0:00:20 > 0:00:23We've travelled the length and the breadth of Britain in search
0:00:23 > 0:00:28of exceptional stories and objects to take to auction.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31And we've been saving some of the best until now.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35In today's show, we travel to Birmingham, Southall,
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Edinburgh and Wallasey...
0:00:38 > 0:00:42where our experts find a selection of fascinating collectables.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44But can you spot which one of them
0:00:44 > 0:00:47gets the bidders most excited at auction?
0:00:50 > 0:00:53A painting by Albert Moulton Foweraker.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56An artist obsessed by contrast.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- It's something that I bought at an auction...- OK.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04..in 1971, for ten shillings.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11An unusual 15 carat gold vesta case, dating back to the 1920s.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Most of them you see are either in a plated metal,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19sometimes in silver, lots of them in silver, but you've got a gold one,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22which is a very posh vesta case, Peter.
0:01:22 > 0:01:28Or a pilot's watch made by one of the best names in technical timepieces.
0:01:28 > 0:01:34Do you know something, I have always wanted to own one of those.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38One of our items fetches well over £1,000 today.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Can you guess which one it is?
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Today's show comes from Dunster Castle, in Somerset.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48The original castle was built by a Norman lord, who fought alongside
0:01:48 > 0:01:52William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings, in 1066.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56And for his services, he was rewarded with Dunster.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Now, that seems to me like a pretty impressive perk
0:01:59 > 0:02:01of the job by anybody's standards.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07The castle is brimming with treasures and fine art,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11and here's a good example. These very rare leather wall hangings.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14They tell the story of Antony and Cleopatra and their romance.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Tragically, it went wrong, but here they are in happier times.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22These were painted by a group of Dutch artists in the late 1600s,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24but nobody knows for sure who they were.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28We love it when works of art turn up at our valuation days, and
0:02:28 > 0:02:31that's exactly what happened at Hopetoun House,
0:02:31 > 0:02:33just outside of Edinburgh.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43Pat, when I first started as an auctioneer, which would be 25
0:02:43 > 0:02:48years ago, I was working for a firm called Neales, in Nottingham.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50And...a firm that... Act...
0:02:50 > 0:02:52We bought the firm back,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55so I started there on work experience and eventually bought the firm back.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00But I have to say they wouldn't have let me if they knew I'd made mistakes like I did with my first
0:03:00 > 0:03:02ever painting valuation.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- And it was one of these.- Right.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07I looked at it, I thought it was a print.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10I put £20-£30 on it.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12And it made a lot more.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- And it was by this artist.- Right.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19And this is an artist called Albert Moulton Foweraker.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24He was an artist that was obsessed with the contrasts of light
0:03:24 > 0:03:26and dark.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Which is something that artists, way back through time,
0:03:30 > 0:03:31have been interested in.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Rembrandt, again, the same, had that same passion,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36that same interest.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39And here we see a bluey green scene,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43a night-time scene. And he was well-known, Foweraker was well known
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- for painting in these colours. - Right.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49With a single bit of light coming...
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Just takes your eye right to it.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57It's exactly where he wants you to look. And it's so effective.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Foweraker travelled a lot, especially in North Africa.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05I think this is probably a scene, maybe in Tangiers,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08or could be Tunis, somewhere like that.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- We see the dome at the top here. - Yeah.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15But...it's an artist that
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- comes in and out of fashion.- Yes.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22At the moment I have to say it's not the most fashionable of pictures,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26and the value is not as high as it has been in the past.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I understand that, yes.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Is it something you've purchased?
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- It's something that I bought at an auction...- OK.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38..in 1971, for ten shillings.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40HE EXHALES
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Well, in that case, it's not bad news, it's good news.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48Because, if you had bought it ten years ago at auction,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51it would be a considerable amount of money.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Well, it was up on the wall for quite a number of years.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Now it's not up on the wall.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59It's a good picture.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02And although it's not making what it used to, I still think
0:05:02 > 0:05:05your grandchildren are going to be spoilt with an extra £200 or £300.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- That would be very nice.- Is that all right?- Yes, that will be lovely.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Auction estimate, £200-£300,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13and a reserve of 200.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- That would be lovely.- Super. Thank you very much for bringing it in.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- And well done, ten shillings. - Yeah, marvellous.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26The painting really is an excellent example of Fowerakers' use of both contrast
0:05:26 > 0:05:32and the colour blue, but will the market appreciate his eye today?
