0:00:02 > 0:00:04CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Just take a look at this.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16It's a stunning music room built in the 1790s for William Courtenay,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19the extravagant 21-year-old heir to this grand house
0:00:19 > 0:00:21and its extensive lands.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25William's behaviour caused scandal in society,
0:00:25 > 0:00:28which had repercussions for many generations to come.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30So stay with us as later on in the programme,
0:00:30 > 0:00:33we'll be delving deeper into the family's history
0:00:33 > 0:00:36here at Powderham Castle, in Devon.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Powderham Castle was built in this commanding position
0:01:01 > 0:01:03beside the Exe estuary
0:01:03 > 0:01:05by the Courtenay family in the 14th century.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10600 years of history are contained within these walls.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12The Roundheads forced the Courtenays out
0:01:12 > 0:01:15during the Battle of Powderham in 1646.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17But they returned and stayed,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20making this one of England's oldest family homes.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22It's much-loved by the Courtenays,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24who've opened their doors to "Flog It!"
0:01:24 > 0:01:26And it's time to get out on the terraces,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28where there's a large queue gathering.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Just look at this fantastic crowd. Everyone is smiling.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34All of Devon has turned up today.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Hundreds of people laden with antiques and collectables.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39They're keen to get inside this historic building,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43but also to see our experts to ask that all-important question,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- which is... ALL:- What's it worth?!
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Stayed tuned and you'll find out.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53And preparing to cast his beady eye over the gems is Mark Stacey.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55I think it's what they used to use for quills.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- So I don't need to be here.- Ah...
0:01:58 > 0:02:01And joining him is antiques expert Will Axon.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- I'm more of a fiddler myself. - Well, there you are.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05And it should be a good day
0:02:05 > 0:02:08as already there's a case of one-upmanship.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- Oh, I think she's beautiful. - Isn't she?- I love this.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Oh, that's so you, Will. - Aw, thank you, Mark.- Pint-sized.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17There's always something, isn't there?
0:02:17 > 0:02:19There's always something with Mark.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25Well, I think it's time we open the doors, and what a pair of doors.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26Let's get them open.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30Ready to go in? Yes, of course you are. Come on.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32They're heading into the state dining hall,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35and it's time to settle down and unpack the goodies.
0:02:35 > 0:02:36Forget feasting for now
0:02:36 > 0:02:40as we look at what's coming up later on in the programme.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Family heirlooms provide surprises.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- Really?- Each, yes.- Each?!
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- Money could be inherited by a lucky grandson.- 350, 360.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- Hey, they love them.- Oh, wow. - They love them.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57And after 600 years at Powderham Castle,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00the next generation looks to the future.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03It's my opportunity to take it on to the next step.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05- And leave your mark.- Leave my mark,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09and continue to renew and restore wonderful old buildings like this.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10That's all for later.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Now it's time to get on with some valuations.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17We've set up our valuation tables across seven rooms
0:03:17 > 0:03:20in this magnificent castle. And everywhere you look,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23there's evidence of the power of the Courtenay family
0:03:23 > 0:03:24here in the West Country.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26There's a good example, look.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29This wonderful medieval fireplace, built as a copy,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32a memorial for Henry Courtenay, who was the Bishop of Exeter.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36There's one very much like this in the Bishop's Palace, in Exeter.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38It's adorned with the family coats of arms.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41In fact, when you look around, the family coats of arms are everywhere.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43The English side of the family and the French side of the family
0:03:43 > 0:03:46on top of this wonderful linenfold oak panelling.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49It's a gorgeous setting for our expert, Will Axon.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Well, Anne-Leigh, I don't know...I don't know where to look first,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58because you've got these beautifully decorated miniatures here
0:03:58 > 0:04:00and superb bright colours.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01But look at you as well!
0:04:01 > 0:04:03I mean, you're putting them to shame, aren't you?
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- You look the business.- Thank you.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Tell me, what drew you to these? Are you a collector of miniatures?
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Well, I've got a few miniatures,
0:04:10 > 0:04:15but it was basically the colour of that one, and the pretty face,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17and also the delicacy of this one.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Yeah. Interesting, because those are boxes
0:04:19 > 0:04:21that collectors of miniatures like to tick.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25It helps if you've got a miniature of a pretty young lady
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- rather than a grumpy old man. - That's right.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29If they're bright and colourful as well,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32they add a certain vibrancy to where they're being displayed.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35And, again, the delicacy of some of these miniatures
0:04:35 > 0:04:37that are painted in minute detail
0:04:37 > 0:04:40with sometimes brushes that are a single hair.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Where have you bought them from? - I did buy them from antique fairs.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46So you're into the sort of antiques fairs and markets?
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- Oh, yes. I like to go to them. - Yeah, do you?- Yeah.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Well, it's a great place to start collecting,
0:04:51 > 0:04:53because you can usually buy pieces that are within your budget
0:04:53 > 0:04:56as well as there being expensive pieces.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58There's a whole range of items at these fairs.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00But also, the frames, to me, were different
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- from a lot of the other frames. - Exactly.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04I think they're French, I think.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- I think you're dead right. - I think they're French.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08I mean, my gut instinct, it's not signed,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10but I would suggest that that one's probably Limoges.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12They were well known for producing
0:05:12 > 0:05:15these enamelled plaques and portraits.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17This one on this engine-turned ground
0:05:17 > 0:05:21which gives you that great effect for the blue in the background.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23You often see it on cigarette cases and silverware.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- I've never seen it on a picture. - It's great, isn't it?
0:05:26 > 0:05:29It really sort of brings it out, gives it a certain depth.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30And like you say, she's a pretty young girl
0:05:30 > 0:05:32with a little floral spray there,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34and the frame, as well, is super quality.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38It's been well cast, well made, again, French, I would think,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40and date wise, mid-19th century onwards.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Miniatures themselves were popular from illuminated manuscripts,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47you know, medieval manuscripts that were illuminated,
0:05:47 > 0:05:48and then that sort of gathered pace,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51and then into the 18th century, of course,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53anyone who was anyone had a portrait miniature
0:05:53 > 0:05:55painted of them - or their lover.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Of course, yes, but they were a bit smaller, weren't they?
