0:00:02 > 0:00:03Today, Flog It! comes from Kent,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06a county that has more historic houses and castles
0:00:06 > 0:00:07than any other in the UK.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13And we've been given the grounds of one of the finest.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Chiddingstone Castle,
0:00:17 > 0:00:19where we're hoping to find extraordinary antiques
0:00:19 > 0:00:21and colourful characters.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Well, it's a glorious, sunny day here
0:00:29 > 0:00:30and the Flog It! flag is flying,
0:00:30 > 0:00:33so it's time to let the games begin.
0:00:35 > 0:00:36And welcome to...
0:00:36 > 0:00:38ALL: Flog It!
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Chiddingstone Castle can trace its roots back to the 1500s,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09when the first timber-framed building occupied the site.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Since then, it's undergone several transformations,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15and now sits proudly as a Gothic-inspired castle.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18It's steeped in history,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22and it's a perfect location for a valuation day in the sun.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Well, our visitors have turned up nice and early today
0:01:26 > 0:01:29to get their antiques and collectables valued.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31And don't forget, the lucky ones will be going off to auction,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34where hopefully, it'll be game, set and match,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37as those items go under the hammer.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39Competing to find the best items of the day
0:01:39 > 0:01:42are veterans of Flog It! Thomas Plant...
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Isn't that pretty? You know, isn't it funny,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48the way people hide the greatest gems underneath?
0:01:49 > 0:01:50..and Adam Partridge.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52I'm having a great morning already.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55I've only seen a couple of people, and we're hitting gold every time.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58They have been walking the Flog It! queues for ten years,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01and have a near-psychic ability to spot the gold.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04So, Adam, what are you looking at, delving into an album box?
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- I've found something that might be of interest.- That is very rare!
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- I don't even need to open it to know.- It's extremely rare.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12I just don't know how they do it(!)
0:02:14 > 0:02:18The people of Kent have brought us an array of items, some inherited,
0:02:18 > 0:02:23some bought, but all with a story to tell and a value to reveal.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29On today's show, there's disbelief at the valuation tables...
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- Really?- Yeah. That was a good "really"?- Yeah!
0:02:32 > 0:02:34..surprises at the auction room...
0:02:34 > 0:02:35Five.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Top split!
0:02:37 > 0:02:38Yes, good.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40..and I end up at a Kent location
0:02:40 > 0:02:43where you wouldn't expect to find antiques.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- I feel like you're... - That's it, keep going.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48..disappearing down a plughole! It's like you're in a vortex!
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Well, I don't envy the chap who has to mow the lawn here.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05There's 35 acres of it.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08And everyone seems to be enjoying this setting.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12But right now, it's time to catch up with expert Thomas Plant.
0:03:16 > 0:03:17- Welcome.- Thank you very much.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22And you've brought along a very attractive piece of jewellery.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- I'm pleased you think so. - No, I like it.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27First of all, it's by Georg Jensen -
0:03:27 > 0:03:28or George Jenson -
0:03:28 > 0:03:31the Danish silversmith and jeweller.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33What do you know about it?
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Well, it was given to me by my father-in-law many, many,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- many, many years ago. I've never worn it.- Really?
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Talk me through the gift from your father-in-law.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- Is he Danish?- No. He sadly passed away quite a long time ago,
0:03:49 > 0:03:54but what he couldn't have known is that my grandchildren are Danish.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- Are they?- Yes.- Well, he would never know that, would he?- No.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00So was this when you were married, or when you were just getting married?
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- Yes, newly married.- Newly married.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05And yes, this was probably a Christmas present.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10It's so long ago that I'm ashamed to say I don't really remember.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12It won't be that long ago!
0:04:12 > 0:04:16But anyway, it's quite an interesting gift,
0:04:16 > 0:04:21because you look at Georg Jensen, and you perceive it to be quite a...
0:04:21 > 0:04:23It's quite a high-end piece of jewellery,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25even though it's only silver.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28This piece here is called Moonlight.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- It's one of his earliest designs. - Oh!- It's still in production today.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- It's still being made. - Right! That same design?
0:04:35 > 0:04:38That same design, but they do inset it with jewellery,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41with stones, and amethysts and moonstones and garnets
0:04:41 > 0:04:43to make it come alive a bit more.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48This piece in itself dates from 1959,
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- so long, long time before you were married.- Yeah, yes!
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- It was second-hand when he gave it to you.- Right. That's fine.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01Well, absolutely. We are in the second-hand market. My business is.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03But what I find intriguing is,
0:05:03 > 0:05:07I want the back story of how he came about it,
0:05:07 > 0:05:08why he gave it to you,
0:05:08 > 0:05:12and I've seen it's never been worn, because you've not even cleaned it.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- No.- Have you?- No.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16That looks rather handsome.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19The whole idea about Danish and Scandinavian design
0:05:19 > 0:05:22is taking our influence from nature.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- That's exactly what you've got there, isn't it?- Yes.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27With the budding flowers, etc.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- The fact that you've never worn it, is that why you've brought it?- Yes.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I mean, I've had it probably 40 years.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- I think it's lovely, but I don't wear brooches.- Well, value.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- I've bigged it up quite a lot, haven't I?- It's fine.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- What do you think it's worth? - Maybe £50.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- Oh, no, it's worth more than that. - Oh, right.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48It's probably worth about 80 to 120.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- And I know that's an auctioneer's estimate.- Yes.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52But it's definitely worth that.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Excellent, excellent. That's lovely.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57And I think there's no question
0:05:57 > 0:05:59you should definitely put a reserve on it.
0:05:59 > 0:06:00- Of?- £70.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- That's fine.- It's got to be,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06because these always sell between that figure,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09and I'd like it to go up a little bit.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Will you buy a piece of jewellery you will wear?
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- No.- Why not?
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- Well, I don't really wear jewellery.- OK.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- It'll probably go to going to Denmark, see the grandchildren.- OK.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- They're super-stylish, these Danes, aren't they?- Oh, wonderful.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23- They're super-stylish.- Yes, yes.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- We could learn a few things. - We could, we could.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Isn't it great when an item from the past
0:06:30 > 0:06:33helps complete a circle in the present?
