0:00:02 > 0:00:03# In the summertime when the weather is hot
0:00:03 > 0:00:05# You can stretch right up and touch the sky
0:00:05 > 0:00:07# When the weather is fine You got women
0:00:07 > 0:00:09# You got women on your mind... #
0:00:09 > 0:00:13This is the 400-metre-long Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Now, because of the difficult tides here,
0:00:15 > 0:00:17this was originally designed to extend right out
0:00:17 > 0:00:20into the Bristol Channel, to let the steamboats drop-off
0:00:20 > 0:00:23and pick-up the people without getting their feet wet.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Then they soon discovered that people loved to
0:00:25 > 0:00:28amble along the boardwalk soaking up all the fun and the entertainment.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Just like this lot here.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Welcome to "Flog It!" from Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35CHEERING
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Today, the Grand Pier's pavilion hosts all the fun of the fair.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04With exciting rides and game machines.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07But when the pier first opened in 1904,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10it housed a 2,000-seat theatre.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14This, together with the bandstand, provided a variety of musical
0:01:14 > 0:01:17and theatrical entertainments to the visiting crowds.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19And through its early days,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22the theatre was the pier's real success story.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25Drawing capacity audiences to both its matinee
0:01:25 > 0:01:27and evening performances.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32And I'll be exploring the history of variety later on in the show.
0:01:32 > 0:01:33- Morning!- Morning!
0:01:33 > 0:01:36But now it's time to get on with our valuations,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39as hundreds of people here have been queueing all morning,
0:01:39 > 0:01:41laden with all sorts of antiques and collectables.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Here to see our experts to find out more about its history,
0:01:45 > 0:01:47who made it, but more importantly...
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- ALL:- What's it worth?
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Stay tuned and you'll find out. And so will you.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57To help answer that question are today's experts -
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Catherine Southon and Thomas Plant.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Catherine is busy making plans.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- Are you going to take a dip later? - No.- Join me for a dip?
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- Yes.- LAUGHING:- No!
0:02:07 > 0:02:11While Thomas has already found something to take his breath away.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12- I have a pair.- No!
0:02:12 > 0:02:16And now it looks like he's hoping to scupper Catherine's
0:02:16 > 0:02:18chances of taking that swim later.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Catherine, I've got something to show you. Put this in your tea.
0:02:21 > 0:02:22You're horrible!
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- I'm not horrible!- You are nasty.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27I thought you were going to show me this lovely vase.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30It's time to raise the curtain on our main event.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33And as the crowds take their seats in the pavilion,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35here's a quick preview of what's to come.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39And we have some really special treats for you.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Thomas is getting all worked up about a label.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44Without this label...
0:02:44 > 0:02:46it's a beautiful box.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- But with this label, it makes all the difference.- Right.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52And it's a life in the fast lane for Catherine.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56I can see why your father was attracted to it.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59But which item will set hearts racing in the auction room?
0:02:59 > 0:03:02..2,000. 2-1.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08And I'll revisit the good old days of variety.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Actually, I shouldn't be here at all this evening.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13I should be at my mother-in-law's funeral.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Still, business before pleasure.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Piers have traditionally been about entertainment,
0:03:24 > 0:03:25and this one's no exception.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Where there was once a theatre and a bandstand, well,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31that's been replaced with stomach-dropping rides,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33a ghost train, and penny slot machines.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36But there is no time for fun right now. We've got work to do.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38So let's get straight over to our experts.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42And it looks like Catherine Southon has made a jolly good start.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- I do like your ring.- Thank you. - Very pretty. Lovely two-stone ring.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Where did you get it from?
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Well, it was my mother's. I inherited it when she died.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56She died about eight years ago now.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58And only since I've come here to "Flog It!" really,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00I've been thinking about why she had it,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03because my mother was a very straight sort of...
0:04:03 > 0:04:05She wasn't a fussy lady at all
0:04:05 > 0:04:08and I can't imagine she would ever have bought a ring like this.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11So I think this was probably the engagement ring that her
0:04:11 > 0:04:14first fiance gave her before he went to New Zealand.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- Her first fiance? - That's right.- Right.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- So she was married a few times?- No.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Because he went New Zealand and then she met my dad
0:04:21 > 0:04:25and he gave her an engagement ring and she married him.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- Oh, right! So this is from the first?- That's right.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- So she never married this one. - Ahh!- She just kept the ring.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Well, it's a beautiful ring, I must say.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- If I can take it off your finger. - Yeah.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- I would say it's quite classic. It's very elegant.- Mm-hm.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40And that's why I'm drawn towards it.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- I would say it dates from the 1940s. - Sounds about right.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44Is that about when she got...?
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Yes, because my mum and dad were married in 1948
0:04:47 > 0:04:50so this would have been before that. Couple of years probably before.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51So it would be about 1940s.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56It's a really lovely setting. We've got the sapphire and the diamond.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- Mm-hm.- I would say the diamond is probably about 0.5 carats.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05And then we've got these smaller diamonds flanking either side.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08And a nice 18-carat gold band.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12But what's important about diamonds when you're looking at diamonds and
0:05:12 > 0:05:16valuing diamonds, is to look at the clarity and to look at the colour.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- Right.- So this is where this little prop comes handy.- OK.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Have you had it looked at before? Have you had it valued?
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- No.- No.- No, never.- And you don't wear it? It's very small, isn't it?
0:05:26 > 0:05:28It's tiny. My mother had tiny, tiny fingers.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- So I can barely even get it on my little finger.- Right.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34OK, so let's just take a little look.
0:05:34 > 0:05:35Yeah. Now there is...
0:05:36 > 0:05:39There is either a tiny, tiny chip or a bit of discolouration
0:05:39 > 0:05:41because there is a very slight...
