0:00:21 > 0:00:24Full of international flavour, this stunning manor house
0:00:24 > 0:00:28is Wrest Park, home to our valuations today.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33A French-style chateaux built at the end of the Georgian era.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Inside can be found rooms full of Eastern promise and we'll come
0:00:37 > 0:00:40back to that a bit later on in the show, because there's
0:00:40 > 0:00:44a queue forming around this building which mustn't be kept waiting.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Well, the sun is shining, there's smiles on everybody's faces.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Hundreds of people have turned up
0:00:56 > 0:00:58and lined the terrace for us today,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01from all over, Bedfordshire and beyond,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04carrying their unwanted antiques and collectables.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06And some of these items may have come from countries from
0:01:06 > 0:01:10far-flung corners of the globe, but the one thing they do have in
0:01:10 > 0:01:13common is, if you're happy with the valuation, what are you going to do?
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- ALL:- Flog it!
0:01:17 > 0:01:21And it's a good job too, because already rifling through the
0:01:21 > 0:01:24queue is our intrepid antique explorer, Anita Manning...
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Do you wear it? Where did you get it? Have you used it?
0:01:27 > 0:01:28No.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31..who always asks the right questions.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Do you like cats?
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- I do, I love cats. - Has this one got a name?- No.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43And the man with all the answers is "Flog It!" new boy, David Harper.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44Yeah, yeah, 19th-century.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Got a bit of African tribal art going on here, haven't we?
0:01:47 > 0:01:50But can he keep up with Anita Manning?
0:01:50 > 0:01:53A military gentleman, a military gentleman.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- Really?- I was. - David was a Boy Scout.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Yeah, but I was barred.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01On that note, I think we'd better get a move on.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06Let's get this raucous bunch down to the formal gardens where we'll
0:02:06 > 0:02:10be holding our valuations today, all under the watchful gaze of
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Wrest's impressive collection of 18th-century statues.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22And I think the pairs of lovers are rubbing off on our experts today,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25because they've got one thing on their minds.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30For me, the main use of a fan is to flirt.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35If it makes 200, you're taking me out on a date. How's that?
0:02:35 > 0:02:38But how do our items fare at auction?
0:02:38 > 0:02:39It was close, wasn't it?
0:02:39 > 0:02:42It was absolutely astonishing.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44And will Pat have to go on that date?
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- You're a bit in shock, aren't you? I think.- I am.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Well, look at that for a valuation day backdrop.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56It doesn't get any better than this, so let's get this show on the
0:02:56 > 0:03:00road and catch up with our experts and see what they've uncovered.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03And, as Anita loves her diamonds,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06she is very happy to have sat down with Janet.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08Tell me, where did you get it?
0:03:08 > 0:03:13My late husband gave it to me about 15 years ago as a birthday present.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15He liked to buy me nice things and I think
0:03:15 > 0:03:18he got as much pleasure of giving them to me
0:03:18 > 0:03:21as I did in sort of wearing them, so, yeah, it was lovely.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Tell me, do you wear it now?
0:03:24 > 0:03:26I used to wear it, but I haven't worn it for a while,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29because I don't have the occasion to wear that type of thing.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32It's really very much a going out to posh places thing,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- isn't it, really?- That's exactly it. That's posh stuff.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- THEY LAUGH - Yeah.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39It's lovely. Now, I've had a wee look at it.
0:03:39 > 0:03:45It's set in either a platinum or a high-carat white gold.
0:03:45 > 0:03:52- OK.- And we have both baguette diamonds and we have
0:03:52 > 0:03:56round brilliants of various different sizes.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57- OK.- And I think, cumulatively,
0:03:57 > 0:04:01we've probably got over two carats there.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06Diamonds are always beautiful and diamonds are always in fashion.
0:04:06 > 0:04:07Yes, OK.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11So, I would put an estimate of, say, five to seven
0:04:11 > 0:04:18on the brooch and we would put a reserve price of maybe 450.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22But I would like a bit of discretion on that 450,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- if you're happy with that? - Yeah, thank you.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Will you be sad to see it go?
