0:00:04 > 0:00:06I'm 1.3 miles out at sea,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09on the end of the longest pleasure pier in the world.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13And later on in the programme, I'll be exploring the history of this structure
0:00:13 > 0:00:15and the impact it had on the town you can see behind you.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17But right now, it's a long way back to shore
0:00:17 > 0:00:20so I'd better get a move on. Welcome to "Flog It!".
0:00:41 > 0:00:44We'll be back in Southend later on in the show but for today's valuations,
0:00:44 > 0:00:49we're just outside the oldest recorded town in Britain - Colchester.
0:00:49 > 0:00:50The venue is Layer Marney Tower.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58Built around 1520, during the reign of Henry VIII,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01with its exceptionally tall Tudor gatehouse,
0:01:01 > 0:01:05it must be one of the most striking buildings in Essex.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07And for one day only, it's home to "Flog It!".
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Well, hundreds of people have turned up from all over Essex.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17- The sun is shining. Everybody is in good spirits, aren't you?- Yes!
0:01:17 > 0:01:21I've a feeling we're going to have a marvellous day here at Layer Marney Tower.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23Of course, they are all here to see our experts.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25They want to get straight to the valuation tables.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28They've got one question on their lips, which is, "What's it worth?"
0:01:28 > 0:01:31And if they're happy with that valuation, what are you going to do?
0:01:31 > 0:01:32ALL: Flog it!
0:01:35 > 0:01:38And looking out for those all-important auction items
0:01:38 > 0:01:41are our invaluable experts.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Morning, all. Morning, morning, morning. How are you? Morning.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- We've got the much-sought-after Elizabeth Talbot.- Oh, my goodness.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Look at this! I'm going to put a dot on you. Is that all right?
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- And the priceless Philip Serrell. - Do you know what that is?- Satsuma.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Well done. However you peel these, I don't know.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02That's a joke, you see, because...
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- They're slow here. - Sorry about that.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15As everyone settles down for a busy day of valuations,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18let's take a look at what's coming up on the show today.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Which of the following three classic items will be
0:02:23 > 0:02:27the cause for celebration for one of our experts?
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Will it be this classy camera?
0:02:29 > 0:02:32This distinctive clock?
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Or this splendid bird of prey that ends up flying away?
0:02:37 > 0:02:39Keep watching to find out.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Well, everybody is now safely seated.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46The lucky ones have found some shade underneath this magnificent tulip tree.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48But right now, let's get on with the valuations
0:02:48 > 0:02:51and it's straight over to Elizabeth Talbot.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Barry, you've brought a lovely book about dogs here which in itself,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00is quite a rarity. Is this something you've had in the family a long while?
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- I've had it about ten years. - Is it something you inherited, then?
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- No. I found it in a dustbin. - Did you really?
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Somebody had just discarded it and thrown it away?
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Thrown it away and I saw it in there and so I took it out
0:03:12 > 0:03:14because I was after the picture.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- I was going to frame the pictures for the wife.- OK.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20And I saw it was a first edition so I just put it up in a cupboard.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- It's been in a cupboard for nearly eight years.- Really?
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Well, I am very grateful that you didn't sort of cut it up
0:03:25 > 0:03:27and separate it because it's
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Cassell's Illustrated Book Of The Dog,
0:03:29 > 0:03:34which is not a very common volume found on the open market.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36But yet it is a very strong subject and people love dogs.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39We are a nation of dog lovers.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43And this was printed in 1881, during the Victorian period,
0:03:43 > 0:03:45and Victorians also loved their dogs.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48And as we go through the book, this is what is very interesting,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50and it is what attracted you to it in the first place.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54The colour lithographs which are illustrated all through the book.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Victorians were very clever at producing fine quality prints.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59They had the technology,
0:03:59 > 0:04:01they had the printing machinery in those days
0:04:01 > 0:04:04to produce high-quality illustrations.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- How many of these would you say there are?- I think it's 30 of them.
0:04:07 > 0:04:0930 of the colour ones. Yeah.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11It was written by, I think you pronounce it,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Vee-ro Shaw or Verro Shaw.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15And what is quite interesting is that he was
0:04:15 > 0:04:17assisted by the leading breeders of the day
0:04:17 > 0:04:21and throughout this volume, not only is it beautifully illustrated
0:04:21 > 0:04:25but there are some very interesting facts about how to score dogs
0:04:25 > 0:04:28in shows and things and what you're looking for
0:04:28 > 0:04:31and how to breed them and how to care for them, etc.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- So are you a dog keeper or breeder? - Yes, I've just got the one dog.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- A long-haired Jack Russell.- Very fond of her? Part of the family?- Yes.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Yes. All soft and dewy-eyed when you think of her.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I want the money so I can pay a vet bill. Vet bills on my dog.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47It would be nice to be able to invest a book about dogs...
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- Treating my dog, yes.- Ah, well, you want to look after her properly.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55The condition of the book itself,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58obviously, it's had quite an interesting chequered history.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00That will have an influence on people's reaction to it.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02The cover is a bit damaged
0:05:02 > 0:05:06and, as we flip through, you will see that the pages
0:05:06 > 0:05:10are starting to show quite strong signs of what is called foxing.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12It's kind of a mould. And the purists would be quite critical
0:05:12 > 0:05:15about the condition of the paper.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18There are techniques these days of stemming
0:05:18 > 0:05:20the flow of the deterioration of the foxing.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Somebody would probably spend quite a bit of money on just
0:05:23 > 0:05:26halting its progress so that it would then be conserved.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I think we've got to be fair to you so that...
