0:00:04 > 0:00:07One of the things I love about my job is the variety of antiques
0:00:07 > 0:00:10I get to see on a daily basis.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13My passion is Queen Anne and early-Georgian furniture,
0:00:13 > 0:00:15but I do have a guilty pleasure
0:00:15 > 0:00:18and that's antiques that I call decorator's pieces.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22And later on in the show, I'll be finding out about a woman
0:00:22 > 0:00:26whose passion for such things changed the look of this house forever.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Today, we're in the city of Leicester. With a history
0:00:53 > 0:00:55which spans back to the Roman period,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58this should be a place with a wealth of antiques to offer.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02It's also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country,
0:01:02 > 0:01:07so I'm hoping for a really eclectic mix of items to take off to auction.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10And with a population of around 330,000,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13we should have a good turnout here at De Montfort Hall.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15In fact, I think, looking at that queue,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17most of them have turned out today, don't you?
0:01:17 > 0:01:20And hopefully we'll have one or two big surprises.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24To help us find the best antiques and collectables,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28we have our very own uber-talented "Flog It!" favourites,
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Thomas Plant and Catherine Southon.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34What they don't know about antiques isn't worth knowing.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36If rules weren't rules, I'd be buying that.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- "Flog It!" That's the name of the programme.- I'll "flog it".
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- You all having a good time so far?- ALL:- Yes.- Yes.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45And the day hasn't even started.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48It's barely 9.30, time to get the doors open.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Somebody here in this queue is going to go home with
0:01:50 > 0:01:52an awful lot of money and it could be you.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- What have you got inside there? - A bit of china.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56What have you got? Some China. Oh, look at that.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Oh, lots and lots of valuables.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01I think it's time to get the doors open,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04get our experts at work, because we've got a lot of antiques to see.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14So whilst everyone takes a seat and makes themselves comfortable,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16here's what's coming up.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21Decorator's pieces are all the rage in this show.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24We've got African spears, an ornate French clock and candlesticks,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27and the most intriguing architectural model.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31But which will catch the eye of the interior designers as we take this
0:02:31 > 0:02:33little lot off to auction?
0:02:35 > 0:02:36But first up, it's Catherine
0:02:36 > 0:02:39and she's found a classic "Flog It!" treasure.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- John, you and I are going to get on well together.- Hope so.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47I love this little perfume bottle holder. Where did you get it from?
0:02:47 > 0:02:48It belonged to my mother.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53When she died, I found it in a drawer, but I didn't really know what it was.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58I tried pressing the button and I had difficulty pressing it at first.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01When it shot up, I was quite surprised what was inside.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05Let's have a look at it, because it's a lovely elegant shape.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08The outside of this case is all tortoiseshell
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- and then this is a silver inlay. - Oh, right.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13These are like little laurel leaves, and then you have this little
0:03:13 > 0:03:18swag detail and then you have a cartouche, here on the front.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22And then on the back, and then it's got the lady's initials.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Can you imagine the sort of lady that would have had
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- something like this?- A bit posh.- I think she probably was a bit posh.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32I don't think it's an English piece. I think it's probably
0:03:32 > 0:03:34continental, probably French.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37My father was in the First World War and he was...
0:03:38 > 0:03:40..he was in France.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Right, so he might have picked it up.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- Might well have picked it up there.- Yeah.
0:03:45 > 0:03:46But it's a lovely piece, but it actually
0:03:46 > 0:03:51dates from the late 18th century to the early 19th century.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53It's got quite a bit of age to it.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56But it's a shame that things like this are not used today.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58The type of lady that would have had this,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01she would have kept her perfume in it, had a little dabble.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- Probably belonged to my grandma, then.- Quite possibly. Quite possibly.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07So you press this little button here
0:04:07 > 0:04:09and this is what you had the problem with.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Press the button...
0:04:11 > 0:04:15and then we should have two perfume bottles.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Just look at the shape of these perfume bottles. Aren't they lovely?
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- Very unusual.- Really nice. Lovely tapered shape.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Such a shame we've got one missing. But you've never known the other one.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- No.- If it had the other bottle, we'd be talking at around £300.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35But without that, that does make a difference.
0:04:35 > 0:04:41With that in mind, I'd probably put a presale estimate on of £80-120.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- That's fine.- Is that all right? - Yes.- But I think
0:04:44 > 0:04:46we should protect it with an £80 reserve,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49because it's a lovely piece of history.
0:04:49 > 0:04:50It's been in your family a long time
0:04:50 > 0:04:53and you don't want to just let it go for nothing.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54Yeah, that's fine.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57If it does do well, what will you do with the money?
0:04:57 > 0:05:00I will most probably buy my lady friend something.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02I hope that it does do very well
0:05:02 > 0:05:06and I hope you can buy your lady friend something very, very special.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- I will do.- Thank you very much. Thank you, John.- My pleasure.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Like ivory, there are restrictions
0:05:12 > 0:05:14when it comes to selling tortoiseshell, but this piece
0:05:14 > 0:05:19was made well before 1947, so it's perfectly legal to sell in auction.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23And now I'm going to have a rummage myself.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27There's always something good to find at a valuation day.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Having a good time? Thank you so much for being patient.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Lots of happy, smiley faces.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34This is what I like to see at a valuation day.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Hopefully someone will be looking at your things very shortly.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39HE GASPS
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- Can I have a look in your bag? What's your name?- Ali.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- Can have a look in there?- You certainly can.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46The gilding caught my eye.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Everything that glitters might be worth a lot of money.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Everything that glitters isn't always gold, though.- It's not, is it?
