0:00:02 > 0:00:05Our "Flog It!" crowds are in fine fettle today
0:00:05 > 0:00:08as they assemble at our fantastic valuation day venue,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Norwich Cathedral in Norfolk -
0:00:11 > 0:00:14a county where many local families have made their mark.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Stay watching to find out more. Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Norwich Cathedral sits proudly in Norfolk,
0:00:42 > 0:00:45an area that can claim more than its fair share
0:00:45 > 0:00:48of celebrated people whose work made a difference.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Elizabeth Fry transformed prison life for women.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Robert Walpole upheld a long-lasting peace
0:00:57 > 0:00:59as Britain's first Prime Minister.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03But the cathedral boasts the grave of a particularly special person,
0:01:03 > 0:01:05the nurse Edith Cavell,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09who helped British soldiers escape during World War I.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Now, that's quite a roll call of Norfolk people.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15But first, our very own sons and daughters of Norfolk.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Look at this. Hundreds of people have turned up to the cloisters
0:01:19 > 0:01:22of Norwich Cathedral with antiques and collectibles,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24and if you're happy with your valuations,
0:01:24 > 0:01:26what are you going to do?
0:01:26 > 0:01:27- ALL:- Flog it!
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Helping us to do that are our experts Thomas Plant,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33who's already into the bags and boxes...
0:01:33 > 0:01:35What a beautiful thing.
0:01:35 > 0:01:36That's fabulous, isn't it?
0:01:36 > 0:01:40..and Kate Bateman, who is determined to find the best objects.
0:01:40 > 0:01:41SHE CHUCKLES
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Thomas Plant hasn't been here first. That makes me happy.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48And she's definitely made her mark on this.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Play us a tune. Play us out.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53How does the "Flog It!" theme tune go?
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Oh, I can't remember it.
0:01:55 > 0:01:56Like this, Kate.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58"FLOG IT!" THEME TUNE PLAYS
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Right, let's get on with the show,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and today there are plenty of surprises.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07They are the weirdest thing I've seen all day.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Thomas can't quite believe his good luck.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12It's the kind of thing dreams are made of.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14And nor can the owner.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16Wow. I don't know what to say.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20And I'm running away to join a family-owned circus
0:02:20 > 0:02:22that has a very special feature.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28As we get our crowds out of the cloisters and into the nave,
0:02:28 > 0:02:30time to have a quick look around
0:02:30 > 0:02:33at the people who made this cathedral what it is today.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38The monks of the Benedictine monastery who worshiped here
0:02:38 > 0:02:40for 500 years since the 12th century
0:02:40 > 0:02:43have left their mark on the architecture of the building,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45and like many places of worship,
0:02:45 > 0:02:49a host of local dignitaries are remembered here too.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Here are our very own worthy citizens of Norfolk. Look at this.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Hundreds of people have turned up hoping
0:02:55 > 0:02:58they're one of the lucky ones to go through to the auction.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Well, it's time to find out who that first person is
0:03:00 > 0:03:03as we catch up with Thomas Plant.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06And he's done well to find his first object -
0:03:06 > 0:03:10a quite exceptional work of religious art.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12That's a very precious heirloom indeed,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15and brought in by Marie Noel and Frederic.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Have you travelled across from France today
0:03:18 > 0:03:20to come to Norwich Cathedral?
0:03:20 > 0:03:21Definitely not, no.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25We've been living in Norfolk for 33 years.
0:03:25 > 0:03:26Wow.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29And this piece has travelled with you?
0:03:29 > 0:03:30Recently we took it from France
0:03:30 > 0:03:33when my mother passed away two years ago.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37It has been in the family for over 200 and some 30 years.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41So, tell me the story of you owning this piece.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- Yeah.- There must be some history behind it.- Yes.- Yeah?
0:03:44 > 0:03:49Apparently, it was salvaged in 1789 from the fire
0:03:49 > 0:03:53that was started by the sans-culottes
0:03:53 > 0:03:55who were, during the French Revolution,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59they were burning all the religious artefacts.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02And my great-great-great-grandmother
0:04:02 > 0:04:04salvaged this one from the fire
0:04:04 > 0:04:07and put it in her home under mattresses
0:04:07 > 0:04:09so she wouldn't be caught.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12The sans-culottes were a political group
0:04:12 > 0:04:15who opposed the monarchy and the wealthy Catholic Church
0:04:15 > 0:04:18during the French Revolution in the 18th century.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21They destroyed any symbols of the Church they could find,
0:04:21 > 0:04:26so it's simply incredible that this object has survived.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Your great-great-great-grandmother was not in favour of this.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- No.- Staunch Catholic.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Yes. Absolutely.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- And risked her life to save this crucifix.- To save this, yeah.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41The sans-culottes came into her house.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44They were entering all the houses in the village
0:04:44 > 0:04:48and they were burning everything related to Christianity.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- Really?- Yes.- So... - It must have been immensely scary.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55I mean, we're talking about 200 years ago
0:04:55 > 0:04:57and a different climate altogether.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01Now, looking at this object itself, there's Christ on the cross,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05feet over the other one there with the nail driven through.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- Mm-hm.- The arms are missing.- Yeah. They've been burnt, yes.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- And the crown as well... - His crown of thorns.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11..with the thorns.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14The absolute attention to detail in the face...
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- Oh, the face is so... - ..of the dying Christ...
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- Yeah.- Beautiful.- It is beautiful.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21It's carved in a hardwood, probably a boxwood.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22It's a boxwood, yes.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26And then it's a gesso wash to it and then over painted.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29The paint is in marvellous condition.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- Yes, it's well-made. - For what it is, it's fascinating.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- Tell me, it's been passed down through the generations.- Yes. Yep.
0:05:36 > 0:05:37Why are we here today?
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Why are we sitting down talking about it?
