0:00:05 > 0:00:08Today, we're at Margam Country Park, near Port Talbot.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12It is a magnificent location that's a product of centuries of
0:00:12 > 0:00:14style and design and today,
0:00:14 > 0:00:16we're going to be finding out the answer to
0:00:16 > 0:00:19a mystery we first uncovered ten years ago,
0:00:19 > 0:00:22regarding one of Britain's most noted architects.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25More of that later. Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:47 > 0:00:52Margam Country Park in south Wales is a unique location that brings
0:00:52 > 0:00:57together architectural styles, spanning more than 800 years.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Its Victorian Gothic revival castle looks straight out of the
0:01:00 > 0:01:02imagination of Bram Stoker.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07It was home to CRM Talbot, who gave his name to nearby Port Talbot.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10His father created this stunning orangery,
0:01:10 > 0:01:14regarded as a masterpiece of 18th century architecture.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19Next to it are the remains of a Cistercian abbey, founded in 1147.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22They all sit happily alongside each other and will be the
0:01:22 > 0:01:24backdrop to today's valuations.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29Well, judging by the size of this fantastic crowd,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31we're going to be in for a busy day.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Who knows what intriguing items are hidden in all of these bags
0:01:35 > 0:01:38and boxes? It's our experts' job to find them.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40This lot are eager to get started, but before we do,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43there's just two important questions - where are you all from?
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- ALL:- Wales!
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- Of course! What do you want to do? ALL:- Flog it!
0:01:51 > 0:01:54We've got a couple of very talented experts today.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56They know good design when they see it.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Mark Stacey is as keen as mustard.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- I don't know what it is. - I think it's a vase. - LAUGHTER
0:02:03 > 0:02:07But Charles Hanson seems to have missed the point of the show.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Oh, it's some money. I could do with some cash.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Thanks a lot. Yeah, cheers.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16But not to be outdone, I've found a few gems myself.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20I was thinking - it's time for tea. A lovely tea caddy.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Well, I tell you what, I'll talk to you later on in the programme.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- Thank you, Paul. - Right now, get the kettle on.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Time to get everyone organised and seated.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32The queue is making its way around this beautiful location.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Our behind-the-scenes experts will be giving valuations all day
0:02:36 > 0:02:40and our production team are busy managing the crowds.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44They're making sure everyone is seen and we capture everything.
0:02:44 > 0:02:45And action!
0:02:47 > 0:02:50And here's just a tease of what's coming up.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Mark is completely in the dark.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I'm afraid we can't tell you anything.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59A car boot buy is a once-in-a-lifetime find.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01This is signed by David Livingstone himself.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Gosh!
0:03:03 > 0:03:06And at Cardiff Castle, I'm in for a shock.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- This was £30,000. - HE GASPS
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Well, who knows what we're going to uncover today?
0:03:12 > 0:03:15But there's only one way to find out, as we go straight over
0:03:15 > 0:03:21to Mark Stacey's table to take a closer look at what he's spotted.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- And it looks pretty good, doesn't it?- It does indeed.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27He's found a plate with intriguing decoration.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Marjory, you've brought a rather interesting plate,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- which I spotted in the queue. - You did.- What do you know about it?
0:03:33 > 0:03:34Very little.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Nothing at all really, except that it's quite a wacky plate.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38And I like it.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- Have you had it a long time? - We've had it about 20 years.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- Really?- Mm-hm. - Where did you acquire it from?
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Somewhere in Wales, in an antiques shop or an antiques centre.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50It was at a time when I was travelling around Wales
0:03:50 > 0:03:54a lot and I can never resist a good junk shop or an antiques
0:03:54 > 0:03:56centre and I will have bought it somewhere.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57So you love collecting things.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- Oh, yes. We have a house full of... - Goodies.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03..junk, that some people would call. Or goodies, yes,
0:04:03 > 0:04:04I like to think.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Well, I was attracted by it because I know this pattern.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08Well, that's wonderful.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Now, the pattern is known as the Swan Service and it was
0:04:11 > 0:04:16- created by Meissen in the 1730s and 1740s.- Really?
