0:00:02 > 0:00:04CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Just take a look at this.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16It's a stunning music room built in the 1790s for William Courtenay,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19the extravagant 21-year-old heir to this grand house
0:00:19 > 0:00:21and its extensive lands.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25William's behaviour caused scandal in society,
0:00:25 > 0:00:28which had repercussions for many generations to come.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30So stay with us, as later on in the programme,
0:00:30 > 0:00:33we'll be delving deeper into the family's history here
0:00:33 > 0:00:36at Powderham Castle, in Devon.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Powderham Castle was built in this commanding position
0:01:01 > 0:01:03beside the Exe estuary
0:01:03 > 0:01:05by the Courtenay family in the 14th century.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10600 years of history are contained within these walls.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12The Roundheads forced the Courtenays out
0:01:12 > 0:01:15during the Battle of Powderham in 1646.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17But they returned and stayed,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20making this one of England's oldest family homes.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22It's much-loved by the Courtenays,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24who've opened their doors to "Flog It!"
0:01:24 > 0:01:26and it's time to get out on the terraces,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28where there's a large queue gathering.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Just look at this fantastic crowd. Everyone is smiling.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34All of Devon has turned up today.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Hundreds of people laden with antiques and collectables.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39They're keen to get inside this historic building,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43but also to see our experts to ask that all-important question,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- which is... ALL:- What's it worth?!
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Stayed tuned and you'll find out.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53And preparing to cast his beady eye over the gems is Mark Stacey.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55I think it's what they used to use for quills.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- So I don't need to be here.- Ah...
0:01:58 > 0:02:01And joining him is antiques expert Will Axon.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- I'm more of a fiddler myself. - Well, there you are.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05And it should be a good day
0:02:05 > 0:02:08as already there's a case of one-upmanship.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- Oh, I think she's beautiful. - Isn't she?- I love this.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Oh, that's so you, Will. - Aw, thank you, Mark.- Pint-sized.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18There's always something, isn't there? There's always something with Mark.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25Well, I think it's time we open the doors, and what a pair of doors.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26Let's get them open.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Ready to go in? Yes, of course you are. Come on.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32They're heading into the state dining hall,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35and it's time to settle down and unpack the goodies.
0:02:35 > 0:02:36Forget feasting for now
0:02:36 > 0:02:40as we look at what's coming up later on in the programme.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Family heirlooms provide surprises.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- Really?- Each, yes.- Each?!
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- Money could be inherited by a lucky grandson.- 350, 360.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- Hey, they love them.- Oh, wow. - They love them.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57And after 600 years at Powderham Castle,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00the next generation looks to the future.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03It's my opportunity to take it on to the next step.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05- And leave your mark.- Leave my mark,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09and continue to renew and restore wonderful old buildings like this.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10That's all for later.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Now it's time to get on with some valuations.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17We've set up our valuation tables across seven rooms
0:03:17 > 0:03:20in this magnificent castle and everywhere you look,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23there's evidence of the power of the Courtenay family,
0:03:23 > 0:03:24here, in the West Country.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26There's a good example, look.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29This wonderful medieval fireplace, built as a copy,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32a memorial for Henry Courtenay, who was the Bishop of Exeter.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36There's one very much like this in the Bishop's Palace, in Exeter.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38It's adorned with the family coats of arms.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41In fact, when you look around, the family coats of arms are everywhere -
0:03:41 > 0:03:43the English side of the family and the French side of the family -
0:03:43 > 0:03:46on top of this wonderful linenfold oak panelling.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49It's a gorgeous setting for our expert, Will Axon.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Well, Anne-Leigh, I don't know... I don't know where to look first,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58because you've got these beautifully decorated miniatures here
0:03:58 > 0:04:00and superb bright colours.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01But look at you as well!
0:04:01 > 0:04:03I mean, you're putting them to shame, aren't you?
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- You look the business.- Thank you.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Tell me, what drew you to these? Are you a collector of miniatures?
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Well, I've got a few miniatures,
0:04:10 > 0:04:15but it was basically the colour of that one, and the pretty face,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17and also the delicacy of this one.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Yeah. Interesting, because those are boxes
0:04:19 > 0:04:21that collectors of miniatures like to tick.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25It helps if you've got a miniature of a pretty young lady
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- rather than a grumpy old man. - That's right.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29If they're bright and colourful as well,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32they add a certain vibrancy to where they're being displayed.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35And, again, the delicacy of some of these miniatures
0:04:35 > 0:04:37that are painted in minute detail
0:04:37 > 0:04:40with sometimes brushes that are a single hair.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Where have you bought them from? - I did buy them from antique fairs.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46So you're into the sort of antiques fairs and markets?
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- Oh, yes. I like to go to them. - Yeah, do you?- Yeah.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Well, it's a great place to start collecting,
0:04:51 > 0:04:53because you can usually buy pieces that are within your budget
0:04:53 > 0:04:56as well as there being expensive pieces.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58There's a whole range of items at these fairs.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00But also, the frames, to me, were different
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- from a lot of the other frames. - Exactly.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04I think they're French, I think.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- I think you're dead right. - I think they're French.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08I mean, my gut instinct, it's not signed,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10but I would suggest that that one's probably Limoges.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12They were well known for producing
0:05:12 > 0:05:15these enamelled plaques and portraits.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17This one on this engine-turned ground,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21which gives you that great effect for the blue in the background.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23You often see it on cigarette cases and silverware.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25- I've never seen it on a picture. - It's great, isn't it?
0:05:25 > 0:05:28It really sort of brings it out, gives it a certain depth.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30And like you say, she's a pretty young girl
0:05:30 > 0:05:32with a little floral spray there,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34and the frame, as well, is super quality.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38It's been well cast, well made, again, French, I would think,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40and date-wise, mid-19th century onwards.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Miniatures themselves were popular from illuminated manuscripts,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47you know, medieval manuscripts that were illuminated,
0:05:47 > 0:05:48and then that sort of gathered pace,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51and then into the 18th century, of course,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53anyone who was anyone had a portrait miniature
0:05:53 > 0:05:55painted of them - or their lover.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Of course, yes, but they were a bit smaller, weren't they?
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- That's right, to be hidden away. - Yeah.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03But then, of course, into the 20th century, photography took over,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06so this art became more and more redundant, really,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- which is a shame, I think. - Oh, I think so.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09Any favourite out of the two?
0:06:09 > 0:06:11They both, to me, have got the delicacy
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- and this one, I think, has got more charm about it.- Yeah.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- This one is just more, "Look at me," you know?- Exactly.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20So, what's the reason for selling them?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Well, I need some money to travel.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Ooh.- And be... It's just so I can find something else.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- Well, that's the way to do it, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32You buy something, you enjoy it for a while, sell it, replace it.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33Do have any idea what they're worth?
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Well, I'll leave it to what you say.- Yeah?
0:06:35 > 0:06:38I mean, I'd like to think that they should be worth
0:06:38 > 0:06:41around the sort of 100 each, something like that.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I mean, is that in line with what you think you paid for them?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- Yes. About that.- OK.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48So if I say that, you know, together,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51we might be looking, on a good day, at a couple of hundred pounds,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54how would you feel about straddling that £200 mark?
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- Say, put them in at 150, 250. - Yeah, 150, 250.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Are you sure?- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- And we'll reserve them at 150?- Yeah.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Well, listen, all that's left for me to say is,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06"Au revoir, mademoiselle,"
0:07:06 > 0:07:08and, "Au revoir, mademoiselle."
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15And it's bonjour to another delicate duo spotted by Mark,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18who's looking very comfortable in the elegant music room.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Joan, what a lovely pair of necklaces you've brought in.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22They are, aren't they?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Now, are these inherited?
0:07:24 > 0:07:29Yes, they were given to me by my aunts when I was 21 years old.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Oh, gosh, what a lovely present.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33And they've been in the family for a long time.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37I believe they could have been great-grandparents'.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38And have you used them over the years?