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Now, Christina Trevanion's eyes certainly lit up when she spotted
0:05:37 > 0:05:41our next item, in Birmingham's Museum and Art Gallery.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Oh, Betine, I do love an original box. There's nothing nicer than
0:05:45 > 0:05:48seeing something in its original case, is it?
0:05:48 > 0:05:49Let's have a little look.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Oh, OK, some silver apostle spoons. Where have these come from?
0:05:53 > 0:05:57I inherited them from my mother, who was given them by a friend of hers.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- Right.- Other than that, I don't know anything about them.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04OK. Do you use them, or are they just in a cupboard?
0:06:04 > 0:06:05- Just in a cupboard.- OK.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09So, they're called apostle spoons, they are solid silver, and we know
0:06:09 > 0:06:13that because we have a really nice hallmark on the back of each one.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16And we've got a Sheffield Assay Office mark, and then we've got the
0:06:16 > 0:06:21lion passant mark for silver. The date letter U for 1887.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24And a nice little Victorian Jubilee head as well.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28And then we've got and maker's mark, which is RMEH.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Which stands for Richard Martin and Ebenezer Hall.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35They were great silversmiths and metalworkers, and great, they've got that pedigree to them.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Now, we call them apostle spoons because they've got this very
0:06:39 > 0:06:43decorative handle here. We call it apostle-style spoons, really.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Apostle spoons have been popular since the Reformation period,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51and they were to represent Christ's Last Supper with the Apostles,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55so each of the finials would be modelled as an apostle.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59And they were given as presentation pieces or commemorative pieces,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03things like that. The really, really collectable pieces have each
0:07:03 > 0:07:07apostle moulded on a terminal. Ours, unfortunately, just have a
0:07:07 > 0:07:11generic apostle, so they've not been made individually, they've been made
0:07:11 > 0:07:15as one. Having said that, they have got silvergilt bowls,
0:07:15 > 0:07:19which is really nice. It shows they are a little bit nicer than just being plain silver.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- What do you think of them?- I think they're very pretty, actually.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25They are pretty, aren't they? It's just a little bit difficult,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28in today's market, to know how you would use them.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Value-wise, our auction estimate on them would be
0:07:31 > 0:07:34somewhere in the region of £70-£100.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36How would you feel about that?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- Mmm... I was hoping for a little bit more.- Oh, were you?
0:07:40 > 0:07:42OK, what were you hoping for?
0:07:42 > 0:07:46More the other end, you know, sort of £100.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49I think, because silver price at the moment is fluctuating,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51we would need to be a little bit conservative.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54To be perfectly honest with you, I think 70 to 100.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- All right, I'll leave it with you. That's good.- Super.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Hopefully, silver will boom between now...
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- Yes. I can't see the pigs flying. - No.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06There might be one over...
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Let's hope for Betine's sake that Christina is being cautious
0:08:10 > 0:08:12with her estimate.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14And now from silver to gold,
0:08:14 > 0:08:19and Adam Partridge has found a lovely piece back in Hopetoun House.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- Well, Peter, welcome to "Flog it!" - Thank you very much.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25You've brought along an item that we see very, very regularly in the auction rooms.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- A vesta case.- Yes. - Clearly not really something that
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- anyone would use any more.- No.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36But they were made widely, end of the 19th century
0:08:36 > 0:08:40and right through the first 30 years or so of the 20th century.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- A vesta, of course, for the famous matches.- Matches.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48So it's a match case, and the match would come out
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- and there's this ribbed bit underneath.- Right.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52It's actually been quite well worn,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54actually, must have used it quite a lot.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Then you would strike your match along there,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59and the flame would come.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Usually for a pipe or a cigarette, I would imagine,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05but sometimes, perhaps, for one of these magnificent
0:09:05 > 0:09:07fireplaces of the kind we've got behind us.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Now, what is unusual about it is the fact that most of them
0:09:11 > 0:09:14you see are either in a plated metal, in brass,
0:09:14 > 0:09:18sometimes in silver, lots of them in silver, but you've got a gold one,
0:09:18 > 0:09:22which is a very posh vesta case, Peter. How did you come to own it?
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- Well, the initials there are my paternal grandfather.- Are they?