0:06:33 > 0:06:36# Always take the weather with you
0:06:36 > 0:06:38# Everywhere you go
0:06:38 > 0:06:40# Always take the weather
0:06:40 > 0:06:43# The weather with you. #
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Alison, thank you for bringing something along
0:06:46 > 0:06:47a little more unusual than we see on the...
0:06:47 > 0:06:49regular items that we see on the programme.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54These lovely Chinese gouache paintings on leaves.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55How did you come by these?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57They belonged to my grandmother,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- and I think she gave them to me in the early '70s.- Right.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04I can't remember exactly when, but it was before she died.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06You have childhood memories of them?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09I certainly do, yes. And I think I've got photographs of them
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- in my grandmother's house when my mother was young.- How nice!
0:07:12 > 0:07:15I'm not totally sure, but I think I remember seeing them.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17How do you think your grandmother came by them?
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- Did she travel to the Far East? - No, no, I'm sure she didn't.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22I've no idea where she got them from.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- It would be interesting to know, wouldn't it?- It would be.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27But typically, these things were produced
0:07:27 > 0:07:28at the end of the 19th century,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30and often produced for export to the west,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33and sometimes brought back by merchant seamen, etc,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35or shipped over for export.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38They're very nicely executed, aren't they?
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Each unsigned, but very nicely done.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43They've survived incredibly well,
0:07:43 > 0:07:45considering they're over 100 years old.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47What's made you come along to bring them to Flog It! today,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50then, Alison, because you quite like them, don't you?
0:07:50 > 0:07:54I do, I love them, but I didn't decide to come till last night,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56and I thought, "What shall I bring?"
0:07:56 > 0:07:59And I've inherited a lot of stuff over the years,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03and, as with a lot of people, we're going to have to move
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- to a smaller house at some stage, so it's a good time to start.- I see.
0:08:07 > 0:08:08We do see them from time to time,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11and sometimes you see the leaf painting. You also see them on...
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Rice paper is another popular medium,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16or material to be painted on.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18But these are most pleasant,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21and they have a value usually of around...
0:08:21 > 0:08:24well, 40-60,
0:08:24 > 0:08:2640-60, 70-100.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- So, sort of £150-£200, I'd have thought.- Mm-hm.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Is that something that you'd be...?
0:08:32 > 0:08:37Well, if it goes to a good home, and it leaves a little space,
0:08:37 > 0:08:41not for something else, but just a little space, it's a good idea.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Well, I think so. And there is a strong interest
0:08:44 > 0:08:47in all things Chinese at the moment. It's very much in fashion.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51I think we should place a reserve on them, so that they're not undersold.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I would suggest that figure should be about £120,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56just as a caution rather than as a target.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Does that sound all right? - That sounds fine, yes.- Good.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00Thank you for bringing them, Alison.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03I look forward to seeing them coming under the hammer,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05because they're a tricky thing to predict today,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08but I'd like to think they'll make a bit more than what we've suggested.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Gouache painting uses a paint similar to watercolour
0:09:12 > 0:09:15to create this striking opaque picture.
0:09:15 > 0:09:16But will the bidders take an interest?
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Find out in a few minutes.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22# That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- # I like it - Uh-huh, uh-huh
0:09:25 > 0:09:27# That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh... #
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Well, you can't beat a Flog It! valuation day
0:09:29 > 0:09:30when the weather's like this.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Are you having a good time, everyone?- ALL: Yes!- Yes!
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Now, hopefully, you're all Flog It! fans,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36otherwise you would not be here today.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Let's find the biggest Flog It! fan, shall we?
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Who has been watching the show for, let's say, two or three years?
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- Most of you, surely! - VARIOUS: Yes!
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Who's been watching the show for... Five years?
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Yes! - Gosh, the same amount of hands.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- Who's been watching the show for ten years?- Yes!
0:09:53 > 0:09:55No, I don't believe it!
0:09:55 > 0:09:57HE LAUGHS
0:09:57 > 0:09:58We're actually in our 13th year,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02so you've been with us for the whole course of our history.
0:10:02 > 0:10:03That's absolutely fabulous.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05# And it's time to feel good! #
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Well, time flies when you're having fun,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10and it's time that is on Thomas' mind.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13He's found a quiet spot to listen to
0:10:13 > 0:10:17the mechanics of Roberta's beautiful pocket watch.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19"Time and tide waits for no man."
0:10:19 > 0:10:23And we have a very nice watch here.
0:10:23 > 0:10:24Absolutely beautiful.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Where's it come from? - Thank you. I wish I knew.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31We just found it with all sorts of bits and pieces
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- that came from both families. - Just found it?
0:10:33 > 0:10:35And I don't know whose it is.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39I mean, it must have been one family or the other, but we don't know.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41So, it's quite a nice find, really, isn't it?
0:10:41 > 0:10:45I don't know anything about watches, so I presumed it was gold,
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- but I really don't know. - It is gold. It is 18-carat gold.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52- It is a full hunter. Full hunter means it's covered on both sides.- OK.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54And the maker is clearly on there.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Henri Hoffman. Lovely.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00An absolutely delightful thing to have.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03And I can't believe you don't know who owns it, or where it's from.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07It's from Switzerland. It dates from the early part of the 20th century.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13Might be slightly later in the 19th, but in super quality.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17The only thing it's suffered is this rubbing on the case.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Presumably from being in a pocket...?
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Yes, being in a pocket. The hands are really pretty.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28You've got this lovely, lovely movement here. Can you see that?
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- And it's working.- It is! That's amazing.- Ticking away.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- Isn't it beautiful?- Yeah. - Really great.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39What's it worth? Well, considering you didn't know you had it,
0:11:39 > 0:11:42it's a really nice little gem.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Because it is 18-carat gold, there is a gold value to it,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47but watches, pocket watches especially,
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- are becoming more and more collectable.- Are they?