0:07:38 > 0:07:42I used the one with the locket on just after I'd had it,
0:07:42 > 0:07:46for maybe four or five years I would wear it,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48but now they're just locked away,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51and I really would like to sell them
0:07:51 > 0:07:53and be able to buy a ring which I would wear.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I think that's a wonderful idea. I mean, they are lovely chains.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- I think they're Victorian.- Right.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- The shape of them is very much of that period.- Mm-hm.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04We've got a bit of a misapprehension with these.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Some people call them muff chains.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- That's what I thought they were. - And that's what I thought they were.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11But I've spoken to a colleague of mine who's very good on jewellery,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14and he's pointed out a very simple thing.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- If it was a muff chain, you could open it...- Right.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18- ..to do it up.- Yes.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20But on these, you can't,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- so these are what we call guard chains.- Right.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25These would have been long chains a Victorian lady would've worn,
0:08:25 > 0:08:28which were tucked into the wide belts they had on the chain...
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Oh, OK.- ..and the fob watch would have hidden in there.- Yes. Yes.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32But they are lovely.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36And the other nice thing about them is that they haven't been split up.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40What tends to happen is, over the years, you know, people think,
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- "Oh, well, I'll cut them and make smaller necklaces out of them."- Yes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46But these are all in their original length.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48I tried to keep them that way.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49Well, that was very sensible of you,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52because it makes them a little bit more special.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- Have you ever thought of what they might be worth?- No, I haven't.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58I think if we were to put them into auction,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02we would put them in separately with an estimate of £300 to £400.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Really?- Each, yes.- Each?!- Yes.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07Good grief. No.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Has that shocked you a bit? - Yes, it has, actually,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12cos I thought maybe 100 each.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14No, I think they're worth a lot more than that,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16and I hope there'd be a lot of people bidding for them.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18I think we should get quite a good result on this.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- That would be wonderful.- But I also hope that people will pay a premium
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- because they are intact and they are Victorian.- Yes.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28We'll put a reserve at the low end of the estimate on each of them.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- Right.- And that should go towards a very nice ring.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- It will do, yes. - A diamond one, I hope.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- Yes, it will be.- Well, I'm happy you've brought them in
0:09:35 > 0:09:38because it's nice to see these pieces being recycled
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and for you to get something you're really going to appreciate.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Yes. And I can use.- Exactly.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Thank you, Joan. - Thank you very much.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Mark's made Joan's day,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50and now Will's sights are on the interesting leather case
0:09:50 > 0:09:52inherited by Charles.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Captain RG Southey.- That's right.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57Tell me, who is he?
0:09:57 > 0:09:59He was my grandfather on my mother's side, yes.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01And he was a keen marksman, was he?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Cos I'm assuming this is a gun case. - That's right. Yes, it is.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07It's a shotgun case with some interesting things as well.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09I'll tell you what, if I flick that...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- You grab that end, Charlie. - Certainly.- Well, look at that.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14First thing that strikes me is there aren't any guns in here.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- I'm afraid those have been sold. - Have they?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18So, I notice as well, it's a double case,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- so there would've been a pair of shotguns.- Absolutely.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23And made by William Evans, gun and rifle makers,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25St James's - good address.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- I believe still operating today. - Really? That's great, isn't it?
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Imagine the history.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33So, the guns by William Evans sold, but we do have some contents.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- What have you got your end? A bit of gun oil?- That's right.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37A draw through's here.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- And...what's that? For cleaning? - Rosewood. Yeah, the cleaning...
0:10:40 > 0:10:43And this interests me as well. What's in here?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- If we close that up...- Sure.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- What have we got in here? - Those are Rigby gun sights.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- Ah!- Yeah.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- So the guns were Rigby? - One was, yes.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52OK. So they weren't a true pair.
0:10:52 > 0:10:53So you've basically brought along
0:10:53 > 0:10:57a rather tired and a little bit tatty leather double gun case,
0:10:57 > 0:11:01a few bits and bobs inside, and, OK, yes, a nice sight as well,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03but what's the story?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Well, my grandfather was awarded the Military Cross
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- in the First World War.- Really?
0:11:07 > 0:11:10And he, unfortunately, didn't talk much to my mother
0:11:10 > 0:11:12about what happened and how he won it.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16My understanding is that a friend of us knew my grandfather,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- and he had actually climbed some sort of flagpole...- Right.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22..and was looking over the enemy lines at the time
0:11:22 > 0:11:24and basically relaying back
0:11:24 > 0:11:27what he was actually seeing over the trenches...
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- He's basically put himself at risk. - Absolutely.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32I mean, he would've been fairly conspicuous, I'd have thought,
0:11:32 > 0:11:33shimmying up the flagpole.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38But the whole reason he did it was to feed information to his troops
0:11:38 > 0:11:40and were probably successful in
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- an assault or attack or similar. - Absolutely.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45The whole family's obviously very proud of him, of what he's achieved.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48I think the fact that a man who won the Military Cross
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- has used these sights...- I know.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53..to maybe pick out a target across the trenches
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- is quite emotive, isn't it? - Absolutely.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58So, what's the thinking behind selling the gun case?
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Well, I am actually going to be moving overseas for a while,
0:12:02 > 0:12:03so taking something like this
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- would be maybe quite difficult to take across.- Yeah.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07It's a sad thing to let it go,
0:12:07 > 0:12:12but I think that if it goes to someone who appreciates World War I,
0:12:12 > 0:12:14then I'd like to see that happen.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Well, militaria is a huge market
0:12:16 > 0:12:19in the collectables and antiques market,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21and the people who like to buy this type of thing
0:12:21 > 0:12:24aren't necessarily interested in what it's worth,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27they want to find out about the man and what it is he did,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30and why he was awarded such a prestigious medal.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Value wise, the accessories aren't worth a great deal, to be honest.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36And we've got the sights, which,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39they can sell for up to £100, that sort of level.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42And I'd like to think that the case was worth £100.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44So add the two together,
0:12:44 > 0:12:46estimate 200 to 300, that sort of level,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48and I would suggest putting the estimate at £200
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- with maybe just a little bit of discretion for the auctioneer.- Sure.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54But I'm pretty confident you're going to get that £200-plus.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- I would have thought so.- Yeah? You're happy with that?- Yeah.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Listen, I hope the militaria market goes mad for it.- I'd hope so.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Who knows? If you put your name and contact details inside,
0:13:05 > 0:13:06whoever does do the research
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- may well send you a letter with the full story.- I'd love to hear that.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Charlie...- Thank you. - ..if you do find out, let me know.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13I will, I will.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18In the music room, Mark's also uncovered a gem.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22David, you've brought a rather intriguing item to show us today.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Before we reveal it, can you tell us a little bit of the history of it?
0:13:25 > 0:13:29I'm not sure of the history of it, when it was being used.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34But it came into my father's hands back in the 1960s, I believe.
0:13:34 > 0:13:351960s? OK.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38And I inherited it from him, when, in 1980, when he died.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42So you don't know whether he purchased it or someone gave it to him?
0:13:42 > 0:13:44No, I don't have any clue to that
0:13:44 > 0:13:46and there doesn't seem to be any family connection.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Right, OK. Well, let's open the item.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50It's always nice when you see leather cases or boxes.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53It's rather intriguing to see what's in there.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56When we open it up, we find a little compass.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02And it's intriguing because it looks like a military compass to me.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04And actually, when you look at the leather box,
0:14:04 > 0:14:08it does say, "Captain H Joyce Phillips, RM,"
0:14:08 > 0:14:10which I presume is Royal Marines.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- I would think so.- On the back, it has the word, "patents, 1915".
0:14:15 > 0:14:19So, obviously, it fits in with that Great War period.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22But the company themselves were quite prolific makers.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25They were based in London, in Clerkenwell
0:14:25 > 0:14:28and they used to retail through the firm on the front of the case,
0:14:28 > 0:14:32which is JH Steward of the Strand.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Normally, when things have a military connection,
0:14:35 > 0:14:39when they've been bought specifically for military purposes,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42they are stamped with what is known as a little crow's foot.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45This doesn't have that on there but it does have the military case.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- Yes.- So it's got that historical connection.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51We do have a few problems, don't we, I think?
0:14:51 > 0:14:54It's been dropped at some point or something.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58I would imagine so, because it is probably inaccurate now.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Yeah, so it's just really a sort of collector's item rather than
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- a usable compass, I think.- Yes.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06The quality of the manufacture, you just don't get that these days,
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- do you?- It's very well-made.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Very well-made, with this sort of blackened case and the brass work
0:15:11 > 0:15:15showing. Now, I think there will be some interest at auction.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17I don't think it's going to make a huge amount.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- I understand.- You know, it's a bit of fun, really.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24If we put it in for, say, £30 to £50, and no reserve,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26is that all right?
