0:00:05 > 0:00:08We start today's show at the Beaulieu Estate in Hampshire.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Its attractions include a fine historic house,
0:00:12 > 0:00:13the ruins of an abbey,
0:00:13 > 0:00:17and one of the largest collections of amazing old cars in the country.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25Beaulieu is an excellent example of how a family have made their home,
0:00:25 > 0:00:28their family treasures and 7,000 acres of parkland
0:00:28 > 0:00:32viable in the modern world, with some very clever thinking.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34And later on in the programme,
0:00:34 > 0:00:37we'll be looking at more fascinating cars on display, like this one!
0:00:37 > 0:00:41But first, it's a tour of the country, as we find out if today's
0:00:41 > 0:00:46valuations will make their owners as financially sound, too.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Welcome to Flog It! CAR HORN SOUNDS
0:01:11 > 0:01:15We've travelled across the country, in search of exceptional stories
0:01:15 > 0:01:17and objects to take to auction.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19And we've been saving some of the best till now.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24In today's show, we travel to Kent, to Chiddingstone Castle,
0:01:24 > 0:01:29a fascinating historic house set in 35 acres of countryside.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33To Dorset, to Lulworth Castle,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37an early 17th-century mock castle only ten minutes from the coast.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41And then inland, to Wrest Park in Bedfordshire,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43an elegant house in the French style...
0:01:45 > 0:01:47..where our experts find some fascinating collectables.
0:01:50 > 0:01:51In our programme today,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55things get a bit out of control for Christina Trevanion at Wrest Park.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59BUZZING SOUND What happens when it gets to the... Oh, we've got more of it, here.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02We've got some more, Oh, we've got to stop him! Quick, stop him!
0:02:02 > 0:02:03THEY LAUGH
0:02:03 > 0:02:06And Adam Partridge has to put the brakes on at Chiddingstone Castle.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09We're ready, loaded with air. Are you with me? We're going to fire?
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Not quite! Oh. You're very impetuous, Diana!
0:02:12 > 0:02:14We're not going to fire just yet. I knew it, you can't wait to.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15I really wanted the excitement.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20But which one of these items will be a runaway success at the auction?
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Bids all out then, selling then, to the blue shirt.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Can you imagine how much it costs to maintain
0:02:29 > 0:02:32an estate like Beaulieu?
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Well, the owners aren't going to tell me exactly,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37but needless to say, a great deal,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40to keep all of these individual elements running smoothly.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44The Montagu family have owned this site since 1538,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47and they take their responsibility very seriously,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51opening up their home to the public over 60 years ago.
0:02:51 > 0:02:52And later on in the show,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55we will be exploring some of the attractions here,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58but right now, it's straight in to the valuations and let's hope
0:02:58 > 0:03:00our owners have been equally as diligent
0:03:00 > 0:03:02with the care of their treasures.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Our first stop is Kent, where we find Thomas Plant making the most
0:03:08 > 0:03:12of the sunshine, in the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17So, John, are you a photographer? Only digital these days. Yes? Yes.
0:03:17 > 0:03:18JOHN LAUGHS
0:03:18 > 0:03:21And what were you doing before, was it 35mm film, or...?
0:03:21 > 0:03:23It was 35mm SLR, yes. Yes.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25I've still got that one tucked away in a cupboard somewhere.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28They're quite valuable. As these are now. Yes.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30So we're looking at early photography, aren't we? Yes.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34And traditionally, we would call these, um,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37mahogany and brass, hand-held,
0:03:37 > 0:03:39quarter-plate cameras. Yes.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Quarter-plate because of the glass plate on the back... Yes.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45..is quarter size of a larger plate. Yes.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Tell me, how did you come by it?
0:03:47 > 0:03:51I inherited it from my great uncle, Major Ernest Lee.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53That was about 30 years ago. And what did he do?
0:03:53 > 0:03:58He was an inventor and mechanical engineer
0:03:58 > 0:03:59for most of his life.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02He served in both the world wars.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05In the World War I, it was his job to go
0:04:05 > 0:04:10and view crashed German aircraft behind our lines...
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Really? ..and unbolt bits of interest to be sent back
0:04:13 > 0:04:17to Farnborough for further evaluation. So, he was looking for
0:04:17 > 0:04:19inventions that the Germans had built
0:04:19 > 0:04:22onto their machines, like synchronised machine guns.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24In the first war? In the first war.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26So, he would have had something very similar,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30if not this camera, in the first war. Quite possibly, yes.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33It dates from that period, the first war period, and just after.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36The lens is interesting. Yes.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41Bausch Lomb. Yes. They established lenses manufacturing in the mid-19th
0:04:41 > 0:04:45century. Bausch was an optician and Lomb was his financer. Oh, right.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Do you know how it works? Well, you adjust the focus with the
0:04:48 > 0:04:50knurled knob at the side.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Um, looking at the glass screen on the back.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58When you've got the image right, you open this little flap here...
0:04:58 > 0:05:00like that, and that folds out of the way.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03And you can slide one of the negative carriers
0:05:03 > 0:05:05which you've previously loaded in the darkroom
0:05:05 > 0:05:08with two glass plates. Yes. And that...
0:05:08 > 0:05:09So, these nitrate plates?
0:05:09 > 0:05:12..drops in there, and then to take the picture,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15assuming you should have closed the shutter...
0:05:15 > 0:05:18you pull that up there, to expose the plate
0:05:18 > 0:05:21and then you cock the shutter
0:05:21 > 0:05:24and...press the trigger.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29And there seems to be a few additions to this camera. Yes.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Here... My great uncle modified the trigger mechanism
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and he's also added on a...
0:05:36 > 0:05:39structure on the base of the camera
0:05:39 > 0:05:43to allow for a flash to be fitted, which goes in that side there.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Right. And also it's got a fitting to screw onto a tripod.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Oh, so he really was an inventor of sorts, wasn't he? Oh, he was, yes.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55When it comes to value, these aren't making hundreds and hundreds,
0:05:55 > 0:05:59but they are certainly making over ?100. Oh, that's good. Yeah.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03And I would think that would be a sensible estimate. ?100-?150.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Right, that's good, thank you. Are you happy with that?
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Yes, very happy. Because you've got all the accoutrements with it.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12Yes, there's quite a few spare negative carriers.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14Well, thank you very much, John. OK.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19And we look forward to making a snappy sale for you at the auction.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22I look forward to being there.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24You could have a lot of fun with that.
0:06:24 > 0:06:31Our tour continues 145 miles to the west, in Dorset, at Lulworth Castle,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34where Catherine Southon has spotted a great little character.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Well, this little piggy hasn't come to market, but he's come
0:06:38 > 0:06:41out in the sticks, to Lulworth Castle to see us here today.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Thank you for bringing him along, Claire. It's quite all right.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Tell me a bit about this pincushion. Where did you get him from?
0:06:47 > 0:06:52He's a little piggy that has come to me from my mother,
0:06:52 > 0:06:56who died two years ago. And I always played with it as a child.
0:06:56 > 0:07:03He did have a nice bright blue back, where the pins would be put in,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06but unfortunately, I played with it so much, it got rubbed away.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09My mother obviously realised that I liked it
0:07:09 > 0:07:13and she gave it to my sister to give to me, you know, when...
0:07:13 > 0:07:17when she died. My mother was an auctioneer's clerk, which is
0:07:17 > 0:07:20where she got this little pig from.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22So, she bought this at auction? Yes.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26Oh, I see. Yes, when she was about 18. Right.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28And she would have been 94 this year. Right.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32So, this was always at home. You never used it as a pincushion?