0:05:39 > 0:05:43Because my mother gave it to our son, who lives in America.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Our son has no children and he doesn't want it,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50so we want to sell it for him.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54Gosh. I am particularly passionate about religious works of art.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57I think the reason why we look at religious works of art
0:05:57 > 0:05:59and look at them so highly is because every single piece
0:05:59 > 0:06:03of love and devotion has gone into making something like this.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- You can see that.- Yes. - The valuation is so difficult.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08I mean, if I was to put this in,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11I would suggest that as a decorative object
0:06:11 > 0:06:15you've got to start it at £700 to £900.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16Mm-hm.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19And then you reserve it at around 600.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24But it might make £2,000.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26It might do. It might make more.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28With the provenance, it might help.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30But I think that's a sensible estimate.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31What do you think of that?
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Well, we are planning to make a reserve for 1,000.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- 1,000.- Mm-hm. The reserve to start.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Yeah, the thing is, if you put it in at £1,000,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43you might scare bidders, potential bidders, off.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44That's the difficult thing.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47If you wanted that, we'd have to go 1,000 to 1,500.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51With a fixed reserve of £1,000.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54It's a strong valuation, but it's a lovely thing.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56It's an absolutely delightful object.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- Let's go for it.- Thank you, Frederic. Thank you, Marie Noel.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- It's not me, it's him! - Thank you very much.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05That's a strong valuation at £1,000 to £1,500,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09but for an object of such personal and historic importance,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Marie Noel and Frederic obviously want to make sure
0:07:12 > 0:07:15the price is right before they part with it.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19Over to Kate, who's found something that's also been made
0:07:19 > 0:07:21with a lot of attention to detail.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22- Well, hello, Terrence.- Hello, there.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25What do you know about this thing you've brought in?
0:07:25 > 0:07:28My wife had it left here and that's as far as we know, really.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Well, it's by a maker called William Comyns
0:07:30 > 0:07:32and he was a very prolific maker.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36He's fairly well-known for these kind of pretty silver things.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38What do you think it is?
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Trinket box? Potpourri?
0:07:40 > 0:07:41I can see why you think potpourri,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- because it's got a pierced lid. - Yeah.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46But I think it's more likely to be a trinket box.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47Trinket box, yeah.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49You can't really put much potpourri in that.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- No, no.- I think it would be bigger. But it's a gorgeous thing.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Well, you've got this pierced detail here.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55You've got... I think this is fuchsia.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- I'm no botanist, but I think these are fuchsias.- Yeah.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Then around the outside you've got this really sweet raised band
0:08:01 > 0:08:03of, I think, water lilies.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Again, millions of people will tell me I'm wrong,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07but they look like water lilies.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10If you have a look, we'll be able to see the hallmark.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- And this is got the maker's mark. WC for William Comyns.- Yeah.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- And London Hallmark for 1908... - All right.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18..which just about fits in.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23William Comyns was apprentice to the Goldsmiths' Company in 1849,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25so it's fairly late in his career.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27You know, he's been working for quite a long time.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30He's reached the pinnacle of his abilities, really, by now.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32I mean, he's had all of that practice.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- And this is a really nice piece. It's pretty saleable.- It is.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Any idea what do you think it would be worth?
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- As much as you can get for it. - That's what auctioneers try and do.
0:08:41 > 0:08:42We've been told about 100, 150.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44I think that's about right, actually.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- I would say maybe put a firm reserve of 80 on it.- 80, yeah?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49And 100 to 150 estimate.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- Yeah.- And I think it will do that every day of the week.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Yeah, that'll be fine. - Really easy sale for auction.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55Yeah, it's nice, isn't it?
0:08:55 > 0:08:57What will you do with the money if we sell it?
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Well, we're going on holiday to Cape Verde, so...- Cape Verde?
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Yeah.- Very nice.- A week in the sun.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05It might not get you a ticket there, Terry,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09but it could pay for a few cocktails.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11You like to bring us all sorts of surprises
0:09:11 > 0:09:15at our valuation day events, and today is no exception.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Who was expecting this?
0:09:17 > 0:09:19DOG BARKS Hello! What's your name?
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- Matthew.- Matthew! Hello, everyone. Oh, there's another one there.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Gosh. everyone's welcome here today. DOG BARKS
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- Shh! Shh!- Are you local, Matthew?
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- Hello. What's your name? - Hello. I'm Sister Pamela.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- Sister Pamela and...? - I'm Mark.- And Mark.- And Mark.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- How old is Matthew?- He's ten. - He's ten? He looks really...
0:09:36 > 0:09:37He's a rescue dog.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40DOG GROWLS AND BARKS Oh, are you?
0:09:40 > 0:09:43But he does come to church very regularly.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Aw!- He's very good.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Can I stroke you, Matthew?- Yeah, course you can.- Can I stroke you?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- I've got three dogs. - Oh, have you?- Yeah.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Oh, do you know... What breed is he?
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Well, I'm told he's a cross between a lakeland and a fox terrier.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00LAUGHTER
0:10:02 > 0:10:03There are no dogs at Thomas's table,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07but Peter has brought in a delightful object from his boyhood.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10So, tell me, is this your childhood toy?
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- It is one of them, yes. - One of them.- Yes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14Were you a really good boy?
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- Probably.- Were you? I mean, you've kept it in immaculate condition.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19Tell me about it.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24I think I got it in about 1957, 1958 for a birthday, and...
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Can you remember how old you were?
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- Yes, I can.- Go on, tell me.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Probably about nine or ten. - Nine or ten.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33And it could've been quite an expensive present then.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34It probably was, yes.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- So, the main present from Mum and Dad.- Yes.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38Sweet!
0:10:38 > 0:10:44What I'm amazed by is the Triumph TR2 Sports
0:10:44 > 0:10:46is in immaculate condition,
0:10:46 > 0:10:48and the box, has it been in a loft?