0:15:26 > 0:15:28I'm very happy with the auctioneer's discretion.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31That's wonderful. And will you be able to find your way to the
0:15:31 > 0:15:33auctions or do you need a compass?
0:15:33 > 0:15:37No, I don't need a compass, I know the A38. Thank you!
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- See you at the sale.- Right.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42There's just enough time for me to show you
0:15:42 > 0:15:44this striking pair of bookcases.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47Real architectural delights
0:15:47 > 0:15:49made by a local cabinet maker, John Channon,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51who was based in Exeter, for the family.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Now, they're a rosewood veneer, as you can see,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57on top of a solid oak carcass.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59I've been told each bookcase weighs half a tonne each
0:15:59 > 0:16:01without the books in it.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04But they are full of architectural detail.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Just look at the broken pediment up there.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09It follows the form of the architecture of the day.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10And down here, at the bottom of the column,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14the family emblems - dolphins.
0:16:14 > 0:16:15While everyone's busy here,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18I'm off to do something completely different.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29Plymouth, home to the largest naval base in Western Europe.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Fishing boats have landed their catch at these quays for centuries.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38The harbours launched early navigators,
0:16:38 > 0:16:40who built Plymouth's reputation
0:16:40 > 0:16:44as one of the greatest maritime cities in the world.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46Despite modernisation,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50there's a great story to be told about its seafaring past.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Before the Blitz, which devastated much of old Plymouth during
0:16:56 > 0:17:00the Second World War, many of the streets in the Barbican looked like this one.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02The city prospered during the Elizabethan period,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05thanks to the exploits of sea captains, merchants,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08fishermen and privateers, who armed their ships
0:17:08 > 0:17:10to fight Britain's enemies.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12In fact, business was so brisk,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15this new street was developed to house those
0:17:15 > 0:17:18whose livelihoods were based around the harbour.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22This is the Elizabethan House and it's one of just a handful of Tudor
0:17:22 > 0:17:26properties that survived the bombing raids of the German air force during
0:17:26 > 0:17:28the Second World War.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37The mayor, back in 1584, called for these new homes to be built.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40He came from a family of merchants and was a close friend of
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Sir Francis Drake. The Devon-born navigator was one of the most famous seamen in the
0:17:44 > 0:17:49Elizabethan era. It would be here in houses like this that captains and
0:17:49 > 0:17:54merchants would plot the safest and the most profitable trade routes.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Just a stone's throw from the merchants' houses are the Mayflower Steps,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09named after the vessel which took the Pilgrim Fathers to North America,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12to begin a new life in 1620.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17So, Plymouth has a long and illustrious claim on the maritime map.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20But what has made it such a launchpad of global navigation?
0:18:21 > 0:18:26I'm taking to the water with historian Dr Harry Bennett to find out.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33So, what made Plymouth so capable of seafaring endeavours?
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Plymouth Sound is one of the best natural anchorages
0:18:36 > 0:18:37you could possibly hope for.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39It's a wonderful, wide expanse.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Problem is, in storms, it gets a little bit hairy.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45So what happens in the early 19th century
0:18:45 > 0:18:47is they build the Plymouth Breakwater.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50It takes them decades to do that but as soon as you've got the
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Plymouth Breakwater, it then provides you with protection
0:18:53 > 0:18:56from the westerlies and south-westerlies in particular...
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Plymouth Sound is just the ideal anchorage.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03It's a great naval port, a great place to call in out of the storms.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07It makes Plymouth a central location for the projection of British sea power.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09So, this must have been ideal for the Royal Navy.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11How was that developing at the time?
0:19:11 > 0:19:14During the 1500s, following the Armada,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18there's a realisation that Britain's relations with France and Spain are
0:19:18 > 0:19:20increasingly problematic.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22So, in the 1600s,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25it's actually decided it's necessary to build a dockyard somewhere in the
0:19:25 > 0:19:27west to enable the Crown
0:19:27 > 0:19:29to actually cope with the threat
0:19:29 > 0:19:30from France and Spain.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32What is the evidence of that legacy?
0:19:32 > 0:19:33Throughout Plymouth Sound,
0:19:33 > 0:19:37we can see fortifications everywhere, from the Tudor period to
0:19:37 > 0:19:40literally the period of the Cold War, and right up to today.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Plymouth has got so much maritime heritage.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Some of it is being redeveloped
0:19:45 > 0:19:48for civilian purposes, because, of course,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52as the military have downsized, it's left a legacy of military buildings,
0:19:52 > 0:19:53which are now being used.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55The Royal William Yard is a classic
0:19:55 > 0:19:57example of the way in which military
0:19:57 > 0:19:59buildings and infrastructure can be reused.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02So that maritime identity, that maritime heritage,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06is absolutely vital to Plymouth's sense of itself
0:20:06 > 0:20:08and its place in the future.
0:20:09 > 0:20:10If you look over there...
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Yeah.- You'll see the hole in the wall there.- I can, yeah.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17The tunnel there. That was used for loading and unloading cattle,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20which will be driven into the Royal William Yard,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23where they would be processed to be turned into salt beef.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Gosh!- And then they'd come back the other way,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28to be loaded on the Royal Navy ships
0:20:28 > 0:20:30to serve as provisions anywhere around the world.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Sure. You've got to feed the guys.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Absolutely! And it's a big enterprise by the 19th century.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37It's a big navy.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45And this is a stunning legacy to the days when Plymouth supplied
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Royal Navy ships on an industrial scale.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52The very impressive Royal William Yard.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55It really says it all about Plymouth's maritime status.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58And I love the architecture, I love that big clock up there,
0:20:58 > 0:21:02which regulated and dominated the lives of the people who worked here.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Look at this! This is the Royal William Victualling Yard,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10a self-contained food and drink manufacturing complex.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13It was completed in the mid-1830s.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17The 16-acres included a mill, bakery, brewery,
0:21:17 > 0:21:21and a slaughterhouse capable of dealing with 100 animals each day.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26A workshop for making wooden storage barrels, and homes for officers.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30The large basin could accommodate up to six vessels.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Now we know the name Samuel Pepys, famous for his diaries,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36writing about life in the 17th century.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40But he also did a lot to improve the Royal Navy,
0:21:40 > 0:21:44working his way up to become Secretary to the Admiralty in 1673.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47And he described the English sailor as
0:21:47 > 0:21:49loving his belly above anything else.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54For the Navy, success in war and peace depended, to a huge degree,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57on a good supply of food and drink.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01So, this kind of facility was absolutely vital.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06The Royal William Yard proved its worth throughout the 19th century.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08But gradually, its role changed.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Instead of making pots and pans,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13the buildings were increasingly used as storehouses.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17The yard boosted its staff during the First and Second World Wars
0:22:17 > 0:22:21and luckily survived the Blitz in 1941.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24In 1992, the Royal Navy left.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Since then the yard has been redeveloped.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Cattle are no longer brought in through the sea wall
0:22:29 > 0:22:31and the barrel makers are long gone.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34The Royal William Yard is finding a new role.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47Where the ships once loaded, there is now a marina.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51The yard is a lasting legacy to Plymouth's maritime heritage.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55And where that big clock once dominated workers' lives,
0:22:55 > 0:23:00there's now time to reflect and ponder over what was once
0:23:00 > 0:23:03a vital powerhouse in Plymouth's naval influence.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13And now, a quick reminder of what's going off to auction.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Will the pretty French miniatures make the bidders go, "Ooh-la-la"?
0:23:22 > 0:23:24There's the duo of the Victorian necklaces
0:23:24 > 0:23:26passed down through the generations.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27One simple guard chain...
0:23:30 > 0:23:32..and another, but with a locket.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38The military compass with a marine stand.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43And the shotgun case owned by a brave soldier.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51We're heading southwest to the maritime city of Plymouth.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Nestling in the heart of Plymouth Sound,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55it's sent explorers off around the world
0:23:55 > 0:23:57and fleets into battle.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00But there'll be no fighting as we chart a course inland
0:24:00 > 0:24:01to our saleroom,
0:24:01 > 0:24:05where the commission rate is 15% plus VAT.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09On the rostrum for us today is Anthony Eldred.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Some real quality going under the hammer right now.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Two French miniatures belonging to Anne...and Molly!
