0:00:02 > 0:00:03CAR HORN HONKS
0:00:03 > 0:00:06We start today's show in Beaulieu in Hampshire.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Not only famous for its splendid palace house,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11but the National Motor Museum and of course
0:00:11 > 0:00:13the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19I'll be taking you on a tour of some of the fascinating sights here,
0:00:19 > 0:00:20later on in the programme.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24But first, it's a tour of the country as we set out to find
0:00:24 > 0:00:27some of the most interesting items and exciting valuations that
0:00:27 > 0:00:32we've discovered recently but have been waiting until now to show you.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:54 > 0:00:57We have travelled across the country in search of exceptional stories
0:00:57 > 0:01:01and objects to take to auction, and we haven't been disappointed.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Our journey has taken us to Lulworth Castle in Dorset,
0:01:04 > 0:01:08originally a 17th-century hunting lodge.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Wrest Park, a Grade I listed house in Bedfordshire.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Chiddingstone Castle in Kent, which can be traced back to Tudor times,
0:01:16 > 0:01:21and finally to Gloucester and its wonderful cathedral.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Until today's show, Michael Baggott thought he'd heard it all.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27What are your plans for the money?
0:01:27 > 0:01:31I want to finish my tattoo, which is a full Tibetan sleeve.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Oh, my word! That's a first for Flog It!
0:01:35 > 0:01:38And at Wrest Park, David Harper doesn't think
0:01:38 > 0:01:41he's ever heard anything like it!
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Unfortunately, our house hasn't got walls.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46What, you've got no walls at all in your house?
0:01:46 > 0:01:49LAUGHTER No, no, we live in a tent.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53The ceilings aren't high enough to house anything like this.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55But will it be a different story at the auction?
0:01:55 > 0:01:5719!
0:01:58 > 0:01:59HAMMER BANGS
0:02:00 > 0:02:03The wonderful 13th-century Beaulieu Estate.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Like our show, it offers a delightfully diverse range
0:02:07 > 0:02:13of artwork, quirky collectables and insights into our national history.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17From the splendour of the architecture of the Palace House,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21to the vast array of classic cars and bikes parked up in the museum.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25And from the spectacular beauty of the Abbey,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28to the stories and the history that lurk within.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31There really is far too much on display here
0:02:31 > 0:02:33to explore in just one visit.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35But later on in the programme, I'll try
0:02:35 > 0:02:39and give you a fascinating insight into the life-changing
0:02:39 > 0:02:42challenges that faced the monks who lived here at Beaulieu.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44All that's to come, but first though,
0:02:44 > 0:02:49some classic valuations that reflect a rather more recent history.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Our journey begins in Kent, at Chiddingstone Castle,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57where Thomas Plant is talking to Rodney and Katie.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- Who owns this little dish, pin tray? - Well, we both do. But I found it.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Right, tell me the story.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06I collect kitchenalia, copper, mainly,
0:03:06 > 0:03:11and I went to a local auction and I saw two boxes of copper
0:03:11 > 0:03:13and I liked the look of some of them
0:03:13 > 0:03:16and there was also some brass in there, so I bid on it.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19And at the bottom of one of the boxes, was this.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- How much did these two bits of kitchenalia cost you?- £35.- Really?
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- Yeah.- And what did you do with it all?
0:03:25 > 0:03:28I have cleaned up most of it,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- and some of it I might take to a boot fair.- Yeah.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34But this, I had a look at it and I thought, it's very heavy,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- it must be bronze.- Uh-huh.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39And I saw only one signature at the time and then
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- when I was just cleaning it a bit on the side, I saw...- Barbedienne.
0:03:43 > 0:03:44..Barbedienne, yeah.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Basically, I went on the internet... - Yes, on the internet...
0:03:47 > 0:03:48And then I looked at Levillain on there
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- and basically it's a fellow who was a sculptor...- Yes.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57..and his works were being done basically by Barbedienne,
0:03:57 > 0:04:02who was the founder, and it was all round about the 1830s, 1840s.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05So, all of a sudden, it just opened up. This could be quite interesting.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07It certainly is interesting, yes.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12Barbedienne was a founder who specialised in taking
0:04:12 > 0:04:19the classical sculptures, bronzes, marbles, and reducing them in size
0:04:19 > 0:04:23to maquettes which, dare I say it, ordinary folk like ourselves
0:04:23 > 0:04:27could then afford and buy and have as decorative objects.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- Right.- That was his speciality, as a founder.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Obviously, there's only so much you can do of that
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- before people's tastes and fashion change.- Uh-hmm.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41In steps a modern sculptor and they form a relationship together.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- So you have a double whammy, don't you?- You do.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- So that's quite interesting. - Very much so.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50And then did you then go on other sites and look at prices realised?
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- HE LAUGHS - I suppose we did...
0:04:52 > 0:04:54I had a brief look at a couple of things,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56but obviously they were quite big bronzes at the time
0:04:56 > 0:04:58and suddenly you're then going into thousands...
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- To thousands of pounds.- Yeah. - Absolutely thousands of pounds...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- Yeah.- And we couldn't really find anything this small, actually.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- No, no.- Which is actually quite nice actually, isn't it?- Yeah, yeah.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08So, what's it worth?
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Well, I would probably hazard a guess at maybe £30-£50.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- So what you paid originally for the whole box?- For the... Yes.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- So you're already in profit. - Yes, I've got my money back.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21THEY LAUGH
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- I think I would double that. - That's fantastic.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25I think £60-£80 with regarding reserves,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27you don't want to give it away.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- So I think £60-£80, with a discretionary reserve.- Right, that's OK.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- So, say £50.- That's fine.- Is that fine?- Yes.- That sounds absolutely fine.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- Is fair, isn't it?- Yes.- Yeah, I think so.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- So you're going to come along to the auction?- Definitely.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Yeah, definitely.- I look forward to seeing you there.- Right.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42That is a classic story.
