Probably about...
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- Near enough 50, 60.- 50, 60?
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Gail, what do you think about your mum collecting all these dolls?
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- She's mad.- She's mad! Is she a mad collector?- Yeah.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44What sort of period do your dolls come from?
0:02:44 > 0:02:49From when they were babies. And they're going up to 50 now. So...
0:02:49 > 0:02:55- Right, so, did your mum take your dolls from you?- Yes, she did.- Yes.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57- They'd rather play out.- Right.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Well, it's nice to think that you have kept dolls.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05These ones are baby dolls, and they're probably from the 1940s.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10Early '50s. I remember having this type of doll myself.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14What I like about them is that we've got a little bit of music.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- Music, yes. I went for that. - And we get a little tune.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21DOLL PLAYS TUNE
0:03:21 > 0:03:23What is the tune?
0:03:23 > 0:03:28I don't know what the one is. I can't get it. One plays Rock-A-Bye Baby.
0:03:28 > 0:03:29Ah, right.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34These are obviously lullabies to send our babies to sleep.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36That's it.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39On this little doll here, she's fallen down like Humpty Dumpty
0:03:39 > 0:03:43and broken her crown. She has been repaired at some point.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48This one we have some condition issues. Her face is a bit crackly.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49And she's lost her thumb.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51THEY LAUGH
0:03:51 > 0:03:54But this little girl here has a little teddy bear,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58and he's quite sweet. Where did you get him?
0:03:58 > 0:03:59It was my daughter's.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03She worked in a care home, and one of the ladies gave it to her.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06It's quite an interesting little creature.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10It's from Germany, where the best teddy bears were made.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- And this little one was pre-war. - Right.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15So there's a good bit of age.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19And the little teddy bear comes in the shape of a wee purse.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21And that's quite sweet.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25There's no factory name there, but we do know that he is German.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28And he's quite an interesting wee creature.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32Coming to auction, I would put these as a group.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Because we have condition issues with the baby dolls.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37And the little teddy bear is probably
0:04:37 > 0:04:40the item which is going to sell this group.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Did you pay a lot of money for these at the time?
0:04:43 > 0:04:45No, not really.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- £20 I think. Something like that. - £20.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52What I'd like to do is to put quite a modest estimate on this
0:04:52 > 0:04:53little group.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59- I would like to put an estimate of 80-120.- Yeah.- Is that fine with you?
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Um, yeah. Maybe a little more than that, if I can.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Would you like me to go 100-150?
0:05:06 > 0:05:12- Yeah.- You would prefer that? OK. 100-150. The reserve, £100.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- With auctioneer's discretion.- Right.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- We might get a surprise, especially with that wee guy in tow.- Mm-hmm.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- Right.- Yeah.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Right now we're heading outside to see David Fletcher,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27who is enjoying the sunshine on the seafront.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- Norman and Marie, hello and welcome.- Hello.- Hello.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34This is an iconic piece of design by an iconic designer.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37And it's very fitting we should be in front of the Blackpool Tower,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40which is another piece of iconic design.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43It always surprises me a bit that people like your good selves
0:05:43 > 0:05:46bring items like this along to sell
0:05:46 > 0:05:48when they are in such good condition, they are lovely to
0:05:48 > 0:05:51look at, and who knows, they might have a bit of investment potential.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53Why have you brought it along?
0:05:53 > 0:05:57Well, we have got a small collection of Clarice Cliff pieces.
0:05:57 > 0:06:03But the colours are yellows, oranges, reds, the pieces we have got.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- And this does not really fit in with those.- That's very interesting.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08You've obviously got a good eye.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10So this sort of comes outside your core collection then?
0:06:10 > 0:06:12- Yes.- Right, interesting.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Let's hope you will be selling this and perhaps buying something
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- that more closely fits the rest of your collection.- Yes, possibly.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- Are you a lover of Clarice Cliff? - Yes. I really like Clarice Cliff.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24I think there is a lot of delicate and intricate designs of hers.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27It's good really, isn't it, cos if you didn't like the stuff
0:06:27 > 0:06:30and your wife had filled the house with it...
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- THEY LAUGH - ..it would be a recipe for an argument.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34If only I could fill the house with it.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39It dates from the 1930s. It's so typically 1930s.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42In fact, my eye was caught earlier on today by this
0:06:42 > 0:06:44building in front of the Blackpool Tower behind us,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48which I understand, Norman, you were saying was a Woolworth's building.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50I'm sure it was. We used to come here with my parents.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54We stayed in a caravan in Cleveleys. And we used to come into Blackpool.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- I'm sure it was a Woolworth's building years ago.- OK.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00That is the architectural equivalent of this.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03I would describe that building is being Art Deco.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Strictly speaking we should call it modernist. This is Art Deco.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09And the two belong together.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Just like the building behind us, this is very pared down,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16simplistic, predominance of geometric shapes, of course,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18which characterises Clarice Cliff's work.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Bright colours and boldly potted. It will be marked.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26And indeed, it says as we'd expect - "Bizarre by Clarice Cliff."
0:07:26 > 0:07:28You don't happen to know the name of this design, do you?