0:07:32 > 0:07:36No. It was just in a cabinet or something? On the shelf, yes.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I think it's beautifully fashioned,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41it's got such an intricate little tail
0:07:41 > 0:07:45and the haunches at the back and the little ears, I just...
0:07:45 > 0:07:47I think it is such a beautiful little item.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50But I know nothing about it. He's got character, hasn't he?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Let's be honest.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55We see a lot of these on Flog It!, I'm not going to pretend to you
0:07:55 > 0:07:57they are incredibly rare, because they are not.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01I've seen bigger ones and I've seen smaller ones.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03But he seems nicely proportioned, this one,
0:08:03 > 0:08:05and he's got a nice little character.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Now, he's silver, it's hallmarked for Birmingham and it's dated with
0:08:09 > 0:08:14the letter M, so it's about 1911-1912, so that's the date.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17And we've got the maker's initials there, as well,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21so it is Adie Lovekin. And it's that sort of date, 1911-1912.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24You say that you played with it quite a bit
0:08:24 > 0:08:27and it was a nice bright blue. It's slightly faded.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30To be honest, it's not going to make a huge difference.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34If it had a replaced pincushion or, indeed, if it was missing,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37then that would be questionable.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39But it's just a little rubbed with time.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41There are people, as well, that collect pigs,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45so this sort of thing would be desirable at auction.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50Any ideas on price? I have absolutely no idea, whatsoever.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54I would say at auction, you'd probably expect around ?60 to ?100
0:08:54 > 0:08:57and I would suggest putting a reserve on of 50.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00How does that sound to you? That's fine by me.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03I think the fact that it came from auction
0:09:03 > 0:09:06and it's going back to auction is absolutely perfect.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07Well, say goodbye.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Bye, little piggy. Bye, little piggy. He's going off to auction.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16It is true, these pigs are not rare, but they are charming.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21So, fingers crossed, Clare's luck in the saleroom is set to continue.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26We travel 150 miles north now, to Wrest Park in Bedfordshire,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29where Christina Trevanion has found her second childhood.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Ooh, round it goes, round it goes, round it goes, ooh!
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Come on, you can do it!
0:09:35 > 0:09:38There we go! He's speedy on the straight bits, isn't he?
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Norman, I love this.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43And, Olive, thank you for bringing them in, these wonderful
0:09:43 > 0:09:46collection of toys, I feel like a child in a sweet shop, I really do.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Where have they come from?
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Well, they're family toys that have been with us,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54we believe, an awful long time. Right.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58Unfortunately, I spent most of my childhood in hospital, from two
0:09:58 > 0:10:00to seven. Oh, really? Five years.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Yes. Oh, my goodness! So, did you never play with these as a child?
0:10:04 > 0:10:08I don't have a recollection of actually playing with them, no.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13Unfortunately, or fortunately, that may have been their saving grace,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16because so often we see toys these days, especially tin-plate
0:10:16 > 0:10:20toys, which, as you can see, they're quite thin, aren't they?
0:10:20 > 0:10:24They were pressed out. They are so often very, very worn.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29I think also the fact that nearly all of them are still working.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34It shows just how good English toys were made pre-war. Absolutely. Yeah.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Well, we have... Obviously, the Germans made...
0:10:38 > 0:10:40They were the real, sort of, frontrunners at the turn
0:10:40 > 0:10:43of the century, making really could tin plate toys,
0:10:43 > 0:10:47but the majority of what you've got here is actually British. Yes.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49They really do evoke the era.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52I mean, this is so, sort of, 1950s, 1960s. It's fabulous.
0:10:52 > 0:10:53Really fabulous.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56And have you been playing with them since you found them?
0:10:56 > 0:10:59No, but I have! LAUGHTER
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Well done, Olive!
0:11:01 > 0:11:04I like it. So, which is your favourite, Norman?
0:11:05 > 0:11:09Well, I think the cowboy, actually. This little chap over here? Yes.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12He is quite spectacular. I do love him.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15I can quite see why you're taken with him.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18They are all still in fantastic condition. They really are.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22Olive, which is your favourite? I like my fireman. Our fireman.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Can we have a demonstration of him?
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Oh, look at him!
0:11:27 > 0:11:29I think he's fantastic. That's wonderful.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31What happens when he gets to the top?
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Oh, we've got more of it here, haven't we? We've got to stop him!
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Stop him! Quick!
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Before he climbs off the end of his ladder!
0:11:38 > 0:11:40It really sort of evokes the innocence of childhood
0:11:40 > 0:11:43and how much fun actually you can get out of the simplest of things.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46And with the simplest of technology, really.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47I mean, they are all key turn.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50There's nothing particularly fancy about them,
0:11:50 > 0:11:51but they're just great fun.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55I really like them and there is definitely a market for them.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57There is an interest in tin-plate toys
0:11:57 > 0:11:59and in toys that obviously are made in Britain.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02What sort of expectations did you have at auction?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Were you thinking about selling them?
0:12:05 > 0:12:07If they could get a home, somewhere where
0:12:07 > 0:12:11they would not deteriorate, I think it would be good. Yeah.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14I would hope that they would go to a home that is a collector's home,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16rather than to be played with, cos I think
0:12:16 > 0:12:18they are far too precious for that.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21They are wonderfully nostalgic, aren't they?
0:12:21 > 0:12:24I found the box and when I opened it, this was the first one I saw.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Oh, really? And it... I'd had a rotten day up until then
0:12:27 > 0:12:29and it really brought a smile to my face.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33But you can't help but smile, can you? I mean, they are wonderful.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35They just make you smile. You're absolutely right.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I think really we would be looking at putting them in as one lot,
0:12:38 > 0:12:40because I think they certainly will all appeal to the same
0:12:40 > 0:12:43collector of tin-plate toys. And I think, at auction,
0:12:43 > 0:12:48we're probably thinking somewhere in the region of ?200 to ?300.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50How would you feel about that?
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Well, I think that's...
0:12:52 > 0:12:56It will at least give an opportunity for somebody that would like to
0:12:56 > 0:12:58do something with them. Quite.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Would you be happy with a discretionary reserve at 200,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03or would you want a firm reserve? I think a firm reserve.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04Firm reserve.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07So, if they don't sell for 200, then you'll have them back. Yes. Super.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Shall we have a quick last go before he goes?
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Oh, wow! Crash! LAUGHTER
0:13:18 > 0:13:19Oh, he's derailed.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Oh, no!
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Those toys are at the top of their game.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Our tour now continues at Lulworth Castle in Dorset,
0:13:28 > 0:13:32where a colourful item has caught Catherine Southon's eye.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Stefan, lovely to meet you. Welcome to Flog It!
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Thank you. Very nice to meet you, too.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38A wonderful collection of spoons here.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Well, two sets of spoons. Now, when you see these,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44and probably when the viewers see these at home,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46they will be thinking, these are incredible.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50And, indeed, they are beautiful. And what lovely colours they are.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53But there is this huge cloud which is hanging over them
0:13:53 > 0:13:56and it begins with the word D. And that's damage. Mm.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01And that is a problem. These are lovely enamelled little
0:14:01 > 0:14:04coffee spoons. I am going to look at one of them individually.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06I am going to look at this set, first of all.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10This was retailed by the Goldsmiths Silversmiths Company
0:14:10 > 0:14:13and these would date from around 1930.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Let's have a look at this one first of all,
0:14:16 > 0:14:18because this is where the D word starts.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23Can you see that? Mm. A big bit of damage on some lovely blue enamel
0:14:23 > 0:14:27there. It is so sad, because these are so elegant
0:14:27 > 0:14:30and so pretty. And I love the blue colours
0:14:30 > 0:14:32and the red and the white. Very British.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Mm. Very patriotic. Absolutely.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38I am just going to have a quick look at these, cos it will be nice
0:14:38 > 0:14:41to date them. And they are 1936.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44And they are made by the Adie Brothers for the retailers,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48Goldsmiths Silversmiths Company. These have come down through
0:14:48 > 0:14:51the family, have they? They must have been a wedding present...
