0:00:05 > 0:00:06Today we're in the northeast,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09and on this side of the River Tyne is the town of Gateshead.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13And as I cross over the river, that's the city of Newcastle,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16the location for our valuation day.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17Welcome to 'Flog It!'.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45This imposing warehouse building that you can see over my shoulder
0:00:45 > 0:00:48has a strong connection to our valuation day venue.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50From 1902 onwards,
0:00:50 > 0:00:54it was used to store all the foreign produce brought to the Tyne by ship
0:00:54 > 0:00:57before being taken on to Blandford House,
0:00:57 > 0:00:59the site of our valuation day.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04This monumental Victorian building dating back to 1899 was once
0:01:04 > 0:01:07a distribution centre for the surrounding cooperative shops,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10but now it's a science and local history museum
0:01:10 > 0:01:12and the site of our valuation day.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Well, let's hope this building's history has as the centre
0:01:17 > 0:01:20of trade bodes well for us later on in the auction rooms today.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22But right now, let's take a closer look at what the 'Flog It!'
0:01:22 > 0:01:25crowd have brought along to the Discovery Museum,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27here in the centre of Newcastle.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28And our queue is growing.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31We've got people enjoying the sunshine out here,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33keen to get the lowdown on their items,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36and already we've had to move lots of people inside.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39There's a real feeling of anticipation in the air.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43This fantastic crowd here today have come from across the Tyne and Wear,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45all laden with antiques and collectables,
0:01:45 > 0:01:47all hoping they're one of the lucky ones
0:01:47 > 0:01:50to go through to the auction later on.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53And I know two people who can't wait to get their hands on the items.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Having travelled across the United Kingdom to be with us,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01we have out 'Flog It!' antique experts Anita Manning...
0:02:01 > 0:02:03Tell me what you like about it.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06It's all the animals and all the detail around the edges.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08..and Adam Partridge.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- What have you got with you? - I've got some coconuts.- Coconuts?
0:02:12 > 0:02:13THEY LAUGH
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- Would you sell them? - Yes, certainly.- Excellent.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Hundreds of people are making their way to the Great Hall,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23once the canteen for the cooperative workers,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26on the top floor of this impressive conversion.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Our experts, both on and off screen, are here to value the
0:02:29 > 0:02:34wonderfully diverse range of objects that are arriving here in Newcastle.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36In today's show, Adam meets two friends
0:02:36 > 0:02:41who can't wait to swap their carvings for a holiday in Benidorm.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44And Anita discovers a childhood love story
0:02:44 > 0:02:47behind an autographed book of famous signatures.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52First up, it's Adam Partridge, who's raring to go.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55And here he is to tell us more about those interesting carvings
0:02:55 > 0:02:58he spotted in the queue earlier.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Linda?- Yeah.- Sheila?- Yes. - Friends.- Yes.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- Welcome to 'Flog It!'. - Thank you.- Pleased to meet you.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- Friends for years? - We have been, yeah.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- And how did you become friends? - Met through work.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- And how do you enjoy yourselves? - We like to go out as often as we can.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- Go to car boots. - Car boots, yeah.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- Go on holiday as well?- Yes, yes.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- Where do you go?- Benidorm.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Benidorm. We went to Barcelona.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- Anyway, down to the items you brought.- Right.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- Who owns what?- That's Sheila's.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- And those are yours?- Yes.- OK.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Let's start with the coconuts.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- How did you come to own them?- They were originally my grandfather's,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36but I've had them about 38 years.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Did grandfather travel? Was he a seaman?
0:03:39 > 0:03:42No. I don't honestly know anything about them.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Often they're Burmese or from that part of the world,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48and often they have been brought back by a family member who
0:03:48 > 0:03:51is a seaman. Do they live out on display at home?
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Well...they have been in a display cabinet,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57but I've moved house a few times, they're very fragile...
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- They are.- So, unfortunately... - That one's quite badly damaged.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Unfortunately they're too prone to damage, so...
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- Is that why you brought them in? - Yes.- Are they hidden in a box?- Yes.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- And where is the box hidden? - On top of the wardrobe.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- On top of the wardrobe! - You know, they're no good to me.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- It's wardrobes again.- If somebody else would appreciate them.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Yeah, well, I think they will.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Take the lid off that one and you can see inside the coconut shell,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21and they're nicely carved, aren't they?
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Very well carved, yes.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26And then mounted on this little turned mahogany bases with covers.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29I think they're very nice. I think they're about 100 years old.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- I would think so.- Not worth a great deal, though...- No, no.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- It doesn't matter. - ..because of the damage.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39I'd put 30-50 estimate because that's an encouraging price,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41and hopefully they will go on and make a little bit more.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Brilliant. That's fine by me.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44So, your coconuts...
0:04:44 > 0:04:48And, Sheila, you brought this Chinese puzzle ball here,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50ivory one, circa 1900,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52so perfectly fine in terms of the law,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55which is obviously pre-1947.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58How did you come to own this object here?
0:04:58 > 0:05:03Well, it was given to my boyfriend in a box of Chinese ornaments,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06and when I was rummaging through it I found this and thought,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09"Oh, this looks interesting." So straightaway I took it out of there
0:05:09 > 0:05:11- and put it straight in the cabinet. - You said, "I'm having that."
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Yes, I'm having that. - So it's your now.- Unofficially.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17THEY LAUGH
0:05:17 > 0:05:21You do see them quite often. In fact, most sales you'll see one.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- Oh, right.- But quality of carving isn't bad at all.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- Right.- It's not top notch but it's definitely not rubbish,
0:05:27 > 0:05:28you know, tourist ware.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31I always marvel at how they got the ball inside another ball,
0:05:31 > 0:05:32inside another ball.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- It's very intricate. - That's what I found intriguing.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- I think there's several balls inside there.- Yeah.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40And it's slightly wonky, you see,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43and that's where it's been broken off and re-glued.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46But it's a nice thing, isn't it? Are you going to miss it?
