0:00:10 > 0:00:13Today, we're in Essex, and later on in the program,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16I'll be investigating one of the county's darkest stories -
0:00:16 > 0:00:20that of the Witchfinder General and how, even centuries later,
0:00:20 > 0:00:25people still claim to see unexplained things in this area.
0:00:25 > 0:00:26TWIG SNAPS
0:00:26 > 0:00:28(Did you hear that?)
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- HE LAUGHS - Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:54 > 0:00:56'We'll be back following the story of the Witchfinder General
0:00:56 > 0:00:58'later on in the show,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01'but now it's time to head to today's valuation day location.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04'This is the impressive Layer Marney Tower,
0:01:04 > 0:01:07'just a few miles away, near Colchester,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10'Britain's oldest recorded town.'
0:01:10 > 0:01:13The house was built in 1518, and throughout the centuries,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16it's welcomed everyone from royalty to this lot -
0:01:16 > 0:01:18the great and the good of the surrounding area,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21hundreds of people who have turned up for our valuation day
0:01:21 > 0:01:23laden with antiques and collectibles.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25They're here to see our experts,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27and there's one question on everybody's lips...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30ALL: What's it worth?
0:01:32 > 0:01:34'We've got the crowd. They've got their items.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37'All we need now are our experts.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41'And we've got Elizabeth Talbot and Philip Serrell.'
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Elizabeth. What have you got? Oh-ho-ho! Look at that!
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- How much have you paid him? - Oh, £1,000, £1,500, that's worth.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49What would you get for that? £2,000? £3,000?
0:01:49 > 0:01:53'Oh, that's priceless, Phil! Or do I mean worthless?
0:01:53 > 0:01:57'So, as everyone makes the way to the sunshine in the garden,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00'here's what's coming up in the next 45 minutes.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05'Today, we've got a spectacular Clarice Cliff coffee set
0:02:05 > 0:02:09'and a beautifully modelled bronze of an Alsatian dog.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13'Both have some damage. Now, the question is, will it hold them back?
0:02:13 > 0:02:16'Well, we'll find out later.'
0:02:17 > 0:02:20This magnificent building was designed and built by Henry Marney
0:02:20 > 0:02:25as what he'd hoped would be a grand castle on a rather large scale.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28But sadly, he died before his plans were completed -
0:02:28 > 0:02:32although, he did manage to oversee this wonderful, magnificent facade
0:02:32 > 0:02:35throughout his lifetime, which I am rather impressed with.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Now, I wonder if we'll be suitably impressed
0:02:38 > 0:02:39with our experts' first find.
0:02:39 > 0:02:40Let's catch up with them.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44'Philip's eagle eye has provided us with our first item.'
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- Warm, innit?- It's very warm.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- Very, very, very, very warm. - Extremely warm.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- What have you brought, then? - I've brought these glasses
0:02:52 > 0:02:54that belonged to my mother-in-law,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56who passed away just before Christmas.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- Right. - We found these just in a drawer.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02I just brought them along today because I didn't know what they were.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- These are lovely, aren't they? - They're beautiful.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Do you know what they're called? - Uh, luminettes?
0:03:07 > 0:03:08- Lorgnettes.- Lorgnettes.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Which is derived from the French,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12which is "to squint or sideways look".
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- OK.- And they were really, really popular.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Sort of at masquerade balls and that side of thing,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20when you just want to... See, they're quite becoming.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- These are an improvement, aren't they?- Not for me, they're not.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Oh, right, OK.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- Say it the way it is, Jillian.- Yep.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29They're probably turn of the last century,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32and the real key to these is whether they're gold or not.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- Right. - Cos there's no hallmark on them.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36If they're unmarked gold,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38they're going to just top the scales at £100.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- You'd sort of estimate them at £80 to £120.- Yeah.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45And if they are not gold and they're plated,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- they're sort of 15 to 30 quid.- Yeah.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49We don't have a gold testing kit here.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52I can't say whether they're gold or not. I think they are gold.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- The but comes if they AREN'T gold. - Right.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- Do you still want to sell them? - Well, yes. Yes.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Well, what about this, then? If we ask the auctioneer to test them...
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- Yes.- ..and if they're gold, they put £80 to £120 on them,
0:04:04 > 0:04:06and if they're plate, we put 15 to 30 quid on them.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- OK.- Are you happy with that? - I'm happy with that.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11There you are. That'll be exciting, to get to the auction
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- and find out what's what and where's where, won't it?- OK.- Good stuff.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19'Fingers crossed that Philip is right.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22'It's me next with something truly nostalgic.'
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I must say, I'm rather thrilled to be joined by Peter
0:04:27 > 0:04:29with Concorde memorabilia.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32I think this plane is so iconic. It's marvellous.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35And I just wish I had the chance to fly on it.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- Did you ever fly Concorde? - No, I didn't.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40I always wanted to. It was my wife's dream.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42But I paid for the tickets,
0:04:42 > 0:04:44and during the course of paying for the tickets,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48there was a crash in Paris, and now we never did get there.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50I got the money refunded,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52and after that, got a nice letter turn up saying
0:04:52 > 0:04:56that some memorabilia was going to be introduced - would I like it?
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Well, the thing is, now it's in the cupboard.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01I've got ten great-grandchildren, two at university,
0:05:01 > 0:05:02one's training to be a solicitor,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05one's at Brighton training to be an engineer,
0:05:05 > 0:05:08and they need some money to be helped,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10and now they've got to pay £9,000...
0:05:10 > 0:05:12So I thought, "You can't split it up."
0:05:12 > 0:05:14So, they could do with the money
0:05:14 > 0:05:16rather than what they could do with the memorabilia,
0:05:16 > 0:05:18and I thought every one of them would like to own it.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20I bet they would. I bet they would love to own this.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- I mean,- I- would love to own it.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25I think this is as good as it gets for modern collectibles.
0:05:25 > 0:05:26This little model is fabulous.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29It's been signed by the chief Concorde pilot
0:05:29 > 0:05:32when Concorde was taken out of retirement - Mike Bannister.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34He had a lot to do with Concorde.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36I've seen these models on the market for sale
0:05:36 > 0:05:39at around about £150 without the signature.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43So, hopefully, the signature will nearly double that sort of money.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- I'd like to think £200 to £300.- Yes.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47But you've got a lot of other things here.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49I particularly like these. Look at that.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52I'd like to walk around with this. "This is my boarding pass!"