0:04:16 > 0:04:21It was made for the director of the company, Count Heinrich von Bruhl,
0:04:21 > 0:04:25and he amassed a service of over 1,000 pieces.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- Right.- And after the Second World War, it was split up.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- And you can find examples in museums.- Mm-hm.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- Now, this is not from that original service.- Right.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36The original service is mainly white,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- sometimes with a little bit of gilding.- Mm-hm.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- But it is embossed with courting swans.- They're courting, are they?
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- Well, I like to think so. - They look quite angry!
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Well, I think they do look a bit... Maybe they've had a row!
0:04:48 > 0:04:49Maybe.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52And you've got a heron and little insects as well,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- which are rather charming. - Yes, that's sweet.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Sometimes, they used little insects to cover blemishes because the
0:04:58 > 0:05:02manufacturing of porcelain in the 18th century was extremely
0:05:02 > 0:05:04difficult and extremely expensive.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07So if there was a little bit of a blemish,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10rather than destroy the whole plate, they would cover it with
0:05:10 > 0:05:13a little moth or a beetle or a bug of some sort.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16This is probably French, rather than German.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19It's got a funny little mark on the back here,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21which I don't think means a huge amount.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Oh, right. I've tried to find it, but failed.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29It was probably made by a company called Samson in Paris,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31in about the 1880s.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Possibly as a replacement piece for a service.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- Not as a forgery then?- No, no.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Samson produced a lot of copies of early porcelains -
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Worcester, French porcelain, Sevre,
0:05:44 > 0:05:48and it's become collectible in its own right, funnily enough.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Now, there are collectors for this sort of thing.- Mm-hm.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- But I think we've got to put it in with a sensible estimate.- Mm-hm.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56I would probably put it in with an estimate of something
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- like 60 to £100.- Mm-hm.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02And I would hope with the internet that we might get over £100.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- Are you happy to put it in and give it a try?- Yes, absolutely. Why not?
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- See if we can find any swan lovers out there.- Yes!
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- Well done, you, for finding it. - Thank you.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13I'm sure that those courting swans are going to attract
0:06:13 > 0:06:15attention at the auction.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20But Charles has found something that might be impossible to ignore.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23So, Stephen, we find things in lofts all the time,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27but rarely this size object. This really is something else.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Yes, found in the attic of my grandparents years ago and it's been
0:06:30 > 0:06:35in my mother's loft now for a long time and I'm clearing that out now.
0:06:35 > 0:06:36Yeah, just amazing.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40And it's something which I suppose has such history from that
0:06:40 > 0:06:45Great War, 1914-18 and my question is, Stephen,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48is how it came to languish in the attic?
0:06:48 > 0:06:51I suspect because my grandfather used to work on the tugs,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54it might have come from a plane that had come down. I'm not sure.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56That's what I think it has come from.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59I think in context, I mean, I'm quite tall, 6ft 1,
0:06:59 > 0:07:05and you see actually how large these propellers are and this must be...
0:07:05 > 0:07:06How tall?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- 9ft?- 9ft, at least. - Frightening, isn't it?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12And it's just actually quite light,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16but what we've got here is a laminated mahogany propeller,
0:07:16 > 0:07:22made by the Sopwith company in around 1917, 1918.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27The actual propeller itself is a 200hp example.
0:07:27 > 0:07:33We see ones slightly smaller, 100, 150, made by Sopwith and
0:07:33 > 0:07:38almost 5,000 of these were put together and assembled in Bristol.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43We can see we've got a variety of different numbers on here. Here,
0:07:43 > 0:07:48you've got the 200hp Hispano and then another number and
0:07:48 > 0:07:50lettering down below.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Remarkably, it's in such good condition.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58And clearly, it's been and it's seen action by the condition and
0:07:58 > 0:08:00the markings upon here.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Just from this I suppose sort of focal point here, you can
0:08:03 > 0:08:08almost imagine hearing this fly over this amazing landscape, can't you?
0:08:08 > 0:08:13And put into context what it did back in those formative years
0:08:13 > 0:08:15of the Great War.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17What's it worth, Stephen? Any ideas?