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Yeah, I think it's a little bit of discolouration actually
0:05:44 > 0:05:48and a slight imperfection, which really will affect the value.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Cos it is quite a nice size, it's quite a nice setting as well.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Unfortunately, I would pull the price down
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- because of that imperfection.- Right.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- I would put £200 to £300 on it. - Brilliant.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- Would you be happy with that? - Oh, yes. Definitely.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06With perhaps a 180 reserve. How does that sound?
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- I would like to sell it. - You would like to sell it?
0:06:08 > 0:06:11I don't want to see it almost get there
0:06:11 > 0:06:13and then be given back to me because it didn't make the reserve.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- You've seen this before, haven't you?- Yes.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- You don't want this back.- Not really.- Are you a "Flog It!" fan?
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- I do watch quite a bit, yes.- Right, OK.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22And you are local to Weston-super-Mare?
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- No. No, no. I come from north Cornwall.- Oh, wow.- From Bude.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- So you have travelled a long way! - Came up last night.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Well, you must be a big fan. - Oh, yes.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- Well, we've got to do our best for you, then.- Yes, definitely.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- We'll put 200 to 300 in with a 150 reserve.- Fine.- Excellent.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39And hopefully it will do a lot better than that.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40That would be nice.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49That's a good start from Catherine. Let's see what Thomas has found.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58Maureen, thank you very much for coming in today with this box.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Tell me, how did you get to own this box?
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Actually, it's my daughter's.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05We've had it about 35, 40 years.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09She went to like a jumble sale at her great-grandmother's.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13I didn't know she bought it and when we got home she was showing me
0:07:13 > 0:07:16all the bits and she pulled that out of her pocket.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- So she bought this aged around about five?- Yes.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24She said it looked nice and shiny. She paid five pence for it.
0:07:24 > 0:07:25- No!- Yes. Yes.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Let's have a look at it. We've got...
0:07:28 > 0:07:30A tortoiseshell box with
0:07:30 > 0:07:33a little oval miniature in here of a gentleman.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35It's possibly going to be on ivory.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38It's a hand-painted watercolour within a sort of gold frame.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- It's probably about 1820 to 1830.- Right.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- So, you know, it's William IV. - Mm-hm.- On the cusp of Victoria.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51But it would have been that sort of early period of the 19th century.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- 5p?- Yes.
0:07:53 > 0:07:555p?!
0:07:55 > 0:07:57I mean, I can't believe it.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59It was worth more in them days, wasn't it?
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Well, you could buy Mojos for a penny. Or ten 0.5p ones.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07If it was early '80s. It would have been her pocket money, wouldn't it?
0:08:07 > 0:08:08Yes, I suppose it would have been.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10You probably gave her 50p a week or something.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- Yes.- What was it used for?
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Back in the 1820s, 1830s, what was it used for?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Well, the lid lifts off.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21And it would either be a little snuffbox, it would have been
0:08:21 > 0:08:24a little trinket box, patch box, but it doesn't have a mirror.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- A patch for putting a patch on. - Oh, right, yes.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29But they could have mirrors.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Certainly like a little token to give you, as the man,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34to your loved one.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- "Here is a lovely box with me on it. There you are."- Yes.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- Have you ever had it valued before? - Quite a few years ago.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- And what was it valued at? - £100.- Yeah, OK. OK.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Well, things haven't really changed.- No.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Why haven't they changed?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51The reason being is that we've become,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55I suppose, more aware of the world around us. The materials.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- This is tortoiseshell.- Yes. - And this is a sliver of ivory.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02The way we think now is slightly different.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- As a Western nation, we are not so hot on animal products.- No.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- It's understandable.- Therefore, the value has almost plateaued.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14This is obviously 1820s, 1830s.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18Well before the cut-off date of 1947.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- But auction value, I'd certainly say £150 to £200.- Right.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Reserve it at 130.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- Yes, that's fine.- Happy with that? - Yes, very good.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30And who is going to get the money? You or your daughter?
0:09:30 > 0:09:31Oh, well...
0:09:31 > 0:09:33We'll decide when we get it.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- LAUGHING:- I love that! - We'll share it.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Although that beautiful box is crafted from tortoiseshell
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and ivory, because it was made well before 1947
0:09:41 > 0:09:43it means it's legal to sell.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50And from one jumble sale find to another treasure
0:09:50 > 0:09:52plucked from a car-boot sale.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58Sharon, we are surrounded by toys and gadgets and cars
0:09:58 > 0:10:00and bumper cars.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01But this is the real McCoy.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Where did you get this lovely pedal car from?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07I found it in my father's house as we are clearing it
0:10:07 > 0:10:11out at the moment, because he passed away. He was a very keen car-booter.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13So I would imagine he'd seen it and fell in love with it
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- and that's what happened, he bought it.- And who can blame him?
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- No.- I mean, it's a wonderful looking piece.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22I love the white original paint.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26And this wonderful silver piece on the back.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27It looks good. It looks cool.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- I would say it probably dates from the '70s.- Right, OK.
0:10:31 > 0:10:32Maybe late '60s.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35It's lovely that we've got a lot of the stickers on it.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38I love the Apollo sticker that we've got down here.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41In reference perhaps to the Apollo mission to the moon
0:10:41 > 0:10:43in the late '60s.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45It's not in bad condition either.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48I mean, if you gave that to a child today, he could use it.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- Or she could use it.- Yes. - And the little pedals in the front.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- Cute, aren't they? - Really cute.- Yeah.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58So do you have any attachment to this?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Not sentimental, no. Never seen it.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Never seen any of my brothers playing in it. No.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05It's just a hidden treasure that we've come across.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09I can see why your father was attracted to it. Did he love cars?