0:05:42 > 0:05:48Discovering a little gem like that at the bottom of a boxed lot.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Now we travel north of London to Wrest Park in Bedfordshire,
0:05:51 > 0:05:56where Anita Manning has found a cat!
0:05:56 > 0:05:57But I don't think it's a local.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00# Walk like an Egyptian... #
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Sue, welcome to Flog It! - Thank you.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Now, it's absolutely wonderful to have you here
0:06:06 > 0:06:09and you've brought along two interesting items.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13Do you have any question that you would like to ask me?
0:06:13 > 0:06:17Well, it was because of the show that you were involved in,
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Flog It: Trade Secrets, you were talking about amber,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23and it was from that programme that made me wonder if this is amber.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27So I thought I would come along today to see. Yeah, I was curious.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29So, this is a wonderful, decorative object.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Tell me, when did you buy it and why?
0:06:32 > 0:06:36I bought it about 25-30 years ago when I was over in Egypt, in Luxor,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39and they were selling gifts to tourists.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42And I saw this cat sitting in the corner on the floor,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45and I thought, oh, there's something rather beautiful about this cat
0:06:45 > 0:06:51and I did have eight cats of my own at the time and I quite like cats.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- So this was your ninth cat! - It was indeed, yes.- All right.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57So the question is, is this real amber.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Now, you bought it 30 years ago and you bought it in a tourist area...
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- Yes.- ..so the likelihood of it being amber are very, very low.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10And true amber comes from the resin of
0:07:10 > 0:07:15old pine trees over 350 million years old.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17So it's very, very rare.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22But we do have different types or lookalikes of amber.
0:07:22 > 0:07:23OK, let's look at it.
0:07:23 > 0:07:28We have these spangles... Now, in amber,
0:07:28 > 0:07:33there were different shades of light which would come through the amber.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35So, that's copying that.
0:07:35 > 0:07:42Also in amber, there is often the inclusion of pieces of insects
0:07:42 > 0:07:48which have been trapped in the resin of the tree and to have an insect,
0:07:48 > 0:07:54or a piece of an insect, in a piece of amber makes it more valuable.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59Now, when we look underneath here, we can see a beastie there,
0:07:59 > 0:08:04it's a fly, and we see the whole fly.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09Now, if a creature had been caught in this sticky resin,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12it wouldn't just lie there and say, OK, I'm going to die,
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- it would struggle.- OK, yes.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18So, when we see a full insect, we start to think,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- no, there's something wrong there. - THEY CHUCKLE
0:08:21 > 0:08:25So, these little indications are telling me that it's not amber.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- This cat here is made of a celluloid or a plastic.- OK.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- So, not real amber.- Uh-huh.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37Now, interestingly enough, you have brought along another item,
0:08:37 > 0:08:44which is allied in some way to the cat.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48But this is an earlier item, probably from the Art Deco period.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Can you tell me where this came from?
0:08:51 > 0:08:52It belonged to my uncle.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56He was in the army, positioned in Hong Kong.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58And my aunt was also staying with him.
0:08:58 > 0:09:05And then just before the fall of Hong Kong, 25th of December, 1941,
0:09:05 > 0:09:10my aunt was put onto the last boat being evacuated to Australia,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13and my uncle gave this to my aunt for safekeepings.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17Now, if we look at it, it's a mahjong set, an Oriental game.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20And if we look at these little counters...
0:09:20 > 0:09:24This side here is decorated with the little symbols
0:09:24 > 0:09:26which are used in the game.
0:09:26 > 0:09:32- But this yellow here is meant to look like amber...- Uh-huh.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36..but it is a celluloid or a plastic copy of that.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41And on the other side, we have a celluloid copy of jade.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- So in some way, the two items are allied.- Yes.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50They are made to look like something which is a very precious substance,
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- but in actual fact is a copy.- Yes. - But still interesting.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59If we were going to auction, I would like to put these two items together.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04Put together in one lot, we would put an estimate of perhaps £70-£100.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- OK.- And would you be happy with that estimate?- Yes, I'm happy.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12We'll put a fixed reserve on it, because I know that
0:10:12 > 0:10:15if that goes back home with you, you won't be too upset.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- I'll be just as happy, yes.- OK. - Thank you very much.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Both those items have travelled from far-flung places.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24And now it's time for us to travel to the Dorset coast
0:10:24 > 0:10:28and to Lulworth Castle, where Mark Stacey has found cause to celebrate.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- Hello, Jenny, hello, Mike. - Hi, all right.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36I understand that it's a special day today?
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Yes, our 43rd wedding anniversary and my birthday.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- I won't put a number on it... - Are you sure? Nobody's watching.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- CHUCKLES: 64!- 64.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48See, that's like 40 with auctioneer's commission and VAT!
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- That's the one!- Yes, that's it!
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Listen, you've brought in something that really put a smile on
0:10:53 > 0:10:54my face this morning.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Not hugely valuable, but I think it's absolutely charming.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02It's a little ormolu figure of a cherubic child.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Ormolu being bronze and gilded.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10And it's clearly off a little box or a clock or something else,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13but it's beautifully made... He's got a lovely cheeky face, hasn't he?
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Yes.- With his golden locks of hair...
0:11:16 > 0:11:18And he's holding a little letter or something in his hand.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21And I think it's probably going to date to
0:11:21 > 0:11:22the mid-to-late 19th century.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- Right, really?- And it's just a real bit of fun.- BOTH: Yes.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28And if I had him, I would find a little piece of marble,
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- so that he could sit on there and be a lovely little paperweight.- Yes.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34You know, you could turn him back into a practical object.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Where on earth did you get this figure from?- Well, it was...
0:11:37 > 0:11:41We deal with a lot of bric-a-brac and we do bazaars and things,
0:11:41 > 0:11:44and then an elderly lady gave me the box and it was
0:11:44 > 0:11:47in the bottom and I rather took to it and put it in the kitchen drawer.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50So every time you clean the kitchen drawer out, I have to pick it up
0:11:50 > 0:11:52and look at it and I just thought I'd like to know about it.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56It's a whimsical item, it's a bit of fun, and I think there's lots of...