0:14:51 > 0:14:56Right. OK. ..for my mother. I think she got married in about 1938.
0:14:56 > 0:14:581938. Right. So, that works.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Where she particularly patriotic? Oh, yes. Was she? Ah, well,
0:15:02 > 0:15:06they have chosen the colours well, haven't they?! Very definitely.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09It is just such a shame. The more I look at them,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12the more damage I see. In perfect condition, we would be looking at
0:15:12 > 0:15:16about ?100 for these. But they are not quite going to be up to that.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19But I will come back to that a bit later. Right.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21These little spoons here, these are Danish,
0:15:21 > 0:15:25by the well-known Danish factory, Tostrup. What beautiful colour.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26I think those are lovely.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Really exquisite, aren't they?
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Again, these are all enamel and they are on gilt silver.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37In perfect condition, again, you would be looking at ?100-?150
0:15:37 > 0:15:40for these, but I can see there is a tiny bit of damage on each
0:15:40 > 0:15:43and every one. Rough washing-up.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Is that what it is? Did you wash them up? No. Do I tell you off?
0:15:46 > 0:15:49I've never used them. I have never seen them being used.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53So, it all comes down to price. ?100, in perfect condition.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56?100-?150, in perfect condition.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59This goes right down, I'm afraid, and you would be really looking
0:15:59 > 0:16:02for the two at around ?50-?80.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03Ooh!
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Maybe 60-80.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Mm, because of the damage. Shall we say 60-80?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12It sounds a bit better, doesn't it? Yes. Shall we put a ?60 reserve
0:16:12 > 0:16:13on them? Please.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17OK, let's say ?60-?80, with a 60 reserve. Happy with that? Yes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Let's close them and forget about the damage.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23And we are going to make good money at auction.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Thank you so much, Stefan. It is lovely to meet you. And you, too.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30Before we head off to auction, there is something I'd like to show you.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44In the year 1204, stone and other building materials were brought up
0:16:44 > 0:16:47this river to build an abbey church on land gifted
0:16:47 > 0:16:52to the Cistercian monks by the king. Now, this king was King John,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55who had not led the holiest of lives. Maybe he was worried about
0:16:55 > 0:17:00eternal damnation. But he visited this abbey frequently
0:17:00 > 0:17:02and he named it Bellus Locus Regis,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05which translates to, "the beautiful place of the King".
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Better known to us today as the estate of Royal Beaulieu.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13A deal had been made,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17that in order to repay his generosity, the Cistercian monks,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20known above all other religious orders for their poverty,
0:17:20 > 0:17:24chastity and obedience to God, would pray for the somewhat
0:17:24 > 0:17:25tarnished soul of King John.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Although prayer was the core activity here,
0:17:30 > 0:17:32plenty of other duties were performed,
0:17:32 > 0:17:36but all of them were seen by the monks as an extension of prayer.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41They generated an enormous amount of income by working the land,
0:17:41 > 0:17:43rearing sheep and selling wool.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49It took 100 years to complete the complex around the Abbey Church
0:17:49 > 0:17:54and it seems quite ironic today that 300 years after work began
0:17:54 > 0:17:59this river was used to transport those very rocks back again
0:17:59 > 0:18:02to be used on other building projects around the country
0:18:02 > 0:18:04by the orders of another king.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08So why did this happen, and he was the other King?
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Well, this was a king who was desperate to have a male heir.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17A king who, despite being married for 20 years, had not produced one.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21This was an extravagant king whose coffers were being bled dry
0:18:21 > 0:18:24because he was paying for costly coastal defences
0:18:24 > 0:18:28and fighting expensive wars with the French and the Spanish.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31This was King Henry VIII.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35A king who was to change the course of English history, firstly,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37by breaking with the Pope in Rome
0:18:37 > 0:18:41and then making himself the supreme head of the Church of England.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48This enabled Henry to have his long-standing marriage
0:18:48 > 0:18:51to Catherine of Aragon declared null and void,
0:18:51 > 0:18:53and marry a young Anne Boleyn,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55the second of his six wives.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Shortly after this, he proceeded with the dissolution
0:18:58 > 0:19:01of the monasteries, which changed the face of England for ever.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06In 1536, there were over 800 monasteries, nunneries and friaries.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Combined, they owned a third of the land in the country.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14In 1540, four years later, there were none.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18Henry VIII and the people around him were considerably wealthier.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24During those four years, Henry used Thomas Cromwell, a clever
0:19:24 > 0:19:30legal adviser, to act as his agent, and the opportunist plan took shape.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33The religious houses were becoming increasingly ungodly,
0:19:33 > 0:19:37which made them unpopular with ordinary people.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39So Thomas took advantage of this and,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43with a piecemeal approach began by shutting down the smaller
0:19:43 > 0:19:47establishments who had the worst reputations.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50He then moved on to the richer, more powerful ones like Beaulieu Abbey.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Where he could, Cromwell negotiated payoffs but,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58if his offers were declined, he resorted to force.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05The abbot here formally surrendered the Abbey to the Crown in 1538,
0:20:05 > 0:20:09and for that, he received an annual pension of ?66.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13In contrast to the brothers, who received between ?4 and ?6.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19This is all that is left of the Abbey Church,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23the spiritual centre of the precinct here at Beaulieu.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26It really is just a ghost of a former building,
0:20:26 > 0:20:31the first to be knocked down upon Henry's orders in 1539.
0:20:31 > 0:20:32What are we left with?
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Well, hardly a stone upon a stone.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41It really is just a field with the imprint of its former huge building.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44The stone went down the river by order
0:20:44 > 0:20:46of the King and was used to build defensive
0:20:46 > 0:20:51castles on the Solent at Hurst, Calshot and Cowes.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54But what did Henry VIII do with the ruined abbey and estate,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57which was one of the richest pickings of the dissolution?
0:20:59 > 0:21:02He refilled his empty coffers by selling it to a powerful friend,
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Sir Thomas Wriothesley,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06whose descendants still live here today.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11And I'm going to meet one of them, Ralph Montagu.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15So what happened to Beaulieu after the dissolution of the monasteries?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Well, a lot of the Abbey was destroyed
0:21:18 > 0:21:21but some significant bits were left, and this is one such part.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24It was the great gatehouse to the Abbey, where the
0:21:24 > 0:21:25monks receive their guests
0:21:25 > 0:21:29and it made quite a good hunting lodge for the lay owners
0:21:29 > 0:21:32after the dissolution and then, much later,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36my great-grandfather extended it and made it into the family
0:21:36 > 0:21:39home that it is today, and made this room,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41which was a big, open hall originally,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43into this magnificent drawing room.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46It is a stunning run and it's got a good feel about it.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Tell me a little bit about the stained-glass windows, the armorials.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Well, this is Victorian.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53This is part of the conversion that was done at that time.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57And these are the shields of benefactors
0:21:57 > 0:22:00and other significant figures connected with the Abbey,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02most notably, perhaps, Thomas Stevens,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06the last abbot of Beaulieu who was required, shall we say,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09to surrender the Abbey to the Crown.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11And he's remembered there.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13He was one of the more cooperative ones, because some
0:22:13 > 0:22:16of the abbot in the North were literally hung, drawn and quartered.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Not a very nice ending.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It's perhaps hard for us to imagine what life would have
0:22:24 > 0:22:27been like back in England in the 16th century
0:22:27 > 0:22:29and what impact this huge establishment would have
0:22:29 > 0:22:32had in the medieval world.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35This was a place where the poor could seek alms,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37where the sick could be treated and where fugitives,
0:22:37 > 0:22:41both high and low in status, could seek sanctuary.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43The sound of bells that would ring out during the day
0:22:43 > 0:22:46and night calling the monks to prayer would have been
0:22:46 > 0:22:51a familiar soundtrack to life for the people in the villages and the fields beyond these walls.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04We've got our first four items. Now, we're taking them off to the sale.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11These two sets of spoons with their coloured enamels are highly decorative.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14It will all depend on the bidders overlooking damage.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21John's camera comes with all the kit,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24so it should get full exposure in the saleroom.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31This little silver piggy was bought at auction
0:23:31 > 0:23:33but will history repeat itself?