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Wow. Do you know, Molly is...
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- How old now, Anne?- 16 years old.- 16.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Work that out, Will. That's about 100 years, is it?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Well, seven years, isn't it, to one dog year?
0:24:23 > 0:24:26So, yeah, I think she probably qualifies as an antique.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27There you go.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29You're selling these little miniatures, Anne,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32to raise some money because you're saving up to go to...
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- Australia.- ..Australia. Ooh, big trip.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- Hopefully, yes. - Hey, Mummy's going to...
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Is Molly going? Or are you staying? Or what?
0:24:41 > 0:24:43No, she'll stay with a friend.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Do you know what? She's incredibly good for her age.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Oh, she's marvellous. She goes everywhere.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- So, you've got the travelling bug?- Yeah.- OK.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52We need as much money as possible. Let's find out what they make.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54It's now down to the bidders.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57The copper miniature, and I'm bid, £80 for it.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Against you all at 80. 90. 100. And ten.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02120. 130. 140.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- 150 at the back.- Ooh! - Yes, we've sold. 150 already.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07160. Five.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12170. Five. 180. Five. 190.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14At 190 at the back.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- At 200... And ten online. - Yes, 210. 210.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21At £220. Against the net. 230.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23At £230. Bidding is online, then.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25- At £230. - PAUL CHUCKLES
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Last chance at 230.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- The hammer's gone down, Molly. - Result.- I can't believe that.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33That's very good, isn't it?
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- That's very, very good.- Thank you. - They were nice quality.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- They were very good. - Good honest pieces.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- Molly's chuffed.- I know.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- I think dog biscuits and a treat is in order, don't you?- Yeah.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44That's a great start for Anne and Molly.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Now it's time for our other duo.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I've just been joined by Joan and our expert, Mark.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51And going under the hammer right now,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54we have two separate lots of gold chains.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- There's a lot of gold there, isn't there?- Yes, there is.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Both lots have a valuation of £300 to £400 on them.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03The weights of gold, are they different or...?
0:26:03 > 0:26:05A little bit. I didn't go too much with that.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07I went for feel, really.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- But we want to know if those valuations are correct.- Absolutely.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Let's put the first one to the test. Here we go.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Fancy link guard chain.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17I'm bid, 210 for it. At 220.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19230. 240. At £240.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23At 240. 250. 260. 270. 280.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27- We're selling.- At £290 here. - We're just under...- Under.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29It's discretionary reserve, is it?
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- All done at 290. - Oh, come on, a little bit more.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Last chance, everyone. At £290, I'll sell it.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41And here's the second lot going under the hammer right now.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Nine carat this time. Rose gold, fancy link guard chain.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46And £260 for it.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50At 260. 270. 280. 290. And five.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- 300.- He's buying.- 300. - Same chap's buying.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57You're all finished at £300, then. Quite sure at 300.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Yes.- Yes.- Got them both away. - Absolutely.- Got them both away.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02He used his discretion of £10 on the first lot,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04but there's commission to pay on that.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- Yes.- Yeah, they've sold on the reserve, yeah.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08- Happy?- Lovely.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Good news. A £590 total.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13£290.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Next up is the military compass.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Well, the waiting is nearly over with, David.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Are you ready for it?- I think so.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Let's hope our next lot points in the right direction
0:27:23 > 0:27:26and I'm not talking about north, south, east or west.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28I'm talking about that way. It goes skywards.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29The roof's the limit on this one.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- Well...- Well... I'm bigging it up.
0:27:32 > 0:27:33You are bigging it up!
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Surely it's got to be worth more than £30.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Well, I don't think it's working properly,
0:27:38 > 0:27:40but it's a nice relic of what it is
0:27:40 > 0:27:43and there are a lot of people who like scientific instruments,
0:27:43 > 0:27:46so that's why we put, you know, a bit of fun estimate on it.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- And a slight maritime connection, Royal Marines.- Absolutely.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51So we're in the right place.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- Ready for this?- I'm ready when you are.- Let's do it.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Let's put it under the hammer. Here we go.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Next is lot 163 which is the little brass
0:27:58 > 0:28:00and black enamel prismatic compass.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03And I'm bid £38 for it.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- Straight in 38. - There's a phone line coming in.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Five. Eight. 50.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09At £50 here on my left.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- At £50, standing against the wall. - Come on, that's better.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13Sell it for £50.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18- £50.- That's all right, isn't it? - That's good.
0:28:18 > 0:28:19- It's a lot better than 30. - Top of the estimate.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- I'm very pleased with that. - Yeah, top end. So am I.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24- And I'm glad that it might go to a good home.- I'm sure it will.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- It was lots of collectors bidding. - Somebody who will enjoy it.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Now, let's see if the militaria bidders are out in force,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34as our next lot has been passed down through Charles's family
0:28:34 > 0:28:36by a First World War hero
0:28:36 > 0:28:39who received a Military Cross for his efforts.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Charles, it's nearly time to say goodbye
0:28:41 > 0:28:43to your grandfather's leather gun case. I like this.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45There's the telescopic sight as well.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47- But you sold the gun, didn't you?- Yes, yes.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51You couldn't get a case like this made for less than £300, could you?
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- I mean, it's quality.- Exactly. - It really is.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56And that's the reason it's lasted this long.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59You know, all it needs is a bit of a decent wax and polish,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01and that would really shine brightly,
0:29:01 > 0:29:02you know, that leather work.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05OK, so we're looking at £200 with a bit of discretion - 10%.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Hopefully we're going to get that.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08I think it's a come-and-buy-me.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10It should be with those two items,
0:29:10 > 0:29:12and it's going under the hammer right now.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Brass-bound leather double shotgun case,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18and with it is a Rigby sight.
0:29:18 > 0:29:19And several bids.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21I'm bid £310.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- Great. Straight in. - That's great.- Wow.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Well, listen, we can only go up from here. Come on.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29320. 330. 340. 350.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- The internet bidding.- Brilliant. - 360.- This is great.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37380. 390. At £390. Against the net, then.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39At £390.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44Bidding's on my book. All finished? £390.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45Yes. The hammer's gone down.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49- We'd settle for that straightaway, wouldn't you?- Yeah.- £390.- Yes.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- Quality.- It's nice to be able to showcase, you know...- A hero!
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- A hero, exactly.- Exactly, yeah. And a family member for you.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58- Yeah, we're very proud of him. - You should be.
0:29:58 > 0:29:59- Well done.- Yes, definitely.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- Hang on to that medal. Don't ever sell that.- Will do.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Nice to know that the shotgun case is going to be appreciated.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08So, some great results from our first visit
0:30:08 > 0:30:10to the auction house in Plymouth.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Time to travel an hour northeast through the heart of Devon
0:30:19 > 0:30:21back to Powderham.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24I'm taking a closer look at the history of the Courtenay family
0:30:24 > 0:30:27who have lived here for the past 600 years or so,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29and you can be sure that there's one or two skeletons
0:30:29 > 0:30:30in the cupboard.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35The Courtenays built Powderham Castle in the 14th century,
0:30:35 > 0:30:38arriving from France in 1152.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40The family consolidated power
0:30:40 > 0:30:43through well fought battles with local rivals
0:30:43 > 0:30:45and prudent marriages.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Here in the dining room, you can see coats of arms
0:30:50 > 0:30:53representing both sides of the family on opposite walls.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56We have the English on one side and the French on the other.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59But it's the portraits that grab my attention.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01They tell us a great deal about the family,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03the success in this part of the world.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06The refinery of their clothing, the sumptuous settings
0:31:06 > 0:31:09and the sheer scale of the work.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11It gives us a lot of information,
0:31:11 > 0:31:13but it tells us the confidence and of the status
0:31:13 > 0:31:16of the Courtenays by the mid-18th century.
0:31:18 > 0:31:19During the 18th century,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22there was a predominance of female family members.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24The men were few and far between.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28And when an estate is passed through the male line, like this one,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31there is bound to be repercussions. And indeed, there were.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35One story the family were keen to talk about
0:31:35 > 0:31:37involved the boy in this picture, William.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40As an adult, he had 14 children,
0:31:40 > 0:31:42but only one son.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44He was also christened William.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47But with 13 sisters to tease and pamper him,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50William was also affectionately known as Kitty.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54In 1788, at the age of 21,
0:31:54 > 0:31:58William inherited the castle and tremendous wealth.