0:11:09 > 0:11:10He loved cars.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12He had little miniatures in the living room as well.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- All boxed and everything. So yeah. He did like his cars.- OK.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19And this is modelled probably on a Formula One car of the time.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- A 1970s Formula One car.- Yep.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25So really quite a cool thing to have in its day.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27He probably paid a maximum of £3 or £4.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Dad would have probably paid something really...
0:11:30 > 0:11:33He would have bargained and got it down to something quite, yeah,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- reasonable. - So as you're not attached to it,
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- are you just happy to let it go at auction?- Yes. Yeah.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Should we put an estimate on of £50 to £70?- Yeah.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Should we put a reserve on or are you happy just to let it go?
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- Yeah, see how it goes. - Just let it go?- Yeah, yeah.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Let's protect it, just in your dad's name, for sort of £20.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- So we don't just let it go for nothing.- OK.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- And let's hope full speed ahead at the auction.- Yeah.- Hopefully.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Thanks, Sharon.- Thank you.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Now this pier has happy memories for thousands of people.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14On one such person I'm going to meet right now.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17And he's in the restaurant at the far end of the pier,
0:12:17 > 0:12:19where it's a bit quieter.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Local boy Mike Solomon had a brush with fame when he appeared as an
0:12:22 > 0:12:28extra in a feature film shot right here on location at the Grand Pier.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30So you were in the right place at the right time
0:12:30 > 0:12:32when the extras work came along?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34It could have been your big break for stardom.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Do you know, I wish it had been, because I am a frustrated actor.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39I do a lot of amateur dramatics.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41But, yes, I was at college
0:12:41 > 0:12:44and word got out that they were filming on the pier.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46And they wanted extras.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49I think it was a fantastic wage of £3 a day.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52I got fed hamburgers at lunchtime and it was great.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55It was almost like a raffle ticket that you got to
0:12:55 > 0:12:58get your pay at the end of the day.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00And they were filming a film called The Beauty Jungle.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03The premise was that the Bristol Evening Post were filming
0:13:03 > 0:13:06a beauty contest in Weston.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09And I just had to stand along the end of the pier
0:13:09 > 0:13:13and whistle at the girls as they came along on the train.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16They had a ghost house in here, which I think they still have.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18And they actually did a spoof on the Marilyn Monroe
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- where Janet Scott walks through the air coming up...- Oh, yeah.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23..and the skirt goes up.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26And she was a very attractive young lady, actually.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28So that was great fun.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Did you get a real buzz going to the cinema locally
0:13:31 > 0:13:35and watching yourself on the big silver screen whistling?
0:13:35 > 0:13:37I got a real buzz out of seeing myself in the cinema.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Even though it was for about two seconds, I think.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44And when the DVD became available and I was able to show it
0:13:44 > 0:13:48to my son and my daughter, it's just great fun.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51And to look at yourself back when you had jet black hair
0:13:51 > 0:13:55and you were 17 and the world was your oyster back then.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59And you think to yourself, "Hmm. Yeah. Where did it all go?"
0:13:59 > 0:14:01THEY LAUGH
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Well, it's certainly been lights, camera, action here.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09But right now we're going to throw the spotlight on the auctioneer,
0:14:09 > 0:14:11because we're off to the saleroom for the very first time today.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Our experts have found their first three items to put under the hammer.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17And here's a quick recap of what they are.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Rosemary is a big "Flog It!" fan
0:14:19 > 0:14:21so let's hope we're on the money
0:14:21 > 0:14:24with her sapphire and diamond ring.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Bought for only 5p by Maureen's daughter,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30this little tortoiseshell box surely must make a profit.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33But how much?
0:14:33 > 0:14:36And will Sharon's car race away or hit the skids at auction?
0:14:38 > 0:14:40For our auction today,
0:14:40 > 0:14:42we are heading just 11 miles up the coast
0:14:42 > 0:14:44to the seaside town of Clevedon.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Famed for its magnificent pier,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49the town really came into its own in the Victorian era.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Decorated in Elton ware tiles, this clock tower was given to the town
0:14:53 > 0:14:58by Sir Charles Elton to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01We may not have any Elton ware amongst our lots today,
0:15:01 > 0:15:05but we do have Marc Burridge on the rostrum.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09And remember, there is commission to pay. It varies from room to room.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Here today, it's 15% plus VAT.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14The sale is underway,
0:15:14 > 0:15:15so it's time for our first lot.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Going under the hammer now we have a diamond and sapphire ring
0:15:18 > 0:15:23belonging to Rosemary, who is a big, big "Flog It!" fan.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24You came all the way up from Cornwall.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28I think, on our valuation day in Weston, you travelled the farthest.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- Oh, right.- You overnighted in a hotel.- I did.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- You were at the front of the queue. - That's right.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35And you're here today. So thank you so much for taking part in the show
0:15:35 > 0:15:37and being a big fan of the show.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- Thank you for valuing my jewels. - Your ring is lovely.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42So we're selling now and putting the money towards a big trip?
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Indeed.- Where are you going to go? - I'm off to Tibet in September.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Wow.- Hopefully. - It's not our normal answer, is it?
0:15:49 > 0:15:51No, it's not.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Well, we'll find out how much it makes in one second now,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57because it's going under the hammer. This is it.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59What can we say? Give me £100, thank you.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01110.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- 110?- Come on.- £100 only.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05And 10.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07110? 110?
0:16:07 > 0:16:09110. 20.
0:16:09 > 0:16:1130. 40. 50.
