0:00:06 > 0:00:09All the world's a stage, according to Shakespeare.
0:00:09 > 0:00:14So, it's no surprise that here, in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17there's not one, there's not two, but there are three theatres.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21The perfect place to set the drama for a "Flog It!" auction.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Welcome to the county of Warwickshire.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Stratford-upon-Avon has always attracted the finest
0:00:49 > 0:00:51calibre of actors.
0:00:51 > 0:00:52Judi Dench,
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Sir Ian McKellen
0:00:54 > 0:00:57and David Tennant have all come here to tread the boards.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02But will today's auction attract any star items?
0:01:02 > 0:01:05The plot begins 20 miles down the road in the city
0:01:05 > 0:01:08of Coventry, where we are holding our valuation day.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11And hoping not to break a leg are the hundreds who've turned up
0:01:11 > 0:01:13here today in the pouring rain,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16but we're not going to let that dampen our spirits, are we? No.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20We're all singing in the rain today, outside Coventry's Transport Museum.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24But before we get inside and get the show on the road, let's meet those experts whose job it is
0:01:24 > 0:01:26to put a value on all of these items.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Charlie Ross and Claire Rawle, both alike in dignity...
0:01:31 > 0:01:33And what's your name?
0:01:33 > 0:01:34- THUNK! - Oh, crikey. Bumped my head.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36LAUGHTER
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Oh, my goodness. Oh, I say. Yes... Oh...!
0:01:40 > 0:01:43..with a passion for elegant items...
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- You have come in costume.- I have.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Bracelets.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50..and they're not at all luvvies.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52A kiss under the umbrella is the way I like it.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Our experts have found their items
0:01:54 > 0:01:59so it's time to open the doors to this fantastic museum.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Five, four, three, two, one.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04KLAXON SOUNDS
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- CHEERING - Are you ready to go inside? Yes!
0:02:09 > 0:02:11And just like the people of Coventry, the lead acts on
0:02:11 > 0:02:15today's show are full of character.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19A cigarette lighter masquerading as a small aircraft.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22A silver saw that's a bit too small to cut wood.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26And some classic British birds. But can you guess which one
0:02:26 > 0:02:28steals the show today?
0:02:31 > 0:02:34For Charlie's first item, he wanted to find something of real
0:02:34 > 0:02:36local significance.
0:02:36 > 0:02:37And didn't he do well?
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Judith, look what we've got here. What is that? Tell everybody.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Well, this is the Coventry Hippodrome,
0:02:47 > 0:02:53which stood on the site we are on now, which is now the car museum.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- Yeah. So, I'm probably sitting in the stalls, aren't I?- Possibly.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Watching a show. When was it pulled down?
0:02:59 > 0:03:02I think sometime in the late '80s.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06I came here for years from when I was very tiny.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09We used to come to the pantomimes and then the birthday shows.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Hence getting all these signatures, and we'll come onto the autographs.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16You've got some fantastic autographs, which is great.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- And you collected those yourself?- No.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20A friend of my grandmother's collected them.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- He ran the theatre.- Oh, right.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27A couple of them I got myself that are in these programmes.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- But the majority were got for me. - What shows do you remember?
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- Hundreds, I suppose.- Yeah. - Favourite shows?- Oklahoma!
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- When they did it on ice. - Oklahoma! on ice?
0:03:37 > 0:03:42- Yes.- But Oklahoma's a hot state. - Yeah, but they did it on ice.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46I've noticed, before we have a look at the others, "Best wishes,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- "Eric Morecambe."- Yes. - One of my favourites.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- He was a funny man, wasn't he? - They're very good.- Very, very good.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56If we could just turn to the album here.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01There are just countless signatures here.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- Diana Dors?!- Yes.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07She had a figure. Billy Cotton And His Band. Was he, "Wakey, wakey"?
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- That's the one.- That was the one.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Who's that devilishly good-looking chap?
0:04:12 > 0:04:13Oh, he was one of my favourites.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17That's Guy Mitchell and he was an American. I think it was
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- Singing The Blues he used to be famous for.- Singing The Blues.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- "Best wishes, Tommy Steele." - Yeah.- Fantastic.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- He was a performer, wasn't he? - He was indeed.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- A lot of screaming that night.- Was there? Were you a screamer?- Oh, yes.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33HE LAUGHS
0:04:33 > 0:04:35It's about the shows.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38And it's about the people, and it's about the building.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- And about you and your life. Do they say, "To Judith"?- They do.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- Most of them. - So, why are you selling them?
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Well, I've had it a long time and I just keep moving
0:04:48 > 0:04:53it around the bookcase, and I thought somebody might be interested in it.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56There'll be no shortage of people interested in buying these.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59They are probably worth £5 or £10, a lot of those,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01rather than 50 or 60.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05Some people are... If you happened to have Winston Churchill's
0:05:05 > 0:05:07signature, we are into a different league.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09But they won't go down in value.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11They're a good investment for somebody.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Do you have an idea of what you want to get for them?
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- It has been valued at around £100. - Has it? Yes.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23I don't think that's untoward, that valuation. What do you think?
0:05:23 > 0:05:28Is 60 to 100... You're wanting a little bit more, aren't you?
0:05:28 > 0:05:30They are yours and I don't want to give them away.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34I'm going to put £80 with auctioneer's discretion on them. OK?
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- That's fine.- 80 to 120. Reserve 80.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40So, if we manage to get our £80, or better still £100,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- have you got something you'll spend this money on?- Oh, yes.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45I would like a pair of binoculars.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47I've got a fabulous view from my window
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- and I want to watch the buzzards and the birds.- How wonderful.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Well, we need to get you the best possible pair, don't we?