0:31:58 > 0:31:59And to mark the occasion,
0:31:59 > 0:32:03he threw a massive birthday party inviting 600 guests.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05And the celebrations took place outside here,
0:32:05 > 0:32:07in three wonderful luxurious marquees.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10And when the guests were leaving the festivities,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13they were all presented with one of these, a peach.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15An incredibly rare fruit back then.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17It doesn't seem like much, does it?
0:32:17 > 0:32:21But that would have been worth £2. Yeah, £2 in 1788.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Today, that equates to 270 quid.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27That is a massive show of extravagance.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37But nowhere sums up William's tastes more than this, the music room -
0:32:37 > 0:32:40his birthday present to himself - and Powderham.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44It's grand, colourful and ostentatious.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Now, why does all this talk of William Courtenay,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50the Third Viscount here at Powderham Castle, matter?
0:32:50 > 0:32:55Well, because the sensational events of one night in 1782
0:32:55 > 0:32:59changed the course of William's life and his family's history.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01The current heir to the estate, Charlie Courtenay,
0:33:01 > 0:33:06has agreed to talk to me about it here in William's favourite room.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Tell me a little bit about the scandal. Something went on.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11William had a very tragic story.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13He grew up blissfully happy in this house.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17But when he was a teenager - he was at school at the time,
0:33:17 > 0:33:18at Westminster School -
0:33:18 > 0:33:20and on a school holiday, he came back to Powderham.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22And staying at Powderham at the time
0:33:22 > 0:33:24was a friend of the family, a distant cousin
0:33:24 > 0:33:26by the name of William Beckford.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29William Beckford was in his 20s, he was a very wealthy man.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31His father was the Mayor of London.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33And William Beckford and William Courtenay had
0:33:33 > 0:33:36a very strong friendship that became a romance,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39and their romance effectively got scandalised.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42They got discovered in a compromised position
0:33:42 > 0:33:45by another gentleman who was staying at the house,
0:33:45 > 0:33:49and he published, basically, news of this gay romance.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51And that broke the papers and caused a scandal
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- for both Beckford and for William Courtenay.- Gosh.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56What happened to William Courtenay at that stage?
0:33:56 > 0:33:59He continued to live at Powderham,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02but increasingly, his life became a reclusive life.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05And in about 15 or 20 years after that time,
0:34:05 > 0:34:09charges were filed against him for gross indecency, and he fled,
0:34:09 > 0:34:11and the last 30 years of his life, he lived in exile,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14first in New York and then latterly in Paris.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Was he running Powderham?
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Did he have anything to do with it while he was in exile?
0:34:19 > 0:34:24So, what was a fascinating is when he died in 1835,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26his cousin, another William, inherited
0:34:26 > 0:34:28and proceeded, effectively,
0:34:28 > 0:34:32to wipe William Courtenay's story out of the family records.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Destroyed all his records,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37and he was very much considered the black sheep of the family
0:34:37 > 0:34:39and a reprobate and a homosexual.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43And then about ten or 15 years ago, in a coal chute in South London,
0:34:43 > 0:34:47a lady was clearing out the coal chute in Hampton Wick,
0:34:47 > 0:34:49and she discovered this bound volume of papers.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52And they are William Courtney's correspondence
0:34:52 > 0:34:54with his agent in London
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- basically managing the whole estate. - Gosh.
0:34:56 > 0:34:57And the lady who found them
0:34:57 > 0:35:00donated The Wilkinson Papers to the Courtenay Society,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02and they're the property of the Courtney Society now.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04But they are a wonderful collection of letters
0:35:04 > 0:35:06basically explaining how this man, you know,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09200 years ago, who had grown up at this house,
0:35:09 > 0:35:11was passionately managing it from afar,
0:35:11 > 0:35:13always hoping, someday, to return.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- And he never returned? - And he never returned.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16That's sad, isn't it?
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Very sad. And in the last years of his life,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21his cousin, who was an expert historian and a lawyer,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24basically rediscovered that William was the rightful heir
0:35:24 > 0:35:25to the earldom of Devon,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27so he petitions the House of Lords in 1831
0:35:27 > 0:35:31and gets William Courtenay recreated the Ninth Earl of Devon,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33which is where my father's title descends from.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36And very much when he died, his body was brought back
0:35:36 > 0:35:37and he was buried here.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41And there was a great outpouring of grief and sadness
0:35:41 > 0:35:42for the loss of this landlord
0:35:42 > 0:35:44who had been unable for half his life
0:35:44 > 0:35:47to live on the estate and to live in the place he loved.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53So Charlie would not be in the position he is in now
0:35:53 > 0:35:55if things had been different.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59The family line changed forever because of what happened to William.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03But Charlie is keen to write him back into the history books.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09One project Charlie has in mind is this tower,
0:36:09 > 0:36:11which goes back to William's childhood.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19William, when he was a boy, would've known this.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22His dad built it just about, I think, when William was born.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25And it would've been built to entertain guests in the house
0:36:25 > 0:36:27and built to entertain all the suitors for his daughters
0:36:27 > 0:36:29when they came to marrying.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- So, it was very much built as an entertaining house.- Yeah.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35What's its plans for the future? You're going to get a roof on there?
0:36:35 > 0:36:38It would be great to get a roof on there, begin to use it a bit more.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40And being able to have visitors come and see
0:36:40 > 0:36:42means that we'd generate some revenue from it
0:36:42 > 0:36:44and can begin to invest back into the fabric of the building.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46You know, restoring, telling the stories,
0:36:46 > 0:36:48why is this building here, what's its purpose.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- That'll be your kind of, you know, gift.- Exactly.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Well, you know, step-by-step. It's very interesting.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55You see the last three generations.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58My grandfather inherited just before the war
0:36:58 > 0:37:00and obviously had a terrible time during the war
0:37:00 > 0:37:02and then sold thousands and thousands of acres after it
0:37:02 > 0:37:05because of debt duties and really tough times.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08My dad gradually has recovered that and pulled this out of the woods,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12and then it's my opportunity to take it on to the next step and again...
0:37:12 > 0:37:13- Leave your mark.- ..leave my mark,
0:37:13 > 0:37:17and continue to renew and restore wonderful old buildings like this.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19- Yeah. Good luck with it.- Thank you.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26600 years is a long time
0:37:26 > 0:37:29for one family to live consecutively in one place.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Powderham has weathered the storms and the scandals over the years,
0:37:33 > 0:37:37but I'm sure it's in safe hands now for many generations to come.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Back at our valuation day, the crowd is certainly enjoying
0:37:45 > 0:37:48the fortified surroundings of Powderham Castle,
0:37:48 > 0:37:50where Mark's uncovered a collection
0:37:50 > 0:37:54that gives a real insight into a family's past.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Gay, you've brought a little album for us to look at, of photographs.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Before we have a look at them, do you know any of the history?
0:38:00 > 0:38:03It was in a box of ephemera
0:38:03 > 0:38:05that we inherited from an elderly relative.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09But unfortunately, I don't know the origins of the people...
0:38:09 > 0:38:11Well, that often happens, I'm afraid, in families.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13If they don't make an inventory themselves
0:38:13 > 0:38:16and explain the relevance of these albums,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18they do often get lost.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- I mean, I like it. It's rather fragile, the album.- It is, yes.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25But you can see, first of all, a military man when you open it up.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28And then it immediately, if you start looking at the photographs,
0:38:28 > 0:38:30you can see that it's African.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32And we have a wedding party to begin with,
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- which I think is rather lovely. - It's charming, isn't it?
0:38:35 > 0:38:37All old black-and-white photographs, of course.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- And they are really a snapshot of that particular time.- Exactly.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43But then we've got a couple of interesting ones
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- which say, "Boer War prisoners." - Yes.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Which are then a bit earlier, or are they? I don't know.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53And I just think it's a very fascinating little album.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56You've got more soldier scenes here. And there's
0:38:56 > 0:38:58a view there of somewhere, obviously, in Africa.
0:38:58 > 0:38:59With these sepia photographs,
0:38:59 > 0:39:04- you can almost sense the dust on the ground somehow.- Yes, you can.