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Obviously, we don't want to give it away.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34But at the same time, if you made a decision to sell it
0:05:34 > 0:05:37and it's got these negatives which will affect the value,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39that we sort of pitch it so that it's a reasonable
0:05:39 > 0:05:42and sensible estimate. I would have thought that
0:05:42 > 0:05:45if we put it in for auction at between £300 and £500,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- and we'll try a £300 reserve on it.- Yes, I am more than satisfied.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53If we put £300-£500, I think we are crediting it with the interest
0:05:53 > 0:05:55and the rarity that I believe it has,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57without getting too carried away,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59just because of its condition, really.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- Yes. Satisfied by that.- Superb.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Well, we shall hope to see you at the auction
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and hope the sun's shining then down on us as well.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- Super. Thank you so much for coming in.- Thank you.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12What a wonderful book to find in a dustbin!
0:06:14 > 0:06:19Well, it is a hot day so I'm not surprised by Philip's next choice.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22I could do with one of these. Have you got a nice cold one?
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- I'll treat you to one later. - Really? You're up for it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Tell me all about this thing, Gloria.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31My brother-in-law, Bill, was in the Merchant Navy
0:06:31 > 0:06:34and he was involved in the bottle drop in the Atlantic Ocean.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- Bottle drop. What bottle drop? - Guinness.- Guinness?
0:06:38 > 0:06:43It was to celebrate the bicentenary from 1759 to 1959.
0:06:43 > 0:06:49So, we have got "Special bottle drop Atlantic Ocean to celebrate
0:06:49 > 0:06:53"and commemorate Guinness's bicentenary in 1959."
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- That's cool, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58So your brother, Bill, was entrusted with this
0:06:58 > 0:07:02in a freighter in the Atlantic in 1959
0:07:02 > 0:07:06to throw that overboard. And he didn't.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08That one didn't get thrown overboard. No.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Actually, I think there was two.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- I think his wife has got one as well.- You are not seriously
0:07:13 > 0:07:19suggesting to me that a merchant sailor stole a bottle of Guinness?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Well, I am sure a few others disappeared as well.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24So what is inside?
0:07:24 > 0:07:28It is a letter of authenticity and it asks the recipient of the bottle,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30once they've broken it open,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34to contact Guinness and claim that they have actually found one.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37I've no idea how many of them have actually been recovered.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- That'd be really interesting to find out, wouldn't it?- It would be interesting to know, yes.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- Presumably there was never any booze in it.- No.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46I can't understand why your brother pinched it, then.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- No, he was a good drinker. Shh! - Don't tell anybody that.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- So these were the original message in a bottle, weren't they, really?- Yes, they were.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I mean, it just strikes me what a great bit of advertising, isn't it?
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- It was an ideal one.- Really cool thing. It's a bit of fun.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01What's it worth? Who's going to buy it?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Well, do you know what, there is a big area of memorabilia
0:08:04 > 0:08:07and you've got the toucans that Carlton Ware did and you've got lamps
0:08:07 > 0:08:12and all those sorts of things and they're very, very collectable and they're sought after.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14I've never, ever seen one of these before.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17So it's a real guess job as to what it might be worth.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19It wouldn't surprise me if it made ten quid
0:08:19 > 0:08:21and it wouldn't surprise me if it made 30 or 40 quid.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24I think you've got to pitch it somewhere between those parameters.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- How does that sound?- That's fair. - It's time to go, isn't it?
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Well, it's a family heirloom
0:08:29 > 0:08:31but it's just been stored away so...
0:08:31 > 0:08:32It's a bit of fun, isn't it?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35We just thought we'd see what it fetches.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- Let's hope Guinness is good for you!- Yes. Thank you.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41With all the action going on,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45I slipped away to find out more about our marvellous venue.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Layer Marney Tower was built by Henry, first Lord Marney.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55He wanted to build a magnificent palace,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58a place to reflect his status in England
0:08:58 > 0:09:01as Henry VIII's Lord Privy Seal.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Work began around 1518.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06It would be a showcase home for craftsmen from all over Europe.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11But five years into the project, Lord Marney died
0:09:11 > 0:09:13before the building could be completely finished.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17His son, John, the second Lord Marney, took over the project,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20completing the gatehouse, which still stands today.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25But sadly, he passed away two years later, in 1525,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27and work completely stopped.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31But here we have a scale model of what the building would have
0:09:31 > 0:09:34looked like if the complete footprint had been finished.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38If you look here, you can see the original barn, the gatehouse,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40the Long Gallery and the church,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44buildings that are still here today which we can appreciate outside.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46But if you look there, look, around the inner courtyard,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48you can see the bits that are missing,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51the three sides that would have enclosed that.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53So this house was definitely built
0:09:53 > 0:09:55as 15th century fortified architecture.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57It was a house built for defence
0:09:57 > 0:10:01as well as a palace to show off and say, "Well, look at me! Here I am!"
0:10:06 > 0:10:10Next we have a terracotta vase but not a ceramic one.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Dennis, how are you?- I'm fine, fine.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16That's not a local accent, is it?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18No, I'm from Chicago, originally.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- That a little bit west of Essex, isn't it?- Yes, that's right.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- This is fantastic.- Yeah.- Really, lovely, Patrick Caulfield?
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Yes, that's right. - Tell me how you came to own it?
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I worked for an architect business and we were moving office
0:10:30 > 0:10:34and they decided to downsize their artwork, I think.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- They sold off a lot of the artwork to the architects in the firm.- Really?