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- Keep one.- But unfortunately, it doesn't fly any more.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- I can't keep it!- Keep one of them. There's more.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58No, no, no, no, no.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02We're putting them into auction as one lot, if that's OK with you,
0:06:02 > 0:06:05because I don't think this collection will be split up.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I think somebody that's interested in Concorde
0:06:07 > 0:06:09will want to buy the whole package.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Any idea of how much the complete package is worth?
0:06:12 > 0:06:16Because you've got an album there with photographs and cards
0:06:16 > 0:06:20with commemorative stamps, all signed by the British pilots.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23You've got boarding passes - unused.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25And you've also got some wonderful medals.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29I think anything what will help my children at university
0:06:29 > 0:06:30will be a bonus.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Can we put it into auction with a valuation of around £200 to £300?
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- Yes. - And see if it really does fly away?
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- Yes.- I mean, hopefully, this will fly away literally.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- That's a good expression. Yes. - Did you...
0:06:41 > 0:06:45I can always remember watching TV in 2003 - it was November -
0:06:45 > 0:06:47seeing Concorde make its last journey,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50passing over Bristol and over Clifton Suspension Bridge.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- Can you remember that on the news? - Yes, I think I do.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Wasn't that fabulous? And as a young boy, I grew up in Cornwall,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56and we lived in Falmouth,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59and at about 3:30 or 4:30 every afternoon,
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Concorde would fly over,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05and once he'd got about three or four miles out to sea,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07you'd hear this huge, great big boom.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10It would go supersonic then. Cos it flew subsonic over land.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12And it went, pow! And we went, "Yep."
0:07:12 > 0:07:15You could set your watch by it. Those Concordes.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20'I wish I could have been one of the lucky 2.5 million passengers
0:07:20 > 0:07:23'who flew supersonically on Concorde.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26'Concorde's fastest transatlantic crossing
0:07:26 > 0:07:29'was on 7th February in 1996,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32'when it completed the New York to London flight
0:07:32 > 0:07:37'in an unbelievable two hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39'Just a few years on,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42'the memorabilia associated with something like Concorde
0:07:42 > 0:07:46'is very collectible and a really good buy.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51'I very much doubt if it will go down in value as time goes by.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58'I hope the bidders share the same memories
0:07:58 > 0:08:02'of what was a first-class piece of aviation history.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04'Now over to Elizabeth in the garden,
0:08:04 > 0:08:07'who has found something for dog-lovers.'
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Mandy, you've struggled in with a very, very heavy dog today.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- Yep.- But handsome brute nonetheless. What can you tell me about him?
0:08:14 > 0:08:19It belongs to my mum. She was given it by her aunt about 30 years ago.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- Right.- And that's all I know.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24She wants to sell it because everybody in the family wants it.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- Ah, she's being diplomatic? - Yeah, everybody likes it
0:08:26 > 0:08:28and there's an argument over who's going to get it.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Right. What particularly do you like about your dog?
0:08:31 > 0:08:34I love him. He's just got a lovely face to him
0:08:34 > 0:08:36and he's very well moulded and he looks really nice.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Has he got a name? Has he been given a name in the family?
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- My daughter's named him Jimmy. - Jimmy! That's nice.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44I notice the condition of the base, the marble base,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46has obviously suffered a little bit.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47Is that a historic kind of...?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49That's always been like it, far as I know.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51But the nice thing - it's still on its original base,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54and the reason that that's important is it does tell us on the front
0:08:54 > 0:08:57the name of the sculptor, the artist, who originally modelled it,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59and the title.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02So, the name of the sculptor was Chiparus,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06and he was very well known in the early part of the 20th century.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10He was born in Romania, but then travelled to Italy in 1909
0:09:10 > 0:09:12and spent some years there before moving to Paris,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14and he was studying under
0:09:14 > 0:09:17some very highly regarded sculptors of the day,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20and by 1914, he was putting on his own exhibitions
0:09:20 > 0:09:25of high-quality bronze sculptures, which attracted a lot of attention.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30He started off by... I think children were his early subjects,
0:09:30 > 0:09:32but of course, by the 1920s,
0:09:32 > 0:09:36he was very much at the forefront of the Art Deco era.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- So, all the ladies? - The ladies and the dancers, yes.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- OK, yeah. - So, you're familiar with those.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43His animal sculptures are not so well known.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45In a way, I think the figural ones
0:09:45 > 0:09:47tended to be what people remember him for.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50But this is a "chien policier", the police dog,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53and you get the feeling he really kind of knew this dog.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- It's such a good study of a dog, isn't it?- Mmm.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- He's handsome, isn't he?- Yeah.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59The condition it's in is a shame,
0:09:59 > 0:10:00but as I say, to my mind, it's the fact
0:10:00 > 0:10:04that it's in original, you know, untouched, unrestored condition,
0:10:04 > 0:10:06which will show the genuineness of this piece.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10He became so famous, so popular and his works became so valuable
0:10:10 > 0:10:14that over the last two or three decades, there have been copies
0:10:14 > 0:10:17and, you know, spurious figures coming onto the market.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20So it's all, you know, original, honest,
0:10:20 > 0:10:22and that's exactly what collectors want.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24So, I would say that...
0:10:24 > 0:10:26..a realistic pre-auction estimate in this condition
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- would be somewhere in the region of £200 to £300.- Oh, right, yeah.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- But if we put a £200 reserve on it...- Yep, that's good, yeah.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- ..and then your mother's got peace of mind.- Yep.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36And it's been well worth your carrying it through.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- Yeah. Thank you very much.- Thank you for bringing it in. It's lovely.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44'We always talk about the importance of the condition of items,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47'so it's going to be interesting to see what happens in this case.'