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- That's right, to be hidden away. - Yeah.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03But then, of course, into the 20th century, photography took over,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06so this art became more and more redundant, really,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- which is a shame, I think. - Oh, I think so.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09Any favourite out of the two?
0:06:09 > 0:06:11They both, to me, have got the delicacy.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- And this one, I think, has got more charm about it.- Yeah.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- This one is just more, "Look at me," you know?- Exactly.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20So, what's the reason for selling them?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Well, I need some money to travel.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Ooh.- And be... It's just so I can find something else.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- Well, that's the way to do it, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32You buy something, you enjoy it for a while, sell it, replace it.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33Do have any idea what they're worth?
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Well, I'll leave it to what you say.- Yeah?
0:06:35 > 0:06:38I mean, I'd like to think that they should be worth
0:06:38 > 0:06:42around the sort of 100 each, something like that.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44I mean, is that in line with what you think you paid for them?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- Yes. About that.- OK.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48So if I say that, you know, together,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51we might be looking, on a good day, at a couple of hundred pounds,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54how would you feel about straddling that £200 mark?
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- Say, put them in at 150, 250. - Yeah, 150, 250.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Are you sure?- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- And we'll reserve them at 150.- Yeah.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Well, listen, all that's left for me to say is,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06"Au revoir, mademoiselle,"
0:07:06 > 0:07:08and, "Au revoir, mademoiselle."
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15And it's bonjour to another delicate duo spotted by Mark,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18who's looking very comfortable in the elegant music room.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Joan, what a lovely pair of necklaces you've brought in.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22They are, aren't they?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Now, are these inherited?
0:07:24 > 0:07:29Yes, they were given to me by my aunts when I was 21 years old.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Oh, gosh, what a lovely present.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34And they've been in the family for a long time.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37I believe they could have been great-grandparents'.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38And have you used them over the years?
0:07:38 > 0:07:42I used the one with the locket on just after I'd had it,
0:07:42 > 0:07:46for maybe four or five years I would wear it,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48but now they're just locked away,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51and I really would like to sell them
0:07:51 > 0:07:53and be able to buy a ring which I would wear.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I think that's a wonderful idea. I mean, they are lovely chains.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- I think they're Victorian.- Right.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- The shape of them is very much of that period.- Mm-hm.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04We've got a bit of a misapprehension with these.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Some people call them muff chains.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- That's what I thought they were. - And that's what I thought they were.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11But I've spoken to a colleague of mine who's very good on jewellery,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14and he's pointed out a very simple thing.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- If it was a muff chain, you could open it...- Right.- ..to do it up.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20But on these, you can't,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- so these are what we call guard chains.- Right.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25These would have been long chains a Victorian lady would've worn
0:08:25 > 0:08:28which were tucked into the wide belts they had on the chain...
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Oh, OK.- ..and the fob watch would have hidden in there.- Yes. Yes.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32But they are lovely.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36And the other nice thing about them is that they haven't been split up.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40What tends to happen is, over the years, you know, people think,
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- "Oh, well, I'll cut them and make smaller necklaces out of them."- Yes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46But these are all in their original length.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48I tried to keep them that way.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49Well, that was very sensible of you,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52because it makes them a little bit more special.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- Have you ever thought of what they might be worth?- No, I haven't.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58I think if we were to put them into auction,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02we would put them in separately with an estimate of £300 to £400.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- Really?- Each, yes.- Each?!- Yes.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Good grief. No.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Has that shocked you a bit? - Yes, it has, actually,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12cos I thought maybe 100 each.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14No, I think they're worth a lot more than that,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16and I hope there'd be a lot of people bidding for them.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18I think we should get quite a good result on this.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- That would be wonderful.- But I also hope that people will pay a premium
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- because they are intact and they are Victorian.- Yes.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28We'll put a reserve at the low-end of the estimate on each of them.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- Right.- And that should go towards a very nice ring.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- It will do, yes. - A diamond one, I hope.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- Yes, it will be.- Well, I'm happy you've brought them in
0:09:35 > 0:09:38because it's nice to see these pieces being recycled
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and for you to get something you're really going to appreciate.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Yes. And I can use.- Exactly.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Thank you, Joan. - Thank you very much.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Mark's made Joan's day,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50and now Will's sights are on the interesting leather case
0:09:50 > 0:09:52inherited by Charles.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Captain RG Southey.- That's right.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57Tell me, who is he?
0:09:57 > 0:09:59He was my grandfather on my mother's side, yes.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01And he was a keen marksman, was he?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Cos I'm assuming this is a gun case. - That's right. Yes, it is.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07It's a shotgun case with some interesting things as well.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09I tell you what, if I flick that...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- You grab that end, Charlie. Certainly.- Well, look at that.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14First thing that strikes me is there aren't any guns in here.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- I'm afraid those have been sold. - Have they?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18So, I notice as well, it's a double case,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- so there would've been a pair of shotguns.- Absolutely.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23And made by William Evans, gun and rifle makers,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25St James - good address.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- I believe still operating today. - Really? That's great, isn't it?
0:10:29 > 0:10:30Imagine the history.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33So, the guns by William Evans sold, but we do have some contents.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- What have you got your end? A bit of gun oil?- That's right.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37A draw through's here.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- And...what's that? For cleaning? - Rosewood. Yeah, the cleaning...
0:10:40 > 0:10:43And this interests me as well. What's in here?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- If we close that up...- Sure.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- What have we got in here? - Those are Rigby gun sights.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- Ah!- Yeah.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- So the guns were Rigby? - One was, yes.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52OK. So they weren't a true pair.
0:10:52 > 0:10:53So you've basically brought along
0:10:53 > 0:10:57a rather tired and a little bit tatty leather double gun case,
0:10:57 > 0:11:01a few bits and bobs inside, and, OK, yes, a nice sight as well.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03But what's the story?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Well, my grandfather was awarded the Military Cross
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- in the First World War.- Really?