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Yeah.- How many Caulfields did they have?- They had about a dozen.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- Really?- Yeah. - They bought these new?- Yes.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45It should have a gallery label on the back, should it?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Yes, it does, yeah.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49The important thing about all modern art, really,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52is labels on the back and here we can see Waddington Galleries Ltd,
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Cork Street, London.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59The title of the subject is Terracotta Vase 1975.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02It's a screen print and it's by Patrick Caulfield.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Terracotta Vase and there it is.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Signed just here. Numbered...
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- 44 of 70.- Yeah.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Caulfield was very minimalistic, wasn't he?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14It's got a kind of architectural simplicity to it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17There is a very minimal number of colours
0:11:17 > 0:11:21and the vase is just, literally, a simple black outline with
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- a hint of colour there. - You are absolutely right
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- because the vase is nothing, is it? - No, it's a...
0:11:26 > 0:11:30It kind of moves backwards and forwards, depending on the lighting,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33or where you position it, the angle you're looking at it.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Why are you selling it?
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Well, we're going to downsize our house
0:11:38 > 0:11:41and this kind of thing will probably end up not fitting
0:11:41 > 0:11:44into a smaller house. It needs a big space.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- What did you pay for it?- £51.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49And you said they had another 11 Caulfields?
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Some of them went for about £500.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Why did this one make that much less?
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Because it had imperfections in it.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00There is a mark here and a scratch there.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02What do you think it's worth?
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Well, I was rather hoping about £1,000
0:12:04 > 0:12:07but, given that it's got imperfections,
0:12:07 > 0:12:11maybe, £500-800, something like that.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14I don't think you need me, Dennis. I think you're spot on.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17I think we should estimate it at £500 to £800
0:12:17 > 0:12:20and perhaps reserve it at £450. That would be my advice.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- I think it's lovely. - Well, I'll take your advice.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- Thank you for bringing it along. - Thank you very much, Phil.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- If I was allowed to, I would love to buy it myself.- Would you?
0:12:29 > 0:12:30Yeah, I like it.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34I really liked that too, but Philip's right,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37we're not allowed to bid on any of these items.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40There you are, we have just found our first three items
0:12:40 > 0:12:43and we're ready to put those values to the test in the saleroom.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50As you know, I am a great dog lover,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53so I'll be crossing my fingers during the sale of Barry's dog book.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59I'm hoping that glorious commemorative Guinness bottle
0:12:59 > 0:13:02stirs some memories in the saleroom.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Both Philip and I would love to own the Caulfield print.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07Let's hope that's a good sign.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19For today's sale, we've travelled a few miles down the road
0:13:19 > 0:13:21to Rayleigh, courtesy of Stacey's Auction House.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23We've got a room packed full of bidders,
0:13:23 > 0:13:27eager to get their hands on our lots. We can't hold off any longer.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Come inside and join us and let's get on with our first lot.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34We have the benefit of two auctioneers today,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Mark P Stacey and his brother, Paul.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39It's a family affair.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43First up, we have Gloria.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47This is where it gets exciting, this is where we put those values to the test
0:13:47 > 0:13:49and here we are right in the saleroom.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Yes, the message in a bottle. It was by Guinness, wasn't it?
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Or, was it by The Police, let me think?
0:13:54 > 0:13:56I got there, eventually, yeah.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- I worked it out. - Lots were dropped, 150,000.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01I wonder how many survived?
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Let's find out what the bidders think, here we go.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Moving now to Lot 570.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12We have a brown glass Guinness bottle celebrating the bicentenary.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Shall we say about £10 to start, then?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- £10 I've got, thank you. - We're in, someone in the room.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20£10 is bid. £10 is bid.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21Any advances now? At £10 only.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24The opening bid of 10. Are we all done now, last opportunity.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27I shall sell to you sir, then, at £10.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32It's gone. Opening maiden bid of £10, straight in.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34That's just about a pint for both of us.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36It is, actually.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38ALL LAUGH
0:14:38 > 0:14:41No, actually, a pint for you and a half for Philip and myself.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- I don't like Guinness.- Don't you like Guinness?- Never tried it!
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Then it's definitely a pint for you and me.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49It was a bit of fun, though, wasn't it? Thank you so much.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52# A message in a bottle... #
0:14:52 > 0:14:56That is a really interesting and quirky item and a first for us.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59If you love dogs, you'll love this next book.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01It is The Book Of Dogs and it belongs to Barry.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Why are you selling this?
0:15:03 > 0:15:06I need money for the vet bills for my dog...
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Oh... What dog have you got?
0:15:08 > 0:15:12A Jack Russell. She's allergic to something. We don't know what.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15OK, hopefully with the proceeds of the sale of this book,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17we can get her much better.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I'm pleased you're a dog lover. I'm a dog lover and I know you are.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22A bound copy of the illustrated Book Of The Dog.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Lovely book that one there, £200 start straight in.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28200 is bid, thank you, sir. 210 anywhere?
0:15:28 > 0:15:30210, 220, 230, 240,
0:15:30 > 0:15:33250, 260, 270...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Any advances at £270?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- It's a fair warning, last chance, then.- No.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42At £270.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Unsold, I'm afraid, at 270.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Would you have taken 270?- Yeah.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Don't ask that now, don't ask that now.
0:15:50 > 0:15:51Oh...