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Tactile, isn't it? - Oh, it's very tactile!
0:11:58 > 0:12:00And there's lots of people out there, like me,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03who like these silly little objects and I think that it should sell.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- Sell, yeah...- I mean, realistically, I think we're probably looking
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- £30 or £40.- Oh, yes!- A little throwaway thing.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- We didn't expect much.- And I think we should put it in without reserve,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- have a bit of fun.- Yes, that'd be a bit of fun.- Fine, yeah.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18And I'm sure there's going to be a couple of people out there who
0:12:18 > 0:12:20think, "I really must have that".
0:12:20 > 0:12:23And maybe if it does work, it'll be a nice belated birthday present
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- for you, an anniversary present! - Yes, and we'll
0:12:25 > 0:12:28take our friends out who brought us here today for a surprise.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- What a wonderful idea. - SHE LAUGHS
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Will you be sad to see him go from the kitchen drawer?
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- I think so, yes. Because he's been in there four years!- Yeah, yeah.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37But he's too handsome to be locked away in a drawer.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Yes, he's lovely, he is, he is, that's it.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42Well, we'll see you at the auction, all right? Have a giggle.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- Yes, lovely, looking forward to it. Thank you very much.- See you there.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51It's funny how we fall in love with little things like that.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53I hope the bidders do, too.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55We'll soon be finding out which items make the best
0:12:55 > 0:12:57impression at auction, but right here at Beaulieu,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00one of the most impressive collections has to be
0:13:00 > 0:13:03the artwork here in the portrait gallery.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05And this particular character, well, he is my favourite.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09That's Ralph, the first Duke of Montagu, who was described by
0:13:09 > 0:13:14the writer Jonathan Swift as, "Arrant a knave as anyone in his time."
0:13:14 > 0:13:18Not only did he seek voluntary exile in France for political reasons,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21but upon his return, he gained the favour of the new
0:13:21 > 0:13:25King of England, William III, then he promptly declared himself
0:13:25 > 0:13:29the Emperor of China in order to marry a rich, widowed duchess
0:13:29 > 0:13:33who refused to marry anyone unless he was royalty!
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Well, I think that takes some confidence,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39and I think it's safe to say that Ralph was quite convincing there,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41and the duchess was obviously bonkers!
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Well, let's hope we have some equally colourful
0:13:43 > 0:13:45sales in the auction room.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50And here's a quick recap of all the items we're taking with us.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Katie bought this bronze tray as part of a job lot,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54so fingers crossed.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59The cat and the mahjong set may not be made of amber,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02but they are still collectable.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07And this gilded cherub needs to fetch a good price.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Jenny and Mike have an anniversary and a birthday celebration to pay for.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Remember of course, with every auction there is commission to pay,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21whether you're buying or selling,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23and there's VAT to add on top of that.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26And these rates vary from saleroom to saleroom,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30so make sure you find out in advance, do your sums.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33And now, let's see how our first item fares.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Our first stop is near Guildford in Surrey,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41where auctioneer Tim Duggan is selling the bronze tray
0:14:41 > 0:14:43at Ewbank Auctions.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- Katie and Rodney, good luck. - Thank you.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47This is where your Flog It! journey ends today,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49in the auction room with that hammer going down
0:14:49 > 0:14:51because it will on this!
0:14:51 > 0:14:54A lovely little bronze dish, a little, tiny tray -
0:14:54 > 0:14:56not a lot of money though. Why is it so cheap?
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Well... Cos it's very small.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- But it's very nice.- It is very nice and it's a little proper antique.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Yes, so why are you selling this?
0:15:05 > 0:15:09It's not really something that I personally collect.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- OK, and you're into kitchenalia? - I am, yes.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Yeah, and there's a few things here in the sale.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- I'd like someone else to have it who'd appreciate is a bit more.- OK.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19We're going to put it to the test right now. It's going under the hammer, this is it.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23This is the French gilt bronze small tray, nice little quality item,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25this one there. How do you see it, £50 for it...
0:15:25 > 0:15:2730 if you like, 30, bid now, 30, bid now...
0:15:27 > 0:15:3035, now, 40, bid now, 45, now...
0:15:30 > 0:15:3250, bid now, 55...
0:15:32 > 0:15:3460, and 5, 70, and 5...
0:15:34 > 0:15:3680, bid now, 80, bid now...
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Looking for 85 now, looking for 85...
0:15:38 > 0:15:40At £80, are we all done, then?
0:15:40 > 0:15:41Selling then at £80...
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- £80, I knew it was worth a lot more than you said.- Well...
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- I did, didn't I?- You did.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- Yes, you did say that.- Yes, I said it was a bit cheap.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- I'm very pleased.- Yeah... But look, well done.- Thank you.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Thank you for bringing it. - Thank you.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59If you've got anything like that, we would like to flog it for you.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Bring it in to one of our valuation days.
0:16:01 > 0:16:06That was fun and a good result.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09On to Sherborne in Dorset and to Charterhouse Auctioneers,
0:16:09 > 0:16:13where Richard Bromell is on the rostrum for us.
0:16:13 > 0:16:14Jenny and Mike, good luck. Fingers crossed.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17We've got this little cherub going under the hammer.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Not a lot of money. We can't work out where it's come from, really,
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- but we love curios like this. - I adore it.- You do?
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- I think it might be earlier than we think.- OK.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27I think it might be early 19th or mid-19th century.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Could we be in for a pleasant surprise?
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- I hope so, there's no reserve... - No reserve, no, there isn't.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- ..so we'll have a bit of fun. - It's going to go.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Let's find out what the bidders think. It's going under the hammer right now.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Pretty little ormolu putto, here it goes. Only the one at 6cm high.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42£20 it away now and £20, it's away...
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Going to go at 20, anyone at all at 20...
0:16:44 > 0:16:47£20 is bid, thank you, at £20 I have now...
0:16:47 > 0:16:4820 I have, I'll take 5 now...
