0:00:02 > 0:00:05This is the site of the first passenger railway line in history.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08It was opened in 1830 and it allowed the working man to travel
0:00:08 > 0:00:12from Manchester to Liverpool in half the time and at half the cost.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Just one of the reasons why Manchester has an esteemed legacy as
0:00:18 > 0:00:21the world's first industrial city.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23And the men in the mural over there, that's another story.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27We'll be finding out more from Manchester's Museum of Science
0:00:27 > 0:00:29and Industry later on in the programme.
0:00:29 > 0:00:30Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:52 > 0:00:56The Industrial Revolution in Manchester led to enormous wealth
0:00:56 > 0:00:59for some, but extreme poverty for others.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03The city's population quadrupled in just 50 years,
0:01:03 > 0:01:05at the turn of the 19th century.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07And as Friedrich Engels commented,
0:01:07 > 0:01:11living conditions for some were wretched, damp and filthy.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15But as Manchester City grew, so did the people's fight.
0:01:15 > 0:01:16And it's probably
0:01:16 > 0:01:19the relatives of some of these people here, in today's crowd,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22that played a major part in Manchester's working-class
0:01:22 > 0:01:25campaign for the right to vote,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28free trade and also better working conditions.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31But thankfully, our battle is a little less serious today,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34as our experts hunt out the best antiques and collectibles
0:01:34 > 0:01:35to take off to auction.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37And it could be you going home with a small fortune.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39We'll find out later on in the show.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Fingers crossed and good luck, everyone.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45What a fabulous queue we have here today!
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Let's get the doors open and get on with it!
0:01:50 > 0:01:52ALL: Hooray!
0:01:52 > 0:01:55As our massive queue enters the MOSI,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59they are first struck by the impressive digital sculpture
0:01:59 > 0:02:04that shows some of Manchester's most important people and places.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07But today it has been hijacked by our very own experts,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11who couldn't resist appearing on another TV screen.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Pretty in pink and legend in the sale room, it is Anita Manning.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18And the man with an encyclopaedic knowledge of silver -
0:02:18 > 0:02:19Mr Michael Baggott.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24And today, they've found items from around the globe
0:02:24 > 0:02:26and throughout the decades.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Anita has got a ship that sailed the China seas.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34And the seas were a wild, wild place.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Michael has got his hands on an Inuit carving
0:02:38 > 0:02:41from a far flung polar region.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44And I chance upon one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46And the bidders love it, too.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Well, everybody is now safely seated inside the venue.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54We have our experts in place. They've found their first items.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56So let's now catch up with Michael Baggott,
0:02:56 > 0:02:57who is first at the "Flog It!" tables.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00We'll take a closer look at what he's spotted.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Jeff, I better not upset you with you my valuation today,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08cos you've brought this in.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Where has this lethal weapon come from?
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Well, recently, in my bedside cupboard.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15It goes there at night?
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- Yeah. Just lying in a drawer. - Have you had cause to use it?- No.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- That's good.- We are very law-abiding people in Manchester.- Marvellous.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25But where did it come from originally?
0:03:25 > 0:03:30- It belonged originally to my great-great-grandfather.- Good grief!
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- His father kept a pub in Lancaster. - Yeah.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36At the age of 19, he left to seek his fortune.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Went down to London, married a London girl, didn't work out for him there.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- This is in the 1840s.- Yeah.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Came back, finally settled in Manchester,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48joined the police force at Ashton.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Was then moved to a place called Farnworth,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55where he was promoted to police inspector.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00And it was there, I believe, that he was given that particular truncheon.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Well, we are dealing with a very early period
0:04:02 > 0:04:04in sort of police history.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07And this is sort of a crossover.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Cos people will think of a truncheon
0:04:09 > 0:04:14as a grip with a slender tapering for service.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- This is far more decorative.- Yeah.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- And this falls into what we call a tipstaff.- Hm-mm.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24And they are what is carried much earlier. They had a functional use.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28I mean, you could, you know, whack someone over the head with that
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- if you really had to, but it is more your badge of office.- Yeah.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- You've got VR - Victoria Regina. - Obviously.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37You've got the crown, the warrant.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40On the other side, we've got
0:04:40 > 0:04:42a little shield with a coat of arms on it.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46That would be for the district that employed his service.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- And we've got these initials here. - Yeah.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54Sometimes they will be the initials of an officer, but very rarely.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Often these initials will actually refer to a place.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- So like, if we were MC, we might be Manchester city.- Yeah.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- I don't know what the arms are for or what the initials are.- No.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09But I can guess there is a tipstaff collector out there that
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- probably does.- Yeah. - It's turned out of mahogany.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15And it has got all this decorative ring turning.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17And then it has been varnished.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19And, I mean, look at the colour of it.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- Yeah, beautiful, isn't it?- Lovely.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22And just wear, you know...
0:05:22 > 0:05:26A couple of hundred years of fingers have been around that.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30I mean, I have to ask the question, why have you decided to sell it?
0:05:30 > 0:05:34It's in my bedside cabinet. It's not on display.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Absolutely. Let's say...
0:05:37 > 0:05:40£150 to £250.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- If you are happy with that.- Yeah.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- And a fixed reserve of 150. - Yeah, I'd like a fixed reserve.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49You know, it is a wonderful bit of social history.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51And I am delighted you brought it in today.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Just as long as things don't go badly at the auction
0:05:54 > 0:05:56and I get the back of it on my head, but I don't think we will.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- Thanks very much for bringing it in. - You are quite welcome. Thank you.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02That's a real collector's item,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06but will the tipstaff fans be at the auction or bidding online?