0:23:37 > 0:23:39And this toy collection is in mint condition,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42so what more could the bidders ask for?
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Charterhouse Auctioneers in Dorset is where our first sale is
0:23:53 > 0:23:54being held.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Auctioneer Richard Bromell is on the rostrum,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59selling the attractive silver spoons.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Well, I've just been joined by Stefan and our expert Catherine.
0:24:02 > 0:24:03They do say, you know,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Was Stefan born with six?!
0:24:09 > 0:24:10You have lots of boxes of spoons.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12What are you doing with all these spoons?
0:24:12 > 0:24:14They've just been sitting in the draw for years.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16These coffee sets, is it something you want to collect
0:24:16 > 0:24:18or family inheritance?
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Family inheritance. And you never use them. No.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23The enamel ones are quite nice, obviously in red, white and blue.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25They're not perfect. They're not, no.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Totally understand if they don't sell.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Might struggle on these, purely because of the damage.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32To the enamel.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35So, the six silver gilt enamelled teaspoons. Another set, as well.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37A little bit of damage, but very pretty,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39the set and I'm straight in at ?50, I have a bid now at 50.
0:24:39 > 0:24:4160, ?60 on the right. That's good. You sold them.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43?60, I have.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Two sets of teaspoons, at 60. 70 on the internet.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50At ?70, the internet bid. Selling online at 70. That's good. Good.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Thank you so much.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53Done it. Job done.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54See? We proved you wrong.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Mind you, it's not a lot of money for two boxes.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Let's face it, 35 quid a box.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01That's quite a bargain, I think.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03I know, if you look at it like that, they have.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05They've gone, they've gone. This is what this show's all about.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08It's called "Flog it!" We want to sell your things, so bring
0:25:08 > 0:25:10it in and we'll do the business.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11Well done, Catherine.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Everyone is pleased with that.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20Tim Duggan is wielding the gavel for us at Ewbank's Auctions in Surrey,
0:25:20 > 0:25:21near the town of Guildford.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Five pounds.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25John, good luck. Your camera is just about to go under the hammer.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28I should say this was your... Was it your uncle's? Great uncle.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Great uncle. Why are you selling it now?
0:25:30 > 0:25:34Well, when I originally inherited it in 1984, I had ideas of,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37"Oh, I'll get this working", and that sort of thing
0:25:37 > 0:25:39and it's remained in a box ever since.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42I have those ideas with things! They stockpile.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46Never going to get round to it. We're going to put this to the test, this camera.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48It's going under the hammer right now.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51The mahogany and glass-plated camera there by Bausch Lomb there.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55And we go straight in at ?60 online. 65, now 70, have we got now?
0:25:55 > 0:25:56I want 75 now, please.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Online. 80, we've got now. 85, now, please.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Looking for ?80 now. We're looking for 85 now.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05All online, collectors buying online. 95 now.
0:26:05 > 0:26:06Looking for 95 now.
0:26:06 > 0:26:0895 bid now. Looking for 100. 100 in the room now.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11These cameras look lovely on the tripod base, don't they?
0:26:11 > 0:26:14They look fabulous. And it's the bases that haven't survived.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Look at this. It's brilliant.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21It's your bid online now. 110. Selling then, online, at 110.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24110, the hammer's gone down. Good for you. That's good.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Happy with that result? Yes, thank you. Well done.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Yes, I hope it will give someone an interesting attempt to use it.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Someone should have a go. If they've got all the kit and they just need the chemicals,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38it's worth trying to have a go, isn't it?
0:26:38 > 0:26:41And so much more satisfying than clicking a button
0:26:41 > 0:26:43and seeing them on screen.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51We're now heading just north of London to Tring Market Auctions,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54where auctioneer Stephen Hearn is selling the toys for us.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58I shall sell. Make no mistake, they're going for ?180.
0:26:58 > 0:26:59Thank you.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03Fingers crossed, Norman. Good luck. Is this your first auction?
0:27:03 > 0:27:06First auction. The first auction you've ever been to.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Fingers crossed. That's all I can say. Condition, very, very good.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12I know there's a bit of damage to one of the wheels,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14wasn't there, in transit?
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Had a chat to Stephen earlier and he said there's enough in the lot,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20hopefully, to carry it through without devaluing it.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24Condition is key with these collectors. They are a fussy lot.
0:27:24 > 0:27:25You know who you are.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28But you've got to be right here, right now to buy them!
0:27:28 > 0:27:32Very interesting collection of '50s and '60s tin plate toys.
0:27:32 > 0:27:37Where shall we start? 150 for them? 100 for them? Yes? 100, we have.
0:27:37 > 0:27:3910 for you, sir? Are you 20, sir? Yes?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42130. 140. And 50.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45160. Two of you want them. 70. 80.
0:27:45 > 0:27:5080, I have. At ?180. And 90, is it?
0:27:50 > 0:27:54I'm going to sell at 180, then. They're going down. I shall sell.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Make no mistake, they're going for ?180.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Well, the hammer's gone down and they've sold at ?180.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04I know we had a fixed reserve at ?200, but I think Stephen's used
0:28:04 > 0:28:08his discretion there and the auction room will make up the balance.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Often, you use that 10% discretion. It was one bid away.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Why lose the sale for one bid? Are you happy with that? Yes.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Good. Sold. Job done!
0:28:17 > 0:28:20And they're off to a new home.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24Now back to Dorset and to beautiful Sherborne, where my favourite item
0:28:24 > 0:28:29is being sold by auctioneer Richard Bromell, Charterhouse Auctioneers.
0:28:30 > 0:28:35Going under the hammer right now, we have a silver pincushion in the form of a little pig.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38It belongs to Clare. I go gooey when little pigs come on the show.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Every time we sell a pincushion, it's a
0:28:40 > 0:28:43pig or it's some kind of pig, I love pigs.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47Why are you selling it? Just for the "Flog It!" experience actually.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49The "Flog It!" experience!