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Maybe you can have a word with the auctioneer and he can find the
0:15:54 > 0:15:57vendor that was offering 270
0:15:57 > 0:16:00and you could accept that after the sale.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02At least, the dog can get better. I mean, that's what it's all about.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04That's what we're here for,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06to try and get that little Jack Russell better.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07- Yeah?- Yeah
0:16:09 > 0:16:11That was disappointing.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15Barry later decided to put it back into the next sale at Stacey's
0:16:15 > 0:16:17with the lower reserve.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18So, fingers crossed.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23OK, so far so good. Now the tension is really building.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26If you're into 20th-century British modern art,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29it doesn't get much better than this, Patrick Caulfield.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32We have a screen print going under the hammer right now.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34It belongs to our guest here, Dennis.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Philip is our expert, who zoomed in on this.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38It was the bright red, he saw it from a distance.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41It was like a bull to a rag.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- There are names and there are names, aren't there?- Yes.- This is a name.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Why are you selling this?
0:16:46 > 0:16:50We're downsizing and this really needs a big space
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- to have a big print like this. - I agree.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- So will we get that top end, guys? - I hope so. I hope so.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- The condition might just, might just...- Something with the edges?
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Yeah. It might just hold it back a little bit.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- You know, it's a hot name, isn't it?- It's a hot name, yeah.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07It's a good name to invest in.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11OK, moving now to Lot 550.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14We have a large framed silk screen, as catalogued.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17A bit of interest in this. Where shall we be for this, then?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Shall we say about 350 to start.
0:17:20 > 0:17:21350, anywhere? £350.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24360, 380, 400,
0:17:24 > 0:17:28420, with you, sir. 450. 480.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33500, 520,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36550, 580,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38600, 650...
0:17:38 > 0:17:39Come on.
0:17:39 > 0:17:45650 is bid. Are we all done now? The hammer's up at 650...
0:17:45 > 0:17:46- That's yours.- It's gone down.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48It's a good price.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51What artist will you go for now? Will you reinvest in fine art?
0:17:51 > 0:17:54I will be going for my own sculptures that I make.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56That doesn't get much better.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59And we may get one of those in "Flog It!" in a few years' time.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- Yes, well, we'll sell one for you.- OK.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Well, we'll have to take him up on that.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08Now, today's sale is taking place just few miles away
0:18:08 > 0:18:11from one of the country's most popular seaside towns.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Of course, I'm talking about Southend and I went there
0:18:14 > 0:18:18recently to investigate the history of its most famous attraction.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30At a staggering 1.3 miles long,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33this is the longest pleasure pier in the world.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37It has stood here in Southend for nearly 200 years.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Unlike many other piers, this was built for purely practical reasons
0:18:41 > 0:18:44and had a huge impact on the town.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55In 19th century Britain,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58visiting the seaside was a popular weekend activity
0:18:58 > 0:19:02but Southend was missing out on all of this for one very simple reason.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05It had nowhere for the passenger ships
0:19:05 > 0:19:07to set down their cargo of travellers.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10William Heygate, a resident of Southend,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12was frustrated at seeing passing trade
0:19:12 > 0:19:16sailing by and onto other towns like Margate and Clacton,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19where docking facilities were better.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24He, and other businessmen, pushed for a pier to be built in the town.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29In 1830, Southend's first ever pier was built.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31It was constructed entirely of wood
0:19:31 > 0:19:35and it stretched 600 feet out into the sea.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42But that was still too short to allow ships to dock at low tide.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Over the next few years, it was extended
0:19:44 > 0:19:47and it became the longest pier in Europe.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50It even had its own resident,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53a chap called William Bradley, who lived on the end of the pier
0:19:53 > 0:19:56for over 20 years in a small cottage which served both
0:19:56 > 0:19:59as a home and a lighthouse.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01He was even a one man lifeboat rescue service,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04who saved dozens of people and he was awarded medals
0:20:04 > 0:20:09from the Royal Humane Society and the RNLI for his bravery.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Towards the end of the 19th century,
0:20:11 > 0:20:14the Bank Holidays Act came into effect.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18It essentially forced people to take time off work, something that
0:20:18 > 0:20:21would have been unheard of for poor people at the time.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Soon, thousands of day-trippers,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29especially from the East End of London,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32were boarding steamboats and heading to the coast,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35and being the closest destination to the capital,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Southend was in a prime location, and at its peak,
0:20:38 > 0:20:43the pier was handling 26 passenger ships every day.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47The pier was proving more popular than anyone predicted
0:20:47 > 0:20:50and the sheer volume of traffic really
0:20:50 > 0:20:52took its toll on the wooden structure,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56so a new pier was built in 1890, constructed of iron, at a cost
0:20:56 > 0:21:01of £70,000, which in today's money equates to £4.1 million.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09Something was needed to get people from one end to the other,
0:21:09 > 0:21:13so the ingenious Victorians built a railway to ferry visitors around.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18The new pier and the railway were a huge success and by the 1920s,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20business was booming.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31When World War II broke out in 1939,
0:21:31 > 0:21:36the Royal Navy took over the pier and closed it to the general public.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40The pier and the surrounding area were renamed HMS Leigh
0:21:40 > 0:21:43and it became the control centre for all shipping going in
0:21:43 > 0:21:46and out of the Thames for the duration of the war.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50But at the end of the war in 1945, the pier reopened to the public and
0:21:50 > 0:21:53a few years later, it reached its heyday,
0:21:53 > 0:21:58with visitor numbers topping a staggering seven million each year.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00What are you going to do at Southend?