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- Oh, yes, thank you.- Let the bidding commence.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00People have been collecting signatures for hundreds of years
0:06:00 > 0:06:05and it found huge popularity in the 1980s and '90s.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Collectors will sign their life away for the right autograph
0:06:08 > 0:06:12and that means they will pay big bucks at auction, as we've seen.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17This collection in 2007 shocked us all
0:06:17 > 0:06:22when it was valued at £100-£150, and it sold for...
0:06:22 > 0:06:26At £600 and I sell then at £600. Thank you.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28Yeah!
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Let's hope Judith's goes the same way.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Now to another impressive collection.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39Robert, this is a very interesting collection of button hooks
0:06:39 > 0:06:43and skirt clamps, but I gather this is just the tip of a very,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- very big iceberg. - Very much so, Claire.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50The collection started with my late mother,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52who died some seven years ago.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57Everywhere she went, she popped into an antique shop
0:06:57 > 0:06:59and looked for button hooks.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02When she finished collecting button hooks and got as many as
0:07:02 > 0:07:07she could, she then went to go on to skirt clamps and even glove stretchers.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- We ended up with a collection...- Oh, my goodness.- ..that looks like that.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Wow. That is vast. Look at all those button hooks.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I don't think I've ever seen such a big collection.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21And these wonderful skirt clamps at the front.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24They're interesting things because they were designed at a time
0:07:24 > 0:07:26where ladies wore long dresses.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Of course, the problem with a long dress is that as you wander
0:07:29 > 0:07:33out in the dirt, the hem gets rather filthy.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36They were made to hang from a ribbon at the waist...
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- Or a cord.- Or a cord. So, suspenders.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45You'd put this bit round the material and push this down.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47I'm worried about damaging it.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Of course, it would hold the skirt up out of the dirt.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54The whole idea was they were done in all sorts of different designs
0:07:54 > 0:08:00- and curiously a sort of large insect crawling up your skirt. - HE LAUGHS
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Does give you the heebie-jeebies, wouldn't it?
0:08:02 > 0:08:05But it's beautifully moulded.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09The collection of button hooks, just picked a few out on the table.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Ladies had shoes that fastened with buttons
0:08:12 > 0:08:14and gloves that fastened with buttons,
0:08:14 > 0:08:19so you had different hooks to do them up, to pull the little button through the buttonhole.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22I understand that it could take a lady up to half an hour in the
0:08:22 > 0:08:24morning to button her boots up
0:08:24 > 0:08:27because there were 20 buttons on each boot.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29What I've done is picked out a few which are good
0:08:29 > 0:08:34examples of the different types of handles. This is unusual.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38It's nine-carat gold. You don't find many gold ones.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- That's the only one in the collection.- Yeah.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42The collection must run to nearly 1,000.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44That's the only one which is gold.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47In all the years I've been selling items like this,
0:08:47 > 0:08:49I've never seen a gold one before,
0:08:49 > 0:08:51and that's really nice. That's lovely.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- If we open this up, we discover there are a few more inside.- Indeed.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Little sort of chamois foot.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02So, even more in there and, finally, to go with it,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04a pair of gloves stretchers.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Another item which complements the whole of the collection.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Very nice indeed.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14So, now that you've inherited this vast collection,
0:09:14 > 0:09:19you're thinking, perhaps, of just trying a few bits as a tester.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23The trouble is it's just too big a collection. We do need to sell it.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27I'm here to find out how these go on the market,
0:09:27 > 0:09:32and I guess we're going to have to split it up into saleable lots.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Very much so. You couldn't put a vast quantity like that
0:09:35 > 0:09:37on the market all in one go.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41You'd totally flood the market. We need to discuss values.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46I think it would be sensible to sell these in two lots.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48I think the suitcase and the button hooks in front,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- this should be one lot.- Yes. - And this should be the second lot.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55I think with the first lot, you've got a
0:09:55 > 0:09:57nice, interesting collection here.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02I think a good estimate would be 100 to 120. Does that sound good?
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Sounds fine to me.- Good.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08And a firm reserve of £100, because I think you're testing the water.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10I think they should do well.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- This group, I think an estimate of 80 to 120.- That sounds good.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17With a firm reserve of £80.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21There are very good collectors for this out there.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25And I think it'll be an interesting exercise for you to sell these.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29And armed with all this and inspired by the sale of these, you can
0:10:29 > 0:10:32go home and start sorting through the thousands of others you've got.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35I think you'll have great fun doing it. I think
0:10:35 > 0:10:38it will actually mount up to quite a bit of money at the end of the day.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Talking of money, we all had one as a child but did yours
0:10:41 > 0:10:46survive into adulthood? Here's one that lived through many a battle.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Now, Judy. You know the first thing I do when I see a money box?
0:10:50 > 0:10:55- Pick it up and shake it. And there's no money in it at all.- No.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- How did you get the money out of it? - Stuck a knife in there.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- Stuck a knife in there. - HE LAUGHS
0:11:04 > 0:11:05Can you tell me about it?
0:11:05 > 0:11:09My gran had it and then my dad had it, and he passed it to me.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10That's all I know about it.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14It's historically, absolutely fascinating.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18Because this is a model of a tank, used in the First World War,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21with a certain amount of success.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It was terrifying if you were in a trench
0:11:23 > 0:11:26and one of these came over the trenches towards you,
0:11:26 > 0:11:30because there was absolutely nothing you could do about it.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35I've been discussing with some other colleagues where it is made.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40They assure me, people who are far better at porcelain
0:11:40 > 0:11:44and pottery than I am, that this is a Continental-made object.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48This was not made in England. This glazing is simply not English.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- They even think it could well be German.- Oh.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54So, we have an extraordinary situation here
0:11:54 > 0:11:57of something that's made in Europe, quite obviously
0:11:57 > 0:12:02for export to England, because it's got English writing on it.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05In the '20s, so soon after the war.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10And I love the inscription on it, "Bank, bank, bank...