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Well, my father was offered something in the region
0:08:21 > 0:08:26of £500 without it even being seen and that could be ten years ago.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31They have made up to £1,000. Some have made 450.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35I feel this one in its condition, it's so good, it's so clean,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38I would go in between 400 and £600.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42And I would protect it with a reserve at £400.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- Yeah.- And cross our fingers. - Yes, that would be OK.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Hopefully, hold tight, it could take off.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52That is a boy's toy, if ever I saw one. I love it!
0:08:58 > 0:09:01While the valuations continue,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04I want to show you something really special.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Next to the Margam estate is an old schoolhouse,
0:09:07 > 0:09:09which houses the Margam Stones.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13This is regarded as one of the most important collections of
0:09:13 > 0:09:15early Celtic stones in Britain.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18They symbolise the earliest days of Christianity,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20dating back to the sixth century.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24And would have stood as markers on roads or in villages before
0:09:24 > 0:09:26the days of formal churches.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30And they were all found in the Port Talbot area.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Well, these really are impressive and this one here,
0:09:36 > 0:09:40that's the largest and the most detailed of all.
0:09:40 > 0:09:41It's the Conbelin Cross.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46It's a disc stone and it dates back to the 10th century.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50And this would have been found on a street in Margam village.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I'm so in awe of it.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54You can just about see the plait, look, it's weathered so much,
0:09:54 > 0:09:58but there is a plait all around the outer edge and here,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01there's a little image of the Virgin Mary with child and then on
0:10:01 > 0:10:03the other side, St John.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05That's a very, very important piece.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16Now, this one is the Bodvoc Stone and it dates to the sixth century.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Now, the carvings on this are very, very clear.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22It's quite impressive actually, considering it's so old.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Bodvoc was the son of a local ruler and this was carved as a memorial
0:10:25 > 0:10:29to him and it was found on Margam Mountain, overlooking the park.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31I like this one.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Now, I particularly like these two. They share the same image.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Could be a pair, so to speak.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44They are known as cartwheel crosses and date to the 10th century.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48The reason they are worn, this one in particular, it's because
0:10:48 > 0:10:51they've been used as stepping stones across a local stream.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55I like that. I like the fact that they've had another use.
0:10:55 > 0:10:56It's quite incredible,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59the amount of feet that have crossed these over the centuries.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Now, I'm wondering if our experts have come across anything as
0:11:03 > 0:11:06exciting as this at the valuation tables.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07Let's find out.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10There are crowds of people still eager to get their items
0:11:10 > 0:11:14valued and Mark has found a very baffling object.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Desmond, you've brought this item in to find out where it was made,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23what sort of object it is and a value, haven't you?
0:11:23 > 0:11:25I'm afraid we can't tell you any of it.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Well, we can tell you some of it. - Right.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29It's a really odd thing, isn't it?
0:11:29 > 0:11:33It's almost certainly, I think, Japanese, made in the Meiji
0:11:33 > 0:11:37period, so somewhere between sort of 1870 and about 1920.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Where did you get it from?
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Well, I'm carrying this for a friend who is ill and I said,
0:11:42 > 0:11:47I'll take it down there and they'll be able to find out what it is.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- And we've failed.- Mm.- And how long has your friend had it?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- About ten years, I think. - So he hasn't had it long?- No.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- He picked it up somewhere. - London, I think.- London?- Mm.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00And when he bought it, did he not ask what it was or did he just find it curious?
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- He just liked the look of it. - Well, I am with him.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- I think it's a really quirky item. - Yes.- It's odd. We have all looked
0:12:06 > 0:12:10at it and we have tried to do some research and we cannot answer
0:12:10 > 0:12:13the question, what on Earth it is. This little section comes out
0:12:13 > 0:12:17of that base, and that base feels as if it might be
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Japanese silver.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22In terms of the... the little device itself,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25it doesn't really open. Someone has tried to force it open,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29but I do not want to do any more than that, because it does not look
0:12:29 > 0:12:33as if it is hinged anywhere. You have this three-sail type effect
0:12:33 > 0:12:35on it, with these little circular Japanese mons,
0:12:35 > 0:12:38which are done in gilding.