0:05:51 > 0:05:53HE LAUGHS
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- Did this come off the wall this morning?- Unfortunately, no.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58It has been on the wall at some point,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01but it's been in a cupboard for a long time.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03You can't beat something that goes on the wall,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06an original work of art. Birket Foster, look at this.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Royal Watercolour Society.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11That's a name that's up there with the great
0:06:11 > 0:06:16artists in the Victorian era. A wonderful British artist.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18How did you come by this?
0:06:18 > 0:06:22My dad bought it for my mum shortly after they were engaged.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23He bought it at an auction.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29It was in their home for as long as I can remember as a child.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32It was passed down to me and it was on my bedroom wall for a long
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- time until I went contemporary. - Oh, sad.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39There is some doubt about its authenticity.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43If this is Birket Foster, English romantic scene
0:06:43 > 0:06:49- just like that, we're looking at £30,000.- Wow.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50£30,000.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53What are you going to do with that?
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Flog it! Don't be silly, flog it.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Can I just tell you something? Birket Foster is
0:07:00 > 0:07:04one of the most faked artists you will find.
0:07:04 > 0:07:09For every one original, there's possibly 1,000 fakes.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12He was a miniature artist, worked in great detail, very,
0:07:12 > 0:07:13very fine brushstroke.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Could pick out wonderful detail in the face, the fingers,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18the little leaves in the trees.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22This is good but it's not by him.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24I'm so sorry.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Would have been gutted if it had been bought as a genuine.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Is there a value on it?
0:07:31 > 0:07:35There's always a value on it because it's a good watercolour in itself.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38It's not a print. It's in a nice gilt frame.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40It has a nice bit of wear to it.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43In the trade, we call this a decorator's piece
0:07:43 > 0:07:46and it has a value of around £300-400.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- It's a nice thing within itself, so enjoy it.- Thank you very much.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54There we are, a decorator's piece, a classic decorator's piece.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Next up, Thomas is keeping the theme going.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- Julie.- Hi.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08You've brought along a very decorative clock garniture,
0:08:08 > 0:08:12as you like to call it. Tell me, how have you come to have it?
0:08:12 > 0:08:15I was left it in my uncle's will, ten years ago.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- Did he leave you other things? - This is the main thing.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20So why have you brought it here?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Because I've had it for ten years in the house,
0:08:23 > 0:08:27and I live in an ordinary three-bed, semidetached house,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29and it just doesn't fit anywhere.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34I've tried it on shelves and tables and cupboards. It just doesn't fit.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35This wouldn't fit in my house
0:08:35 > 0:08:38because everything has got so much smaller now.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41This is for a grand palatial mansion.
0:08:41 > 0:08:48It's a very beautiful 19th-century French, mantel, garniture clock,
0:08:48 > 0:08:49with a spelter top.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53This looks like bronze, like it's been bronzed, but it is spelter.
0:08:53 > 0:09:00It's signed, "Glchter," or "Clee-cher." Somebody like... 1842.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05I wouldn't say this is 1842, I'd say more like late 19th century.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Right.- Do you have it working? - It does work.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10You wind it up and it goes for eight days,
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- and it rings on the hour and the half an hour.- Do you like it?
0:09:14 > 0:09:19I do like it, but it just doesn't look right in my house.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Looks like something out of the Ride Of The Valkyries.- That's right, yes.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27With this polished...polished slate and the beautiful white dial.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31So, extremely decorative. You can imagine it with the candles.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Have you ever had candles in here?
0:09:33 > 0:09:36I have had candles and I put them on the table at Christmas,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39but because it's so big, you couldn't see the people opposite
0:09:39 > 0:09:43when you're eating your meal. It was not practical. You need a huge table.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Yeah, absolutely. Some great big mahogany number.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- Do you have any idea of value? - No, I have no idea.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I've always thought maybe 50-100.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Very often on "Flog It!" they say 80-120.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58That's our favourite auctioneer's estimate.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- I've always, always thought maybe that.- I think it's worth over £100.
0:10:02 > 0:10:08- I would say 120, 180, as an estimate. Reserve it at £100.- Yes.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- Or do you not want to reserve it? - I don't mind if
0:10:11 > 0:10:14it doesn't have a reserve. I just need it to go.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- Shall we let the auctioneers use their own discretion?- Yes.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- I don't think they'll give it away. - I'll be happy with that.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22I really look forward to seeing you at the auction.
0:10:22 > 0:10:29- Hopefully, I can see nowadays this being in a big hotel.- Oh, right.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- Who's going to lift it off? It's me, isn't it?- Yes, I think so.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34It's me.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Whilst Thomas was busy, I carried on my search and came across a very
0:10:39 > 0:10:42pleasing precious piece.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43Are you after a valuation on this,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- because you're clutching it as if it's rather precious.- I am.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Tell me a little bit about it.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49How did you come by it?
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- A village fete. 10p I paid for it. - How long ago was that?
0:10:52 > 0:10:57- Oh, probably about 20 years ago. More, maybe.- You have hung on to it.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00But it's been up in the loft, sort of thrown in a corner.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- I was about to say you've had your 10p worth.- Yes, yes.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07I don't know what it is. I don't know if it's worth anything.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Do you know what it's made of? Looking at that...
