0:00:05 > 0:00:07May 6th, 1954.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Now, that is a date to remember if you're a sports fan,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14because it was here, on this very racetrack in Oxford,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17that a 24-year-old medical student became
0:00:17 > 0:00:20the first person in history to run one mile under four minutes.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23His name, Roger Bannister.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Today, we're here in Oxford, at the Oxford Union,
0:00:26 > 0:00:29which is literally just down the road from the racetrack.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31Our experts are already there on the starting blocks,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34ready to uncover all the antiques and treasures
0:00:34 > 0:00:35to take off to auction.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Get set, this is Flog It!
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Our venue today is the Oxford Union,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04the famous Debating Chamber right here,
0:01:04 > 0:01:06in the heart of central Oxford.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11The Union was created in 1823 as the University forbade students
0:01:11 > 0:01:15from discussing the political issues of the day.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19This place was a haven to discuss any idea.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22And over the years, the union has become a breeding ground
0:01:22 > 0:01:23for great debaters.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Sport is such an important part of college life here, at Oxford,
0:01:27 > 0:01:31and that's reflected in the speakers who've addressed the Oxford Union.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32Great sportsmen, such as
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Sir Steve Redgrave,
0:01:34 > 0:01:36and even Sven Goran Eriksson,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38and of course, the legendary Sir Roger Bannister,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41who came here to speak about breaking the four-minute mile.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45So, fingers crossed we get some wonderful sporting memorabilia
0:01:45 > 0:01:46on the show today.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55And our very own Flog It! experts are raring to get started.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57First out is Will Axon.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59God save the Queen, Victorian.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Will initially wanted to become a jockey,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05but luckily enough for Flog It!, he turned to antiques instead.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07I'm putting a sticker on this lady.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09She's got a Ming-carved jade russet boulder.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Has somebody showed you though?
0:02:11 > 0:02:13THEY LAUGH
0:02:13 > 0:02:17And bringing up the rear at a more laconic pace is Mark Stacey,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19but his tongue's as quick as ever.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- Shall I stick...?- Mr Stacey.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- What are you doing?- I'm just catching up with what you're up to.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- Look.- I don't want anyone near me.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- He's finding the treasure, isn't he? - You were finding all the treasure,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32you were already sticking half a dozen. Every time I go up to someone,
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- they say, "Oh, that little one invited me."- Ah! Mark, I love your work.- I love your work.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40It's turning into a mutual appreciation society.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42So before this goes any further,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44here's what's coming up in today's show.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50Mark pulls out all the stops to impress the ladies.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- I can do a seal impression. - Really?
0:02:52 > 0:02:53- Would you like to see it?- Yeah.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56HE YELPS REPEATEDLY
0:02:56 > 0:02:57SHE LAUGHS Very good.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59And our auctioneer, Thomas Plant,
0:02:59 > 0:03:02reveals an insider tip on how to spot a diamond.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Diamonds take no, or little condensation.
0:03:05 > 0:03:06THEY BREATH HARD
0:03:08 > 0:03:09You see the diamond is still shining?
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- That's a good little tip, that. - It's a good little tip.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14And there's more where that came from.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16I think it's time to let the debate commence, don't you?
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It's on your marks, get set, well...you've seen the Olympics.
0:03:19 > 0:03:20You know the rest.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Zena, you've brought this
0:03:23 > 0:03:26spectacular pair of goblets in to show us.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28What's the family history of these?
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Um, they were given to my daughter's husband.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33They're just sat in the cupboard doing nothing, so...
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- So she doesn't drink champagne with these then?- No, she doesn't, no.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40What a shame. I would, wouldn't you?
0:03:40 > 0:03:42I think the bubbles may disappear too quickly.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47I mean, basically, what we've got is a pair of silver
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and silver guild goblets.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54And they're hand beaten to give that sort of arts and crafts feel.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56And then looking down the stem,
0:03:56 > 0:04:02we've got this sort of three-headed horse stem which has been gilded.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05And then, at the bottom, they're almost medieval in inspiration.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10The bottoms are gem set with cabochon stones.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Now, cabochon means that they're not cut, they're polished.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17I can't make out what those stones are.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19In some light, they look amethyst,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- in other light, they look rubies or garnets.- Yes.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28And funnily, inside, there's a little sparkly stone,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- which could be a diamond or could be a piece of crystal.- Mm.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Don't you just admire my knowledge?
0:04:34 > 0:04:35SHE LAUGHS I'm astounded.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- We haven't tested them.- No.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42The hallmark is for London 1984.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45But they're just spectacular,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and they're just what the market likes.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50You know, to give us a rough indication of value,
0:04:50 > 0:04:51we've weighed them,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55and the scrap of the silver alone is around £300
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- at this snapshot in time.- Mm-hm.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- Of course, it does fluctuate up and down.- Yes.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02I think they're worth a little bit more than that.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06I think because they've got that arts and crafts look to them,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10it'd be lovely if they were by a well-known arts and crafts designer,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- and 1908 rather than 1984.- Yes.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- But I would suggest £400 to £600. - OK.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- And put a £400 reserve on them, fixed.- Yes.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I think they really should make that, and I hope
0:05:22 > 0:05:25that somebody buys into them like I have,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- and they make £600.- Mm-hm.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28- All right?- OK.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Well, pick one up. Shall we toast to our success?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Cheers. Here's hoping those goblets with the equestrian twist
0:05:36 > 0:05:38come out favourite at the auction.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39We'll get Thomas Plant,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42our auctioneer, to test those stones later on.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Next up, it's Will, who's high up in the ladies' gallery,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50and he appears to have found quite a catch.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Well, we've got a great bird's-eye view of the valuation day below us,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57haven't we? Perched up here on the balcony.
0:05:57 > 0:05:58And, what a great view we have
0:05:58 > 0:05:59of this wonderful piece of jade
0:05:59 > 0:06:00- you've brought in.- Isn't it?
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- Hannah, tell me...- It's a big lumpy thing.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04A big lumpy thing? I've seen...
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Now I've heard them described as...
0:06:06 > 0:06:07Certainly never like that before.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11But tell me, how did a piece of Chinese jade come to be in Oxford?
0:06:11 > 0:06:16It was given to me a long time ago, about ten years ago.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18But I don't really remember by whom.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20I know more or less, but...
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Just a stranger, was it, who came up to you?