0:12:10 > 0:12:14"In the tank, tank, tank." The other thing is.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Although you cunningly said you managed to get the money out using
0:12:18 > 0:12:21a knife, there is a bit of damage round here where the money goes in.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Do people in the family remember it?
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- My dad used to use it when he was a boy himself.- Did he?- Like I said,
0:12:30 > 0:12:33the knife in to get the money out.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39It's very interesting to know how it started its life with what
0:12:39 > 0:12:43member of the family, and I still can't get to the bottom of it
0:12:43 > 0:12:48being a European model on English tank, made for export to England.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Valuation.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55Well, I dare say if you put pound coins in it
0:12:55 > 0:13:01and filled it up, you could get up to about 100 quid's worth of value,
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- provided you had about £80 inside it.- Yes.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- I think it's probably worth £20-£40.- OK.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- You want a bit more, don't you?- Oh, of course. Always want a bit more.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16I'm happy at 30 to 50.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18I think once you start going over 50 with that damage,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21we might be struggling. But who knows?
0:13:21 > 0:13:24With its rarity, we might get a bit of a surprise. OK?
0:13:24 > 0:13:26I might put a reserve on it.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29You can put a reserve of £30 on it with my blessing.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- And we won't sell it for a penny less.- OK.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Because it's not worth a penny less.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36An interesting slice of military history
0:13:36 > 0:13:40and the Transport Museum has a few standout pieces all of its own.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44I'm in a bicycle section right now
0:13:44 > 0:13:46and I've never seen anything like this before.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51It's called a parabike. It's built by BSA, a wonderful British company.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53It folds up and you threw that out of an aircraft.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54We're talking Second World War.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56It had its own parachute. The parachute would open up,
0:13:56 > 0:13:58the bike would hit the ground.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01The paratrooper would jump out of the plane, pull his own parachute.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Once he landed, they could assemble the bike,
0:14:03 > 0:14:08get on it and get out of there. It was a wonderful mode of transport.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11And talking of transport, it's time I made my way over to
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Stratford-upon-Avon to the auction room and here are the three gems
0:14:15 > 0:14:16we're taking with us.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Making its debut at auction is the Coventry Hippodrome
0:14:20 > 0:14:23autograph album and programme, a real piece of local history.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33And also the unusual collection, which has been split into two lots.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Will they get the bidders in a frenzy?
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Or do you think it will be the tank that will blow us all away?
0:14:47 > 0:14:51There's no time for rehearsals at Bigwood auction house in Stratford.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53The gavel has already started to go down
0:14:53 > 0:14:57and our first "Flog It!" item is up next.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Will we see Judith's autograph album smash the estimate?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Why are you selling this? - I've had it since I was seven.
0:15:04 > 0:15:05Lots of memories.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Yes, and then I'm getting older now so I'm sort of de-cluttering.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12OK, OK, it's the start of the de-cluttering.
0:15:12 > 0:15:13Well, let's find out,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16it's going under the hammer right now. Look, this is it.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Signatures include Billy Cotton, Margaret Lockwood, Dicky Valentine
0:15:20 > 0:15:23and there's a couple of Coventry Theatre programmes as well,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- so a bit of local interest... - There's a lot of local interest there, Judith.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28A bid at 100, is it 110?
0:15:28 > 0:15:29- 100?- At 100, 110. 110, 120.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- Well, it's gone, hasn't it? - 120, 130.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36130, 140, 150? 140. 140 it is, and it's going to be sold.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38At 150, 150.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39160, would you go?
0:15:39 > 0:15:43At 150. All done at 150, the bid's there at 150. 160, would you like?
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- At 150, last chance...- £150!
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- Bang, the hammer's gone down, that's a good "sold" sound.- That's amazing.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- £150.- Yes, lovely.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- Happy?- Very happy.- Big smiles there.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56That's the start of the de-cluttering.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58There is commission to pay
0:15:58 > 0:16:01and when you put something into auction and the auctioneer sells it,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03you have to pay commission. It varies from sale room to sale room
0:16:03 > 0:16:07and also you get the cheque in the post about three weeks later. OK?
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- Fantastic.- A bit of spending money.- Yes.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14Auctions can be fun and can be a good way to raise a bit of cash,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17so if you have never been to a sale room before,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19get down to your local auction room
0:16:19 > 0:16:21and get a touch of the "Flog It!" experience first-hand.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Well, in the firing line right now, joining the "Flog It!" ranks,
0:16:26 > 0:16:31we have Julie, with your wonderful Great War money box, the tank.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Which I absolutely love, it's a boy's toy.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36No wonder Charlie picked it.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40Interestingly enough, piggy banks, why are they called piggy banks?
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Traditionally, they were made of clay, obviously,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45and the clay was orange, it was pig orange,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47so that's why they're called piggy banks.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50And some piggy banks aren't worth that much money.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53The contents inside sometimes are worth more then the vessel itself.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55But I think that this is worth more
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- than whatever you could stick inside it.- Yeah, I agree.- Personally.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Let's find out what the bidders think, shall we?
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- Here we go.- Bank in the tank, there we go. £30 for it? £30?
0:17:05 > 0:17:08£25 to get me going? 25, 25, 30, is it?
0:17:08 > 0:17:1225, 30. 35, if you like. 35, 40.
0:17:12 > 0:17:1640, 45? 45, 50? 45 by the bed.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18At 45, going at 45.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- £45 but that's OK.- Yes. - That's OK, £45.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25It's a good thing and it's a rare thing and an unusual one, as well.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Good investment, I think.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28Yes, especially if you fill it up.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31THEY LAUGH
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Well worth raiding that piggy bank!