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Why not? Oh, good girl! Brilliant! OK.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54We should get top end cos everyone loves pigs. People do.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Let's put it to the test. Ready? This is it.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00The Edwardian novelty pincushion and this little piggy's going off
0:29:00 > 0:29:03to market now. ?50 is bid. At 50. 60. 70.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05At ?70 and away now. We're away.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07At ?70, it goes, selling... 80, new bidder.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Third row and seated on the aisle. At ?80 and away now.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12It's selling in the room at ?80. Good. The internet all quiet.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15It's in the room and I sell at 80. At 80.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Well, that trotted up quickly, didn't it? Fantastic. ?80.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Nice and quick.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Well outweighed its scrap value and that's what it's all about,
0:29:22 > 0:29:24isn't it? Yeah, very nice.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Cos the cushion was a little bit worn, wasn't it? It was, yes.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Nice looking thing though. Good face on it. Thank you for bringing it in.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Back at Beaulieu, I'm admiring one of the largest
0:29:44 > 0:29:47collections of vintage and veteran cars in the country.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50Memories and the passion for motoring are on show
0:29:50 > 0:29:52here at the National Motor Museum,
0:29:52 > 0:29:57which has over 250 spectacular historic vehicles on display.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00When it comes to motoring,
0:30:00 > 0:30:05Britain gave the world the iconic design of the Mini, the style
0:30:05 > 0:30:09of the Jaguar and the everlasting elegance of the Rolls-Royce.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13The museum was set up over 60 years ago by the current
0:30:13 > 0:30:17Lord Montague in honour of his late father, John Montague,
0:30:17 > 0:30:20who was an early British motoring enthusiast.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23He became a leading advocate for motoring in this country,
0:30:23 > 0:30:27even introducing the royal family to the car by taking
0:30:27 > 0:30:29the Prince Of Wales out for a spin.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32He enthusiastically took part in rallies
0:30:32 > 0:30:35and owned a little gem like this.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39The 1903 De Dion Bouton was made in France and was one of the most
0:30:39 > 0:30:43popular cars on British roads in the early 20th century.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47In fact, over half of all the cars in Britain were being
0:30:47 > 0:30:49manufactured by De Dion Bouton.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57The French and the Germans were the early pioneers, setting the standard
0:30:57 > 0:31:02for motor manufacturing, with names like the Benz Velo and Renault.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06In contrast, the British were producing cars like this -
0:31:06 > 0:31:10John Henry Knight's 1895 creation, the Knight.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Now, I know what you're thinking.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15It looks like something you will find in a farmyard!
0:31:15 > 0:31:17You're probably right!
0:31:17 > 0:31:22But in 1895, this was the first British petrol engine to be
0:31:22 > 0:31:24driven on a public road.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26It had a single cylinder engine
0:31:26 > 0:31:30and it was capable of doing a whopping 8mph!
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Driving laws were not easy on early motorists.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Parliament passed a law that insisted a red flag had to be
0:31:37 > 0:31:41waved to warn the public of an approaching vehicle.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45British roads at the time were not yet ready for the new
0:31:45 > 0:31:46motorised vehicle.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Early motorists had to prepare themselves for long,
0:31:49 > 0:31:53hard journeys and the cars were not equipped for the British weather.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Conditions, however, for the motorist were about to improve.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00The turn of the century, the Edwardian period,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03brought style and elegance to the motoring classes in Britain.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05And luxury design in cars,
0:32:05 > 0:32:09such as this Rolls-Royce Alpine Eagle, had a long production run.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Proving exquisite style was a winning formula.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Well, let's take it for a spin.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21In 1913, during the Austrian Alpine Trials,
0:32:21 > 0:32:24it outperformed all other cars in the competition.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28It was said at the time that it flew through the Alps like an eagle,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31so becoming known as the Alpine Eagle.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39As the 20th century raced on, the appetite for speed grew,
0:32:39 > 0:32:41and cars became more and more powerful.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44And so, the supercar was born.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52This is the Bentley supercharged Blower.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56It was built in 1930 and it was the supercar in its day.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00And, incredibly, this could achieve speeds of 120mph.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04Cars like this had their engines adapted. Air compressors were
0:33:04 > 0:33:07fitted to the engine, blowing more air into the engine,
0:33:07 > 0:33:11making the engine burn more fuel, making it work harder,
0:33:11 > 0:33:13making the car go faster.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17And everybody was obsessed with speed.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21The British wanted the title of being the fastest in the world.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27One of these men was Sir Malcolm Campbell,
0:33:27 > 0:33:31who led the charge in the 1920s by attempting to break
0:33:31 > 0:33:37the land speed record in order to showcase British engineering.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39I've come back to the museum to meet Don Wales, the grandson
0:33:39 > 0:33:43of Sir Malcolm Campbell, to hear more about the land speed record.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Why was your grandfather obsessed
0:33:48 > 0:33:50with being the fastest person on the planet?
0:33:50 > 0:33:52It was a number of reasons.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56He was obsessed by speed. He was a very, very driven man.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59And he knew that if he could show that Britain was making fast cars
0:33:59 > 0:34:01it would help their exports.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03But for him, he was quite selfish, I think.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Being obsessed by this ecstasy of fear, wanting to go fast,
0:34:06 > 0:34:08wanting to be the best.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10He wouldn't let up off a record attempt
0:34:10 > 0:34:14until he'd got to the other end, and lifted his foot off the accelerator.
0:34:14 > 0:34:15How many records did he break?
0:34:15 > 0:34:18My grandfather broke nine land speed records.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21He was the first to do 150mph in the Sunbeam,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24and the first to achieve 300mph on land.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27So he was the Lewis Hamilton of the day?
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Young kids would look up to him as the figurehead of motoring?
0:34:29 > 0:34:34In my grandfather's day, he was the king of all motorsport.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Two million people watched him at Daytona,
0:34:36 > 0:34:40which is still the highest recorded figure for any spectator sport.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42The king of speed. Absolutely, yes.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45The Campbells carried on breaking records.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47In 1964, Don's uncle, Donald Campbell,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51became the first man to break both the land and water
0:34:51 > 0:34:53speed record in the same year.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57A feat that has never been repeated.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Donald Campbell's record-breaking achievements continue to
0:35:00 > 0:35:04showcase British engineering as being amongst the best in the world.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09Most important of all,
0:35:09 > 0:35:13it still proves British leadership in engineering terms.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16And it does, I think, also show that the British, when they make their
0:35:16 > 0:35:20minds up, can jolly well overcome all obstacles and achieve anything.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21As a young boy,
0:35:21 > 0:35:26this iconic car must have left a huge impression on you.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29I had no idea what my uncle was doing...
0:35:29 > 0:35:31You couldn't understand it. Didn't understand it at all!
0:35:31 > 0:35:34But on one occasion, the car was at his garage in Leatherhead,
0:35:34 > 0:35:39and he pulled me out, dragging me by the hand, to come look at his car.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42And these massive wheels in front of me, not knowing what it was.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45And he picked me up and dropped me into the cockpit,
0:35:45 > 0:35:47and that's been a lasting memory ever since.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Although the British motoring industry may not be as strong
0:35:51 > 0:35:55as it was, the cars that I've seen today at the museum really
0:35:55 > 0:35:59showcase British engineering, style and design.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02It's a real celebration of our place in motoring history.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14We are picking some of the highlights from all
0:36:14 > 0:36:17the valuation days we've held across the country recently.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20And Anita has come across an interesting object
0:36:20 > 0:36:22at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26David, I like a man with a couple of bob in the bank,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29and I see there's a couple of bob in this little bank.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32In that little bank, yes. Tell me, where did you get it?
0:36:32 > 0:36:35It was left to me by my second cousin,
0:36:35 > 0:36:39and it's been at home in the bedroom ever since.
0:36:39 > 0:36:40How long have you had it?
0:36:40 > 0:36:41About 30 years.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45Were you ever tempted to save money in it? No!
0:36:45 > 0:36:48I'd like to have had some money to save.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52I can see a few two pences there... Oh, yeah.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55It's a little American bank.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59And it comes from the 1900s.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02So it's a good age.
0:37:02 > 0:37:07Did you have family at one point that had gone to America?
0:37:07 > 0:37:12No, as far as I know, no family connection with America whatsoever.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14This little bank was made
0:37:14 > 0:37:18by a company called Stevens in Connecticut.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20Yeah.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23It was a time where the Wild West was still wild,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26but people were... Towns were growing,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29and people were building towns,
0:37:29 > 0:37:31shops were happening.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Banks were happening, and so on.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35This would have been a child's bank.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38This was to teach the child the benefit
0:37:38 > 0:37:40of putting a little something away.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44If we pull this little handle here...