0:06:22 > 0:06:24No, no, no, no, no, no. It was one of my patients.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Oh, a patient. Were you in the...? - Physiotherapist.- Physiotherapy?
0:06:28 > 0:06:32So, a grateful patient who you worked your magic on
0:06:32 > 0:06:35gave you this piece of carved jade as a thank you.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- But a very long time ago.- OK.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39I mean, jade has always been
0:06:39 > 0:06:41very highly prized by the Chinese,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43more so than even gold and silver.
0:06:44 > 0:06:45In the times of antiquity,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- it was very much a ceremonial material.- Mm?
0:06:49 > 0:06:53There were connections with the afterlife, animals carved in jade.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55People thought they brought good luck.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Occasionally, these were put in tombs
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and they helped people through the afterlife as a guide,
0:07:00 > 0:07:01that sort of thing.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Is this only decorative, or is it...?
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Does it have any use?
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Well, I think by the time we come to your piece of jade here,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- we are looking at a decorative piece.- OK.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14It's really a carver showing off their skills.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- You can notice that we've got the two colours of jade.- Mm.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- This is what we would call a piece of green and russet jade.- Yeah.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23And the early Chinese carvers of jade were using
0:07:23 > 0:07:26the natural formation of the stone to convey what they wanted.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30You know, maybe the characteristics of the animal they were carving.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- A lot of the time you see horses and buffaloes and so on.- Yeah, yeah.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- Do you like it?- No.- You don't?!
0:07:35 > 0:07:37I definitely don't like it.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39I think it's lumpy and big.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Hm. And what do you like then? Do you collect anything?
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Small things. I like miniature things.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Ah, always popular, miniature items. - The smaller, the better.- Yes.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Well, we've got to come to value, haven't we?- Yes.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52It's not going to be in the same sort of league
0:07:52 > 0:07:54as an ancient piece of carved jade,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56which is of course highly prized
0:07:56 > 0:07:57by the Chinese.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- Presently, they're buying a lot of it back.- Yeah.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01But I think it's still going to appeal to the market
0:08:01 > 0:08:03and I'd like to sort of put it in
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- at a sort of slightly conservative estimate.- OK.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10What do you feel like if I put it in at £100?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- Would you be happy at that? - Yes, I would.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- You just want it away? - I just want it away.
0:08:14 > 0:08:15I tell you what, let's have a gamble.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- Let's put it in at 100 to 150 with an estimate...- OK.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20..but let's not put a reserve on it.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- No, I don't want to reserve. - You don't want to?
0:08:22 > 0:08:23I want to get rid of it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27You're my ideal client. We're going to be sure of a sale on the day.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- I look forward...- You'll sell it for £10, yes.- No, I hope not.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32The auctioneer's going to be working in your interest.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- The more you get, the more he gets. So don't worry about that.- Good.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Thank you very much.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Will's got his auctioneer's head on,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41always thinking of the profit margin.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Down below, working diligently,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47under the watchful eye of Michael Heseltine, Mark Stacey
0:08:47 > 0:08:49is faced with a menagerie.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- Hilary.- Mark.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- You've brought in a collection of toys.- I certainly have.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55I love the little seal here with
0:08:55 > 0:08:58its...balancing, the circus scene.
0:08:58 > 0:08:59Oh, they're fabulous, all of them.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- And you've got a little dog and a little mouse, haven't you?- Yes.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06And the dog's tail goes round and the seal balances everything, so...
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- Now, these weren't yours, were they? - No, they belonged to my uncle.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13And he was quite well-known long ago.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15His name was HN Charles
0:09:15 > 0:09:17and he designed the very first MG.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- Did he really?- Yes, the MG car. Yeah.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- Gosh.- These were his childhood toys. - Oh, wow.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25And they were just handed to my parents.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- And my mother handed them to me, so...- Oh, gosh.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31But they've been in my loft, I'm afraid, for about 15 years.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- Gosh, well, they're fascinating, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38I mean, if you think of the sort of toys kids play with these days...
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- Yes.- ..these are quite primitive in a way, aren't they?
0:09:40 > 0:09:43They are. Very primitive. But I mean, they're...
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- I love the fact that...- They're fun.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- This one I particularly like cos you have the box for it.- It's lovely.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49Yes. Bit battered, I'm afraid.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- Bit battered, but it's there.- Yes. - That's the nice thing.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- This one is German.- Yes.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- And there's a Schuco one.- There's a Schuco, the mouse, I think.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- And there's another German... - Another German one.- ..dog.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03And I think, when we're selling something like this,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- it's nice to sell them as a little group lot...- Yes, I think so.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09..because there will be specialist collectors at this event...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- Yes, yes.- ..you know, who would like these...
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- Absolutely.- ..as an example of the toy.- Yes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17I would have thought these are early 20th century - 1910, 1920...
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- Yes, about that.- Something like that.- Yes.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- I can do a seal impression, you know?- Really?
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- Would you like to see it?- Yes.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26HE YELPS REPEATEDLY
0:10:26 > 0:10:27SHE LAUGHS Very good.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Now, I must stop fooling around as we need to know a price,
0:10:32 > 0:10:33- don't we?- Yes, we do, please.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- I think if we put £80 to £120 on the little group...- Yeah.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- ..with an £80 reserve.- Yes.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- So, we've protected it.- And then market the Schuco and the names.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Oh, yes. They'll put the names in.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50My cat quite likes the mouse, but I haven't let him play with it.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Quiet wise, quite wise. Well, that's wonderful.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55I look forward to seeing you at the auction.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Yes, I look forward to seeing you too, Mark.- Thank you.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59It's a date.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03And here's hoping Mark demonstrates his seal impersonation again.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04Well, there you are.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Three wonderful items we've found so far.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Our auctioneer, Thomas Plant, is under starter's orders.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11He's at the auction room right now.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13So it's time for us to go over there.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16And here's a quick recap of all the items we're taking with us.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Will it be Hannah's Japanese jade
0:11:19 > 0:11:21modelled in the shape of a carp
0:11:21 > 0:11:23that the bidders flock to?
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- You don't want to reserve? - I want to get rid of it.
0:11:25 > 0:11:26You're my ideal client.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Or will it be the unique collection of childhood toys which
0:11:29 > 0:11:31appeal to the auction?