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Well, I just brought it as a last minute thing.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50I didn't think it was worth anything.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- What about your boyfriend? - It's mine.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57OK, your boyfriend got it from a lady he does work for,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- but it's yours.- Yes. - OK, that sounds fair.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Yes, it sounds fair to me. - I've now took it off him.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- Well, I'd put a reserve of 50 on that.- Right.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08- Is that all right?- That's fine.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- Estimate 50-80. Might make 100. - Right.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- So we're going to go off to auction with these now.- Right.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15We're going to take them off from you
0:06:15 > 0:06:20and we're going to put these in at £30-£50, no reserve.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- Trust in the auctioneer. - Definitely.- Yes?- Definitely.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25We're going to put a 50 reserve on that one,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- just in case your boyfriend goes mad...- He'll not know.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30and an estimate of £50-£80.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31He's not going to know...
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- till it comes out on telly in four months' time.- Yes.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37So, between them, we might get 150 quid, you never know.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39That would be fine. That would be all right.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40What would it go towards?
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- Need I ask? - BOTH: Benidorm.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- In unison. - Yes.- Very good.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Well, I've very much enjoyed talking to you both.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- So have we. Thank you very much. - Thanks for coming.- BOTH: Thank you.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Isn't it incredible how these amazing items have
0:06:55 > 0:06:58found their way from the other side of the world to Newcastle?
0:06:58 > 0:07:00The great thing about a 'Flog It!'
0:07:00 > 0:07:02valuation day is you never know what you're going to find.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Somewhere amongst this massive crowd there's a little treasure
0:07:06 > 0:07:09and, hopefully, we can make some history of our very own,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11right here, right now, on 'Flog It!'.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Let's hand things over to Anita Manning. Could this be the item?
0:07:15 > 0:07:19Joan, I love to see a big chunk of gold sitting on the table.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23It's what people want to buy today.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Can you give me a wee bit of background about it?
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Where you got it? Who it belonged to? Where it came from?
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Well, it was my grandfather's and he wore it to work every day,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36as I can remember as a small child.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40And he died in the early '50s and left it to my mother,
0:07:40 > 0:07:45- who is still alive, but she gave me it about 40 years ago.- Right.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Many people, or many girls, wore them as neck chains.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Did you do that?- Yes, I did. - In the 1970s.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53THEY LAUGH
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Might have been even the '60s actually.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00But I only wore it a couple of times. Far too heavy for an evening.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Well, you know what it is.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05It's called an Albert and it's so called
0:08:05 > 0:08:10because it was a piece of jewellery that was worn by Prince Albert,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Queen Victoria's husband.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14It was worn as a watch chain
0:08:14 > 0:08:19and your watch would be attached to this chain.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23You would slip your watch in your little waistcoat pocket
0:08:23 > 0:08:26and the curb link of this chain
0:08:26 > 0:08:28would be visible on the waistcoat,
0:08:28 > 0:08:32and it looked very smart and very elegant.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35This particular chain is a double Albert,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38where we have two little clips here.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42It's missing a T-bar, but I'm not too worried about that.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Now, this chain is 9-carat gold.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47We know that it's 9-carat gold
0:08:47 > 0:08:53- because it's marked .375 on every single link.- Yes.
0:08:53 > 0:09:01That means that there are 375 parts per thousand of pure gold.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05They would add other metals, just to make it more durable.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09So, we've got that very nice 9-carat double Albert
0:09:09 > 0:09:11and we have a sovereign there,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15and this would have been worn as a fob of your Albert,
0:09:15 > 0:09:19and that would have hung on the outside of the waistcoat as well.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23It's an earlier sovereign. It's very well worn,
0:09:23 > 0:09:29and this will take away its value as a sovereign,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31but it's 22-carat gold
0:09:31 > 0:09:36and people will take that into consideration when they buy that.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39The other thing that you have here is an Elgin pocket watch,
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- and was this also your grandfather's?- Yes.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45I can see that it's ticking away.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49Your second hand here is moving around the dial.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- This watch is a gold plated watch. - Yes.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55There is no quality in the plate.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Having said that,
0:09:57 > 0:10:01I feel that we would want to put it into auction as one lot...
0:10:01 > 0:10:07and I would like to put it in with an estimate of about £400-£600
0:10:07 > 0:10:10on the Albert, sovereign and watch - put them in as one lot.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- Would you be happy to sell it within that estimate?- Oh, yes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17It's a reasonable amount of money. What would you do with it?
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Well, we're going to Prague in August to see my eldest daughter
0:10:21 > 0:10:25and her partner, so put it towards that.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- A bit of shopping in Prague? - Absolutely.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30THEY LAUGH
0:10:30 > 0:10:32Sounds great.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Well, we've certainly got a well-travelled bunch with us,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38here in the northeast today. Take a look at this item.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Sally, these are a fine collection of trophies you've got here.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- They are.- How did you come by them? - They were my grandfather's.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45He was in the Sudan in the 1920s
0:10:45 > 0:10:49and he was working for the Sudan Plantation Company.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Oh, OK. In what capacity? Do you know what he was doing out there?
0:10:52 > 0:10:53I don't actually... I think
0:10:53 > 0:10:57it was all geographical surveys, really, is what they were doing.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59And he was a polo player, and so...
0:10:59 > 0:11:01These are polo trophies.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03I see. And what was his name?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Billy Archdale.- Billy Archdale.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- And did you know him? - No, I never met him.