0:37:46 > 0:37:48..the little lid comes up,
0:37:48 > 0:37:53and we've got a little guy here who is the cashier.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Now, I have a two pence here,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59and you would put your two pence on it...
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Or your cent, as it would have been in those days.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08And it goes down, and you've saved yourself two pence or a cent.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12It's made out of cast-iron, and one of the things I like
0:38:12 > 0:38:17so much about this little bank is that the colours are original.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21So, have you any reservations about selling it?
0:38:21 > 0:38:24No, no. I'm downsizing.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26I lost my wife, and... Yes.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30And a thing to do is, I suppose, all the things that you don't
0:38:30 > 0:38:34immediately need, or use, or love can go. That's right.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38And the thing is, these little things are very, very collectable.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41And if it goes for sale in auction,
0:38:41 > 0:38:46it will be bought by somebody who will enjoy it. Good.
0:38:46 > 0:38:47Value?
0:38:47 > 0:38:50Well, there's at least 20p in there.
0:38:52 > 0:38:58I would like to put it in with an estimate of, say, 60-100. Yes.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Would you be happy to put it forward at that price?
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Yes, yes, I think so.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Shall we put a reserve on it? Yes. We'll put a reserve of ?60.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08That sounds fine. OK.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11I'm sure it will go at least mid-estimate,
0:39:11 > 0:39:13and it may give us a wee surprise.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16I hope so. Thank you for bringing it along. Thank you.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Who knows? It might make a mint!
0:39:22 > 0:39:26The next stop is Chiddingstone Castle in Kent
0:39:26 > 0:39:29where Adam Partridge is trying to get to know one of the locals.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Hi, Diana. I'm very pleased to meet you.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36And you are? I'm Adam.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Pleased to meet you. I'm glad to be shaking your hand,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41because that looks like quite a fearsome weapon in your hands.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44In my darker days, maybe it was, but not now!
0:39:44 > 0:39:46How did you come to own this thing?
0:39:46 > 0:39:47What happened was
0:39:47 > 0:39:50my husband used to work for a lady many years ago. Yeah.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52And when she passed on, they cleared the house
0:39:52 > 0:39:55and they said to my husband, if there's anything you want to take
0:39:55 > 0:39:59that's left before it goes off to the skip, you can take what you want.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02OK. Did he take a lot? He took a good few things.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04We've sold a few things over the years, yes,
0:40:04 > 0:40:08but we've kept this back. It's just been behind the cupboard, really.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Can I have a look at it? Yes, certainly.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14It just looks a normal cane. Bit of a tall cane, bit tatty, bit flaky.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18But it really is quite an interesting boys' toy.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22It's a concealed weapon, known as an air cane, or a poacher's gun.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26Firstly, let's go to this end, and this unscrews.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Here we go.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29And there we have your ramrod.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32And that is for pushing your lead shot in.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34You pop your lead shot in there,
0:40:34 > 0:40:36and then you push it down to make sure it gets to the bottom.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40Like they used to do in the Musketeers. Exactly! Exactly right.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43So, we're in the woods, waiting for a pheasant. OK.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Hoping not to get caught poaching. Sounds exciting. It does.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49So we unscrew this bit...
0:40:49 > 0:40:52OK. Now, we're missing a pump, because what we would've done now,
0:40:52 > 0:40:55is we'd have pumped this into here, this valve.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57We'd have pumped it full of air.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59And this is a canister in here that would've held the air,
0:40:59 > 0:41:02compressed air, to get that power. OK? Right.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06And then you put that back on, full of air. Screw it back up.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Screw it back up. Can you manage, or do you want a hand?
0:41:08 > 0:41:11I think I can manage to screw it up... Oh, no... Yes, I can.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15All right. All this, still under the cover of darkness in the forest.
0:41:15 > 0:41:20Right. So we put our ball in there, we push it down with the ramrod.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23We're already loaded with air. Now we're going to fire. Not quite.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26You're very impetuous, Diana - we're not going to fire just yet.
0:41:26 > 0:41:27I really wanted the excitement.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30You can't wait to see those feathers going everywhere, can you?
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Of course not. The other thing we'd have had
0:41:32 > 0:41:36is a little key. So you put the little key in there, turn that,
0:41:36 > 0:41:39and then this little button pops up there. That's the trigger.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40We're ready to fire.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44See the sights there and there? That's right.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46So, there we go, where's that Paul Martin gone?
0:41:49 > 0:41:50And...press the button, bang!
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Now, now - he's over there.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Any disturbance, and you'd be walking back through the forest...
0:41:55 > 0:41:57So innocently. So innocently. Exactly.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59It's ingenious, isn't it? Yeah, it is.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02It's got this top which looks like it's made from bone.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05And it would've been made at the end of the 19th century, 1880?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Gosh, as old as that? Yeah.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09What do you think it's going to sell for then?
0:42:09 > 0:42:12I've no idea, that's why I've come to you. Want to have a guess?
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Estimate of 150-250. OK.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Either side of the 200, and maybe a reserve of 150?
0:42:17 > 0:42:19And I'll be back at the auction, and if it doesn't sell...
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Well, we won't be there. What?! We're on holiday in Cornwall, I'm sorry.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25Well, I'll represent you. Will you? That'll be lovely.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Have you got a mobile number? I have.
0:42:27 > 0:42:28Leave us your mobile number,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and I'll call you from the auction, let you know how it got on.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34OK. Right, thanks very much. Lovely to have met you. Lovely to meet you.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36And thank you for explaining all of that. Pleasure.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38MUSIC: Run Rabbit Run by Flanagan and Allen.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41I wish Adam would put that gun down!
0:42:41 > 0:42:45Now, we travel north of London to Wrest Park in Bedfordshire
0:42:45 > 0:42:50where Anita Manning has found a cat. But I don't think it's a local.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54Sue, welcome to "Flog It!" Thank you.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56Now, it's absolutely wonderful to have you here
0:42:56 > 0:42:59and you've brought along two interesting items.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03Do you have any question that you would like to ask me?
0:43:03 > 0:43:07It was because of a show that you were involved in, "Flog It! Trade Secrets",
0:43:07 > 0:43:08you were talking about amber
0:43:08 > 0:43:12and it was from that programme that made me wonder if this was amber.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16So I thought that I would come along today to see. I was curious.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19This is a wonderful decorative object.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21Tell me, when did you buy it and why?
0:43:21 > 0:43:26I bought it about 25, 30 years ago when I was over in Egypt, in Luxor.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29And they were selling gifts to tourists.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31And I saw this cat sitting in the corner on the floor
0:43:31 > 0:43:35and I thought, there's something rather beautiful about this cat,
0:43:35 > 0:43:39and I did have eight cats of my own at the time and I quite like cats.
0:43:39 > 0:43:41So this was your ninth cat?
0:43:41 > 0:43:47It was, indeed, yes. Right. So the question is, is this real amber?
0:43:47 > 0:43:52Now, you bought it 30 years ago and you bought it in a tourist area.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56Yes. So the likelihood of it being amber are very, very low.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00And true amber comes from the resin of old pine trees
0:44:00 > 0:44:07over 350 million years old, so it's very, very rare.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11But we do have different types or lookalikes of amber.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14OK, let's look at it. We have these bangles.
0:44:14 > 0:44:19Now, in amber there were different shades of light which would
0:44:19 > 0:44:25come through the amber. So, that's copying that.