0:11:31 > 0:11:33That circus seal with the original box
0:11:33 > 0:11:36will surely generate some interest.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38But first to face the auction
0:11:38 > 0:11:40will be Zena's silver goblets.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Today, our auction comes from Newbury, near Reading,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47home to the famous Newbury Racecourse.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51But it's the antiques, not the horses, we're betting on today.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52Our very own thoroughbred
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Thomas Plant is raring to go on the rostrum.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56At 110 against you...
0:11:56 > 0:12:00But first, he's taken quite a shine to those goblets as I found out
0:12:00 > 0:12:02on the auction preview day.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05I don't know much about the stones, but I tell you what,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- I like the architectural look of that.- They're great, aren't they?
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- They're repousse work, so they say. - They're plenished.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- Yes, it's beautiful. - It's good, isn't it?
0:12:13 > 0:12:16They're quite modern, late 20th century,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19but they are set with garnets round here, these almandine garnets.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21And you can tell that by the colour of them.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24They've got this...almost like a red ruby colour to them.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26I can see that, yeah.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29But, they've also got a mauve, a hint of mauve in there.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30And they're cut on cabochon
0:12:30 > 0:12:32which means domed,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34but we've topped it with a diamond in the centre here.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Which you only find once you get to the bottom of your drink.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- PAUL LAUGHS - Once you get to the bottom of the drink.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43And the thing is, how do you tell that that's a diamond in there?
0:12:43 > 0:12:45It's very awkward to get a loop on there, isn't it?
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Yes, how do you do that, Thomas?
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Enlighten me.- A little tip...
0:12:49 > 0:12:52Diamonds take no, or little condensation.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53THEY BREATHE HEAVILY
0:12:55 > 0:12:56- You see the diamond is still shining?- Yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59But there's condensation around the rest of the bowl.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Cos the facets are so hot. - That's a good little tip, that.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03It's a good little tip, isn't it?
0:13:03 > 0:13:06And the other thing, with these stones here, these,
0:13:06 > 0:13:07they're en cabochon,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10and if you don't have anything with you, they'll always be cold.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- They'll always be cold to your top lip.- To the touch.- Yeah.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Add the value of the precious stones and the diamonds...
0:13:15 > 0:13:17To be honest with you, I'd whip those stones out
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- and make a pair of earrings. - Would you?
0:13:19 > 0:13:20HE LAUGHS
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Good idea. They are pointless in here, aren't they?
0:13:22 > 0:13:24They are pointless in there.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26But that's, you know, they're lovely
0:13:26 > 0:13:29and you get the stones thrown in, and I love these horses.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- Yeah, so do I.- These heads are so difficult to do.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34But they're all so brilliantly done
0:13:34 > 0:13:36and they look like a proper horse's head.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Have you had much interest on the books?
0:13:38 > 0:13:41In the right area, Newbury Racecourse down the road...
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- And The Gallops.- Lambourn, The Gallops, just up the road there.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47On the phone, on the internet, there's been enquiries.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50People are quite cautious now, they don't want to show their hand.
0:13:50 > 0:13:51But just by the volume of interest...
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Oh, the volume of trade I've had coming in...
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- They're good-looking things. - They're going to sell.- Yes.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59They're a firm favourite with Thomas and myself,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01but will they go the distance?
0:14:01 > 0:14:02Let's find out.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05I'm surprised these are being sold.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- Who've you brought along with you? - This is my husband, David.
0:14:08 > 0:14:09- David, how do you do? - Pleased to meet you.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Have you enjoyed having a glass of wine out of these goblets?
0:14:12 > 0:14:14They're not ours, they're our daughter's.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- You're selling them on her behalf? - Yes.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17I think this is a good trade lot.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20I'd love to know why they placed the diamonds inside.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- There might have been a... - It's an '80s' thing.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24- Well, it might... Bling.- Bling.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- When mobile phones were that big. - Yeah.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- It was bling, wasn't it? - Maybe it was, actually.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Maybe when you're drinking your wine,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33you want to see how successful you are when you reach the bottom,
0:14:33 > 0:14:34before you keel over.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35THEY LAUGH
0:14:35 > 0:14:39On that note, let's get on with selling this, shall we?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Let's find out what they are worth. Good luck, both of you. Here we go.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Next lot is the pair of fine modern silver goblets. There we are.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48With the diamonds in the centre and the garnets round the outside.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Lovely-looking things. Start me off here at £200.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Somebody start me at 200.
0:14:53 > 0:14:54At £200, at 200.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Is there any advance at 200?
0:14:56 > 0:14:58They're sitting on their hands at the moment.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00No-one wants to do the main bid, do they?
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Start me here at 210.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03220, 230.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04240, 250.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06260, 270.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07280, 290.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09300 and 320.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12She's got a commission bid on the book, can you see it?
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- He's looking down.- 20 I am at.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16At 420 I have. Is there any advance at 420?
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Come on, a bit more.- Selling them at 420...
0:15:19 > 0:15:20GAVEL BANGS
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Well, just, just... Happy?- Hm.- Yes.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Will the daughter be happy? What's she called?
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- You keep mentioning your daughter. - Gillian.- Gillian, OK.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- Well, they were a good buy for someone.- They were a good buy.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31They were an excellent buy.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Wonderful to hold, that's the beauty of looking at antiques like that.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35Thank you for bringing them in.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Thank you.- Thanks very much.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Well, here's hoping Gillian will be happy.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42And now, to a delightful piece of jade that's travelled
0:15:42 > 0:15:44all the way from China.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47I've just been joined by Hannah, who's come all the way from...
0:15:47 > 0:15:48- Oxford.- Oxford.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49THEY LAUGH
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Originally though?- Holland. - From Holland, yes.
0:15:52 > 0:15:53I know they get the show out in Holland.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- It's very popular.- I get letters from people in Holland.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- It's exceptionally popular.- People come here especially from Holland.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Yes. Your jade is exquisite.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03I really like this little carved carp on there,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- through the reeds.- Nice quality. - It's beautiful.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Why are you selling this?
0:16:08 > 0:16:09I hardly dare say it, I don't like it.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11You don't like it.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- You do, I do.- That's what the market wants.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16You don't like something, someone else does, that keeps the thing moving.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17That's what art's all about.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- It's an arbitrary concept, really. - Yes.- It's quite subjective.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22I have miniature things, so...
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- I think this is flavour of the month right now.- Good.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28So let's put it to the test, shall we?
0:16:28 > 0:16:29I have a Chinese jade carving.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Models the carp amongst leaves. There we are.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Good condition, this piece here. I have bids here with me.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Straight in at £80.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37£80.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Is there any advance at 80?