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I will, really, because it was a special present,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30but I need a new lawnmower.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- Oh, right.- How boring is that? But there you go.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- And needs are as needs must. - I know, I know.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40So, we'll keep our fingers crossed with that and I hope that it
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- will do very well.- Thank you. - And I'm delighted
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- that you brought it in. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- It's a lovely thing to look at. - Thank you.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52And, now, from one beautifully crafted item to another.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Well, Pat, they say, don't they,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- that size isn't everything?- Yes.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Well, I think it probably is, because that,
0:05:00 > 0:05:02look at that little diddler.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- What do you know about it?- Not a lot.- Is that why you're here?
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- Yes.- Well, thanks for being helpful.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Any idea what it's made from?
0:05:11 > 0:05:12I think it's ivory.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Absolutely right, it is ivory.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19Now then, ivory, of course, is a contentious issue.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24It's something that we all believe should not ever
0:05:24 > 0:05:26under any circumstances be used today,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29but this object comes from a different time.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31So, go on, how long have you had it for?
0:05:31 > 0:05:32About 40 years.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- OK, and do you know what it was made for?- No.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Pat, you've had 40 years of research,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42but I'm now going to give you a clue.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44So, we open the lid - you hold that, Pat -
0:05:44 > 0:05:47and then we have little mother-of-pearl counters,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50for what, Pat?
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Gambling.- Gambling.- Yeah, thanks for the assistance there, yeah.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01So, it's Chinese, it's very exotic, made in about 1850 to 1890.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Really?
0:06:03 > 0:06:07And I think it was made for us in Hong Kong during the early
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- days of our ownership of that territory.- Hm.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14And it's something that a gentleman about town would own and
0:06:14 > 0:06:15he would carry it with him,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17because gambling was big business.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20And there are accounts through the 18th and the 19th centuries
0:06:20 > 0:06:24where people lost their homes,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27like this, because of things like this.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Literally, estates were lost overnight and gained,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33because of little objects like that.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37So, you've had it for 40 years. How did you come about it?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40I was given it by a lady that I knew.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42I used to do her hair for her.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44So, do you look at it? Do you have it on display?
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- It's in a cabinet, on display.- OK.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Now, the market for ivory, I've got to tell you,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53is on the slip down, and it's going to be an example
0:06:53 > 0:06:55of how cheap antiques really are
0:06:55 > 0:06:58and it's going to have to be £40-£60.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- And it might make...- Really? - I know, it's not much, is it?
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- No.- You thought it was worth more, didn't you?- Yes, I did, actually.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Well, it's always good, I like to build them up, you see, Pat,
0:07:06 > 0:07:07and then drag them down. Yeah.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Right, shall we reserve it at 40?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Yes.- So, you're happy to take it home if it doesn't sell?- Yes.
0:07:12 > 0:07:13Or do you want it just to go?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15No, if it doesn't sell, I'll take it home.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17OK, 40-60, reserve it at 40.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20If it makes 200, you're taking me out on a date, how's that?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Don't agree to anything, Pat,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27you don't know what it might make at auction.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Well, the crowds are still flocking in
0:07:29 > 0:07:31and bringing all sorts of items with them,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35including some very cute collectables.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Oh, what a lovely teddy. Is he yours?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- My brother's.- Your brother's. Has he got a name?- No.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Oh, shall we give him a name right here, right now?
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- Yes.- What shall we call him? What shall we call him?
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Any ideas what we can call teddy? Let's christen him today.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- Paul!- Not Paul, there's a better name than Paul.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- Gilbert!- Sorry?- Fred Bear. - Fred Bear.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Someone said Gilbert, who said Gilbert?
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Gilbert, I like Gilbert, do you like Gilbert?
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- Do you like Gilbert, more importantly?- Yes.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Yes. Gilbert the bear, welcome to "Flog It!"