0:16:11 > 0:16:1360.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Here with me then at £160. Against you all in the room.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Bid on the book. I'm selling.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- £160!- Good job we put a lower estimate on, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Just scraped through. - On a knife edge.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26That's what auctions are all about.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- That was a commission bid. - Yes.- That was close.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- We were very lucky there.- We were. - We were very lucky.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- At least it's gone.- But well done, both of you.- Well done.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- Thank you.- Lovely. Thank you very much.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Look forward to that trip to Tibet, won't you?- Indeed.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40How long are you going for? A couple of weeks?
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- It'll be a month altogether. - Brilliant.
0:16:42 > 0:16:43Well, that was a close call!
0:16:43 > 0:16:48Let's hope our next item grabs the bidders' attention.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49Going under the hammer right now
0:16:49 > 0:16:51we have that gorgeous tortoiseshell box.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53It belongs to Maureen, who's with me right now.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- Great to see you. Who's this? - This is Shelly, my daughter.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- Shelly.- Hello. - It was originally your box then?
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- It is actually my box, yeah. - So that's why you're here?
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- I am, yes.- It's good to meet you. - Let's see how much it goes for.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Why weren't you at the valuation day?
0:17:05 > 0:17:07I was actually doing a fundraiser that day.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Were you? And how much did you manage to raise?
0:17:09 > 0:17:12It was only a little lunch at my house. It was about £50.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14For Weston Hospice.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- Well, look, every penny helps, doesn't it?- Yes.- Well done, you.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20And the money, the proceeds from this, where's that going?
0:17:20 > 0:17:23That's going to pay Mum and Dad back what I owe them.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Oh, dear. Is she still in debt with you? A big IOU.- Yes, yes.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- It'll take a bit more than that. - PAUL LAUGHS
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- Isn't that part of the deal though? - Oh, yeah. Bank of Mum and Dad.- Yeah.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Right, let's find out what this makes.
0:17:34 > 0:17:35It's going under the hammer right now.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39George III tortoiseshell circular box there.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40What can we say?
0:17:40 > 0:17:42100 here. 110.
0:17:42 > 0:17:4520. 120. 130.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- 140?- (It's going.)
0:17:47 > 0:17:48With me, on the book.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51And I'm selling at £130 then.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57£130. That hammer's gone down. It's a quiet hammer, but it went down.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Yes.- Good.- That's a good result, isn't it?
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Yeah.- Yes.- Both very happy. Two happy girls.- It was on the reserve.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- It was just on the reserve. - That's why you have a reserve.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11Another nail-biter but it sold. Just. Will our next lot race away?
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Going under the hammer right now, pay attention, we've got
0:18:14 > 0:18:17that wonderful toy car, that Formula One car belonging to Sharon.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19It could be yours, if you're here bidding.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- You look really summery.- Thank you. - I've got to say that.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- You look so summery and happy. - I am very happy.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25Look, fingers crossed.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28I like this little car cos it's got that real retro look to it.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31We've still got the original bodywork there. Bit of rust.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- Bit of rust, yeah.- We don't mind. - We don't mind that, do we?
0:18:33 > 0:18:35It's originally...
0:18:35 > 0:18:38The thing is, it's not been titivated or touched up
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- and resprayed.- No.- So it's in good original condition.- Yeah.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- And we've only got a £20 reserve, haven't we?- Yeah.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45So we're looking for around £50 or £60.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48I think it should make a bit more than that. Don't you?
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- You're putting me on the spot. - I am, yeah.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- OK. OK. I... - What would your estimate be then?
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- I think my estimate would be 20 to 40.- Oh, OK.- Same as yours, really.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02- Sort of safe side.- OK. - I would like the 60.- Be nice.
0:19:02 > 0:19:03But...I'm not sure.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- OK?- OK.- It's here to sell. That's the main thing.- Yeah.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08And we're going to flog it right now.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Lot number 60. The vintage pedal car.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- And I can start the bidding at 70. - CATHERINE GASPS
0:19:16 > 0:19:17Give me 5. 75.
0:19:17 > 0:19:1975? 75? 75?
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Now 80. And 5.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22And 90. And 5.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23100...
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- Oh, that's brilliant!- Oh.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- £100.- ..with me, then.
0:19:28 > 0:19:29Commission buyer.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- That's brilliant. Commission buyer. - £100!- Commission buyer.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- That's brilliant.- Brilliant.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- How about that?!- I'm surprised.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- I'm very happy.- That's brilliant, isn't it?- Yeah!
0:19:40 > 0:19:432,007 in the room. Thank you.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45That's the end of our first visit to the auction,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48and it's already been a little bit of a showstopper.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50But if you're looking for razzle and dazzle,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53where better to look than Weston-super-Mare,
0:19:53 > 0:19:57with its long history of traditional summer season,
0:19:57 > 0:19:58as I've been finding out.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Seaside towns like Weston-super-Mare here in Somerset
0:20:11 > 0:20:15have long been popular tourist destinations,
0:20:15 > 0:20:17since the mid-19th century.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21With the new factory laws being introduced in the 1850s
0:20:21 > 0:20:24and also the railway network joining up together,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27more people had the means and the time to go to the seaside.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31So all the beaches would be full of people
0:20:31 > 0:20:33and areas along the seafront, like this part here,
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Madeira Cove, would be jam-packed full of people.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41And touring groups of entertainers would be all too happy
0:20:41 > 0:20:43to perform for them.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54Later on, the entertainment moved into purpose-built theatres,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57onto the piers and purpose-built bandstands.