0:39:04 > 0:39:05It's much more sort of authentic
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- than a modern colour photograph or something, isn't it?- Yes.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10And I love this photograph of Delicate.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13I mean, she looks such a happy character, doesn't she?
0:39:13 > 0:39:15She does indeed.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18And I think... I love the way people at that time
0:39:18 > 0:39:20- stood so formally for photographs... - Yes.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22- ..because it was still quite a new thing, I suppose.- Yeah.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- These days...- Very different. - ..we're used to photographs
0:39:25 > 0:39:27and even selfies on the mobile phones and things like that.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29But it's a terribly interesting album,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32and I wish we had extra provenance with it
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- to tell you who these people were. - I know. I know.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38There was something in the box from...dating back to 1852,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41- so there was a lot of... - There was a lot of ephemera.
0:39:41 > 0:39:42Yes, there were.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Well, I think it's rather charming.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- I think it would be quite collectable.- Mm.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49It's an impossible thing to value.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51I mean, I might be barking mad on this,
0:39:51 > 0:39:54but I think let's put it in with a fun valuation.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Let's put it in at sort of £40 to £60.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- Did you want to reserve? - Yes, please, but under that.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- So about 30. - £30. I think that's reasonable.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- Let's put the £30 fixed reserve on it.- Please, yes.- And who knows?
0:40:07 > 0:40:10I mean, I think it's a good topographical subject,
0:40:10 > 0:40:12which are always popular.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Some of them are quite interesting photographs
0:40:14 > 0:40:17and hopefully might even make £100 or so.
0:40:17 > 0:40:18That would be nice.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20- Thanks so much.- Thank you.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24And Gay's not the only person to have inherited a slice of family history.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28Will's found a gem that's really got his engines revving.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Sue, tell me, are you a motoring enthusiast?
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Well, I love veteran cars, but this actually belonged to my dad.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Is that where you got your love of veteran cars?
0:40:36 > 0:40:37- Yes.- Interesting.- Absolutely.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40So, this was inherited from your father, which makes sense.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44- I date this to about maybe 1920s... - Right.- ..that sort of period.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47And did he ever tell you what car this came out of?
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- No. I think it probably wasn't from one of his.- OK.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- I think he probably bought it more recently than that.- Right.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57So, he himself owned some vintage cars, did he?
0:40:57 > 0:40:59- In the past, yeah.- Yeah. Great.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- Do you remember going out for drives in them?- Austin 7s.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Oh, lovely. Were you the envy of all your friends?
0:41:05 > 0:41:09- I think then it was just normal. - Right, yeah. I suppose it was.- Yeah.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Well, the market for this type of piece
0:41:11 > 0:41:13was very much that after-sale market.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- So you would literally buy the car...- Right.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18..and then you would add the accessories.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20You might add the speedometer because, of course,
0:41:20 > 0:41:23- some of the early cars didn't even have speedometers on them.- Right.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Now, no idea of who made it?
0:41:25 > 0:41:28- You haven't had it apart and seen a maker's mark or anything?- No.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30I mean the name that jumps into my head
0:41:30 > 0:41:33when you think of about dashboard instruments and clocks is Jaeger.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- They were makers of the very sort of best quality.- Right.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39And of course, if you were driving around in
0:41:39 > 0:41:41what would've been then, probably, an expensive investment,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43then you would want to spend your money on
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- the very best accessories as well. - Right.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49Now, what's unusual about this one is this interesting bezel action,
0:41:49 > 0:41:53- because this whole bezel actually twists, doesn't it?- It does.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55So that's how you actually wind the clock.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57And then to actually change the time,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00you flick this little switch here down,
0:42:00 > 0:42:02you turn the bezel, and again, then you turn the hands.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- I mean, that's really, really neat. - Yeah.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08You know, I just think it's a good, genuine authentic piece
0:42:08 > 0:42:10of sort of motoring memorabilia.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13And the market for this type of thing is actually quite strong.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- Have you any idea what you think it might be worth?- Not really, no.- OK.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20I'm thinking, at auction, I'd like to see it in at £50 to £100,
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- and I think a reserve at the £50 would be fair.- Right.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26- Is that the sort of level you would be happy to flog it at?- Yeah.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30- Yeah. Cos where does it live now? - In a drawer.- In a drawer.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Tell me if I'm speaking out of turn,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35but you haven't fancied mounting it on your dashboard there, have you?
0:42:35 > 0:42:36I hadn't thought of that.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- I think that would look rather smart.- It would, wouldn't it?
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Well, listen, just to confirm, £50 to £100.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43We'll reserve it at £50.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- Can I give the auctioneer a bit of discretion?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48So 10% discretion on that £50.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52And just imagine what car it's going to be mounted in for the new buyer.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Quite something. Sue, it's been a pleasure meeting you.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57- Thank you for bringing this along... - Thank you.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59..and you're going to make someone very happy, I'm sure.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Thank you. Thank you.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03That's put a smile on Will's face,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06and hopefully that vintage clock may find a new dashboard
0:43:06 > 0:43:08in somebody else's motor car.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11I've left the crowds behind downstairs
0:43:11 > 0:43:13to have a wander around up here
0:43:13 > 0:43:15cos I want to show you something in the state bedroom.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19It's this rocking horse, affectionately known as Dobbin.
0:43:19 > 0:43:20There's a great story here
0:43:20 > 0:43:24because this has been well used and well loved.
0:43:24 > 0:43:25The 17th Earl was playing with this,
0:43:25 > 0:43:27and he was sitting on it, riding away,
0:43:27 > 0:43:29and he pulled the handles off.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31And you can see where the handles have come out.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33They've made two huge great holes there.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Now, being a rather naughty little boy,
0:43:35 > 0:43:38he put some of his mother's jewellery in there.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40That is so typical of what a little boy would do.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42That's what my son would do.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45So, anyway, this jewellery is quite valuable, it had to be retrieved,
0:43:45 > 0:43:50so an estate carpenter had to cut some of the tummy out of Dobbin
0:43:50 > 0:43:52from underneath to get the jewellery out.
0:43:52 > 0:43:53But it didn't end there.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56He then put a knitting needle down the hole,
0:43:56 > 0:44:00and if I give this horse a good rock, you can hear it rolling around.
0:44:00 > 0:44:01It's been well loved.
0:44:01 > 0:44:03It's a lovely document of social history
0:44:03 > 0:44:04belonging to this family.
0:44:04 > 0:44:05Just listen.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08METAL CLATTERS
0:44:08 > 0:44:11We have to leave Dobbin as there are valuations to be done,
0:44:11 > 0:44:14and Mark's been taken back to his childhood.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18- Hello, Marie.- Hello. - Now, don't tell me that
0:44:18 > 0:44:20you've bought these and collected them yourself.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22- No. They were my dad's. - They were your dad's?- Yeah.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24And how have you come to get them?
0:44:24 > 0:44:28- My dad died in February...- Oh, gosh. - ..and he left them in the loft.
0:44:28 > 0:44:29- In the loft?- In the loft.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- So, did he have these as a child, then, do you think?- Yes, he did.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35He collected them, and I've always known about them,
0:44:35 > 0:44:37but this is the first time that I've seen them.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39- Out on display?- Yes. First time.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41Well, he was a very careful child, wasn't he?
0:44:41 > 0:44:44- Because they're in remarkably good condition.- Yeah.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47They are sort of play worn, I suppose - that's the expression -
0:44:47 > 0:44:49- but he's kept all the boxes...- Yeah.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52..at a time when people really didn't collect them.
0:44:52 > 0:44:54They couldn't wait to get them out and play with them
0:44:54 > 0:44:56- and discard the cardboard boxes. - Yeah.
0:44:56 > 0:44:58What do you think of them now you've see them?
0:44:58 > 0:45:00- They're heavy. - THEY CHUCKLE
0:45:00 > 0:45:03They wouldn't be something I'd play with, that's for sure.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05- Well, they're not a modern type of toy, are they?- No.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07And in fact, they've become too collectable
0:45:07 > 0:45:09- to play with these days, haven't they?- Yeah.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11We often see these sort of things on the show,
0:45:11 > 0:45:13and they always have a strong following.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15And you've got a nice cross-section here.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18There tends to be certain ones that are more valuable than others.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20- Right. - Did you do any research yourself?