0:08:13 > 0:08:16You've got to have a name and the more well-known, the better,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19as Anita can testify with her next find.
0:08:21 > 0:08:27Val, Doulton, Royal Doulton is one of the best of the factories
0:08:27 > 0:08:29and this is a wonderful,
0:08:29 > 0:08:37large example of Doulton's work in the first half of the 20th century.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It is called a Dickens jug.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44But tell me first of all how you came by it.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48It belonged to a great friend of my mother's and when she died,
0:08:48 > 0:08:54my mother had it and when my mother died, I had it.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- Right. Did you like it, Val? - I don't particularly like it, no.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Tell me why you don't like it.
0:09:00 > 0:09:06I don't like the colours and I just find it a bit dark.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11Well, let's have a think about it, all of these faces here
0:09:11 > 0:09:15are characters in Dickens' novels.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18If we turn it up and have a look at the back stamp...
0:09:20 > 0:09:24..we can see that we have three banners
0:09:24 > 0:09:28with lists of Dickens' characters in them.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32And it's interesting to try and guess which ones are which.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37- Yes, it is, yes.- Now, we have a little bit of script here.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42- The script reads, "Keep my memory green."- Yes.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45And what that is, is - "Keep my memory fresh."
0:09:45 > 0:09:52So, by designing this jug, the owner of the jug is continually
0:09:52 > 0:09:57reminded of the wonderful, wonderful Dickens characters.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02Now, this jug was designed by Charles Noke, who was one of
0:10:02 > 0:10:07Royal Doulton's most prestigious designers.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- Oh, OK.- And just as Charles Dickens painted so wonderfully
0:10:11 > 0:10:17the characters in his books, so Charles Noke designed
0:10:17 > 0:10:19the characters on this jug.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23So, I think that it is really quite a lovely thing.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Would it have been decorative or would it have been used...?
0:10:26 > 0:10:28It would've been a decorative jug,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- wouldn't have used that for anything.- No.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32I would like to put it into auction with
0:10:32 > 0:10:35an estimate of 100-150 on it,
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- Would you be happy with that estimate?- Yes, yes, I would, yes.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42We'll put a reserve price of, perhaps, 80 on it,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44would you be happy with that?
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- Yes. I wouldn't want to go below. - Below that. Yeah.
0:10:47 > 0:10:53I absolutely love it and in this jug, I have great expectations.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56And I would like a little more.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Well, you never know, Val, your wish might be granted.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05Charles Noke is highly regarded and viewers might be interested
0:11:05 > 0:11:08to learn that his inspiration for this pattern came from
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Robert William Buss' painting Dickens' Dream,
0:11:11 > 0:11:16showing the author surrounded by the characters he had created.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Buss died before he could finish it in 1875.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21With this history attached,
0:11:21 > 0:11:26I'm sure Val's jug won't fall on hard times in the saleroom.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28But before we make our way there,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31let's have a quick reminder of the items we're taking with us.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38We've got that pretty diamond brooch that Janet is hoping to trade
0:11:38 > 0:11:41in for a much more practical lawnmower.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Then there's Pat's Oriental ivory counter box,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46made in the 19th century.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50It complies with the international CITES agreement on trade,
0:11:50 > 0:11:55but is David right about ivory prices decreasing?
0:11:56 > 0:12:00And our third item is that Royal Doulton Dickens' Dream jug,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02designed by Charles Noke.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04With all those famous names attached,
0:12:04 > 0:12:07it's sure to attract lots of interest from the bidders.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16We're heading 20 miles southeast, as the crow flies,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18to our auction today.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21This takes you straight through one of Europe's largest wildlife
0:12:21 > 0:12:24conservation parks - Whipsnade Zoo.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Home to around 70 different species of birds,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30as we found out back in 2009.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33But we can't hang out with our feathered friends today,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36because waiting for us at Tring Market Auctions
0:12:36 > 0:12:39is auctioneer Stephen Hearn.