0:11:07 > 0:11:08He went from the Sudan to South Africa
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- and died in South Africa in the late '50s.- Oh, right.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13Well, at first sight,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16it just looks a few bits of silver on a table, doesn't it?
0:11:16 > 0:11:19But I think they tell a story. Everything we see tells a story
0:11:19 > 0:11:23and these, I think, tell a story of Sudan in the 1920s.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27You can imagine these British gents out there working in geography
0:11:27 > 0:11:30and geology, but still maintaining their British customs
0:11:30 > 0:11:33and playing polo, all in their whites I'm sure,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- having a spiffing time. - Pith helmets.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Pith helmets, exactly.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38They still had their little piece of England wherever
0:11:38 > 0:11:40they were around the world.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43These are British silver with Birmingham hallmarks on them all.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Oh, right.- So they've been made in England
0:11:45 > 0:11:48and then obviously shipped out for that specific event.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50So we've got a range of trophies here.
0:11:50 > 0:11:57This one was 1919, 1922, 1923/4 and 1930.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00These must have been quite popular cos they did them two years running,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03unless they had a special deal from the silversmiths at the time.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Yes.- So where do they live at home?
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Why have you suddenly decided to bring them in to sell?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10They live in a box under the stairs.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Right. So they're not out on display.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13They're not out on display, no.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Well, I think they have some interest
0:12:15 > 0:12:20and I think the group lot would make probably £200-plus.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21- Right.- But in order to get that,
0:12:21 > 0:12:26I'd suggest an estimate spanning that, so 150-250 as a guide price.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28I would put the reserve at 150. They'll make more.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30If it makes that, what would you do with the money?
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Anything in particular?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34I can't think of anything off the top of my head?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- Any children?- Yes, I have a daughter.- Don't give her anything.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Well, she needs a flute stand so she might get a flute stand.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41That's about a tenner, isn't it?
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- That'll do.- That'll do. - THEY LAUGH
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Already we are halfway through the day and it's time to remind
0:12:47 > 0:12:50ourselves of what we're about to take off to auction.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Will Sheila and Linda's 19th century carvings
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- one ivory and the other two coconut -
0:13:00 > 0:13:04appeal to someone with an eye for the ornate?
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Time's ticking on for Joan's Elgin watch.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09But given it's 9-carat gold plating,
0:13:09 > 0:13:11it's sure to find its way into someone's pocket.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18And will Sally's grandfather's very personal polo trophies
0:13:18 > 0:13:22dating back to the first half of the 20th century
0:13:22 > 0:13:24find a new home in the 21st century?
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Today, our auction's in East Bolden,
0:13:33 > 0:13:35once known for its thriving coal industry.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38In a region that once unearthed so many riches,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41I'm feeling optimistic about today's auction.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Well, it's all calm and peaceful on the outside,
0:13:50 > 0:13:54but inside the Bolden Auction Galleries there's an electrifying
0:13:54 > 0:13:56atmosphere and the sale hasn't even started yet
0:13:56 > 0:13:58and the room is already full of bidders.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01This lot are here to buy, fingers crossed, our lots.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Time to catch up with our first sellers,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07who couldn't be more positive.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Well, our next lot has lived under the stairs,
0:14:09 > 0:14:10but not for much longer.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12It's a collection of silver polo trophy cups
0:14:12 > 0:14:14dating from the early 1900s.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Sally, it's great to see you again. A unique item.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20We've not seen anything like this on the show before,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23connected with polo, so hopefully there's a great market out there
0:14:23 > 0:14:24cos it's a rich man's sport.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25Sally, these are your...?
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- Grandad's.- And you've passed me this picture before.- I did.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- There he is. - Gosh, look at that. What a fine man.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Lovely to see, isn't it? This is the man that owned those trophies.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Where did he play?- In the Sudan. - Where he won the trophies?
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- Yes.- Oh, how nice.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42There's a bit of sentimental attachment there.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43Are you sad to let go of these?
0:14:43 > 0:14:45A little bit, but they sit in the cupboard, so...
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Under the stairs.- Under the stairs. - What's the point of that?- Exactly.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Give them to a collector, and hopefully there's some here today,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54and they're going under the hammer...right now.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57The little bowl and the pedestal cup as well,
0:14:57 > 0:14:59the 60th Rifles polo cup,
0:14:59 > 0:15:03I'm bid 220.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04At 220.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07230. 230. 240.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09250. 260.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11At 260 it's with me.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13You're all out. Anybody on the net?
0:15:13 > 0:15:14£260, ladies and gentlemen.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- That's not bad - top end. - At 260.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20And they're gone. Hammer's gone down.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- £260.- That's not bad.- Yeah, that's not a bad result, is it?- Yeah.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26It's better than being in a cupboard under the stairs doing nothing.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Absolutely.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Well, that was a great way to kick off the auction.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34Let's hope things stay buoyant for our next seller.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Going under the hammer right now, we have Joan's booty of gold.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40And I must say, if you were wearing all of this,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43you'd be dragging it along the road. There's such a lot of gold here.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Double Albert chain, there's a lot of weight there,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47the gold watch, the pendant, the coin.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Whose was this? Not yours, obviously, was it?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52No, it was my grandfather's.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55He must have been a big guy to wear all of that!
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- A man of substance.- Yes, exactly. - He wore it every day.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- Did he?- For work.- Why are you selling these?- For the money.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02THEY LAUGH
0:16:02 > 0:16:05He, do you know? That's a fair answer, isn't it?
0:16:05 > 0:16:06That's a really good answer.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08I've had it a long time.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11I think it will not go to melt because it's too good,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14but obviously we're looking at melt value as a bottom line.
0:16:14 > 0:16:15We've got 4-6.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18You've got to take the weight consideration in.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22It won't just get your weight value. It will be sold as an item,
0:16:22 > 0:16:26and hopefully we will reach our reserve price.