0:22:00 > 0:22:03We're going to have a lazy day and we're going to
0:22:03 > 0:22:07sit at the end of the pier and watch the seagulls feeding.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09And we're going to have a lunch there.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14- A picnic lunch?- Yes.- Are you? What are you going to do, Beryl?
0:22:14 > 0:22:18I'm going to watch the sea birds and I'm going to look at the sand
0:22:18 > 0:22:20and see if I can collect some pretty shells.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38However, the success of the pier was not to last.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40Disaster struck in the 1950s,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44when the pier pavilion was destroyed by a major fire.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47And things went from bad to worse.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50During the 1960s, cheap package holidays became popular
0:22:50 > 0:22:53and the number of people visiting the seaside went down.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55The pier began to decline
0:22:55 > 0:22:58and along with that, the structure started to decay.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05With yet more fires and the closure of the railway for safety reasons,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08the council proposed shutting the pier.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13But public outcry from the people of Southend prevented it.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20People like Peggy Dowie, who set up the Southend Pier Museum in 1989.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Peggy, why does the pier mean so much to you?
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Because obviously, you've put this museum together.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32Well, like so many people of my age, and also even younger,
0:23:32 > 0:23:37they've grown up with it, and it's part of your life. It is mine.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41And it's not just a structure going out to sea,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44it's a living thing and everybody across the world loves a pier.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Were you a Southend girl born and bred?
0:23:47 > 0:23:50- Born and bred, very proud of it too. - I bet you are.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52And this is a major part of Southend social history.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55It's the heart of Southend.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58You've done a terrific job, putting this museum together,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00and I love these old coaches and trams.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04I think this one's brilliant, the Toast Rack tram! It's brilliant!
0:24:04 > 0:24:07You can tell why they called this the Toast Rack.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Yes, this dates back to 1890.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Was this horse-drawn or was it electric?
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- No, electric. The first electric tram on any pier.- Wow!
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- State-of-the-art, at the time.- Mm. - Where did you find that?
0:24:17 > 0:24:21We found it in a garden, being used as a chicken shed.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26- I can't imagine this as a chicken shed.- We were told about it.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30The guy gave it to us, provided we bought him a shed of the same size.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35And then we restored it with the help of the local woodwork college.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39And they had great fun repairing it, restoring it,
0:24:39 > 0:24:43every bit of authenticity has gone into it that's possible
0:24:43 > 0:24:46because for all the years that it was laying in the garden,
0:24:46 > 0:24:48it was quite rotten in places.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- But it survived.- And you've done a magnificent job of restoring it.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Yes, it's been a wonderful project.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Well, Peggy, I'm going up on the pier now.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59I'm going to get down to the far end and take a look at the coastline.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Lucky you. Nice to meet you. Thank you.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10The good news is that, in recent years,
0:25:10 > 0:25:14the pier has been restored to its former glory and it has well
0:25:14 > 0:25:18and truly put Southend back on the holiday map.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21The English poet Sir John Betjeman said of Southend,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25"The pier is Southend, Southend is the pier,"
0:25:25 > 0:25:27and I can't help but agree with him.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Welcome back to our valuation day
0:25:46 > 0:25:48here at the magnificent Layer Marney Tower,
0:25:48 > 0:25:49just outside of Colchester.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52As you can see, it's still in full swing.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Hundreds of people waiting to see our experts, hoping they're
0:25:55 > 0:25:58going to be one of the lucky ones to go through to the auction later on.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01So, let's now catch up with Elizabeth Talbot.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05And she's spotted something rather fine in the rose garden.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Michelle, you're accompanied by a very handsome young man here today.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13What can you tell me about your eagle?
0:26:13 > 0:26:16It belonged to my grandmother and when she died, she left me everything
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and this was the one thing that I thought might be worth something.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23At her funeral, the lady that gave it to her came up to me and said,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27- "Always look after the bird." - OK, so do you like him?
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- No!- OK.- No!
0:26:29 > 0:26:32This is why I've brought him today cos he's just
0:26:32 > 0:26:35sort of in the cupboard and I don't want him to get broken, so...
0:26:35 > 0:26:36He's actually in very condition.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Yeah, he's been in storage ever since I've had him.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- I've just packaged him up and put him away.- OK, well, he's by the Royal Copenhagen factory.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- Did your grandmother collect Royal Copenhagen?- No.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49She just got given it by someone she used to work for.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53It is by Royal Copenhagen. It is a 20th century piece of porcelain.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56The factory itself has origins way back,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58certainly, in the 18th century,
0:26:58 > 0:27:03and there was a chemist or an alchemist called Muller, who would experiment with the recipes,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05if you like, for the ceramics that the factory produced
0:27:05 > 0:27:09and it went through sort of the 18th and 19th century,
0:27:09 > 0:27:13through the 20th century, renowned for really high quality porcelain.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17And what the Royal Copenhagen factory has maintained is
0:27:17 > 0:27:20this beautiful white body of ceramic.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23It's always renowned for its quality of modelling.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25It does a lot of figures, little girls
0:27:25 > 0:27:27and picturesque and pretty figures,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30but it does a lot of natural history pieces as well.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I have to say, I haven't seen an eagle like this sell.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35And he's a very large example.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38But he's definitely a modern collector's piece.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40- Yes.- So even if you don't like him, I think a lot of people will.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43A lot of people here today have said that they like him.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45He's very...attractive.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46Like you, I couldn't live with him,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49but I appreciate how handsome he is and that he's got market value.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53I think currently you should be looking at an open market, or an auction value, of £200-300.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57- Oh, great. - Happy with that?- Yes!