0:12:39 > 0:12:44And going first under his hammer or, should I say, pencil
0:12:44 > 0:12:47is Janet's glamorous diamond brooch.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50It's from the '40s, it's absolutely stunning,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53but we do know brooches sometimes struggle.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56This is where the jeopardy comes into the auction room, doesn't it?
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- It's so exciting, we've got a big caratage in that brooch...- Yes.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02..so that's going to help us,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- but we have no big, significant single stones.- No.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09But cumulatively it's absolutely divine.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- We're going to put that to the test, ready?- OK.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13Here we go, this is it.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The white gold diamond floral spray brooch,
0:13:16 > 0:13:18I want about 500 for it.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21300 bid then. 320, 350, are you 80, sir?
0:13:21 > 0:13:23At 380, 400 now.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28420 is it? 420, 420, 450, 450.
0:13:28 > 0:13:34I have 450. Sir has it then, I'm selling at £450 then.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35Thank you.
0:13:35 > 0:13:36We've sold it at £450.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Ohh. Good.- That's OK. - It was close, wasn't it?
0:13:40 > 0:13:41It was.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43But it climbed and it climbed and it climbed.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46It doesn't really matter, it's gone, that's the best thing. OK, happy?
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Yes, thank you. - Well done. Well done.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53I hope that means Janet can get her much needed lawnmower.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Now, there's been a change of plan on our next item.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Pat has increased the reserve.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04At £40-£60 by David at the valuation day,
0:14:04 > 0:14:08you have upped that valuation, haven't you?
0:14:08 > 0:14:09You cheeky monkey.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12She's not taking a gamble, she wasn't happy, were you, Pat?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- No, no.- Go on, get stuck in.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17She was going to give me a telling off on the day,
0:14:17 > 0:14:18I could sense it coming.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20I think you're both right, I'm going to sit on the fence with this.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Let's put it to the test right now.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Here we are. What about £70 for those?
0:14:25 > 0:14:2750, 40 bid then, 40 I have,
0:14:27 > 0:14:315, 50, 5, 60, 5, 70, 5, 80.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32Blimey, it's doing well.
0:14:32 > 0:14:355, 90. 5, 100.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37£100, it's got to 100.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42And 10. £110 then, £110, it's going.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46I shall sell for £110 then.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- You've got a new career, Pat. - Have I?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50You didn't need to worry, did you?
0:14:50 > 0:14:54You see, you let the market decide, £110.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Lovely.- That's fantastic, isn't it? - Fantastic.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- You're a bit in shock, aren't you? I think.- I am.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Shocked, but clearly pleased.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Now, auctioneer Stephen Hearn likes our next lot so much,
0:15:08 > 0:15:14he's upped the estimate from £150-£300 to £400.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17So, when the auctioneer rang you up and said,
0:15:17 > 0:15:21"Look, Valerie, I think we should say £300-£400."
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Did you go, "Oh, Stephen, oh, I love you.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26"You've made my day and, no, I'm not going to sell it
0:15:26 > 0:15:29"cos it's worth so much, I've changed my mind." Did you? I bet.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33I did think about whether I should sell it, but I don't like it, so...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36You don't like it. Do you know what? I don't like it either.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- Do you like it?- I think it's absolutely fascinating...
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- But you wouldn't want to own it? - I would have it, yeah.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I'd have the 400.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- And so would Valerie, wouldn't you?- I would.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Yes. And he's obviously confident, he knows his market,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53he obviously knows the collectors around here,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55we're going to find him right now,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57because it's going under the hammer, this is it.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02Now we have a very colourful Royal Doulton Charles Dickens' Dream jar.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05I'm nervous, I'm trembling for you, Valerie.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07What about £300 for it? 200?
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Yes, 200 bid for it there.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14At 210, at 220, 230, are you 40?
0:16:14 > 0:16:19At 240, 250, 260, 270 and 80, 290.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21300.