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Come on, it's worth a bit more than that.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53The main bid at £20, are you all sure?
0:16:53 > 0:16:54Fair warning, it goes at 20...
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- The hammer went down, it's gone. - We're rich!
0:16:56 > 0:16:58You didn't get that surprise. You're rich(!)
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Hey, do you want the bad news?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03There's 15% plus VAT commission to pay on that.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Well, I thought it was rather charming.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08I would have liked to have paid £30 or £40 at least for it.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Look, it's going to have another life, isn't it?
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- It's going to be enjoyed.- It is, it is.- That's the main thing.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- Yes, lovely.- Thank you for bringing it in.- That's fine.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Sometimes it's the taking part that matters.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20Now, over to Tring Market Auctions,
0:17:20 > 0:17:24where Stephen Hearn is selling the rather fine cat,
0:17:24 > 0:17:25and mahjong set belonging to Susan.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30Now, I know we had a fixed reserve at the valuation of £70
0:17:30 > 0:17:32but I know you've had a chat to the auctioneer
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- and you've upped it to £90.- I have.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- I felt more comfortable with 90 than 70.- OK.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38In the end, we want you to be happy.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Yeah, and I feel very comfortable with that.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Yes, well, let's keep our fingers crossed.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Well, look, if it doesn't sell, I know you're going to be happy
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- to take this item home.- I am, very happy to take it home
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- so, as you say...- We've got a win-win situation.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53But we'd like to get top money, I mean, that's what it's all about.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- It is.- This is going under the hammer right now.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01The mahjong Bakelite playing pieces together with the cat, there it is.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03How do we go on this cat?
0:18:03 > 0:18:0450, 60, 70...
0:18:04 > 0:18:0680, going, 90...
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Two of you, 100 bid, 110...
0:18:09 > 0:18:1020...
0:18:10 > 0:18:11That lady's keen in the red jacket, look -
0:18:11 > 0:18:15she's not putting her bidding paddle down.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16Yes or no?
0:18:16 > 0:18:18At 120, 130, and 40...
0:18:18 > 0:18:19And 50 now...
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Look, they're pushing her now. She's still there,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24she's still there in the red jacket...
0:18:24 > 0:18:28£140, then, you get the mahjong pieces and a cat...
0:18:28 > 0:18:30140, then, madam, yours at £140...
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Bought it.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- Thank you so much.- I am delighted... - It's love!
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- ..surprised but delighted.- So am I.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40Style won once again.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- I think it did, yes, it did... - And she obviously wanted it
0:18:43 > 0:18:44- so that's so special.- Yes.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Excellent result -
0:18:46 > 0:18:48that's what it's all about.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51We'll return to the auction rooms later on in the show
0:18:51 > 0:18:53but now, let's take a step back in time.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07In the year 1204,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10stone and other building materials were brought up this river
0:19:10 > 0:19:11to build an abbey church
0:19:11 > 0:19:15on land gifted to the Cistercian monks by the king.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20Now, this king was King John, who hadn't led the holiest of lives.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Maybe he was worried about eternal damnation
0:19:22 > 0:19:26but he visited this abbey frequently and he named it Bellus Locus Regis,
0:19:26 > 0:19:30which translates to, "The Beautiful Place Of The King,"
0:19:30 > 0:19:33better known to us today as the estate of Royal Beaulieu.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40A deal had been made that, in order to repay his generosity,
0:19:40 > 0:19:44the Cistercian monks - known above all other religious orders
0:19:44 > 0:19:47for their poverty, chastity and obedience to God -
0:19:47 > 0:19:51would pray for the somewhat tarnished soul of King John.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Although prayer was the core activity here,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57plenty of other duties were performed
0:19:57 > 0:20:02but all of them were seen by the monks as an extension of prayer.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06They generated an enormous amount of income by working the land,
0:20:06 > 0:20:08rearing sheep and selling wool.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14It took 100 years to complete the complex around the abbey church
0:20:14 > 0:20:19and it seems quite ironic today that 300 years after work began,
0:20:19 > 0:20:24this river was used to transport those very rocks back again
0:20:24 > 0:20:27to be used on other building projects around the country
0:20:27 > 0:20:29by the orders of another king.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32So, why did this happen and who was the other king?
0:20:32 > 0:20:37Well, this was a king who was desperate to have a male heir,
0:20:37 > 0:20:42a king, despite being married for 20 years, had not produced one.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46This was an extravagant king whose coffers were being bled dry
0:20:46 > 0:20:49because he was paying for costly coastal defences
0:20:49 > 0:20:53and fighting expensive wars with the French and the Spanish.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56This was King Henry VIII,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59a king who was to change the course of English history -
0:20:59 > 0:21:02firstly, by breaking with the Pope in Rome
0:21:02 > 0:21:06and then making himself the supreme head of the Church Of England.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12This enabled Henry to have his long-standing marriage
0:21:12 > 0:21:15to Catherine of Aragon declared null and void
0:21:15 > 0:21:20and marry a young Anne Boleyn - the second of his six wives.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21Shortly after this,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23he proceeded with the Dissolution Of The Monasteries,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26which changed the face of England forever.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31In 1536, there were over 800 monasteries, nunneries and friaries.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35Combined, they owned a third of the land in the country.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39In 1540, four years later, there were none.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43Henry VIII and the people around him were considerably wealthier.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48During those four years, Henry used Thomas Cromwell,
0:21:48 > 0:21:52a clever legal adviser, to act as his agent
0:21:52 > 0:21:54and the opportunist plan took shape.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58The religious houses were becoming increasingly ungodly,
0:21:58 > 0:22:02which made them unpopular with ordinary people
0:22:02 > 0:22:06so Thomas took advantage of this and with a piecemeal approach,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09began by shutting down the smaller establishments
0:22:09 > 0:22:11who had the worst reputations.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16He then moved on to the richer more powerful ones, like Beaulieu Abbey.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20Where he could, Cromwell negotiated payoffs
0:22:20 > 0:22:23but if his offers were declined, he resorted to force.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30The abbot here formally surrendered the Abbey to the Crown in 1538
0:22:30 > 0:22:34and for that, he received an annual pension of £66
0:22:34 > 0:22:38in contrast to the brothers who received between £4 and £6.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44This is all that's left of the Abbey Church,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47the spiritual centre of the precinct here at Beaulieu.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51It really is just a ghost of a former building,
0:22:51 > 0:22:56the first to be knocked down upon Henry's orders in 1539.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57What are we left with?