0:10:47 > 0:10:51Surrounded by people and antiques - that's what this show is all about,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54and I can guarantee, we're going to have one or two surprises right now,
0:10:54 > 0:10:56because our experts have made their first choice of items
0:10:56 > 0:10:58to take off to auction.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59You've heard what they've had to say.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02I've got my favourites, and I know you have too.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03But let's put it to the test in the sale room.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Let's see what the bidders think,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08and here's a quick recap of all the items going under the hammer.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12'The lorgnettes will be worth a decent amount
0:11:12 > 0:11:14'if they are gold and not just gold-plated.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17'We will find out at the auction house.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23'And I'm hoping that Peter's Concorde memorabilia
0:11:23 > 0:11:26'stirs some memories in the sale room.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29'And the bronze police dog by Chiparus
0:11:29 > 0:11:31'is bound to have broad appeal.'
0:11:36 > 0:11:39For today's auction, we've left Colchester
0:11:39 > 0:11:42and travelled to Rayleigh, which is just a few miles down the road.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44And I tell you what, the car park looks busy,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46so hopefully, it's going to be packed full of bidders
0:11:46 > 0:11:48going crazy for our first set of items.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51And this is where all the action is taking place -
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Stacey's Auction Room.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57'And the man in charge of the proceedings is Mark P. Stacey,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00'who's sharing the rostrum today with his brother Paul.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03'Before we look at the sale, let's find out
0:12:03 > 0:12:06'if the glittering lorgnettes are really gold.'
0:12:08 > 0:12:11I like these. I think they're very good quality.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Jillian's folding spectacles.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Now, Philip was unsure whether they were gold or not on the day.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19There's no hallmarks. But he couldn't test them.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23If they weren't gold, he was looking at sort of £15 to £30 for a plate.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25If they were gold, around £80 to £120.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Good news, Paul - we've tested them, and they are gold.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- They come out as being nine carat. - Brilliant.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32So, with that in mind, £80 to £120 it is.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35OK. How do you go about testing something like that?
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- A tiny, tiny little bit of acid. - Just literally drop a little bit on?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Just a little bit on. If it comes up red, then we know it's gold.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42OK. OK. Well, look, good luck with those.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- Has there been any interest? - A little bit.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- I'm hoping they'll do sort of the top end.- OK.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50Who's likely to buy that? A collector of spectacles, or...?
0:12:50 > 0:12:51Generally, a collector will buy those.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54I don't think anyone's going to go to the optician's and buy them.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- So, I think, in the main, it'll be just the collector, yeah.- OK.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00'Well, that is good to know.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03'It makes the estimate £80 to £120, then.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07'And they are first up, so let's see how they do.'
0:13:09 > 0:13:12OK, all you ladies with a squint, this next one's for you -
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Jillian's lorgnettes.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- I hope I pronounced that right. - You did.- "Lorn-YETS".
0:13:16 > 0:13:17Folding spectacles.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- We had a look at them at the preview day yesterday.- Yeah.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22I can remember at the valuation day you were unsure
0:13:22 > 0:13:24if they were gold or not, and you gave us a couple of valuations -
0:13:24 > 0:13:26£80 to £120 if they were gold.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28He's tested them - did a little acid test.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- Oh, right.- You can test them with a drop of acid.- And?
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- It turns red - they're gold! - Oh, brilliant!
0:13:33 > 0:13:34So you're bang-on - £80 to £120.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- But these will definitely go to a collector.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40They really will. And hopefully there's a few right here right now,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43because it's going under the hammer. This is it. Good luck. Here we go.
0:13:43 > 0:13:49Lot 141. A pair of 19th-century spectacles, as catalogued.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Three commission bids. Must start the bidding to clear the book at £95.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55< Trading at £95. £100 anywhere?
0:13:55 > 0:13:57£105.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00£110. I am out. At £110.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03£115 is a new bidder. Against you. £120.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06£125. £130.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08£135. £140.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11£145. £150.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14£155. £160.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16< £165. Oh, gosh!
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- When they hold their card up, they mean to buy it, don't they?- Yeah.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22< £180. £185.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24£190. £200.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26< £210, please, sir?
0:14:26 > 0:14:27(£200!)
0:14:27 > 0:14:32On my left at £200. Fair warning. Last chances, then, please, at £200.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- £200!- That's just made ME squint.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- Yeah! - THEY LAUGH
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Isn't that a brilliant result? Absolutely brilliant.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Quality! And quality always sells.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47If you've got anything like that, we would love to see it.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51And you can pick up details in the press
0:14:51 > 0:14:54or check our website - bbc.co.uk/flogit.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Follow the links. All the information will be there.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- And thank you so much for coming in.- Thank you.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- Enjoy the money, won't you? - Rosebushes.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Oh, you're going to plant up rosebushes?- Rosebushes, yes.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- Are you a keen gardener?- Oh, yes.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- The Flog It! Rose.- Flog It! rose. - You can plant a Flog It! rose.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13'Next, we have Mandy, who has a common predicament.'
0:15:14 > 0:15:16What we have here is a family heirloom -
0:15:16 > 0:15:20it belonged to Mum, but the kids are squabbling over it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21So it's got to go under the hammer.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23I'm talking about that lovely bronze dog.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Mandy, it's good to see you. - Thank you.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- So, you've got an older brother? - And a sister.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29And a sister. So, I can understand you've got to split the sum.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- Yep.- And I think that's the fair thing to do, don't you?
0:15:32 > 0:15:34I mean, you must see this a lot as an auctioneer.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Yeah. It's kind of a sad scenario, but at the same time,
0:15:37 > 0:15:39there is a solution to it which should satisfy everybody,
0:15:39 > 0:15:41if that's the way they choose to do it.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42So, hopefully it'll be a happy ending.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Fingers crossed we've got a big audience for this.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50< A gilt bronze in the form of a German shepherd. Lovely bronze there.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Commission bids, two of them. Must start the bidding at £150.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56£160 anywhere? Thank you, sir. £160. £170.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59You're bidding £180. £180. £180 now.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Are we all done at £180? Commission bid's at £180.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Against you. One more, sir?
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- £180. £190.- Yes. Keep going. - £190 with you.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08The far back at £190. Coming on the phone at £190.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11£200 on the phone. Telephone bid's at £200. Against you, sir.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15You finished? At £200 now. Fair warning at £200.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- £200. Thank you for that.- Just!
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- That was a close one, that was.- We are on a knife edge here, aren't we?
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- I mean, we are on this one, let's face it.- Very much so.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- That close, but we got it away. You're happy.- Yep.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31And the family's happy. It can all be divided up.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Once commission is taken out, which is 20%, inclusive of VAT here.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- Everyone's got to pay it.- Yep. - Then we can divide that up.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- Thank you for coming in. - Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43'Well, it has gone, and so has the problem of who was going to own it.'