0:11:07 > 0:11:10And he, unfortunately, didn't talk much to my mother
0:11:10 > 0:11:12about what happened and how he won it.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16My understanding is that a friend of us knew my grandfather,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- and he had actually climbed some sort of flagpole...- Right.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22..and was looking over the enemy lines at the time
0:11:22 > 0:11:24and basically relaying back
0:11:24 > 0:11:27what he was actually seeing over the trenches...
0:11:27 > 0:11:29He basically put himself at risk.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32I mean, he would've been fairly conspicuous, I'd have thought,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34shimmying up the flagpole.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38But the whole reason he did it was to feed information to his troops
0:11:38 > 0:11:40and were probably successful in
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- an assault or attack or similar. - Absolutely.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45The whole family's obviously very proud of him, of what he's achieved.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48I think the fact that a man who won the Military Cross
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- has used these sights...- I know.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53..to maybe pick out a target across the trenches
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- is quite emotive, isn't it? - Absolutely.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58So, what's the thinking behind selling the gun case?
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Well, I am actually going to be moving overseas for a while,
0:12:02 > 0:12:03so taking something like this
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- would be maybe quite difficult to take across.- Yeah.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07It's a sad thing to let it go,
0:12:07 > 0:12:12but I think that if it goes to someone who appreciates World War I,
0:12:12 > 0:12:14then I'd like to see that happen.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Well, militaria is a huge market
0:12:16 > 0:12:19in the collectables and antiques market,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21and the people who like to buy this type of thing
0:12:21 > 0:12:24aren't necessarily interested in what it's worth,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27they want to find out about the man and what it is he did,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30and why he was awarded such a prestigious medal.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Value wise, the accessories aren't worth a great deal, to be honest.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37And we've got the sights, which,
0:12:37 > 0:12:39they can sell for up to £100, that sort of level.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42And I'd like to think that the case was worth £100.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44So add the two together,
0:12:44 > 0:12:46estimate 200 to 300, that sort of level.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48And I would suggest putting the estimate at £200
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- with maybe just a little bit of discretion for the auctioneer.- Sure.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54But I'm pretty confident you're going to get that £200 plus.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- I would have thought so.- Yeah. You're happy with that?- Yeah.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Listen, I hope the militaria market goes mad for it.- I'd hope so.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Who knows? If you put your name and contact details inside,
0:13:05 > 0:13:06whoever does do the research
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- may well send you a letter with the full story.- I'd love to hear that.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Charlie...- Thank you. - ..if you do find out, let me know.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13I will, I will.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Our experts have been working flat out,
0:13:21 > 0:13:25and we've now found our first three items to take off to auction.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27But before we put those valuations to the test,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29there's just enough time for me to show you
0:13:29 > 0:13:31this striking pair of bookcases.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Real architectural delights.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Made by a local cabinet maker, John Channon,
0:13:36 > 0:13:38who was based in Exeter, for the family.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Now, they're a rosewood veneer, as you can see,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44on top of a solid oak carcass.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47I've been told each bookcase weighs half a ton each,
0:13:47 > 0:13:48without the books in it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51But they are full of architectural detail.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Just look at the broken pediment up there.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It follows the form of the architecture of the day.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58And down here, at the bottom of the column,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00the family emblems - dolphins.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02And there's more about the family later on in the programme,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05but right now, here's a quick reminder of all the items
0:14:05 > 0:14:07we're taking off to auction with us.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Will the pretty French miniatures make the bidders go, "Ooh-la-la"?
0:14:14 > 0:14:16There's the duo of the Victorian necklaces
0:14:16 > 0:14:18passed down through the generations.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20One simple guard chain...
0:14:23 > 0:14:25..and another, but with a locket.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31And the shotgun case owned by a brave soldier.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38We're heading southwest to the maritime city of Plymouth.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Nestling in the heart of Plymouth Sound,
0:14:40 > 0:14:42it sent explorers off around the world
0:14:42 > 0:14:44and fleets into battle.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47But there'll be no fighting as we chart a course inland
0:14:47 > 0:14:48to our saleroom,
0:14:48 > 0:14:52where the commission rate is 15% plus VAT.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56On the rostrum for us today is Anthony Eldred.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Some real quality going under the hammer right now.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Two French miniatures belonging to Anne...and Molly!
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Wow. Do you know, Molly is...
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- How old now, Anne?- 16 years old.- 16.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Work that out, Will. That's about 100 years, is it?
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Well, seven years, isn't it, to one dog year.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13So, yeah, I think she probably qualifies as an antique.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15There you go.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17You're selling these little miniatures, Anne,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20to raise some money because you're saving up to go to...
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- Australia.- ..Australia. Ooh, big trip.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- Hopefully, yes. - Hey, Mummy's going to...
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Is Molly going? Or are you staying? Or what?
0:15:28 > 0:15:31No, she'll stay with a friend.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Do you know what? She's incredibly good for her age.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Oh, she's marvellous. She goes everywhere.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- So, you've got the travelling bug?- Yeah.- OK.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40We need as much money as possible. Let's find out what they make.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41It's now down to the bidders.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45The copper miniature, and I'm bid, £80 for it.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Against you all at 80. 90. 100. And ten.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49120. 130. 140.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- 150 at the back.- Ooh! - Yes, we've sold. 150 already.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55160. Five.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59170. Five. 180. Five. 190.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02At 190 at the back.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- At 200... And ten online. - Yes, 210. 210.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08At £220. Against the net. 230.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11At £230. Bidding is online, then.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- At £230. - PAUL CHUCKLES
0:16:13 > 0:16:14Last chance at 230.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- The hammer's gone down, Molly. - Result.- I can't believe that.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20That's very good, isn't it?
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- That's very, very good.- Thank you. - They were nice quality.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- They were very good. - Good honest pieces.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26- Molly's chuffed.- I know.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- I think dog biscuits and a treat is in order, don't you?- Yeah.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32That's a great start for Anne and Molly.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Now it's time for our other duo.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37I've just been joined by Joan and our expert, Mark.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39And going under the hammer right now,
0:16:39 > 0:16:41we have two separate lots of gold chains.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- There's a lot of gold there, isn't there?- Yes, there is.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Both lots have a valuation of £300 to £400 on them.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50The weights of gold, are they different or...?