0:10:48 > 0:10:51It's been in a cupboard. It stayed on the shelf.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53It's survived so well.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56And I had sort of another car, similar,
0:10:56 > 0:10:58and I played with that one, but this one
0:10:58 > 0:11:00I think probably was a bit more delicate
0:11:00 > 0:11:04because, you know, the seats can sort of come out for the batteries.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06So, the seats are... This lifts out and the batteries are in there.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- That's right.- And that lifts out there.- Yes.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11And the steering wheel turns.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13It's got forward and reverse on it.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14And it's Victory models.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Victory Industries were started
0:11:16 > 0:11:19at the end of the Second World War by two gentlemen
0:11:19 > 0:11:23in a shed, or a boat shed, in Surrey
0:11:23 > 0:11:25and it grew into a larger business.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Tell me, what made you bring it today?
0:11:28 > 0:11:30That's what I'm interested in.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It's been sitting on the shelf, and I thought,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34"Well, maybe time to sell it."
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- Did you have children yourself? - Yeah, I do. A girl.- A girl.- Yes.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Is it emotional for you to get rid of it
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- or is that all gone? - A little bit.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- No, it's slightly emotional. - Yeah?- Yes.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47But I think let someone else enjoy it.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- Memories are a strange thing, aren't they?- Yes.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51Your nostalgia or memories,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54and it's going to be sold to somebody who's going to buy it,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58who's going to be a collector who probably remembers it
0:11:58 > 0:12:01from their childhood or their father having one and they want one.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Yes.- Anyway, what's it really worth?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Well, in the condition it's in,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I think it's worth at least three figures, I have to say,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12and I would estimate this at £100 to £150.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14I wouldn't be surprised if it made more.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16These models are quite popular. Well done for bringing it.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Well, it's nice that you're local.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- Today I am.- Yes.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24I hope that'll find a fitting owner
0:12:24 > 0:12:28who'll also love it for its sentimental value.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Well, there we are. Our first three objects found.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33I've got my favourite, you've probably got yours.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35But before we put those valuations to the test
0:12:35 > 0:12:37in the auction room, there's something I must show you.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39You can see the font here in the cathedral.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42Can you guess what this was originally used for?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45Well, Caley's opened the first chocolate factory
0:12:45 > 0:12:47here in the city in 1886.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49It was a family-run business.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52They sadly closed in 1916,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56but they were followed by Rowntree Mackintosh and Nestle.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59And this was the vat that was used in the last factory
0:12:59 > 0:13:01when it closed in 2006.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05It has to be the only font in a UK cathedral
0:13:05 > 0:13:07that was once filled with chocolate.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Right, as we make our way across to the auction room,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13here's a quick recap of all the items we're taking with us.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17There are some great survivors, like this carved statue of Jesus.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20It has strong provenance and is a poignant reminder
0:13:20 > 0:13:22of the destruction carried out
0:13:22 > 0:13:25during the French Revolution.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28We have Terry's mid-19th century silver trinket box,
0:13:28 > 0:13:30made by renowned silversmith
0:13:30 > 0:13:32William Comyns.
0:13:32 > 0:13:33And there's a little boy's idea
0:13:33 > 0:13:37of heaven in the 1950s toy car,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39which could triumph when it goes under the hammer.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Now we're on the road to our saleroom at Diss,
0:13:44 > 0:13:45south of Norwich,
0:13:45 > 0:13:50where the sun is out and the crowds are already viewing the lots.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52It is auction time, and anything can happen.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57Today we're at TW Gaze in Diss. There's three sales going on today.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59There's rural bygones, as you can see here.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00There's a collectible sale.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02But inside, that's where the action is happening.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04That's the fine art and antiques.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Let's go inside and catch up with our owners.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Fingers crossed we hit the high numbers today.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11And don't forget, you'll be paying commission here,
0:14:11 > 0:14:14which is set at 15%, including VAT.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17And on the rostrum today we have two auctioneers,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Ed Smith and Robert Kinsella.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23Time for Terry's beautiful decorated silver trinket box
0:14:23 > 0:14:25by sought-after silversmith William Comyns.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28And Terry has brought along his family.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30This is your inheritance Dad's flogging off.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- I know! I know!- Yeah. It's a nice thing, though, Kate.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36It's a good maker, William Comyns. Really pretty.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39So, I think it'll go. I think 100 to 150 is a good estimate.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40- Confident.- Yeah.- Confident.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Right, we're going to put it under the hammer.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46How about that one? Here we go. First it's Robert on the rostrum.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Super little piece, this. Good run of bids here.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51We're going in bottom end at 100 as a start. I'll take ten.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- Straight in.- 110. 120. 130. 140.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59It's £140 then. Any advance? We'll sell at 140.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Yes.- There we go.- Well done, Kate. - Well in estimate there.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04It was, wasn't it? Yeah. Happy?
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- Wow, yeah.- Good day, yeah. Brilliant.- Thank you so much.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- Family day out.- Yeah, family. - Family day.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11I'll have to take them all out now.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14And I hope they enjoy themselves.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Next it's the utterly one-of-a-kind carving of Christ,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21rescued during the turmoil of the French Revolution
0:15:21 > 0:15:23by Frederic's ancestor.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25The history buffs should love this one.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28When you hold this, you're holding a piece of history
0:15:28 > 0:15:30and it's so tactile you don't want to put it down.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33The gesso work and the carving is second to none, isn't it?
0:15:33 > 0:15:39It's very, very good. Thomas, £1,000 to £1,500?
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Well, it's just amazing history. It is an amazing history.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- I personally think that's very reasonable.- Yeah.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- I think it's immensely rare.- Yeah.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48The story, the provenance with it,
0:15:48 > 0:15:52which Frederic and Marie Noel have given us is tremendous,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55and hopefully that transports itself to the saleroom.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Yeah. Fingers crossed it sells. Good luck.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- Fingers crossed.- Yeah.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04The 16th-century polychrome figure of Christ there,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07rescued by the current owner's great-great-great-grandmother
0:16:07 > 0:16:11over 220 years ago, so a very interesting piece.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Great provenance.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18We're going to start at 750. 750 we have. Is there 800?