0:17:35 > 0:17:40Next, the unusual collection that's been split into two lots.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Good luck with all of this, Robert.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- I know this was Mum's collection, wasn't it?- It was indeed, yes.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48And quite a mixed lot as well. You had the pleasure of sorting through this, Claire,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50there's sort of glove stretchers,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52button hooks, you name it, the whole thing's there.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55The problem once you get into thousands is, do you display it?
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Yes, for sure. You take over the house, don't you?
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Yes, exactly.- And then, eventually, you go into a museum.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02That's what it's about. It's going under the hammer now, good luck.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Let's send you home with some money.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Five, which is the Samuel Jacob silver shoehorn,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10boot hook combination from 1895
0:18:10 > 0:18:12and a pair of silver glove stretchers,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Charles Horner et cetera.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16I've got an opening bid on my book at £80 on the book.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19At £80, at £80, at 85. I've got 90.
0:18:19 > 0:18:2295? 90 with me on the book at 90.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23At 90 and 5 is it?
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Going to be sold here on the book at 90. 5 would you like to go?
0:18:26 > 0:18:32- £90 and we're done. Commission bid 90.- £90. That was quick, wasn't it?
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- Short and sweet, blink and you'll miss that.- Yes.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Now, here is our next little group.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Let's see if we can add to this £90.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43There's a little attache case to take them home in, there we go.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47100... 110 I'm bid, 110, 120 now.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50At £110, an opening bid of 110.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- 120, 130... - Good, there's interest in the room.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- We're surrounded by bidders... - 150, 160, 160, 170?- Yes.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57160, gentleman in the centre of the room.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02At £160, are we finished and done at £160?
0:19:02 > 0:19:08- £160, that's very, very good. - Brilliant.- That's £250.- Yeah.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13- That's nice. It's been a really good test, this has.- Has it?
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Ready for the next.- For the next... - The next clearout.- ..huge quantity.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18Going to send them out over a period of time.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Yes, don't flood the market, otherwise it'll decrease the value.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- It's a pleasure to meet you.- Thank you, I've really enjoyed coming out.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28It's all about supply and demand in the antiques trade,
0:19:28 > 0:19:30as it is with any other market,
0:19:30 > 0:19:33so big collections like Robert's should be sold over time
0:19:33 > 0:19:37so that supply doesn't outstrip demand.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- I've got 35, 35. 40? 40. - But enough about business models.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44Before we go back to our valuation day at the Coventry Transport Museum,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46I took a trip to a London museum
0:19:46 > 0:19:50to speak the the people behind a very large collection.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Museums are sometimes stuck
0:20:00 > 0:20:03with the image of a dusty and exclusive institution,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05but the Victoria And Albert Museum
0:20:05 > 0:20:08set out to be different from the very beginning,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11with over four and a half million items in its collection.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15It take nearly 700 members of full- and part-time staff
0:20:15 > 0:20:17to keep this national treasure running.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27And with millions of visitors a year, the V&A is buzzing with life.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31This place has world-class exhibits
0:20:31 > 0:20:32and I have been visiting for years,
0:20:32 > 0:20:34gathering inspiration and learning.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37But today, I haven't come to look at the artefacts
0:20:37 > 0:20:39that attract all the visitors.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41I'm going to look at the people themselves,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44the curators, the staff and the artists in residence.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47They're just as important as all the artefacts here
0:20:47 > 0:20:50because they give the museum a buzz of vitality and a heartbeat.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55The V&A was set up to make 2,000 years of art available
0:20:55 > 0:20:58to all of us to see.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00The pieces would provide inspiration
0:21:00 > 0:21:04for British manufacturers, designers and the working man.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10And 100 years later, it's still doing what it set out to do.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Now, I have to say, artists are spoiled for choice here
0:21:13 > 0:21:16because there's every different period of art history
0:21:16 > 0:21:19exhibited in these galleries as a visual reference,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21giving inspiration and I've just seen,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23which I really like to see, look, young artists.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25There's one there, there's another one down there,
0:21:25 > 0:21:29just sketching away and there's a chap here and that,
0:21:29 > 0:21:31I have to say, hello, that looks absolutely fabulous.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34What inspires you to sketch this bust?
0:21:34 > 0:21:37I would not be inspired without the sense of history,
0:21:37 > 0:21:42of being near to something crafted by someone many years ago,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45100, 200 difficult years ago.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Without the free entry to museums such as this,
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- people would not have the inspiration of art.- It's accessible.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Yes, it wouldn't be accessible. - How long have you been drawing?
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- Too many years now, but you can never get enough practice.- No.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03That's fabulous. Good luck.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06See what I mean? It's just fresh, it's great, it's creative
0:22:06 > 0:22:08and that's what this place is all about.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Everywhere you turn, you can see the impact people have on the museum.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18One notable influence was the celebrated artist
0:22:18 > 0:22:21William Morris, whose legacy lives on in the fabulous tearoom
0:22:21 > 0:22:23which he was commissioned to design.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28And it's not just decorative art
0:22:28 > 0:22:32but also practical pieces that visitors can get hands-on with.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37It's been mounted in such a way that it spins around.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39They even supply a mirror,
0:22:39 > 0:22:43look, on the end of a little shaft there so you can look underneath
0:22:43 > 0:22:47and this is absolutely a fabulous way of learning about something.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50There's only so much you can take from a reference book.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54But if you can come to places like this, take the drawer out
0:22:54 > 0:22:57and look at methods of construction.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Also, there are little tickets to tell you what to look out for
0:23:01 > 0:23:03and it really is a great learning tool,
0:23:03 > 0:23:07being able to touch something physically. It tells a story.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10But if you're more of a bookworm,
0:23:10 > 0:23:14your inspiration might come from the enormous national art library
0:23:14 > 0:23:18which holds over 950,000 books.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22People have been coming here to read and research for decades
0:23:22 > 0:23:25about everything from the Great Exhibition of 1851,
0:23:25 > 0:23:29which was the inspiration for the V&A itself,
0:23:29 > 0:23:33to a huge range of references from countries far and wide.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37But of course, the history of decorative arts
0:23:37 > 0:23:39lives and breathes in the museum.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41This 18th century music room
0:23:41 > 0:23:45was once part of the city residence of the Dukes of Norfolk
0:23:45 > 0:23:47but when the house was being demolished,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51the V&A carefully dismantled and reconstructed the room here,
0:23:51 > 0:23:53in the British Gallery.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57And the experts overseeing this kind of impressive project
0:23:57 > 0:23:59are curators like Sue Smith.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Why is this exhibit so important to the V&A?