0:16:50 > 0:16:53A little bit. I didn't go too much with that.
0:16:53 > 0:16:54I went for feel, really.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- But we want to know if those valuations are correct.- Absolutely.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Let's put the first one to the test. Here we go.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Fancy link guard chain.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04I'm bid, 210 for it. At 220.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07230. 240. At £240.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11At 240. 250. 260. 270. 280.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- We're selling.- At £290 here. - We're just under...- Under.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17It's discretionary reserve, is it?
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- All done at 290. - Oh, come on, a little bit more.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Last chance, everyone. At £290, I'll sell it.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29And here's the second lot going under the hammer right now.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Nine carat this time. Rose gold, fancy link guard chain.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34And £260 for it.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37At 260. 270. 280. 290. And five.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- 300.- He's buying.- 300. - Same chap's buying.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44You're all finished at £300, then. Quite sure at 300.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- Yes.- Yes.- Got them both away. - Absolutely.- Got them both away.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50He used his discretion of £10 on the first lot,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52but there's commission to pay on that.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Yes.- Yeah, they've sold on the reserve, yeah.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55- Happy?- Lovely.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Good news. A £590 total.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01£290.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Now, let's see if the militaria bidders are out in force,
0:18:05 > 0:18:08as our next lot has been passed down through Charles's family
0:18:08 > 0:18:10by a First World War hero
0:18:10 > 0:18:12who received a Military Cross for his efforts.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Charles, it's nearly time to say goodbye
0:18:14 > 0:18:17to your grandfather's leather gun case. I like this.
0:18:17 > 0:18:18There's the telescopic sight as well.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- But you sold the gun, didn't you?- Yes, yes.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24You couldn't get a case like this made for less than £300, could you?
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- I mean, it's quality.- Exactly. - It really is.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29And that's the reason it's lasted this long.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32You know, all it needs is a bit of a decent wax and polish,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34and that would really shine brightly,
0:18:34 > 0:18:35you know, that leather work.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38OK, so we're looking at £200 with a bit of discretion - 10%.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Hopefully we're going to get that.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41I think it's a come-and-buy-me.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43It should be with those two items,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46and it's going under the hammer right now.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Brass-bound leather double shotgun case,
0:18:49 > 0:18:51and with it is a Rigby sight.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53And several bids.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55I'm bid, £310.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- Great. Straight in. - That's great.- Wow.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Well, listen, we can only go up from here. Come on.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02320. 330. 340. 350.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- The internet bidding.- Brilliant. - 360.- This is great.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11380. 390. At £390. Against the net, then.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13At £390.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18Bidding's on my book. All finished? £390.
0:19:18 > 0:19:19Yes. The hammer's gone down.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- We'd settle for that straightaway, wouldn't you?- Yeah.- £390.- Yes.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- Quality.- It's nice to be able to showcase, you know...- A hero!
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- A hero, exactly.- Exactly, yeah. And a family member for you.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- Yeah, we're very proud of him. - You should be.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33- Well done.- Yes, definitely.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- Hang on to that medal. Don't ever sell that.- Will do.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Nice to know that the shotgun case is going to be appreciated.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42So, some great results from our first visit
0:19:42 > 0:19:44to the auction house in Plymouth.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Time to travel an hour northeast through the heart of Devon
0:19:53 > 0:19:54back to Powderham.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57I'm taking a closer look at the history of the Courtenay family
0:19:57 > 0:20:01who have lived here for the past 600 years or so,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04and you can be sure that there's one or two skeletons in the cupboard.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09The Courtenays built Powderham Castle in the 14th century,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12arriving from France in 1152.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14The family consolidated power
0:20:14 > 0:20:17through well fought battles with local rivals
0:20:17 > 0:20:18and prudent marriages.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Here in the dining room, you can see coats of arms
0:20:23 > 0:20:27representing both sides of the family on opposite walls.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30We have the English on one side and the French on the other.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32But it's the portraits that grab my attention.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34They tell us a great deal about the family,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37the success in this part of the world.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40The refinery of their clothing, the sumptuous settings
0:20:40 > 0:20:43and the sheer scale of the work.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44It gives us a lot of information,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47but it tells us the confidence and of the status
0:20:47 > 0:20:50of the Courtenays by the mid-18th century.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53During the 18th century,
0:20:53 > 0:20:55there was a predominance of female family members.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58The men were few and far between.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02And when an estate is passed through the male line, like this one,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05there is bound to be repercussions. And indeed, there were.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08One story the family were keen to talk about
0:21:08 > 0:21:11involved the boy in this picture, William.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14As an adult, he had 14 children,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16but only one son.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18He was also christened William.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21But with 13 sisters to tease and pamper him,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24William was also affectionately known as Kitty.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28In 1788, at the age of 21,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31William inherited the castle and tremendous wealth.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33And to mark the occasion,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36he threw a massive birthday party inviting 600 guests.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39And the celebrations took place outside here,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41in three wonderful luxurious marquees.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43And when the guests were leaving the festivities,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46they were all presented with one of these, a peach.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49An incredibly rare fruit back then.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51It doesn't seem like much, does it?
0:21:51 > 0:21:55But that would have been worth £2. Yeah, £2 in 1788.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Today, that equates to 270 quid.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00That is a massive show of extravagance.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11But nowhere sums up William's tastes more than this, the music room -
0:22:11 > 0:22:14his birthday present to himself - and Powderham.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18It's grand, colourful and ostentatious.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Now, why does all this talk of William Courtenay,
0:22:20 > 0:22:24the Third Viscount here at Powderham Castle, matter?