0:16:18 > 0:16:20It's in at £750 now.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- Where's 800?- Online.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26£750. The room is quiet at £750.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31No. Not one bid on it today.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33I'm sorry about that.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Don't worry.- No-one picked it up on the internet either.- No. It's...
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- That's just auctions for you. - No, it's not a problem.- OK.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43It's a family souvenir, as we explained to Thomas.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45I think it deserves to be kept.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49You certainly can't let an item like that go for too little,
0:16:49 > 0:16:51so the owners have done the right thing
0:16:51 > 0:16:55by taking it home and cherishing it.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Our third lot is a touch of its owner's boyhood -
0:16:58 > 0:17:03Peter's Triumph toy sports car, dating to the 1950s.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06My only complaint about this lot is if I had to have a Triumph,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09it would have to be dark British racing green.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- Yes.- That's the colour, isn't it? Not white for me.- Oh, I don't know.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15That's classic '60s, though, and you've played with this,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17yet it's in mint condition.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- Yes.- Isn't it? - Didn't play that much with it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22I had two cars and this one didn't get played with as much.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- So, the other one got the bashing. - It did.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Or the batteries ran out on this one a lot.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Look, it's boxed as well.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- It's here to go and I think this is a great collectible.- Good.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35And on this one, I'm starting in just below guide at £70.
0:17:35 > 0:17:3970 I have. Who has a 5? 5. 80. 5. 90.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- Phone bid.- 5. 100. - Yeah.- 110. 120.- Yeah. Racing away.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45120 on commission. 120 I have.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Is there 30? Will be selling for £120.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Are we all done?
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- £120. That's brilliantly sold. - Great.- Yeah.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Very good result. You're happy with that.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56There's a big smile on Peter's face.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59And hopefully it's going to a really good collector.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00Yes. I'm sure. Thank you.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07I bet that's gone to someone who's always coveted that car,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09and now they own one.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Well, there you are. The hammer has just gone down.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14That is the end of our first visit to the saleroom today.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Now, earlier I mentioned some famous entrepreneurial families
0:18:18 > 0:18:21that brought wealth to this area, but what about entertainment?
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Well, earlier I took a trip to the seaside,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26to Great Yarmouth in fact,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28to meet a family who've made it their business
0:18:28 > 0:18:31to entertain the masses for over 100 years.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41At the turn of the 20th century,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Great Yarmouth was a magnet for Edwardians
0:18:43 > 0:18:46seeking entertainment along the promenade.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Today, many of those venues have been replaced
0:18:49 > 0:18:54with modern versions, but there are still remnants of bygone days.
0:18:54 > 0:18:55Step away from the seafront
0:18:55 > 0:18:58and you come across something really special -
0:18:58 > 0:19:01the original hippodrome built in 1903.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03What's even more remarkable is how one family
0:19:03 > 0:19:06have brought this venue back to life,
0:19:06 > 0:19:08and I'm about to find out how they've done it.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12In the early 20th century,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14indoor circuses were known as hippodromes
0:19:14 > 0:19:16and they were very popular,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18but while most of them eventually closed,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22this one has remained open, making it one of only three
0:19:22 > 0:19:26remaining in the world that's still used as a circus.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Today, it's a traditional show with acrobats and jugglers
0:19:33 > 0:19:37who come from across the globe, but it has something almost unique
0:19:37 > 0:19:40going for it that really draws the crowds.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Now, this may look like a normal stage, but it's not,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46as I'm about to demonstrate.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Now, this is an old Edwardian gate valve,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53and behind this cladding there's a tank
0:19:53 > 0:19:56containing 20,000 gallons of water.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57And I'm about to release it.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08That water has found its way up through these slats,
0:20:08 > 0:20:09as you can see here,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12filling this original Edwardian feature,
0:20:12 > 0:20:13but there's more to come.
0:20:13 > 0:20:14Are you ready for this? Here we go.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Right, guys. Three, two, one. HE BLOWS WHISTLE
0:20:21 > 0:20:23That drops to a depth of about five feet.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24You can swim in that.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Right, let the show begin.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30HE GRUNTS
0:20:30 > 0:20:33DRUMS PLAY
0:20:35 > 0:20:37ATMOSPHERIC MUSIC PLAYS
0:20:49 > 0:20:54Like many traditional circuses, this one's a family affair.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Owner Pater Jay is at the helm,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59family members produce and choreograph the show
0:20:59 > 0:21:03and son Jack doubles as the creative director and ringmaster.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Jack, what traditionally happened in a water circus?
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Well, buildings like this were obviously far more prominent
0:21:10 > 0:21:13than they are now, although not every circus building
0:21:13 > 0:21:15had the water spectacle, so even then, in 1903,
0:21:15 > 0:21:17it was something that was quite special.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20They had people jumping in and a couple of people swimming.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Also horses running around, if you can imagine such a thing.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25One-legged men on bicycles coming off the balcony
0:21:25 > 0:21:27and diving into the pool.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29So, you know, we try and utilise it as much as we possibly can,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32but in those days it was kind of anything goes as far as the water.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34But you've introduced a modern element now.
0:21:34 > 0:21:35Yeah, absolutely.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38I mean, having the pool there is such a unique and amazing thing.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40We've tried to do with it as much as possible.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45And I know Dad has brought you in on the business,
0:21:45 > 0:21:47so you get to be involved with the performance.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48You write, you direct.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Yeah. Now I kind of have taken quite a lot on.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53I mean, I started here... I think my first job, I was eight.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55I used to spin plates as a kid before the show,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57try and sell them the sympathy vote.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Then I started playing drums. Then I got involved with the direction.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02And like you say, with these shows, I write them,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06direct them and perform in them, so it's a lot,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08but thanks to Dad, I've had a huge amount of mentorship.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- It's great.- So, you get to be a kid all day long, don't you?
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- Basically, yeah.- I mean, that is one big tall boat, isn't it?