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Wait and see. Next, Anita has found some old junk.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Jackie, an interesting item you have brought along today,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16this little silver Chinese junk.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Can you tell me, where did you get it?
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Well, my friend, Terry, bought it 20 years ago
0:06:22 > 0:06:24from a car boot in Cheshire.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Did he tell you what drew him to it?
0:06:28 > 0:06:30He is very fond of ships and boats.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Having been an engineer and designer,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35he likes anything interesting. Yeah.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41Oh, right, right. It was probably made in the 1920s.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43It would have been made of silver,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46but it would be a low grade silver, it wouldn't be
0:06:46 > 0:06:51a sterling silver, and it would have been made for the tourist market.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54But don't let that put you off at all, you know,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56these are quite positive things.
0:06:56 > 0:06:57When I look at that,
0:06:57 > 0:07:03I'm thinking about the South China Seas,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05around Hong Kong,
0:07:05 > 0:07:11and what was happening in the late 19th, early 20th century,
0:07:11 > 0:07:16and the South China Seas were a wild, wild place.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18When we look at the little boat,
0:07:18 > 0:07:22we can see the little cannons on the boat.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25And I find that fascinating.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27When you think of the traffic and the pirates,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30they would need some sort of protection here.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34And we have these marvellous sails.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Oars if they were a bit calmed.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41I mean, it's not a finely made thing. It's quite crudely done.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44But it is a lot of fun.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- What do think it is worth?- Um...
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- £60 to £70?- You are quite good, are you looking for a job?
0:07:55 > 0:07:58So, we will put it into auction, £50 to £70.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Will you be happy to sell it on at that?
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Oh, yes, that's fine, thank you.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07Let's hope that it sails beautifully into the sunset
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- and makes a lot of money.- Yes!
0:08:10 > 0:08:15# When my ship When my ship, when my ship... #
0:08:15 > 0:08:18It may not be of the highest quality, but this ship has stacks
0:08:18 > 0:08:22of character and keeps a moment in history alive.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24And the MOSI itself is full of exhibits that chronicle
0:08:24 > 0:08:29Manchester's industrial achievements over the last 200 years.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Just look at this. Where I'm standing right now
0:08:33 > 0:08:37is the railway shed, and its full of iconic locomotives everywhere.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39You can really learn so much here.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44On September 15, in 1830, a line opened between Manchester
0:08:44 > 0:08:46and Liverpool, and it left right from here.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Look, the Liverpool Road Station. The tracks are just outside.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51It was a journey of 35 miles.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54It transported cotton for the industries here, but also people.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58It was the first passenger line to open in the world.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Now that is history in the making for Manchester.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07And now it is back to the present day and Mr Michael Baggott.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Jeff, where has this magnificent decanter stand come from?
0:09:11 > 0:09:15It came from my father, actually, he was in the antique trade years ago.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Oh, he was a dealer? Was he dealing in silver or everything?
0:09:18 > 0:09:22No, just generally, everything. Furniture, all sorts of things.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24When he retired, he had quite a number of items, you know,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26and this was just one of them.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29And when he died, my mother took everything over.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33And when she died, my sister and I split everything between us.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- But you decided to keep this. - Yeah, I decided to keep that, really,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39cos it was such an ornamental thing and it looked nice on the...
0:09:39 > 0:09:41I had it on a bureau and it looked quite nice.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44So it has not been up to here with sherry, whiskey and brandy.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46I never actually used it for that, actually.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50Just lately it has been put away in a cupboard because of the cleaning.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52It got a little bit tarnished.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55So the polishing has sort of put paid to it in your house.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Well, it has really, yeah. - I mean, it is typical Victorian.
0:09:59 > 0:10:00- Is it? Yeah.- You know,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03if you wanted a picture of what high Victorian was,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- this would suit it perfectly. - Right.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- The decoration is all over the place.- Right.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11I mean, we've got scrolls, anthemion shells.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- There are little dolphins, stylized dolphins on the feet.- Right, yeah.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- And these immensely fussy stoppers. - Right.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23This one is a bit low and this one is a bit high.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26I never noticed that, I thought they were all the same.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30I just wonder if they are not the original stoppers.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33We've got the electroplate labels.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- And the whole frame is electroplated.- Right.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Sadly, not solid silver.- No.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42And we've got the electroplater's mark of Padley and Parkin Limited.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46And they were working in about 1849 to about 1855.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- Right.- Which is slap bang
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- when you'd expect this sort of thing to be made.- I see.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55I think it was probably a more popular thing
0:10:55 > 0:10:58when your father had it than it is today.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59So I think it would have to be
0:10:59 > 0:11:02put into an auction at an attractive figure to another trade buyer.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- Right.- I think...let's say, £100 to £200.- Right.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- Put a fixed reserve of £100 on it. - That's OK, yeah.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12I think two people might just fall in love with it,
0:11:12 > 0:11:13want the stoppers or not,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and it might go on and make a great sum at the auction.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- So thanks very much for bringing it in.- Right.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Jeff, you'll never have to polish it again.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Wave goodbye to it now.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26You get a lot for your money with those decanters, but the
0:11:26 > 0:11:30market for elaborate Victorian ware is not what it used to be.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32How will it fare when it goes under the hammer?
0:11:32 > 0:11:35We'll find out in just a moment.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Fingers crossed, everybody.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Good luck later on in the programme, because it could be you,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41you or you going through to the auction.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43That's exactly where we're going right now
0:11:43 > 0:11:46for our very first visit. Our experts have worked flat out.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48They have been industrious.