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Well, I've just been joined by Peter, our next owner,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49and it really is chocks away for us.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I'm talking about that Concorde memorabilia,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53and we're looking at £200 to £300.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Good luck with this. I think there's been a lot of interest.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Let's find out what the bidders think. Here we go. Look, Peter.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Let's watch it fly. This is it.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Lot 640. Lovely collection of Concorde memorabilia.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Bids clearing at £100. £110 anywhere?
0:17:09 > 0:17:11£110. £120.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13£130. £140.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16£150. £160. £170.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18£180. £190.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21£200. £210. Your bid, sir, down the middle at £210.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26£220 anywhere? Selling, then, at £210.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Yes! £210. We just got it away.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32That was close, but it sold within estimate.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39'Nice to see a young bidder, and he looks so pleased with what he got.'
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Very happy with the price that I paid.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Probably would have gone higher. Really, really wanted it.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46And I thought, because it was such an iconic aircraft,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49it'd be a privilege to own a piece of history.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53'That's great. He's over the moon.'
0:17:54 > 0:17:55Done at £40?
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Thank you. £42. £42 in the room again...
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Did you know that Essex holds a rather dubious record?
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Back in the 1600s, more so-called witches
0:18:04 > 0:18:07were caught, tried and executed in this county
0:18:07 > 0:18:10than anywhere else in the UK, and much of it was down to one man.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13I went to Manningtree, which is just a few miles up the road,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15to find out more.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28'This is beautiful north Essex, a landscape of big skies,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31'meandering rivers and quaint villages.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36'But this peaceful rural idyll has a dark and disturbing history.'
0:18:38 > 0:18:40SHOUTING
0:18:42 > 0:18:45The 17th century was a turbulent time in our history.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47There was a violent civil war
0:18:47 > 0:18:50and clashes between Catholics and Protestants.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51And amongst all the chaos,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55old fears and superstitions about witchcraft and sorcery
0:18:55 > 0:18:57began to resurface
0:18:57 > 0:19:01and Essex became the epicentre of a witch-hunting frenzy.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08'Between the years of 1645 and 1647,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11'over 100 suspected witches were tried and executed,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14'a gruesome record that made the county
0:19:14 > 0:19:16'the most prolific killer of so-called witches
0:19:16 > 0:19:18'in the British Isles.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21'One man in particular became notorious
0:19:21 > 0:19:25'for his involvement in the witch hunts - Matthew Hopkins.'
0:19:27 > 0:19:32Matthew Hopkins was born in around 1620 in Great Wenham, in Suffolk.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33As a young man, he moved here,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36to the small market town of Manningtree in Essex,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39which was at the heart of the Puritan community
0:19:39 > 0:19:41in the east of England.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Now, at the time, witchcraft was a crime,
0:19:43 > 0:19:48and Hopkins saw the opportunity to forge a new career hunting witches.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50He essentially took the law into his own hands,
0:19:50 > 0:19:54and his search for suspects started right here.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59'Hopkins claimed to have overheard women in Manningtree
0:19:59 > 0:20:01'discussing their secret meetings with the devil,
0:20:01 > 0:20:06'and in 1645, he had the elderly widow Elizabeth Clarke imprisoned
0:20:06 > 0:20:09'on suspicion of witchcraft.'
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Hopkins employed methods of torture,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13such as sleep deprivation and starvation,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15to extract confessions.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19At Elizabeth Clarke's trial, he swore on oath
0:20:19 > 0:20:23that he witnessed four animals, allegedly possessed by demons,
0:20:23 > 0:20:25visit her during his interrogation,
0:20:25 > 0:20:29and as a result of Clarke's ordeal, she admitted to all the charges.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32She was found guilty and hanged.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36'Hopkins' gift for interrogation and persuasion
0:20:36 > 0:20:37'made him a compelling figure,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'and to add weight to his authority as an investigator,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44'he gave himself the title of Witchfinder General.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48'He even claimed to have been appointed by Parliament.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51'This soon meant he was in high demand
0:20:51 > 0:20:53'in towns throughout the east of England,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56'all of which were willing to pay handsomely
0:20:56 > 0:20:59'to rid them of supposed witches.'
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Many of those he accused were held here at Colchester Castle.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05It looks pleasant enough today, surrounded by flowers.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07It's a wonderful tourist attraction.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10But back in the 17th century, this was a corrupt jail,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13and the prisoners were kept in appalling conditions.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16And for those who fell victim to Hopkins' accusations,
0:21:16 > 0:21:21this was a place of terror, hell and desperation.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Now, this is Mistley, just a short distance from Manningtree,
0:21:34 > 0:21:35where Hopkins lived.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39Now, local legend has it this lake was used by Hopkins
0:21:39 > 0:21:41for his infamous "swimming trials".
0:21:41 > 0:21:45'Suspects were tied up and thrown into the water.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47'If they floated, they were guilty of witchcraft,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51'at which point, they were taken away and executed.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56'If they sank, they were hauled out and subjected to a formal trial.'
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Either way, if Hopkins accused you of something,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01the outlook was pretty grim.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05'I met up with Professor Malcolm Gaskill
0:22:05 > 0:22:09'of the University of East Anglia, expert on the history of witchcraft,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12'to find out more about Matthew Hopkins.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15What gave Matthew Hopkins his authority?
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Well, he didn't really have any authority.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Some people said that he had the authority of Parliament,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22but, really, this was during the English Civil War,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25and the world was turned upside down and the law had been disturbed,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27and he just took it upon himself, really.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30And in those times, it was possible to do that.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Did he have a particular type of victim that he would go for?
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Well, they tended to be the most vulnerable members of the community.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39So, the poor and the elderly.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42People that couldn't defend themselves and speak up?
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Yeah, absolutely. And especially women.
0:22:44 > 0:22:45But when we say "his victims",
0:22:45 > 0:22:47of course, it actually took quite a lot of people
0:22:47 > 0:22:51to accuse somebody of witchcraft for it to be successful legally.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55So it wasn't just him - he was basically feeding on the suspicions
0:22:55 > 0:22:58and the anxieties of all the local people around him.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00What do you think his motives were?