0:27:57 > 0:28:01- Lovely.- Would you like a reserve? - Um, say about 200?- 200.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06- 200-300 estimate and hopefully he'll soar on the day.- Lovely!
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Thank you so much for bringing him in.- Thank you.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- See you at the auction.- Thank you.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14What a beautifully made figure.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Now, Phillip's next, and he's displaying his creative flair.
0:28:19 > 0:28:25I'm just getting him in frame. Just getting him in frame.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- Hi. I'm Phillip. How are you?- Fine. George.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Good to see you, George.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32If you're going to have a camera, this is the one to have, isn't it?
0:28:32 > 0:28:34It is, indeed, yes.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Ernst Leitz, it is the Rolls-Royce of cameras, isn't it?
0:28:38 > 0:28:41It is, indeed. You can't get better.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44No, you can't. And you can date them by the serial number, here.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- Have you looked up the date? - Yes, we have.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51We've placed it sort of just before 1940s. '35-'40.
0:28:51 > 0:28:52- This is pre-Second World War.- Yes.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54I just think they're a really good thing.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57I think it was Oskar Barnack who designed these cameras,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00pre-1920s really. Have you owned this since it was new?
0:29:00 > 0:29:02No, when I was about 16, my grandfather
0:29:02 > 0:29:05and grandmother were going to go to America and I said,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08"You need a decent camera," we went out and we bought this together
0:29:08 > 0:29:10and I had to teach him how to use it.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- When did you buy it? '60s? - '50s, '60s, something like that.
0:29:13 > 0:29:161960, something like that. And what did you...? What did it cost you?
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- I really have no idea. I can't remember.- Were you into your cameras?
0:29:19 > 0:29:23I was into cameras. I used to enjoy developing my own films.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26That's why I convinced them to buy this and I could develop the films when he got back.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- A bit of a hidden agenda, really. - Yes.- You got him to buy you...
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- And hopefully, one day, it might be passed down to me!- Sneaky, huh?
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- How sneaky is that?- Looking ahead.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38It's funny cos I was recently going to buy a camera
0:29:38 > 0:29:41and I was looking at the modern equivalent of one of these
0:29:41 > 0:29:42and somebody said to me you'll pay £500
0:29:42 > 0:29:46for the camera and £1,000 for the name because it is the best name.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48- Yes. - So, why now do you want to sell it?
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Well, purely because film is so hard to get, it's all digital,
0:29:52 > 0:29:55they've killed it, and I believe Kodak have also gone
0:29:55 > 0:29:58out of business cos people aren't buying the film.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01That sounds to me like you're a dinosaur, sir!
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- This is called progress, you know! - Yes, quite.- No, but I agree with you.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- It's all digital now. - You lose the old arts, don't you?
0:30:08 > 0:30:11You still get digital cameras where you can adjust and fiddle,
0:30:11 > 0:30:13but most people just leave on auto.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17So, what you're saying, really, is that that is the craftsman's camera.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- It is.- I've recently sold some Leica cameras
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- and they're massively collectible. - Mm.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25So, in a way, you could put a pound to two pound on it
0:30:25 > 0:30:27and it'll still make what it's worth.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Having said that, we're not going to do that.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34I think we need to put £200-400, as a broad estimate on it,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- with a fixed reserve of £200. Are you happy with that?- Yes, yes.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Of course. It's better than sitting in the back of a drawer.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44George's camera was made in Germany just before the outbreak
0:30:44 > 0:30:47of the Second World War.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Ernst Leitz, a German Protestant, and owner of the Leica firm
0:30:50 > 0:30:55at the time, helped many Jewish people escape from persecution.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59They trained up Jews known to be at risk as sales staff and obtained
0:30:59 > 0:31:04exit permits and sent them to safety to work in their showrooms overseas.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07It is believed that they saved hundreds of people
0:31:07 > 0:31:10from the Holocaust, and the Leica Freedom Train,
0:31:10 > 0:31:14as it is known, can be compared to the famous Schindler's List.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24Now, let us find out a little more about one of Layer Marney's
0:31:24 > 0:31:26most celebrated guests.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Throughout its history,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Layer Marney has welcomed some very distinguished visitors.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36The most famous of all would have been Henry VIII.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39He stayed here in 1523 and he actually slept in this room,
0:31:39 > 0:31:41the bedroom that I'm in right now.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44And to tell me more about it is Sheila. Hello. Pleased to meet you.
0:31:44 > 0:31:45The current lady of the house.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- Indeed.- That's a good title. - Sounds good.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- Very envious.- Thank you. - What a house to own.- Fantastic.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54So, how do we know Henry stayed here and what was the occasion?