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Well, hardly a stone upon a stone.
0:23:00 > 0:23:06It really is just a field with the imprint of its former huge building.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09The stone went down the river by order of the king
0:23:09 > 0:23:12and was used to build defensive castles
0:23:12 > 0:23:16on the Solent at Hurst, Calshot and Cowes.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20What did Henry VIII do with the ruined abbey and estate,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23which was one of the richest pickings of the disillusion?
0:23:23 > 0:23:27He refilled his empty coffers by selling it to a powerful friend,
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Sir Thomas Wriothesley, whose descendants still live here today.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36I'm going to meet one of them, Ralph Montagu.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39So, what happened to Beaulieu after the Dissolution Of The Monasteries?
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Well, a lot of the abbey was of course destroyed
0:23:42 > 0:23:47but some significant bits were left and this is one such part.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49It was the great gatehouse to the abbey
0:23:49 > 0:23:51where the monks received their guest
0:23:51 > 0:23:53and it made quite a good hunting lodge
0:23:53 > 0:23:55for the lay owners after the dissolution
0:23:55 > 0:23:59and then, much later, my great-grandfather extended it
0:23:59 > 0:24:03and made it into the family home that it is today
0:24:03 > 0:24:06and made this room, which was a big open hall originally,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08into this magnificent drawing room.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11It is a stunning room, it's got a good feel about it.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Tell me a little bit about the stained-glass windows,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- the armorials.- Well, this is Victorian,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18this is part of the conversion that was done at that time
0:24:18 > 0:24:22and these are the shields of benefactors
0:24:22 > 0:24:25and other significant figures connected with the Abbey -
0:24:25 > 0:24:28most notably perhaps, Thomas Stephens, the last abbot at Beaulieu
0:24:28 > 0:24:33who actually was required, shall we say, to surrender the Abbey
0:24:33 > 0:24:36to the Crown and he is remembered there.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38He was one of the more cooperative ones because some of the abbots
0:24:38 > 0:24:41in the North were literally hung, drawn and quartered -
0:24:41 > 0:24:43not a very nice ending.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47It's lovely when the sun shines through, getting the coloured light.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Above, we've got this lovely ribbed vaulting
0:24:49 > 0:24:51which, although it's heavily restored,
0:24:51 > 0:24:55is definitely based on what would have been here in monastic days.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56Sure, yes.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06It's perhaps hard for us to imagine what life would have been like
0:25:06 > 0:25:09back in England in the 16th century
0:25:09 > 0:25:11and what impact this huge establishment would have had
0:25:11 > 0:25:13in the medieval world.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16This was a place where the poor could seek alms,
0:25:16 > 0:25:18where the sick could be treated
0:25:18 > 0:25:22and where fugitives, both high and low in status, could seek a sanctuary.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25The sound of bells that would ring out during the day and night,
0:25:25 > 0:25:27calling the monks to prayer,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29would have been a familiar soundtrack to life
0:25:29 > 0:25:33for the people in the villages and the fields beyond these walls.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Back at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire,
0:25:45 > 0:25:51our valuation day is still at full tilt, as is David Harper.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52Well, Diane, look at us,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56on a beautiful summer's day in the South of England,
0:25:56 > 0:26:00admiring a pair of Scottish Highland scenes. Aren't they gorgeous?
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- Yes, I love them...but can't wear them, so to speak.- Yeah.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- Because our house is too small. - Right, OK.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09So, what they are, we've got Scottish Highland scenes.
0:26:09 > 0:26:10And you can see, can't you,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- that this is, like, a continuation of the scene?- Yes.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17And very, very trendy, circa 1900.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19What's the background story?
0:26:19 > 0:26:24Well, when my father's eldest sister died, we had to clear the house out,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28and up the chimney when we were clearing out, we found these.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30And we had house clearance people in,
0:26:30 > 0:26:34and they offered the family £5 for those.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35Did they? Now, when was that?
0:26:35 > 0:26:38That would have been the late '70s
0:26:38 > 0:26:40but my father said at the time,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43"No, you're not having those for £5."
0:26:43 > 0:26:47So, I believe he put the £5 into the estate and took them home.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51But, unfortunately, our house hasn't got walls tall enough.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53What, you've got no walls at all, in your house?
0:26:53 > 0:26:56No, no, we live in a tent.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00No, but, the ceilings aren't high enough to house anything like this.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04So, when my mother passed away, I inherited them
0:27:04 > 0:27:06but they've been in the attic ever since.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09That's the worst place in the world they could be, in an attic.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11- They've got to be on show, haven't they?- Yes.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13And you're right, you do need height in a room.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Ideally, a Scottish castle. Hasn't your husband bought you one, yet?
0:27:16 > 0:27:18No, well, I'm working on it.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- Right, well, you need to change your husband. Is that him, there?- Yeah.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- LAUGHTER - You're history.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Yeah.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Hello, I'm Ken.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29Painted by Henry Cooper.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Now, Henry Cooper was a 19th and early 20th-century artist.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- Mm-hmm.- Just because there's age connected here,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39doesn't necessarily mean they're worth lots of money,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42because this was a period when there were lots of jobbing artists
0:27:42 > 0:27:44creating, maybe, hundreds a year.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47So, there are lots of his paintings around.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50But let's look at the quality of the painting.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52I think, this is a good example, here,
0:27:52 > 0:27:53with the Highland cattle, there.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56The quality isn't absolutely brilliant.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Let's have a look at the condition.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02So, we always look, with anything in this business,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06the back of something can tell you as much about the front.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Because, often the painting can be restored really well
0:28:09 > 0:28:13on the top side, and you can't tell, but you'll see a patch on the back.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16No patching. I've had a look at that one, no patching either.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Frame's probably original.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Nice, original clout nails holding the canvas in place.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26So, it hasn't been re-stretched or repaired. So, in good order.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Now, then, what about value, Diane? What do you feel?