0:24:06 > 0:24:09I think we decided to put this room into the galleries
0:24:09 > 0:24:14because it allows visitors to stand in the 18th century.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19In this, you are surrounded by fine wood carving and fine panelling
0:24:19 > 0:24:22and you have a real sense of what the visitors
0:24:22 > 0:24:27who came to the opening party felt in 1756.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30When, as part of a group who usually work on a new gallery project,
0:24:30 > 0:24:34we worked together to decide what should go on display
0:24:34 > 0:24:36and this room was a piece that we wanted to put on display
0:24:36 > 0:24:40from the very first and it took us all of six years to do it.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42It is marvellous, isn't it?
0:24:42 > 0:24:44How important is it, do you think, to have a history of design
0:24:44 > 0:24:46that's accessible to the public?
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I think it's enormously important.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53I think people need to be rooted in understanding the history
0:24:53 > 0:24:55in order to appreciate what's going on around them,
0:24:55 > 0:24:56what's happening to our cities,
0:24:56 > 0:24:58what's happening to our architecture,
0:24:58 > 0:25:02and I think, when you see the number of students, designers
0:25:02 > 0:25:07and practitioners who really know what's in this museum,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09really love it and really study it, it's quite impressive.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13To show how diverse a place the museum is to work in,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17we leave Sarah, our curator, surrounded by the 18th century
0:25:17 > 0:25:22and move to the 21st century and a designer at work.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28For the creatively minded,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31the V&A is currently running an Artist In Residence scheme.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34It's been doing so since 2008.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Today, we have a calligrapher, a sound artist and Louisa,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40who's working away in her studio right there
0:25:40 > 0:25:43as the resident ceramicist and for any artist,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46it must be absolutely marvellous working here
0:25:46 > 0:25:47because you've got all of this resource
0:25:47 > 0:25:50right at your fingertips, you don't have to go anywhere.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Now in 2012, huge numbers of visitors to the museum
0:25:57 > 0:25:59are in the field of art and design,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02so it seems the ambitions of Prince Albert
0:26:02 > 0:26:06and the Royal Commission over 150 years ago
0:26:06 > 0:26:08have been realised.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Admission is still without charge,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12an original intention from the Board of Trustees,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15making the treasures inside accessible to people
0:26:15 > 0:26:16from all walks of life
0:26:16 > 0:26:20and it's not just about the incredible artefacts on display.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24The things here inspire modern designers and in turn,
0:26:24 > 0:26:25their items are proudly put on display
0:26:25 > 0:26:28for future generations to appreciate.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Back at our valuation day at the Transport Museum,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38we're still going full throttle.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41This is what it's all about, hundreds of people having a good time.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- You are happy, aren't you?- Yes.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47And amongst the huge crowds that have joined us today,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49there are some real characters.
0:26:49 > 0:26:50Ada watches "Flog It!" every day
0:26:50 > 0:26:55and I'm going to tell you know, she's 102 years old.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Can I give you a kiss?
0:26:57 > 0:26:59SHE LAUGHS
0:26:59 > 0:27:02We also find some young antique enthusiasts.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Amy, how old are you?
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- Four.- Four, oh, big four, look at that.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09- Do you like antiques?- Yeah.- You do!
0:27:09 > 0:27:13And people bring with them fascinating stories to tell.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16All these professional footballers that play today know you
0:27:16 > 0:27:19because you badger them, don't you? You write letters to them...
0:27:19 > 0:27:23I never badger people, I write politely and if they agree
0:27:23 > 0:27:26I go and see them and if not, I say, "Thank you very much."
0:27:26 > 0:27:27And you take this football?
0:27:27 > 0:27:31I take my football to all the famous goalkeepers that I've ever watched
0:27:31 > 0:27:36and played with them and respected as international goalkeepers.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39As an ex-amateur, to meet all these famous professionals,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42to me everyday was a highlight, every time I met one.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44It's a thrill to be here, to meet new people
0:27:44 > 0:27:47and just to show the pride of my life.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50If you put that into a specialist sale room,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52a sports memorabilia auction,
0:27:52 > 0:27:56that would realise somewhere in the region of £1,000 plus
0:27:56 > 0:27:58with all those signatures on there.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00But I know, it's precious to you.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04THEY LAUGH
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Let's catch up with our experts now and see what they're up to
0:28:08 > 0:28:11and it looks like Claire has spotted a real gem.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Well, Emma, this is a rather fun item.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18A desk ornament but with a twist which we'll find out in a moment,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21so tell me, first of all, how did you come by it?
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- I picked this bargain up at a local car boot.- Right.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Bargain, you say, so what did it cost you?
0:28:26 > 0:28:31- £4.- OK, that's not too bad. So, what attracted you to it?
0:28:31 > 0:28:34I like it because it was shiny. CLAIRE LAUGHS
0:28:34 > 0:28:38No, it caught my attention. I'm not really interested in aeroplanes
0:28:38 > 0:28:42but I just liked it, I thought it was something very unusual.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- Yeah, it's really quite fun, isn't it?- Yes.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47So, you've obviously got a good eye.