0:44:25 > 0:44:29Also, in amber, there is often the inclusion of
0:44:29 > 0:44:35pieces of insects which have been trapped in the resin of the tree
0:44:35 > 0:44:44and, to have an insect or a piece of an insect in a piece of amber makes it more valuable.
0:44:44 > 0:44:49Now, when you look underneath here, we can see a beastie, there.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53It's a fly. And we see the whole fly.
0:44:53 > 0:44:58Now, if a creature had been caught in this sticky resin,
0:44:58 > 0:45:02it wouldn't just lie there and say, "OK, I'm going to die",
0:45:02 > 0:45:06it would struggle, so when we see a full insect,
0:45:06 > 0:45:09we start to think, no, there's something wrong, there.
0:45:09 > 0:45:14So, these little indications are telling me that it's not amber.
0:45:14 > 0:45:19This cat here is made of a celluloid a plastic. OK.
0:45:19 > 0:45:22So not real amber.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25Now, interestingly enough,
0:45:25 > 0:45:32you brought along another item which is allied in some way to the cat.
0:45:32 > 0:45:38But this isn't earlier item, probably from the Art Deco period.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41Can you tell me where this came from?
0:45:41 > 0:45:46It belonged to my uncle. He was in the Army, positioned in Hong Kong.
0:45:46 > 0:45:49And my aunt was also staying with him.
0:45:49 > 0:45:54And then, just before the fall of Hong Kong on 25 December, 1941,
0:45:54 > 0:45:59my aunt was put onto the last boat being evacuated to Australia,
0:45:59 > 0:46:04and my uncle gave this to my aunt for safekeepings.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07Now, if we look at this, a Mahjong set, an oriental game,
0:46:07 > 0:46:12and if we look at these little counters, this side here is
0:46:12 > 0:46:16decorated with the little symbols which are used in the game.
0:46:16 > 0:46:21But this yellow here is meant to look like amber,
0:46:21 > 0:46:26but it is a celluloid or a plastic copy of that
0:46:26 > 0:46:31and, on the other side we have a celluloid copy of jade.
0:46:31 > 0:46:35So, in some way, the two items are allied.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38They are made to look like something which is a very precious
0:46:38 > 0:46:42substance but, in actual fact is a copy.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46But still interesting. If you were going to auction,
0:46:46 > 0:46:49I would like to put these two items together.
0:46:49 > 0:46:54Put together in one lot, we would put an estimate of perhaps 70-100.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56Would you be happy with that estimate?
0:46:56 > 0:46:58Yes. I'm happy.
0:46:58 > 0:47:00We'll put a fixed reserve on it because I know that,
0:47:00 > 0:47:03if that goes back home with you, you won't be too upset.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06I'd be just as happy, yes.
0:47:06 > 0:47:07Thank you very much.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10Both those items have travelled from far-flung places.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12And now it's time for us to travel to
0:47:12 > 0:47:15the Dorset coast, and to Lulworth Castle,
0:47:15 > 0:47:19where Mark Stacey is at the table.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22Hello, Jacquie, hello, Val. BOTH: Hello, Mark.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25In unison, you must be sisters.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27You are, of course, sisters, aren't you? We are.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30You've brought a lovely little box.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33But before we find out the intriguing contents,
0:47:33 > 0:47:35what's the family history?
0:47:35 > 0:47:37Well, we don't really know anything about it at all.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39They just appeared when my mother died.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42We found them in all her bits and pieces.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44She was 101 when she died.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47Wow, that's a good innings, isn't it? Wow. That's amazing!
0:47:47 > 0:47:50She was amazing. She was amazing, yes.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53Let's open it, shall we? Put us out of our misery.
0:47:53 > 0:47:54Because when we open it,
0:47:54 > 0:48:00we see two lovely, charming, ladies' fob watches.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02And two little... What, if it was in gold,
0:48:02 > 0:48:05would be called an Albert chain.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07But these are the chains that the watches would hang off.
0:48:07 > 0:48:12We've got some little gold elements on the actual chains.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15But I think that the main body of the chains are made
0:48:15 > 0:48:18out of woven human hair. Oh, really?.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21This often happened in the 19th century when people died,
0:48:21 > 0:48:26as a memento mori of the passing of the person.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29Rather macabre in some people's eyes.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31But you can imagine the fragility of it,
0:48:31 > 0:48:35so to find them in good condition is quite unusual, actually.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38And would they go together? I think they probably did.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41As they're all together, in the little package,
0:48:41 > 0:48:43there's every chance they might have been.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Let's just look at one of the watches.
0:48:46 > 0:48:48This is my favourite. Mine as well, yes.
0:48:48 > 0:48:52This is silver and rose gold.
0:48:52 > 0:48:56With lovely, delicate enamel flowers there.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59And actually set into the arms of the watch
0:48:59 > 0:49:01are two little diamonds. Oh, are there?
0:49:01 > 0:49:04They're tiny diamonds, but they are actually in there.
0:49:04 > 0:49:08If I move it slightly, you can see them glinting. Yes.
0:49:08 > 0:49:13The date is going to be anywhere really from about 1890-1910,
0:49:13 > 0:49:15that sort of period.
0:49:15 > 0:49:16But I think they're lovely,
0:49:16 > 0:49:19and they've obviously been in this box for a long time.
0:49:19 > 0:49:21The box itself is rosewood.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23I think it would be a shame to split them.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25I think a collector would like this.
0:49:25 > 0:49:30I think we should put them in with an estimate of ?150-250.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34Oh, wow! But we shall put the reserve at 150, fixed. OK.
0:49:34 > 0:49:37So if you can't get 150, I think you should keep them.
0:49:37 > 0:49:42I would hope that two collectors will really go for them.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45And we might even get above the 250.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47There's every chance, actually.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51But if they do do very well, are you going to split the money?
0:49:51 > 0:49:54Yes, and we've got two brothers as well. Oh, so it's going four...
0:49:54 > 0:49:55So we need you to do very well.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58We need you to do 400. Probably go for a night out...
0:50:02 > 0:50:05And now it's time to put our expert's valuations to the test
0:50:05 > 0:50:07as we head off to auction.
0:50:07 > 0:50:08But before that,
0:50:08 > 0:50:11here's a quick recap of all the items we're taking with us.
0:50:13 > 0:50:17This little money box has travelled all the way from the USA.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19One internet bid, and it could be going home.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25The gun cane was a revelation to me,
0:50:25 > 0:50:29but I expect there'll be those in the know in the saleroom.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36The cat and the Mahjong set may not be made of amber
0:50:36 > 0:50:38but they are still collectible.
0:50:42 > 0:50:47And I think Mark Stacey has come across a sure bet with the watches and the fob chain.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59Time to travel back to the little town of Tring,
0:50:59 > 0:51:04and to Market Auctions, where Stephen Hearn is on the rostrum.
0:51:04 > 0:51:05Going under the hammer right now,
0:51:05 > 0:51:08that wonderful little money box made in Connecticut, USA.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11I think this is the first time on the show that we've had
0:51:11 > 0:51:12a little American money box.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15Why have you decided to sell it now, David?
0:51:15 > 0:51:19Well, I'm just downsizing a little bit.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22One or two things have to go.
0:51:22 > 0:51:23And starting with the money box.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26Good luck, it's going under the hammer right now. This is it.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28Interesting little object, that one.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31We ought to be looking at ?80 for it. ?50 for it.
0:51:31 > 0:51:3340. 5, 50.
0:51:33 > 0:51:345, 60. Going...
0:51:34 > 0:51:3565. Two of you.
0:51:35 > 0:51:3765, 70, 5.
0:51:37 > 0:51:3880?
0:51:38 > 0:51:39No more?