0:16:26 > 0:16:27- Yeah.- Fingers crossed.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Yeah, as we always say.
0:16:29 > 0:16:349-carat watch chain and the Elgin pocket watch, the plated one.
0:16:34 > 0:16:35We've got 56.2g.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39I'm bid 300 to start with.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41320. 340.
0:16:41 > 0:16:42360.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44380. 400. 420.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45440.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49At 440. 460.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50At £440.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53460, yes or no, anybody?
0:16:53 > 0:16:56All told at £440.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- Well, it's gone. £440. - It was good.- That's OK.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- It's within estimate - we're happy. - Yes.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- You're happy as well.- Thank you very much. Thank you, Anita.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Oh, I'm so pleased it did well.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Spot on there, Anita, with that valuation.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15And Joan's got what she wanted - some cash.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17At 220. 230 now.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Coming up, a collection entrenched with history.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24I've just been joined by Sheila and Linda and our expert Adam,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27and we've got a bit of carving going under the hammer.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- A bit of Chinese carving by you, Sheila.- That's right, yes.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- Linda, you've got the carved coconuts.- Yes.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- You are really good friends.- Yes.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- That's why we did the valuation together.- That's right.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37You're holding each other's hand through this
0:17:37 > 0:17:39because this could be a rollercoaster ride.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Do you know what? I think we're going to sell both of these items.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46I think we're going to be all right. I think we're going to be all right.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47Benidorm fund.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- You're up first, aren't you? - Yes, I am.- This is it.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53We've got the little carved concentric ball entwined with
0:17:53 > 0:17:55the dragons on the little pedestal base
0:17:55 > 0:17:57and I bid 20 to start it.
0:17:57 > 0:18:0025. 30...5.
0:18:00 > 0:18:0240..5.
0:18:02 > 0:18:0350...5.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06At 55. 60...5.
0:18:06 > 0:18:0870...5.
0:18:08 > 0:18:1080...5.
0:18:10 > 0:18:1190...5.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12100.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14£100.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Anybody else left?
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Just over the top end.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- At £100. 110. - Yes, 110, 110.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25He nods and shakes his head at the back of the room.
0:18:25 > 0:18:26110.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29£110.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Fabulous. You're happy.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Right, let's see what we can do for you. Here we go.
0:18:33 > 0:18:34Here's the next lot.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39The carved 19th century coconuts and stands, with the bases as well.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41We're off again. I have two commissioned bids.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43I've got it started at 130.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44SHE GASPS
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- Good.- 140.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48At 140. 150.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50160. 170.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- 180. - SHE GASPS
0:18:52 > 0:18:55190. We're in the room, on the left, at 190.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57But it's a pair, Linda. There's a premium on the pair.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00£190. Are we all done, ladies and gentlemen?
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- £190. - At 190.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Well, I think you came out on top, Linda.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09190. Hey, two happy bunnies here...
0:19:09 > 0:19:12and good friends, so you're obviously going to celebrate
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- together, aren't you?- BOTH: Yes. That's marvellous.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18I really like those coconuts. I'm pleased they made over £100.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20It's a great price.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Thank you. We've really enjoyed everything.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- Thanks for coming. - Good, fun items.- Yes.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28With the holiday coffer brimming and everything else sold,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31we've had a good first visit to the auction house.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Our first lots done and dusted under the hammer, and some happy owners.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Now before we return to the Discovery Museum
0:19:39 > 0:19:40to find some more antiques,
0:19:40 > 0:19:43I'm going to take you down the river, where the men and women
0:19:43 > 0:19:47of Tyneside have been crossing this stretch of water for many centuries.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Like Paris and London, this cityscape is divided by a river,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57and for as long as people have lived beside the Tyne they've
0:19:57 > 0:19:59needed to cross it.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03I'm on the Shields ferry, which runs every half an hour and carries
0:20:03 > 0:20:07around 400,000 passengers each year, from South Shields,
0:20:07 > 0:20:12the side I started, over there, across the river to North Shields.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14There are records of passenger boat crossings
0:20:14 > 0:20:18on this very stretch of river dating back to 1377,
0:20:18 > 0:20:24and of horses being transported across here during the 15th century.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Over 500 years later, the people of Tyneside are still making
0:20:27 > 0:20:29the trip across this stretch of water.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35During the 20th century, these ferries would have been packed
0:20:35 > 0:20:38with workers who had to get backwards and forwards.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Nowadays, the ferry is mainly used for tourism and leisure.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43As you can see, it is pretty much empty.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46But back in the day, it would have been jam-packed.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47The ferry could never handle
0:20:47 > 0:20:50the growing demands of industrialisation,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53so during the 19th and 20th centuries,
0:20:53 > 0:20:55numerous bridges began to dot the Tyne,
0:20:55 > 0:21:00becoming the fastest and most popular way of crossing the river.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04It would be impossible to go into detail about all of Tyneside's
0:21:04 > 0:21:08fascinating and innovative crossing points on today's show
0:21:08 > 0:21:11so I'm going to pick a couple of notable bridges,
0:21:11 > 0:21:12one from the last century
0:21:12 > 0:21:15and one from the beginning of the 21st century.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Between the two world wars,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21the British economy was in dire straits
0:21:21 > 0:21:25and the building of the Tyne Bridge was to be a big morale booster,
0:21:25 > 0:21:29providing hundreds of jobs at a time of mass unemployment.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32The aim was to reduced congestion.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33It took three years to build
0:21:33 > 0:21:36and the men risked their lives in its construction.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39It's incredible that not more than one man lost his life.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45This iconic structure, the Tyne Bridge, is a defining
0:21:45 > 0:21:49mark on the landscape here and the locals absolutely love it.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52When it was opened by King George V back in 1928,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55his speech was all about new beginnings
0:21:55 > 0:21:57and more prosperous times.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02The Queen and I thank you for your loyal and dutiful address.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05It is a great pleasure to us
0:22:05 > 0:22:10to visit Gateshead on the occasion of opening the new bridge.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14It is a worthy testimony which enables the Tyneside town
0:22:14 > 0:22:18to take their full and honourable share
0:22:18 > 0:22:21in the industrial development of Great Britain.