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Yeah, you know, sword fighting, throwing buckets of water,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19playing around in a pirate ship - it's not a bad day's work.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41All this is a far cry from the first circus
0:22:41 > 0:22:42in this very building,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46started by George Gilbert, with The Indian Boy Wonder
0:22:46 > 0:22:48and The Colibri Midgets on the bill.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52The hippodrome circus continued through the 20th century,
0:22:52 > 0:22:55but by 1978, it was up for sale.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58The man who stepped in to save it was Peter Jay,
0:22:58 > 0:23:00a former musician and entrepreneur
0:23:00 > 0:23:04whose family ran theatres in Great Yarmouth.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08What I love about sitting here is it really takes you back in time.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12I feel like I'm in Edwardian England on the seafront.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Fantastic. That's exactly what we're trying to do.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16I've been to so many theatres where they modernised it
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- and they've taken all the life out of it.- Yeah.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Wrong colours, they've thrown stuff away.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24The building embraces you. You get through the foyer and you see it.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27It's that wonderful red with the lovely gilt everywhere,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30and all of a sudden you go, "Yeah. I'm going to be in for a show."
0:23:36 > 0:23:38So, what made you buy the hippodrome,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41and when you did, had you any idea what you wanted to do with it?
0:23:41 > 0:23:44We hadn't. We bought it to stop it becoming a bingo hall,
0:23:44 > 0:23:47and then having bought it, we thought, "What should we do?
0:23:47 > 0:23:49"Let's have a go at this circus thing."
0:23:49 > 0:23:50It was something I'd never been into.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52In fact, I didn't really like circuses.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- As a sort of young drummer, rock background...- Yeah.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56..show business, it wasn't my thing.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00And fast-forward 35 years, we're still trying to find out.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09What was left?
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Was everything left as a circus
0:24:11 > 0:24:12or did you have to go out and sort it?
0:24:12 > 0:24:14The ring was here. The seats were here.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18It was painted a sort of pale grey and a very horrible pink.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19We tried to put the atmosphere back.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22So, when did the passion for circuses sort of kick in with you?
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Obviously you're used to being on stage,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26but the circus is a little bit different.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28I think the magic of the building started to work on me,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30and I thought, "What can we do in this space?"
0:24:30 > 0:24:33And then everybody was coming up and saying...
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Remember, the water spectacle hadn't been used for 25 years,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38so we restored the water spectacle back.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39And then you start getting into circus
0:24:39 > 0:24:41and seeing all the wonderful acts.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44You think, "Oh, we can do something with that.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46"We can change the music, change the lighting."
0:24:46 > 0:24:48And gradually, it takes over your life.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58It doesn't end here with performance.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03Peter is also on a mission to educate people about the circus,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and backstage has become an incredibly eclectic,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10if chaotic, depository of all things circus related.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Every bit of available space backstage has been crammed
0:25:14 > 0:25:17full of circus memorabilia, from costumes to props,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19musical instruments.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21You name it. It's all here.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22Peter has collected it over the years.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24A lot of blood, sweat and tears
0:25:24 > 0:25:26has gone into this, ladies and gentlemen,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28so roll up, roll up, the circus is in town.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32The great thing is, after the show, you can even have a tour down here.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35It puts a smile on your face and it takes you back in time.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38And there's even a home-made clown's drum kit. Just look at this.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41Go!
0:25:46 > 0:25:49There is method to all this circus madness.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Peter has stayed true to his entertainment roots,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56to the spirit of the place and to the spirit of a family
0:25:56 > 0:26:00who share a passion for this circus every step of the way.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03They've all got lumbered, really, into the family business,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- but they love it. - Best way to keep it, isn't it?
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- It's great.- Keep it in the family. - They love it.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- You have to love show business to be in it. It's a hard gig.- Sure.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13But hopefully, you know, that'll carry on for the next generation.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16When Jack's kids come along they'll inherit it, work in it
0:26:16 > 0:26:17- and get involved in it.- Exactly.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21You know, I'll be 50 soon, so we have to start thinking
0:26:21 > 0:26:22about the future, don't we?
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- Yeah.- You're not supposed to laugh.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Well, as you can see, I didn't run away and join the circus.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46That's because there's more fun to be had back here
0:26:46 > 0:26:48at our valuation day at Norwich Cathedral
0:26:48 > 0:26:51where the crowds have been entertaining our experts.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Let's now find out what our next item is.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58And there are many more family sagas to come.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01Thomas looks like the cat who's got the cream with an object
0:27:01 > 0:27:04the likes of which he hardly ever gets to see.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06It was made by one of the most famous
0:27:06 > 0:27:08early 20th century family businesses -
0:27:08 > 0:27:11the Martin Brothers.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12David, David, David.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16- You have brought a piece of Martin Brothers in.- I have.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Do you know, it's the kind of thing dreams are made of.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23Tell me, how have you come about this piece?
0:27:23 > 0:27:24Charity shop.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26I don't believe you.
0:27:26 > 0:27:27It was on the shelf for about two weeks.
0:27:27 > 0:27:33I saw it, I liked it, but it was absolutely covered in nicotine.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34You couldn't see the design.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39- There was no shine to it. Nothing. But I did like the fish on it.- Yeah.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41And that kept drawing me to it.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43So, you went into the charity shop for two weeks looking,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- "Oh, I like the fish."- Yeah.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Did you have any inclination that it might be Martin Brothers?
0:27:47 > 0:27:51No. It was on a rare day off.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53I was off sick.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Nothing to watch on TV.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Pressed the red button, Flog It Trade Secrets,
0:27:59 > 0:28:00and they had... I think that was you.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02That was me. Yes.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Did a little expose on Martin Brothers.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- Yeah, on the Martin Brothers. - I thought, "Whoa. I've got one."
0:28:07 > 0:28:09You'd already bought it by then.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12I already had it two, two and a half years.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14And how much was it when you bought it?
0:28:14 > 0:28:15£2.50.