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Well, going back four to six years, I can't remember...
0:28:33 > 0:28:37When we went to Bonhams, with a view to having them put in an auction,
0:28:37 > 0:28:39we discussed it with them,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42and they said about 700, I think.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44And I was a bit shocked because years before,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47when we'd been to Sotheby's, we were told, then,
0:28:47 > 0:28:50to hang on to them, to the beginning of the year 2,000.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53They would then become antiques and worth a lot more.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54So, what do you reckon?
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- Well, the market's changed, I've got to tell you.- Yes.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01In the mid-90s, I think we could have sold them for 1,500.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Market has changed dramatically and they've really, really dipped now.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07And I think today, their value should be, in auction,
0:29:07 > 0:29:11300-500, a come-and-get-me kind of estimate.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14And they might surprise. How would you feel about that?
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Yes, I think I would like a reserve put on them.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- What would the reserve need to be? - Well, I would like 400.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Four, OK, well, we can do that but we'd need to, you know,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27re-look at the estimate and estimates them at four to six,
0:29:27 > 0:29:29with a reserve at four.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- Shall we do it?- Yes, please. - Marvellous.- Yes.- Lovely, Diane.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- Thank you.- OK, thank you.- Will we see you there, Ken, at the auction?
0:29:35 > 0:29:37- Oh, I think so, yes.- Good man.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40What's the point of paintings sitting out of sight in an attic?
0:29:40 > 0:29:42If you have anything like that,
0:29:42 > 0:29:45bring them into one of our valuation days.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Our tour now continues, at Lulworth Castle in Dorset,
0:29:48 > 0:29:52where a colourful item has caught Catherine Southon's eye.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Stefan, lovely to meet you. Welcome to Flog It!
0:29:57 > 0:29:58Thank you, nice to meet you, too.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02Wonderful collection of spoons, here. Well, two sets of spoons.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Now, when you see these, and probably,
0:30:04 > 0:30:06when the viewers see these at home, they'll be thinking,
0:30:06 > 0:30:08"These are incredible."
0:30:08 > 0:30:11And, indeed, they are beautiful, and what lovely colours they are.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14But there's this huge cloud which is hanging over them,
0:30:14 > 0:30:17and it begins with the word D.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- And that's damage.- Hmm. - And that is a problem.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24These are lovely, enamel, little coffee spoons.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26I'm going to look at one of them individually.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28I'm going to look at this set, first of all.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32This was retailed by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35and these would date from around 1930.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Let's have a look at this one, first of all,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40because this is where the D-word starts.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- Can you see that?- Mmm.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Big bit of damage on some lovely blue enamel, there.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50It's so sad, because these are so elegant and so pretty,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53and I love the blue colours, and the reds, and the whites.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- Very British, this is. - Hmm, very patriotic.- Absolutely.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Now, I'm just going to have a quick look at these, cos it'll be
0:31:00 > 0:31:02nice to date them. And they are 1936,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05and they were made by the Adie Brothers,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08for the retailers Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11These have come down through the family, have they?
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- They must have been a wedding present...for my mother.- Right, OK.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18I think she got married in about 1938.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- 1938, right. So, that-that works. - Yeah.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- Was she particularly patriotic? - Oh, yes.- Was she?
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- Ah, well, they've chosen the colours well, haven't they?- Very definitely.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30It's just such a shame, and the more I look at them,
0:31:30 > 0:31:31the more damage I see.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- STEFAN LAUGHS - In perfect condition,
0:31:33 > 0:31:35we'd be looking at about £100 for these,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- but they're not quite going to be up to that.- No.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- But I'll come back to that a bit later.- Right.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43These little spoons here, these are Danish,
0:31:43 > 0:31:47by the well-known Danish factory Tostrup. But what beautiful colour.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- I think those are lovely. - Really exquisite, aren't they?
0:31:50 > 0:31:54Again, these are all enamel, and they're on gilt silver.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57And, in perfect condition, again, you'd be looking at 100,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59£150 for these.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03But, I can see, there's a tiny bit of damage on each and every one.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Rough washing-up.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Is that what it is? Did you wash them up?
0:32:07 > 0:32:08- No.- Do I tell you off?
0:32:08 > 0:32:11I've never used them. I've never seen them being used.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13So, it all comes down to price.
0:32:13 > 0:32:18£100 in perfect condition, £100-£150 in perfect condition.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20This goes right down, I'm afraid,
0:32:20 > 0:32:24and you'd be really looking for the two at around £50-£80.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Ooh...
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- Maybe 60-80.- Because of the damage.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Shall we say to 60-80, it sounds a bit better, doesn't it?
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- Yeah.- Shall we put a £60 reserve on? - Please.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39- OK, let's say £60-£80, with a 60 reserve. Happy with that?- Yes.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Let's close them and forget about the damage,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44and we're going to make good money at auction.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48- Thank you so much, Stefan, it was lovely to meet you.- And you, too.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Catherine is putting a brave face on it - let's hope she's right.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Off to the magnificent Cathedral in Gloucester,
0:32:56 > 0:33:00where Michael Baggott is enjoying a collection of prints.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Claire, thank you very much for bringing in
0:33:02 > 0:33:06- what looks like the contents of an art gallery.- Naturally.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08Wonderful selection of prints, here.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10You've done a little bit of research on these,
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- and this artist, haven't you?- Yeah.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14So, can you tell me what you know about them?
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Well, I know that William Nicholson was a prolific illustrator,
0:33:17 > 0:33:22book designer, and he worked on Peter Pan's set, for example,
0:33:22 > 0:33:26but he did a compassionate portrait of the Queen at her Diamond Jubilee.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28and did Victorian characters.