0:16:39 > 0:16:4185 and I'm out. Straight out at 85.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Any advance at 85 that's in the audience?
0:16:43 > 0:16:47At £85. Make no mistake, and I sell...
0:16:47 > 0:16:4885.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49- GAVEL BANGS - It's gone.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Blink and you'll miss that. That was so quick.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54A bid came in at 80, we got £85.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- You're happy with that, aren't you? - I would be with anything.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58We were worried about the reserve.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00It had no reserve, but we didn't need to in the end, did we?
0:17:00 > 0:17:02And thank you very much.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06I think Hannah would have taken £2.50 and a packet of crisps.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09She really did not like that jade.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12And hopefully, the new owner will appreciate it a little bit more.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Next, it's those 20th-century toys,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17but it looks like Mark's been stood up.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Unfortunately, we do not have the owner - Hilary.
0:17:20 > 0:17:21But we do have the items,
0:17:21 > 0:17:23so let's play.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24Hilary's not here, she's ill, is she?
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- No, she can't make it today. - Bless her.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28But I tell you something, there's always a buyer
0:17:28 > 0:17:30for quality wind-up toys.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- There is.- And I like the seal. - Oh, the seal's wonderful, actually.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- And it's got its original box with it, actually...- Yes, it has.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- A bit tatty, but it... - But it's nice though,
0:17:38 > 0:17:39- it's nice to have that sort of thing.- Yes.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- I totally agree with the 80-120. - So we're confident?
0:17:42 > 0:17:43I'm confident.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Let's put it to the test, shall we? Let's hand things over to Thomas.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50NEB Template clockwork circus seal
0:17:50 > 0:17:52with a 1930s' Template clockwork terrier.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Circus seal's got the box. Lovely little lot, this one.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Start the bidding with me at £40.
0:17:57 > 0:17:5940, 45.
0:17:59 > 0:18:0150, 55.
0:18:01 > 0:18:0360, 65. Go on.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- Come on, come on.- Go on, one more.
0:18:05 > 0:18:0675. One more and it's yours.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07You can take it home today.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08- Go on.- Go on.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10Just one more.
0:18:10 > 0:18:11- Please.- One.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Oh, peer pressure. We've done well.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16We've done... Poor woman.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18At £80, clockwork toys. Is there any advance at 80?
0:18:18 > 0:18:21At 80 it is, and I sell to the lady at 80.
0:18:21 > 0:18:22No regrets.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24That's good, the hand's gone down.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25Hilary will be pleased.
0:18:25 > 0:18:26We just got it away,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28thanks to us heckling
0:18:28 > 0:18:29that lady over there.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- We made her pay an extra £5 for it. - But she's still smiling.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Then it sealed the bid. There was a reserve at £80.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Oh, I see what you did there. 'Sealed' the bid.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39HE LAUGHS
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Nothing like a bit of mild arm-twisting,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43especially as Hilary isn't well.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45And now, it's time to leave the auction
0:18:45 > 0:18:47but then head back to Oxford.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50I'm a bit of a rowing fan and I couldn't come here
0:18:50 > 0:18:53and not spend a day with the Oxford boat crew.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57After all, the University boat race is the oldest amateur rowing event
0:18:57 > 0:18:59in the world.
0:19:08 > 0:19:100800 hours,
0:19:10 > 0:19:11barely light,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13bitterly cold.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21The Oxford boat crew are already preparing to get on the water.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32I'm here at a chilly Westminster pier, on the Thames,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34to meet the hardcore chosen few.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Those students who are competing for the chance to row in the most
0:19:40 > 0:19:41prestigious boat race in the world.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56HE TALKS THROUGH MEGAPHONE
0:19:59 > 0:20:03I watch the University boat race every year, so this is quite special
0:20:03 > 0:20:07for me to get a peek behind the scenes at the training.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09My father was a keen rower as a college student,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12and that's where he met my mother, when she was a cox.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13And throughout my father's
0:20:13 > 0:20:16professional teaching days in the sciences,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19he always helped out in his spare time on the weekends
0:20:19 > 0:20:21and in the evenings with the Twickenham Rowing Club.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25He absolutely loved this sport and he taught me to row.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28So this is wonderful for me, revisiting the River Thames.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Gosh, they look fit, don't they?
0:20:35 > 0:20:37There's not an ounce of fat on those guys.
0:20:37 > 0:20:38HE LAUGHS
0:20:40 > 0:20:43The boat race is still proudly an amateur event,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46but what constitutes an amateur these days?
0:20:46 > 0:20:50None of the rowers are paid, but sponsorship is lucrative.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53They are at the top of their game,
0:20:53 > 0:20:55and even boast an Olympian in their ranks.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Constantine Louloudis is competing to be part of the Oxford squad,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04but rowing in the men's eights in the London Olympics.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06You got a bronze, and what an emotional experience.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07Were there tears crossing the line?
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Ah, there were, there were. I mean, they were sort of...
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- For different reasons? - Yeah, physical pain, and then,
0:21:12 > 0:21:13you know, the emotion of it.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Um, you know, we'd all invested so much,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- there was a lot of emotion running high.- Sure.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19A lot of time and effort.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21You know, you're studying, what are you studying at the moment?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- I'm studying Classics.- So not only are you dedicated to the sport,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26but you've got to be dedicated to, obviously,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29getting the grades and putting in the time.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Yeah, yeah, when I came back to Oxford,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33a lot of people said, "Oh, well, life must be a lot easier now."
0:21:33 > 0:21:36But, actually, the lifestyle of being a student athlete's a lot
0:21:36 > 0:21:38more stressful, trying to balance the two.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Is the training on an international level
0:21:40 > 0:21:42more physically and mentally demanding?
0:21:42 > 0:21:43Um...yes.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Yeah, it's... There's...
0:21:45 > 0:21:49there's more mileage, you've got to complete it at a higher intensity,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52you're trying to keep up with the top guys, and they set the pace.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55And, you know, they really are world-class.
0:21:55 > 0:21:56Mentally, it's...
0:21:56 > 0:21:59You get home at three or four, even on a full day,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01then you've got nothing else to do, whereas when you're at
0:22:01 > 0:22:05university, you get home and you're working, you know, into the night.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06Sure, making the time up from studies.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Yeah, you don't get a moment's rest during termtime.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Um, so I suppose there are two sides to it.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13On the whole, the student athlete lifestyle is
0:22:13 > 0:22:14pretty demanding.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT:- 'Attracts 250,000 people
0:22:16 > 0:22:18'to the banks of the Thames each meeting.'