0:09:27 > 0:09:30But he died 12 years before I was born, so I never met him.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35And I inherited it when my father died in 1991. It's nice to look at.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Yeah, you're right, it's a sort of thing you just want to pick up,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and it's got this lovely little curve on it to fit against the body.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45It's a very tactile object.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48And when you flip it up here,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50they're always marked on one side there,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53and we've got the mark there, W.N & Co, which is
0:09:53 > 0:09:57William Neill & Co, who were famous silversmiths, really,
0:09:57 > 0:10:00and goldsmiths, in Birmingham.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05Prolific producers of pieces like vesta cases, cigarette cases,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08cigarette boxes, accessories of that kind.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11And we've got a mark there for 15 carat gold.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15The Birmingham date letter for 1927.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18A silver-plated one of this kind would be worth
0:10:18 > 0:10:23£10 or £15. A silver one of that shape and description
0:10:23 > 0:10:27would be worth £30-£50.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31A 15 carat gold one, however, and the value hugely rises
0:10:31 > 0:10:35up to £400-£600.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37I imagine it will make about £500.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40How does that fit with your expectations?
0:10:40 > 0:10:41- That's very nice.- Oh, good.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45I could fix it at 400. I don't think you should go for any less, because
0:10:45 > 0:10:48the gold in it is going to be worth best part of that anyway.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52And, as an object, it should make a bit more than that. Happy with that?
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- Very happy, thank you.- Excellent. And if it makes the 500 or so that we are predicting,
0:10:56 > 0:11:00would you have any specific plans on how to disperse the funds?
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- We're both retired so we like to travel.- Oh, good.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- It'll go towards the travel expenses.- Excellent. And I see your wife is
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- watching, because she introduced me, "Hello, I'm the wife," she said. - HE LAUGHS
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Are we doing OK? Very good. We got the thumbs up.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- Hopefully, we'll get the thumbs up when we sell it at the auction. - Thank you very much.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- Thanks for coming along. - Thank you for your time.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Let's get over to the auction room, shall we?
0:11:26 > 0:11:29And here's a quick reminder of all the items going under the hammer.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34Pat's painting by Albert Moulton Foweraker.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37His use of light attracts the eye, but will it attract the bidders?
0:11:40 > 0:11:45Betine's apostle spoons were made by pioneering silversmiths.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49But is that enough for them to top Christina's modest valuation?
0:11:52 > 0:11:56And Peter wants to put the proceeds from the sale of his vesta case
0:11:56 > 0:11:58towards a holiday.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01But the question is, how far will he get?
0:12:08 > 0:12:11First up, over to expert and auctioneer Anita Manning,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13who's on the rostrum at the Great Western auction rooms
0:12:13 > 0:12:17to try to sell that Foweraker painting.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Well, our next lot, the Foweraker oil painting, was
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- bought for just ten shillings by Pat in 1971, at auction.- Yes.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- You got it in the right place.- Yes.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- You bought it trade, you bought it at source, didn't you?- Yes.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33And hopefully we can turn that into £200-£300.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- And you've had the joy of looking at it.- Yes.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36- Haven't you?- For a few years.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40Just got to hope somebody has got a turquoise room to put it in.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44Do you know what, you're right. Let's find out, shall we?
0:12:44 > 0:12:48There's plenty of people here. Let's put it to the test.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Albert Moulton Foweraker. Here is a superb
0:12:53 > 0:12:56and typical work of his.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Do we have phones here?
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- Two phones, where are they? - Two phones!
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I can start the bidding at £150.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07160. 170. 180. 190.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08200.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11220. 230.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14240, on the book. 240. 250.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16The book is out.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- 250.- Well, we've sold it.- It's with David. The book is out at £250.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26Any advance on 250? All done at 250. 250.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30Yes, £250. Spot on.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- Mid-estimate.- It goes to somebody that wants it.- Exactly, yes.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- Thank you for bringing that in. - You're welcome.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39'Remember, of course, that with every auction there's varying
0:13:39 > 0:13:41'rates of commission and VAT to pay.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43'If you're buying or selling.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47'So make sure you find out how much in advance.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52'And next up, expert and auctioneer Nick Davies is putting the spoons
0:13:52 > 0:13:56'under the hammer at Fieldings Auctioneers.'
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Fingers crossed. Good luck with the spoons.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- It's been a long wait, hasn't it?- It has.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- It has. Let's hope it's going to be worthwhile.- I hope it is.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07We've got six apostle spoons going under the hammer now. Sheffield silver.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Hopefully they will sell well for you.- I've got my fingers crossed. - Good.- So have I.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13And things have been going well today, as well. Good luck.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- This is your lot coming up right now. This is it.- Best of luck.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19The apostle spoons with the gilt bowl, Sheffield, 1887.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Nice condition, I don't think they've ever been used. £70.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- In straight away at 70. - We're in at £70.- Oh, gosh.