0:11:48 > 0:11:49We're going to put those values to the test.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52And here's what we are taking with us.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Hello, hello, hello. What have we here?
0:11:55 > 0:11:57It is a tipstaff from the 19th century,
0:11:57 > 0:11:58and is up for grabs today.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04The Chinese junk would make a great gift for a sailing buff.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06It might a storm in the sale room.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12And Jeff's grandiose decanters won't match many modern interiors.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Will this deter the bidders?
0:12:16 > 0:12:20There's only one way to find out - it's off to auction, which is held
0:12:20 > 0:12:23in an old school hall 15 miles from Manchester,
0:12:23 > 0:12:24in the town of Knutsford.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Frank Marshall Saleroom was established in 1947
0:12:29 > 0:12:34and sells everything from bronze beasts to chubby cherubs.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Nick Hall and Peter Ashburner are in charge of the sale today.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41And it is their duty to get as much money as possible for every item.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44The sale is online, so bidders from around the world will be
0:12:44 > 0:12:48logging on right now for our first "Flog It!" lot.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Now, not only is this little truncheon in fabulous
0:12:53 > 0:12:56condition, from the Queen Victoria era, but we also have
0:12:56 > 0:13:00the gentleman who owned it, the policeman who owned it,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02and all of his career record!
0:13:02 > 0:13:05This is what you can't find out.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08This is what is not written on the tipstaff.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09So this is probably one in, what,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13200 or 300 that we'll see that still has it.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14- It makes a big difference.- Yeah.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Let's find out what the bidders think right now.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18It's going under the hammer. Here we go.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22The Queen Victorian mahogany turned wood tipstaff.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24What are we going to say for this?
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Who's going to open the bidding for me?
0:13:26 > 0:13:28I'll ask 150.
0:13:28 > 0:13:29150 anywhere?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32£100 and away, surely.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Bidding, 100. At £100, on bid.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- And ten. 120.- Right, we are off.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- We are in.- That was short and sweet.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40At £120.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Anybody got 30 now? At £120.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- You're out on the right, make no mistake.- I can't believe this.- 120.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Anybody got more? Anybody online?
0:13:49 > 0:13:54At 120, then. Any advance now on 120?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57I'm sorry, we're not quite there with that one.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58Well, do you know something?
0:13:58 > 0:14:01I'm absolutely pleased, really. Because...
0:14:01 > 0:14:02Now you've brought this along,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05I think this makes the complete package.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Get this photo copied and... Or when you do offer it up to the
0:14:08 > 0:14:11ext sale room, offered it up as a complete package. Yeah.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Because that did arrive a little bit too late.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17We just found out about that while the auctioneer covered the rostrum.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- Yeah.- I think it was not meant to go. - Yeah, so do I.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- I think he probably had something to say about it.- Yeah.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Now here's a tip.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29If you've got some provenance that goes with an item,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32make sure you get them both to the auction house in time
0:14:32 > 0:14:34so they can be catalogued together.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37It might mean the difference between a sale and a no sale.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38And talking of sale...
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Our next lot is that Chinese junk, belonging to Jackie.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43And it is really sculptural, isn't it?
0:14:43 > 0:14:45I remember it from the valuation day.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46You can't forget this lot, can you?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- And you zoomed in on this, you loved it.- I love it.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53I was in Hong Kong at Christmas time, and I saw lots of these
0:14:53 > 0:14:58fabulous boats in the harbour, the South China Seas.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- And they really just sparked my imagination.- Right.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Well, let's hope we can do the same to the bidders in the sale room.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Let's hope they have got a great imagination.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09It's going under the hammer now.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14Fine Chinese white metal model of a junk in glazed case.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Rather stylish, isn't it? Right, where were going to go over this?
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Who's going to start me at £50?
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Yes? 50. 50 bid. At 50.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Seated bid at 50. I'll take five.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28At £50. Anybody else want a go?
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- There is a bid in now. - Is there a five? Anybody online?
0:15:31 > 0:15:32- Come on.- Anybody else in the room?
0:15:32 > 0:15:35It is £50, seated in the centre of the room,
0:15:35 > 0:15:36and I'm going to sell it.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Selling it, Jackie. £50, hammer has gone down.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- £50, just made it.- Fine. - It just made it.- Right.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Brilliant. - Are you happy enough at that?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- Very happy. - I'm sure Terry will be as well.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47- Oh, yes.- Over the moon, in fact.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50£50 seems a bargain to me.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55Let's hope this next lot lifts the spirits in the sale room.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Right now we've got a bit of Victorian electroplate for you -
0:15:58 > 0:15:59Jeff's decanter and stand.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Why are you selling this, Jeff?
0:16:01 > 0:16:03It has been in the family for such a long time
0:16:03 > 0:16:06and it's never had anything in it, any spirits or anything.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07It would add to the value right now.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- What are we looking at, about 100, 150?- 100 to 200.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15I remember ten years ago these at auction making £500, £600.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- Really?- Because of the high Victorian taste. It's gone.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20It was all about showing off for entertaining,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- but now it is all about minimalism. - Yeah.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Right, we're going to find out exactly what this packed
0:16:25 > 0:16:27auction house thinks of the electroplate.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28It is going under the hammer now.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Ready to go for gin, brandy and whiskey, whatever's your flavour.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Where are we going to go? I've got commission interest.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38I'm coming straight in on the book now at £100, firm.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39We're now at 100.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41110. 120. 130.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43140. 150. 160.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Must have a couple of heavy drinkers in Knutsford.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Yeah, it has made its money straightaway.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49It has literally made its money.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51190. 200.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55And ten. 210 now. It is against you online, it is against the room.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56It is all on commission.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59At £210, bids are with me.