0:16:21 > 0:16:28At £290, at 290 then I'm going to sell at £290, thank you.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29Hang on.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Yes, sold to the gentleman over there, £290.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Thumbs up, that's very good.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Oh, that was excellent.- That's more than the original estimation.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- Oh, rub it in, go on. - Much more, much more.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Our experts don't always get it right, Val.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46As we know, it's not an exact science,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48I'm just glad it did so well.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Welcome back to our valuation day here at Wrest Park in the
0:17:04 > 0:17:06glorious formal gardens.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09We've already found and valued hundreds of antiques and
0:17:09 > 0:17:13right now it's time to catch up with our experts to find some more
0:17:13 > 0:17:17treasures to take off to auction and, as you can see, I'm still
0:17:17 > 0:17:21surrounded by hundreds of people, so we do have our work cut out.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22I think we'd better get on with it, don't you?
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Let's hand the proceedings over to our experts.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29And down by the Long Water overlooking the 18th-century
0:17:29 > 0:17:33baroque pavilion, David Harper has found a beautiful spot for a chat.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40Oh, Lillian, I've got to tell you, this is right up my street.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- Isn't it gorgeous? - I love the shape of it.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48It's a very good shape and suits the house just perfectly, doesn't it?
0:17:48 > 0:17:49Do you love it?
0:17:49 > 0:17:52I do like it very much, but I can't find
0:17:52 > 0:17:55a place in the house to put it, so it's been in a cupboard.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- No!- Yeah.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- It's a gorgeous thing, you know it's Chinese.- Yes.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Where did you buy it from? - In an auction room.- Right.- Job lot.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05Oh, right, so you got other things with it.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- When was that?- 35, 40 years ago.- OK.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10Now, how much did you pay for it?
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- I can't remember, I know it wasn't a lot.- No? No? OK.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- No more than about £28 or more for the lot.- For the lot.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Well, I just think it's absolutely delicious, I love the colours,
0:18:21 > 0:18:22I love the shape of it.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26That's a hexagonal shape which is much rarer than the typical
0:18:26 > 0:18:28kind of baluster vases.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31The cobalt blue is just delicious,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34she is the centrepiece, but look around the outside edge
0:18:34 > 0:18:37and can you see that decoration there?
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Can you see what that is?
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- All the way down the side of the body?- Hm.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Oh, you've never spotted it.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- No.- It's a bat.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Now can you see it?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51I can see it now, turning it that way round,
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- but I couldn't see it the other way. - No, well, there you go.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- Yes.- The bat in Chinese culture is an incredibly auspicious
0:18:57 > 0:19:00creature, representing good luck, long life, happiness.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- I never realised they were bats. - Well, there you go, you see.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Now, what about the condition? What do you think about that?
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- Well, it's pretty poor, is it? - It's not great.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- But it's very old. - What date do you feel it is?
0:19:12 > 0:19:14I think it's quite, quite old, but I couldn't really say,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16about 17th century.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Well, I'd like to think it was 17th century,
0:19:19 > 0:19:21and that says, in Chinese,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23"Made during the Kangxi period."
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Which is, rule of thumb, 1660 to 1720.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30So, you're bang on in its date,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34but Chinese markings are notoriously difficult,
0:19:34 > 0:19:38because the Chinese, for centuries, have marked pieces with
0:19:38 > 0:19:41earlier character marks as a sign of a reference to their
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- long-gone ancestors, so it's very complicated.- Hm-mm.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46So, there we have it,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49I'm going to have to describe it to be safe as 19th century with
0:19:49 > 0:19:51an earlier mark, it could make a few hundred,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55but I think I'd like to get it in at 50-90, which still leaves
0:19:55 > 0:19:59you a profit, I believe, does it not?
0:19:59 > 0:20:00- Does it?- Oh, yes.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Well, there you go, don't... Your face dropped, that's all.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Oh, no, did it? - Did you want £1,000 or something?