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- I'm assuming plastic or something. - It is in fact turtle shell. OK.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16It's the shell which has been finely polished.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19This is made for the tourist market. This is Victorian, this little box.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Wow.- Around about 1880. From the Far East.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- And you see this little decorative picture on the front?- Yeah.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29That's what's known as taki-maki.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33It's a technique which is raised and this picture is drawn on
0:11:33 > 0:11:36with layers and layers of lacquer.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- Run your finger across that. You can see it is all raised.- It is.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- I thought it was like a gold leaf. - No, no.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- It's been gold leafed afterwards. - Oh, right.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50But what we call it, we call it "gilded," because it's not using real gold.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54But the lacquer, basically, when you look at early lacquer,
0:11:54 > 0:11:59especially in the Victorian period, lacquer is squashed stag beetle juice.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01It's very, very sticky and very, very thick.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03And it's what was used to make early varnish.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- Do you want to sell it? - I do.- Can we put it into auction?
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Of course. Yeah.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14What would you say if I said it's worth £300-500?
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Would you say I was daft?
0:12:16 > 0:12:19I wouldn't believe it because people have looked at that
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- and said, "Throw it in the bin."- OK.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- SHE LAUGHS - I'll throw it in the bin, don't worry.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26No, no. Seriously.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- I think we put a reserve on of £200, if you're happy?- Yes.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30Get everybody excited.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- They'll all want to own it and it should do £300-400.- Wow.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- I'll look forward to seeing you at the auction.- Lovely, thank you very much.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47There you are. Our first three items found, valued and packaged up,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49ready for the auction room.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52Hopefully, one or two surprises as they go...under the hammer.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56And here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00I hope John's perfume-holder has the sweet smell of success
0:13:00 > 0:13:02so he can splash out on his lady friend.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06The clock weighs an absolute tonne, so fingers crossed it sells.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09I'm sure Julie doesn't want to take it home.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12And the tortoiseshell box is gorgeous.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15I'd be hanging onto this if it were mine.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21For hundreds of years, Market Harborough has been
0:13:21 > 0:13:25at the centre of trade, and the market is still thriving today.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28They even have a regular antique and collectors' fair here.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Now, the man in this area with the local antique knowledge, is
0:13:31 > 0:13:34auctioneer Mark Gilding, and hopefully, fingers crossed,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38when he gets on the rostrum later on, trade will be good for us.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45Seller's commission here at Gildings is 15%, plus VAT.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49And first to go under the hammer is John's pretty little perfume-holder.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- Quality, quality, quality. Isn't it lovely?- Beautiful.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- Has it been in the family a long time?- I don't know.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- We found it quite a few years ago, so I don't really know.- It's lovely.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00It's tortoiseshell.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03The only thing is, it's only got one bottle, which is a shame.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- It's a shame.- Nevertheless, it's really fantastic.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10The George III silver inlaid horn scent bottle case,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13fitted with one of two bottles.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17And bidding opens here with me at 45. £55.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21£55, I'm bid at 55. 60, 65.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26- It's 65 against you all. At 70. 75. 75, I bid.- Come on.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28£80. I'm bid online at 80.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32On the internet and selling away now at £80.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33Well, we did it, £80.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- I think because it had losses, it struggled.- That was the problem.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- John's happy. Lovely to have met you.- Thank you very much indeed.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47It just goes to show condition is of the utmost importance.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50If you're looking for a centrepiece, something showy,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53you need to be right here, right now, to get this next lot.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55This massive, great big French mantel clock, with a spelter
0:14:55 > 0:14:58figure on the top, accompanied by a pair of candlesticks.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01It has the "wow" factor, and there's no reserve.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- No.- It's got to go, hasn't it? - I want it to go.
0:15:04 > 0:15:05You do not want to take this home.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07I really don't want to go home with it, no.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09We are erring on the side of caution.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Julie has a pushchair in the car because it's so heavy,
0:15:11 > 0:15:15she can't carry it. Push it along. Big, isn't it?
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- Massive. But it deserves...- A grand mantelpiece.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21A hotel lobby, I was thinking.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Something where they can get lost but still be very useful.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27And there's plenty of big hotels around here that could do
0:15:27 > 0:15:29with this, so without further ado,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31let's try and find it a new home, shall we?
0:15:31 > 0:15:33It's going under the hammer right now.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36A French patinated marble mantel clock
0:15:36 > 0:15:38and a pair of matched five-light candelabra.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Bidding starts with me at £100.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45110. 120. 120 bid, now.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- It's gone, hasn't it?- Sold.- It's gone. There's no reserve.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51140. 150 online. 160.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Selling away at £160.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01It's gone. £160. That is a lot of kit for £160.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- A showy item...- But it's gone. - Thank goodness.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- The relief on your face.- I thought I was going to have to take it home.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Another very satisfied customer.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Well, it's my turn to be the expert right now.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Going under the hammer, we've got a Victorian tortoiseshell box,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23belonging to Beverly, who's with me. £200-300.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27That's what we want. Just remind us why do you want to sell this.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- Go towards my daughter's uni fees. - Every penny helps, doesn't it?
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Good luck with that.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35And good luck with her studies and let's find out what it's worth.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37It's going under the hammer right now.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42Gilt-painted tortoiseshell box, telephone bid starts us at £200.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Straight in, sold.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49220, 230, 240. 250. 260.