0:16:59 > 0:17:00At 210, I sell.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Last chance, all sure?
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Well, that was a great result. - Brilliant.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08I think that was a brilliant result, £210, Jeff.
0:17:08 > 0:17:09- Very pleased with that.- Yeah!
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- I think we are in the right area. - Nostalgia.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- Big Victorian houses with Victorian interiors.- Yeah, nostalgia.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18We've hit the right place with the right object.
0:17:18 > 0:17:19That is a great result.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Maybe decanters are coming back into fashion.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Manchester has had many famous sons
0:17:25 > 0:17:30and daughters throughout history, from Emmeline Pankhurst to LS Lowry.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34But one of the most extraordinary men from this city charted
0:17:34 > 0:17:36the history of 20th century America
0:17:36 > 0:17:40and created a social record of unparalleled distinction.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Broadcasting House, in the heart of London, is the most famous
0:17:49 > 0:17:52of all the BBC's buildings and its original home,
0:17:52 > 0:17:56so it is a fitting place to talk about the work of one
0:17:56 > 0:18:01of the BBC's most legendary radio broadcasters, Alistair Cooke,
0:18:01 > 0:18:06born in Salford, near Manchester, in 1908.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09For 58 years, Alistair Cooke presented Letter From America,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12the world's longest-running speech radio programme,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14from the BBC studios in New York.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Now, at the time of his death in 2004,
0:18:17 > 0:18:21the then acting Director General of the BBC described him
0:18:21 > 0:18:25as the outstanding commentator of the 20th century.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35The Letter, which started on March the 24th, 1946,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39was originally devised as a 13-week series.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43What follows is part of the very first episode that Cooke
0:18:43 > 0:18:46re-recorded in 1996.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51In it, he describes his trip over the Atlantic on a ship packed
0:18:51 > 0:18:55with GI brides, leaving a war weary Britain for their new lives
0:18:55 > 0:18:57in the United States.
0:18:57 > 0:19:03'I sailed back on the Queen Mary with a couple of thousand GI brides.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07'And I recall now the great liner thundering its great horn
0:19:07 > 0:19:11'as we slipped away from the dock at Southampton.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14'All the mothers were clinging to the rail
0:19:14 > 0:19:17'and all the babies were clinging to their mothers.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21'Along the entire curving length of the ship's main deck,
0:19:21 > 0:19:26'the handkerchiefs fluttered in an unbroken line,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28'like washing day in Manchester.'
0:19:31 > 0:19:35The formula for The Letter never really changed that much.
0:19:35 > 0:19:41It broke all broadcasting records by reaching 2,869 episodes.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46And remarkably, Cooke himself only missed three of the weekly
0:19:46 > 0:19:50broadcasts throughout that entire epic run.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53And the letters themselves acted like a secular sermon,
0:19:53 > 0:19:57charting the history of the 20th century through the daily
0:19:57 > 0:20:00life of one of the most powerful countries in the world.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06Over almost 60 years, his 15-minute reflections
0:20:06 > 0:20:10touched on everything from the assassinations of the Kennedys,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal
0:20:14 > 0:20:17and the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers
0:20:17 > 0:20:19on the 11th of September.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23'I found myself, by one casual chance in a thousand,
0:20:23 > 0:20:25'on hand,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27'in a small, narrow serving pantry
0:20:27 > 0:20:30'of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35'There was suddenly a banging repetition of a sound
0:20:35 > 0:20:38'that I don't know how to describe, not at all like shots,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41'like somebody dropping a rack of trays.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42'There were flashlights by now,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45'and the button eyes of Ethel Kennedy turned to cinders.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48'And down on the greasy floor was a huddle of clothes,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51'and staring out of it, the face of Bobby Kennedy,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55'like the stone face of a child lying on a cathedral tomb.'
0:21:02 > 0:21:04His proud assertion was that
0:21:04 > 0:21:08until he sat down at his portable typewriter on Thursday morning,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11he didn't actually know what he was going to write about.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15This is his very typewriter here, at Broadcasting House.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19So what you got was the texture of daily life, conversations with
0:21:19 > 0:21:24cabdrivers and shopkeepers and store holders that he bumped into and met.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27His last letter was written four weeks before his death,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29at the age of 95.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31A reporter at heart,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Cooke not only wrote Letter From America for the BBC,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37he worked as a foreign correspondent for The Guardian newspaper
0:21:37 > 0:21:41for 25 years and he made memorable television programmes
0:21:41 > 0:21:43in both the US and the UK,
0:21:43 > 0:21:47including the monumental BBC series Alistair Cooke's America.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51But he followed a strict regime - work always stopped at cocktail hour
0:21:51 > 0:21:54and the evenings were kept for pleasure.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Letter From America is older than Radio 4 itself.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02It started out life on the home service
0:22:02 > 0:22:07and then moved over to the new station when it was created in 1967.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11And now the programme has taken another remarkable turn.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14The dusty old reels have been given a 21st century makeover.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18It is now available on the BBC's website.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22But many of the early episodes were not recorded by the BBC,
0:22:22 > 0:22:26and these unique reflections could have been lost forever.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31But thanks to 90-year-old Roy Whitaker, that's not the case.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Roy, can you explain how you helped the BBC with their archive?