0:33:28 > 0:33:29So, we've got a host here,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33- of Victorian characters by this artist William Nicholson.- Yeah.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- And I think he was born in about 1872.- That's right.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- And died in about 1949.- Absolutely.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41So, he's working almost at the height
0:33:41 > 0:33:44of the Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts periods.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45That's when he's a young man,
0:33:45 > 0:33:49full of energy, executing these commissions.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52And you've got, with this wonderful portrait of Sarah Bernhardt,
0:33:52 > 0:33:55that feel of English Art Nouveau.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58It's a bit more restrained than on the Continent
0:33:58 > 0:34:00and you've just got that very figural,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- almost a mushroom-type, a growth... - Yeah.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- ..if you like, rather than a real human figure.- Yeah.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10And that's carried through, I mean, we've got there, Whistler...
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- Yeah.- ..who I imagine would be tremendously flattered by that,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- as a, almost a caricature, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- They're less portraits, more caricatures.- Yeah.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21We've got the Prince of Wales, there,
0:34:21 > 0:34:23looking rather stern and respectable.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Was that a bit of "Flog It!" day damage?
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- That was my fault on the way, yeah. - Oh!- Sorry.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31It's all right, it's not a Chinese vase worth £1,000,000.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33You don't have to worry.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35And, as you say, we've got this rather touching
0:34:35 > 0:34:37portrait of Queen Victoria.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40And there, the royalty and the power has been stripped away,
0:34:40 > 0:34:42and we've got, basically,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- a very nice little old lady walking her dog.- Yeah.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47So, there is some thought behind it.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Are these something you've collected, or...?
0:34:50 > 0:34:52No, they've been handed down the paternal line,
0:34:52 > 0:34:55directly from, I think, my great-grandfather.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- Certainly my grandfather.- Oh.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00In the '30s, he was a vicar locally, in the '30s,
0:35:00 > 0:35:04through the war, and he handed them onto my father when he died.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- And my father had nine children.- Oh.
0:35:07 > 0:35:12So, we've decided that it's very difficult to split up a collection.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- Well, I mean, that's very sensible of you all.- Yeah.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17Because the value of these, is as a collection. We actually
0:35:17 > 0:35:19- haven't got the full set here.- No.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22But we're at some way towards it.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25I mean, in terms of value, have you given that much thought, or...?
0:35:25 > 0:35:29I've guessed about 300, possibly, on a good day.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31- I'm a little bit more cautious, but then, I always am.- OK.
0:35:31 > 0:35:36Let's say, as an incomplete set, £200-£300, as a start,
0:35:36 > 0:35:40and hope that we do over the £300 mark.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42- Let's put a fixed reserve of £200. - Absolutely.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45We don't want to give them away. And you're happy to sell them?
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Absolutely, yeah.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Now, if they go and make a superb sum,
0:35:49 > 0:35:51what are your plans for the money?
0:35:51 > 0:35:54From a purely selfish point of view, I want to finish my tattoo,
0:35:54 > 0:35:56which is a full Tibetan sleeve.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Oh, my word.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01That's a first for Flog It! We'll get you an armful, hopefully.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Thank you, and then I can go down the other side.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Marvellous. Claire, thank you so much for bringing them in.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08- Thank you, thank you.- Thank you.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12From one type of decoration to another, we're back at Beaulieu.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17Now, there's just enough time for me to show you this magnificent room.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20It is the upper drawing room
0:36:20 > 0:36:23but it's the detail on the wall, the decoration,
0:36:23 > 0:36:25that I'd like to point out to you.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27There's an alternating pattern running all around,
0:36:27 > 0:36:29and you can see it. It's an eagle,
0:36:29 > 0:36:33and then there's a bishop's crosier bisecting a crown.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36That's the armorial bearings of Beaulieu Abbey.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40Now, that was applied with a gold leaf in 1870
0:36:40 > 0:36:45but it's been painstakingly restored by the staff here, in 1990.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49And I think they have done a tremendous job.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51Right, are you ready for some more auction action? Good.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Well, before we head over there, here's a quick recap of all
0:36:54 > 0:36:57the items that are going under the hammer.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01It's always good to have a pair, and these two Scottish scenes
0:37:01 > 0:37:05are pleasing to the eye, so they're in with a good chance.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10These two sets of spoons with their coloured enamels
0:37:10 > 0:37:11are highly decorative.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15It will all depend on the bidders overlooking the damage.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21And the collection of prints are rather stylish,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24but will they appeal to today's market?
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Charterhouse Auctioneers in Dorset
0:37:32 > 0:37:35is where our first sale is being held.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Auctioneer Richard Bromell is on the rostrum,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40selling the attractive silver spoons.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Well, I've just been joined by Stefan and our expert Catherine.
0:37:43 > 0:37:44They do say, you know,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Was Stefan born with six? I don't know.
0:37:50 > 0:37:51You have lots of boxes of spoons -
0:37:51 > 0:37:53what are you doing with all these spoons?
0:37:53 > 0:37:55They've been sitting in a drawer for years and years.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Just coffee sets. Is it something
0:37:57 > 0:37:59you wanted to collect or family inheritance?