0:22:24 > 0:22:29Well, because the sensational events of one night in 1782
0:22:29 > 0:22:33changed the course of William's life and his family's history.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35The current heir to the estate, Charlie Courtenay,
0:22:35 > 0:22:40has agreed to talk to me about it here in William's favourite room.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Tell me a little bit about the scandal. Something went on.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45William had a very tragic story.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47He grew up blissfully happy in this house.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50But when he was a teenager - he was at school at the time,
0:22:50 > 0:22:51at Westminster School -
0:22:51 > 0:22:54and on a school holiday, he came back to Powderham.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56And staying at Powderham at the time
0:22:56 > 0:22:58was a friend of the family, a distant cousin
0:22:58 > 0:23:00by the name of William Beckford.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03William Beckford was in his 20s, he was a very wealthy man.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05His father was the Mayor of London.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07And William Beckford and William Courtenay had
0:23:07 > 0:23:10a very strong friendship that became a romance,
0:23:10 > 0:23:12and their romance effectively got scandalised.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15They got discovered in a compromised position
0:23:15 > 0:23:19by another gentleman who was staying at the house,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23and he published, basically, news of this gay romance.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25And that broke the papers and caused a scandal
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- for both Beckford and for William Courtenay.- Gosh.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30What happened to William Courtenay at that stage?
0:23:30 > 0:23:32He continued to live at Powderham,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35but increasingly, his life became a reclusive life.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39And in about 15 or 20 years after that time,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42charges were filed against him for gross indecency, and he fled,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45and the last 30 years of his life, he lived in exile,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48first in New York and then latterly in Paris.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Was he running Powderham?
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Did he have anything to do with it while he was in exile?
0:23:53 > 0:23:58So, what was a fascinating is when he died in 1835,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00his cousin, another William, inherited
0:24:00 > 0:24:02and proceeded, effectively,
0:24:02 > 0:24:06to wipe William Courtenay's story out of the family records.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07Destroyed all his records,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10and he was very much considered the black sheep of the family
0:24:10 > 0:24:13and a reprobate and a homosexual.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17And then about ten or 15 years ago, in a coal chute in South London,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20a lady was clearing out the coal chute in Hampton Wick,
0:24:20 > 0:24:23and she discovered this bound volume of papers.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26And they are William Courtney's correspondence
0:24:26 > 0:24:28with his agent in London
0:24:28 > 0:24:29- basically managing the whole estate. - Gosh.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31And the lady who found them
0:24:31 > 0:24:33donated The Wilkinson Papers to the Courtenay Society,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36and they're the property of the Courtney Society now.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38But they are a wonderful collection of letters
0:24:38 > 0:24:40basically explaining how this man, you know,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43200 years ago, who had grown up at this house,
0:24:43 > 0:24:45was passionately managing it from afar,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47always hoping, someday, to return.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- And he never returned? - And he never returned.
0:24:49 > 0:24:50That's sad, isn't it?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Very sad. And in the last years of his life,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55his cousin, who was an expert historian and a lawyer,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57basically rediscovered that William was the rightful heir
0:24:57 > 0:24:59to the earldom of Devon,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01so he petitions the House of Lords in 1831
0:25:01 > 0:25:04and gets William Courtenay recreated the Ninth Earl of Devon,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07which is where my father's title descends from.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09And very much when he died, his body was brought back
0:25:09 > 0:25:11and he was buried here.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14And there was a great outpouring of grief and sadness
0:25:14 > 0:25:16for the loss of this landlord
0:25:16 > 0:25:18who had been unable for half his life
0:25:18 > 0:25:21to live on the estate and to live in the place he loved.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26So Charlie would not be in the position he is in now
0:25:26 > 0:25:29if things had been different.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33The family line changed forever because of what happened to William.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36But Charlie is keen to write him back into the history books.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42One project Charlie has in mind is this tower,
0:25:42 > 0:25:45which goes back to William's childhood.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53William, when he was a boy, would've known this.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56His dad built it just about, I think, when William was born.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59And it would've been built to entertain guests in the house
0:25:59 > 0:26:01and built to entertain all the suitors for his daughters
0:26:01 > 0:26:02when they came to marrying.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- So, it was very much built as an entertaining house.- Yeah.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08What's its plans for the future? You're going to get a roof on there?
0:26:08 > 0:26:11It would be great to get a roof on there, begin to use it a bit more.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13And being able to have visitors come and see
0:26:13 > 0:26:16means that we generate some revenue from it
0:26:16 > 0:26:18and can begin to invest back into the fabric of the building.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Restoring, telling the stories,
0:26:20 > 0:26:22why is this building here, what's its purpose.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- That'll be your kind of, you know, gift.- Exactly.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Well, you know, step-by-step. It's very interesting.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29You see the last three generations.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31My grandfather inherited just before the war
0:26:31 > 0:26:33and obviously had a terrible time during the war
0:26:33 > 0:26:36and then sold thousands and thousands of acres after it
0:26:36 > 0:26:38because of debt duties and really tough times.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42My dad gradually has recovered that and pulled this out of the woods,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45and then it's my opportunity to take it on to the next step and again...
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- Leave your mark.- ..leave my mark,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51and continue to renew and restore wonderful old buildings like this.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52- Yeah. Good luck with it.- Thank you.
0:26:58 > 0:26:59600 years is a long time
0:26:59 > 0:27:03for one family to live consecutively in one place.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Powderham has weathered the storms and the scandals over the years,
0:27:07 > 0:27:11but I'm sure it's in safe hands now for many generations to come.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Back at our valuation day, the crowd is certainly enjoying
0:27:19 > 0:27:22the fortified surroundings of Powderham Castle,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24where Mark's uncovered a collection
0:27:24 > 0:27:27that gives a real insight into a family's past.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Gay, you've brought a little album for us to look at, of photographs.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Before we have a look at them, do you know any of the history?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36It was in a box of ephemera
0:27:36 > 0:27:39that we inherited from an elderly relative.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42But unfortunately, I don't know the origins of the people...
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Well, that often happens, I'm afraid, in families.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47If they don't make an infantry themselves
0:27:47 > 0:27:50and explain the relevance of these albums,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52they do often get lost.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- I mean, I like it. It's rather fragile, the album.- It is, yes.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58But you can see, first of all, a military man when you open it up.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02And then it immediately, if you start looking at the photographs,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04you can see that it's African.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06And we have a wedding party to begin with,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09- which I think is rather lovely. - It's charming, isn't it?