0:16:50 > 0:16:56270, 280. 290. 300.
0:16:56 > 0:16:57And 20.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00340, new bidder.
0:17:00 > 0:17:01360. 380.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- 400 online. - (Yes. That's what I wanted.)
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- 420.- Every penny helps.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16420. You're out on the internet. Fair warning. 440, back in.
0:17:16 > 0:17:17440.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22460 with the telephone. It is your last warning, internet.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Fair warning at £460.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29£460. Well, I'm very, very happy.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- That's satisfying, actually, isn't it?- Yeah. It really is.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39£460 is a pretty impressive return on 10p.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42We'd all love to find something like that.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45I am surrounded by fine art and antiques every day of my life,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48and I'm always on the lookout for that one special item that
0:17:48 > 0:17:50could change the look of a room.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Back in the early part of the 20th century, one woman put this
0:17:54 > 0:17:59ethos into motion. Creating that look and that style was her passion.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Nancy Lancaster had a profound and lasting effect on interior design.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15She was a tastemaker. A flamboyant,
0:18:15 > 0:18:19feisty American woman, who, ironically, with her passion and
0:18:19 > 0:18:24natural flair for interior design, pioneered a style which we now know as the
0:18:24 > 0:18:27English country house look, which is
0:18:27 > 0:18:30clearly evident here at her beloved Kelmarsh Hall.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Having married not one, but three very wealthy men,
0:18:38 > 0:18:42Nancy led a rich and extravagant lifestyle,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45and every year Nancy and her second husband, Ronald Tree, would travel
0:18:45 > 0:18:49from America to Leicestershire, to take part in the hunt.
0:18:49 > 0:18:50Travelling by ocean-going liner,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54they would bring everything with them from horses to servants,
0:18:54 > 0:18:58cars to the very best table linen, and in 1926, Ronnie was
0:18:58 > 0:19:03invited to become joint master of the hunt here in Northamptonshire,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07a chance that he jumped at, so they both moved over to England.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Nancy and Ronnie took out a ten-year repairing lease on Kelmarsh Hall,
0:19:21 > 0:19:24which is situated just outside of Market Harborough.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26This architectural gem was built in 1728
0:19:26 > 0:19:30and it's said to be the favourite of all of Nancy's homes,
0:19:30 > 0:19:33and as she put it herself, she loved it for its good bones
0:19:33 > 0:19:35and relished the chance of having free rein to
0:19:35 > 0:19:40stamp her mark on the interior of this grand house.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51'Betty West, a volunteer at Kelmarsh Hall,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55'grew up just down the road, and her mother knew Nancy Lancaster.'
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Hi, Betty. So where do we start? With the lady herself?
0:19:59 > 0:20:03Well, she was very knowledgeable on history and art, and politics.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08She was very lively. She was a good raconteur and she had a wry smile.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13If something was amiss, her eyebrow raised,
0:20:13 > 0:20:17so you knew that something had been said that was not quite correct.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20She was really a superb lady.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24When Nancy came here to the house, she found it very cold.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27We are talking now, 1927, '28.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32And this room we are standing in was a dreadful green.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36She wanted to have this sort of pinkish wash on the wall.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39This is a lovely colour, isn't it? It embraces you.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41I feel quite at home already.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44And I've only just got into the entrance hall.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47She loved furniture and she acquired a lot of her
0:20:47 > 0:20:50thoughts on furniture from her mother and her grandmother.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53They were at one stage quite poor,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57and her mother had to make do and mend.
0:20:57 > 0:20:58Mixing and matching.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Mixing and matching was very evident,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04and she used different types of materials as well.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07She clearly had a passion for antiques.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Yes, but she did adapt them to her own use as well.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16For example, we have some celadon vases that are now lamps.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19They're very beautiful as lamps,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22but perhaps they were also beautiful as celadon vases.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23PAUL LAUGHS
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- And she certainly liked to paint her antique furniture.- Did she?
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- And many an antique dealer has said...- "Oh, you've ruined it.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33"You've gilded up the legs and you've changed this, and you've done that."
0:21:33 > 0:21:37But I guess that's what a decorator does, though.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39She saw that these things have a different dynamic,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41if she could alter them slightly.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43I guess there's nothing wrong with that as long as you're
0:21:43 > 0:21:46not buying purist pieces which shouldn't be touched.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47That's true, that's very true.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49And if a chair looked very new,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- she had been known to put it out in the rain.- Sure.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55It horrified me when I first heard of it,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58but certainly it had the effect that she desired.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Well, it had a personality, rather than being contrived
0:22:01 > 0:22:05and just plonked there by a curator of a big stately home.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09She was able to mix the grandeur with the modest look as well.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Should we have a quick tour? - Yes, do follow me.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14'Most of Nancy's decoration
0:22:14 > 0:22:16'and styling still remains here at Kelmarsh.'
0:22:23 > 0:22:27This is the Chinese room that I'd like to show you.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Nancy used this room for cocktails before dinner.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35And then perhaps after dinner, people might like to come and play bridge in here.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Gosh, this is beautiful. All hand-painted wallpaper.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42Nancy had seen it advertised, and she realised that with
0:22:42 > 0:22:46a bit of tweaking, it would fit this room.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48And it's on hessian, and on batons.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- So it's been backed and panelled back on.- That's right.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53It fits perfectly, doesn't it?
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- Apart from over the chimney breast, where it's had...- I can see. Has that been overpainted?