0:28:47 > 0:28:53Here we have a lovely model of a jet aeroplane, dating from the 1950s,
0:28:53 > 0:28:57chrome, and on the face of it, just a very nice desk ornament.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00But when you look a bit more closely to the base,
0:29:00 > 0:29:04there's a very, very distinctive name underneath there
0:29:04 > 0:29:06and the very tall lettering of Dunhill.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09And Dunhill to most people means one thing - lighters.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Cigarette lighters, cigar lighters.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14So, you have it sitting in your table
0:29:14 > 0:29:17and when you want to light your cigar or cigarette,
0:29:17 > 0:29:20press its nose and...
0:29:20 > 0:29:22It pops. So, it's nice that the flint is still working anyway.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27And then, you just sort of push it down to put it away again.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29- Did you know it was a lighter when you bought it?- I did.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- Oh, you did.- Yes, they showed me it was a lighter.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35There are lots of people that collect Dunhill lighters
0:29:35 > 0:29:40and they made all sorts from jet planes to animals,
0:29:40 > 0:29:42wonderful sort of plastic aquariums as well.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45So, there really is a wide range for people to collect
0:29:45 > 0:29:47and they are really quite popular.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49It's in very good order, it's a great novelty item,
0:29:49 > 0:29:51make a great present for somebody
0:29:51 > 0:29:54and it's going to appeal to collectors of lighters
0:29:54 > 0:29:56and probably aeronautica as well.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- Now, have you been to an auction before?- I went to an auction.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- I've only been to one before.- Right.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05I was a young child, my dad took me along
0:30:05 > 0:30:10and all I remember from this auction was a hen...
0:30:10 > 0:30:13You take the lid off and put the eggs in it.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14Hen on a nest, yes, yeah.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17And that's all that's stuck in my mind from this auction.
0:30:17 > 0:30:23- Ever tempted to go and, you know, go to another one?- No.- Until now.- Yes.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28Yes, yeah, so I think an estimate of 70-100. Does that sound all right?
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Yeah, that's really good, yeah.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33And I think a reserve of £70, just to protect it on the day,
0:30:33 > 0:30:35perhaps with a bit of discretion,
0:30:35 > 0:30:39so if the auctioneer gets within 10% of the reserve, they can let it...
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- Is that good for you? - Yeah, that's fine.- Excellent.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44So, being attracted to sort of silvery things
0:30:44 > 0:30:46is probably a good thing,
0:30:46 > 0:30:48so get out there to some more and see what else you can find.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51I might go out and treat myself to a few new clothes,
0:30:51 > 0:30:54but I'll be going to a car-boot sales, too.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Yeah, good thing, so it could start a whole new interest for you.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- Yes, it could, yes. - Yeah. Excellent.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03Oh, no, that's more competition at the car-boot sales!
0:31:03 > 0:31:05You had better get up early.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Next, it's back to Charlie, who knows a good thing
0:31:09 > 0:31:11when he sees it, even if he doesn't know what it is.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17I'm not quite sure what we've got here, Cathy, tell me.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21Well, when it was given to me for my daughter as a Christening gift,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23I thought it might have been a cake knife
0:31:23 > 0:31:24because she was only six months old.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26I don't think you'd have a serrated edge.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Well, that's what I thought afterwards.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30So, this was a Christening present for your daughter,
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- did she ever have it? - No, I've always looked after it.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Is she happy then for you to sell it?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Does she know you've brought it along today?
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Yes, I mentioned it to her last night and I checked with her again today.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43I've been sitting here staring at it.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48First of all, the thing that strikes me, is its wonderful quality.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52It's the Goldsmiths And Silversmiths Company
0:31:52 > 0:31:54which was started in the late 19th century
0:31:54 > 0:31:59and then later in the 20th century amalgamated with Garrards.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02You're talking about the best possible makers here.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Do you know what it's made of?
0:32:04 > 0:32:07No, only that it's got some squiggly bits on the back.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10It's got some squiggly bits on the back! Can't wait to see the squiggly bits on the back.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15The handle is ivory and I'm anxious to see what date it is
0:32:15 > 0:32:19because it needs to be pre-1947 for us to be allowed to sell it.
0:32:19 > 0:32:25- Oh, right.- Looking at the case, to me it looks early 20th century.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28I'd say it's between 1900 and 1910.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- We have...cracking news.- Oh, good.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35- It's silver.- Right.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37And it's a very good gauge of silver.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40It's high quality, it's made in London
0:32:40 > 0:32:42and the date is 1901.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46I don't think it's a cake knife.
0:32:46 > 0:32:52- To me, it looks perhaps like a presentation to a surgeon.- Ah.
0:32:52 > 0:32:53Something like that.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56It's very similar to the sort of gruesome instruments
0:32:56 > 0:32:58they used in the early 19th century.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02You know, if you were a surgeon aboard HMS Victory or whatever,
0:33:02 > 0:33:06you'd have you surgeon's tools with you and, frankly,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10when someone was shot in the leg and you needed to saw the leg off,
0:33:10 > 0:33:12you sawed the leg off, just like that.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14I think it's of huge interest
0:33:14 > 0:33:17to a collector, so why are you selling it?
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Well, because like so many other people, it's in the box,
0:33:20 > 0:33:24it's never been out. It's never ever been on show, and you just think,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- "Well, maybe somebody else will like that that."- Somebody will like that.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30I think a surgeon might buy that. Remind him of...
0:33:30 > 0:33:32- Yeah, maybe.- ..more horrendous days.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34They're a bit more sophisticated nowadays.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- Thank goodness.- You've got everything that needs to be there.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41Hallmarked silver, fabulous case, great maker,
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Victorian or thereabouts, value.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50- Any ideas?- Not a clue but it's sounding good so far. THEY LAUGH
0:33:50 > 0:33:52I like that answer, I like that answer.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57- Have I bigged this up a bit too much?- I think you might have.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00I think it's worth between £100 and £200.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- You look pleasantly surprised with that.- Yeah, yes.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10Well, I'm going to estimate this at £100-£150, which you're happy with,
0:34:10 > 0:34:15- at a fixed reserve of £80 as an absolute bottom line.- Yeah, OK.