0:37:59 > 0:38:01- No, family inheritance. - And you never use them?- No.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04The enamel ones are quite nice, sort of, red, white and blue.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- Yes, but they're not perfect. - They're not, no.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Totally understand if they don't sell.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10We might struggle on these, purely, purely because of the damage.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12It's going under the hammer now.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Set of six silver-gilt enamel teaspoons, another set as well,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18little bit of damage. They're very pretty little sets.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20And I'm straight in at £50, I'll have a bid now at 50, 60,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- £60 on my right.- That's good. That's awesome.- £60 I have.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Two sets of teaspoons at 60, 70 on the internet.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29At £70 on the internet bid. It gets it selling online at 70.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- That's good.- Good, thank you so much.- £70.- Excellent, good.- Done it.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- Yeah.- Job done. I like it. - See, we proved you wrong.- Yeah,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- mind you, there's not a lot of money for two boxes, is it?- No, it's not.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40You know, let's face it, 35 quid a box.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- Quite a bargain, that.- I know, if you look at it like that, they have.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46They've gone, they've gone. This is what this show's all about.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48It's called "Flog It!" - we want to sell your things,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51so bring it in, and we'll do the business.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54Well done, Catherine. Everyone is pleased with that.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00Now, 145 miles north, at Tring Market Auctions
0:39:00 > 0:39:04where Stephen Hearn is selling our lots.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Going under the hammer, something for all you fine art lovers -
0:39:06 > 0:39:08two oil paintings by Henry Cooper.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11And not the boxer, this is the 19th-century artist.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Be worth more, probably, wouldn't it?
0:39:13 > 0:39:14Diane, why are you selling these?
0:39:14 > 0:39:17Well, years ago, when my auntie died,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20who was the eldest sister of my father's,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22they had to clear the house out
0:39:22 > 0:39:26and up the chimney, were these two Henry Cooper oils.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29We inherited them, and they've been up in the attic ever since.
0:39:29 > 0:39:30And you don't like them?
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Our house hasn't got ceilings tall enough to house them.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35They're, kind of, furnishing pictures, in a way, aren't they?
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Yeah, and we know, don't we? That that they're slightly off the boil.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41- Yes.- Yes.- They really are, they've dived in value.- So you said, yes.
0:39:41 > 0:39:42Do you know? I can't believe they
0:39:42 > 0:39:44were shoved up a chimney to stop draughts.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Well, look, I think they do have a value, I really do.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- Quite right.- Yeah.- You know, so let's put it to the test.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53There we are, looking at Highland cattle, a pair of them.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Where do we go, 500 for them?
0:39:55 > 0:39:56500, where? About four.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59250? 260, 280?
0:39:59 > 0:40:01- 280.- Come on, come on.- 290.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04300. One more, at 320.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- Ah...- 50?
0:40:06 > 0:40:07Is it? Yes or no, sir?
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- Go on.- At £350,
0:40:09 > 0:40:11at 350...
0:40:11 > 0:40:12Not quite there.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15They're going home. I think they are worth £400.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18I think you should re-enter them into another sale.
0:40:18 > 0:40:19- Yeah.- I mean, we nearly got it.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21They raised about what they're worth,
0:40:21 > 0:40:24but doesn't it show how, what a bargain they are, actually?
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- Yes, yeah, yeah.- Cos they could have been £1,500, 15 years ago.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28Yeah, yeah.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29Another day, another saleroom.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33- Another dollar.- Another dollar. - Hope so.- All right.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35MUSIC: I Need A Dollar by Aloe Blacc
0:40:35 > 0:40:39Well, that was pretty close. They almost went.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Our journey concludes in the Cotswolds,
0:40:41 > 0:40:45just outside Cirencester, at Moore, Allen and Innocent,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48with auctioneer Philip Allwood, who is wielding the gavel.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Going under the hammer right now,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54we have a Victorian print collection which has to be sold,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57because Claire has... how many other brothers and sisters?
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- Eight brothers and sisters. - Eight brothers and sisters.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04They can't fight over them, it has to be sold as a complete collection.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05We're not going to split this up.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- You know, I think that's the best way to do this.- Yeah.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10And then, if any members of the family wanted them,
0:41:10 > 0:41:12they could come along to the auction and bid.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13Totally agree with you, there.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- So, what are you going to spend your share on?- Erm...
0:41:17 > 0:41:20What have you been up to since we last saw you at the valuation?
0:41:20 > 0:41:24- I've had my whole sleeve tattooed. Do you want to see?- Yes, please.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27- Oh, my word. - Gosh, that must have taken hours.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- I just need to finish this bit. - It's fantastic artwork.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Wow, I can't take my eyes off it.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35A bit of pressure there. Get that completed, get the money for that.
0:41:35 > 0:41:36Oh, my word.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- Some prints for some more printing, in a way.- Exactly.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41Right, let's see what we can do for you.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45The William Nicholson woodblock prints, Lord Roberts, it's Bismarck,
0:41:45 > 0:41:47and the rest, there. Good little lot there.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50Should be £300 or £400, start me. Start me at two?
0:41:50 > 0:41:52At £200 there, a bid there at 200. At 200, 220, now.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- We're in.- We're in.- 240, 260,
0:41:55 > 0:41:56- 280.- Oh, wow, I'm quite surprised.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58At 280, 300.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00At 300, 320 now.
0:42:00 > 0:42:01At 300, 320, now.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Can I say it? 300 I have.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05At 300, 320 on the phone.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06At 320, 340.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08At 340, 360 now.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10360, 380. At 380.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11400, now.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13At 380, 400, 420.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- That's my elbow paid for. - At 420, 440, now.
0:42:15 > 0:42:16440 on the phone.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19At 440, 460, now.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22At 440, on the left here, at 440 on the phone, now. At 440.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24460 in the room, if you like?
0:42:24 > 0:42:27At £440. The other phone, no?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30At 440, you all sure?
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- Well, look, the good news is... - How much was it?- £440.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36You can get your arm finished.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Yeah, and carry on. - And you said it wasn't painful
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- but I do have some painful news for you, Claire.- Yeah?
0:42:42 > 0:42:47There is commission to pay. 18% plus VAT.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50- Everyone has to pay it, unfortunately.- That's...oh, OK.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- That's OK.- That's the painful bit, but, hey...- But still...
0:42:53 > 0:42:55That's the most painful bit over and done with, there.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59We've been to some fabulous locations,
0:42:59 > 0:43:03which have provided us with a diverse collection of items.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07And some have given us some real surprises in the saleroom.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09- Thank you.- It's love! - I am delighted...
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- surprised, but delighted.- So am I.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14Style won, once again.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18So join us again soon for more auction drama on Flog It!