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- It has.- A rock formation or something.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Obviously, the furniture's mixed and matched.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- We haven't gone down the whole chinoiserie thing.- No.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08And this sort of thing she loved.
0:23:08 > 0:23:14- Well-worn, the furniture. - Shabby chic.- "Shabby chic" is the correct word.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16But this is her furniture.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19And this is, quintessentially, the English country house look.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Yes, yes.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Where you had the sort of elegant furniture mixed with the more
0:23:24 > 0:23:30modest, and where you had a mixture of patterns and design.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33And periods of furniture as well. Things from the late 17th century,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36the 18th, right through to some 19th-century pieces.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39So, mix and match is the order of the day.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42In its day, this was very pioneering, wasn't it?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Oh, yes, it was.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56In 1938, the Trees' lease on Kelmarsh Hall had expired.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00And pretty much most of the furniture that they acquired was sold off in auction.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Fortunately, the owner of the hall acquired most of it
0:24:03 > 0:24:05and much of it is still here today.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09The Trees turn their attention to their new home.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13But Nancy's love affair with Kelmarsh was far from over.
0:24:15 > 0:24:20In 1944, Nancy's passion for interior design was taken to a new level
0:24:20 > 0:24:23when she became the co-owner of Colefax and Fowler,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26an influential British decorating firm.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Her work with the company was so profound that the English
0:24:29 > 0:24:34country house look was recognised, and inspired many, although
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Nancy always believed that a room should never look decorated.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42She created a list of rules to follow to make a room comfortable.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46In restoring a house, one must first realise its period,
0:24:46 > 0:24:50feel its personality and try to bring out its good points.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Understatement is extremely important and crossing too many t's
0:24:53 > 0:24:57and dotting too many i's makes a room look overdone and tiresome.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59One needs light and shade,
0:24:59 > 0:25:04because if every piece is perfect, the room becomes a museum and lifeless.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07But it must be a delicious mixture that flows and mixes well.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11It's a bit like mixing a salad. I'm better at mixing rooms than salads.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16In 1947, Nancy and Ronald's marriage came to an end
0:25:16 > 0:25:19and just over a year later, she married her third husband,
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Colonel Lancaster, who happened to be the owner of Kelmarsh Hall.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Nancy was back in her precious home, but it transpired that she
0:25:28 > 0:25:31was far more in love with the Hall than her husband.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35It was a short-lived and turbulent relationship.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Nancy clung onto the house but was finally forced to leave
0:25:37 > 0:25:40when Colonel Lancaster turned off the electricity.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44Her relationship with Kelmarsh was finally over.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47But Nancy's passion for interior design lives on in the way
0:25:47 > 0:25:49we decorate houses today,
0:25:49 > 0:25:53from grand country estates to the eclectic mix of furniture
0:25:53 > 0:25:55we find in our own homes.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59Nancy's spirit is clearly still here at Kelmarsh Hall.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Her touch was an absolute delight.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05This is, and always will be, Nancy Lancaster's home.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21And back at De Montfort Hall, it's just as busy as ever.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24There really is a hive of activity going on down there.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26It's wonderful to watch.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28It's such an articulated, well-oiled machine.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Everybody knows exactly what they're doing.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33We're in our 12th year now. There's six camera crews down there,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35capturing every single little piece of action
0:26:35 > 0:26:37and those wonderful treasures.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40And talking about treasures, let's catch up with our experts
0:26:40 > 0:26:42and see what else they can find.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Thomas has hunted out some very intriguing tribal artefacts.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Let's see what owner John can tell us about them.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55- These were the property of my father's youngest brother.- Right.
0:26:55 > 0:27:01- He was in Kenya for...I don't know how many years.- In the British Army?
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- No. On a tea plantation.- Oh, really.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07And he brought them home with him
0:27:07 > 0:27:11and they used to be in the old house that I lived in.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Always in the hall, standing up there.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17And so I'd see these in the corner and think, "Wow,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- "I wonder who used these?" - Absolutely, absolutely.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25- And have you got any information on what they are?- No, I haven't.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29We think they're Masai. We've been having a chat here... Masai.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31They're for hunting, aren't they?
0:27:31 > 0:27:33I think certainly that would do some damage.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36This one looks like it's more sophisticated, somehow.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40A little bit more sophisticated with a blood drain, with these grooves here.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43Because the blood would drain off this one quite quickly, wouldn't it?
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Which is quite useful.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51And this lovely, lovely bits of hickory, whatever they are, shafts.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- Yes.- They're so nice.- These would be the little branches, would they?
0:27:55 > 0:27:56Yeah.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59And it's got a real strength, but a real bend to it,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- so it would sail through the air. - Yes.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05And spin and probably do some real damage,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08if you were hunting something to eat,
0:28:08 > 0:28:13a wildebeest or something. African tribal works of art, weapons,
0:28:13 > 0:28:17clubs, fertility things, are so widely collected.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19People want to know where they're from,
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- and these are probably ones which were used.- I should say so.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26The provenance you have from your father's brother...
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- Working in Kenya. - In the tea plantation.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30That would have been in the '40s?
0:28:30 > 0:28:36I think he went out either very late '20s or early '30s...