0:23:00 > 0:23:01Well, people even at the time,
0:23:01 > 0:23:05his critics said that he was just motivated by the lust for money.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10Some people said it was actually a kind of a perversion on his part.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13But I think if we understand the context of the time -
0:23:13 > 0:23:15he was the son of a godly clergyman -
0:23:15 > 0:23:18I think actually, as unpalatable as it might seem,
0:23:18 > 0:23:20he thought he was doing the right thing
0:23:20 > 0:23:23and it was a sincere crusade against what he saw
0:23:23 > 0:23:26as the spread of the devil and of evil in these parts.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32'But how did Matthew Hopkins meet his own end?'
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Some people believe that Hopkins himself was actually subjected
0:23:35 > 0:23:37to the same tortures and punishments
0:23:37 > 0:23:39that he'd inflicted upon the witches,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41you know, at the height of his campaign.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43But it's actually said he was brought to a pond -
0:23:43 > 0:23:45probably this one here -
0:23:45 > 0:23:49and was thrown into the water to see if he'd float or if he would...
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- Go straight to the bottom? - ..sink, yeah.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53You know, and then was hauled out, or drowned.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55There's different versions of the story you find in folklore.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- Why was HE subjected to it? - Well, I don't think he was.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59There's no evidence that he actually was.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02He probably almost certainly died of tuberculosis,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04just kind of faded away, but it makes a better story.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Do you think, because there's no definite conclusion, really,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09to what happened,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11do you think that's why this story and other stories like this
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- continue to get told? - Yeah, definitely.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15The stories that we have inside us
0:24:15 > 0:24:17need a beginning and a middle and an end,
0:24:17 > 0:24:19and I think, given the sense of injustice
0:24:19 > 0:24:21of what happened round here,
0:24:21 > 0:24:22the, sort of, local trauma
0:24:22 > 0:24:24of so many people being arrested and executed,
0:24:24 > 0:24:27there's a very strong need to tell the story in a certain way,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30and I think that explains why there are so many legends,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33and also why there are so many ghost stories associated with round here -
0:24:33 > 0:24:36both ghost sightings of Hopkins and also of his victims.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- Well, I'll keep an eye out. - PROFESSOR GASKILL LAUGHS
0:24:41 > 0:24:44'Whatever the truth behind the stories, there is no doubt
0:24:44 > 0:24:46'that in just three short years,
0:24:46 > 0:24:48'Hopkins' career as Witchfinder General
0:24:48 > 0:24:51'destroyed many innocent lives
0:24:51 > 0:24:54'and tore families and communities apart.'
0:24:54 > 0:24:56And what about the final part of the legend?
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Well, like the truth about his death,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01this place is more ordinary and less dramatic
0:25:01 > 0:25:04than a storyteller would have hoped for.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07These are the overgrown foundations of Mistley Heath Church,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10where, it is believed, Hopkins was buried.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15It's unlikely that the truth about Hopkins's death will ever be known,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17but as we've just seen, from the simplest foundations,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20rich folk history can build.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24And I'm sure you'll agree it's a fascinating yet gruesome story
0:25:24 > 0:25:27which is going to be told for generations to come.
0:25:39 > 0:25:40Welcome back to our valuation day
0:25:40 > 0:25:43here at the magnificent Layer Marney Tower,
0:25:43 > 0:25:44just outside of Colchester.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46As you can see, it's still in full swing,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49hundreds of people waiting to see our experts,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51hoping they're going to be one of the lucky ones
0:25:51 > 0:25:52to go through to the auction later on.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55So let's now catch up with Elizabeth Talbot.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59It's not as though we need any more light shedding on today,
0:25:59 > 0:26:00on this bright, sunny day,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02but you have brought a lovely light fitting.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04What can you tell me about it?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Well, I spotted it when I was on holiday in Dorset,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09and I used to have a very old listed cottage,
0:26:09 > 0:26:11and I just fell in love with it,
0:26:11 > 0:26:12thought it was very ornate and pretty,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15and thought I'd buy it for my cottage.
0:26:15 > 0:26:16I do buy a lot of items,
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and I just thought it was really lovely and original.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21And did you instate it, install it in your cottage?
0:26:21 > 0:26:23We did actually fix it to one of the beams,
0:26:23 > 0:26:24but we didn't actually wire it up.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26- OK.- So we didn't actually have it working.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30So it looked as though it could have possibly shed light, but didn't. OK.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32So, did you actually have it rewired at all?
0:26:32 > 0:26:34No, that was like that when I bought it. Yeah.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38Cos obviously, what we have here is a late Victorian brass...
0:26:38 > 0:26:40..what was originally a gas-fired light.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43It would have hung from the ceiling, as you say,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46and it has sort of a swivelling, gimballed end here
0:26:46 > 0:26:47so it could be slightly adjusted,
0:26:47 > 0:26:52and then the flow of gas would have been, obviously, operated
0:26:52 > 0:26:54from the little stop-cap there.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56But on and off would have been used by operating the pulley,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00sort of, the seesaw pulley on the chains there.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03In more recent times, it's been converted to electric
0:27:03 > 0:27:05for usage in modern houses.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08And the only other comment I'd make is that the shade,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10which is very pretty in its own right, is more of a 1930s type.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Yes. I didn't think it was the original.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- But it complements it. - It just looks pretty on there, yeah.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18So, have you have you no place for it in your current abode?
0:27:18 > 0:27:21No, 'cause unfortunately, I had to give up my cottage that I lived in,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24and I've moved to a more modern house, which it doesn't suit at all.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- Suit it at all?- No.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28And also, to be fair, you need a degree of ceiling height
0:27:28 > 0:27:30to allow that to fall from the ceiling
0:27:30 > 0:27:32and not bang your head on it.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34I mean, certainly, architectural features such as this
0:27:34 > 0:27:36which have been reclaimed from old properties
0:27:36 > 0:27:40and converted, made good so they can be put to modern usage are popular.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42So, the market at the moment
0:27:42 > 0:27:44is still very receptive to things like this.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Having said that, this model is not rare.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48They were produced in vast quantities.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51And so it's not a scarcity, it's just a very nice example.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54And have you an idea of value? Or do you remember what you paid for it?