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- No.- I haven't been able to find it.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I hope that the auctioneers will do a bit of homework
0:07:32 > 0:07:35and they should be able to find this design for us.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38So, as I said, made in 1930-ish by Clarice Cliff.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41An iconic piece, really. And you are selling it.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Do you have particularly high expectations for it?
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- I don't think so, no.- No.
0:07:46 > 0:07:52- OK, I'm going to suggest an estimate of £60-£100.- Yes.- Is that OK?- Yes.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56I'm not overly surprised because it was a piece that was given
0:07:56 > 0:08:00to me by someone I didn't know very well, just because I collected it.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- OK, so it doesn't stand you in at anything, as they say?- No.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- Good. In that sense, it's not sensitive.- No.- Good.
0:08:07 > 0:08:13- I suggest a reserve at the bottom estimate, ie £60.- Excellent. Yes.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- OK. I'll see you at the sale.- OK, thank you.- I look forward to that.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27I'm here, standing on what is known as The Silver Landing.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29And you're probably thinking, why is it called that?
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Well, if I step aside all be revealed.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Take a look at that, the most beautiful scale
0:08:35 > 0:08:37model of Blackpool Tower.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41Presented to its founder, Sir John Bickerstaffe, in 1898,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43from some very grateful shareholders,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47in recognition of him turning the tower into a profitable
0:08:47 > 0:08:50company within four years of opening.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53It is made of sterling silver. It's hallmarked.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58It's 4ft 6 inches high and it weighs 700 ounces in silver.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01And it's a replica model of how the tower looked
0:09:01 > 0:09:04when it first opened in 1894.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07If you look at the front here, the doors to the left
0:09:07 > 0:09:10are the pavilion doors, opening to the first ballroom.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Here's the doors in the middle open to the tower.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17And here on the right-hand side, the doors going to building which
0:09:17 > 0:09:20was the aquarium and menagerie, which is since long gone.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23You're probably thinking right now, now what can that be worth?
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Well, in today's money,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28the scrap value alone in silver is worth just over £12,000.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32But because of its connection to this iconic building, its
0:09:32 > 0:09:35craftsmanship and its provenance, it's worth considerably more.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38So let's now catch up with our experts who are doing
0:09:38 > 0:09:41some of their own following downstairs in the Circus.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45'And Anita has found a classic timepiece.'
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- Carol, Eric, welcome to "Flog It!" - Thank you.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51It's lovely to have you along.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56Especially in this most fantastic and wonderful circus ring.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01- Do you come from Blackpool? - I do, yes.- And what about you, Eric?
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- I originate from Yorkshire.- All right. How did you two get together?
0:10:05 > 0:10:09We met when I was 16 and Eric was 17.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11We started going out together
0:10:11 > 0:10:14and went out together for a couple of years.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Then unfortunately, we parted company because we fell out.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19SHE GASPS
0:10:19 > 0:10:20Whose fault was it?
0:10:20 > 0:10:21His.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23SHE LAUGHS
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- So, what happened? - We parted company.
0:10:25 > 0:10:3050 years later, we met again after our husbands and wives had died.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32About five or six years ago.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- And then you felt in love with her all over again.- All over again.
0:10:36 > 0:10:42- Right, let's get back to antiques. - Yes.- This is a watch of some style.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Tell me, where did you get it?
0:10:44 > 0:10:47It was a present originally, from my first wife.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I used to wear it originally, but as time goes on, I've got
0:10:50 > 0:10:53a little older and I get a little bit frightened of wearing things.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Right, I can understand that. How long have you had it?
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- In the region of 15 years. - About 15 years.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05This is a Rolex, which is really the Rolls-Royce of watches.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08And this is a Rolex Oyster.
0:11:08 > 0:11:14The Rolex Company was founded in about 1905-1906 by a German.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18But the company existed in London.
0:11:18 > 0:11:25By 1908-1909, it was one of the most famous watch companies in the world.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29Renowned for the precision of these wonderful machines.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34And the Rolex Oyster, which first came out in 1926,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37was the first waterproof watch.
0:11:37 > 0:11:43This is a later Rolex Oyster, but still a wonderful piece.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47I love these watches. This one is stainless steel.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52And we also have the original box, and that is good,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55with the Rolex logo and this little crown here.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58And we have the box to put the box in.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03OK. I think this will do well at auction.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05It's in beautiful condition, it's been well kept.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09I tend to be a wee bit conservative in my estimates
0:12:09 > 0:12:13but I would like to put it in may be £500-£700.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- Would you be happy to put it forward with that estimate?- Yes, yes.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- Would you like us to put a reserve on it, Eric?- Yes, please, yes.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25We will put it at the lower estimate with a wee bit of discretion.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Would you be happy with that? - Yes.- Absolutely.