0:31:54 > 0:32:00He came for pleasure to meet his old friend Lord Privy Seal Henry Marney.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04We know he came here because Henry VIII used to sign documents
0:32:04 > 0:32:08every day, and some of them, he used to place where they were.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11So, we know he came from Beauly Abbey.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14He spent six weeks there, came over here,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16spent two nights in August 1522.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19And then he left us and he went on to Stansted Hall,
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- and from Stansted Hall, he went on to Castle Hedingham.- Gosh.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- What a royal occasion.- Proper visit.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29He would have brought quite an entourage with him.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Extraordinary, because the whole place is unfinished.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36So, he came with all his entourage to stay in a house that hadn't
0:32:36 > 0:32:38got the roof on, and they hadn't built the back of it.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- But he didn't mind.- He didn't mind.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45He was so excited by the quality of the work that was going on, he wanted to see it.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47It is astonishing, the brickwork and the masonry is superb.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50And the terracotta. That's what this place is really special for.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53Obviously, you're in charge of a lot of the archive here,
0:32:53 > 0:32:56you seem to know a lot about it, so are you constantly delving
0:32:56 > 0:32:58- and searching for more information? - Always.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01One of the frustrations of a house that has changed hands
0:33:01 > 0:33:04so often is the original archives disappear
0:33:04 > 0:33:09and so we don't have a lot of archives, so we're always looking out
0:33:09 > 0:33:12for more, always trying to find more information, and it's really fun
0:33:12 > 0:33:15when you find something that you didn't know before.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- The whole house is such a treasure and good luck with it.- Thank you.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22So, if anyone watching has anything they could add to the archive,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25I'm sure Sheila would like to hear from you.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Time now for something of real quality.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Ed, you've brought a charming little timepiece, little clock,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37for me to look at today. What can you tell me about it?
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- Is it close to your heart? - Not really, no.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42I bought it many years ago.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46Well, about 30 years ago, when I had a hotel down in North Devon,
0:33:46 > 0:33:49and I saw the shape and I liked it
0:33:49 > 0:33:53because I had a big Minster Fireplace in the lounge
0:33:53 > 0:33:58and either side were arches that were exactly the same shape as the clock.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59And I've had it ever since.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03Sold the hotel and not any real need for the clock any more.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05So, you mentioned the shape
0:34:05 > 0:34:07and this shape is actually known as a lancet case.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11Typical sort of peaked arch like that.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- It's actually very eye-catching and very elegant.- Yes, yes. Thank you.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18- That's why I bought it.- What's also very distinctive is the casing.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21This is made out of a very tightly grained birdseye maple,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24not to be confused with burr walnut.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26But the very sinewy, tight,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29knotty sort of grain gives this wonderful pattern
0:34:29 > 0:34:34and the quality is taken forward, it has a silver face and chaptering.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38And it has the stringing in ivory round the outside.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41So, top quality things used to make this lovely clock.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44- Do you know anything... Who it's made by or...?- It's a German make.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49I believe it's Winter... Winterhalder and Hofmeier, something like that.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51- I can never pronounce the name.- Yes.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54I only found that out a couple of years ago, looking in the back
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- and saw it was printed in very small letters.- Again, very often,
0:34:58 > 0:35:00the highest quality manufacturers are the most modest.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04They don't emblazon the front, you have to squirrel around at the back.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08There, if you look carefully, there's often the maker's name.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11It dates from about 1900 so it's very much just into
0:35:11 > 0:35:14the late Victorian, Edwardian era.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18It is copying, very much, an 18th-century style of clock.
0:35:18 > 0:35:23It's almost harking back to the elegance of the Georgian period.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26On the back door, to let the sound out from the gong,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28this beautifully pierced brass grill.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33So all the elements are there of a nice 18th-century type of clock.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- Does it keep good time?- It does.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37I've actually just had serviced.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40The movement is beautifully shiny and clean at the back.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42And it is all...
0:35:42 > 0:35:44It does look as though it's in good order,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47but, obviously, having just had a clean, it's that bit better.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50It's a charming piece. It sits on the mantelshelf somewhere?
0:35:50 > 0:35:51No, it sits in the back room now.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55There's no need for it. The house isn't like the hotel was.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58It is not being appreciated by me, or by anybody else at the moment.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00So it would be better to find a home
0:36:00 > 0:36:03and, hopefully, get some money for it.
0:36:03 > 0:36:04Because if I get the money, I plan
0:36:04 > 0:36:06to actually visit the hotel I bought it for.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Oh, really? Is that still up and running as a concern?
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Since I sold it it's had two other owners - the second's in there now.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14So I want to go and visit that.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Well, my considered opinion is that it will attract interest
0:36:17 > 0:36:20if we place it on the market at sort of between 300 and 400,
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- or between £300 and £450. That sort of level.- Yeah.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26Does that sort of make you suck your teeth?
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Erm.... It doesn't. But I would want a reserve of, say, £300.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32- Yes, no, I would agree with that. - I would not let it go of any less.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- Absolutely.- And if it is marketed the correct way by the auctioneers,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37possibly there'll be somebody who would like it.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39I think so. I mean, I think that if we set it at,
0:36:39 > 0:36:41say, 300 to 500, if you like,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45but with a 300 reserve, you've got that peace of mind.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48The sale will represent it well, it'll be advertised internationally,
0:36:48 > 0:36:50so German interest may pick up on it, too.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53If it goes to a good home, that's the main thing.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Well, it's got everything going for it.
0:37:00 > 0:37:01Well, there you are.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04Our experts have now found their final items for auction
0:37:04 > 0:37:07so it's time to say goodbye to our magnificent host location,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11Layer Marney Tower, as we head over to the saleroom for the last time today.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13And here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18The Royal Copenhagen bird of prey has style,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21and there are plenty of collectors out there.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26The classic Leica camera is very likely to be snapped up.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Edward's lancet-cased clock is in tiptop condition.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32It's got to go.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43Welcome back to Stacey's Auctioneers here in Rayleigh in Essex,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46where we're putting our experts valuations to the test.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Now, remember, if you are buying or selling in auction
0:37:48 > 0:37:50there's commission to pay.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Here, it's 20% inclusive of VAT,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55but these rates do vary from saleroom to saleroom,
0:37:55 > 0:37:58so check the details - it's printed in the catalogue -
0:37:58 > 0:38:01or better still, ask a member of staff.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03Right, let's get on with our next lot.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08We're starting off with that super piece of Royal Copenhagen.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11- We're looking at £200-£300?- Yes.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12It's a very stylish thing.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Fingers crossed. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18This is it - it's going under the hammer right now.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Moving on, Lot 760 -
0:38:20 > 0:38:22large Royal Copenhagen model of a bird of prey.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Lovely bird, there.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28Commission bids, I have. Must start bidding at £150.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30£150 is bid. 160, anywhere?