0:51:39 > 0:51:41At ?75... ?80 is in.
0:51:41 > 0:51:42There's another telephone bidder.
0:51:42 > 0:51:4485? 80, I am bid. 85...
0:51:44 > 0:51:4790. 90, and 5?
0:51:47 > 0:51:49And 100. And 10.
0:51:49 > 0:51:53If there's no... I'm going to sell it then, it's going down at ?100.
0:51:53 > 0:51:54GAVEL STRIKES Thank you, sir.
0:51:54 > 0:51:56Hammer's gone down, ?100.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58Yeah, good, good, good. That's excellent.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00I'm happy with that. Yes, very good.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02Well done, thank you for bringing that in.
0:52:02 > 0:52:06Won't break the bank though, will it? No, it won't break the bank!
0:52:06 > 0:52:11But it was top end of the estimate, so well done, Anita.
0:52:11 > 0:52:16Moving on to Charterhouse Auction Rooms in Sherborne, Dorset,
0:52:16 > 0:52:18where Jacquie's watches are up for sale,
0:52:18 > 0:52:20and her niece is standing in for her.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24Time up for Jacquie's fob watches.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26There's two going under the hammer right now.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28Sadly she cannot be with us right now, but we do have Rachel.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30Why is she selling these?
0:52:30 > 0:52:33I think it's the age-old thing, they're in the cupboard,
0:52:33 > 0:52:34Not doing anything...
0:52:34 > 0:52:37Yes, so it would be better for someone else to make use of them. OK.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39This is a cracking lot, actually, Paul.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42In a nice little rosewood box with pewter inlay.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44Two pocket watches, a bit of an Albert...
0:52:44 > 0:52:47and some mourning Albert as well, with plaited hair.
0:52:47 > 0:52:51It's just the sort of lot auctioneers like.
0:52:51 > 0:52:53You can sniff it straightaway.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55Right, I'm excited, you're excited, and so are you.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57Fingers crossed, it's going to get the top end plus.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59It's going under the hammer now.
0:52:59 > 0:53:02Sweet little 18 carat and enamel gold fob watch here,
0:53:02 > 0:53:04and I'm straight in at ?100, I have bid.
0:53:04 > 0:53:06At 100, 110, 120,
0:53:06 > 0:53:08130, 140, 150.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10At 150, 160, 170.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12180, 190, 200.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15And 20, 240, 260, 280.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17This is a bit more like it, isn't it? Yes.
0:53:17 > 0:53:19Battle of the front row, at 320,
0:53:19 > 0:53:21it's dead-ahead there at 320, I have.
0:53:21 > 0:53:22At ?320 I have, fair warning,
0:53:22 > 0:53:26selling at 320, last chance at 320...
0:53:26 > 0:53:30Well done, Mark. Well done, well spotted. Well done! ?320!
0:53:30 > 0:53:33Thank you so much, that's brilliant. I'm happy, you've got to be...
0:53:33 > 0:53:35I can see a big smile on Rachel's face.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37And I think Jacquie will be happy, too.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40Thank you for standing in for her. No problem. Thank you.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44It's good to see everyone happy.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47And now over to Tring Market Auctions
0:53:47 > 0:53:50where Stephen is selling the rather fine cat and Mahjong set
0:53:50 > 0:53:52belonging to Susan.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56Now, I know we had a fixed reserve at the valuation of ?70,
0:53:56 > 0:54:00but I know you've had a chat to the auctioneer and you've upped it to ?90. I have.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02I felt more comfortable with 90 than 70. OK.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04In the end, we want you to be happy.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06And I feel very comfortable with that.
0:54:06 > 0:54:08Yes. Well, let's keep our fingers crossed.
0:54:08 > 0:54:12Well, look, if it doesn't sell, I know you'll be happy to take this home with you. I am.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16Very happy to take it home, so, as you say, win-win. We've got a win-win situation!
0:54:16 > 0:54:18But we'd like to get top money.
0:54:18 > 0:54:19I mean, that's what it's all about.
0:54:19 > 0:54:21It is.
0:54:21 > 0:54:22And this is going under the hammer right now.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25The Mahjong Bakelite playing pieces, together with the cat.
0:54:26 > 0:54:28There it is.
0:54:28 > 0:54:30How do we go on this cat? 50?
0:54:30 > 0:54:3160? 70? 80?
0:54:31 > 0:54:33Going, 90? Two of you!
0:54:33 > 0:54:34100 bid.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36110, and 20.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38That lady's keen in the red jacket, look!
0:54:38 > 0:54:40She's not putting her bidding paddle down!
0:54:40 > 0:54:42120. Yes or no?
0:54:42 > 0:54:45120, and 30, and 40.
0:54:45 > 0:54:46And 50.
0:54:46 > 0:54:50She's still there, she's still there in the red jacket!
0:54:50 > 0:54:54?140, then. You get the Mahjong pieces and the cat.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58140, then, madam, yours at ?140.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00Thank you so much!
0:55:00 > 0:55:05I am surprised but delighted. So am I!
0:55:05 > 0:55:08Style won once again. I think it did, yes.
0:55:08 > 0:55:10So that's so special. Yes.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12Excellent result.
0:55:12 > 0:55:14That's what it's all about.
0:55:14 > 0:55:18Last stop, Surrey, and that bizarre poacher's gun, which I'm glad to say
0:55:18 > 0:55:23is in the safe hands of auctioneer Tim Duggan at Ewbank's Auctions.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29Our next lot is so unusual, in fact, I've never seen one before,
0:55:29 > 0:55:31and I've never seen one for sale before.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33It's a poacher's gun, hidden in a walking cane.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35We have that going under the hammer.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38Sadly, we do not have Diana, the owner.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41But we do have Adam, our expert. Have you seen any of these before?
0:55:41 > 0:55:43I have, not many. Sold a lot of them? I have sold them before.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45That's why I came up with that estimate.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47Usually make a bit more than that.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49You don't see many, and they're very cool things.
0:55:49 > 0:55:53Poaching gun in a walking cane, who'd have thought of that?
0:55:53 > 0:55:55Anyway, it's going under the hammer right now.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58Fingers crossed it gets the top end of Adam's estimate. Here we are.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01In 20 years of this business, I've never seen one of these before -
0:56:01 > 0:56:04this is an interesting airgun cane of tapered form.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06I've got interest and I'm in at ?100 now.
0:56:06 > 0:56:08?100, 110. 120,
0:56:08 > 0:56:11130, 140, 150, 160...
0:56:11 > 0:56:12Looking for 170 anywhere.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15170 with you, sir. At 170, looking for 180 now.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17180...
0:56:17 > 0:56:18180, 190.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20200.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22220, 240.
0:56:22 > 0:56:23Rare thing, see?
0:56:23 > 0:56:25260, 280.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27300, 320.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30Wow! They're battling it out in the saleroom!
0:56:30 > 0:56:32..at ?300. The bids are all out then,
0:56:32 > 0:56:35Selling to the blue shirt at ?300.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38Great result! ?300, well done, Adam. Someone's poached that.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41That was a rare thing, wasn't it? I know Diana will be really pleased,
0:56:41 > 0:56:45and fingers crossed, you're watching this right now, enjoying the moment.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50Today we have visited some stunning locations
0:56:50 > 0:56:52and met some wonderful people.
0:56:52 > 0:56:53I'm very pleased to meet you.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56And you are? I'm Adam.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59Everyone has gone home happy...
0:56:59 > 0:57:011,880...
0:57:01 > 0:57:03Well, that trotted up quickly, didn't it?
0:57:03 > 0:57:05So join us again soon on Flog It!
0:57:05 > 0:57:08for more thrills and spills in the auction rooms.