0:45:20 > 0:45:22- No.- No?- No.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24You just found them and thought, "I don't want these."
0:45:24 > 0:45:26- Yeah, pretty much. Yeah. - SHE GIGGLES
0:45:26 > 0:45:28Well, from our point of view, it's good that
0:45:28 > 0:45:31you haven't got rid of the boxes or damaged them in any way.
0:45:31 > 0:45:33I have done a little bit of checking
0:45:33 > 0:45:37and these toys were produced by a company called Hornby Meccano -
0:45:37 > 0:45:39also well known for producing railway sets
0:45:39 > 0:45:41which are very collectable.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43This is only a small part of your collection -
0:45:43 > 0:45:45we haven't been able to get all of it out.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47- But we've chosen the better pieces here.- Yeah.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50And they were produced, really, up until about 1972.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52- But these are slightly earlier than that.- Right.
0:45:52 > 0:45:53As far as I can see,
0:45:53 > 0:45:56the two most interesting ones, from a value point of a view,
0:45:56 > 0:45:58- are the two right in the front.- OK.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01The low loading truck there and the army vehicle.
0:46:01 > 0:46:06The army vehicle is produced in the sort of late '50s, early '60s.
0:46:06 > 0:46:11- Right.- And you could buy it as a box set like that or separate bits.- OK.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14But the actual low loading vehicle was produced
0:46:14 > 0:46:17- in the late '40s, the early '50s, so it's slightly earlier.- Oh, wow.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20And the others are all made after that or around that period,
0:46:20 > 0:46:22- but they are more common.- OK.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24And I think, if you were selling them,
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- we should put them in as a little group lot.- OK.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30That way you'll get all the dealers and all the collectors.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32Have you ever thought of the value?
0:46:32 > 0:46:35No. I know they were valuable to my dad.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38Erm...but I think now is the right time to sell them.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41Well, you've got an interesting and quite a varied collection,
0:46:41 > 0:46:43- but we have to be sensible about it. - Yeah.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45I think the two most interesting pieces,
0:46:45 > 0:46:46as I've mentioned, are in the front,
0:46:46 > 0:46:50and I would suggest maybe an estimate of between £200 and £300.
0:46:50 > 0:46:52- OK.- How would you feel about that? - Yeah, that sounds good.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54Do you think all of them will get that price?
0:46:54 > 0:46:57I think so, because some will only be worth a few pounds,
0:46:57 > 0:46:59- but then others will be worth £30, £40, £50.- OK.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02But also, it'll entice the collectors to bid...
0:47:02 > 0:47:04- OK.- ..as much as they possibly can for them.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07But we will fix a reserve of £150
0:47:07 > 0:47:09- so we don't give them away too cheaply.- OK.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11- Is that all right? - Yeah, that's fine.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14And if we do get a good price - or when we get a good price -
0:47:14 > 0:47:16what will you do with the money?
0:47:16 > 0:47:18I'll put it in the savings account for our son.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21- How old is he?- 18 months. - And what's his name?- Freddie.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23- Freddie?- Yeah. - Lovely old-fashioned name.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26- It's all coming back in now, isn't it?- They are.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28- Well, I think Freddie is a very lucky boy.- Thank you.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30- Let's get him as much as we can, shall we?- Let's hope so.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35So, the pressure's on to fill Freddie's piggy bank.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37In the grand dining room,
0:47:37 > 0:47:41Will's uncovered a collection dating back years.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43Well, Jean, I must admit,
0:47:43 > 0:47:47cigarette cards aren't my speciality or passion of mine but I must say
0:47:47 > 0:47:50I've got to be impressed by your collection here.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52Cos as well as what we have on the table,
0:47:52 > 0:47:54you've also brought a bag full of little albums.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56They're all completely full, aren't they?
0:47:56 > 0:48:00- Yes.- Tell me, have you spent your life collecting these, or...?
0:48:00 > 0:48:03Not me. My husband's cousin collected those.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05The ones in this album here?
0:48:05 > 0:48:08Yes. And all the rest, my husband collected.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11If you imagine that each one of these cards is a packet of
0:48:11 > 0:48:12cigarettes, was he a smoker?
0:48:12 > 0:48:14No, not at all. He never smoked at all.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17He never smoked at all but collected the cigarette cards.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19Well, he must have had a lot of friends that did.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21I think he must have done, yes.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24Well, in those days, it was the done thing, wasn't it?
0:48:24 > 0:48:26Did you share his passion for cigarette cards?
0:48:26 > 0:48:29Did he leaf through them of an evening?
0:48:29 > 0:48:32No, no. He collected all of those before we were married.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35- Oh! Did he?- Yes.- And then he had better things to do.
0:48:35 > 0:48:37- Probably.- Ha-ha!
0:48:37 > 0:48:39- He had another distraction in his life.- That's right.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41You came along.
0:48:41 > 0:48:43Well, you know, he's held on to them...
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Well, he held on to them all that time.
0:48:46 > 0:48:49I've picked a few out here that are my favourites.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52Here we've got some Chinese...
0:48:52 > 0:48:56characters in traditional costume, carrying out traditional roles.
0:48:56 > 0:48:58Here we've got a farmer.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01Here we've got... I think that's someone who's been a bit naughty.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04He's in the Chinese version of stocks.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07This chap with his sword looks like he's a very important,
0:49:07 > 0:49:10perhaps imperial bodyguard.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14Again, all of these beautifully created, beautifully printed.
0:49:14 > 0:49:17Moving on to something completely different,
0:49:17 > 0:49:21we've got these sailors and seamen, all with their various titles.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23We've got a captain, a surgeon.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26There we are, a bosun as well, with his whistle.
0:49:26 > 0:49:28These as well. Of course, you know,
0:49:28 > 0:49:31everyone likes a motorbike and an aeroplane.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33Look at that! Miss England, off she goes.
0:49:33 > 0:49:35And some battleships
0:49:35 > 0:49:39as well as some of the liners as well, some well-known ones here,
0:49:39 > 0:49:43I'm sure. The market is quite strong for this sort of thing at the moment.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45- Oh, right.- Do you have any idea of value?
0:49:45 > 0:49:47No idea at all.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50No? Well, I'm going to offer the collection as a whole.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53So I think 100 to 150.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56Bearing in mind the album is included,
0:49:56 > 0:49:58would you be happy with £50 as a reserve?
0:49:58 > 0:50:00No, I think a little more.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03- A little bit more. How about 70? - Uh-hm.
0:50:03 > 0:50:04Yes, I think that'll be fine.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07As long as you're happy with the reserve at £70,
0:50:07 > 0:50:09I'll fix the reserve at £70.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11Hopefully, this collection is going to find a new lease of life,
0:50:11 > 0:50:15a new home, and perhaps it will be leafed through every evening from
0:50:15 > 0:50:18- now on.- Lovely.- Jean, it's been a pleasure talking to you.
0:50:18 > 0:50:20- Thank you for coming along. - Thank you.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29Well, that's it. Our work is now done here at Powderham Castle,
0:50:29 > 0:50:31our magnificent host location for the day.
0:50:31 > 0:50:33We've all thoroughly enjoyed being here,
0:50:33 > 0:50:35and we've learnt a great deal
0:50:35 > 0:50:37about the history of this magnificent house.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40But right now, we're hoping to make the history of her very own
0:50:40 > 0:50:43as we go over to the saleroom for the last time today,
0:50:43 > 0:50:45and here's a quick recap just to jog your memory
0:50:45 > 0:50:48of all the items we're taking with us.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51Gay's family photos of a bygone era...
0:50:54 > 0:50:57..the accessory of the day for car lovers, a dashboard clock...
0:51:01 > 0:51:03..the varied collection of cigarette cards...
0:51:04 > 0:51:08..and will the Dinkys from the loft make enough for some new toys
0:51:08 > 0:51:10for Marie's little boy to play with?
0:51:14 > 0:51:17Back at the auction rooms, it's time to test the market
0:51:17 > 0:51:19with Gay's fascinating family album.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21Going under the hammer right now
0:51:21 > 0:51:24we have an interesting photograph album from South Africa which, Gay...
0:51:24 > 0:51:27- Well, you came across, really, didn't you?- That's right.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30- You didn't really inherit, it sort of just...- Mm... Yeah, in a way.
0:51:30 > 0:51:31In a way. Oh, OK.