0:14:25 > 0:14:2790. And five. 100.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- 110.- Brilliant.- 120. 130.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32140. Anybody else? At £130, it will be.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35140 anywhere else? At £130. On my left, at 130.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38All finished?
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- Well done.- That was marvellous. - You've got to be happy with that.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- I am.- I think... Do you know what, I think
0:14:43 > 0:14:45that's the start of a lot of clearing out, don't you?
0:14:45 > 0:14:48I can see the auction rooms being very busy.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- I might see you again. - With your chattels?
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Yes, come along, won't you? Definitely come to another valuation day.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55And if you'd like to join us, you're more than welcome.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Details of up and coming dates and venues, you can
0:14:57 > 0:15:02find on our BBC website. Just log on to bbc.co.uk/flog it.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04If you don't have a computer, just check
0:15:04 > 0:15:07the details in your local press, because we would love to see you.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Time for the sale of one of the most impressive vesta cases
0:15:11 > 0:15:14we have ever had on the show.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- Peter, good luck with this. - Thank you.- We see a lot of vesta cases on this show,
0:15:18 > 0:15:20but I think this one has got something special about it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25I think it's quite tactile. I know it's plain, but there's something wholesome about it.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- And it was Grandad's.- It was Grandad's, yes. On my father's side.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- And it's got his inscription in it. - It's got his initials.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- You like this as well.- It's a high-class vesta case, isn't it?
0:15:35 > 0:15:38You see them in metal and brass and silver, but 15 carat gold,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41I mean, that's for a distinguished chap, isn't it?
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Well, this is quality and hopefully you're going to get top prices,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- because you know what we always say, quality always...- Sells.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Yeah. This is it.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Victorian 15 carat gentleman's vesta case.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56400. Will you start me at £400?
0:15:56 > 0:15:58300, thank you, sir.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00I'm holding bids in the books.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Any advance on 300 on the floor?
0:16:02 > 0:16:05320. 340. 360.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Any... 380. 400. 420.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16440. 460. 480.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Any advance on 480? 500.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23520. 540.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25I'm pleased this is doing so well.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27580. 600.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31It's on the book at £600.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- Commission bids. - A striking lot.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39Any advance on 600? All done at 600.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41600.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44I'm so pleased with that. And as Adam said,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46it's a striking lot, it really was.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50That is a fantastic result. That will be cherished and treasured.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- Yes, it's an investment piece. Invest in a vesta.- Yeah!
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Don't tell me you're going to put the money towards a holiday.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58He's just come back from a cruise in the Caribbean, haven't you?
0:16:58 > 0:17:01There's always time for another holiday.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Well, exactly. Look, enjoy the money.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06You have to have commission here. It's 18% plus VAT.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Deduct that from that hammer price, but enjoy it, OK?
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Well, this is a show that's jam-packed full
0:17:15 > 0:17:20of fine art from wonderful masterpieces here at Dunster Castle,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23to affordable investment pieces at our valuation day.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Now, though, a work of art of a different form.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29James Lewis has spotted a work of art of the technical variety
0:17:29 > 0:17:31back up in Scotland.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36Jeannette, do you know something?
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- I have always wanted to own one of those.- A Breitling watch?
0:17:40 > 0:17:46So, if you don't mind, I'll just... Just have a look. Oh.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49I've got such fat paws that it won't go on.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Brian was very, very small... Wrist. - Brian your, your...?
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- My late husband.- Your late husband, gosh. And this was his?
0:17:56 > 0:17:58And it was his, yeah.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Because, I mean, that must have looked massive on him,
0:18:00 > 0:18:06- just look at that.- But he liked the thickness of it.- The big, yeah. Wow.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10I mean, this is the most amazing of wristwatches.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12It's a pilot's watch.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16And is called the Navitimer
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- simply because it was like wearing a computer on your wrist.- Ah, I see.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23You could do absolutely everything.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25This isn't something that just tells the time.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29If we just take the book out.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32It is marvellous because, here we go.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37Operation as a slide rule. So it can be a slide rule.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42- To work out your ground speed. By the watch.- By the watch?