0:20:57 > 0:20:58It was the birth of
0:20:58 > 0:21:00the seaside summer season.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03A tradition that's still with us today.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06A programme that captured the spirit of the summer season was
0:21:06 > 0:21:11Seaside Special - BBC One's Saturday night entertainment show
0:21:11 > 0:21:15which ran between 1975 and 1979.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17It was summer season fun for all.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21Offering an updated version of holiday entertainment
0:21:21 > 0:21:23for the television age.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25But all the acts owe their origins
0:21:25 > 0:21:29to the grand old Victorian tradition of music hall.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33It was variety performance, but at the seaside.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36So, if the spirit of the traditional summer season was
0:21:36 > 0:21:39inherited from the variety halls, how did it play out
0:21:39 > 0:21:42on the beaches and the boardwalks of our seaside towns?
0:21:44 > 0:21:50Touring minstrels had long been popular at fairs and county shows.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55By the mid-1800, they were now playing seaside towns.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Bands and musical troupes would entertain the deckchair crowds
0:21:59 > 0:22:02and favourites would return year after year.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07An essential part of late Victorian and Edwardian seaside resort
0:22:07 > 0:22:11entertainment were they Pierrot troupes - originally from Europe.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16The Pierrots were clown figures dressed in long-sleeved white robes,
0:22:16 > 0:22:21whose routines would include singing and dancing, drama and acrobatics.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25By the 20th century,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28the entertainment had moved largely undercover
0:22:28 > 0:22:31and Weston's showbiz credentials were well
0:22:31 > 0:22:35and truly sealed with two theatres in the space of two years.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38The Grand Pier finally opened in 1904.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42And the original pavilion had a 2,000-seater theatre.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46And even the boardwalk around this area here had a bandstand.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51In its day, the Grand Pier's pavilion theatre played host
0:22:51 > 0:22:53to all manner of entertainments.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56From travelling rep companies and ballet,
0:22:56 > 0:22:58to boxing and operatic performances.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01While outside in the boardwalk bandstand,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03bands and groups would perform through the day
0:23:03 > 0:23:06to the pleasure of the crowds.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09But 26 years after opening, disastrous struck.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12In 1930, fire engulfed the pavilion,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15destroying the theatre and the bandstand.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Although the pier was rebuilt in 1932,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20neither the bandstand or the theatre were reinstated.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23But it wasn't the final curtain for Weston's summer season.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25It still had another performance venue,
0:23:25 > 0:23:30the theatre on Knightstone Island, which could pull in the big names.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Comedians like Morecambe and Wise
0:23:34 > 0:23:37and Norman Wisdom appeared here in their early careers.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42While Frankie Howerd was a popular turn at Knightstone in the 1950s.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Mixed in with these more traditional acts were novelty
0:23:45 > 0:23:50turns like Nat Gonella, Britain's ace trumpet star, and a variety
0:23:50 > 0:23:54of breathtaking and daredevil performances to wow the crowds.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Although Knightstone's seating capacity dwindled from 2,000 to
0:23:58 > 0:24:04around 900, it continued the variety tradition until it closed in 1978.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07But in true theatrical tradition, the show must go on -
0:24:07 > 0:24:10and it did - with the Weston Playhouse,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13which had opened its doors in the 1940s.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16I've come here to the Blakehay Theatre to meet theatrical
0:24:16 > 0:24:20agent John Miles, who knows a thing or two about the summer season.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30What were the main ingredients for a summer show?
0:24:30 > 0:24:31What made it special and successful?
0:24:31 > 0:24:34I think it was a mixture. There had to be a comedian.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36And maybe the comedian would be top of the bill.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Perhaps someone like Dick Emery or Tommy Cooper.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Actually, I shouldn't be here at all this evening.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44I should be at my mother-in-law's funeral.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Still, business before pleasure.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Especially needed was a female singer.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57# I can see
0:24:57 > 0:25:03# No matter how near you'll be... #
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Maybe a juggling act. Maybe a magician.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- Lots of variety.- Variety.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10'If he's going to come out with gags like...
0:25:10 > 0:25:11'I tell you what, if you do one,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14'wake me up when it's a good one, will you?'
0:25:14 > 0:25:15LAUGHTER
0:25:15 > 0:25:18All right, what do you call a fella with a paper bag on his head?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20'Russell. I can't stand this.'
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Of course it was two shows a night.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26So, a 2,000-capacity theatre, I mean, it's 4,000 people.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- This is family entertainment? - Absolutely. Yep. Yeah.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Something to please everybody.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33How important was the seaside town to variety?
0:25:33 > 0:25:37When they came to a seaside town, they came to have some fun.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41And some of the theatres would put on an afternoon children's show.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43There was always something for a family to see.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45But that can only work, of course,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- if there is enough people who would buy the tickets.- Yeah.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Without a good show, there wouldn't be any public coming.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55So, with less venues around today, do you think variety is changing?
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Or is it going in a slightly different direction?
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Variety obviously has changed dramatically.
0:25:59 > 0:26:04I mean, there's still shows on TV like Britain's Got Talent.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08That's probably one of the very few avenues that different
0:26:08 > 0:26:10talents can get exposure.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Is variety dying out?
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Yeah, I think, sadly, it is.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18I mean, people can see all the big names on television.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21And it's a great shame, really, because there was a great
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- atmosphere at variety shows and people loved it.- Mm.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36The old-fashioned seaside entertainment venues like
0:26:36 > 0:26:40theatres and end-of-pier pavilions are almost a thing of the past.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43But not quite. There are still some venues around,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46which means the tradition lives on.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Welcome back to our magnificent coastal location today,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06As you can see, there are still hundreds of people here.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Fingers crossed we are going to have one or two surprises
0:27:08 > 0:27:11when this next batch goes under the hammer.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Let's catch up with our experts and see what treasures they can uncover.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Penny, how are you today?