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- That's marvellous.- ..and then came back around about 1940.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41I think they're worth a good couple of hundred pounds.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- What do you think?- Each?- I'd like to think they were worth a good
0:28:44 > 0:28:46couple of hundred pounds each.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- I wouldn't want to put them in at £200 each.- No.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52I think maybe 150 each. 150-200 each.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56- And a reserve?- £100 each.- OK.- Yeah?
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- Yeah.- They've got a good chance, haven't they?
0:28:58 > 0:29:02Cos they are beautiful things. And I like them very much.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04- Thank you for bringing them along. - Not at all.
0:29:04 > 0:29:05I'm glad I've made my point.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08THOMAS LAUGHS
0:29:08 > 0:29:10'Before we see our next valuation,
0:29:10 > 0:29:12'I want to show you a truly mysterious item.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16'Let's see if one of our littlest fans can work out what it is.'
0:29:16 > 0:29:21- And what's your name?- Lena. - I love what you're wearing.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- Are you going to give us a dance or something?- No.
0:29:24 > 0:29:29- No, you're just dressing up?- Yes. Mum told me to dress up.- Did she?
0:29:29 > 0:29:32Well, I've got a little test here, right?
0:29:32 > 0:29:36Somebody has brought this along...
0:29:36 > 0:29:37and...
0:29:39 > 0:29:40..it's rather unusual.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45And she wanted me to tell her what it was.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49These join together like this. Any ideas yet?
0:29:49 > 0:29:54- Is it for unblocking something? - For unblocking a drain. No, nearly.
0:29:54 > 0:30:00Not quite, though. This dates back to around 1900, 1920.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04It was used by surveyors and valuers. Any ideas yet?
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- It's got a hook on the end. - Look at the end of that. Come on.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13- For grasping, holding some string or something fine.- Oh.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16I like your logic of thinking there and it's nearly right.
0:30:16 > 0:30:21I'll tell you what it was used for. It was used by a surveyor on a farm.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25When bales of hay were baled up and they were being sold,
0:30:25 > 0:30:30you'd stick this into the bale, turn it, and pull it out.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33It would pull out a piece of straw that was in the middle
0:30:33 > 0:30:37and you could test if it had gone mouldy or damp or rotten.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40So, it's testing the quality of a bale of straw.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44How about that for a bit of agricultural interest?
0:30:44 > 0:30:46You don't see many of these on the market.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50And if that little leather case was in good condition,
0:30:50 > 0:30:54this would be worth around £150-200.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58This is a great bit of our agricultural heritage and I love it.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- And you've all learnt something. - We have.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06And Thomas has set his sights on those lovely little cufflinks
0:31:06 > 0:31:09he spotted earlier in the queue.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- These are delightful. - Aren't they gorgeous?
0:31:13 > 0:31:14If I wasn't on "Flog It!" -
0:31:14 > 0:31:18if these were in an auction, I would be after these.
0:31:18 > 0:31:19It's something to wear.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22- They are cufflinks but they are actually gold dollars.- Yes.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25And they're early gold dollars, aren't they?
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- I believe they're the first. - 1849.- Yes.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- I mean, they would have minted quite a few.- Well, yeah.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- Coins become really rare when the mint is really small.- Yes.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38But when they first started minting a coin, they go a bit mad,
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- they mint quite a few million. - Uh-huh.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Tell me, how did you come by these?
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Well, they were donated to one of our shops,
0:31:44 > 0:31:46that's Dove Cottage Day Hospice.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49So, for the hospice, is that a local hospice?
0:31:49 > 0:31:52It's out in the Vale of Belvoir, not far from Leicester,
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- and these were in a box with other cufflinks for £1 a pair.- No!
0:31:57 > 0:32:01And you saw these, and thought, "Hang on a minute, they look gold."
0:32:01 > 0:32:04I always check the jewellery before it goes out into the shop.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06I'll just turn one over so you can see...
0:32:07 > 0:32:09..that lovely figure of eight on the back there.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- They're beautifully made.- It is quite nicely made, isn't it?
0:32:12 > 0:32:14A nice fixed bar, the figure of eight,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16and they probably hang very nicely on the cuff.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19I mean, cufflinks are very widely collected.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22If you wear cufflinks, I wear cufflinks every day,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25these are ones you like to wear because they're not ostentatious,
0:32:25 > 0:32:28they've got that little sense of quality
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- and a class about them.- Yes.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34They're not too blingy cos they're nice, small, gold roundels.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- And they've got a bit of history to them.- Yes.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40And, of course, you're appealing to the American market as well.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- I think they're worth 150, 200.- Mm.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45- They're lovely things cos they're so nice.- Yes.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- All the money would be going to the charity, wouldn't it?- Absolutely.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- Oh, yes.- So, I think we'd fix a reserve on these, for sure...
0:32:51 > 0:32:53- OK.- ..at £100. Would you be happy with that?
0:32:53 > 0:32:54Absolutely, yes.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56And just think, they could've been bought for a pound
0:32:56 > 0:32:59and your charity would only have got a pound but now,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01we'll be getting you over 100, I hope.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- Well, that's wonderful. - I hope so. They're lovely.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08And Catherine has found a very quirky item which would make
0:33:08 > 0:33:12the perfect decorator's piece in a swanky, modern home.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17Alison, this is a terribly futuristic sculpture.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22It's a wonderful shape and it is actually of the Skylon Tower...
0:33:22 > 0:33:27- That's right.- ..from the Festival of Great Britain in 1951.- Yes.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Now, how did you get this in your hands?