0:12:28 > 0:12:35Let's hope that this Rolls-Royce of watches just rolls away
0:12:35 > 0:12:38and makes a terrific price. I'm sure it will.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- Thank you, Eric, for bringing it in. - Thank you so much.- Thank you.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50After a busy morning here in the Circus,
0:12:50 > 0:12:52it's time for our first visit to the auction room.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55This is where we put our experts' valuations to the test.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Have they been clowning around? We are just about to find out.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Here is a quick recap of what is going under the hammer.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05There is the well-loved dolls and that teddy bear.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Clarice Cliff makes a return to the auction.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15And there's the classic wristwatch, along with its original packaging.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26We've just moved a few miles down the coast line to
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Lytham-St Annes - home for today's auction.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Jonathan Cook is the man with the gavel,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36and it looks like he's preparing for a busy sale.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39So let's hope that the items we are selling, that aren't wanted by the
0:13:39 > 0:13:43present owners, find a new home and make a lot of money along the way.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46So, without further ado, let's get on with our first item.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Jean and Gail, it's good to see you. Joining in the fun now.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57What are we selling? We've got two dolls and a teddy bear.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- That's right.- Why have you decided to sell now?- I don't know.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03It's just because you were coming into Blackpool.
0:14:03 > 0:14:04We thought we'd have a try.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Come along, bring along something for an Anita to look at.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Join in the fun. We've got a reserve of £100.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14We have the two dolls - the condition isn't pristine.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17But we've got a sweet little teddy bear purse,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- and that's quite an unusual wee thing.- Yes.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22As a group, I think we'll pull through,
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- hopefully to the bottom estimate. - OK.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26It's all down to this lot now, the bidders in the room.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31Two similar composition baby lullaby dolls. Musical movements.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- On the net at £80. 85.- They've gone, haven't they?- Good start.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- Any advance on 85?- 90.- Five. 100.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43And 10. 20. 30. 40. 50. 60. 70.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44180. 190...
0:14:44 > 0:14:47It's just gone straight to 190!
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- 240. 260.- Wow!- 280. 300.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56At £300 on Internet. Any advance in the room?
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- £300 online.- I can't believe it!
0:15:01 > 0:15:05£300. Are we all sure at 300? On the net at 300.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- BANGS GAVEL - Hammer's gone down.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- Oh, well!- £300. You did all right, didn't you?
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- You're not buying any more, are you?- No.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16THEY LAUGH
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- You made a good investment. - Exactly. At the right time.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- You made a good investment. - That's what it's all about.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23The dolls and the teddy have found a new home.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Next up, it's our old favourite, a bit of Clarice Cliff.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Norman and Marie, good to see you. Why only selling the Clarice bowl?
0:15:30 > 0:15:33I've got a small collection of Clarice,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36but this particular piece does not fit in with the colour scheme.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- OK, good luck with that. I think this is sensibly priced.- I hope so.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44Do you know, Paul, I was thinking just now, 70 or 80 years ago
0:15:44 > 0:15:46the stuff must have looked a revolutionary, mustn't it?
0:15:46 > 0:15:48That was so avant-garde in its time.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Simple, bright colours, geometric designs.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Let's see if we can get the top end of the estimate, or more.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- Excellent.- Let's put it to the test.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59Clarice Cliff bowl. The abstract range. Circa 1934.
0:15:59 > 0:16:0242, 44, £46 straightaway.
0:16:02 > 0:16:0548. 50. At £55. 60.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06Five.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Well we've sold it, haven't we? Let's see if we can get £100.
0:16:11 > 0:16:1490. Five. At 100 on the net.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Top estimate.- 110 on the net.
0:16:17 > 0:16:23120. At £120. Any advance in the room at 120? 130.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26At £130. Are we short at 130?
0:16:26 > 0:16:30On the internet then add £130. Are we all finished at 130?
0:16:30 > 0:16:32No further interest, £130.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- I'm very happy with that.- Yes. - That's a great result.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39I tell you something else.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- I know you were bidding earlier, weren't you?- Yes.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44So you've filled in a registration card, you got a paddle...
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Spent your money already!- Yes! - It's nearly paid for.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- What did you buy?- An amethyst and gold pendant. A pendant and brooch.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55And you nearly paid for it with this sale?
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- Yes.- There you go. It doesn't get much better than that.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00You sold something today, you bought something today.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02That's what auctioneers love to see.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Time is up now for that classic wristwatch.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Eric and Carol, why are you selling this?
0:17:08 > 0:17:12I don't wear it that much, to be honest with you.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14It's been in the safe most of the time.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- So I just thought it was time to go. - But you've got another watch?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- I've got another one. - Look, good luck.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24The thing is, with its original box, it's much more sellable, isn't it?
0:17:24 > 0:17:29The box is very important. It shows the design features of that time.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- Sure.- And the collectors of vintage items will love that.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I've got high hopes on this one.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37I think this could do the top end, perhaps a little bit more.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Let's hope so.- It's a good thing. OK, fingers crossed, everyone.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Let's put it to the test. Here we go.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47Rolex Oyster gents' stainless steel vintage wristwatch.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Circa 1960. Oyster strap. Lots of interest there.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Classic date for Rolex.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57320. 340. At £340. Any advance on 360?
0:17:57 > 0:18:00380. At £400 for 20. 440.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- There is someone in the room bidding now.- 60. 80. 500.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07At £500. Any advance on 500?
0:18:07 > 0:18:10550. At 550 in the room. Gent's bid at 550.
0:18:10 > 0:18:16Any advance on 550? 600 on the net. At £600 on the internet.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- We've sold it, haven't we? - Are we all sure at £600?
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- Any further interest? £600... - He's selling.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24That's OK.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25BANGS GAVEL
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- Good result.- Yes!