0:22:21 > 0:22:27I pray that with God's blessing, more prosperous times may soon return.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31The bridge was overrun with people when it opened.
0:22:31 > 0:22:3420,000 children were given the day off school
0:22:34 > 0:22:38and everyone was out in force to celebrate their new bridge.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41The building of the Tyne Bridge regenerated the area
0:22:41 > 0:22:42and helped industry.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49The year 2000 saw another iconic bridge grace the skyline.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51The Gateshead Millennium Bridge,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54often called the winking or blinking eye,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56due to its shape and tilting method.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59It was lifted into place in one piece by one of the world's
0:22:59 > 0:23:01largest floating cranes.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05The new bridge once again revived a part of the Tyne that had
0:23:05 > 0:23:09become run down, giving it a fresh and new 20th-century feel.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18I'm on my way to visit the team who operate the Millennium Bridge
0:23:18 > 0:23:21and I've been told the whole thing tilts upwards
0:23:21 > 0:23:23around noon every day, and who knows?
0:23:23 > 0:23:25They might let me push a few buttons.
0:23:30 > 0:23:36- Hi, guys. Hello. Am I just in time?- You are just in time.- Right.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- What time do you normally tilt the bridge?- 12 o'clock.- 12 o'clock.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41That's for the visitors.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45OK. So how long does it actually take from the closed position
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- to get it open? - It takes approximately four and a half minutes.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- That's not long at all, is it? - It isn't, no, for the size of it.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54So how does it actually work?
0:23:54 > 0:23:56It works on hydraulic rams.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59There are three hydraulic rams this side and three on the other side
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- and basically, the hydraulic pushes it on the axle and it tilts.- Right.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06I expect all the locals have got used to this operation now,
0:24:06 > 0:24:09but when it first opened, I bet there were thousands of people...
0:24:09 > 0:24:13Yes, they were all over the place, to be honest, but now, people know,
0:24:13 > 0:24:1712 o'clock comes and they know when to cross and when not to cross.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- We get people from all over the world coming still.- Do you?
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- Just to view this?- Again, it is the only tilting bridge in the world.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- That's cutting-edge architecture, isn't it?- It is. Without a doubt.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- Fantastic.- Do you know, it actually marries in with the old bridges quite well.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33You've got a bit of the ancient and a bit of the modern.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35You've got the new with the old. It fits in perfectly.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- Are you proud of this?- Very. Very. Absolutely brilliant.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Well, I make it about time to open the bridge now,
0:24:42 > 0:24:43so what exactly do you do?
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- Is it push a button? - Yes. We push a button.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- Can I push it?- You can push it. - Where is it?- Over there.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52This is possibly the most important button I've ever pushed in my life.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Here we go.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00And here it goes.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04Just look how smoothly and gracefully the bridge tilts.
0:25:04 > 0:25:11It's not surprising that it won the prestigious Stirling architectural award in 2002.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13The bridge is lifted regularly
0:25:13 > 0:25:15so passers-by can enjoy the spectacle,
0:25:15 > 0:25:21but it still performs the important function of enabling boats to pass up and down the river.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25The Millennium Bridge crucially connects Gateshead
0:25:25 > 0:25:28on one side to Newcastle in an area where there is now
0:25:28 > 0:25:31an internationally acclaimed cultural centre.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Architect Richard Rogers' Sage building
0:25:33 > 0:25:36is a state-of-the-art concert hall.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39The Baltic art centre exhibits contemporary art
0:25:39 > 0:25:42and the cutting-edge design of the Millennium Bridge provides
0:25:42 > 0:25:44a modern link to this bold new area.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Well, it's clearly a hit with all the local people on Tyneside
0:25:50 > 0:25:52and with people from further afield.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Who could fail to be impressed with this marvellous structure?
0:25:55 > 0:25:59Adding a new dimension to an already iconic skyline.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Welcome back to the valuation day,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11here at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle,
0:26:11 > 0:26:16originally built in 1899 for the Co-operative Wholesale Society.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Just looking at this space, it really is a wonderful example
0:26:21 > 0:26:24of Victorian architecture at its very best,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28with these wonderful floating steel arches spanning this room.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Beautifully decorated with ornamentation.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35This is exactly what you'd find in a railway station of the same period.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38British craftsmanship and Great British engineering.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40Next up in this fine room,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Anita spotted an impressive autograph collection
0:26:43 > 0:26:46from all around the world and very close to home.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Heather, Robert.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Welcome to 'Flog It!' and it's really lovely to have you along.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57You've brought in an autograph book. Now, whose book is it?
0:26:57 > 0:27:00It's my book but both of our autographs.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- There is a few autographs from me.- Right.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- So both of you were autograph collectors?- Yes. Yes.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10- Is that what brought you together? - In a way.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12OK.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14It's always fascinating to see the characters
0:27:14 > 0:27:18that are in people's autograph books.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23The most interesting autographs for collectors are the ones that
0:27:23 > 0:27:31have been got by the folk themselves, maybe at the stage door or on an encounter,
0:27:31 > 0:27:35not the ones that were sent out by the agency, because often these
0:27:35 > 0:27:39were signed by the secretary or the cleaner or something like that.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- But what you've got here are ones that you've collected.- Yes.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Now, I see that we have Stan Laurel
0:27:45 > 0:27:50- and it's at the Grand Hotel, Tynemouth and that's in 1952.- Yes.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53And we have another piece of paper here with Stan Laurel
0:27:53 > 0:27:56and Oliver Hardy. What's happening there?