0:12:38 > 0:12:39In terms of the auction,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42I am going to keep the estimate low, I'm afraid.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47I would say sort of £50-£80, with a £50 reserve.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- And let's just see what happens. - OK.- Do you think he would be happy
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- with that?- Yes.- You have spoken to him. If we illustrate that online
0:12:54 > 0:12:56and do a description as I have described,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Japanese Meiji period etc,
0:12:58 > 0:13:00who knows? We might be looking at a real hidden gem.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Looking forward to that.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- But for now, it is sayonara from here, isn't it?- Mm.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Oh, I didn't know Mark could speak Japanese(!)
0:13:08 > 0:13:11It's always fascinating when an object like that comes through
0:13:11 > 0:13:12our doors.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17It has been a busy day so far, but there are still plenty of people
0:13:17 > 0:13:19waiting their turn. Lots more antiques to value.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23But right now, let's put those first set of items to the test
0:13:23 > 0:13:25in the saleroom. I have got my favourites.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28You have probably got yours. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Here's a quick recap of everything that is going under the hammer.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35The romantic swans service plate is bound to turn heads.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40It's chocks away,
0:13:40 > 0:13:41with the First World War propeller.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47And the mysterious Japanese box has us all puzzled,
0:13:47 > 0:13:48but will it intrigue those bidders?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Today's auction is in Cardiff.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55In the past, this was a busy and prosperous port,
0:13:55 > 0:14:00but today, it has become important as a cultural centre.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Crowds flock to the impressive Millennium Stadium,
0:14:03 > 0:14:07in the heart of the city, to watch Wales play rugby.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11And in the Bay is the striking new Wales Millennium Centre -
0:14:11 > 0:14:13a venue for everything from opera to The X Factor.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19This is where we're putting our valuations to the test,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Rogers Jones & Co in Wales. It is a family-run business
0:14:22 > 0:14:24and I am pretty sure we are going to get some good results today.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28The auctioneer is just about to start. Everybody is just browsing
0:14:28 > 0:14:30and, hopefully, they are looking at our lots. I am going to catch up
0:14:30 > 0:14:33with our first owner. Let's get on with the action.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36And don't forget, our sellers have to pay commission.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Today, it is...
0:14:38 > 0:14:41..on items under £2,000.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44But it is less for items over £2,000.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Ben Rogers Jones is on the rostrum,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49so it's time to get started, with our first lot,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51the decorated swan plate.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Serving up for you now, we have some porcelain,
0:14:55 > 0:14:57in the form of a dessert plate, belonging to Marjorie.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- This is a swan plate. Is it a copy of...?- It is.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04I think it's a copy of the famous Meissen swan service.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06It is a copy of the Meissen swan service.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08That is early 18th century. This is...
0:15:08 > 0:15:11I thought, originally, it was a Samson copy, but the auctioneers
0:15:11 > 0:15:15have looked up the mark and it is more like Nymphenburg,
0:15:15 > 0:15:16which is right.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- A lot of these copies were made, but it is cracking.- Beautiful.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Why are you selling this, Marjorie?
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- Partly because we wanted to come to "Flog It!"...- Oh, really!
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- ..and see you all.- And you got your arm twisted by Mark!
0:15:26 > 0:15:30And also because it has just sat in a cupboard for many years
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- doing nothing. - I think, as a starting point,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- this represents good value for money.- It is.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39Single plate, single dishes - anything like that, great value
0:15:39 > 0:15:41for money. Good luck. Let's watch this and enjoy it. Here we go.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Lot 184, probably German.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46I am straight in at £70.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48At £70. Is there 5?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50At 70. Where's 5?
0:15:50 > 0:15:52At 75. 80, now.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Is there 5? 85. 90 bid.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58At £90. Is there 5? At £90.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59All done now, at 90?
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- This is good.- Here it goes at 90.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- £90. We have sold.- Good. - Above the estimate.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Above the estimate. Straight in and straight out.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- That was really quick! - No swanning around!
0:16:09 > 0:16:14What a great start. Those loved-up swans have melted someone's heart.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Next up is a piece of aviation history,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19that First World War propeller,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22which is taking up nine feet on the saleroom wall!
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Well, so far so good. You could say things are flying out of here
0:16:27 > 0:16:29and that is a little clue to what is coming up next.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Yes, it is chocks away. We have got Stephen's propeller
0:16:31 > 0:16:34going under the hammer. Why are you selling this?
0:16:34 > 0:16:35It is a proper boy's toy!