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Well, I'll accept 1,000.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Well, you know what? Odder things happen every day.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Yes, yes.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16OK, shall we go and have some fun at the auction?
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- Why not?- How exciting.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22David was quite right when he said the Chinese vase suited Wrest.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25And if we take a quick break from the valuations to peek inside
0:20:25 > 0:20:27the house, I'll show you why.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33Now, since the 1930s, most of the rooms on the upper floors here
0:20:33 > 0:20:36at Wrest have been used for offices
0:20:36 > 0:20:38and very few original features remain.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43However, something very special did survive and it's just in here.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48And just look at this. Isn't it spectacular?
0:20:48 > 0:20:52I'm surrounded by hand-painted Chinese wallpaper and it really
0:20:52 > 0:20:57is quite tremendous to be standing in here taking in all of this.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Now, this room was originally all boarded over until curators
0:21:01 > 0:21:04of the English Heritage pulled some of the boards away to reveal this.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07They knew what was there, but they hadn't seen the whole room
0:21:07 > 0:21:10and here we are, look, with a view of 360 degrees,
0:21:10 > 0:21:12taking in this whole story.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17Family records suggest this was first hung in 1792,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20in the original house on this site
0:21:20 > 0:21:22and then re-hung in the new house here,
0:21:22 > 0:21:28in the 1830s, where it's been ever since and I'm so pleased this
0:21:28 > 0:21:31has survived for everybody to see today.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Back down in the sunshine of the valuation area,
0:21:38 > 0:21:42one of our experts is taking this hot weather in her stride.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48Davina, give me a flutter.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49That is perfect.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53Well, it's a very warm day today.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56And these fans are perfect for keeping us cool.
0:21:56 > 0:22:03- But for me, the main use of a fan is too flirt.- Very much.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08Welcome to "Flog It!" and tell me, how did you come by these?
0:22:08 > 0:22:12I saw one fan and I fell in love with just the prettiness,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15the femininity of it and that started it.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18So, over about ten years,
0:22:18 > 0:22:20we went to antique fairs and bought fans.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23So what we've got here is a sort of stepped building,
0:22:23 > 0:22:28almost like the Chrysler Building in America
0:22:28 > 0:22:30and, when we open it,
0:22:30 > 0:22:38it's made of...these sticks are made of bone and we have this lovely
0:22:38 > 0:22:44organdie here with little sequins and little pieces of embroidery.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49This is a 19th-century fan and you have more in your collection,
0:22:49 > 0:22:55but we have mainly 19th-century examples here.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59The one with the mirrors, it's silver overlay
0:22:59 > 0:23:02so we have this detail here and, again,
0:23:02 > 0:23:07a hand-painted interior scene.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11And, of course, an ostrich feather fan
0:23:11 > 0:23:15is always froufrou and fabulous.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18So, it's a great wee collection.
0:23:18 > 0:23:24Price on them, I wouldn't say there are any here of high value.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28I would like to put them into auction with
0:23:28 > 0:23:35a very conservative estimate of between £100 and £200.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40- 100-200 is probably your best estimate to get.- That's fine.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Would you be happy with that? - Absolutely.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44I want a reserve, obviously.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- We'll put a reserve of 100 and I'll see you at the auction.- You will.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52And with any luck, there might be a couple of
0:23:52 > 0:23:54good-looking blokes we can flirt with.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Let's hope so.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01You don't have to wait until then, Anita, I'm sure I can rustle
0:24:01 > 0:24:04you up a couple of dapper gents right now.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Hm, love that hat.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Well, Rod, I can safely tell you that is
0:24:08 > 0:24:13a very posh cup and saucer and exactly the kind of cup and
0:24:13 > 0:24:18saucer that the owners of a property like this would use.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- Do you know much about it? - Not a lot. I know it's Meissen.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24I presume it's the Victorian period.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28And I suspect it's a sort of one-off display item.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32I can't imagine anybody having a tea set, but they might have done,
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- I don't know.- Well, listen, that was designed to use...to drink what?