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Yes, our friends in the Far East are buying them.- OK.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Therefore, the prices are slightly going up.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57I mean, the gold value is there anyway.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59It's worth at least £300-£500.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- Right.- So I think that we use that as a good starting figure.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- How does that grab you? - I know nothing about them,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- so anything is good. - You're very honest to say that!
0:12:08 > 0:12:10"I know nothing about it."
0:12:10 > 0:12:12But it is lovely, it's cased,
0:12:12 > 0:12:17and if I had £300, I'd certainly think that's a great investment.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Are we going to put a reserve on at?
0:12:20 > 0:12:22That's a good question. Shall we put a reserve?
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- What do you think? - I think we should. 280.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- OK.- Fix it at 280.- OK.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28I mean, it's going to make that anyway, but we'll fix it at 280.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- Could we fix it at 300? Or is that pushing our luck?- We can.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36No, not at all. If you want to go for 300, we'll go for £300.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38OK. Let's do that.
0:12:38 > 0:12:39- Let's do that. Fix it at 300.- OK.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- Because I think it's worth every single penny.- OK!
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Thank you for coming. - Thank you. Thank you very much.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Well, our Flog It! visitors have been showing their treasures
0:12:54 > 0:12:57to our experts, who have been suitably impressed.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59So it's time for our first visit to the auction room.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Let's put those values to the test. Don't go away.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03Anything could happen.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07Here's a quick recap of all the items we're taking with us.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Quality Danish design, and it's never been worn.
0:13:11 > 0:13:12It's sure to sell.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14But for how much?
0:13:16 > 0:13:19And will the unusual design of these paintings put the bidders off,
0:13:19 > 0:13:21or have them flocking to the auction room?
0:13:24 > 0:13:26And time's up for Roberta's pocket watch.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Will it make the £300 reserve?
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Our auction today is across the lush Kent countryside
0:13:35 > 0:13:38and over the county border to Surrey,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41where Ewbank's auction house is our host.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44There are salerooms like this all over the country,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46and there's probably one near you,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49so go along and find yourself a quirky bargain,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51or a special piece of history.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54And right now, the Flog It! lots are up,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56and Tim Duggan is the man on the rostrum.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It's not sold until his hammer goes down.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Well, I've just been joined by Alison and our expert Adam,
0:14:02 > 0:14:04and going under the hammer right now,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06something I have never seen on the show,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09and we've done nearly 1,000 shows. Paintings on Oriental leaves.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12You don't know where these came from, do you? Someone in the family?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15From my grandmother, but I don't know where she got them.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- When she got them?- No. - And where have they been?
0:14:17 > 0:14:20They've been all over the world, as far as I'm aware.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Kenya, Ireland, England several times,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Spain, and then back to England.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28They're well-travelled, aren't they?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31We're going to put it to the test right now. Here we go. Good luck.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34And how do you see this? £100 for it?
0:14:34 > 0:14:36100 is bid. 100 is bid now. 110 now.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39110, I've got now. Look for 120 anywhere?
0:14:39 > 0:14:40At 110. Don't stop me now.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43At 110, all and done, then, at 110.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Not sold.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Oh!- Oh, no. You're taking them home,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- and you're going to enjoy them. - Yeah.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52I'm sure they're worth what we estimated them at,
0:14:52 > 0:14:53but perhaps today wasn't their day,
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- and they might belong in a more specialist Oriental sale.- Yeah.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Always protect your investment with a reserve.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- It's the sensible thing.- Yeah.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03There are no guarantees at auction,
0:15:03 > 0:15:05but there's always another time,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08and now, an horologist's dream.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11I tell you what, it's just about to hot up in here,
0:15:11 > 0:15:13because it's going to get exciting, because I think this is quality,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16and it's working, so it won't put the bidders off.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- And in the original box.- Yeah.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Fingers crossed we can send you home with lots of money.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23- I hope so, yeah.- OK?- Yeah.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26OK. This is it. It's going under the hammer.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30And a lot of interest, and we go in at £200 now. £200 now.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32200, 220, 240, 260,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34280, 300.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35320, 340...
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Got a commission bid.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39360, 380.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41With you, sir, at £380 now.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42Looking for 400 anywhere?
0:15:42 > 0:15:45At £380 in the room, we are.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46- 380!- All done, then?
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Selling, then, at £380.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- Roberta, that's sold! - Excellent! That's exciting!
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- It's good, isn't it?- Brilliant.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Are you happy with that? - Very happy.- Good.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Look, there is commission to pay. It's 18%. That includes VAT.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02It's a bit of money to spend. Hopefully you can enjoy it.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Yeah, I will. Brilliant. Thank you.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Pocket watches are gaining in popularity,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11so if you have one tucked away, maybe now is the time to sell.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Next, Maureen's Danish brooch by...
0:16:14 > 0:16:15How do you say the name again?
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Do you know what, I always say "George Jenson",
0:16:18 > 0:16:19cos I'm not one for accents.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- What do you say?- "Yorg". - You do?- Georg.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Georg. Yeah. - HE LAUGHS
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Well, look, it's going under the hammer right now. This is it.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Interest we have, and I go in at £50 online now.
0:16:31 > 0:16:3255 now. 60.
0:16:32 > 0:16:3465 now. 70, I need online.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- There's a phone bid. - 80 online.
0:16:36 > 0:16:3785. 90.
0:16:37 > 0:16:3895. 100.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- 110, 120 online.- This is the beauty of the internet.
0:16:42 > 0:16:43110, I have. 120 online now.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45120 online. It's your bid now.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Online now. Do I have 130 anywhere?
0:16:47 > 0:16:48At 120, then, it's online we go...
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- 130 now. 130.- Top split!
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Looking for 140 anywhere? At 130, online we go, then.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57Selling, then, online at 130.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- Bang! The hammer's gone down. - Excellent!
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- Well done, you. - Well, well done, you!