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Well, we were both there separately but we were only 12 years old.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02And we didn't know each other then.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06And Robert had got these two and I got the one
0:28:06 > 0:28:07because he's cleverer than me.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13I love the idea of you two being autograph hunters as kids
0:28:13 > 0:28:17and then coming together and getting married and so on and so forth.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19I think that's lovely.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22So, we have a wee collection here and we have Frank Bruno.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- Who collected that one?- I think, to be honest, it was my son.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Right, OK. And we've got Richard Nixon here.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Tell me the occasion this was got.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Well, I was on holiday in Switzerland
0:28:34 > 0:28:39and I was at the top of Mount Pilatus and I was in a restaurant there
0:28:39 > 0:28:42and in he came so I went to get the autograph and I might tell you,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44- he wasn't very pleased. - What did you say to him?
0:28:44 > 0:28:48I just said, "May I have your autograph, Mr Nixon?"
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- And he just sort of looked at me and glowered.- Really?
0:28:52 > 0:28:54He wasn't very happy but he signed it.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- Were you both movie guys, you know, when you were kids?- Oh, yes.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- Yes, yes.- And of course, Laurel and Hardy.- I just loved them, yes.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04But of course, was it Laurel who came from Tyneside?
0:29:04 > 0:29:09- Stan Laurel, yes.- Stan Laurel came from Tyneside?- He did, he did.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- There is actually a statue of him there in North Shields. - That's great.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- They were so good, weren't they? - They were funny.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19So, these things are all part of your history together
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- and your history as children. - That's right.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Why do you want to get rid of them now?
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Well, the family aren't really interested in them and we're getting on.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Are you getting on? I wouldn't believe that.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32LAUGHTER
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- We are.- You're very kind.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36So we decided to sell them and we thought
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- we would give the money to charity. - Oh, right.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43So pass them on and let some other collector have the pleasure.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Let some other collector enjoy then, yes.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48There are a lot of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy fans, as well.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Of course. Especially in this area.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It's very difficult sometimes to give an accurate
0:29:53 > 0:29:56estimate of this type of thing but I would say if it would be in
0:29:56 > 0:30:00the region of a couple of hundred pounds - would that sort of...?
0:30:00 > 0:30:02That's very good.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05So if we estimate it, say £200 to £250,
0:30:05 > 0:30:08would you like me to put a reserve on them?
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Yes, I think so, please. Yes.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14We'll put a reserve, maybe 180, with a little bit of discretion.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- Would you be happy with that? - That's fine, yes.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19Well, I hope we get lots of money for your charity.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- And thank you so much for coming along.- Thank you.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Thanks very much.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26A lovely local story behind that item
0:30:26 > 0:30:31- and here's another piece with a north-eastern history.- Well, David.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33This is a most unusual-looking item.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36I think I've worked out what it is, but first of all,
0:30:36 > 0:30:39can you tell me what you know about it, where you got it from?
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- I bought it from an antique fair several years ago.- OK.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45It's a Durham Light Infantry menu carousel.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48This is the Durham Light Infantry...
0:30:48 > 0:30:50It's the bugle emblem from the Durham Light Infantry.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53So it's a menu carousel, meaning something that would have sat on an
0:30:53 > 0:30:59officers' table with the cards in there, indicating what the menu was.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- Yes.- So have you ever been to a regimental dinner?- No.
0:31:03 > 0:31:04What's your background?
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- I come from engineering that my father was in the Durham Light Infantry during the war.- I see.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11So you picked this up with that sort of,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- "Oh, Father was in the Durham Light Infantry."- That's correct.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16"There's a piece of Durham Light Infantry."
0:31:16 > 0:31:17And what have you done with it since?
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- Tried to put it on the dining room table...- Tried to.- Tried to.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23The wife didn't exactly like that.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Did you suggest to her that she could do a menu for you every day of the week in there?
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- That would have gone down well, wouldn't it?- I wouldn't be here now.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34- And we just haven't got anywhere to display it.- Where does it live?
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- In the wardrobe.- Oh, no. Everybody is in the wardrobe.- In the wardrobe.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Goodness me. Well to me, it looks as if it is between the two wars.
0:31:41 > 0:31:47- The style of it says to me '20s, '30s.- Right.- It is very nicely made.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Beautiful quality. Not a nail in there, is there?
0:31:50 > 0:31:53I think it's all dowel pegged. And mahogany.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- It's mahogany, is it?- Yes, all these mahogany panels.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00- But lovely quality thing and it's a good spinner, isn't it? - It is a very good spinner.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03I wondered what sort of thing it has seen in the past.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05I'd love to know what a regimental dinner was like.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Well, my father used to go to them, obviously.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12But I've never been to one and the regiment was disbanded in 1968.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17- 1968, the regiment was disbanded, OK.- Well before then, obviously.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20You're selling it because you've run out of space
0:32:20 > 0:32:22and your wife won't allow it the table.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26- You didn't want to put your foot down?- No! Goodness, no! No, no.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Will she be quite pleased when you tell her that
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- you put it on to 'Flog it!'? - If it goes, she will be.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Now, interesting item. I don't think that the value is huge.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38- Firstly, what did you pay for it? - Between £30 and £40.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- It's not a great value. - Well, that's a relief.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42But I think it's interesting of course
0:32:42 > 0:32:45because it's local interest, Durham Light Infantry.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Because I can't recall having seen one before.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- So, what is it going to fetch?- About the same, possibly.- 30 to 50 quid?