0:24:36 > 0:24:39I don't know, it's a little large for tea,
0:24:39 > 0:24:41cos tea, obviously, was a very expensive item.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Not tea or coffee, that was designed to drink chocolate.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47- Right.- Isn't that lovely?
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- The big fashion for drinking chocolate began in the 1600s.- Yes.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Incredibly expensive and all these chocolate houses
0:24:54 > 0:24:58and coffee and tea houses opened up all over London
0:24:58 > 0:25:02and the finest people, the grandest people would have drunk those drinks
0:25:02 > 0:25:05out of Meissen tea cups and saucers.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Now then, dating this stuff is terribly difficult.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12The marks, the crossed swords change over time.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16That design, certainly, was made in the 18th-century.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19But that particular piece, I believe, is a very late
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- 19th-century, it could even creep into the 20th century.- Yes.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26That's the thing I didn't know, was it early or was it late?
0:25:26 > 0:25:28- It's late, but it's still Meissen. - Yes.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Damage. Little damage. - Little bit of damage.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Yes, unfortunately.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36And, Rod, I've got to tell you, in this business with porcelain,
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- damage can really kill it. - Yes, oh, yes. I'm aware of that.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43There's one major problem here, before we get on to the prices.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46That, originally, would've had a little cover,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49decorated just the same, on the top to keep the chocolate warm.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51- Right, right.- So, there's a problem.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52Now, how long have you owned it for?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54I've owned it for about four, five years.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58The trick with selling at auction is to be brave and to estimate
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- it sensibly to give the buyers is a bit of hope value.- Yes.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- And I, instinctively, would go 40-60, 50-70.- Yeah.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- It's cheap.- And it might make more and it might not.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09- Happy with 40-60?- Absolutely.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- Going to just let it go? - That's right, yeah.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- I like your style.- OK.- Thank you, I'll see you at the auction.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16All right then, jolly good. Thanks a lot.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Well, what a marvellous day we've had here at Wrest Park.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- Everybody has thoroughly enjoyed themselves, haven't you? CROWD:- Yes!
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Glorious surroundings as well.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33A wonderful historical backdrop, just look at that as a view.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37But, sadly, it is time to say goodbye to this wonderful historical
0:26:37 > 0:26:40setting, as we go over to the auction for the very last time
0:26:40 > 0:26:43today and put those final valuations to the test.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46And here's a quick recap of what's going under the hammer.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48There's the Chinese vase.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Will the bidders love it as much as David Harper does?
0:26:54 > 0:26:58And what about this collection of mostly 19th-century fans?
0:26:58 > 0:27:02As Anita puts it, it's very froufrou and fabulous.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06And, finally, there's Rod's Meissen cup and saucer. A very
0:27:06 > 0:27:11conservative estimate by David, this could be the one to watch.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Back in the saleroom, auctioneer Stephen Hearn
0:27:15 > 0:27:18is still wielding that pencil and the next lot
0:27:18 > 0:27:22under his graphite is Lillian's Chinese vase.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- Very nice piece.- Really? - Yes.- Oh, good.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- Yes, I don't think there's a lot of money on this...- No.
0:27:27 > 0:27:28I could see us doing a bit more.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Yeah, well, we were talking about this, weren't we?
0:27:30 > 0:27:32We think it's got legs, potentially,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34- it's the shape more than anything else, it's quite a rare shape.- Yes.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Architecturally, it stands well and
0:27:37 > 0:27:38that's what it's all about.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- Right, let's put it to the test, shall we? Happy?- Yes.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- Right, let's flog it. Here we go. - Let's go.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Now, we have got the baluster vase, what about that one?
0:27:46 > 0:27:48I think £100 for it.
0:27:48 > 0:27:5050 for it, 60, 70, 80, 90.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55- Going to be 100, is it? At £90.- £90. - Really?