0:28:09 > 0:28:11All old black-and-white photographs, of course.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15- And they are really a snapshot of that particular time.- Exactly.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17But then we've got a couple of interesting ones
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- which say, "Boer War prisoners." - Yes.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Which are then a bit earlier, or are they? I don't know.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27And I just think it's a very fascinating little album.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29You've got more soldier scenes here. And there's
0:28:29 > 0:28:31a view there of somewhere, obviously, in Africa.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33With these sepia photographs,
0:28:33 > 0:28:37- you can almost sense the dust on the ground somehow.- Yes, you can.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39It's much more sort of authentic
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- than a modern colour photograph or something, isn't it?- Yes.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44And I love this photograph of Delicate.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47I mean, she looks such a happy character, doesn't she?
0:28:47 > 0:28:48She does indeed.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51And I think... I love the way people at that time
0:28:51 > 0:28:53- stood so formally for photographs... - Yes.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- ..because it was still quite a new thing.- Yeah.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- These days...- Very different. - ..we're used to photographs
0:28:58 > 0:29:01and even selfies on the mobile phones and things like that.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03But it's a terribly interesting album,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06and I wish we had extra provenance with it
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- to tell you who these people were. - I know. I know.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12There was something in the box from...dating back to 1852,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- so there was a lot of... - There was a lot of ephemera.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16Yes, there were.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Well, I think it's rather charming.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- I think it would be quite collectable.- Mm.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23It's an impossible thing to value.
0:29:23 > 0:29:24I mean, I might be barking mad on this,
0:29:24 > 0:29:28but I think let's put it in with a fun valuation.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Let's put it in at sort of £40 to £60.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34- Did you want to reserve? - Yes, please, but under that.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- So about 30. - £30. I think that's reasonable.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41- Let's put the £30 fixed reserve on it.- Please, yes.- And who knows?
0:29:41 > 0:29:44I mean, I think it's a good topographical subject,
0:29:44 > 0:29:45which are always popular.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Some of them are quite interesting photographs
0:29:48 > 0:29:50and hopefully might even make £100 or so.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52That would be nice.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- Thanks so much.- Thank you.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58And Gay's not the only person to have inherited a slice of family history.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Will's found a gem that's really got his engines revving.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Sue, tell me, are you a motoring enthusiast?
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Well, I love veteran cars, but this actually belonged to my dad.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Is that where you got your love of veteran cars?
0:30:09 > 0:30:11- Yes.- Interesting.- Absolutely.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13So, this was inherited from your father, which makes sense.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17- I date this to about maybe 1920s... - Right.- ..that sort of period.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21And did he ever tell you what car this came out of?
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- No. I think it probably wasn't from one of his.- OK.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28- I think he probably bought it more recently than that.- Right.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30So, he himself owned some vintage cards, did he?
0:30:30 > 0:30:33- In the past, yeah.- Yeah. Great.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- Do remember going out for drives? - Austin 7s.- Oh, lovely.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Were you the envy of all your friends?
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- I think then it was just normal. - Right, yeah. I suppose it was.- Yeah.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Well, the market for this type of piece
0:30:45 > 0:30:47was very much that after-sale market.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- So you would literally buy the car...- Right.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51..and then you would add the accessories.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54You might add the speedometer because, of course,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- some of the early cars didn't even have speedometers on them.- Right.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Now, no idea of who made it?
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- You haven't had it apart and seen a maker's mark or anything?- No.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04I mean the names that jumps into my head
0:31:04 > 0:31:07when you think of about dashboard instruments and clocks is Jaeger.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- They were makers of the very sort of best quality.- Right.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12And of course, if you were driving around in
0:31:12 > 0:31:15what would've been then, probably an expensive investment,
0:31:15 > 0:31:17then you would want to spend your money on
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- the very best accessories as well. - Right.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23Now, what's unusual about this one is this interesting bezel action,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- because this whole bezel actually twists, doesn't it?- It does.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29So that's how you actually wind the clock.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31And then to actually change the time,
0:31:31 > 0:31:33you flick this little switch here down,
0:31:33 > 0:31:36you turn the bezel, and again, then you turn the hands.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- I mean, that's really, really neat. - Yeah.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42You know, I just think it's a good, genuine authentic piece
0:31:42 > 0:31:44of sort of motoring memorabilia.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46And the market for this type of thing is actually quite strong.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- Have you any idea what you think it might be worth?- Not really, no.- OK.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53I'm thinking, at auction, I'd like to see it in at £50 to £100,
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- and I think a reserve at the £50 would be fair.- Right.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00- Is that the sort of level you would be happy to flog it at?- Yeah.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- Yeah. Cos where does it live now? - In a drawer.- In a drawer.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Tell me if I'm speaking out of turn,
0:32:05 > 0:32:08but you haven't answered mounting it on your dashboard there, have you?
0:32:08 > 0:32:10I hadn't thought of that.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- I think that would look rather smart.- It would, wouldn't it?
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Well, listen, just to confirm, £50 to £100.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16We'll reserve it at £50.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- Can I give the auctioneer a bit of discretion?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21So 10% discretion on that £50.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25And just imagine what car it's going to be mounted in for the new buyer.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Quite something. Sue, it's been a pleasure meeting you.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30- Thank you for bringing this along... - Thank you.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33..and you're going to make someone very happy, I'm sure.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34Thank you. Thank you.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36That's put a smile on Will's face,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39and hopefully that vintage clock may find a new dashboard
0:32:39 > 0:32:41in somebody else's motor car.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45I've left the crowds behind downstairs
0:32:45 > 0:32:46to have a wander around up here
0:32:46 > 0:32:48cos I want to show you something in the state bedroom.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52It's this rocking horse, affectionately known as Dobbin.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54There's a great story here
0:32:54 > 0:32:57because this has been well used and well loved.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59The 17th Earl was playing with this,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01and he was sitting on it, riding away,
0:33:01 > 0:33:02and he pulled the handles off.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04And you can see where the handles have come out.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06They've made two huge great holes there.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Now, being a rather naughty little boy,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12he put some of his mother's jewellery in there.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14That is so typical of what a little boy would do.