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Well, the BBC put out a request
0:22:37 > 0:22:41for anyone who had any early
0:22:41 > 0:22:44recordings of Alistair Cooke's Letter From America.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I got in touch with the BBC and, to cut a long story short,
0:22:47 > 0:22:53two reps from the BBC came down to our home address to view
0:22:53 > 0:22:55the quantity of tapes that I had.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00And in all, there were over 200 cassettes.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04And it worked out to well over 1,000 recordings altogether.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06And when did these recordings start from?
0:23:06 > 0:23:12Well, my recordings started from 1978. And almost without fail,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15I didn't miss a recording until the day he retired.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19What was it about Alistair Cooke? I mean, why were you such a big fan?
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Because he is such a wonderful speaker.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24He had such a wonderful way of putting things over.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28And he had such quips that he dropped in.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33I was just fascinated by his command of the English language.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36His talks,
0:23:36 > 0:23:39only 15 minutes every Friday,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41and Sunday morning it was repeated again,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43I could listen to them forever. Yeah.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Unfortunately, I've not got round to doing that.
0:23:48 > 0:23:49But they are there.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52If I live long enough, I'll do some of them, that's for sure.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56'In no time at all, a new profession was born, that of marketing research.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00'And the marketing researcher became to industry in this country
0:24:00 > 0:24:03'what the oracles were to the Greeks.'
0:24:03 > 0:24:07I ought to give credit to another gentleman, David Henderson.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09He contacted the BBC, too.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- And he is responsible for a lot before the 1970s.- Yeah.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17The BBC, from the two contributions,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20they were able to resurrect
0:24:20 > 0:24:24620-odd recordings.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Well, it sounds like we are really in debt to both of you.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Thank you so much, Roy, it has been a pleasure to talk to you.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31My pleasure. Absolutely.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Roy's recordings prove that antiques don't have to be silver or gold
0:24:35 > 0:24:37to be valuable.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Maybe you've got something in the attic that is
0:24:39 > 0:24:41precious beyond pounds and pence,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44like Alistair Cooke's unique, historical records,
0:24:44 > 0:24:48which can now be accessed by everyone.
0:24:48 > 0:24:49The question is, what is that worth?
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Well, the answer is obvious - priceless, of course.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01Back at our valuation day,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04the engines of industry are still running, and the fuel
0:25:04 > 0:25:10for Michael's fire is a stunning carving from an indigenous people.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Bruce, thank you for coming along with this very intriguing figure.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18Before I say anything about it, where did it come from?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20I bought him at an auction in Dorset.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22There was no bids on him,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- so I went and made an offer to the people in the office.- Really?
0:25:25 > 0:25:28How cheeky was the offer you made?
0:25:28 > 0:25:31I started off at five pounds and went up by 50p's.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Did it take a long time to buy it at that rate?
0:25:33 > 0:25:36They gave up at £7.50 and told me to take it.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- They told me I could have it.- I'm going to remember that technique.
0:25:39 > 0:25:40You wore them down.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43I should've offered them 20p, I made a big mistake.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45And you'd have got it for six quid.
0:25:45 > 0:25:51We've basically got, as you know, a soapstone carving of an Eskimo,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- or more correctly, an Inuit. - An Inuit.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57And it falls into this very interesting group of Inuit
0:25:57 > 0:26:01carvings that were done, but done to be given as gifts,
0:26:01 > 0:26:04mainly due to the Western influence.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09Before probably about 1870, 1860,
0:26:09 > 0:26:14the carvings that they made were purely within their own culture.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18And they can be in soapstone or the more desirable
0:26:18 > 0:26:21ones can be in a species of slate called argillite.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24And that is very telling, when you see something in this material.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- Does that give it a date, then?- It can be earlier but it can be later.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Dating is a problem. It is a thorny issue.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37I would imagine this to date from the first quarter
0:26:37 > 0:26:41of the 20th century. It has got a lot of wear to it.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45We've got the bone used. And we've got little bits of damage.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- The base is cracked. And that has happened over time.- Yeah.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Now, this has got the sense of being handled, and soapstone does wear.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54It is quite a soft material.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56A value...
0:26:56 > 0:26:59when we are uncertain of date is an even bigger problem.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Is it more than £7.50, Bruce?
0:27:01 > 0:27:03I think that's more than £7.50.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Let's put it in at £100 to £200.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09And it is going to be photographed, it is going to
0:27:09 > 0:27:11be put on the Internet.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14And it is going to be described as an Inuit carving.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17So basically, anybody in the world looks on the Internet catalogues,
0:27:17 > 0:27:19and believe me, there are many,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22many people that type in "Inuit carvings" once a week,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25will see this, and they will probably know better than you
0:27:25 > 0:27:29and I when it was made, who made it and what it is worth.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30But I think for the moment,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34- if you are happy to risk your £7.50 figure...- I will risk my £7.50.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37It is as much a learning experience for me
0:27:37 > 0:27:39as it probably will be for you on the day, Bruce,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42but thank you so much for bringing in such an interesting item.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Thank you very much.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48Art and sculpture has always played a big part in Inuit society,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51and this carving represents that ancient tradition.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55I hope someone in the sale room recognizes it's worth.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Thank you so much, everyone, for coming in today,
0:27:58 > 0:28:00because without you, we would not have a show.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Hold up what you've got, let's see!
0:28:02 > 0:28:05That me take my pick, let me beat the experts to all the goodies.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Well, I'm going for the nearest thing, actually.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Wow, look at this!
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Look at that!
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Chis-chis. Chis-chis.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18That looks like a very early pair of secateurs,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21something for Alan Titchmarsh.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- 1920s or 30s?- 19...13.