0:51:31 > 0:51:35Yes. A box of bits from an elderly relative's house.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38Quirky thing, though. There's a lot of history in South Africa.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40There's a lot of topographical photographs.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42- There's a wedding. - That's where the value is, isn't it?
0:51:42 > 0:51:45There's also something to do with the Boer War prisoners,
0:51:45 > 0:51:48- so I think that's got a little bit of interest in this.- Yeah.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50There's nothing like that here in the sale,
0:51:50 > 0:51:52so I'm a little bit anxious.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55OK. Fingers crossed. Ready for this? It's going under the hammer now.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58A little album of photographs, fascinating photographs.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01They are small but they are nonetheless interesting.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05And I'm bid, £35 for them. Against you all in the room at 35.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08And 40. Five. And 50. Five.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11- And 60 there.- £60.- £60 now.
0:52:11 > 0:52:12In the room at £60.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14I'm bid five online.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17And 70. 80. 90. 100.
0:52:17 > 0:52:21And 10. 120. 130. 140.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24150. 160.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26170. 180.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28At £180 here.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31- And five.- 185.- 185 now online.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34All of these photographs are lost documents of social history.
0:52:34 > 0:52:35They are.
0:52:35 > 0:52:37At £185.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42- Yes. Gay, that's a good result. 185.- Wow.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44I'm sure they've gone to a collector.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46Good for you for bringing that in
0:52:46 > 0:52:49- and realising there's a value there. - And Mark, as well.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52- Thank you for picking it out. - It's down to you, Gay. Thank you.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54That's a fantastic result.
0:52:54 > 0:52:56Will the car clock prove as popular?
0:52:56 > 0:52:58A lovely item going under the hammer right now.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00A 1920s dashboard clock,
0:53:00 > 0:53:03an eight-day clock belonging to Sue.
0:53:03 > 0:53:05- And in fact, this clock was your dad's, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:53:05 > 0:53:07- He was the vintage car fanatic.- Yep.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10- Can you remember them as a young girl?- Yes, I do remember.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12- It was the Austin 7.- Oh, right.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14Oh, the sit-up-and-begs. They were nice.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16I was thinking you were about to say something big,
0:53:16 > 0:53:17but I love those Austin 7s.
0:53:17 > 0:53:19- Great fun. - They are fun, aren't they?
0:53:19 > 0:53:21- The golden days of motoring.- Yes.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24Right here, right now, up for grabs.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26Hopefully someone's going to pay the top end.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29- We're looking at £50 plus for this, aren't we?- Yeah, exactly.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31We've set the bottom figure at £50,
0:53:31 > 0:53:33but the automobilia market is always growing,
0:53:33 > 0:53:35it's a very confident market,
0:53:35 > 0:53:36and, you know, vintage cars,
0:53:36 > 0:53:39even the standard ones are making a lot of money now,
0:53:39 > 0:53:41- so, in turn, the accessories do. - Yeah.
0:53:41 > 0:53:43Anyway, fingers crossed it does. This is it. It's going now.
0:53:43 > 0:53:47The little metal dashboard eight-day clock,
0:53:47 > 0:53:50and 40... Well, I'm bid - £50 for it exactly.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53- At £50. Two if you want it. - 50. We're in at 50.- Five.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56Eight. 60. At £60, then.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58Are you all done at 60?
0:53:58 > 0:53:59No? All done at £60, then.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04- Sold.- It's a sale.- That's true.
0:54:04 > 0:54:05- It's gone.- Yes.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08- Thanks for bringing that in and lots of lovely memories as well...- Yeah.
0:54:08 > 0:54:10- ..that we shared. - Thank you very much.- Well done.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13- It's been lovely. - I think that's the right price.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16Hopefully it will get pride of place in a vintage car.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18And fingers crossed now for our next lot.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23Going under the hammer right now we have that wonderful collection of
0:54:23 > 0:54:25cigarette cards belonging to Jean.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27We have our expert, Will, right here.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31Sadly, Jean can't be with us today, but she is such a big "Flog It!" fan.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34You know, she came all the way from Kent to Powderham Castle.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37She was on holiday at the time. She tied it in with that, really.
0:54:37 > 0:54:39- To come and see us.- Good idea.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41It's a long way to come to the auction.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43It's too far. So, thumbs up.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45We wish you all the best with this lot.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47Here we go. Putting it to the test.
0:54:47 > 0:54:49It's going under the hammer.
0:54:49 > 0:54:53Here's a little collection of tea cards, and footballers,
0:54:53 > 0:54:54and all sorts in that lot.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58Quite a lot of it. Several bids but I'm bid £55.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01At 55. 60, if you want them. At £55.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04Against you all in the room. At £55, then.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07- They're struggling here, Paul. - At 55.
0:55:09 > 0:55:10They struggled.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12Not a sniff of a bid.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15No, right. You're the expert.
0:55:15 > 0:55:17I think you know what is needed now.
0:55:17 > 0:55:19To get on the phone and talk to Jean.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21I will. Well, actually, I'm not far from her.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24- Maybe I could take them back with me.- That's a good idea.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27- Drop them in.- And apologise. - Yes!
0:55:27 > 0:55:29LAUGHTER
0:55:29 > 0:55:32What a shame. Jean, look out, Will's on his way.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35Marie's hoping it will make a little nest egg
0:55:35 > 0:55:37for her toddler, Freddie.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39Marie, good luck. All of your dad's Dinky toys
0:55:39 > 0:55:41are going under the hammer right now,
0:55:41 > 0:55:44- and there is a lot of them, and the condition is superb.- Yes.
0:55:44 > 0:55:45- I mean, it really is, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47You were probably thinking little Freddie
0:55:47 > 0:55:49might want to play with one or two, but...
0:55:49 > 0:55:52- They're too precious to play with. - They are a bit.- Yeah.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54It's a good collection, a good starting point,
0:55:54 > 0:55:56and there are lots of collectors that love Dinky.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59They're readily popular. The internet and saleroom loves them,
0:55:59 > 0:56:01and there's an awful lot there for your money.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04- And condition is key - believe me. - It is.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06I know we say it on the show a lot, condition, condition, condition,
0:56:06 > 0:56:10but with cars in particular, it is so important.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14- I've got every confidence that these are going to do all right.- Good.
0:56:14 > 0:56:16He says. THEY CHUCKLE
0:56:16 > 0:56:19- Ready for this? Been to an auction before?- No, never.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22Well, there you go. Enjoy this one, won't you? This is it.
0:56:22 > 0:56:23Dinky toys. A number of them.
0:56:23 > 0:56:25There they are. A little bit of wear.
0:56:25 > 0:56:29- And several bidders.- Great. Did you hear that?- I'm bid, £170.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31- Oh, wow. - ..against you all. 180. 190.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34- There's a bid over there. - 200. And 10. 220. 230.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37240. 250. 260 now.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40270. 280. 290.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42300. And ten.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45- 320. 330. - Never lets us down, does it?- No.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47At 340, by the door.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49Any more in the room? 350. 360.
0:56:49 > 0:56:51370. 380.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53- Hey, they love them. - Oh, wow.- They love them.
0:56:55 > 0:56:57At 410 here. Finished in the room at 410?
0:56:57 > 0:57:00- I'm bid, 420.- Wow.- Online.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03430. 440.
0:57:03 > 0:57:07At £440. Against you all in the room. I'll sell it.
0:57:08 > 0:57:12- Yes! Hammer's gone down. - That's great.- £440.
0:57:12 > 0:57:15That's a good result. All the bidding in the room.
0:57:15 > 0:57:18- A wonderful atmosphere, wasn't it? - Fantastic.- Really was.- That's great.
0:57:18 > 0:57:20- And a great first auction for you. - It was, yeah. Great.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23- They're not always like that, believe me.- They're not.
0:57:23 > 0:57:25They really wanted them.
0:57:25 > 0:57:27And I guess all the money's going to Freddie.
0:57:27 > 0:57:29- Yes, that's right.- Oh, well done.
0:57:29 > 0:57:32And what a wonderful way to end the show here in the West Country.
0:57:32 > 0:57:34We thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you have too.
0:57:34 > 0:57:36Join us again soon for many more surprises,
0:57:36 > 0:57:39but for now, from Plymouth, it's goodbye from all of us.