0:22:18 > 0:22:22It's a far cry from when the boat race started in 1829,
0:22:22 > 0:22:24when Oxford challenged Cambridge
0:22:24 > 0:22:26to an impromptu rowing race in Henley.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29'The premier event in boat racing.'
0:22:29 > 0:22:33It soon became an annual event, attracting international coverage.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36'Hundreds of thousands braved the drizzle to see the shells
0:22:36 > 0:22:39'battle it out over a choppy 4.25-mile course.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42'Oxford pulls close to Cambridge at Hammersmith Bridge,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45'but that's as close as the Old Blue gets to victory.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48'The Cambridge crew, boasting an ex-Yale Man, Harold Barn,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50'at number six position, has never had it,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54'as they battle stiff winds and the rough water.'
0:22:54 > 0:22:56The race has become ferociously competitive.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01Overall, Cambridge currently lead Oxford by 81 to 76,
0:23:01 > 0:23:02with one dead heat.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Over the years, there's been mutinies, sinkings,
0:23:06 > 0:23:10and in 2012, a protest swimmer disrupted the proceedings
0:23:10 > 0:23:12halfway through the race. It had to be restarted.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15What has changed though is the training regime.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Olympic techniques have been adopted to push these guys
0:23:18 > 0:23:20to their absolute limits.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26The tipping point came in the 1960s, which heralded a new approach
0:23:26 > 0:23:27for athletes.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Before then, professional sportsmen often smoked, drank heavily
0:23:31 > 0:23:33and ate bad food.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35But the '60s ushered in a new era.
0:23:36 > 0:23:37Dan Topolski
0:23:37 > 0:23:42rowed in the 1967 and the 1968 boat race for Oxford,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45and went on to pioneer professional coaching techniques
0:23:45 > 0:23:46for his amateur squad.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Rowing was very much, in this country,
0:23:49 > 0:23:50was very much in the doldrums.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54You know, the Germans were way ahead of us, and almost every other nation
0:23:54 > 0:23:58was ahead of us in terms of the physical preparation of a crew.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Not having sort of, eight pints of Guinness the night beforehand.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Stuff like that, bag of chips.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Look at footballers, you know, when the
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- foreign managers came into football. - Yeah.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11You know, the training started becoming much, much more intense,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14the diet became much more thoughtful.
0:24:14 > 0:24:15It all changed, really.
0:24:15 > 0:24:20And the change was sort of gradual, but much more scientific.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22We made things much, much more competitive within the group.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26That moved everything along into a much more...I suppose,
0:24:26 > 0:24:28a more professional approach.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- Yes, yes.- But it was still amateur.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34So, I was making sort of changes on my sense of what it was like.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37So I had to be nutritionist, I had to be psychologist,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40I had to be all of those things.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Now, we've got specialists in all those fields.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52It takes seven months of training to whittle down the final eight
0:24:52 > 0:24:54who eventually wear the dark blue
0:24:54 > 0:24:55of Oxford on the day.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59Seven months of hardcore training for one race.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Question is, how much do these students put themselves through,
0:25:02 > 0:25:07mentally and physically, for what is essentially, still, an amateur race?
0:25:08 > 0:25:11The man in charge of training and selection today is Sean Bowden,
0:25:11 > 0:25:15the Oxford coach since 1998.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17He was poached from Cambridge after their successful
0:25:17 > 0:25:21run of winnings in the early '90s.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Can you talk me through some of the training you go through here?
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Yes, well, the boat race is a 17, 18-minute race,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28so there's a huge endurance component to that,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30so a lot of our training is working on that sort of physical
0:25:30 > 0:25:32capacity, that aerobic engine.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35You know, people would just work off heart rates
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- and say, "Well, we work at 75% of our maximum heart rate."- Mm.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40And that's a very crude way of doing this.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43And by going through a sort of blood analysis and
0:25:43 > 0:25:47a whole series of tests, we are able to hone that much more accurately.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Sure. And there's only one race, isn't there? Let's face it.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52There's a lot of training for this one race. What about nerves
0:25:52 > 0:25:53that day beforehand?
0:25:53 > 0:25:55If you weren't nervous before a big race,
0:25:55 > 0:25:56you're probably doing it wrong.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59And the trick is to make sure you've rehearsed these things.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03We go through a number of, I suppose you'd loosely call psychological
0:26:03 > 0:26:09ploys or tactics to bring the team together as strong as we can.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Dealing with the nerves and going, "Look, we're ready for this."
0:26:12 > 0:26:13- "And we want it."- Yes.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Well, there's no doubt they want it. That's the easy bit.- Yeah.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24The races in the last few years have all been
0:26:24 > 0:26:26decided in the last 60 seconds.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30That's a testament to how fit these boys are.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32If you've got the right mental determination,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36when your body is screaming, "I cannot give any more,"
0:26:36 > 0:26:38your brain kicks in and takes over and makes you do it.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41And there's no better example than looking at the finish line.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44The victorious team look like they can walk on water,
0:26:44 > 0:26:45they can do it all over again.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48The defeated team are slumped in the boat,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52their bodies are lifeless and mentally, they're destroyed.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55It's clear that it's not just about the physical
0:26:55 > 0:26:59when it comes to training these days, even at amateur level.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02The mental approach is just as important.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05The adoption of these state-of-the-art training techniques
0:27:05 > 0:27:09means that the line between Olympic, professional and amateur
0:27:09 > 0:27:11is a blurred one.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15But by their own admission, the crew are striving for perfection.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17How many times do you do this?
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- I don't know.- Twice a day.- Right.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Is he looking at each one of you individually
0:27:22 > 0:27:24and looking at your stroke and...?
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- Easiest way to explain it is - rowing is never perfect.- Yeah.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29You're always trying to get that perfection.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32And each day, you're just honing it that little bit.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- You know, making those mistakes just that little bit smaller.- Sure.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Well, I'm excited.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40And I'm exhausted as well, I'm not doing anything.
0:27:40 > 0:27:41HE LAUGHS
0:27:44 > 0:27:48We won't find out who makes the final eight until the day.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53It's hard to think that half of those chaps won't make the cut.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Some of them here will be making history in the next
0:27:56 > 0:27:57University boat race.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59What a privilege.