0:28:25 > 0:28:281913, pair of English secateurs.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Look at that, still working, oiled up and cleaned.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- Do you use them?- Occasionally.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- Put your finger in.- Yeah. Chis. Oh!
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Prune the privet heads.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Well, good luck with that. Well, what have you got here? Oh!
0:28:40 > 0:28:44- I've got a very old...- Papillon, butterflies!- Papillons.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- And they're all hand-painted.- Oooh!
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Can I have a look at these? What is your name?
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- My name is Kath Dawson. - Kath, how did you come by these?
0:28:53 > 0:28:59Well, originally, in the 1960s, my first job was as an art designer,
0:28:59 > 0:29:03- a textile designer, at a mill up in the Rossendale Valley.- OK.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08And when I was made redundant, which was only after a couple of years,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10I was asked, would I like to pick a book,
0:29:10 > 0:29:13and this is what I picked.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16I think the condition is superb, absolutely superb.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20This is how it was as I was given it, you know, so...
0:29:20 > 0:29:25This man, Seguy, was quite influential, you know,
0:29:25 > 0:29:27- with the colours and the designs. - It is very good.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31I did take it to somebody about three years ago who was prepared to
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- buy it from me.- And how much were they prepared to offer you?
0:29:34 > 0:29:37They were offering £1,000 three years ago.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40- Are they still about?- Yes.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42I haven't contacted them, though.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- And is it something you're hoping to sell in one of our auctions?- Yes.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51It just seems such a shame that it's wrapped up
0:29:51 > 0:29:53in brown paper in my wardrobe.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57My gut feeling is there is a value here instantly of a round about
0:29:57 > 0:30:00£500, if you add up the individual sheets.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04There is around about 15 or 20 really good plates here,
0:30:04 > 0:30:05all in great condition.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07And if you think every plate might be worth
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- round about £30 to £40, you've already got £500, haven't you?- Yes.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15I mean, I am quite happy to go with your valuation on that.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- I do personally think it is a bit punchy.- Right.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22I think what we should do is we should look online,
0:30:22 > 0:30:23look on the Internet,
0:30:23 > 0:30:27- find out exactly if any of these copies have sold before.- Yeah.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Look after you, put you in our best interests.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32And then I'll go and do the rounds with our off-screen experts.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34This is where it could get quite interesting.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38If you wait here, OK? I'll be five minutes, and we'll do a quick recce
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- and we we'll come back with some kind of figure.- Right.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45It will be interesting to know if any of them have heard of him.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- I will let you know in a minute. - OK.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Right, so follow me. This is where it all happens here.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54These are the filming tables.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57But we've got some off-screen experts over there.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Allison, Nick, you wouldn't mind just having a look at that,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03would you? It is complete.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06And just doing a little bit of research,
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- find out if any have been sold before.- Yep.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- And what they've made. - Very colourful.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- The condition is very good. I'll be back in a couple of minutes.- Sure.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18Stay with us to find out what the research reveals.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23Jim, when I saw this in the queue this morning,
0:31:23 > 0:31:25I thought, "That is a beauty."
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Is this the family silver, Jim?
0:31:28 > 0:31:31No, no, this is the charity shop silver.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- You bought this in a charity shop? - Yes.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Do you go round to charity shops or was it just a chance buy?
0:31:37 > 0:31:40I go down and have a look all the time, but it was a chance buy,
0:31:40 > 0:31:42it was just dumped in, black.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45Maybe it looked like pewter, so I thought, I'll have a look anyway.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50- How much did it cost you? - About a fiver.- About a fiver.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- Did you find out anything about it? - No.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55But because there are no hallmarks, I wondered if it was silver or tin.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58I didn't really know, so I thought, "I'll bring it."
0:31:58 > 0:32:00Well, it is silver.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Now, there are various aspects of the teapot that
0:32:03 > 0:32:08I look at just to make sure and to be reassure myself.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12The feel of it first of all. The feel of it is right.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14If feels like silver.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17If we look at the lid here,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20we can see this beautiful,
0:32:20 > 0:32:23well-finished little nut inside.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25That's denoting quality.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28They wouldn't do that if it was plate.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31We look at the shape of it.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Now, this is what we call a drum teapot.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38And the date of this is about 1780.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41So it is an 18th-century piece of silver.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45I know the date of it because of the style.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48And the quality.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52And when we look at this engraving round here,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54this is bright-well engraving.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58And this is telling us that there is, again, quality to it.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00And in its time,
0:33:00 > 0:33:04it would have glittered like diamonds.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06And we look at the spout here.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Again, it is very low in the teapot,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12and this is another indication of age.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16So all these little things are giving me hints,
0:33:16 > 0:33:19which will build up the whole picture.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Now, why do you want to sell it now?
0:33:23 > 0:33:26We're thinking about emigrating in the near future,
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- so we need funds just to get us there.- Oh, right.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31And you think we are going to get more than a fiver on it?
0:33:31 > 0:33:35- If you get a tenner, I've doubled my money.- All right.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Well, you are going to get more than a tenner for that.
0:33:37 > 0:33:43- Estimate, 100 to 150. Would you be happy to sell it at that?- Yes.- OK.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46100 to 150, a reserve of £100.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51And maybe give the auctioneer
0:33:51 > 0:33:53- just a little bit of discretion. - Yep.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56But I don't think you'll need it. I think this will do very well.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- Thank you very much.- Thank you for bringing it along.- My pleasure.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Right, done a bit of research.