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Hammer's gone down. £600. We are happy with that.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- Absolutely.- Very happy with that. - Very happy.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35And the box really did help. It really did.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Are we all done at 90?
0:18:40 > 0:18:44At most auction rooms there are loads of paintings for sale.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Some range from £20 for unknown artists,
0:18:47 > 0:18:51right up to millions of pounds by masters of the medium.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54While we were here filming in the area, I decided to try
0:18:54 > 0:18:58my hand at the art of watercolour and have a listen with a master.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01See if you think if I've got what it takes.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04This is Towneley Hall near Burnley.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08For over 500 years it was home to the Towneley family.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10But for the last century it has been owned by the local
0:19:10 > 0:19:14authorities, who now use it as a museum and art gallery.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17I'm here to meet local artist Jeff Butterworth,
0:19:17 > 0:19:20whose talent with watercolours has made him one of
0:19:20 > 0:19:22the country's most prolific painters.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- Hello, Jeff!- Hi, Paul.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- Good to see you. - Pleased to meet you.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- The weather is on our side, isn't it?- Yes.- Should we get going?
0:19:29 > 0:19:30Yes, follow me.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35How long have you been painting? All your life?
0:19:35 > 0:19:40More or less. I did start in 1980.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44I joined the British Watercolour Society.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47The first exhibition I did, I won the competition.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- That's quite an accolade, isn't it? - Yes. And then...
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- You won it again...- To top it all, I won it three times.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- Yeah, I won it actually three times. - That's quite an impressive CV.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59You are a well established watercolour artist.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02You've exhibited all over the place. How would you describe your style?
0:20:02 > 0:20:04As a realist.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07OK, so it's photographic representation, typically.
0:20:07 > 0:20:08- It is, yeah.- Yeah.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Why are we meeting up here today? What's special about this place?
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Well, I've been coming here since...
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Well, the first time I came here, I was five.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- Really? Lots of childhood memories.- Yeah.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21And now I'm artist in residence at Towneley Hall.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Gosh, that's nice, isn't it? It has come full circle for you.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27It has, yeah. It's been quite a good time, really.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- I mean, that is a beautiful looking shot there, isn't it?- It is.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Is that something that we hope to capture today?
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Well, if I take a photograph of the view now,
0:20:35 > 0:20:36it has got a good composition.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39The path is leading right towards the hall.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Well, I'm up for going inside. - Yet, let's...
0:20:41 > 0:20:42You've got your camera with you.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47We'll take a photograph of it and then we can work off the result.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- There we go.- Happy with that one? - Yeah.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54The art of watercolour evolved around the 18th century
0:20:54 > 0:20:57when artists would use watercolours to create an initial
0:20:57 > 0:21:00snapshot before committing to an oil painting,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04much like Jeff uses his camera to capture the landscape today.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Right, where do we start? We've got our image, we've printed it out.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09Yeah, we've got our image.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12So now we've got to do an outline drawing of the buildings
0:21:12 > 0:21:13and the path and the trees.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- All right.- So that's the first step.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21OK. Can I do my own interpretation of this or am I copying your style?
0:21:21 > 0:21:25No, you interpret it however you think fits.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Watercolour paintings are still hugely popular
0:21:27 > 0:21:29and the collection here at Towneley includes
0:21:29 > 0:21:32work by some of the best-known practitioners of the art,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36including this one by the world-renowned Joseph Turner.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40I think I've got something I can work with now,
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- I'm quite happy with that.- Good.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- So, shall we start paint?- Yeah. - What do you start with,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49the sky and work downwards or dark to light or light to dark?
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- I always work from top to bottom. - Right.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54But more importantly, from background to foreground.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59So there is anything that is lighter than the dark background,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- we use a masking fluid.- Right, OK.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04So you paint over it with the other colours,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07but then rub that paint off so it leaves the blank paper to paint on.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- That's it, yeah. - You've got a wonderful assortment
0:22:10 > 0:22:11of brushes here -
0:22:11 > 0:22:14sort of flat brushes, fine brushes, mixing brushes.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Yeah, that one is for you.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21I've got a nice selection here, I've some sable brushes.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- That's the best hair to use, is it?- Yeah, it is.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27It is a very expensive brush, but a very good quality.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Well, we need to some colours. - Right.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34So, are we going for blues with some whites that we have to mix
0:22:34 > 0:22:36in order to get that?
0:22:36 > 0:22:39In watercolour, there is no white, it's the paper.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42So if there's any areas that are pure white,
0:22:42 > 0:22:44then it's areas that we are not going to touch.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Do you know, I didn't know that.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- Can I watch you for a little while?- Yeah.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50See what you tackle to start with and how you do it,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- and I'll try and copy.- Yeah.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- OK.- I'll start with the sky. - Right.- And we'll take it from there.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Right. Um...
0:23:00 > 0:23:04What we want to do first of all is to wet the paper,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07ready to accept a colour on it.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- So it is harder to paint detail on dry paper, then?- Yeah.