0:27:55 > 0:27:57100 is bid.
0:27:57 > 0:27:58- Better.- Have a bit of fun with it.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00At 100 then, yes, it's yours, sir.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02For £100, thank you.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- £100 and it's sold. - That's all right, isn't it?
0:28:05 > 0:28:06Even with a little chip.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Do you know, I'd be a little bit sort of dubious,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10if it wasn't chipped, for 19th-century.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12You'd be asking questions, wouldn't you?
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- Thumbs are up.- That's good, yeah.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20I'm really glad Lillian's happy.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21Now, on this hot day in the auction,
0:28:21 > 0:28:25something's telling me Davina's lot might do quite well.
0:28:25 > 0:28:30So, our auctioneer Stephen has slightly upped the estimate.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Now, we had a reserve at the valuation day of £100.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- That's right. - Stephen, the auctioneer,
0:28:35 > 0:28:37has raised that to £150. OK? So, good luck.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- Thank you.- They're going under the hammer right now.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Where do we start? 100 to start?
0:28:41 > 0:28:43100? 80? 90. 100.
0:28:43 > 0:28:4610, 20, 30, 40.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50140, 150, 150, 60, 70 for madam.
0:28:50 > 0:28:5280. Madam has them then,
0:28:52 > 0:28:54I'm going to sell them, they're going down
0:28:54 > 0:29:00at 180 if there's no further bid then, they're yours for £180 then.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Well done, spot on, spot on, Anita.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Didn't really need to raise it, did we?
0:29:04 > 0:29:05But there you go.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Safety, err on the side of caution.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- Thank you very, very much.- £180. - Lovely. Thank you.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16And, finally, it's time for our very decorative last lot of the day.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Well, our next lot, sadly, our owner, Rod, can't be with us,
0:29:19 > 0:29:21but we do have the item, it's that Meissen cup and saucer.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25We had a valuation, originally, didn't we, of what? 40-60?
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- 40 and 60. It's a come-and-get-me. - It's a come-and-get-me.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33We had a revised estimate from the auctioneer at 120, 160.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37So, he, obviously, knows his local market.
0:29:37 > 0:29:38- And he likes it.- Yeah.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42There it is. A nice piece of Meissen, it carries good weight.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44There's a lot of work in this.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47I think we ought to start somewhere around about 150 for it.
0:29:47 > 0:29:48100 for it, what about sir?
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Yes, 120. 150, 180.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- Are you 200?- Wow.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58- 220, 250, 300, 320.- Ohh.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00At 320, 350.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- Phone line.- Phone lines.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04350. 400 in the room.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08400 is bid. 420 now? No?
0:30:08 > 0:30:13420 then, I'm going to sell it for £420. Your man.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16What a great result, £420.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18Well, it just goes to show.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20That is absolutely astonishing,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22but fantastic.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Fantastic. Shall we give him a ring?
0:30:24 > 0:30:26Do you know what? I think we should.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28I think you should say, "I slightly undercooked that."
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Yeah, but my defence is come and get me, bring them in,
0:30:31 > 0:30:34get them bidding, Paul, that's the trick.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Well, if it was a come-and-buy-me, it definitely worked,
0:30:39 > 0:30:43making ten times its original estimate.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46I think there's going to be a very nice surprise for Rod.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Well, there you are, that's it.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51It's all over from Tring Market Auction Rooms
0:30:51 > 0:30:54and we have some very happy owners.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55I hope you've enjoyed today's show.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Now, if you've got something you want to sell,
0:30:57 > 0:30:58we want to flog it for you.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04And details of up-and-coming dates and venues
0:31:04 > 0:31:05you can find on our BBC website.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Just log on to:
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Follow the links, all the information will be there.
0:31:10 > 0:31:11We'd love to see you.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Dust them down and bring them in.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15And keep an eye on your local press as well.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18But until then, goodbye from Tring Auction Rooms.