0:27:54 > 0:27:58I think I might, about 15 years ago, have paid about £35.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- But I've no idea what the value is today.- And that was for a shop?
0:28:00 > 0:28:06That was, erm, yeah, a little gadget, sort of antiquey second-hand shop.
0:28:06 > 0:28:07So, when it comes to value, realistically,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10we should be looking at an estimate of about £30 to £50,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12which is the kind of value you paid for it when you bought it,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14but from a shop.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16I think if you bought this from a shop now,
0:28:16 > 0:28:18you'd be paying another 50% to 100% on top of that.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21So, it has gone up in real terms - it's just that to sell it at auction
0:28:21 > 0:28:23is slightly different from buying from a shop.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- But if you're happy with that valuation...- Yeah, that's fine.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28And if we put a reserve on it at the lower end, at, sort of, £30?
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- £30, yeah, that's fine. - Do you want that firm or...
0:28:31 > 0:28:33- No, that can be discretion. - Discretion? OK.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35But hopefully, we won't need it.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39And, yes, thank you so much for bringing it along. It's been lovely.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43'It may be a marriage, but it makes a pretty good period piece.'
0:28:46 > 0:28:48While our experts are hard at work,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50I'm also on the lookout for items of furniture.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52My passion is wood.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54I love it in the cut and felled form,
0:28:54 > 0:28:56but also in the living, organic form.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59And here is a wonderful example of - can you guess what this tree is?
0:28:59 > 0:29:01It's a tulip tree.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03They can only flower after ten years of first planting them,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07and I'd say this one is around about 150 years old.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09But tulipwood is a wonderful veneer
0:29:09 > 0:29:12used throughout the 17th century on fine pieces of furniture,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15which really, really does correlate with such a magnificent house.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17I wonder if we can find anything made of tulipwood here today.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Who knows?
0:29:21 > 0:29:25'Back over to Philip, who has found something rather sweet.'
0:29:27 > 0:29:28- How are you, Anne? - I'm very hot today.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- Very, very hot? - But it's a lovely day.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Well, this is an ideal day for strawberries and cream,
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- and we've got the old sugar sifter, haven't we?- Yes.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37How long have you had this?
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Erm, nearly 60 years, cos it was a wedding present.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42It's a beautiful thing. Why have you made up your mind it's time to go?
0:29:42 > 0:29:47Because it's not very practical for today's living, really.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51We don't use it. We used to use it quite a bit. But not any more.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- That's dining in style, isn't it? - Well, yes.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57- Now, do you know what these hallmarks mean?- No, I don't.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59- If we look there...- Yep.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02..that P is a date code,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- which I think is around 1910, something like that.- Right.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07- That's a leopard's head.- Yep.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10And that tells us that this was assayed in London.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14There were assay offices in Sheffield, Birmingham, London,
0:30:14 > 0:30:18and that's where, to prove that something is silver,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21you sent it to the assay office, you had to pay for it,
0:30:21 > 0:30:23and they stamped it just like this,
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- and that's basically your hallmark to say that it's silver.- Right.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30So if you turn it up, on the bottom, it's got...
0:30:30 > 0:30:34.."Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, Regent Street, London."
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- Right.- You don't want better than that, do you?
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- Oh. Well, that sounds good. - That is the best.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40They were set up in 1880,
0:30:40 > 0:30:42and I think in 1952, they merged with Garrard,
0:30:42 > 0:30:44so you've got the best retailers' name.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48And they were the best. This is a wonderful quality thing.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- Oh, right.- So, now, we've got to decide what it's worth.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- This has an intrinsic value as an item.- Yes.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56But almost in a way, the base price of this
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- is the scrap value of silver.- Mmm.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- So, what we do...- Yep.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02..is we get some scales out...
0:31:04 > 0:31:07..and we just put that on there... like that.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10I think they've given me the heaviest elastic band in the world.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- Oh, right.- OK? And then we just get that up there like that, look.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17I thought it was about 9oz, but the old scales are showing up at 10.2,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20and it always pays to be a little bit cautious.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23So, you know, it's between, I would say, roughly 9 and 9½ ounces.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27I don't think my hands are that steady when I'm supporting it, so...
0:31:27 > 0:31:29- But it gives us a clue. That's the point.- Yes. OK.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- 9oz. There we are.- OK.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34And we know that silver is very roughly
0:31:34 > 0:31:37about £10 an ounce at the minute - between £10 and £12 an ounce.
0:31:37 > 0:31:42- Oh. Right.- And I think an auction estimate for this is in the...
0:31:42 > 0:31:45..and this is a base price - is £80 to £120.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Might make £100 to £150.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51But I do want £100 for reserve.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54Right. Here's the simple question. Do you want to sell it?
0:31:54 > 0:31:55- Well, yes.- Right.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00Then how about if you put an estimate on it of £100 to £150
0:32:00 > 0:32:01and you put a reserve on it at £100,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04but you give the auctioneer 10% discretion?
0:32:04 > 0:32:09- OK.- All right? So that he's got £10 he can play with if he wants to.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11But I think...I'd be disappointed if he needed it,
0:32:11 > 0:32:13cos I think that's a really stylish thing.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- Yes. It's a lovely shape. - It is, yeah.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19I think our silver sugar sifter is going to go to auction
0:32:19 > 0:32:22and we're going to get the sweet smell of success.
0:32:22 > 0:32:23Good. I hope so.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27'It's a good-quality item, so there's no reason why not.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31'Now over to Elizabeth, who's also found something stylish.'
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- Reenie, hello.- Hello.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36You've made a real highlight for my day today
0:32:36 > 0:32:38by bringing in this lovely Clarice Cliff.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42What is the history behind this set?
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Well, my husband, his brother and sister bought it
0:32:45 > 0:32:49for their mother's and father's silver wedding.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- And when was that?- In 1932.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- Really?- Yes. - And where did they buy it from?
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- From the Ideal Home Exhibition.- OK.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01So, they were buying very fashionable things in those days
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- to make a very special present. - Mm-hm.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06I suppose the family have lost any idea
0:33:06 > 0:33:09of how much they paid for it at that time.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10- I don't know.- No, they wouldn't know.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- So, you have inherited it through the family?- Yes. Yeah.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- And do you like it? - REENIE CHUCKLES
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Well, we've always looked after it.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Well, I used to let the children play with it.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- Oh, did you? - THEY BOTH LAUGH
0:33:24 > 0:33:26So, like a little tea set to have a bit of a play with?