0:28:09 > 0:28:10Back at the Oxford Union,
0:28:10 > 0:28:14our experts are putting in some hard training to get some unique items
0:28:14 > 0:28:17which can compete with the best of the best at auction.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20And Mark's spotted some big boys' toys.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22Chris, what a fabulous pair of
0:28:22 > 0:28:24tin and clay cars you've brought in.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- They're lovely, aren't they?- Where on earth did you get them from?
0:28:27 > 0:28:29They came from my grandmother's.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31I don't know why they were there,
0:28:31 > 0:28:33because my grandmother had two girls.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36And when we were children, we never saw them.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40I never saw this until it came out of the house and they were
0:28:40 > 0:28:44going to send it to a jumble sale and I thought, no, that's too...
0:28:44 > 0:28:46You know, it just appealed to me.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- I think it's charming.- And I was teaching at the time when I thought,
0:28:49 > 0:28:51well, I can use it for storytelling...
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- Oh, of course.- ..or something like that.
0:28:54 > 0:28:55So, I took it back with me.
0:28:56 > 0:28:57I'm so pleased you did,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00cos I wouldn't have had the chance of looking at them...
0:29:00 > 0:29:01- SHE LAUGHS - ..if you'd let them go to the
0:29:01 > 0:29:03charity shop.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- They're great fun. They're very nostalgic.- Yes.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- People of a certain age will certainly remember these.- Yes.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- This one, I think is the earlier one.- Yes.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17Um, this one, feels instinctively to me as if it might be a 1930s' one.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19- Yes, that was what I was thinking, yes.- With the colours.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22And the little boot opens up in the back, there.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- This one, I think is much more 1950s.- Yes, I agree.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30That sort of awful, grey colour that cars used to be after the war.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Yes, it was black or grey, wasn't it?
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Yes. It's no wonder this car is in such fabulous condition,
0:29:35 > 0:29:37because, look, it's with its box.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- Yes.- And even that's in great condition.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- Well.- So, you've been very good keeping it like that.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Have you ever thought of the value?
0:29:44 > 0:29:47I have no idea what the value was.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49You haven't been on that t'internet...
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- No, no, I haven't.- ..searched around and thought, "Oh."?- No.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55In terms of value, I've sort of pondered over this.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Cos I don't like to be thought of as cliche.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- But I am going for the auctioneer's cliche on this, I'm afraid.- Yes.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06You know what's coming, don't you? 80 to 120.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- That's, that's...- We'll put a reserve, of course, of £80.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- Right.- I think they might make a bit more than that.- I hope so.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14I think they will.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17I'd like to see them making maybe 150 or so on the day.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- That'll be great.- But I think we've got to tease those bidders in.- Yes.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- Would you be happy with that, Chris? - Yes, that'll be fine.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24I'd rather they go to somebody that's
0:30:24 > 0:30:27going to really appreciate them than just sit around in my loft.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Well, that's very sensible, actually.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- And I think whoever does buy them is going to enjoy them.- Yes.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Fingers crossed there are a few petrol heads in the auction room.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40Now, from a pair of old bangers to something slightly more dangerous...
0:30:41 > 0:30:43I have on my lap,
0:30:43 > 0:30:45the most exciting pair of duelling pistols
0:30:45 > 0:30:47I've ever seen in my life.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49They belong to Peter.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51And he's kindly brought them in to show me.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53- Sadly, these aren't going through to auction.- No.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55But if I open the box, take a look at this.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Magnificent.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59By Le Page, a wonderful French maker.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02And these are early percussion cap, aren't they?
0:31:02 > 0:31:04That's correct, they were about 1840.
0:31:04 > 0:31:05They're beautiful.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07The craftsmanship is exquisite.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Do you mind me asking how much you paid for them?
0:31:10 > 0:31:12THEY LAUGH
0:31:12 > 0:31:14An awful lot of money at the time.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16About £5,000.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- Have you ever fired them? - Yes, very nice indeed.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22The recoil is quite low and soft, it always is.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- So it's not a big impact on it? - ..Black powder. No, no, no.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- Was it accurate? - Very accurate.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Well, I was a pistol shooter. I used to shoot pistol for England.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- Wow, did you really?!- Yes.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35But not these.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Well, I think this is so exciting. It really is.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Show us a couple of lids. The shot's there, isn't it? Show us the shot.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45It is complete. There are the two pistols, the powder flask,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49all the accessories for dismantling and opening them.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53You've got a box containing shot.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56I would actually hesitate to put a value on these right now.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01- My gut feeling is around about £15,000, but they're so unique.- Mm.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03The condition is so good,
0:32:03 > 0:32:04- it's museum quality.- I agree.
0:32:04 > 0:32:09The quality and craftsmanship, that's the real appeal.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Thank you so much for bringing these in.
0:32:11 > 0:32:12Not at all, it's my pleasure.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Wonderful.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Those pistols have now been decommissioned.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18But imagine shooting for your country?
0:32:18 > 0:32:20What an achievement and what a gentleman.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Our roving expert, Will Axon,
0:32:25 > 0:32:27has our final valuation of the day.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30He's discovered some light refreshment in the billiard room.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Well, Maggie, if these walls could talk,
0:32:32 > 0:32:33I'm sure they would tell us
0:32:33 > 0:32:37some stories of perhaps a bit of gambling, a bit of drinking,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40and whatever else goes on at the Oxford Union.
0:32:40 > 0:32:41- Yes.- And these are great.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44These fit in perfectly with the billiard room.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Tell me, where are these from?
0:32:46 > 0:32:49I actually bought them from a jumble sale.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- Very good. Did you have to pay a lot for them?- £1.50.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Oh, I like a bargain. And how long ago was that?
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- About 25 years.- Oh, so you've had them some time?
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Oh, yes, I've had them some time.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01And what drew you to them originally?
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- I was just fascinated by them. - They're great fun, aren't they?- Yes.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07I really like them. You've got these stoneware flagons,
0:33:07 > 0:33:12and each one is stamped with gin, Scotch whiskey, brandy
0:33:12 > 0:33:13and Irish whiskey.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16But what I think really sort of tops them off
0:33:16 > 0:33:17are these little stoppers here
0:33:17 > 0:33:18in silver plate.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21They've got to be the original stoppers because again,
0:33:21 > 0:33:26we've got gin, 'S' whiskey, and 'I' whiskey, and brandy.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28So, I think these have always been together.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31And in this little wicker basket, I mean,
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- perfect for a picnic, aren't they? - Certainly are.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36There's no marks on them, we've had a look.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- What we do have is a little registration lozenge.- Ah-ha, OK.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Now, the interesting point about that is, it gives us the date
0:33:42 > 0:33:47at which this design was registered rather than when they were made.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50And you've got various codes in these lozenge, and from that,
0:33:50 > 0:33:55I can deduce that this design was registered in October 1877.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- Oh.- Did you think they were as old as that?