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- I'm very well, thank you.- Tell me...
0:27:21 > 0:27:24how did you come by this very special box?
0:27:24 > 0:27:28When my mother died two years ago, we had to clear the house.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30And this was in it.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Tell me about your mother. Was she a collector?
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Was she a student of the arts?
0:27:35 > 0:27:38No. My dad was an antique furniture restorer.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42He loved his work. My mom always said he never charged enough.
0:27:42 > 0:27:43Really?
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Never charged enough?
0:27:45 > 0:27:50Yeah. And we think that he was given these items as a thank you.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52So, when you picked this up from your mother's house,
0:27:52 > 0:27:54what did you think?
0:27:54 > 0:27:55"Well, it's just a stationary box."
0:27:55 > 0:27:58And then when you read this inside, what did you think?
0:27:58 > 0:27:59"That looks a bit special."
0:27:59 > 0:28:05What we have here in front of us is a beautiful walnut stationary box.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- With this revealed decoration.- Yeah.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10The way the dovetails...
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- And this beautiful chequered stringing over here.- Yeah.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Beautiful hinged action as it comes up. Locks in.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21And this label tells us everything we need to know.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Brilliant.- Without this label, it's a beautiful box.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29- But with this label, it makes all the difference.- Right.
0:28:29 > 0:28:30What did the label say?
0:28:30 > 0:28:34"Walnut stationary box. Designed by Ernest Gimson.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38"Executed by Henry Davoll.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41"Ninth Arts & Crafts exhibition. 1910."
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Ernest Gimson - he was described as being one of the most
0:28:44 > 0:28:47important architects of his generation.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50So, you know...
0:28:50 > 0:28:54a big cheese, basically, within the world of architecture
0:28:54 > 0:28:55and cabinet-making.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00He brought on lots and lots of people.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05And Henry Davoll was his second apprentice
0:29:05 > 0:29:07he allowed in, in 1901.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10So after, you know, nine years of working with him,
0:29:10 > 0:29:12he made this and had this exhibited.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14And we've found records of this
0:29:14 > 0:29:18- being exhibited at the ninth exhibition.- Wow.- For sale.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20For four pounds and five shillings.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- That was a lot then. - It was probably in 1910.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- It probably was a lot of money.- Yes.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30But the whole thing about Arts & Crafts furniture...
0:29:30 > 0:29:32is its honesty.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35It's true to its material.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Its revealed design.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40And its...I think, beauty.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- Its simplicity.- Yeah.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Now I've said this all to you, what do you think of it?
0:29:45 > 0:29:49I think it's beautiful. I love the wood.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53And the extra detail on it. But these joints, they're fantastic.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- You like the revealed joints in there?- Yeah.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- Yeah, it's great, isn't it?- So neat.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00What do you think it's worth?
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- Had a valuation for probate. - What was that?
0:30:02 > 0:30:04£500.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Yeah, I think that's fair. If not conservative.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11I think this could make...almost double. Almost.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16I would like to estimate it at £800 to £1,200.
0:30:16 > 0:30:17Wow.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18That'd be brilliant.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20And reserve it round about 700.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24I'm so delighted you brought it in.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Thank you very much. Yeah.- No, thank you.- Thank you.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29It is a thing of beauty.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Oh, Thomas, you are so easily pleased.
0:30:32 > 0:30:33HE LAUGHS
0:30:40 > 0:30:44Now, has Catherine found something to set her heart racing?
0:30:44 > 0:30:50Dick. What a well dressed, well presented gentleman.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52And I'm talking about you.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- Not the portrait.- Yeah.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Where did you get this lovely miniature from?
0:30:57 > 0:31:00It's been in the family. It came from my wife.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03She died two years ago. So it's come down to me.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06It came from, I think, her great-aunt.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- So it's always been in the family? - Yes. It's been in the family.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10Always been hanging up?
0:31:10 > 0:31:15There's some black furniture in the small front room and...
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- So this lovely frame went well, I should think.- Yeah. That's why...
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- Yeah, it went well with that. - Wonderful.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24Looking closely at this chap...
0:31:24 > 0:31:26who is very handsome, may I say.
0:31:26 > 0:31:32This is oil on papier mache and it's Italian.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- It's probably about 1810, 1820 in date.- Yes.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Now, turning this over...
0:31:38 > 0:31:41we see a name, Cherubini.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- Yeah. - Does that mean anything to you?
0:31:43 > 0:31:48I knew the name but I didn't know who he or she was.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50And I looked it up.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53And I've forgotten it. You do at my age.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58Luigi Cherubini was a famous composer.
0:31:58 > 0:32:04So we're looking now at the late 18th century, early 19th century.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08He was considered by Beethoven as one of the best
0:32:08 > 0:32:11of his contemporaries. So he was really high up there.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14He was quite an important composer of his time.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19The son of a musician, Luigi Cherubini was
0:32:19 > 0:32:25born in Florence in 1760, but spent most of his working life in France.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29His most significant works are operas and sacred music.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Considered by many as Cherubini's masterpiece, Beethoven
0:32:32 > 0:32:38studied the score of Les Deux Journees before he composed Fidelio.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41He may not be as well-known today as his contemporaries
0:32:41 > 0:32:45and friends Rossini and Chopin, but he was recognised in his life
0:32:45 > 0:32:49as one of the greatest composers of the day, receiving many honours.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56This particular portrait is really beautifully painted.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Unfortunately, I don't know who it's by.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00But just looking at it, there is
0:33:00 > 0:33:02a little bit of crazing around here.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Can you see that, the sort of crackle...crackling to the paint?
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Yeah.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Unfortunately, it does look like it's fallen off a wall
0:33:10 > 0:33:11and is damaged a little bit.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13A little bit broken on the frame.