0:23:11 > 0:23:12I've learned something there.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16You want to carefully work around the building.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Notice, there is not much colour on it at the moment.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Now I'm going to put some of the masking fluid on.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Because you have come to a tree. - Yeah.- OK.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- I see, yes, as if the sky is sort of coming through the branches.- Yeah.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29Well, while you finish off that,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31I can at least make a start on the sky now.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35Yeah. This is about done now, so I'll leave this to dry.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- It's a lovely brush to work with. - Flat bushes are really nice.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- They cover the paper... - For a broad area like that.- Yeah.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- Right, are you going to do some masking fluid?- Yeah. Can I?
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- I've never used that before. - Yeah, I'll show you how to do it.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56Just a quick dip in.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- And then a few dabs?- Yeah.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02And paint on where it's dry, don't go onto the watercolour.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10It's a gentle process. What is the most difficult thing to paint?
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- Architecture, really. - Do you think so?- Yeah.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17You've not much scope, really, to be loose with architecture
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- if you are trying to get the thing right.- OK.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22What's next?
0:24:22 > 0:24:26We'll work our way across and do the background trees
0:24:26 > 0:24:30and then work on the building, work on this section.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35- I'm finding it really relaxing. But it is something you can't rush.- No.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38I understand that now from watching you.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Although you are working at quite a good pace.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Have you a critical eye at this stage?
0:24:43 > 0:24:47I'm working out the technicalities of it, building the thing up.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51Cos all of a sudden, I'm sort of working with three different
0:24:51 > 0:24:54shades of green here and making them merge.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57And seeing what happens and just letting the paper
0:24:57 > 0:25:00and the water dictate what's happening.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03The thing that makes watercolours more difficult than oils or
0:25:03 > 0:25:06acrylics is the paint is much more liquid and it wants to move.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09With thicker materials, it stays where you put it.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12But with this kind of painting, you have to learn to work with
0:25:12 > 0:25:16the materials and adapt your technique accordingly.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21A good tip for doing foliage is to get an old brush,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25something like this, get a little bit of colour on it and then just...
0:25:27 > 0:25:28..do that.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- It'll make things like that, you see?- Yeah.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34But you need to do it on a dry background so you can build it
0:25:34 > 0:25:36up like that.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37That's a nice look, isn't it?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- I'm kind of happy with that in my own way.- Yeah, it looks...
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- Shall we move on to the buildings?- Yeah.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47I've already started with the roof.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49And at the top is grey,
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- which we've already used a little bit on the trees.- OK.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56So, basically it is the same as we've done already.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- We start at the top of the building and work down.- OK.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03You've painted all over the country, Jeff, landscapes everywhere,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05in different lights and in different conditions.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07It must change dramatically for you.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11Yeah, I find that there are differences in the light.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16Southern England has perhaps a mellower feel to the landscape
0:26:16 > 0:26:17and the light.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22The further north you go, the more harsh the colours can be.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Basically, you still work with the same palette.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30Should I carry on with this building here
0:26:30 > 0:26:32or do I do the tree first?
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- Which comes first?- Finish off each section before you move on.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Even the window detail? - Yeah, do it all.- Right, OK.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42Bear in mind that it's not all red. There is some green.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44I know, and there's a bit of brown, isn't there?
0:26:44 > 0:26:46It's quite tricky, really.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50I can see why you work from a colour photograph now.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55Yeah, although I have done quite a few black-and-white ones.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58A few hours in and I'm finding this really relaxing.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02It takes a lot of concentration, but when you are in the flow, it is
0:27:02 > 0:27:05really easy to let your mind wander as the picture comes together.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Although I think I need a lot more practice before I reach
0:27:09 > 0:27:10Jeff's standards.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15- Well, Jeff, three hours is up. - Yeah.- I've rushed ahead.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17I know I finished mine.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20I'm happy with it, but when I look at mine compared to yours,
0:27:20 > 0:27:24this looks typical of a schoolboy compared to a professional.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26But I have learned a lot today in my three hours.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- And I've learned that there is a lot of control in your work.- Yeah.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33There really is. Thank you so much for giving me a lesson here today.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- Shall I sign this?- Certainly, yeah.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Who knows, maybe the gallery will hang it on the wall for week.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Put a price on it, yeah.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- I'll sign it with watercolour, shall I, rather than pencil?- Yeah.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49There you are. I enjoyed that. I thoroughly enjoyed that.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Excellent.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Now, this is Jeff's finished piece.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00It is easy to see why his work is held in such high regard.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10We are back in Blackpool for today's next lot of valuations.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15And David Fletcher is taking in the view along with his next object.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17This is the first time I've done a valuation for "Flog It!", or
0:28:17 > 0:28:22anyone else for that matter, nearly 400 feet above sea level,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24at the top of the Blackpool Tower,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27in this instance. Anyway, here we are, Martin.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- Now, you brought with you a silver three-piece tea set.- Yes.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32We know it's silver, don't we, because...
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- The markings on the side. - It's hallmarked, exactly.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37You have three hallmarks - the lion passant,
0:28:37 > 0:28:38the lion standing on all four,
0:28:38 > 0:28:43we have a crown mark which tells us it was assayed in Sheffield
0:28:43 > 0:28:47and we have a date letter, which tells us it was assayed in 1901.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- In other words, it is just Victorian.- Yeah.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52It helps that we can call it Victorian
0:28:52 > 0:28:54because it adds a bit to the value.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56I mean, if you look at it, you would think it was Georgian,
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- with this gadrooned and fluted body.- Yes.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03The Victorians loved rehashing styles of earlier periods,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06historicism to give it its grand name.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08And this is an example of that.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- Now, are you going to tell me you don't use this?- Yes.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14It's been in the roof space for at least 20 years.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Before that, it was owned by my mum and dad,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21and they kept it in the front room, on a pewter tray.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24And as far as I can recall, they never used it either.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- So it was just displayed, even in those days.- Yes.- What is it worth?