0:28:18 > 0:28:19That's incredible.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22The Martin Brothers made a variety of pottery styles,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25but the ultimate price for the collector
0:28:25 > 0:28:27is the tobacco jar known as the Wally Bird.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31They can fetch as much as £60,000 in auction,
0:28:31 > 0:28:33so David's vase is pretty special.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37So, you have bought a piece of Martin Brothers,
0:28:37 > 0:28:40and we call it Martin Brothers cos there were four brothers.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43This one has been designed by Edwin. He did the fish.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Now, the factory, or the art pottery,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48the studio was started in the late 19th century in the 1870s,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50and that was in London, in Southall.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54Successful and then sort of went a bit wrong.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57I think tragedy was involved. There was a fire, etc.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- And they all sort of fell out. One of them hid all the pots.- Yeah.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03- Didn't want to sell them.- Yeah.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05So, you can imagine them all imploding together.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- That's what sometimes happens. - Yep. Families.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10But these four brothers, in the short time they produced,
0:29:10 > 0:29:14produced some of the most important work in London,
0:29:14 > 0:29:16in art pottery terms, which we've seen,
0:29:16 > 0:29:21and their pottery today is highly prized and highly collected.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26It's stoneware, and this is called sgraffito ware work -
0:29:26 > 0:29:31when they engrave into the body of the clay
0:29:31 > 0:29:36and then glaze it to give it this wonderful 3-D effect.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38I love the eel. He looks quite happy, this little eel.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41And this magnificent old fish here.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Now, this has been in the wars.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44There's a U-shaped crack there
0:29:44 > 0:29:46and there's a slight one coming down there.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49You can see it coming down there, the crack, can't you?
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- But on the whole, it's all there. - It's OK, yeah.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- It could be restored...- Yeah.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57..in a professional manner, and you would never see it.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- We got the date.- Yeah. - We spoke about the date.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- It's September, I believe. - Yes, the 9th, 1892.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06- It's quite good to have that date, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Why have you brought it here to sell it? You obviously liked it.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13I stuff it at the back of the TV now because I daren't have...
0:30:13 > 0:30:16My daughter brings her children around. "Ah!"
0:30:16 > 0:30:19You know, it just takes one knock, it's a piece of art gone.
0:30:19 > 0:30:20I know exactly what you mean.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- You're worried about it being broken.- Broken.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24So, therefore we need to talk about value.
0:30:24 > 0:30:25With the damage...
0:30:25 > 0:30:29I mean, if it was perfect, I'd say 1,000, 1,500.
0:30:29 > 0:30:30- If it was perfect.- Right.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33So, cos it's damaged, you've got to half it immediately.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35- Yeah. - And then just edge a little bit off.
0:30:35 > 0:30:40- So, I think we're going to say between £400 and £600.- Excellent.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45Yeah? So, that's sort of almost of 200% mark-up, isn't it?
0:30:45 > 0:30:47There's a worse story to it.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49I don't want to know. There was another one, was there?
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- They used to do the shoebill. - Yeah.- The shoebill.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55- I think I looked in a magazine. - A tobacco jar.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59And I saw it and I thought to myself, "That's horrible.
0:30:59 > 0:31:00"Absolutely horrible."
0:31:00 > 0:31:02What, in the charity shop? The same one?
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- In the same charity shop. - Same time?- Same time.- Oh, dear.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- A Wally Bird tobacco jar. - Yeah, OK.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- £20,000.- And they probably sold it.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14I didn't even bother asking how much they were asking for it.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18Best not to think about it.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21So, here's a tip in case you think you've found a Wally Bird
0:31:21 > 0:31:23or any other piece.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25Look out for the distinctive designs,
0:31:25 > 0:31:28a signature and a date, and whatever happens,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31if you do find one, bring it along to a "Flog It!" valuation day.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36It's hard to top that, but Kate's having a good stab at it.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Well, Lillian, you've bought us a bit of bling to "Flog It!" today.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43What have you got here?
0:31:43 > 0:31:47A gold and apple-coloured jade jewellery set
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- that I inherited by my mother-in-law.- Right.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51It looks absolutely beautiful
0:31:51 > 0:31:53the way it's being displayed here today,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56and it looked lovely in the box, but I've never worn it.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- You've never worn it. Do you know where it's from?- Hong Kong.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01My father-in-law, he was stationed out there.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- He was in the Royal Signals. - Oh, OK.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06And he had it made as a gift for my mother-in-law.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- Do you ever recall her wearing it? - No.- No.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11I think she did the same. She had it in a box.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14Stuck it in a box and never wore it. Well, it's rather a nice thing.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17I mean, it's 18-carat gold and it's really nice detail.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20And as you say, you called it apple green, which is nice.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22I've never seen an apple quite that colour.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25I mean, it is very bright green, but is kind of nice.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28You've got a bit of white mottling in there, almost, in the jade,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31and jade is basically a couple of silica-based materials
0:32:31 > 0:32:32that make up jade.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34It's quite daring as a piece of jewellery.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37You've got the necklace, you've got the matching bracelet,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40a ring and the earrings, so it's a whole set.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Have you ever thought about value?
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Well, insurance purposes, it was valued.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Last year it was 3,000.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- Oh, my goodness. It's a good thing we're sitting down.- Yeah.- 3,000?
0:32:50 > 0:32:54But that's insurance value, isn't it? It's not realistic.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57Insurance value is usually several times retail value,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00because it's what it would cost you to find it and the effort
0:33:00 > 0:33:01of doing it and everything else,
0:33:01 > 0:33:04but for auction, I would've thought around £500.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06So, £400 to £600, something like that.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Is that the kind of figure that you'd try and sell it for, or...?
0:33:09 > 0:33:13It's better than it sitting in the box, isn't it?
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Well, that's true. And insuring it is a cost as well.