0:17:02 > 0:17:03It always sells, it always sells.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05£160 in the doorway now.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09Selling, then. In the doorway we go, then. Selling, then, at 360.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Well, there you are. Three lots done and dusted, under the hammer.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15We're coming back here later on in the programme, so don't go away.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19Right now, we're hurtling back across the border to Kent,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22to visit one Britain's best loved racetracks,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25where I put pedal to metal down at Brands Hatch.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Two and a half miles of track.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36Cars driving wildly at hundreds of miles an hour.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Sponsorship deals worth millions,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43and an international audience of billions.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49This is Brands Hatch,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52a Formula One racetrack for 22 years.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57Loved by all the driving greats from Stirling Moss to Graham Hill.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00But how did this world-renowned track come about,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03and why here in Kent?
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Well, it all started with an overgrown field,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08and the humble bicycle.
0:18:08 > 0:18:14In 1926, a group of cyclists were riding past on bikes like this,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16led by a local man, Ron Argent.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Now, Ron noticed that the field's natural contours acted like
0:18:20 > 0:18:22something of an amphitheatre,
0:18:22 > 0:18:25and he thought this would be the ideal racetrack,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29with these banks acting as natural viewing platforms.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32At the time, the area was owned by Brands Hatch Farm,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35so the cyclists approached the owners to see if they could use it
0:18:35 > 0:18:38as a racetrack and, thanks to the farmer saying yes,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Brands Hatch was born.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43HE RINGS BICYCLE BELL
0:18:43 > 0:18:46The first ever race was in 1926,
0:18:46 > 0:18:50and it was between cyclists and the cross-country runners.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Nobody knows quite why the contest was between man and machine.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56The runners won the day,
0:18:56 > 0:19:00and the event put the wheels in motion for more wheels in motion.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06Before long, the circuit developed into a three-quarter-mile track
0:19:06 > 0:19:09in the valley, attracting even more two-wheelers -
0:19:09 > 0:19:12this time, the motorised kind.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Local groups of motorcyclists got together,
0:19:15 > 0:19:19and they had their first meet here in March of 1932.
0:19:19 > 0:19:2550cc Nortons and Triumphs raced on the dusty, noisy track.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Within two decades, the circuit was tarmacked,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31and races attracted 30,000 spectators.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33And this was just the beginning.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40By the 1950s, the track started filling up with cars like this,
0:19:40 > 0:19:44a 1953 Staride Formula 3,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48the first car ever to race at Brands Hatch.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52It was the forerunner to the Formula 1 car,
0:19:52 > 0:19:57and this particular one raced here at Brands Hatch in 1953.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Its present owner Xavier brought it back to Brands Hatch to race again,
0:20:01 > 0:20:0461 years later, after its first outing.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Hello.- Hi, hello. Good to see you. - And you. And what a machine.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- Brilliant, isn't it?- Yes!
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Now, I know you've never been a professional racing car driver,
0:20:14 > 0:20:18so how did you end up owning a Formula 3 car like this?
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Very easy story, really, Paul. I decided to retire early.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24I've always loved motorsport, so what do you do when you retire?
0:20:24 > 0:20:26You buy a racing car. It's almost as easy as that.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28You've never grown up, really.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- It's boys and their toys, isn't it? - Absolutely right.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- So, what inspired you to buy this particular car, then?- I'll show you.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34This...
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- A model of it?- A model of it.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40When I was a teenager, 13, 14, I used to make model kits,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43and one of the ones I made was of a Formula 3 racing car.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46And ever since then, I've really, really loved that type of car.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50So when I retired, saved a bit of money, buy a car.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- So you know the history of this car?- Absolutely.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55It raced here first in April 1953,
0:20:55 > 0:20:58then stayed racing around various circuits in the UK,
0:20:58 > 0:21:00and was eventually exported to California in 1959,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03then came back on the historic race scene in the States,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06and then, eventually, I bought the car at the end of 2010.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- And that's where you found it? - Absolutely right.- OK.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Let's just get a bit technical, very, very quickly, OK?
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- Maximum speed?- Gearing... 110, 115, depending on the circuit.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17That's quite fast!
0:21:17 > 0:21:19It's quick enough when you're about three inches off the ground!
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Yeah, you're very, very low, aren't you? You are low.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25And what sort of cylinder is the engine? It's got Norton.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Is that a bike engine?- It's a Manx Norton... it's only 500cc.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- That's nothing, is it? - Absolutely nothing.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33What does your good lady wife think of all this?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Well, without Angie, I couldn't go racing,
0:21:36 > 0:21:39because Angie's the person that starts the car.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41How do you start this car, then?
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Well...- I mean, you don't stick a key in the ignition.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46I'm afraid you have to jack it up, you have to spin the back wheels
0:21:46 > 0:21:48to get the car going, and then you fire it up.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50So, jack the back of the car up,
0:21:50 > 0:21:54then third gear, then, demon starter comes along.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57This is only part of it, because it needs someone to work it.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58OK, Angie!
0:22:00 > 0:22:01OK?
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- ENGINE REVS - Whoo!
0:22:10 > 0:22:13You can feel the whole room vibrate!
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Xavier is just one of many people whose lives have been
0:22:23 > 0:22:26touched by Brands Hatch, and it's brought Formula 1
0:22:26 > 0:22:29into the homes for many millions of people.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37In 1986, Brands Hatch held its final Grand Prix.
0:22:37 > 0:22:43115,000 people came here to witness this historic event,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46and the passionate crowd would have been on their feet
0:22:46 > 0:22:49here in the grandstand, over there on the south bank,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51and all around the edges.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53The atmosphere would have been electrifying,
0:22:53 > 0:22:57as Nigel Mansell won the race with a 5.5-second lead.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Grands Prix are no longer held here,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04but Brands Hatch is still a hive of activity, and today,
0:23:04 > 0:23:08it's my turn to experience the buzz of the racetrack.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Nigel Mansell, eat your heart out!
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- Hi, Paul. I'm Peter. - Pleased to meet you.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I'm your instructor here at Brands.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Let's show you where this circuit goes.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25I'm looking forward to this! You're a brave man!
0:23:25 > 0:23:28THEY LAUGH
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Oh, well. Here goes.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Wish me luck!