0:34:15 > 0:34:16If that doesn't make £80,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19then I don't think you should be selling it.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- And I hope it's not used for cutting someone's leg off.- So do I!
0:34:22 > 0:34:24THEY LAUGH
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Oh, Charlie, be nice!
0:34:26 > 0:34:29The car-boot sales in Coventry must be cracking,
0:34:29 > 0:34:33because Claire's found another bird of flight bought for a song.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36Hello, Dorothy, well,
0:34:36 > 0:34:39you've flown in with some fine friends here today.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42Were they bought, a family member from you or...?
0:34:42 > 0:34:46Yeah, well, my late husband, he bought them
0:34:46 > 0:34:47actually from a car-boot sale.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- Oh, really? Right. - Over 20 years ago.- Yes.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54And they've been on the wall ever since.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57They're a good bargain buy, were they, at the car boot?
0:34:57 > 0:34:58I think he paid...
0:35:00 > 0:35:01..about £20, possibly.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Oh, right. Yeah, because they've always been scarce.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Mind you, at that time, that was very good because 20 years ago,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Beswick would have been making really quite a lot of money.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12So, you've decided to have a change?
0:35:12 > 0:35:15Well, I've redecorated, got rid of a lot of old furniture
0:35:15 > 0:35:19and these don't quite go with what I've put in their place.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22They all look to be in very nice condition.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- They obviously haven't fallen off at any time.- They've never fallen off.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Taken a nasty dive onto the floor.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- No, no.- Well, we have to talk a bit more about them,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31so obviously, they're seagulls,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33they're made to hang on wall
0:35:33 > 0:35:36in a sort of trio, like this.
0:35:36 > 0:35:37Then, if we look at the back,
0:35:37 > 0:35:40we'll see it's marked with a factory name,
0:35:40 > 0:35:42and we've got "Beswick" on there.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44Very well known factory indeed,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47also we have an impressed mark which is very typical,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50in fact some of the earlier Beswick was just impressed,
0:35:50 > 0:35:52you didn't very often have factory marks.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55But this is the post-war mark that they used.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Well, they did a huge, huge range of animals
0:35:57 > 0:36:01and of course a lot of their porcelain is hand-painted,
0:36:01 > 0:36:05it's hand finished, so you do get a variety of differences
0:36:05 > 0:36:07in the shading and the detail on them.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09They have been very, very popular
0:36:09 > 0:36:13and there are some animals that make tremendous money.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16But they're not quite as popular as they used to be.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Like a lot of china things, not so many people have ornaments,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22rather like yourself, they're changing their interiors,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25they're living with different things,
0:36:25 > 0:36:29not quite so much clutter as perhaps people like I have.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31And so their popularity's waned a bit.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35The good thing is that the scarcer items are still popular with collectors
0:36:35 > 0:36:38so there are certain animals that are always going to be more popular
0:36:38 > 0:36:41and the flying gulls, you don't see quite so many of.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46And also, to find them in good condition is quite rare
0:36:46 > 0:36:48because they have all sorts of little bits sticking out
0:36:48 > 0:36:50that are just begging to be chipped off.
0:36:50 > 0:36:51I think, at the moment,
0:36:51 > 0:36:57probably a sensible auction estimate would be about £70-130.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Bit of a broad estimate because, I think,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02if you were going to put a reserve on them,
0:37:02 > 0:37:04I'd pitch the reserve at the 70, 65-70,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07I don't know how that sounds to you.
0:37:07 > 0:37:08- That's all right.- They have to go.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Because I think, with the auctioneer,
0:37:10 > 0:37:13perhaps have a bit of discretion, as well, on the day.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- If that's OK, we'll put them in at 65, 70-130 estimate.- OK.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19And then, all being well, they'll fly out of the sale room
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- to their new home.- Hopefully.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25Good to see Claire's got the bird sayings down pat.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27- That's a feather in her cap. - HE CHUCKLES
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Well, I must say, this museum has absolutely everything.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Right now, I'm surrounded by Triumphs.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Look, there's Triumph Stag up there,
0:37:35 > 0:37:37there's a Triumph Herald down there cut in half
0:37:37 > 0:37:38so you can see how it works.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41In fact, today has been a total triumph.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43I thoroughly enjoyed it here, but sadly,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46it's time to say goodbye as we head over to the auction room
0:37:46 > 0:37:48in Stratford-upon-Avon for the very last time,
0:37:48 > 0:37:51and here are the three gems that we're taking with us.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57The Dunhill lighter, giving the practical a personality.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Whether it's a cake knife or a surgical saw,
0:38:03 > 0:38:06it's solid silver and that's a winner.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11They say, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14but how many are three on the wall worth?
0:38:14 > 0:38:16Well, we'll find out momentarily.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Welcome back to our second visit to the auction room
0:38:26 > 0:38:29here in Stratford-upon-Avon. Will our items sink or swim?
0:38:29 > 0:38:31We're just about to find out.
0:38:31 > 0:38:32Let's make our way over there.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Christopher Ironmonger is still working hard on the rostrum
0:38:37 > 0:38:43selling around 100 lots per hour. That's one every 1.6 minutes.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Tough going, and it's a "Flog It!" lot next.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Hi, Emma, it's good to see you again.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53The Dunhill lighter, the chrome MiG fighter jet,
0:38:53 > 0:38:57that would look good on any boy's desk, wouldn't it? What a thing!
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- And you picked this up where, remind us all?- At a car boot.