0:33:15 > 0:33:16That's right, yes.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Maybe a reserve of 350, just to be on the safe side,
0:33:20 > 0:33:22so if it doesn't make that, it's not sold and you would keep it.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- But you don't want to give it away. - No.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26There's a certain amount of just basic gold
0:33:26 > 0:33:29and precious stones' weight there, so it is quite a fun thing.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32There are lots of people that would wear a garniture like that.
0:33:32 > 0:33:33- Shall we give it a go? - Yes, I'd like that.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Let's send it to the sale and flog it.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Thank you.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40I love to see what you've brought along,
0:33:40 > 0:33:43and even the smallest frippery can give us an insight
0:33:43 > 0:33:44into years gone by.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Oh, look. Little snuff shoes. They're made of mahogany.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- Right.- It's a Cuban mahogany.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54It's a lovely hard, dense wood from the West Indies.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57And it would've been a little snuff shoe for a lady.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Cos most people took snuff, a pinch of snuff.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01You know, you'd put it on the... HE SNIFFS
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Like that. It's a shame about that. It's split on the ingrain.
0:34:04 > 0:34:05Oh, right. Yeah.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08That grain is quite fragile there and someone has given it a knock.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13It dates to around 1790 to 1810.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15- Circa those 20 years.- Right.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- A nice thing. - What was the other one then?
0:34:17 > 0:34:20I just think it's a decorative object. It's a little bit later.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- They do match, though? - It's not a pair, no. It's not.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25It's not a left and a right foot. One's bigger than the other. Look.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28THEY LAUGH
0:34:28 > 0:34:30But Kate's found the real thing -
0:34:30 > 0:34:35a pair of shoes used about 100 years later in the Victorian era.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- Wendy, you brought a really bizarre pair of shoes in.- Yes.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40What can you tell me about them?
0:34:40 > 0:34:43My dad's aunt wore them when she was young.
0:34:43 > 0:34:49- She wore them?- She wore them, and I think she was born in about 1890.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- OK.- Aunt Gert, her name was, and she came from Hertfordshire.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54St Albans.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- She wore them. These are tiny.- Yeah.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59I think first shoes, probably, do you think?
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- I mean, that must be for a two, three-year-old.- Two, yeah.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- That's ridiculous.- Yeah.- Now, they're a bit weird. I was looking.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07I was trying to work out which is left or right,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10- and you almost can't tell...- No. - ..from the front.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11In fact, until about 1850,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14your shoes weren't made in a left or right at all.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16They were basically straight on the last
0:35:16 > 0:35:18and you just sort of had to wear them in a bit.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- They're just strange. I mean, they're leather top.- Yeah.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22And then when you look here,
0:35:22 > 0:35:27you've got all these tiny little sort of nailed in sort of studs.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29And then on the bottom, it's like a horseshoe.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32- Yeah, it is. - I mean, it's absolutely bizarre.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34And what's interesting is look how worn...
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Think how hard it is to wear through metal.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Look. This one is worn all the way through right down.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- Look how thin that is. - Just on one side.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Just there, which is...
0:35:43 > 0:35:45You can tell a lot about how that person walked, you know.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49The obviously favoured the inside of that foot.
0:35:49 > 0:35:50And I mean, it's crazy.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52It's like shodding children like you shod a horse.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55I mean, you just wear it out and replace it.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57And it's got wooden...
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- It's got to be very uncomfortable. - It's almost like a clog.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Yeah.
0:36:01 > 0:36:02And then on the front
0:36:02 > 0:36:05you've got these little kind of metal buckles
0:36:05 > 0:36:08just to slip it on and off, and we're missing one here.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10Yeah, my son broke that. Ben. Ben broke it.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12Ah, the finger of blame is pointed squarely at him.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Yeah, it's Ben's fault.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17- Was he playing with it? - Yes, he was.- Naughty. Yeah.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20And I can see, actually, you've re-glued just a little bit.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22There's a bit of glue here. Somebody has...
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- Yeah, we haven't touched them. - A bit of extra... Oh, I see.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Cos it's broken off here and somebody has replaced it
0:36:27 > 0:36:30and glued it on, so a bit of repair there.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33They're great fun. I mean, impossible to value, really.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35- There are shoe collectors.- Yeah.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38There are lots of people out there that collect quirky footwear.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41- Maybe a doll collector might be interested.- Yeah, yeah.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43To put a doll in them because they are so small.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45And there's shoe museums about the history of shoes.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48I put a speculative...I mean, £30 to £50.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50They're really hard to value.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- Would you sell them for that price? - Yes. I would, yeah.- You would?
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- Yes, I would.- You're not going to force a small child...
0:36:55 > 0:36:57No, my mum said we could sell them.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Well, how if we just put a £20 reserve, 30 to 50,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02- and just see what happens? - See how they go.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05I mean, they are the weirdest thing I've seen all day.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08You get that prize. But they're actually quite fun. They're sweet.
0:37:08 > 0:37:09Yeah.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12There are objects whose value is so much more than monetary,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15and for me, those shoes are exactly that.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Sadly, it's time to wave goodbye to Norwich Cathedral,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26but there's just time to show you one more family,
0:37:26 > 0:37:30only this one is slightly different from those you've heard about today.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33These webcam pictures taken earlier this month
0:37:33 > 0:37:37show two peregrine falcons on the top of the tower.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42These birds have been returning here since 2009.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Peregrines are known to nest on cathedral towers.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47What makes these special is the Hawk and Owl Trust
0:37:47 > 0:37:49in partnership with the cathedral
0:37:49 > 0:37:51have created this wonderful ledge for them,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54this purpose-built box so they can nest.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57These towers reflect what the birds encounter
0:37:57 > 0:38:00in the wild, a nice high vantage point that's quite safe.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03And I'm told they feed off of the feral pigeons,
0:38:03 > 0:38:06so watch out, pigeons.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10And every year, as these pictures from last year show,
0:38:10 > 0:38:12their nest becomes home to their chicks.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Now, that's what I call a real family affair.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17Now we're going back to the auction room,
0:38:17 > 0:38:20and here's a reminder of what we'll be taking with us.