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- Any idea?- Well, I would've thought something around £200.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Well, there is one very easy way of finding out.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36And this may seem like an oversimplification,
0:29:36 > 0:29:38but it is basically true.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42A silver tea set like this will sell for more or less its melt value,
0:29:42 > 0:29:45perhaps just a little bit more, for the reasons we have discussed -
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- people simply don't use them.- Yeah.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51So armed with my silver scales, I am being careful not to drop
0:29:51 > 0:29:55this down over the edge... And that comes up 14.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59And if we grab this one and this and weigh them both together,
0:29:59 > 0:30:03we've got another 12 ounces.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06So, we are talking about 26 ounces in all.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Now, I think on that evidence,
0:30:09 > 0:30:14we should value the three-piece tea set at between £250 and £350.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15Oh, excellent.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- So, a little bit more than you thought.- Yeah.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20I think we should put a reserve on it of some sort.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- And I would suggest 250. - 250 is fine.- Bottom estimate.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Now, if silver goes down between now and the time of the sale,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- we'll have to have a little rethink.- Yeah.- OK?
0:30:30 > 0:30:33- I'd be happy with that. - What will you spend the money on?
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- My wife likes holidays, so I think it will be towards a holiday.- Right.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39That's a good way of spending the money.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41And I think it is probably true,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44if you had sold this silver tea set a year ago, or a year and a half
0:30:44 > 0:30:47ago, you would have been able to afford much less of a good holiday.
0:30:47 > 0:30:52- So I hope it is a cracking holiday. - Yes, thank you.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54All right? Thank you very much.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57From the dizzy heights of the tower, we are going back down to Anita
0:30:57 > 0:30:58in the circus.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02David, Linda,
0:31:02 > 0:31:07thank you so much for bringing me this marvellous piece of Mouseman.
0:31:07 > 0:31:08Can you tell me, where did you get it?
0:31:08 > 0:31:12It's been in the family for as long as I can remember.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14My mother's brother, my uncle,
0:31:14 > 0:31:17had a lot of furniture with the Mouseman,
0:31:17 > 0:31:21and I remember being impressed because my mother was so impressed
0:31:21 > 0:31:25when we used to visit for a weekend or whatever.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- Were you just a wee boy at the time?- Yes.- Well, I love it.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31I love the simplicity of the furniture. And of course,
0:31:31 > 0:31:35who would not be charmed by these wonderful little mice?
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Robert Mouseman Thompson
0:31:37 > 0:31:42started his workshop in about 1919 in North Yorkshire.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47He made furniture for churches and interiors, big furniture,
0:31:47 > 0:31:49smaller pieces and so on.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53And he had a number of craftsmen working for him.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Now, let's look at this wee chap.
0:31:55 > 0:32:01I think it's smashing that the handles are formed by the mice.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06I would date this probably to post 1930s.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11Pre-1930s we used to see the little front legs of the mice.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13But they found that these were breaking off,
0:32:13 > 0:32:15so they tucked them underneath the body.
0:32:15 > 0:32:21What we've got are long, elongated mice, not little fat chaps.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24So I would date it around about the 1930s.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- Would that fit in with your memories of it?- I would think so.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32My mother was always impressed by this and, unfortunately,
0:32:32 > 0:32:34this is the only piece of furniture we had.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39But I've always kept it as a memento of those days.
0:32:39 > 0:32:44My cousins all had furniture as well because of their father's influence.
0:32:44 > 0:32:45So they got the big bits.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47THEY LAUGH
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Have you used this tray at all?
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Hardly. It's amongst the other trays.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55Why do you want to sell it now?
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Well, we were curious to know what the likes of yourself would
0:32:58 > 0:33:03think of it and we were amazed how quickly you sort of responded to say,
0:33:03 > 0:33:05"We'll have you on the show."
0:33:06 > 0:33:07Well, I love it.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10There are some condition issues with the marks here.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13I think we've had a hot teapot put on that.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17And to have it on display or to use it,
0:33:17 > 0:33:19we'd really want to get that cleaned up.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22If that was coming to me, I would put it probably between £60 and
0:33:22 > 0:33:27£80, but I would hope that it would get a little more than that.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30It's not uncommon, you know, there's plenty of it about.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33That's very good, because it's not a large piece, really, is it?
0:33:33 > 0:33:35It's not a large piece.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- Would you be happy to put it to sale at that price?- Oh, yes.- Yeah?- Yes.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43I mean, it has no real sentimental value, it was just something
0:33:43 > 0:33:46that was nice to look back on from when I was young.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Yeah. Let's put it to sale. It will be bought by an enthusiast.