0:33:57 > 0:34:00I thought they were of an age but I didn't think that they were that old.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Hm. I think there's a little bit of solder
0:34:02 > 0:34:05on one of these where perhaps it's just got knocked off after
0:34:05 > 0:34:08perhaps the Irish whiskey was drained by someone.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10SHE LAUGHS
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- But the actual...- Wasn't me. - Yeah, wasn't you.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15The stoneware flagons themselves are in good order.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Why are you selling them if you like them?
0:34:17 > 0:34:18Well, they sit in the cupboard.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- We hear that all the time. - And I moved, so it's time.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22I took too many things with me,
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- so it's time to get rid of some of them.- It's a good time, isn't it?
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- Yes.- To consolidate what you have and what you actually need.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- Yes, that's right. - When you're downsizing.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Well, I think your loss is going to be someone else's gain.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37You know, £100, that sounds like a sort of sensible figure.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- Maybe I'd like to straddle that with the old classic 80 to 120.- Yes.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42How do you feel?
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- That would be fine.- We'll put them in, estimate of 80 to 120.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47- That's fine.- £80 reserve?- Yes.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Or are you happy for them to find their level?
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- Reserve them at 80.- Yeah, OK. We'll put a reserve at £80.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54And now you can go home
0:34:54 > 0:34:57and tell your kids who's got the last laugh now?
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Yes, thank you.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Youngsters these days have no understanding of the value
0:35:01 > 0:35:03of things.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Maggie's kids thought those spirit bottles were worthless.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11Our next item has a history which dates back to ancient Greece.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15This item became a must for any Victorian fireplace.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- Hello, Mary.- Hello.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- You've brought a lovely pair of firedogs in to show us.- Yes, yes.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Do you have a grand fireplace at home that these are displayed on?
0:35:24 > 0:35:25No, we used to.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29The relatives that they belonged to had, but not nowadays.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32We've got a modern fireplace, so...
0:35:32 > 0:35:34- Oh, no.- ..they just don't look right.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- Cos they are very grand, aren't they?- They are.- I love them.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- They're very heavy.- Very. - Very heavy.- Yes.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42But if we have a look at them, we've got these lovely,
0:35:42 > 0:35:47classical designs, or neoclassical designs of the Greek key pattern.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50The stylised anthemion here,
0:35:50 > 0:35:52and the leaves, very much
0:35:52 > 0:35:55in the style of Robert Adam or somebody like that.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Which would make them sort of late 18th century,
0:35:57 > 0:36:01but I think these might be just pushing into the 19th century.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05These days, people are moving away from the traditional fireplace,
0:36:05 > 0:36:07you know, with all the brass and the clockwork.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11But I think if we were putting them into a sale today,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13we'd be looking at sort of £100 to £200.
0:36:15 > 0:36:16Now, would that be OK for you?
0:36:18 > 0:36:22- Yes, cos I don't use them.- I mean, we'll put a reserve on them.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23Yes, a bit more, but...
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- Well, we all hope for a bit more, don't we?- Yes.
0:36:26 > 0:36:27We all want a bit more.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- But I think we need to encourage the bidders in.- Mm-hm.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33So, if we put a fixed reserve at £100 and we won't sell them
0:36:33 > 0:36:35below that.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38And hopefully, on the day, we'll push up to 200.
0:36:38 > 0:36:39Is that OK?
0:36:39 > 0:36:40Yes.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Well, I hope they light up the auction,
0:36:42 > 0:36:44set the auction ablaze with excitement.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- Hm, that would be lovely. - It would, wouldn't it?- Yes.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49From firedogs to firing pistols -
0:36:49 > 0:36:53a unique mixture of items, I'm sure you'll agree.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55It definitely has been a bit of a marathon here today
0:36:55 > 0:36:57for Mark and Will.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59They've now made their final choices of items to
0:36:59 > 0:37:00take off to the saleroom.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04So it's time to say goodbye to the Oxford Union, here in Oxford,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07as we head over to the auction room where Thomas Plant
0:37:07 > 0:37:09awaits us on the rostrum.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12And here's a quick recap of what's going under his hammer.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18Will it be those amazing motorcars that fire the enthusiasm
0:37:18 > 0:37:19of our auction room?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Or will it be those Victorian spirit flasks
0:37:23 > 0:37:26they fancy taking a swig out of?
0:37:26 > 0:37:30What tops them off are these little stoppers here, in silver plate,
0:37:30 > 0:37:32and they've got to be the original stoppers...
0:37:32 > 0:37:36And don't forget, those neoclassical firedogs.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Which one will be first-past-the-post?
0:37:39 > 0:37:41At 25, and 30 it is.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Back at our auction room in Newbury, we're in full swing
0:37:44 > 0:37:47and it's time to wheel out those motorcars.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Will they set the pulses racing in the auction room?
0:37:50 > 0:37:53These are boys' toys, but girls can play with them too, can't they?
0:37:53 > 0:37:54Yes, we used to, I think.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57And we've got a classic 80 to 120 on.
0:37:57 > 0:37:58It's an auctioneer's classic.
0:37:58 > 0:38:0080, you've heard that many times since you've come here.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Yes, I've heard that before.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04But in fact, it's the right estimate.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- You know, it covers you at both ends.- Yes, it does, it does.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- I mean, these are great fun, actually.- Yes.- They really are.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12And not so much play things today, but as collector's items.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- Yes.- Yes, it's a nice thing to be able to pass onto somebody that's
0:38:15 > 0:38:17going to, you know, appreciate them.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- And look after them.- Yes.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Anyway, talking about cost and what's it worth,
0:38:21 > 0:38:22let's put it to the test, shall we?