0:38:20 > 0:38:25The exceptional Martin Brothers pot that deserved to be taken out
0:38:25 > 0:38:26from behind the sofa and placed
0:38:26 > 0:38:28in a proper collection.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Lillian's gold and jade jewellery set from Hong Kong
0:38:31 > 0:38:34that should have wide appeal.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36And owner Wendy's tiny shoes
0:38:36 > 0:38:39that are such a reflection of life in Victorian times.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Let's see if they have
0:38:41 > 0:38:42the legs at the saleroom.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Back to Diss now, where Ed is on the rostrum
0:38:47 > 0:38:50selling those delightful shoes.
0:38:50 > 0:38:51Well, let's hope our next lot,
0:38:51 > 0:38:53these shoes, do some walking right now.
0:38:53 > 0:38:54They belong to Wendy.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57Sadly, she can't be with us, but we do have her daughter Leanne
0:38:57 > 0:38:59and another addition to the family.
0:38:59 > 0:39:00Good to see you. Who's this?
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- This is Keira.- Keira.- Say hello.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- Aw, how old are you? Two? - Yeah.- Aw, she's so shy.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10She's a bit reticent. Doesn't want to speak about antiques.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13I tell you what, these shoes should fit a two to three-year-old.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15They're about right. I have a three-year-old.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16I reckon they're a kids' size eight.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Hey, ready for this? Look, the auctioneer is over there.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20There he is.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25These are lovely. It's a pair of Victorian child's leather shoes.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27I start straight in here at £20, I have.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- Come on.- 2. 5. 8. 30.
0:39:30 > 0:39:332. 32 is in the gallery. 32 I have.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- This is good, Leanne. This is good. - 35. 38. 40.
0:39:36 > 0:39:402. 45. 48.
0:39:40 > 0:39:4250. 50 back in. 5.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43One more?
0:39:43 > 0:39:4460.
0:39:44 > 0:39:465.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48No? 65 in the gallery.
0:39:48 > 0:39:5065 we have. Is there 70?
0:39:50 > 0:39:51I will sell it at £65.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- Brilliant result.- Yay! Very good.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- Mum will be happy.- Yeah, she'll be pleased.- £65.- Thank you.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Onto our next lot now,
0:40:02 > 0:40:07Lillian's stunning jade and gold set made in Hong Kong.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Good luck. That's all I can say.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13I think we could be in for a surprise.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14A good one or a bad one?
0:40:14 > 0:40:16A good one.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Hey, there's no such thing as a bad surprise, really?
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- If it doesn't sell, it goes home with you.- It does.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23- Goes back under the bed.- Good luck.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24Good luck, both of you. Ready?
0:40:24 > 0:40:26It's going under the hammer right now.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Lovely pretty piece, this, as you see it,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31and we're going to start in at 240.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33I'll take 260. 280. 300. 320. 340 bid.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35- Ooh!- It's gone.
0:40:35 > 0:40:41360. 380. 400. 420. 420 bid. 420 bid. Is there 40?
0:40:41 > 0:40:44At £420 here in front. Any advance? Fair warning.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46At 420.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48- Yes. Spot-on. You were spot-on. - That was a great valuation, yeah.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- 420. You were very close. Good. - Phew!
0:40:51 > 0:40:52- £420.- I know.
0:40:52 > 0:40:53I know. That's good, isn't it?
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- That is very good.- And it was someone in the room. Really good.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59And finally, the lot I've been waiting for,
0:40:59 > 0:41:03the one that has become more sought-after with time -
0:41:03 > 0:41:07the Martin Brothers vase dating to 1892.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09David, it's great to see you.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- This is your daughter, Jeanette.- Yeah.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12Great to see you.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14And a newborn on the way soon.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- A little boy or girl?- A little boy. - Aw! Well, look, congratulations.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21You've got a lot of inheritance that you could be hanging on to
0:41:21 > 0:41:24and splitting up between the family here with the Martin Brothers vase.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- But you bought this for £2.50. - I did, yeah, in a charity shop.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Did you realise it was Martin Brothers?
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Not until I saw Flog It Trade Secrets.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33And then you saw it.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- Where they gave the scenario of their troubled past.- Yes.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Yes. Never go into business with the family.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- 100% there.- Yeah.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- OK, here we go.- Three phones.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Lot 241.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53It's the Martin Brothers stoneware aquatic vase.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Start me straight in, someone, at 400. 400 bid straight in.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Take 20 now. At 400 it is. Is there 20?
0:41:59 > 0:42:01£400 bid now. Is there 20 anywhere?
0:42:01 > 0:42:03420. 440.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- 460.- You're getting greedy now, look. £2.50?
0:42:09 > 0:42:12480 the bid online. At 480 bid. Is there 500 now?
0:42:12 > 0:42:14500. Is there 550 anywhere?
0:42:14 > 0:42:15It's 550.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17600.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21650. 700.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25750.
0:42:25 > 0:42:26Ooh.
0:42:26 > 0:42:27800.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31850. 900.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33- Oh, my God.- I told you.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36£900 on the phone.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38As you see there, we're at £900 now.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Fair warning to everyone with £900.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Any advance? We will sell away.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Hammer's gone down. £900.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Bought for £2.50. APPLAUSE
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Yeah, that deserves a round of applause.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50£2.50.
0:42:52 > 0:42:53Well, I don't know what to say.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56I think drinks on you, don't you?
0:42:56 > 0:42:58Dinner.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00You've got another daughter here today as well, haven't you?
0:43:00 > 0:43:03She's over there. There she is, waving to us now.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06- So, I think Dad is going to treat you, don't you?- I think so.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09I've got to see the money first.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Well, look, we've thoroughly enjoyed being here in Diss today.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14I hope you've enjoyed watching the show.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16I said there might be one or two big surprises,
0:43:16 > 0:43:17and luckily enough, we got one.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Fabulous. That's what it's all about.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Join us again soon for many more. Until then, it's goodbye.