0:23:33 > 0:23:37MUSIC: Cars by Gary Numan
0:23:37 > 0:23:38And up to third gear.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Can I go for it? - Accelerate down the hill, yeah.- Wow!
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- You can feel the contours.- You can.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48It's a very undulating circuit, Brands Hatch.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- It's a real driver's circuit. - Fantastic!
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Then we're braking for Graham Hill Bend.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Graham Hill Bend, wow.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59Named after one of the classic British racing drivers all time.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Straighten the front wheel slightly. That's good. That's good.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- Here comes this main straight.- Oh! - Power on, power on!- Ohhh!
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Superb! PAUL LAUGHS
0:24:08 > 0:24:09Very well done.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- I feel giddy.- Climb up the hill.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Braking.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Good.
0:24:20 > 0:24:21Well done, sir.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23PAUL LAUGHS
0:24:24 > 0:24:25Ohhh!
0:24:26 > 0:24:30That was fantastic! That was scary.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32That was the Real McCoy.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33Gosh!
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Brilliant. Whoo!
0:24:44 > 0:24:48From the roar of the racetrack to the tranquil Chiddingstone Castle,
0:24:48 > 0:24:50where I can't help thinking
0:24:50 > 0:24:52something looks very different today.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Normally, when you see this many umbrellas,
0:24:54 > 0:24:57it's because it's raining, but it's a glorious sunny day,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59so we do need some sort of sunshade,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02and right now, we're going to be catching up with Adam Partridge,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05who's shedding some light on something special.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- Jenny, what a beautiful day here in Kent.- It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- Don't get much better than that, does it?- No, no. A lovely setting.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- Locations and everything else. - Beautiful.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21And I was attracted to your postcard albums for a number of reasons.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Firstly, also, because there are going to be some local ones in here.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- Yes, there's a lot of local ones. - Very good.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28But before we open up the albums,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31because there's a lot of flicking through to do there,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34can you tell me a bit about them and how you came to own them yourself?
0:25:34 > 0:25:39Yeah. They belonged to my great-aunt, who started collecting them...
0:25:39 > 0:25:41I think the earliest postcard is about 1906.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- And what was your great-aunt's name? - Aunt Fanny.- Aunt Fanny!
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- There we are. That's a good traditional name.- Yeah.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52And so, please tell me more. Aunt Fanny collected these?
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Yes, and her sisters used to travel a bit,
0:25:55 > 0:25:59and send her postcards wherever they went, and her friends.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00So she collected them all,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03and then she passed it on to her daughter,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05and her daughter started collecting them,
0:26:05 > 0:26:09but unfortunately, most of the family died of TB.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- Oh, gosh.- And their daughter died of TB as well.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- So I think the last one is about 1925.- Oh, dear!
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- That's a sad ending, isn't it?- Sad, yes.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20And what happened to Aunt Fanny in the end?
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Aunt Fanny lived till she was in her 90s.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- Oh, well, there's a positive, isn't it?- That is.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Very good. Anyway, we'll have a look through them.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29There we go. We're straight into Kent.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Ramsgate, Chatham,
0:26:32 > 0:26:34Ramsgate, Margate,
0:26:34 > 0:26:35Dover.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37So we've got loads and loads of local views,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40which were quite common to see.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43And I've marked out one which is a little more interesting,
0:26:43 > 0:26:48actually, which is here, this submarine A5 going full speed.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50That's a more rare one,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53and that's something that's going to appeal to the collector.
0:26:53 > 0:26:54That will be worth a few pounds,
0:26:54 > 0:26:56whereas these are going to be worth pence, really.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Then we've got another album here,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01so we've got a mixture in this album,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04including greetings and more topographical...
0:27:04 > 0:27:08An area of collecting particularly, and it appeals to me as well,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- are the humorous ones.- Mm-hm.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12I like this one. It's rather cute, isn't it?
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Little kiddie in the tub.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17"I hope she won't whistle God Save The King,
0:27:17 > 0:27:18"or I'll have to stand up."
0:27:18 > 0:27:22- So it's fun, isn't it?- It is fun. - Just a bit of gentle humour.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26And right next to it, you got another area of collection, cats.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30People like cats. And here's a cat on the telephone.
0:27:30 > 0:27:31- Again, rather amusing.- Yeah.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33And let's have a quick look at this final one.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- Isn't that lovely, just the inside cover?- It is lovely.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38I mean, that's a real sort of Art Nouveau-derived design,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- isn't it?- It is nice. - This one here...
0:27:41 > 0:27:45Well, we're onto Titanic and shipping and memorial, aren't we?
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Cos these are the words for Nearer, My God, To Thee,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51which was famously played by Wallace Hartley,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53the band leader of the Titanic, and his band,
0:27:53 > 0:27:55as the ship was going down.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- That's right. - So it's quite a poignant one, there.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00When was this sent? You could spend hours...
0:28:00 > 0:28:02- 1912, look.- 1912, yeah. - So it actually...
0:28:02 > 0:28:06- Yeah.- Doesn't mention the ship.- No, it doesn't.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09But all the same, quite a poignant reminder of the day, isn't it?
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- Yes, quite sad.- So, in these three albums, you know,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15there's not a huge amount of value, but there's a great amount of
0:28:15 > 0:28:18interest in social history terms, and things like that.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Price-wise, have you got any idea what you think?
0:28:21 > 0:28:23I really haven't got a clue, no.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Well, I think 200-300 would be...
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- Really?!- Yeah. That was a good "really"?
0:28:28 > 0:28:29Yeah! Yeah, definitely.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32I was thinking of going lower. I didn't think you'd like it.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34But kind of £50-£80 an album,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38based on the fact that they're mainly views, which are low value.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- Yes.- But I would say 200-300, and maybe just tuck in
0:28:40 > 0:28:44reserve a bit lower, about 150, maybe, to stop them going for less.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46OK, that's fine. Yes. That's absolutely fine.