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- But do you like it, though? - Yes, we like it, yes.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32- It's different, yes. - It's definitely different.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35We've always kept it, you know, in a cabinet.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Well, they were obviously buying it in a very important era,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42both in terms of Clarice Cliff's own career
0:33:42 > 0:33:45and also in terms of the height of fashion
0:33:45 > 0:33:48that she was producing for at that stage.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53So, what we have here is a set which is called the Bonjour shape,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56and the pattern, very appropriately for today,
0:33:56 > 0:33:58is called the Summer House pattern.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- Oh, yes?- And it's part of the Fantasque range that she made.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05But what's important about this from a collector's point of view
0:34:05 > 0:34:08is the angular elements to it -
0:34:08 > 0:34:09so, the handles,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12the solid, blocked-in, triangular handles on the cups,
0:34:12 > 0:34:15this amazing triangular-section spout,
0:34:15 > 0:34:17and of course, the handle on the coffee pot,
0:34:17 > 0:34:19which is also triangular.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22And all these elements to the milk jug and the sugar basin
0:34:22 > 0:34:27all reflecting this very Art Deco feeling that was introduced
0:34:27 > 0:34:30in all of the high-end design in the 1920s and '30s.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Now, they were buying this in 1930...?
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- Well, as far as I know, in 1932.- Yes. OK.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38So, that would tie in beautifully.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40Now, I can't help noticing that,
0:34:40 > 0:34:42probably through the play of the children, I don't know,
0:34:42 > 0:34:44there are one or two little hairline cracks and chips.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47That's the trouble. I'd let them play tea parties.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Well, all I can say is that it's kind of a shame,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52but it adds to the story, it's all part of its history.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54You've brought it along today
0:34:54 > 0:34:56because you decided that it's time to part with it?
0:34:56 > 0:35:01- Yes, in a way.- And have you any idea of its potential value?
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- Do you know what it might be worth? - Not really.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06I know they were worth a good bit a year or two back,
0:35:06 > 0:35:08but not quite so much now.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11You're quite right. Things have settled down and come backwards a little bit.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13There was such an explosion of interest
0:35:13 > 0:35:16and the values were so high two or three years ago,
0:35:16 > 0:35:18it kind of had to give way a little bit.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21But I think it's just the elements of distress
0:35:21 > 0:35:23which are visible on some of the pieces
0:35:23 > 0:35:26which will keep that value, sort of, reined in a bit.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28I think that we should really be looking
0:35:28 > 0:35:32at an open market value at auction of between...
0:35:32 > 0:35:35..I'd have thought £800 and £1,200 for it.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- Mm-hm.- Um...
0:35:37 > 0:35:40It is a very specialist market.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43There is enough here, I think, to draw a lot of attention,
0:35:43 > 0:35:47and despite the damage, I would hope it would make that sort of money.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- Yes.- So, we place a reserve on it at £800,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53if that's all right and suitable for you.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- Yeah.- Hopefully it will make somewhere above £800.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- Yes, OK.- Wonderful.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Well, thank you so much for packing it up
0:36:00 > 0:36:01and bring it safely to us today.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- It's lovely to see it.- That's all right. We've enjoyed ourselves.
0:36:04 > 0:36:09'What a lovely lady, and I like the design. It's rather chic.'
0:36:11 > 0:36:14What a fabulous day we've had here at Layer Marney Tower.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18We have found some real gems worthy of such historic settings,
0:36:18 > 0:36:21and I know everybody's thoroughly enjoyed themselves, haven't you?
0:36:21 > 0:36:23But right now, we've got some unfinished business,
0:36:23 > 0:36:25so it's time to say goodbye to Layer Marney Tower
0:36:25 > 0:36:28as we head over to the auction room for the very last time.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31And here's our experts' choices to be put under the hammer.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35'Elizabeth spotted this converted gas light fitting,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37'which is highly decorative.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41'Philip is hoping for the sweet smell of success,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45'and I think he will get it from this silver sugar shaker.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49'And finally, we have this cracking Clarice Cliff coffee set,
0:36:49 > 0:36:53'which should bring the collectors out in force.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59'We're back in Rayleigh, at Stacey's Auctioneers,
0:36:59 > 0:37:02'where today's sale is taking place.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06'Before the auction started, I had a chat with auctioneer Mark
0:37:06 > 0:37:08'about Reenie's coffee set.'
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Now, you know I'm not a big Clarice Cliff fan,
0:37:11 > 0:37:14but when I see this, I kind of like it,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17because I know it's rare - the Summer House pattern.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19And you don't see this every day of the week.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Lovely coffee set. There's a tiny bit of damage.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24We've got £800 to £1,200 on this.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28- And this was bought at the Ideal Home Exhibition in 1932.- Really?
0:37:28 > 0:37:30So, you see, it's got great history. It's got everything going for it.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32I agree with you, Paul. Great pattern.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35One problem I do have is the lid - it's not the right lid.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38If you have a look at it and have a play around with it...
0:37:38 > 0:37:40- LID JIGGLES - Yeah, far too small, isn't it?
0:37:40 > 0:37:42And it's also got an orange band.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45So, it should be a yellow band, as the same as the saucers.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48- We didn't pick up on that. - So that's a little bit of a problem.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51But in saying that, it's a rare pattern, it's still going to sell.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53We've got a huge amount of collectors for this Clarice Cliff,
0:37:53 > 0:37:56and it's going to make £1,200 plus.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58So, despite the wrong lid,
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- it's going to do the top end of our estimate?- No problem.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03OK, if it had the right lid, what, £1,800, then?
0:38:03 > 0:38:06I would hope so, yeah. Yeah. But it makes a big difference.
0:38:06 > 0:38:07It does, doesn't it, actually?
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- Unless you're colour-blind. - HE LAUGHS
0:38:11 > 0:38:12'We didn't spot the problem with the lid,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15'but it sounds like it's still one to watch.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18'First, though, we have the light fitting up for sale.'