0:34:07 > 0:34:12It happens that one complete set, a set of 20, sold recently,
0:34:12 > 0:34:14in London, in auction,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17catalogued at £700 to £900,
0:34:17 > 0:34:19- and they made £600.- Right.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- So, are you happy with £500?- Yeah.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24If I can get more, that would be better.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Do you know what? Well, look,
0:34:26 > 0:34:28we'll put it in at £500 to £800,
0:34:28 > 0:34:30with an estimate of £500 to £800,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33a fixed reserve at £500, not a penny less,
0:34:33 > 0:34:36because we know one made £600 recently.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40But the technique used for painting these butterflies
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- and textiles, we said they were all hand-painted...- That's right.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45..is known as pochoir.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49- And it is basically paint going through stencils.- Pochoir.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- I'm excited, aren't you excited? - I really am.- Good.
0:34:52 > 0:34:53And I hope they go to a good home.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56And I hope you get the top end as well. You see, you can learn
0:34:56 > 0:34:59so much on "Flog It!" I have learned something today. Pochoir.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01- Never heard about before. - No. Thank you very much.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03And that's a great example.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08Well, I have to say, everybody has thoroughly enjoyed themselves
0:35:08 > 0:35:10here in the Museum of Science and Industry.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11We've found some real gems.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Sadly, it is time to say goodbye as we head over to the auction
0:35:14 > 0:35:18room in Knutsford, and put those last set of valuations to the test.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19Here is what is coming with us.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Robert bought this Inuit carving directly from an auction house
0:35:23 > 0:35:25when no-one else wanted it.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Now, will it set the auction room alight this time or will it
0:35:28 > 0:35:31be left out in the cold again?
0:35:31 > 0:35:35The English teapot is a classic design and, bought for just a fiver,
0:35:35 > 0:35:40what return do you think Jim will make on his charity shop bargain?
0:35:42 > 0:35:43And I can't wait to see
0:35:43 > 0:35:48if the 1924 butterfly book metamorphoses into big money.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54I chatted to auctioneer Nick Hall about the stunning pochoir album.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59- Well, my favourite lot of the sale. - Are they, really?- Yes.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03- They're beautiful. - Kath's hand-coloured prints.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- I mean, she was in the textiles industry.- Was she?
0:36:05 > 0:36:08When she left, she was given this. And if you look through the book,
0:36:08 > 0:36:10you can see, it's not about butterflies.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- The inspiration was the colour of the butterfly.- Absolutely, yeah.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17- How it makes these wonderful patterns.- It's incredible.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20Now, she was offered £1,000 for these not so long ago.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22- That was a fair offer. - I would've taken it.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26- Yeah, I think I would, actually. - The people that have offered that
0:36:26 > 0:36:28- sort of money are coming to the sale tomorrow.- Yeah.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Obviously, we've marketed this online.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32So hopefully, we'll have the right bidders here.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- There'll be some competition. - There'll be competition.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38Whether we get that £1,000 she was offered, I don't know.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Hopefully, we'll get around about £600 to £800.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43I feel confident we'll get that.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- If everything is right in the world, Paul, they should do.- Good luck.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- Thank you.- But the world of the auction can be a cruel one.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Let's see whether the bidders are kind to our Inuit hunter.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Michael and I have just been joined by Robert,
0:36:56 > 0:37:00who purchased this for £7.50 in an auction room in Dorset.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04We're hoping to get around £150 to £200 for this Inuit carving.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06It is a wonderful little fishermen, fishing away.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08I absolutely love it.
0:37:08 > 0:37:09I totally agree with Michael, it is
0:37:09 > 0:37:12a really hard thing to put a date on.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Look for a bit of wear, but being stone, it's not that obvious.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19- It doesn't acquire a pattern.- No.- As to value, I haven't got a clue.- No.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23But what it does have is wonderful shape and form.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26It has got a lot to it and I can see why you were attracted to that.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- If it doesn't sell, I'm quite happy to take it home.- I don't blame you.
0:37:29 > 0:37:30Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34They might have a different idea. We could be making a lot of money.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35It is going into the hammer now.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Lot 495.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41It's a mid-20th century Inuit figure.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Rare things, these Inuit carvings. Where are we going to go?
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Have we got the buyers here today? I wonder.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Start me, where, at £100? £100 for it somewhere, surely.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50Bring me the 100. 80. 50.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Get the ball rolling at £50.
0:37:52 > 0:37:53Who's in at 50?
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Who's bidding on this lot? 50 online, thank you. 50 on bid.
0:37:56 > 0:37:57Any of the phones coming in?
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Someone's having a nibble on the lot.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Any of the phones coming in, yes or no? At 50.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06Five with you, thank you. Back on the phone now. At £55.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- Would you have a phone bid if you were only going to bid £55?- No.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Quiet online. 60 against you. Five.
0:38:12 > 0:38:1470. That's 70 here, at 70.
0:38:14 > 0:38:1675. 80.
0:38:16 > 0:38:1880 now. 80 on bid. At 80.
0:38:18 > 0:38:2085 on the phone.
0:38:20 > 0:38:2295 with me. I'll take 100.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24That is 95 against you, phone bidder.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26It is yours at £100. The book's out.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28It's on the phone at £100.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Any advance on £100?
0:38:30 > 0:38:34With you then, on the phones, at £100, and selling...
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- All sure and done? Last chance. - Hammer's gone down, £100.
0:38:38 > 0:38:39That's not a bad return, is it?
0:38:39 > 0:38:41We didn't get the top end, but for £7.50,
0:38:41 > 0:38:43we turned that into £100.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47I'm glad our fisherman caught a new owner.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50Now, high-calibre English silver.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Well, I've just been joined by Jim.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55And going under the hammer right now, we've got a silver drum teapot
0:38:55 > 0:38:59with a value of £150 to £200, a reserve of £100.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03And all the money is going towards a trip, a trip of a lifetime.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- In fact, you're emigrating, aren't you?- I am indeed.