0:28:46 > 0:28:47I think they'll sell for that.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49- They might make a bit more. - Oh, good.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54# There's no combination of words I could put on the back of a postcard
0:28:54 > 0:28:58# No song that I could sing but I could try for your heart
0:28:58 > 0:29:02# Tell you one thing we're better together... #
0:29:03 > 0:29:06The Flog It! folk are a calm and gentle sort,
0:29:06 > 0:29:09which is more than can be said for this formidable group.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Heavyweight boxer Henry Cooper
0:29:12 > 0:29:14with heavyweight gangsters the Krays.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18- George.- Yes.- You don't sound like you're from these parts.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- I'm not, I'm from the East End. - You're from the East End?
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- A proper East Ender? - I'm a proper East Ender.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25What brings you down to these parts?
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- Well, I've lived in Kent now for the last 50 years.- Have you?- Yeah.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30THEY LAUGH
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- So you've been a Kent person more than a Cockney?- Definitely.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34But you were still born there.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37I was born there, I was bred there, and I still love the East End.
0:29:37 > 0:29:38Brilliant, brilliant.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- And tell me, you brought along some interesting photographs...- Yeah.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- ..of what looks like a boxing night.- Yes.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47What it is, it's mostly of the Kray twins,
0:29:47 > 0:29:48and their brother Charlie.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52That's Charlie Kray, Reggie Kray,
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Henry Cooper, and Ronnie Kray.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57You didn't know the Krays, did you?
0:29:57 > 0:29:59You'd obviously heard of them growing up?
0:29:59 > 0:30:01- Oh, I've met them a few times. - Have you?- Yeah.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02How did you meet them?
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Well, we used to...
0:30:05 > 0:30:07When I was in my teens,
0:30:07 > 0:30:12there used to be little sort of disco clubs around the East End,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16and many a time, the Krays, the two brothers used to walk in,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19have a little dance, and chat with the fellas and that.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- But they were... Well, to me, they seemed nice fellas.- Yeah?
0:30:24 > 0:30:29But in their own little circle, we know what happened, don't we?
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Well, yes, absolutely. It's extraordinary.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37And the celebrity of criminality...
0:30:37 > 0:30:44- It's been publicised heavily, in films, documentaries...- Yeah.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48..and auction houses do sell a lot of Kray memorabilia, actually,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50from the twins here.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54There's a big group of people here, and you can see the twins here,
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- and anyone you recognise there?- Yeah, that's Terry Spinks, the boxer.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- The little guy there?- Oh, yeah, he was a brilliant boxer, Terry.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- Was he?- Yeah, brilliant, Terry Spinks. This fella here,
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- I used to go to school with. - Really? This chap there?
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Yes, this chap there, Harry Abrahams,
0:31:07 > 0:31:09I went to school with him. He's a nice fella.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11So how did you get these photographs?
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Well, I've had them about 25, 30 years now.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17And a friend of mine had them,
0:31:17 > 0:31:19and we were just looking through them one day.
0:31:19 > 0:31:20I said, oh, I'd like to keep them.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23He said, "You can have them if you want them. I don't want them."
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- Really?- And he just gave them to me. - Well, they are...
0:31:25 > 0:31:27They're quite candid shots as well.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30I quite like the fact that you've got... Here's an example.
0:31:30 > 0:31:31You've got the Kray twins here,
0:31:31 > 0:31:35sort of one sort of leaning in to make sure he's in the photograph,
0:31:35 > 0:31:39but the cameraman has photographed them through the boxing ring.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- That's right.- So you've got the rope in the middle of it all.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- Yeah, that's right. - It's all quite odd, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:31:44 > 0:31:45As you can see, they were very smart fellas.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Well, I think these are marvellous photographs,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50and underneath here, you've got a Matt Busby,
0:31:50 > 0:31:56one of Manchester United's most famous managers,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59but also the one who took them through the Munich air disaster.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- That's right. - So... A real hero.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Well, I'll tell you how that came about.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07My son, Tony, unfortunately, he's not with us no more.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- We lost him about 16 years ago. - Oh, I'm sorry.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12My father-in-law - my wife's dad -
0:32:12 > 0:32:16he worked for the Mirror Group newspapers,
0:32:16 > 0:32:18and Sir Matt Busby came in there one day.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20I said, "Do you think I could get a signature for my son?
0:32:20 > 0:32:23"He plays football, and likes football."
0:32:23 > 0:32:25So he said, "Certainly," and he just wrote that.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- "To Tony, best wishes, Matt Busby."- Yeah.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30It's such a treasured thing, really.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- You sure you want to sell these things?- Well...
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- You don't want to give them away. - I don't want to give them away, no.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- I think there's two lots, though.- Yeah.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41I think the Kray photographs are candid, they're exciting,
0:32:41 > 0:32:43interesting. The provenance is...
0:32:43 > 0:32:47You're an East Ender, they've come straight from the horse's mouth,
0:32:47 > 0:32:49- so to speak.- Right.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54I think they're worth at least 60-100, maybe even £80-£100.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56So let's meet in the middle.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- Let's say £70-£100, with a reserve of round about £50.- Yeah.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- So we won't give them away.- Yeah.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07So, on to the valuation of the Matt Busby signed piece of paper.
0:33:07 > 0:33:08I think...
0:33:11 > 0:33:15- The estimate would be between 40 and £60.- Right, yeah.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- I'd reserve it at at least £30.- OK. - You happy with that?
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Yeah, I'm happy with that.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22So, a pleasure to see them, and to meet you as well.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- Oh, thank you very much!- Thank you.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29They might not be worth a fortune,
0:33:29 > 0:33:30but those photos are fresh to the market
0:33:30 > 0:33:32and could be very rare.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37We've had a few surprises here already but, for one man,
0:33:37 > 0:33:41today's trip to Flog It! was a trip in itself.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43People have travelled from far and wide today, and I know
0:33:43 > 0:33:45we have a couple here from Bristol,
0:33:45 > 0:33:49and for one of them, it's their birthday.
0:33:49 > 0:33:50It's a chap called Jules,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53and his wife Anna has been leaving clues all over the house
0:33:53 > 0:33:55as to where she is taking him today,
0:33:55 > 0:33:56and she's brought him along to Flog It!