0:33:13 > 0:33:14But it's a lovely piece.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Is it something that you are wanting to sell?
0:33:17 > 0:33:20- Yes, I think I do now. Yes. - Are you not interested in music?
0:33:20 > 0:33:23I'm very interested in music.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28- I've got quite a collection of CDs of classical music.- Right.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31- But obviously nothing by Cherubini. - Cherubini.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33SHE LAUGHS
0:33:33 > 0:33:37- Yeah.- Well, auction price, I would like to put 100 to 150 on this.- Yes.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- So we are going to protect him with an £80 reserve.- Fine.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- You name the price. - Are you happy to sell it at that?
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- Yes, I'm quite happy, yes. - £100 to £150 at the auction.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51- And let's hope that he makes sweet music.- Thank you.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54I hope you're right, Catherine.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58We are having such fun here today, the time is just flying by.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00If you want to take part in "Flog It!"
0:34:00 > 0:34:02this is where your journey starts.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06A valuation day. Very much like this one on Weston pier.
0:34:06 > 0:34:07Details of up-and-coming dates
0:34:07 > 0:34:10and venues you can find on our BBC website.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14If you don't have a computer, check the details in your local press
0:34:14 > 0:34:17because, fingers crossed, we are coming to an area near you soon.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20So dust them down, bring them in and we'll flog them.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23But now it's time for our last item of the day.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27Tony, Mary, thank you very much for bringing in this lovely cigar case.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- Who smokes cigars?- Neither of us. - No, you don't?- No, never.
0:34:31 > 0:34:32Not since I was 28 years old.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- And that was like, three years ago, yeah?- Maybe.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37THEY LAUGH
0:34:37 > 0:34:39So how come you have it then?
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- It was a gift to the wife and I, yes.- From who?
0:34:42 > 0:34:44- A friend.- From a great friend.
0:34:44 > 0:34:51He taught her a lot about antiques and to admire beautiful things.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Wow. So you had a sort of education?
0:34:53 > 0:34:56I used to go out with this friend, you know,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59to different auctions and what have you.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01- I was actually with him when he bought it.- Right.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03So was he an antiques dealer or just a collector?
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- No.- No, no. Pure collector. But he loved it. He loved collecting, yes.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12So, the cigar case, which is what this is.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16It's for taking six sensible-sized cigars.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18It's Victorian.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Silver engraved. You can see that from the hallmark here.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23You've got the duty mark.
0:35:23 > 0:35:24- Right.- Yeah.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27And it's by Frederick Mason, isn't it?
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- Yeah.- The maker. And if we open it up, silvergilt interior here.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34Mercury gilded interior. So it keeps the tobacco fresh.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37I mean, I want to build a picture of this.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41A Victorian gentleman with his cigars in his pocket.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- Off he goes. London club. - I can picture it.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- Yeah, you can picture it, can't you?- Yeah.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48- Sits back.- Yeah.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53You know, after supper. Offers one to his friends.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55- And smokes a cigar.- Yes.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58What do you think about smoking these days?
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- Do you think it's fashionable or unfashionable?- Unfashionable.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- It is, isn't it?- It is.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06I mean, here and America, we are really anti-it.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08But not everywhere else.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12And we are finding smoking memorabilia is becoming
0:36:12 > 0:36:13more and more popular,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15A - because, first of all,
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- people can't believe that we actually did smoke.- Yeah.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20So there's going to be that collectorship.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23And B - when I sell smoking memorabilia,
0:36:23 > 0:36:25I'm selling it to across the world.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29And I'm sending it to Turkey. And I'm sending it to China.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32And I'm sending it to places where they do now smoke.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36Now, value wise, I think two to three with a fixed reserve,
0:36:36 > 0:36:40so not a giveaway, at £160.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45It gives you and the auctioneer the chance for it to fly.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47You are very good at your job, aren't you?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49THEY LAUGH
0:36:49 > 0:36:51I wouldn't be an auctioneer if I wasn't.
0:36:51 > 0:36:52THEY LAUGH
0:36:52 > 0:36:53Shall we do it?
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- Do you agree?- Yes, I think so.- You think so?- Yes, I do.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Well, that's it. Our day is done on the Grand Pier.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12It's time to say goodbye to Weston-super-Mare,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15our magnificent host location today.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Everybody has thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20We are now going over to the auction room for the very last time,
0:37:20 > 0:37:22to put our experts' valuations to the test.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25And here's a quick recap of all the items we are taking with us.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31Thomas loved his walnut Arts & Crafts stationery box.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33But will the bidders agree?
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Luigi Cherubini brought sweet music to the world.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39But will the saleroom be singing out for his portrait?
0:37:41 > 0:37:45And Tony and Mary's silver cigar case is a beautiful item,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47but has it had its day?
0:37:47 > 0:37:48It's time to find out.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53As we return to the saleroom with our last lots,
0:37:53 > 0:37:57all eyes are on Marc Burridge as the auction continues.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Going under the hammer right now we have a Victorian cigar holder
0:38:01 > 0:38:02belonging to Tony and Mary,
0:38:02 > 0:38:04who have just joined me in the nick of time
0:38:04 > 0:38:07in this very busy saleroom here in Clevedon.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09So how did you come across the cigar holder?
0:38:09 > 0:38:13We were given it as a gift to help us establish our silver collection.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- Really?- That's right. - It's a really good thing.
0:38:16 > 0:38:17You had a silver collection
0:38:17 > 0:38:20so obviously you know a little bit about it as well.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22- You've done some homework. - We did, yes.- Here we go.