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- Yes.- That's what I thought when I saw it.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57I don't think it's going to be much more than that.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- Do you want a reserve on it? - £30.- £30?
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- Bit of leeway or leave it fixed 30? - Leeway is fine.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06£30, bit of discretion. And let's give it a whirl at the auction.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08I'm looking forward to seeing how it sells.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Also, all this talk of food makes you wonder
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- what's for lunch so I'm going to have to go, David. Thanks for coming.- Pleasure.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17While we're on the subject of food, it's hard to imagine today
0:33:17 > 0:33:22that this room was once a canteen serving meals to the Co-op workers.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25One meal in particular stands out in history
0:33:25 > 0:33:28as it found its way into the museum's archives.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30During the First World War,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33recruits gathered in this very room
0:33:33 > 0:33:36for a final meal before heading off to war.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39And today, I'm joined by Joyce, who has also dined here.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- Joyce, it's a pleasure to meet you.- Thank you.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45So what sort of food was served up for the staff here? It's very grand.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- Three-course meals every day. - Really?- Yes.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- So wasn't really a canteen, in a way, was it?- No.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- It was a dining hall.- Dining hall. - So were there proper waitresses,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56sort of dressed in the right uniform and waiters?
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Waitresses for every table.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02The waitresses in the black dresses and their white aprons.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04And how did you meet John?
0:34:04 > 0:34:07In one of the other offices, in the menswear, there was
0:34:07 > 0:34:11numerous other girls... which we all were friendly at lunchtime.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14And one girl happened to be John's sister
0:34:14 > 0:34:18- and through John's sister, that's how I met John.- That's how you met John.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20So how long have you been married now?
0:34:20 > 0:34:23We have been married 53 years this year.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- Well, congratulations.- Thank you.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27Still lovebirds after all these years.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29But someone in Jenny's house
0:34:29 > 0:34:32has fallen out of love with these two birds.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36- Jenny, welcome to 'Flog it!'. - Thank you.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38I am absolutely delighted
0:34:38 > 0:34:42to see these two wee chookie birdies sitting on the table.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44They are a pair of little posy holders.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Tell me where you got them.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48I found them in a car-boot sale.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50A car-boot sale, wow!
0:34:50 > 0:34:52How much did you pay for them?
0:34:52 > 0:34:56I can't remember whether they were £1 or £1.20 each.
0:34:56 > 0:34:57Oh, wow.
0:34:57 > 0:34:58What drew you to them?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Well, they were unusual, and they're supposed to be a vase,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03but I don't they're much use as a vase.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05But if you hold them,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07it really is like you're holding
0:35:07 > 0:35:09a bird in your hand.
0:35:09 > 0:35:14So, they arrived in your hands in the car-boot sale
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- Yes, yes. And they had to come home. - And you couldn't resist them.- No.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Now, they are Royal Copenhagen.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Did you notice that,
0:35:21 > 0:35:26and did you know that Royal Copenhagen was a quality factory?
0:35:26 > 0:35:29I knew that it said Copenhagen on them,
0:35:29 > 0:35:33but I didn't know that it was Royal Copenhagen, until I got them home.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- I suppose that's...- But that's not why I bought them.- Yeah.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- You bought them because you liked them.- Yes, because they're lovely.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Royal Copenhagen have been making fine porcelain
0:35:42 > 0:35:45since the middle of the 1700s,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48so they have been going for a long time.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53These particular little birds were designed by Nils Thorsson
0:35:53 > 0:35:58and he was one of the artistic directors in Copenhagen.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02These little birds come from the 1960s.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06And, for me, they speak so typically of the 1960s,
0:36:06 > 0:36:10with this simple stylised design
0:36:10 > 0:36:14and these rather muted colours.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19So beautifully designed, and Royal Copenhagen has been renowned for
0:36:19 > 0:36:22the quality of its design work.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24What kind of birds do they put you in mind of?
0:36:24 > 0:36:26I think they're supposed to be doves,
0:36:26 > 0:36:28but I suspect in this region,
0:36:28 > 0:36:30somebody has brought them back as pigeons,
0:36:30 > 0:36:34because we were, very much, pigeon-fancying country.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Ah, so someone has looked at that and thought,
0:36:36 > 0:36:39"These are nice colourful pigeons, I'll take them home,
0:36:39 > 0:36:41- "to remind me of my own." - Yes.- OK.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Let's have a wee look at stamp here.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49We see the symbol for Royal Copenhagen there.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51And we have the word Columbine here,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54this was the range of wares.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56How long have you had them, Jenny?
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Probably about 15 years now.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01As long as that? Why are you thinking of selling them now?
0:37:01 > 0:37:04Myself and my husband have different ideas about what's decorative,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08and he doesn't like them, so they're in a box.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- And it's a waste, really. It's a waste.- OK.
0:37:10 > 0:37:17I would put an estimate of 100 to 150 on this pair.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Would you be happy to sell them within that estimate?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23I think I would, with difficulty.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Although, to me, they're worth more than that.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28But, yes, yes. Some things have got to go.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- Shall we put a reserve price on them.- Yes.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- £100?- That seems OK.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38We'll put £100 firm reserve on them.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40If they make more than that they will fly away -
0:37:40 > 0:37:42and we hope that's what happens.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47If they don't make that, they'll fly back to their mum.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Thank you again for bringing them along,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51- and I'll see you at the auction. - Thank you.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Well, there you are. As you've just seen, our experts have just made
0:37:58 > 0:38:01their final choice of items to take off to the auction rooms.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04So sadly, we have to say goodbye to the Discovery Museum -
0:38:04 > 0:38:05our host venue for today.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08We've had a brilliant time here, and we've learned a great deal
0:38:08 > 0:38:10and that's what's important.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13But right now, let's put those valuations to the test,
0:38:13 > 0:38:14and here's a quick recap of all the items
0:38:14 > 0:38:16that are going under the hammer.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Heather and Robert's impressive signature collection
0:38:19 > 0:38:22is sure to appeal to an autograph hunter out there.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28It's an unusual item with a lovely Art Deco character,
0:38:28 > 0:38:32so David's menu carousel should be to someone's taste.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Last, but not least - will this be the day
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Jenny's cherished porcelain birds fly the coup?