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- Pleased to meet you, Jules. Happy birthday!- Thank you very much.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02And you, and you. So, how old are you today? Are we allowed to know?
0:34:02 > 0:34:06I am 43 years young. PAUL LAUGHS
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Well, you don't look it! And you're a big Flog It! fan?
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Indeed, yeah. I love it, absolutely.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13And what is it you like about the show?
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Well, for me, it has to be all these little trinkets
0:34:17 > 0:34:21and the stories that go behind it, and then working out whether there is
0:34:21 > 0:34:23a real value, and then often, if there's not a value,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26it's a personal value. And being here today is just...
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- And seeing how the programme works. - Yeah, yeah.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30And how it all knits together.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Right, well, good luck, anyway.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Jules here has come all the way from Bristol.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37He's a big Flog It! fan, and it's his birthday.
0:34:37 > 0:34:38Three cheers for Jules. Hip, hip...
0:34:38 > 0:34:40- ALL: Hooray! - Hip, hip...
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- ALL: Hooray! - Hip, hip...
0:34:42 > 0:34:43ALL: Hooray!
0:34:43 > 0:34:44Well done, Jules.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46PAUL LAUGHS Thank you!
0:34:52 > 0:34:55A birthday treat in the shape of a Flog It! valuation day.
0:34:55 > 0:34:56How unique!
0:34:58 > 0:35:01And what better way to celebrate than with a bottle of the finest?
0:35:01 > 0:35:03Trust Adam to seek it out.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- Don.- Pleased to meet you, Adam. - Pleased to meet you, too.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08I was going for the bottle, but I'll take the handshake.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11I've got some cups here. Let's crack it open. It's a lovely, sunny day.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15- Yeah... I don't think so. - Oh. Let's have a look.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17A bottle of Armagnac, 1914?
0:35:17 > 0:35:20Armagnac, from the Armagnac region of France, 1914.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23It says it all on there. 65 proof,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26and sold by Averys of Bristol.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31A very famous firm, Averys of Bristol, founded in 1793.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33So, I don't want to be rude here, Don,
0:35:33 > 0:35:35because clearly you haven't had this since 1914.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- How did you come to get it?- Right.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42I took part in the Armed Forces Day, down at Woking.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44There was a raffle on for Help For Heroes,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- and I happened to win this bottle in the raffle.- Wow!
0:35:47 > 0:35:50You won it in a raffle! Now, you're an ex-serviceman yourself.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- Ex-Royal Marine? - Ex-Royal Marine, yeah.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Very good. And you've had an interesting life, haven't you?
0:35:55 > 0:35:57I've had an interesting life, doing government security.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00- Government security?- Yes.- Can you say any more? Is the rest of it...?
0:36:00 > 0:36:01- I won't say any more! - THEY LAUGH
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- Cos you sign that little form. - Oh, do you?
0:36:04 > 0:36:06- Yes.- That's very interesting, Don.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08Seeing I'm not a brandy drinker,
0:36:08 > 0:36:10I don't want anything of the proceeds.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12- It's all going to charity. - Brilliant.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Well, what a great reason to sell it.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15Now, we've had a little look into it,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18and it's quite a hard thing to value, really.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23We've all seen some bottles of wines and brandies make huge sums of money,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26but sadly, there's very little to compare this with
0:36:26 > 0:36:29on the market at the moment, so we've had to take a bit of a guess,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32and the guess that we've taken is £100-£150.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Well, it's not bad, really, is it?
0:36:34 > 0:36:38And do you know what? I bet it's still very drinkable.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- It's got to be someone who wants it. - It has, hasn't it?
0:36:42 > 0:36:44So, we're going to put it in the auction at £100-£150.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Do we want a reserve on it, or do we let it make what it makes?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- Let it make what it makes. - I think so.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53And hopefully, it'll make more than 100 quid for your charity.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57Well, it would be any named charity, but it would be for a youth charity.
0:36:57 > 0:36:58A youth charity. Even better.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Maybe we'll talk about that further on the sale day.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03When we know exactly what we've got, we'll know how to split it.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- Exactly. And let's go for a third handshake.- OK, Adam.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- Thanks, Don. Thanks for coming. - Thank you.- We'll see you soon.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12# Keep on the sunny side
0:37:12 > 0:37:14# Always on the sunny side
0:37:14 > 0:37:18# Keep on the sunny side of life. #
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Well, there you are. The perfect English summer's day,
0:37:21 > 0:37:23and the perfect Flog It! valuation day,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26with a magnificent host location, Chiddingstone Castle,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29and a wonderful crowd of people. Had a good time, everyone?
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- ALL: Yes! - Yes! That's what it's all about.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34And we've found some fascinating items.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Can you guess which one will make the most in the auction room?
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Well, we're just about to find out. As we make our way over there,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42here's a quick recap of what we're taking.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47With over 900 postcards in this lot, it's a collector's dream.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Will the auction be worth writing home about?
0:37:51 > 0:37:54The Krays, Henry Cooper and Matt Busby.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57All big names, but will they fetch big money?
0:37:59 > 0:38:01And a 100-year-old bottle of brandy.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Definitely not available at your local supermarket.
0:38:06 > 0:38:07To find out which of these lots wins the day,
0:38:07 > 0:38:09it's back to the saleroom.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12We all done, then? At £70.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Well, let's hope this next lot hits the back of the net
0:38:16 > 0:38:17and scores a great goal.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20It is Sir Matt Busby's autograph, and it belongs to George.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- Were you a Manchester United fan? - No.- No. Just a football fan?
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- I'm a football fan, yeah. - A football fan. Who do you support?
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- Tottenham Hotspur.- Tottenham Hotspur. You're a Londoner!
0:38:29 > 0:38:33And there you go. It should sell. This is it.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35We've got Matt Busby, there, the autograph, there,
0:38:35 > 0:38:37signed in blue pen.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39How do you see it? £40 for it?
0:38:39 > 0:38:4020, if you like.
0:38:40 > 0:38:4220 bid. 20 bid. 25.
0:38:42 > 0:38:4430 now. 35, bid.