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Going under the hammer right now,
0:38:20 > 0:38:22we've got a vintage converted gas lamp.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26It belongs to Carol, who, I think, has got a good eye for detail.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- Haven't you?- Yeah.- And you've bought a lot from old salvage yards.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32I have. I had an old cottage and was always on the lookout for things.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- Yeah. And it's great fun, isn't it? - I love it, yeah.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- Elizabeth.- Yes? - Is this a difficult thing to sell?
0:38:38 > 0:38:40You need the right person with an eye for it, as were the case.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42If you've got the spot for it,
0:38:42 > 0:38:44it's a perfect original feature for an interior.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46So it might prove difficult,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48but at the money, it's a good buy, for an original.
0:38:48 > 0:38:49It's a good buy for the money.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52But as Elizabeth said, we need somebody with imagination.
0:38:52 > 0:38:58< A brass gas lamp as catalogued. £20 to start.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00£20 is bid. £22. £25.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04At £25 now. Any advances? £25 for the last time.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Are we all done at £25?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- £28.- Oh!- Just. Ooh! We're going to do it.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- We need £30, don't we? - Dealer's discretion.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13£28 now and selling.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- It's gone.- Good. Well done. - You've decluttered, haven't you?
0:39:18 > 0:39:21It doesn't suit the house. It's best sold to a collector.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Good. I'm glad somebody will have use for it.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27'Well, that's right - if it's not being used or enjoyed, move it on.'
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Going under the hammer right now, we have a silver sugar shaker.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37It's Edwardian, but it's in the Queen Anne style,
0:39:37 > 0:39:39and it belongs to Anne, who I know is feeling a little bit nervous,
0:39:39 > 0:39:41because this is your first auction, isn't it?
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- Really, it is. - An antique auction.- Yes.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45But look, fingers crossed we get this away.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- Cos this is for charity. - All the money's going to charity?
0:39:48 > 0:39:49Can you remind us which charity again?
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- Farleigh Hospice, near Chelmsford. - OK.- For a very dear friend.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55OK. And are you involved with this charity?
0:39:55 > 0:39:56No, I'm not, but she was,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59and raised thousands of pounds on sponsored walks,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01and we lost her last year.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- Oh, that's sad. - I hope it does really well for you.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Yes. Good luck, both of you.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10< We have a Queen Anne-style silver sugar sifter, as catalogued.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13< Commission bids, I have. Must start the bidding at £80.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16£85 anywhere? Are we all done, then, at £80 only?
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Cheap lot. And I shall sell, then, at 80 pou...
0:40:18 > 0:40:20£85, thank you. £90.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21£95. £100. £110.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25£120. £130. £130 on the commission against you at the back.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28That was a nice little climb. Very quickly.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Last chance, then, please, at one hun...
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Come again? £140. New bidder. I'm out.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35Commission bid's now at £140. £140 on my left.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38At £140. Hammer's going down.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- That's a good result. - I think that sold well.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42- Good-looking thing, though. - Got a good result?
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- Yes, I'm pleased.- £140. Happy? - Yes, I am.- Good, good.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50'A good amount of money for the hospice. I am so pleased.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52'Now here's Reenie with her lovely coffee set.'
0:40:54 > 0:40:58Well, I know we always say it, but Clarice Cliff doesn't let us down.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00It is one of our old favourites,
0:41:00 > 0:41:02and we've got a lot coming up for you right now
0:41:02 > 0:41:03hopefully for you to enjoy.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05We could have a surprise.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07It belongs to Reenie, and not for much longer.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- It's great to see you!- Yes.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11It's that wonderful Summer House pattern.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Why are you selling it, anyway, Reenie?
0:41:13 > 0:41:15It's just a matter of making more space.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18OK. Hopefully, we're going to get that top end plus a lot.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- I hope so.- Oh, I think we will. - Do you reckon?
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Well, Clarice always does the business, and you know that.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26I was just a bit hesitant, cos a bit damaged.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28You know, if I was bidding...
0:41:28 > 0:41:30It's better to be cautious. Better to be cautious.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Good luck, Reenie. This is it. We're over there, look.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37We come now to the Clarice Cliff Summer House pattern coffee set.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Lovely set, it is, too,
0:41:39 > 0:41:43and to prove it, I have one, two, three, four, five commission bids.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- Wow. - I must start the bidding at £950.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49Straight in at £900. Well, it's gone.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53£1,000 on the internet. £1,050 is bid.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Against you, internet bidder.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57£1,100.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00£1,050. £1,200, I will take, internet bidder.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Thank you. £1,200.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- £1,250 is back with me. - Top end of the estimate now.
0:42:04 > 0:42:05£1,250 now. £1,250.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08£1,300 if you like. £1,300 is bid.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10£1,350 back with me.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Commission bid's at £1,350.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15£1,400 if you like, internet bidder. Have you finished?
0:42:15 > 0:42:19It's here with me on the commissions, then, at £1,350.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22£1,400. New bidder in the room. £1,400.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- That was... That was late legs! - Sneaky!
0:42:25 > 0:42:30£1,500. I'm out. It's in the room now at £1,500.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Any advances? Are we all done?
0:42:32 > 0:42:34The hammer's going down.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- Whack! £1,500. - APPLAUSE
0:42:37 > 0:42:41Just over the top end of the estimate. We did it.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43- The auctioneer was right. - He was right, yes.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45He was confident he'd get that away, despite the damage.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47You see, it doesn't pay to restore things.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49It doesn't matter if it's damaged.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51Just put it into auction and let somebody else have the problem.
0:42:51 > 0:42:56Well done, you. 20% commission here, including VAT.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58- So, you'll get a cheque in the post in a month.- Yes.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- Happy with that?- Yes.- You've got to be over the moon, haven't you?
0:43:01 > 0:43:03I know your son's here with you looking after you,
0:43:03 > 0:43:05so, look, take care and thank you so much for coming in.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Oh, she's off already!
0:43:09 > 0:43:13'Well, she's off to celebrate with the family, and why not?'
0:43:13 > 0:43:16Well, that's it. The hammer's gone down for the last time
0:43:16 > 0:43:19for us here in the east of England.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22It's not easy putting a value on an antique, as you've just seen,
0:43:22 > 0:43:24but I think our experts did rather well.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26I hope you've enjoyed today's show.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28We've thoroughly enjoyed being here in Essex.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30So until the next time, it's goodbye.