0:33:29 > 0:33:33My late husband was a carpenter-builder
0:33:33 > 0:33:36and he would often renovate houses and so on.
0:33:36 > 0:33:37And the owners would say,
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- "Can you clear out all this stuff before you start work?"- Right.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- And he would bring things home. - Right.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46And this was one of the things that he brought home, it's probably
0:33:46 > 0:33:49one of the most interesting things that he brought home.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51So, what sort of things was he bringing home?
0:33:51 > 0:33:54All sorts of things, I mean, some of it was useful.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58He brought home an American fridge.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01You know the big double fridge kind of thing?
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Well, that was quite handy. Wonderful.
0:34:03 > 0:34:04But this was...quite unique.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06So, what happened was he used to come home,
0:34:06 > 0:34:10"Hello, darling, I'm home from work," and then used to reveal.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- Yes, things would come out of the van.- Here's what I've got today. - Yes.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- We do have a lot of clutter, however.- Do you?- Yes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Well, I wouldn't call this clutter
0:34:19 > 0:34:24because I think it's really stylish and a really nice futuristic piece.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- Did you have it on display?- I had it on display, mainly in my dining room.
0:34:28 > 0:34:33It isn't really in my decorative style but it was so unique,
0:34:33 > 0:34:34I had to have it.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37When you think of some of the science-fiction movies
0:34:37 > 0:34:41and things, it's the sort of thing you might see in science-fiction
0:34:41 > 0:34:44films where they're flying their cars above the city and things.
0:34:44 > 0:34:45I just think it's wonderful
0:34:45 > 0:34:49and I can see how somebody could have this in their home today,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52you know, going along with the whole minimal look,
0:34:52 > 0:34:56the interior design, and then having something like this. Fabulous.
0:34:56 > 0:34:57Yeah, clean lines.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00This is Perspex and then just the metal Perspex base.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04It was very simple but a really nice piece of design.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- And very well made, I think. - Very well made.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10I think it deserves to be in a home with someone that really loves it.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- I mean, I like it but it's... - It doesn't go with the decor.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16It isn't my style particularly.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20Estimate - my feeling is it's probably one of a number that
0:35:20 > 0:35:22were produced of that sort of period,
0:35:22 > 0:35:25like a sort of commemorative thing, if you like.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28I mean, I have seen other examples that were produced.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32I think Biro made little desk models at the time for gentlemen to
0:35:32 > 0:35:34put on their desks and they're... In original boxes, I think
0:35:34 > 0:35:40- they're worth sort of 100, 150. - Yeah.- Shall we say 100-150?- OK.
0:35:41 > 0:35:46- With an £80 reserve?- Erm, I don't actually mind the reserve.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50I'm quite happy for it to go to someone that really loves it.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- So, that's the main thing for you? - Yeah, yeah.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- I mean, if it makes a lot of money, that's great.- That's wonderful.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57That's wonderful. But if it doesn't,
0:35:57 > 0:36:00if somebody's bought it that really loves it, then...
0:36:00 > 0:36:02- Then that's more important to you?- Yes.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Well, I think that's a really nice ethos.
0:36:04 > 0:36:10- Shall we say £60 reserve, then?- OK. - And a £100-150 estimate?- Yeah.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13Oh, well, I hope people love it and admire it just as much as we do
0:36:13 > 0:36:17and let's hope it does extremely well at the auction.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20The Festival of Britain was an exhibition held in 1951.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23It was organised by the government to give the country
0:36:23 > 0:36:28a feeling of recovery and positivity in the aftermath of World War II.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31An abiding symbol of the festival, the Skylon stood
0:36:31 > 0:36:36almost 300 feet high and dominated London's South Bank.
0:36:41 > 0:36:42We've had a wonderful time here today
0:36:42 > 0:36:46at Leicester's De Montfort Hall but before we head off to auction,
0:36:46 > 0:36:48here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52John's spears are so beautiful,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55I'm sure they'll have more than a fighting chance of selling.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57The cufflinks are so unusual and Thomas is
0:36:57 > 0:37:00so disappointed he can't place a bid.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04And the Skylon model is a love-it-or-hate-it type of thing.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06I really hope there's a bidder out there for it.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11So, it's back to Gildings and before the sale starts,
0:37:11 > 0:37:14auctioneer Mark Gilding is casting his eye over the Skylon.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19I like this as a piece of unusual sculpture. Who knows?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21It could get that top end of £150.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23But then again, it just might struggle.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24THEY CHUCKLE
0:37:24 > 0:37:26We do have a reserve of £60.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30Well, I think that this is not from the 1950s.
0:37:30 > 0:37:35I think it's more like a 1980 student piece which, for me,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- means that we'll be doing well to sell it at £60.- Sure.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- If it was from the Festival... - Of the period.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45..then I think we would be pushing 150, maybe even 200.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48So, now, it's really down to people interested in the Festival
0:37:48 > 0:37:52of Britain and hopefully finding those two people that think
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- they can't live without it.- It's an interesting model, it's quirky.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57- Indeed.- And if you've got the right environment,
0:37:57 > 0:38:01as a decorator's piece, I think this would work quite well.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07But before we see how it does, we've got a couple of other items
0:38:07 > 0:38:08going under the hammer first.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Oh, Sophie, what a special lot, eh?
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Going under the hammer right now, we've got some cufflinks,
0:38:16 > 0:38:19gold cufflinks and they are top dollar.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- Literally top dollar, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:38:22 > 0:38:23How'd you put a price on those?