0:33:49 > 0:33:5460 to 80. We'll put a reserve price on it at the lower estimate, £60.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- Would you be happy with that? - Yes, oh, yes. Thank you.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02Thanks for bringing it along. It has given me pleasure to look at it.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Earlier on, we saw that magnificent silver model of Blackpool Tower.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14Now whilst it's impressive, the real thing that you see behind me there
0:34:14 > 0:34:18was a genuine triumph for Victorian enterprise and engineering.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21It was the brainchild of John Bickerstaff, a local man
0:34:21 > 0:34:24and pillar of the community who was once mayor of the town.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27He took his family on holiday to Paris
0:34:27 > 0:34:29and fell in love with the Eiffel Tower,
0:34:29 > 0:34:31designed by Gustav Eiffel, and he thought,
0:34:31 > 0:34:35"I want one of those, this is just what Blackpool needs."
0:34:35 > 0:34:39He was told it would cost £290,000.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43Now, that is 40 million quid in today's money.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45But how would he get such a huge amount?
0:34:45 > 0:34:49Well, that's where his entrepreneurial spirit kicked in.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52He went cap in hand to the cotton baron for the Northwest
0:34:52 > 0:34:54and raised the cash.
0:34:54 > 0:34:59It took three years to build using 2,500 tonnes of steel
0:34:59 > 0:35:04and five million bricks. There's 563 steps to the top of that tower.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Thankfully, there is a lift as well.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10And it is illuminated by 10,000 light bulbs.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12And still, after 100 years later, it is
0:35:12 > 0:35:16recognised as one of the country's main tourist attractions.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18How about that? That is part of our heritage.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Enough of that, let's now go back inside
0:35:21 > 0:35:23and catch up with our experts and see what they're up to.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26In fact, David Fletcher is right at the top of the tower.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29The view from here is fantastic.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31You can see across to Bochum Bay
0:35:31 > 0:35:33and beyond that to the Lake District.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38And I must say, the view looking down here isn't bad either.
0:35:38 > 0:35:39That's very cheeky, David.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- I was referring, of course, to the silver.- Oh, of course.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Because you have brought along three really nice bits of silver.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- Thank you very much. - Let's start with the box.- Yeah.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51This, I suppose, is for trinkets,
0:35:51 > 0:35:54a little dressing table box with an engine-turned lid.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57It was assayed in Birmingham in the 1920s by AD,
0:35:57 > 0:36:02who specialised in high quality, luxury items like this.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07A pair of vases, which I take to be for rosebuds possibly.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11And this really nice little silver card case.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12Why are you selling them?
0:36:12 > 0:36:16Well, my mum actually inherited these and they have
0:36:16 > 0:36:20been in a cabinet that we also inherited from my Great Aunt Mary.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23And she had lots of beautiful things, but we know very,
0:36:23 > 0:36:24very little about these.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27There's other things we've kept that we love of hers,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30that we would never part with, but because we don't really know
0:36:30 > 0:36:34much about these, my mum is prepared to sort of sell them, really.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36They don't have any sentimental value.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40They do in away because obviously they were Aunt Mary's.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42But you don't really know quite enough about them.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45No, but I am really intrigued with that, this,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47if you could tell me more about that.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Well, it's a card case.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51It might have been used for visiting cards,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53and might possibly have been use for dance cards.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56What I love about these things is they are shaped
0:36:56 > 0:36:58to fit a hip pocket.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00It just goes to show that extra little bit of quality,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02doesn't it, that extra little bit of forethought that
0:37:02 > 0:37:04went into the manufacturing of that.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07I'm wondering... Because I know that she used to come to the ballroom.
0:37:07 > 0:37:08Did she?
0:37:08 > 0:37:11I wonder if she used that for dancing,
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- whether it was connected to that maybe.- Who can say?
0:37:14 > 0:37:17But it is a lovely thought. Unfortunately, it isn't engraved
0:37:17 > 0:37:21so we've got nothing really to go on that would substantiate that.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- No.- Let's use our imaginations and say, "Why not?"
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- I'd like to think that. - That'd be fantastic, wouldn't it?
0:37:26 > 0:37:29And really, I think the vases set this little group off, really.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- I would be inclined to sell them in one lot.- Yeah, would you?
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- Rather than separately?- I think so.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40I think then each individual item will help to sell the other.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- And I would reckon 150, 250 as an estimate.- Really? That much?
0:37:45 > 0:37:46- Is that OK?- Yeah, that's lovely.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49And I would suggest a reserve of £150.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51The one thing that worries me a bit -
0:37:51 > 0:37:55if you ever come dancing in the Blackpool Tower ballroom again,
0:37:55 > 0:37:58you're going to need a card case, so what are you going to do?
0:37:58 > 0:37:59I don't think I'm going to need that.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02But having said that, I've always wanted to dance in the ballroom.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- There is a tea dance going on at the moment.- Come on, then, David.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- All right, I'll tread on your toes.- Come on.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Well, it certainly has been a busy day here
0:38:14 > 0:38:18at the Tower Circus in Blackpool. Everybody has had a valuation,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21and the lucky ones have been chosen to go through to the auction room
0:38:21 > 0:38:22for the last time.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25While we make our way down the coastline to the sale-room,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28here's a quick recap of what's coming with us.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31There's that tea set that has been liberated from the loft.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38Let's hope the bidders get carried away with the Mouseman tray.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43And there is this collection of silver that would shine at auction.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53We are back at Lytham-St Annes, and like all auction houses,
0:38:53 > 0:38:54sellers here have to pay commission.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57Here it's 15% of the hammer price.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01And remember that additional charges may also apply.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Going under the hammer right now, we've got a silver three-piece
0:39:04 > 0:39:07tea set which has been hiding away in the loft for the last 20 years.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10It's now been rescued and liberated. I've been joined by Martin.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Hello, good to see you again. Who have you brought along with you?