0:39:00 > 0:39:01- How much did you pay for it?- £4.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Oh, I don't like you, I'm getting annoyed. That was so cheap.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07I know, it was a bargain.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Did you realise it was such a bargain at the time
0:39:09 > 0:39:11or did you not know, it just took your eye and thought,
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- "I'll have that"?- Yeah, I didn't know what I was buying.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16I just bought it because I liked the look of it.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Great name, though, I mean associated with quality throughout.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Alfred Dunhill, a genius who really pushed the company
0:39:23 > 0:39:26when he inherited it. And somebody told me you're going to spend
0:39:26 > 0:39:28all the proceeds of the sale on...
0:39:28 > 0:39:30What do girls normally spend their money on?
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- Shoes. Is that right?- I might buy a few pairs of shoes.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- Well done, you.- Yeah, good find. - Let's put it to the test.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40And again, I've got a multiplicity of bids. I can start at £100.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Straight on at 100, on the book at £100. Is it 110 in the room?
0:39:43 > 0:39:47At £100, it will be sold. With me, on the commission at 100
0:39:47 > 0:39:48if there's no advance.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49Are you done?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Well, that was short and sweet, wasn't it?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53If only we had someone in the room to push that
0:39:53 > 0:39:55because he said there were commission bids
0:39:55 > 0:39:58and he was going to start at 100 so obviously a lot of people left £100.
0:39:58 > 0:39:59That's right.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02They would have been prepared to go a bit further with that.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03Anyway, look, it's 100 quid.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- It's a lot more than what you paid for it.- Yeah.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Back to the car boots, invest a bit more money and save half for shoes.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11You can leave a commission bid with the auction house
0:40:11 > 0:40:13so you don't have to attend in person
0:40:13 > 0:40:17and that technique just won somebody a Dunhill lighter.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19Will the seagulls go the same way?
0:40:20 > 0:40:24We are just about to sell the three graduated seagulls.
0:40:24 > 0:40:25This is where I get letters
0:40:25 > 0:40:27because I call it "Bezzick" figures and not "Bezzwick."
0:40:27 > 0:40:29I don't know what you say, what do you say?
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- I call it "Bezzwick".- "Bezzwick".
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- What do you say, Claire?- "Bezzick". - I say "Bezzick" as well, yes.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39Firmly, a strong believer in "Bezzick". Sorry to upset anyone.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Now, originally Claire put a valuation of £70-130
0:40:42 > 0:40:44with a reserve at 70, that was right, wasn't it?
0:40:44 > 0:40:46- 65.- Somewhere around there.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49And I know that you've been in contact with Christopher,
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- you've been on the phone, and put the reserve up.- Yes.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Because you didn't want to let them go for that kind of figure.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00No, I've had them such a long time and I wouldn't want them
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- to go for less than...- That's OK.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06So, it's now at £90. So, we need £90.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09It's got to be fixed at £90, not a penny less.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10Let's put it to the test.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Let's find out what the bidders think. Here we go, this is it.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Right, Dorothy.
0:41:15 > 0:41:21And now we come onto 251. I'm bid 60 on the book. At 60, 70.
0:41:21 > 0:41:2570, 80, is it? At £70 only at 70. 80...
0:41:25 > 0:41:27- There's a chap, look, bidding down the front.- 5 is it?
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- 90 at the front of the room here at 90. 95...- He wants those.- Good.
0:41:31 > 0:41:37£90, 95, new place. 100, 110. 120, 130, 140?
0:41:37 > 0:41:43130, it's with the lady now. £130, the lady's bid at 130.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- £130, that was good, wasn't it? - Brilliant, yes.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47That was very, very good.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50- Can you see how it's really hotted up towards the end, there?- Yes.
0:41:50 > 0:41:51And you could say, they flew away.
0:41:54 > 0:41:55So, the last lot of the day.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59What do you think the mystery saw will go for?
0:41:59 > 0:42:00Now, a little surprise for you.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03The auctioneer's represented this beautifully in the catalogue,
0:42:03 > 0:42:07great big photograph, and he's upped the value from £100-150
0:42:07 > 0:42:10to around £250, maybe £300, so...
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- Great.- Charlie, this could get exciting.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Yeah, I'm hoping to be proved well wrong here,
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- I hope it makes hundreds of pounds. - You never know, do you?
0:42:17 > 0:42:20You just don't know. Anything can happen in an auction.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24Well, good luck, it's going under the hammer right now. This is it.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Catalogue now, the Goldsmith and Silversmith Company,
0:42:26 > 0:42:31Edwardian presentation silver and ivory-handled saw.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35Very nice little item, London, 1901 and I can open the bidding
0:42:35 > 0:42:37straight off at 250 on the book.
0:42:37 > 0:42:38Straight in there at the new reserve.
0:42:38 > 0:42:44260, 280, 300, 320, 340, clear's me, 340 with you.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48At 340 in the doorway. 360 anywhere else? At 340 it's going to be sold.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51At £340.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53A slice of that, please, Mr Auctioneer!
0:42:53 > 0:42:55THEY LAUGH Yeah, fine.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58And there's a bit of money to go and play with, treat yourself.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00- It's going to the grandchildren. - How many have you got?
0:43:00 > 0:43:02- I've got two.- And is this one of them here? Hello.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- Yes, it is.- Who's this? - This is Hadley.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Hadley, well, there you go.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11Super gran. That's what they're all about, aren't they? Super gran.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15Cathy is keeping it in the family.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20And so the curtain closes on another "Flog It!" auction.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22Our experts, Claire and Charlie,
0:43:22 > 0:43:24were on the money with their valuations.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28But, at the end of the day, it's down to that lot.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31The sea of faces, the bidders, that's where it counts,
0:43:31 > 0:43:35that's where we determine exactly what it's worth.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38See you next time for more antiques and auctions on "Flog It!"