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Well, you've obviously got the gold and a coin collector's not going to
0:38:26 > 0:38:29like them cos they have solder marks on them but they're so stylish.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- They're still very rare.- Let's put these to the test, shall we?
0:38:32 > 0:38:34They're going under the hammer right now.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Slightly unusual, these, a pair of metal coin cufflinks,
0:38:37 > 0:38:39straight in at £100.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42£100, I'm bid. 110, 120.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43130, 140.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45150, 160.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49You're on the book here at 160, you're all out of the room at £160.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55Well done, Sophie, because you fished those out, didn't you,
0:38:55 > 0:38:57out of a box of pound coins?
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Well, the pound cufflinks in the shop.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- Incredible. Eagle eyes here. - I liked those.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05I mean, you have to be quite sharp, don't you,
0:39:05 > 0:39:08cos you see an awful lot of items coming in on a daily basis.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- We do, yes.- It must be like one of our valuation days.- A bit.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Do you fancy a job at one of our tables?
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Well, you certainly wouldn't want to be on the pointed
0:39:22 > 0:39:23end of one of these.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26We've got two spears going under the hammer belonging to John,
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- courtesy of your uncle...- Yes. - ..living out in Kenya.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30I particularly like one of them,
0:39:30 > 0:39:32we're splitting these into two lots and the first lot is my
0:39:32 > 0:39:36favourite, but I think both of them would look stunning on the wall.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38- You can imagine it sailing through the air.- No, I couldn't.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41No, I want to see it fixed to the wall quite safe somewhere,
0:39:41 > 0:39:42out of harm's way.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Why are you selling these now?
0:39:45 > 0:39:49Well, it's because I had my loft insulated and all kinds
0:39:49 > 0:39:52of things came down and I thought it's about time I got rid of them.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Ah, so they were tucked up in the loft...
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Well, they were on my bedroom wall at one time and then I put them
0:39:57 > 0:39:59in the loft and now they've come down.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Oh, that's a shame, I'm pleased they're back out.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04OK, so, 291 is the next lot. The tribal fishing spear.
0:40:04 > 0:40:09What do we say for this? Bids on the book. I'll open at 45.
0:40:09 > 0:40:1155, 65.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13- £65.- Come on, come on.
0:40:13 > 0:40:1765, do I see 70? 65, thought this would make more than this.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19So did I.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21£65 I'm bid. Here with me, then, at 65.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Didn't sell. OK. Spear number two.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Not quite as big, this one.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31I'm going to start again and stand on here at £65.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Standing on at 65, at 65 bid.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36At 65.
0:40:37 > 0:40:38- I'm surprised.- Well, yeah.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41No bidders here today, nobody online, nobody on the phone.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43I mean, that is auctions for you,
0:40:43 > 0:40:46sometimes these things get geared up and they race away -
0:40:46 > 0:40:49two or three people bidding against each other takes it to
0:40:49 > 0:40:52a different level but here, nobody wanted it on the day.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Didn't even reach the reserve. I'm ever so sorry.- No, it's OK.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Such a shame but maybe John will put them back on his bedroom wall.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06Alison, I love this little model of the Skylon, the little, tiny rocket.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08I love it.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11And it sums up the Festival of Britain, doesn't it, 1951?
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- We don't know if it's of the period.- No.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16That's the problem, it could be 1970s, it could be '80s.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20- Even so, it's really futuristic, isn't it?- It is, isn't it?
0:41:20 > 0:41:22- And quite unique. - And I think it's worth every penny
0:41:22 > 0:41:24so we had a chat to the auctioneer, he said, "Yes, definitely
0:41:24 > 0:41:27"the lower end of the estimate." If we get the top end, we're all happy.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Yes, absolutely.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31And onto lot number 508L,
0:41:31 > 0:41:35the Perspex-metal model of the Skylon Tower.
0:41:35 > 0:41:36£45.
0:41:36 > 0:41:3945, 50. 55? 60.
0:41:41 > 0:41:4365 online, 70 in the room.
0:41:43 > 0:41:4575 online, 80 in the room.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47Well, we're in.
0:41:47 > 0:41:4985. 90.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- 95.- I'm very pleased with that, I'm really pleased, that's fantastic.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56It's good.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58130. 140.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00150. 160.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04170. 180.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- This is brilliant.- It's very good. - Nice surprise.- 190. 200.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12- Oh, we're loving this now.- 210. 220.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14230. 240.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17250, 260.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20270, 280.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24280 in the room now.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30Fair warning then, internet, and selling, make no mistake, at £280.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34£280, yes, the hammer's gone down. What a result.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37You see that's the power of the internet, you know, it's a great way
0:42:37 > 0:42:40of advertising these things online to find those collectors out there.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42- Yeah.- You've got to be happy with that.- I'm thrilled, yeah.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45- That's higher than I thought it would go.- I know, me too. Well done.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48I wondered if it would sell. I just didn't know.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- Oh, look, thanks for bringing that in.- It was great.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56It just goes to show sometimes the most peculiar things can sell well.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58You just never know.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01And I think the Skylon will give the perfect look to a very
0:43:01 > 0:43:04stylish room somewhere.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Well, there you are, it's all over for our owners.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Another day in another saleroom.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11At least everyone's gone home happy and I hope you've enjoyed the show.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15- £15.- From all of us here, it's goodbye.