0:38:44 > 0:38:45With you at 35 there. Looking for 40.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50Looking for 40. At 35, then, in the jacket we go, then, at £35.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- Sold, £35.- Well done.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Next, those fantastic photos.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- And the Krays are quite collectable, aren't they?- Well, yeah.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03The celebrity of the criminal has become
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- a collectable subject in its own right.- Yeah.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- Good luck, both of you.- OK.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Good luck. Here we go. This is it.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Got the six black and white photographs there.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15The Krays, including Henry Cooper as well.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18£50 for these. £50 for them?
0:39:18 > 0:39:1930 if you like.
0:39:19 > 0:39:2130 bid. 35, 40, 45,
0:39:21 > 0:39:2350, 5.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- 60, 5. - Selling. Good.
0:39:26 > 0:39:2870, 5.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30We're in estimate now.
0:39:30 > 0:39:3180, 5.
0:39:31 > 0:39:3485, 90, 5.
0:39:35 > 0:39:3795, 100.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39At £95, close in at £95, then.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40Right in front we go, then.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Selling, then, to the lady in front at £95.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45- £95. We've done it, George! Done it!- Yes, that's right.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- That's a good result. - That's a brilliant result.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50- Spot-on estimate.- I didn't know what they were going to make.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- I have to say, it was a guess. - Yeah.- It was a well-educated one.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Well done, Thomas.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Well, it could be cheers all round if our next lot sells.
0:40:01 > 0:40:02It's the Averys bottle of brandy.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05And I've just been joined by Donald, who looks extremely smart.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09- I love this. And who's your mate? - My mate is Chas.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13We've been comrades since 1961, and we still go out together now.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15So, were you both in the Royal Marines?
0:40:15 > 0:40:17We were both in the Royal Marines.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- We served with the Third Commando Brigade all over the world.- Wow.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23And you never thought of cracking open this bottle of brandy, then?
0:40:23 > 0:40:25No, thank you. A bottle of rum, maybe!
0:40:25 > 0:40:27- That's it. There's a proper Royal Marine! - LAUGHTER
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- We've got no reserve on this bottle. - That's right.- None, it says.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- No reserve.- Well, we'll see. The market will speak.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34It's going under the hammer now. This is it.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Do I see £100 for it? 50, I've got bid online now.
0:40:37 > 0:40:3950 bid now, 55 now, 60, I've got now.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Want 65, please, online.
0:40:41 > 0:40:42And 70 online now.
0:40:42 > 0:40:4475 now. Looking for 80.
0:40:44 > 0:40:4680 bid. 85. At 90 online.
0:40:46 > 0:40:4895. 100, I need.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50- 100.- 110.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53120. 110 in the room now. £110.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54Right in front we go, then.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Selling, then, at £110.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59£110. Within estimate.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00- That's good.- Yeah.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- Happy, boys?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05The bottle of brandy has found a new home.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Whether it's kept in a cellar or emptied straight into a glass,
0:41:08 > 0:41:12it's a great result for Donald and Chas.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16And our last lot of the day is brimming with local history.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Going under the hammer right now, we have three postcard albums,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23containing a collection of around 900 postcards.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- Jennifer, someone was busy. Great-aunt?- Great-aunt, yes.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- And we have a value of around £200-£300 put on by Adam.- Yeah.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I think, I think these things capture social history
0:41:34 > 0:41:37and they're hard to put a price on. And we could have a surprise.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- We could have, couldn't we? With 900 cards!- That's a lot.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42I'm sure they'll be a few that will be rarer and more valuable,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45but then, the majority are rather common-looking ones.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46But they're also quite nice,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- because they were local, weren't they?- Yes.- Yes.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50Lost items of social history,
0:41:50 > 0:41:52landmarks that don't exist any more, and buildings.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55We're putting it to the test right now. We could have a surprise.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- This is it. - A lot of interest in this lot.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59Yes! Good.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Lot of interest. We go in at £100 now.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04110, 120, 130.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06140, 150 now.
0:42:06 > 0:42:07160. 170 now,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09180, 190, 200.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11I'll go in fifties. 250,
0:42:11 > 0:42:14300, 350, 400.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16450, 500 now.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18At £500. 550 on the phone?
0:42:18 > 0:42:19- < 550?- 550, sir.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21550. 600 now. 650?
0:42:21 > 0:42:22- 650.- Be quick.
0:42:22 > 0:42:23- Yes, please.- 650.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25700, 750, I need, please.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Whoo!
0:42:27 > 0:42:30800, I've got. 850 now. I need 900.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32- 900.- 900 on the phone, quickly.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34- 900, Jennifer!- A pound apiece.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36950 now, we've got online. £1,000.
0:42:36 > 0:42:37- Please.- A bit more now.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39A thousand pounds!
0:42:40 > 0:42:411,050, I'll take. 1,050.
0:42:41 > 0:42:431,100, please. On the phone.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45(I feel sick!)
0:42:45 > 0:42:46The bids are all out, then.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50Selling, then, to the phone, at £1,100.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Yes! Hammer's gone down, £1,100.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55My goodness! I can't believe it.
0:42:55 > 0:42:56- Wow!- I really can't believe that.
0:42:56 > 0:43:01- Something to write home about, eh? - Yes! How about that?
0:43:01 > 0:43:04What a wonderful way to end today's show.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08I knew they had something about them, I really did.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10What are you going to put that money towards? Do you know yet?
0:43:10 > 0:43:12It's going towards my holiday.
0:43:12 > 0:43:13- Where are you going?- Tenerife.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15Tenerife! Good for you.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- Any idea it was going to go for so much money?- No, no idea at all.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- You'd have been happy with the 2-300?- I would have been, yeah!
0:43:22 > 0:43:24- But that's nice. - That's auctions for you!
0:43:24 > 0:43:27You never know what's going to happen in an auction room,
0:43:27 > 0:43:30and that's the way to end the show today, with one big surprise,
0:43:30 > 0:43:31a very happy Jennifer.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34But until the next time, join us again. Bye-bye.