0:38:22 > 0:38:23It's going under the hammer now.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27Lot 370. Very nice Victorian
0:38:27 > 0:38:30engraved silver cigar case.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33I'll start the bidding on £100 here.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36110? 110 now. 110.
0:38:36 > 0:38:3820. 30.
0:38:38 > 0:38:3940. 50.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44- 150.- Come on, come on.- 150. No more?
0:38:44 > 0:38:4560. 70.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Here with me then at £160.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- With me on the...- He's going to sell, isn't he?
0:38:50 > 0:38:52No mistake then.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Yes. Sold. Did that go to China, Thomas?
0:38:54 > 0:38:56I don't know where it went,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59but it went to a man or a woman with discerning taste.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Smiles all round from Tony and Mary.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07Let's hope there are plenty more astute bidders for our next item.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Going under the hammer right now we have a miniature portrait.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12- It belongs to Dick. I like the story here.- Mm.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Well, what was great - the more we looked at it,
0:39:15 > 0:39:17the more we found out about it.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Luigi Cherubini, who was actually a contemporary of Beethoven,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22and Beethoven really regarded him.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25So I think it's something quite special. But I don't know.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Fingers crossed we have some musicians here. Or historians...
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- That would be nice. - ..that also know this story,
0:39:30 > 0:39:31cos that's what it's all about.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34That's what you buy into. That window back in time.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Let's find out. It's going under the hammer right now.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39Lot 255.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42You've got the portrait of a gentleman.
0:39:42 > 0:39:4465 I'm bid. 70 now.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- 75.- It's so nice.
0:39:46 > 0:39:4980. 80 I have in the room.
0:39:49 > 0:39:5085.
0:39:50 > 0:39:5185?
0:39:51 > 0:39:5485? £80 down in the room.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- Come on!- 85. Anyone else?
0:39:56 > 0:39:59All done. Selling, make no mistake, at £80.
0:39:59 > 0:40:00It's gone. £80.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Right on the reserve.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- Yeah.- It was close, but it's gone.- Yeah.
0:40:05 > 0:40:06- Happy?- Yeah.
0:40:06 > 0:40:07Oh, yes. Yes.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10It doesn't suit the flat so you'd have put it away in a drawer.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- Yes.- It's better to have the money, isn't it?- Oh, yes.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15- Yeah.- Thank you so much for coming in.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16- Pleasure. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Just sold on the reserve.
0:40:18 > 0:40:23But Dick is happy and he's donating all that money to charity.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Now it's time for my favourite item.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Going under the hammer right now we have the most gorgeous, the most
0:40:28 > 0:40:32beautiful walnut stationary box belonging to Penny. And I wish it
0:40:32 > 0:40:36was mine cos I'd never sell it. I wouldn't. I'd never sell this.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I love it. Thomas, I hate you for finding it and doing this valuation.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42God bless you as well, because you're spot on the money.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43I'd have said exactly the same thing.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- And I was with you when we were looking it up.- Yes.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- It's documented. It's recorded. - It's got a place in history.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- For us, it's shivers down our spine. - Yeah.- It's why we do the business,
0:40:53 > 0:40:55to see beautiful things.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58I think people from all over the country will drive here today
0:40:58 > 0:41:00to try and buy this, once they've found it online. Do you know that?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Let's put it to the test now. It's going under the hammer.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07We have a very interesting
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Arts & Crafts box here.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Three telephones in the room.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13It's going to be a battle.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17We'll go in easy stages, bids of £100.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20And I'm £800 to start.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22900. Who says?
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- It's £800...- Go on, it's starting.
0:41:25 > 0:41:26900 on the phone.
0:41:26 > 0:41:281,000. 1,100.
0:41:29 > 0:41:311,200 with me.
0:41:31 > 0:41:331,300.
0:41:33 > 0:41:341,400. 1,500.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37THOMAS SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY
0:41:37 > 0:41:3816. 17.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39Which one of you? There's three
0:41:39 > 0:41:41of you all looking at me
0:41:41 > 0:41:42and it'll be a tight squeeze
0:41:42 > 0:41:43at the end, I can assure you.
0:41:43 > 0:41:4717. 18. 1,900.
0:41:47 > 0:41:491,900. 2,000.
0:41:49 > 0:41:502,100.
0:41:50 > 0:41:522,200.
0:41:52 > 0:41:532,300.
0:41:53 > 0:41:562,300 on the phone. 2,400.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58(2,400.)
0:41:58 > 0:42:01It's 2,300. 2,400. 2,500.
0:42:01 > 0:42:042,600.
0:42:04 > 0:42:062,600 bid. 2,700.
0:42:08 > 0:42:102,600 we're bid on the phone.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- 2,700 in the room.- In the room now.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- Yeah.- 2,800.
0:42:14 > 0:42:162,900 bid.
0:42:16 > 0:42:173,000.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- £3,000. I'm shaking. This is what this job's all about.- It is.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- I love it.- On the phone at 3,000.
0:42:22 > 0:42:243,100 in the room. 3,200.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28- Keep it going. - It's £3,100 in the room.
0:42:28 > 0:42:303,200, is it?
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Yes or no?
0:42:32 > 0:42:33Yes or no?
0:42:34 > 0:42:40£3,100. Penny, you're a rich lady. £3,100!
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Has that registered now?
0:42:43 > 0:42:44- Yeah.- Oooooh!
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Wow. Thank you so much, Penny. You've made my day.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49You've made my year. That's what this show's all about.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51And what a way to end it here in Weston-super-Mare.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- £3,100 with Penny and Thomas. - I can't believe it.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56I hope you've enjoyed it as well.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58I promised you one big surprise and we delivered.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Join us again soon for many more. But until then, it's goodbye.