0:38:46 > 0:38:48We're back in Boldon for our last visit to the auction.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Now, this is pigeon-fancier country,
0:38:50 > 0:38:53and Jenny's hoping her birds will be well-loved.
0:38:56 > 0:38:57Why are you selling these little birds?
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Just for the day.
0:38:59 > 0:39:00Just to enjoy the moment.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Her husband wants her to get rid of them as well.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- He doesn't like them. - You've got too much stuff.
0:39:06 > 0:39:07- Yeah!- Oh, OK.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10I think they're great spill vases - something I'd like to own.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Right, I think we've got work to do, don't you?
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Let's put them under the hammer. Let's test this value.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17The pair of Copenhagen Columbine flower vases.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20Plenty of bids.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- Jenny, plenty of bids. - I'll start straight in at £100.
0:39:23 > 0:39:2410, anybody else, now?
0:39:24 > 0:39:25110.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27120.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29130. The bid is upstairs at 130.
0:39:30 > 0:39:31At £130.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35140, anybody? At £130, last chance?
0:39:35 > 0:39:36All done at 130.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- They're gone. They've flown the nest.- Gone.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Oh, dear! Oh, no. We've got a tear in our eye.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49At least Jenny's birds have found a new coup,
0:39:49 > 0:39:51and right now, David's item is giving them bidders
0:39:51 > 0:39:53food for thought.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55We've got a mahogany octagonal menu holder
0:39:55 > 0:39:59from the Durham Light Infantry, belonging to David.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Any military connections in the family?
0:40:01 > 0:40:03My father served in the 7th Battalion DLI during the war.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Gosh. OK.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- How did come by this than? - I got it at an antiques fair.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Can you tell us how much you paid for it? £30 or £40?
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Well, hopefully we'll get a bit more than that.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Well, it's local, isn't it?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Relatively local, and military interest.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20So I think this should be the best place to get the right money for it.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- Yeah.- Properly cabinet-maker made, I think.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- Typical 1930s?- I think so. - Good luck, with that.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27- Thank you very much.- Good luck.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29We'll find out what it does right now.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33The Durham Light Infantry mahogany table carousel - the menu carousel.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36And I've got commissioned bids.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37We start at £35.
0:40:37 > 0:40:38£40, down?
0:40:38 > 0:40:41At 35. 40, anybody?
0:40:41 > 0:40:4340 right by the door.
0:40:43 > 0:40:44At £40.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Anybody else? 45.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48- 50? - I hope this goes to a collector.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52Somebody with connections to the Durham Light Infantry.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55The internet is quiet. All done?
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Hammer's gone down. £50. We're very happy.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00Very happy, indeed.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Thank you for bringing that in. That's a one-off.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- You won't see another, will you? - I doubt it, no!
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Brilliant. Thank you.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Well, David's made his money back
0:41:09 > 0:41:12and our next sellers have delivered us a legendary line-up.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Well, they say the pen is mightier than the sword,
0:41:15 > 0:41:17and we're about to find out.
0:41:17 > 0:41:18I'm joined by Heather and Robert
0:41:18 > 0:41:21and we have a book of autographs with some classic ones in there!
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Laurel and Hardy we've seen before on the show.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27Great to see you both again. Big smiles.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30We've been waiting for this event. Why are you selling this?
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Well, the family aren't interested,
0:41:32 > 0:41:34and were getting on, so we thought we'd sell them
0:41:34 > 0:41:36and give it to a charity.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39OK. We've seen Stan and Ollie's autographs on the show before
0:41:39 > 0:41:41and they've realised around £150-£200.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43So fingers crossed we'll get the top end here.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Well, I'm hoping that we are.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Both of these guys were avid autograph hunters.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51So let's hope they do well.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55The collection of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy signatures.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59I have one, two, three, four bids.
0:41:59 > 0:42:00I start...
0:42:00 > 0:42:02at 300.
0:42:02 > 0:42:03Yes!
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- £300. - Wow, that's good, isn't it?
0:42:06 > 0:42:09At £300, the maiden bid's going to get it?
0:42:09 > 0:42:11At £300. Is anybody in the room?
0:42:11 > 0:42:14For the first and the last time...
0:42:14 > 0:42:16At £300.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- You were right. Spot on with the top end of the estimate.- 300.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23You said 280, didn't you?
0:42:23 > 0:42:24- £300.- Fantastic!
0:42:24 > 0:42:26There were lots of autographs in this.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28- You can split it up. - I'm sure that helps.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32A dealer would have bought that, split them up and sold some off,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35got some money back and may be kept two or three for himself.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37- Good for you.- Delighted. - Thank you for bringing it on.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Thank you. Thanks very much.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- Thanks, Anita. - Well done, I'm so happy!
0:42:41 > 0:42:44A wonderful outcome for Heather and Robert's charity.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Well, that's it. The hammer has gone down on our last lot,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50and it's all over. We've had a fabulous time here.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54All credit to our experts, because we have sold everything today,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57and it's not easy putting a value on an antique, as you know.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00So, from this extraordinary part of the country -
0:43:00 > 0:43:03rich in heritage - it's time to say goodbye from the north-east.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06So, until the next time, with plenty more surprises on 'Flog it!'...
0:43:06 > 0:43:08it's goodbye!