0:33:14 > 0:33:15That's what my son would do.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18So, anyway, this jewellery is quite valuable, it had to be retrieved,
0:33:18 > 0:33:23so an estate carpenter had to cut some of the tummy out of Dobbin
0:33:23 > 0:33:25from underneath to get the jewellery out.
0:33:25 > 0:33:26But it didn't end there.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29He then put a knitting needle down the hole,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33and if I give this horse a good rock, you can hear it rolling around.
0:33:33 > 0:33:34It's been well loved.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37It's a lovely document of social history
0:33:37 > 0:33:38belonging to this family.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39Just listen.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43METAL CLATTERS
0:33:43 > 0:33:46We have to leave Dobbin as there are valuations to be done,
0:33:46 > 0:33:49and Mark's been taken back to his childhood.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- Hello, Marie.- Hello. - Now, don't tell me that
0:33:52 > 0:33:54you've bought these and collected them yourself.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56- No. They were my dad's. - They were your dad's?- Yeah.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58And how have you come to get them?
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- My dad died in February...- Oh, gosh. - ..and he left them in the loft.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- In the loft?- In the loft.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- So, did he have these as a child, then, do you think?- Yes, he did.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08He collected them, and I've always known about them,
0:34:08 > 0:34:10but this is the first time that I've seen them.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- Out on display?- Yes. First time.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15Well, he was a very careful child, wasn't he?
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- Because they're in remarkably good condition.- Yeah.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21They are sort of play worn, I suppose - that's the expression -
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- but he's kept all the boxes...- Yeah.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25..at a time when people really didn't care for them.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27They couldn't wait to get them out and play with them
0:34:27 > 0:34:29- and discard the cardboard boxes. - Yeah.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31What do you think of them now you've see them?
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- They're heavy. - THEY CHUCKLE
0:34:34 > 0:34:36They wouldn't be something I'd play with, that's for sure.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- Well, they're not a modern type of toy, are they?- No.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41And in fact, they've become too collectable
0:34:41 > 0:34:43- to play with these days, haven't they ?- Yeah.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45We often see these sort of things on the show,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47and they always have a strong following.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49And you've got a nice cross-section here.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52There tends to be certain ones that are more valuable than others.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- Right. - Did you do any research yourself?
0:34:54 > 0:34:55- No.- No?- No.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58You just found them and thought, "I don't want these."
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- Yeah, pretty much. Yeah. - SHE GIGGLES
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Well, from our point of view, it's good that
0:35:02 > 0:35:05you haven't got rid of the boxes or damaged them in any way.
0:35:05 > 0:35:06I have done a little bit of checking
0:35:06 > 0:35:10and these toys were produced by a company called Hornby Meccano -
0:35:10 > 0:35:13also well known for producing railway sets
0:35:13 > 0:35:15which are very collectable.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16This is only a small part of your collection -
0:35:16 > 0:35:18we haven't been able to get all of it out.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- But we've chosen the better pieces here.- Yeah.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23And they were produced, really, up until about 1972.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- But these are slightly earlier than that.- Right.
0:35:26 > 0:35:27As far as I can see,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30the two most interesting ones, from the value point,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- are the two right in the front.- OK.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35The low loading truck there and the army vehicle.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39The army vehicle is produced in the sort of late '50s, early '60s.
0:35:39 > 0:35:45- Right.- And you could buy it as a box set like that or separate bits.- OK.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48But the actual low loading vehicle was produced
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- in the late '40s, the early '50s, so it's slightly earlier.- Oh, wow.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54And the others are all made after that or around that period,
0:35:54 > 0:35:56- but they are more common.- OK.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58And I think, if you were selling them,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- we should put them in as a little group lot.- OK.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04That way you'll get all the dealers and all the collectors.
0:36:04 > 0:36:05Have you ever thought of the value?
0:36:05 > 0:36:08No. I'm know they were valuable to my dad.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12Erm...but I think now is the right time to sell them.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Well, you've got an interesting and varied collection,
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- but we have to be sensible about it. - Yeah.
0:36:17 > 0:36:18I think the two most interesting pieces,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20as I've mentioned, are in the front,
0:36:20 > 0:36:23and I would suggest maybe an estimate of between £200 and £300.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- OK.- How would you feel about that? - Yeah, that sounds good.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Do you think all of them will get that price?
0:36:28 > 0:36:30I think so, because some will only be worth a few pounds,
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- but then others will be worth £30, £40, £50.- OK.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35But also, it'll entice the collectors to bid...
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- OK.- ..as much as they possibly can for them.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40But we will fix a reserve of £150
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- so we don't give them away too cheaply.- OK.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44- Is that all right? - Yeah, that's fine.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48And if we do get a good price - or when we get a good price -
0:36:48 > 0:36:49what will you do with the money?
0:36:49 > 0:36:52I'll put it in the savings account for our son.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55- How old is he?- 18 months. - And what's his name?- Freddie.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- Freddie?- Yeah. - Lovely old-fashioned name.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59- It's all coming back in now, isn't it?- They are.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- Well, I think Freddie is a very lucky boy.- Thank you.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- Let's get him as much as we can, shall we?- Let's hope so.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09So, the pressure's on to fill Freddie's piggy bank.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Well, that's it. Our work is now done here at Powderham Castle,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16our magnificent host location for the day.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18We've all thoroughly enjoyed being here,
0:37:18 > 0:37:19and we've learnt a great deal
0:37:19 > 0:37:22about the history of this magnificent house.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25But right now, we're hoping to make the history of her very own
0:37:25 > 0:37:27as we go over to the saleroom for the last time today,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30and here's a quick recap just to jog your memory
0:37:30 > 0:37:33of all the items we're taking with us.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Gay's family photos of a bygone era...
0:37:39 > 0:37:42..the accessory of the day for car lovers, a dashboard clock...
0:37:45 > 0:37:48..and will the Dinkys from the loft make enough for some new toys
0:37:48 > 0:37:51for Marie's little boy to play with?