0:39:05 > 0:39:06Well, look, good luck with that.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- I hope so.- He's off to South Africa. Why South Africa?
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- That's where my partner comes from.- Oh, right!
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- We're going back to her roots. - So you've been there?- Oh, yeah,
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- I've been there a few times. - You'll be in safe hands,
0:39:17 > 0:39:18- you'll be looked after.- I hope so.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21- Are you selling everything you own in this country?- Everything.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Everything's got to go, and this is a start.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25A silver drum teapot. Let's see what we can do.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Let's see if we can get a couple of hundred pounds.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29It is going under the hammer now.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33Argyle-shaped teapot, classic Georgian design about it.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37Unmarked, but we think almost certainly will be silver.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Where are we going to go? Start me at 150 for it.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- Thanks, at 150.- Yes!
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- Silver dealers are there, you see? - Any advance from 150?
0:39:45 > 0:39:47At £150, the bids are in.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52On my left at 150. Any advance? 160 online. 170.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54170 now. Gent in the room at 170.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57170. It is against you online, come on, give me another.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00It is 170, yes or no? Is that it? Short and sweet.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04The bid is on my left, in the room, at £170.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06And selling...
0:40:06 > 0:40:11- Yes! £170. That's OK, isn't it? - Yeah.- Every penny helps.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Must be a nice feeling, actually, thinking everything in your life,
0:40:14 > 0:40:17you'll sell, you want as much money for everything - the house, the car,
0:40:17 > 0:40:21the possessions. Get on a plane with just a suitcase full of clothes
0:40:21 > 0:40:23- and start a new life. - And a big suitcase full of money.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26And a big suitcase full of money, yeah.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29That is a huge profit for a five-pound purchase.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33And finally, the French designer book of butterflies.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36You told me at the valuation day you were offered £1,000 for
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- this a few years ago.- Yes.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Now, I've talked you into putting it into the sale, you know,
0:40:41 > 0:40:43at a lot less than that, but I think...
0:40:43 > 0:40:46I just think, you know, opening it up to the market,
0:40:46 > 0:40:50letting the whole world know this is available, I think
0:40:50 > 0:40:52we could get some better offers.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Hopefully.- Hopefully. So, any regrets?
0:40:55 > 0:40:57Do you want to go through and sell this now?
0:40:57 > 0:41:00No, I just hope somebody can appreciate it instead of it being
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- wrapped up in brown paper in my wardrobe.- OK.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05So let's get on with the sale and see what this lot think. Good luck.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11Fantastic album of illustrations, papillons,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13the butterflies, by Eugene Alain Seguy.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I've got commission bids. We've got phone bids.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- I'm going to start straight in on reserve at 500 now.- Yes.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21At 500, on bid with me at five.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23At five. I've got 20 where? Who's in next?
0:41:23 > 0:41:26I've got five. I've got bids coming online.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28At five... 20, 40, 60, 80. Six.
0:41:28 > 0:41:3020, 40, 60, 80. Seven.
0:41:30 > 0:41:3120, 40, 60, 80. Eight.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34820, 840, 860, 880. Nine.
0:41:34 > 0:41:3620, 40, 960, 980.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38- 1,000.- We've done it.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- 1,100.- You're off 1,000.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- 1,250.- 1,250.- It's going online.
0:41:42 > 0:41:4513. 1,350. 14. 15. 1500.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- These butterflies are flying away! - And 50. 1,700.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52At £1,700, the bid is online at 1,700.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53The phones haven't had a look in yet.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- We did the right thing putting it into auction.- At 1,750.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58- Still bidding on the phone? - I'm going hot and cold.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59At 1,850.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03These butterflies are flying online at £1,850.
0:42:03 > 0:42:051,900. Still going.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07- Don't stop there. - I've got butterflies.
0:42:07 > 0:42:101950. Let's round it up, make it two.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11£2,000. The bid's online.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13At £2,000.
0:42:13 > 0:42:14Any advance on two?
0:42:14 > 0:42:17At 2,050. 2,050.
0:42:17 > 0:42:202,100. At £2,100.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23The bid is online still at 2,100. Commissions are out.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- The phones are out. It's online.- Breathe.
0:42:26 > 0:42:282,150. 2,200.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30At £2,200.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33The bid is online. At £2,200.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Anyone in the room waiting to come in, now is your chance to shine.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40It's 2,200 here. Who's in the room? Who's to bid? 2,250.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Anyone coming in against it?
0:42:42 > 0:42:47- At 2,250. Online at 2,250.- £2,250.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Any further bids? Last call, last chance.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Selling away now at £2,250...
0:42:52 > 0:42:54All sure and done?
0:42:54 > 0:42:58£2,250!
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- And it is all yours!- Yes!- Obviously, there's commission to pay on that,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04but, wow, what a result!
0:43:04 > 0:43:07- What's going through your mind right now?- I don't know.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- I'm blank.- I bet you are. You are speechless!- Yes, I am.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Oh, but you know what?
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- We did do the right thing putting it into auction.- Absolutely.
0:43:15 > 0:43:16Well done. There is tears in your eyes.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18What a way to end the show here.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20I told you there'd be one or two surprises.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22If you've got anything like that, we want to see it.
0:43:22 > 0:43:24But until then, from Knutsford, it is goodbye
0:43:24 > 0:43:27from one very happy Kath and myself.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Bye!