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Distance in climb or descent.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- So it definitely was a pilot's instrument.- Yeah, yeah. Very much.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- Did your husband fly? - No, he was a civil servant.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Civil servant, just loved it as a watch?- Just loved it as a watch.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Brilliant. Well, I don't fly either but I'd love it as a watch.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01And when you start looking at the quality of these things,
0:19:01 > 0:19:05you start thinking about the cost new.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08These were a lot of money. They really were.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12The box is the original and looking at the style of the box
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- and the style of the watch and strap, looks to be 1970s.- Right.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22Mid to second half of the 1970s. '75, '78, something like that.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Condition is good.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- There is a massive following for wristwatches at the moment.- Really?
0:19:28 > 0:19:31What would it cost new to buy one of those?
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- I know they are very expensive. - About £6,000.- Are they really?
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- Gosh, that's huge amount.- Oh, yeah, that's why I've never bought one.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Mind you, I'd never buy a new one anyway.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47But, second-hand, still a lot of money
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- because it's now worth £700-£1,000. - Which is really, really good.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Which, OK, not the same as a new one
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- but probably a lot more than it cost...- Oh, yes, it must've been.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02But I think we should protect it with a reserve, £700 reserve.
0:20:02 > 0:20:03If it doesn't make that...
0:20:03 > 0:20:07James, would I be able to put that up to maybe 800?
0:20:07 > 0:20:09If that would be OK, I'd like to do that, then.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13It's your watch, it's your decision. Let's do that.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16800 firm, but that reserve also has to be at
0:20:16 > 0:20:18the bottom end of the estimate.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19So at 800 reserve,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22let's put 800-1,200 on it as an estimate.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25That's lovely, then. Thank you very much, indeed.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Good luck, I think you'll do well. - Thanks very much.- Thank you.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Janet's husband was certainly a man of taste
0:20:30 > 0:20:33and the proceeds of this sale will be going to his favourite charity.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35So let's hope it does well.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40What has four legs, a seat but you wouldn't want to sit on it?
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Philip Serrell has found the answer in Wallasey Town Hall.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50Dave, I have to say, that for you and I to sit on one of these
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- we'd want one for each cheek, wouldn't we?- Not half.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56That's about half, is what it is. Tell me all about this, then.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- Where's it come from? - My grandmother had it.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02I believe she got it when she was three years old.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- This is your granny's chair? - Yeah. She was 84, 85 when she died.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- When was that?- Oh, that must be about 44 years ago.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16So 44 years ago is about 1970, isn't it?
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- I've had it 45 years.- Right, OK.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- So we're going back to around 1900ish, 1905, aren't we?- Yeah.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28So this is your granny's chair. It's been in the family for 80-odd years.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- Probably since it was made. And you're going to sell it?- Yeah.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37I've got two daughters and I don't want them fighting over it, you know.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39I can sort of get that, I can sort of...
0:21:39 > 0:21:41I think it's absolutely lovely.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45What I love about this is it's just a miniature ladder-backed chair.
0:21:45 > 0:21:50So we've got this ladder back here and we've got a lovely rush seat.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52There's a very thin dividing line between patinate
0:21:52 > 0:21:54and being completely worn out.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Look at this here. These legs are all chamfered.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59There's an expression, how does it turn up?
0:21:59 > 0:22:03This bottom here is just like the day it was made.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06These spindles are all completely original.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10If this was a full-sized chair it's worth a fiver
0:22:10 > 0:22:14but as a child's chair I think you could put a reserve on it,
0:22:14 > 0:22:20a fixed reserve of £40, I think that you can estimate it at £50-£80
0:22:20 > 0:22:25and I think that, if you have a real result at the auction, you might
0:22:25 > 0:22:28just get three figures for it.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30I think it's absolutely lovely, I'd love to own it.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33So, what are you going to do? Give your daughters half each?
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- No, I'm going to go on holiday with it.- I like him.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44No, I'm going on my holiday, I'm going to enjoy it.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Good lad.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Let's hope Dave manages to treat himself with
0:22:48 > 0:22:53the proceeds from the sale and that the grandkids don't find out.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Mark Stacey has come across another unusual item
0:22:56 > 0:22:58in the splendid Southwell Minster.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Sylvia, what a charming little object you brought in.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Could you give me any of the history?
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- It belonged to my brother who died about 12 years ago...- Right.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14..and left me quite a few things and I thought this was lovely.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16This is a little miniature lamp.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- Coaching lamp or miner's lamp, something like that.- Yes.