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Let's get the top end of that 80 to 120.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- You and your top end.- I'd like that.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Next lot is a Victory Austin,
0:38:31 > 0:38:33a 4050 Cambridge saloon car
0:38:33 > 0:38:37with the box and the template Citroen. There we are.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40I can start the bidding with me here straight in at £65.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41With me, with me at 65.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- Come on, come on.- Come on.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45£65. Is there any advance? 70. 75.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48Go on.
0:38:48 > 0:38:5175 with me. Madam, if you want it, it's 80.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52£80 and I am out.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54At £80 on the reserve, at 80 we sell.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- Are we there?- We've got the reserve. - Oh, it's going up.
0:38:57 > 0:38:5885 new place.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02Gentleman's bid at £85. Against you all at 85.
0:39:02 > 0:39:03Last chance at 85.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04GAVEL BANGS
0:39:04 > 0:39:05£85.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- It was touch and go to start with. - It was, but that's very good.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- It found its level.- Yes.- We just got above the lower end.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Yeah, we didn't race away, but we got there. We got there in the end.
0:39:14 > 0:39:15That's fine.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- Are you happy?- Yes, absolutely. - Job done.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Next up on the rostrum will be Mary's firedogs.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24It'll be interesting to see
0:39:24 > 0:39:27if there's still a market for a piece like these today.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- You've enjoyed these over the years, haven't you?- Yes.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- You've had an open fire basket with them.- Yes.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Until we had a new fireplace and they didn't look right,
0:39:34 > 0:39:37so I thought, "Oh, I'll just get rid of them."
0:39:37 > 0:39:39They're a very pretty polish.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Brass and cast iron, nice combination, typical Victorian.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Absolutely. And got a good Georgian look about them.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46And if you've got a nice period home,
0:39:46 > 0:39:48they dress the fireplace beautifully.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49They do, they do. Yep, yeah.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Come on, let's enjoy the moment.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53They're going under the hammer, look.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55It's all over to Thomas, who's with his gavel.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Brass and cast iron fire dogs in the neoclassical style.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03And I can start the bidding with me here straight in at £65.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- At 65.- We need a bit more than that. - Hm.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08At £65. Is there any advance at £65?
0:40:08 > 0:40:1070, 75, 80.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- 85.- Commission bid, Mary.
0:40:12 > 0:40:1495, 100 and I'm out.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16At £100 I have.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Is there any advance at £100?
0:40:18 > 0:40:19We've just got it away.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23And I sell then at 100.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- GAVEL BANGS - 100.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26SHE LAUGHS
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- I should feel sorry they've gone. - Oh, a bit disappointed.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31Well, it's auctions for you.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Sign of the times at the moment. I'm sorry, Mary.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35It's a realistic market right now. It's a tough market.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- Not many people nowadays with open fireplaces.- No, they don't.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44At least Mary's philosophical about it.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Before the next lot, I think
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Thomas is quite keen to have a wee dram from those spirit bottles.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51I love this.
0:40:51 > 0:40:56- It is a proper lot.- It's a proper rural lot.- Yes, yes, real country.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Imagine the farmer, the country house farmer...
0:41:00 > 0:41:01- Yes.- ..who's got this.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03You know. And is he taking this to the fields?
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- No!- For his men?- Bit of gin, bit of brandy?
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- It's dead sweet.- It is, isn't it?
0:41:09 > 0:41:12There's no damage to the glaze, no damage to the vessel itself,
0:41:12 > 0:41:14cork stoppers are good.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17This was picked up in a boot fair for £1.50.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- No!- Yes, quite a long time ago though.- I'd keep it.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23- Yes, so would I for that sort of money.- At what are we selling it?
0:41:23 > 0:41:25We've got 80 to 120 on them. It's got to sell for that.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27They're going to sell, definitely.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29And if I had them, I'd fill them up.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31- Would you?- Yeah.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33It might taste a bit strange,
0:41:33 > 0:41:34a bit stony.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36THEY LAUGH
0:41:37 > 0:41:40So let's see who in the auction room, apart from Thomas,
0:41:40 > 0:41:44fancies taking these 1870s' bottles on a picnic.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Margaret, I'm surprised you're selling these.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50I know they cost you next to nothing.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Why do you want to part with them?
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- Well, I moved house.- Yeah, and they don't suit the house?
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Spent the time in the loft.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00Now, they're in the bottom of the wardrobe, so time for them to go.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04I can see these on a windowsill in a country kitchen, catching the light.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06It's great, isn't it? In these sort of general sales...
0:42:06 > 0:42:10At my sale anyway, there's always someone who phones up for stoneware bottles.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12There are people who collect stamped stoneware bottles.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13I think they're good. Good luck.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15We've got to prove your family run, haven't we?
0:42:15 > 0:42:18They took the mick when she bought them for next to nothing so...
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- "What's Mum going to buy next?" - Exactly.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Let's hope we have a little surprise.
0:42:22 > 0:42:23That's what auctions are about.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26You never know what's going to happen. Let's hand things over
0:42:26 > 0:42:27to Thomas Plant.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31Next lot is a set of four unusual Victorian stoneware spirit flasks.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Scotch, Irish whiskey, gin and brandy.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Plenty of interest in this lot.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39I have to start straight in at £110 with me.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- Hm.- Straight in at 110.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- I'm glad about that. - At £110 against your 120.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45And I'm out, it's in the room.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48At 120, 120.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51130, 140.
0:42:51 > 0:42:52HE MOUTHS
0:42:52 > 0:42:54No, really?
0:42:54 > 0:42:55No!
0:42:55 > 0:42:58140 we have. It's in the room at 140.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Selling at 140 against you all.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04- 140. Just over the top end. Good results.- I'm pleased.- Good.
0:43:04 > 0:43:05Yeah, I'm pleased.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- Yeah, they've... They're going to a good home.- Yes, yes.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10- That's for sure.- Somebody will love them.- Oh, they will.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12And you can go home and say, "I told you so."
0:43:12 > 0:43:13THEY LAUGH
0:43:13 > 0:43:16That's a healthy profit, cheers.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20It's definitely been an eventful day here, at Oxford Union.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23Just like our sportsmen and women, we've experienced the full range
0:43:23 > 0:43:27of emotions - from disappointment to surprise.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29If you'd like to take part in the show
0:43:29 > 0:43:31and you've got some unwanted antiques and collectables
0:43:31 > 0:43:34you'd like to sell, bring them along to one of our valuation days.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36Details, you can pick up on our BBC website.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39If you don't have a computer, check the details in your local press
0:43:39 > 0:43:42and maybe we can help you to Flog it!