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Coming in on the phone, 160.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34- 170.- That's a good sign - two phone lines.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36180. 190.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40200, I am out. Internet is coming in...
0:38:40 > 0:38:43210 on the internet.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45220.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47230.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48240.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50250. 260.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52270.
0:38:52 > 0:38:53270 on the internet.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55£270 is bid.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57280 anywhere? Are we all done, then?
0:38:57 > 0:39:01Last chance, then, please. I'm selling at £270.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04Condition. Condition. Condition.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07That's what it's all about, isn't it? That's what got it away.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09There is commission to pay,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11so factor that in to the cheque when it arrives.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13But, otherwise, it's a bit of spending money.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17And well done, Elizabeth - spot on with that estimate!
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Now, let's see if the camera does as well.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Right, going under the hammer we've got that wonderful Leica camera
0:39:25 > 0:39:30and I'm standing next to George who was born with quality.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32He was born with the eye, weren't you?
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Because, at just 16, you knew quality when you saw it,
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- and you persuaded Grandad to buy it. - I did, indeed, yeah.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Anyway, we'll find out what the bidders think. Good luck.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44We come to the Leica camera, as catalogued.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45I have two commissioned bids.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49I must start the bidding to clear the book at £210.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- That's good.- 210.
0:39:51 > 0:39:52220 anywhere?
0:39:52 > 0:39:54220, on the internet.
0:39:54 > 0:39:55230 is back with me.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57240.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59250, my bid, on the commission. Against you, Internet bidder.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01At £250, fair warning then,
0:40:01 > 0:40:05It's a commission bid, and I shall sell, hammer's going down.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- Did it. It's gone. You're happy? - I'm very happy.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11At least it's going to a home that can appreciate it.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15Yeah. You know, I think it's iconic. I'd like that on a shelf at home.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- It's a piece of sculpture, as well. - Gosh, yes!- A piece of sculpture.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- It doesn't get much better than that.- No.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22Great result!
0:40:24 > 0:40:28OK, right, time is definitely up for Edward's German Edwardian clock.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30It's real quality. Will it fly away?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32We're just about to find out.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34But we have had a development since the valuation day.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38I know you put three to five on this and I totally agree with you.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40I think this is real quality.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42You had a phone call from the auctioneer, didn't you?
0:40:42 > 0:40:45That's correct. They asked me if I wouldn't do so.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47He didn't think it was worth three to five.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50We had a fixed reserve at 300, which you put on,
0:40:50 > 0:40:53and now he's reduced that reserve to 200.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54Yes.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58I didn't really want to, but the clock is no good to me any more.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00I don't use it, it's stuck in a room,
0:41:00 > 0:41:02so if it goes to a good home, that'll be the main thing.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04The auctioneer knows his market,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06you've got to respect what he feels he can get for it.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- We'll find out today, so...- Sure.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Well, we'll find out. This is where it gets interesting,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14because it is, at the end of the day, in the antiques world,
0:41:14 > 0:41:15all a matter of opinions.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18So let's find out what the bidders think. Good luck!
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Fine quality burr maple-case mantel clock as catalogued -
0:41:22 > 0:41:26must start the bidding to clear the book at £220. The bid's at 220.
0:41:26 > 0:41:27Coming in - 230.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29240. 250.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32260. 270.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34280. 290.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36300. 320.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38- We didn't need to worry.- No.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Advance at 320. Coming in on the phone.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41340 is bid.
0:41:41 > 0:41:42360.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44380.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- (I can value clocks!) - PAUL CHUCKLES
0:41:47 > 0:41:48420.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50440.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52460. 480.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55500. And 20.
0:41:55 > 0:41:56540.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58560.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- 580. - (Elizabeth's enjoying this!)
0:42:01 > 0:42:04At £600. Any advance? Are we all done?
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Last chance, then, please.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- Whack! Yes! - Elizabeth, well done.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13You see, at the end of the day, it is a matter of opinion!
0:42:13 > 0:42:14PAUL LAUGHS
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Look there's 20% commission to bring in,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20inclusive of all the VAT and the other lotting costs,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22but that's a decent amount of money for you to,
0:42:22 > 0:42:24hopefully, go and invest in antiques, no?
0:42:24 > 0:42:27No, I will go to the hotel where I used to have the clock.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- Oh, brilliant!- Yeah. - How about that?- Definitely.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31That was what you had in mind, all along?
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Yeah, he said that on valuation day. Lovely thought.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- What a nice trip! Enjoy it. Think of us.- I certainly will.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39If you've got something like that,
0:42:39 > 0:42:41bring it in and we'll flog it for you!
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Well, that's it, it is all over for our owners -
0:42:50 > 0:42:52another day, another saleroom -
0:42:52 > 0:42:53and all credit to our experts,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56because they were spot on their money today.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58And to our two auctioneers, the Stacey brothers.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00But a big thank you to you,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03because without your items, we would not be able to "flog it"!
0:43:03 > 0:43:05See you next time.