0:23:19 > 0:23:26- And it's just very nicely made. It's hallmarked in Chester.- Really?
0:23:26 > 0:23:28for 1912.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29So it's just over 100 years old.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33And it's got the maker's mark of Gray & Co who specialise
0:23:33 > 0:23:37in these little novelty items, little card cases,
0:23:37 > 0:23:42little silver objects of virtue. And this is just what this is, isn't it?
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- Yes, it is. - It's got a few condition problems.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- There's a little bit of wear to the top there.- Yes.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- Somebody's been overpolishing it a bit. Not you, I hope.- Not me, no.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- Does the bottom come off? - Yes, it does.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57You can undo it and it's been dropped at some time
0:23:57 > 0:24:00and it's got a bit of a dent at the bottom.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Oh, can you put a light in there?
0:24:02 > 0:24:06You can, it's got a little sort of mechanism inside, I think,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08for putting a little sort of wick.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- And then I suppose the light magnifies out of there.- Wonderful.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- But it's a really funny, quirky little item, isn't it?- Yes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20Now, you've had it for a number of years.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Have you ever thought about the value?
0:24:22 > 0:24:28Some time ago I did take it to be valued and he said up to £500.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31I think if it was in very good condition it might make that.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35But because of the condition issues that I've mentioned, I think
0:24:35 > 0:24:39we've got to temper that down a little bit in today's market.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Because, at the end of the day, they're quirky items
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- but what on earth do you do with them?- Absolutely, yes.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- You have to be a collector, really, don't you?- Yes.- You know?
0:24:48 > 0:24:51I think if we put it into sale we've got to think realistically
0:24:51 > 0:24:56and maybe put an estimate of 200-300 but with a reserve of 200.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- Would you be happy with that? - Indeed, yes.- Wonderful.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- And let's hope it lights up the saleroom.- Let's hope, yes.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Now, all the items that you've seen on the show
0:25:08 > 0:25:09so far have been in good condition.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11There's something I want to point out to you
0:25:11 > 0:25:13here in the library at Dunster Castle.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16It is the fabulously preserved wallpaper.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19The Victorian embossed wallpaper.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21And if you look closely you can see an image of a bird.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Now, that bird is a hoopoe bird.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27During the Victorian time there was a real fashion for this cheaper,
0:25:27 > 0:25:31embossed wallpaper because it was a cheap imitation of the real thing.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35Painted, embossed leather wallpaper. Which would cost a small fortune.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Now, the trick here is to keep this out of the sunlight
0:25:38 > 0:25:40and I think they've done a wonderful job here.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44Right, it's time to put our expert skills to the test as we go
0:25:44 > 0:25:46over to the auction room
0:25:46 > 0:25:49and here's a quick recap of what is going under the hammer.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Philip has given a modest valuation to the miniature chair
0:25:52 > 0:25:56but has speculated it could make three figures.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Dave will be keeping his fingers crossed.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Sylvia's novelty miner's lamp is a quirky one but let's hope it
0:26:04 > 0:26:08attracts some attention and meets its reserve price at least.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16And there's no doubt, surely, that Janet's pilot's watch will fly away.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20But will it sell for the heady heights of that top estimate?
0:26:27 > 0:26:29First, over to Mellors and Kirk auctions
0:26:29 > 0:26:33where Sylvia's unusual miniature lamp is up for sale.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Sylvia, it's great to see you again. Who's with you?
0:26:38 > 0:26:40- Who've you brought along? - My daughter, Suzanne.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- Pleased to meet you.- How do you do? - Hi, hi, hi.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Well, Mark was excited about this silver miner's lamp
0:26:45 > 0:26:47because you've not seen a silver miner's lamp before.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50No, and quirky bits of silver always seem to do well, don't they?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Yeah, it's a novelty thing, it's different
0:26:53 > 0:26:54and you can't do comparables on it.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56So someone's going to want to own this.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- Fingers crossed we get that top bid. Ready for this?- Yes.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- Been to an auction before?- Yes. - Yeah, quite a few times.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Right, here we go. Let's do it.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07£100, I have bid on commission at 100,
0:27:07 > 0:27:12and 10, 120, 130, 140, 150, clears my book at 150.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17160, 170, 180? At 170.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21180. 190, 190.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26200, 220, seated? At £200 the gentleman...