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- I've brought my wife Carol. - Carol, hello.- Hello.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Why are you flogging the silver?
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Because it has just been in the loft. We don't use it.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25- It is a good time to sell.- Silver prices have held up since we met.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Tea sets are tea sets, aren't they, and I hate to say this,
0:39:28 > 0:39:31but I think this will end up in the pot. If it doesn't,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34at least the melt value puts a bottom in the price, really.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- We can rely on that. - It is a safe bet.- Exactly.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39We know it won't sell for less than melt.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Yeah, OK. Here we go. Let's put it to the test. This is it.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Walker & Hall three-piece tea service.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50Bids at 160. 170. 180. 90. 200.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53220. 240. 260.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57280. 300. 320. 340.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01At £340. Any advance in the room at 340?
0:40:01 > 0:40:03At 340 then, on commission at 340.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10The hammer has gone down. Hopefully that's not going for scrap.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- Not that that price. - No. That's above melt price.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15That'll be bought as a present, perhaps, for someone.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Whoever buys that will have to pay 15% plus VAT on top of that
0:40:19 > 0:40:20hammer price.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24So it's definitely not going to melt. Thanks for bringing that in.
0:40:24 > 0:40:25Well done.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Good to see that silver is still selling well.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29And we've got more of it now.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- Carol, I know you're selling the family silver.- Yes.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Have you got permission from Mum? - Yeah, I have. She's over here.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37I know she is, isn't she? It is a little mixed lot.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39We've got two spill vases, one little box, and a card case.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- Yeah.- Spill vases are nice. The card case is good too.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45But I think the best item in that lot is the box.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46You can put jewellery in it.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49It's useful. Fingers crossed we're right on the money with this.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Silver, it's a good time to sell. Scrap value is high.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54- Oh, they're not going to be... - No! I doubt it.- Don't say that.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- I doubt it, I doubt it. - I don't want to sell them now.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00But it's always a good baseline to value things on.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02It just puts the bottom in the market.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06Decorative silver. A rectangular trinket box.
0:41:06 > 0:41:07Canted form.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10Bids of £160.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- Any advance...- Gone. Straightaway.
0:41:13 > 0:41:14- Good.- Simple as that.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16160. 170. 180.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18190. 200.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21At £200. Any advance on 200?
0:41:21 > 0:41:25On commission at £200. Are we all finished at 200?
0:41:28 > 0:41:30- That's it, the hammer has gone down. - It's not bad, is it?
0:41:30 > 0:41:32- That's very good. - Great. Brilliant.- Very good.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Where's Mum? Is she over there? Is she smiling? Yes, she is.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37- THEY LAUGH - Look after her, won't you.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40- Go and take her out for some supper or something.- Yeah.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43- I will do, definitely. We are going to do something nice.- Good.
0:41:43 > 0:41:48Another good result. And now for one that's got me really excited.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52My favourite lot we're serving up. Can you guess what it is?
0:41:52 > 0:41:54Yes, you can. It's that tray.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56The Mouseman tray belonging to Linda and David.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Brilliant thing. And you know what, you've not over-polished this.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01It's nice and dry.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04And that's how you should buy items of treen furniture.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07I'd like to see the estimate doubled on this.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09That's my personal gut feeling.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12In my heart, I want it to double that estimate.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Because it's so good. And I've not seen a tray before.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16It's going under the hammer right now.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20Robert Thompson Mouseman oak-mouse-handled tea tray.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Circa 1950s. Lots of interest, lots of bids.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28Lots identical nearly. £180. 190.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30At 190 on commission.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Any advance on £190?
0:42:32 > 0:42:38On commission at 190. All finished in the room. 200 on the net.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43- I don't believe it! We were offered 20 quid.- No!
0:42:43 > 0:42:44Stick a nought on it.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49At £200. Are we all finished? No further interest.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53Hammer is going down. What a useful piece of kit.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56- Everybody needs a tray.- Thank you very much. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59It's a pleasure looking at things like that.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- I was a wee bit conservative, do you think, Paul?- No! Come on!
0:43:02 > 0:43:06I know what you're like. It's the 'come and buy me's.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08It's better to pitch lower, isn't it,
0:43:08 > 0:43:10because you encourage more people in.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Pitch it at £200, which is what it is worth,
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- and you put 20 people off. - Wonderful!- Wonderful!
0:43:15 > 0:43:18There you go, that's auctions for you.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20There is a psyche involved, you see.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Well, that's it. Another day in another auction room.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33If you have got anything you want to sell, we would love to see you.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37Details you can pick up on the BBC website,
0:43:37 > 0:43:39or check the details in your local press.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42Come on, dust those antiques down and we will flog them.
0:43:42 > 0:43:43Bye-bye for now.