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Back at the auction rooms, it's time to test the market
0:37:57 > 0:38:00with Gay's fascinating family album.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01Going under the hammer right now
0:38:01 > 0:38:05we have an interesting photograph album from South Africa which, Gay...
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- Well, you came across, really, didn't you?- That's right.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11- You didn't really inherit, it sort of just...- Mm... Yeah, in a way.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12In a way. Oh, OK.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Yes. A box of bits from an elderly relative's house.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Quirky thing, though. There's a lot of history in South Africa.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20There's a lot of topographical photographs.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- There's a wedding. - That's where the value is, isn't it?
0:38:23 > 0:38:25There's also something to do with the Boer War prisoners,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- so I think that's got a little bit of interest in this.- Yeah.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31There's nothing like that here in the sale,
0:38:31 > 0:38:32so I'm a little bit anxious.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36OK. Fingers crossed. Ready for this? It's going under the hammer now.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39A little album of photographs, fascinating photographs.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41They are small but they are nonetheless interesting.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45And I'm bid, £35 for them. Against you all in the room at 35.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48And 40. Five. And 50. Five.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- And 60 there.- £60.- £60 now.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53In the room at £60.
0:38:53 > 0:38:54I'm bid five online.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58And 70. 80. 90. 100.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01And 10. 120. 130. 140.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04150. 160.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06170. 180.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08At £180 here.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- And five.- 185.- 185 now online.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14All of these photographs are lost documents of social history.
0:39:14 > 0:39:15They are.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17At £185.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- Yes. Gay, that's a good result. 185.- Wow.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25I'm sure they've gone to a collector.
0:39:25 > 0:39:26Good for you for bringing that in
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- and realising there's a value there. - And Mark, as well.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- Thank you for picking it out. - It's down to you, Gay. Thank you.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34That's a fantastic result.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Will the car clock prove as popular?
0:39:36 > 0:39:38A lovely item going under the hammer right now.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41A 1920s dashboard clock,
0:39:41 > 0:39:43an eight-day clock belonging to Sue.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45- And in fact, this clock was your dad's, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47- He was the vintage car fanatic.- Yep.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- Can you remember them as a young girl?- Yes, I do remember.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52- It was the Austin 7.- Oh, right.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Oh, the sit-up-and-begs. They were nice.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56I was thinking you were about to say something big,
0:39:56 > 0:39:57but I love those Austin 7s.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- Great fun. - They are fun, aren't they?
0:40:00 > 0:40:01- The golden days of motoring.- Yes.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Right here, right now, up for grabs.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Hopefully someone's going to pay the top end.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- We're looking at £50 plus for this, aren't we?- Yeah, exactly.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11We've set the bottom figure at £50,
0:40:11 > 0:40:13but the automobilia market is always growing,
0:40:13 > 0:40:15it's a very confident market,
0:40:15 > 0:40:17and, you know, vintage cars,
0:40:17 > 0:40:19even the standard ones are making a lot of money now,
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- so, in turn, the accessories do. - Yeah.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Anyway, fingers crossed it does. This is it. It's going now.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27The little metal dashboard eight-day clock,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30and 40... Well, I'm bid - £50 for it exactly.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- At £50. Two if you want it. - 50. We're in at 50.- Five.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Eight. 60. At £60, then.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Are you all done at 60?
0:40:38 > 0:40:39No? All done at £60, then.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- Sold.- It's a sale.- That's true.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45- It's gone.- Yes.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- Thanks for bringing that in and lots of lovely memories as well...- Yeah.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- ..that we shared. - Thank you very much.- Well done.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- It's been lovely. - I think that's the right price.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Hopefully it will get pride of place in a vintage car.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58There's extra pressure now for our next lot.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Marie's hoping it will make a little nest egg
0:41:01 > 0:41:02for her toddler, Freddie.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Marie, good luck. All of your dad's Dinky toys
0:41:04 > 0:41:06are going under the hammer right now,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- and there is a lot of them, and the condition is superb.- Yes.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- I mean, it really is, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13You were probably thinking little Freddie
0:41:13 > 0:41:15might want to play with one or two, but...
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- They're too precious to play with. - They are a bit.- Yeah.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20It's a good collection, a good starting point,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22and there are lots of collectors that love Dinky.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25They're readily popular. The internet and saleroom loves them,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27and there's an awful lot there for your money.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29- And condition is key - believe me. - It is.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32I know we say it on the show a lot, condition, condition, condition,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35but with cars in particular, it is so important.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39- I've got every confidence that these are going to do all right.- Good.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42He says. THEY CHUCKLE
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- Ready for this? Been to an auction before?- No, never.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Well, there you go. Enjoy this one, won't you? This is it.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Dinky toys. A number of them.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50There they are. A little bit of wear.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- And several bidders.- Great. Did you hear that?- I'm bid, £170.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- Oh, wow. - ..against you all. 180. 190.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00- There's a bid over there. - 200. And 10. 220. 230.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02240. 250. 260 now.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05270. 280. 290.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07300. And ten.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- 320. 330. - Never lets us down, does it?- No.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12At 340, by the door.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Any more in the room? 350. 360.
0:42:15 > 0:42:16370. 380.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- Hey, they love them. - Oh, wow.- They love them.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23At 410 here. Finished in the room at 410?
0:42:23 > 0:42:25- I'm bid, 420.- Wow.- Online.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28430. 440.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32At £440. Against you all in the room. I'll sell it.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- Yes! Hammer's gone down. - That's great.- £440.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40That's a good result. All the bidding in the room.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- A wonderful atmosphere, wasn't it? - Fantastic.- Really was.- That's great.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- And a great first auction for you. - It was, yeah. Great.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- They're not always like that, believe me.- They're not.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50They really wanted them.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52And I guess all the money's going to Freddie.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54- Yes, that's right.- Oh, well done.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57And what a wonderful way to end the show here in the West Country.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59We thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you have too.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Join us again soon for many more surprises,
0:43:01 > 0:43:05but for now, from Plymouth, it's goodbye from all of us.