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- 200 on the reserve.- Yes. - I shall sell.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33It's gone, you did it, it's gone, just. It's gone.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- Well done.- Well done, Mark.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- Enjoy.- Thank you.- Thank you so much. - Thank you.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Not bad. Now to expert and auctioneer,
0:27:40 > 0:27:45Adam Partridge, as he puts the miniature chair under the hammer.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Well, I love this next lot going under the hammer.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50It's a little child's leather-backed chair.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- It's got quality and it's got charm, Dave.- Yeah.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- But it's also got family history. - It has, yeah.- Grandma's?
0:27:55 > 0:27:57It was my grandmother's, yeah. She had it when she was a child.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Why are you flogging this?
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Surely there's more generations of the family going on that
0:28:02 > 0:28:04would love this, a great christening present.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07I've got two daughters there and I don't want them squabbling over it.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- Does one of them love it? - They both love it.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14Look, I hope you come out winning all round. That's all I can say.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Let's hope we get top money for this, then you can take them
0:28:16 > 0:28:17all out for a meal.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19It's going under the hammer right now.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Lot 45 is this little child's rush seated chair.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25There we are, cute little thing.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Nice for a child or a doll or a teddy bear. Lot number 45.
0:28:28 > 0:28:3120, 5, 30, and 5. At £35, then.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35I have 35, is there 40 in the room, or not? At £35, 40 in the corner.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40At £40 in the corner now. At £40. 5, 45, 50. 50 bid.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42It's £50 in the corner.
0:28:42 > 0:28:48At £50, any advance on £50? Over this side now and we'll sell at £50.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Hopefully there's enough there to treat everybody.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- I'd just take the grandchildren out. - No, it's going towards my holidays.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- Oh, is it? Well, good luck. Where are you going?- Tenerife.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- Tenerife. Well, enjoy the weather, won't you?- Oh, I will do.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01Thank you, Dave.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Not quite the three figures we could have hoped for
0:29:03 > 0:29:06but still a respectable amount and Dave seems happy.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Finally, I've been looking forward to this.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12The pilot's watch is up for sale.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17Time's up. No, don't go and put the kettle on. We haven't finished yet.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Going under the hammer right now we've got Janet's Breitling watch.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23It's a navigator's watch for a pilot. And it was your husband's.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- All the money is going towards his charity, I believe.- That's correct.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29Deep down, I think we could double or triple this estimate.
0:29:31 > 0:29:36- Triple would be amazing. But I'm hoping for above top end.- Double.
0:29:36 > 0:29:42- Double, come on, James.- I'm hoping 1,650, 1,750, something that.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Look, I know it's out of our hands.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46We can talk until the cows come home.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Right now it's all down to this lot. A room packed full of bidders.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Let's hand to the proceedings over to Anita Manning. Here we go.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56A wonderful and rare watch, ladies and gentlemen.
0:29:56 > 0:30:02I am able, from commission bids, to start the bidding at...
0:30:02 > 0:30:07- £700.- Oh.- 700.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10It's a tease, don't worry, it's a tease.
0:30:10 > 0:30:11750. 800.
0:30:11 > 0:30:17850, 900, 950, 1,000, and 50.
0:30:17 > 0:30:221,100, and 50. 1,200, and 50.
0:30:22 > 0:30:271,300, and 50. 1,400, and 50.
0:30:27 > 0:30:311,500, 1,500.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36- £1,500.- Come on.- 1,500.
0:30:36 > 0:30:401,500 on the floor. Are you finished on the floor?
0:30:40 > 0:30:44It's at 1,500.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Commission at 1,550?
0:30:49 > 0:30:55- 1,580? 1,600.- You're there, James. You said 16, didn't you?
0:30:56 > 0:31:01I'll take 20 if you wish? 1,620, the book is out.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Oh. Wow, that £20.
0:31:04 > 0:31:081,620, any advance on 1,620?
0:31:08 > 0:31:12All done at 1,620, 1,620.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17- Yes, £1,620. - APPLAUSE
0:31:17 > 0:31:18Brilliant, happy with that.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21And that's going to two charities. You were spot on.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- Wasn't he spot on?- Absolutely.- Well done, James. And well done, Anita.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- Thank you for bringing something like that in. Good luck.- Thank you.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Well done.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36What an eclectic mix of collectables we've had on today's show.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Join us again soon to appreciate some art, relish some history
0:31:39 > 0:31:43and enjoy some more exciting auction action.