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Well, it has been in the loft for so long.- Oh, Charles!
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- It's amazing.- It's been in the loft.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44They are very hard to display at home. I have had one.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Had it dropping vertically down the stairwell
0:16:47 > 0:16:49and it looked really nice as you walked up the stairs, to see it.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52Did you never fancy putting it on a wall or were you not allowed?
0:16:52 > 0:16:54It was just too big.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- Did the wife like it?- Erm...no. - My wife didn't like mine, either!
0:16:58 > 0:17:00ALL LAUGH
0:17:00 > 0:17:02It needs that brave person to walk home and say,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05"Look what I've bought and this is where it's going"!
0:17:05 > 0:17:08That's the difficult bit. This is the easy bit. Let's flog it.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14A Hispano-Suiza aviation propeller. And I have got
0:17:14 > 0:17:17200 and... 280, to start.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- We need £400.- Is there 300? At 280. Is there 300 now?
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Are you coming in online?
0:17:23 > 0:17:24300. 320.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Is there 40? At 320.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Is there 40 now? At 320.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31Is everybody done? At 320.
0:17:31 > 0:17:32We are grounded.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36At 320. All done now?
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Everybody done?
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- At 320.- There is so much history. - No-go, I'm afraid, for that one.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- I don't believe it.- It didn't sell. - I'm sorry.- It's because,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47do you know why? They are so hard
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- to display at home.- Presentation. - It's presentation, yeah.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53In a modern house, it doesn't really work,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56unless you treat it as a piece of sculpture
0:17:56 > 0:17:59on one white wall. It's there. That is the focal point.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- Oh, well. - Look, there is another day, OK?
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- There is another day. - Back in the attic.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05No. Definitely not back in the attic!
0:18:05 > 0:18:09That is very disappointing. These are hard items to sell,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13but it certainly deserves to be on a wall somewhere.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Next up is the unusual Japanese box.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Our auctioneer does not know what it is, either, so we are still
0:18:19 > 0:18:20in the dark.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26Des, good luck. Your Japanese box is just about to go under the hammer
0:18:26 > 0:18:29and, do you know what? Nobody can work out what it is,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31what you put in it, what you do with it!
0:18:31 > 0:18:33For years, they have been trying to find out
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- and I don't know what it is. - No, I don't know.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- Definitely Meiji period, isn't it? - It is interesting.- Very interesting.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Somebody will know and, hopefully, they have picked up on this
0:18:44 > 0:18:47and they are here to buy it or, at least, online. OK. Good luck.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50It's going under the hammer right now. This is where it gets exciting.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54I'm going to start right at the bottom. It starts with me at 30.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56At 35, 40.
0:18:56 > 0:18:585. 50. 5, your bid. 55.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Who's coming in on this now? 60.
0:19:01 > 0:19:055. 70. 5. 80.
0:19:05 > 0:19:065. 90.
0:19:06 > 0:19:095. 100. 10.
0:19:09 > 0:19:1120. 30.
0:19:11 > 0:19:12140. 150.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- It's like a tennis match. - It is. Ping-pong, ping-pong.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17160. 170.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20180. 190.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21Have you done, sir?
0:19:21 > 0:19:22190. 200.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- Is there 10? £200.- Oh, it is on the internet.- 210.- 210.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30210. All done now.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32210. Here we go...
0:19:34 > 0:19:36210. That's all right, Des, isn't it?
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- Fine. - Anthony will be pleased with that.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- He will be pleased with that. - He's got a big smile on his face.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42That is what it is all about!
0:19:43 > 0:19:47Maybe someone knows what it is or they simply just like it!
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Nevertheless, it is a good price and a great end to our first visit
0:19:50 > 0:19:52to the auction.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55I often say, brown furniture goes in and out of fashion.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Pieces like this and this. But what if it had the name William Burges
0:19:59 > 0:20:02stamped on it? His design? Burges was a Victorian architect
0:20:02 > 0:20:05and designer. His work is highly sought after.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08It is like gold dust. And it fascinates me.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Now, ten years ago, I visited Cardiff Castle,
0:20:11 > 0:20:15to see a collection of furniture created by him for the castle.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Some of it has gone missing. Quite a lot of it, in fact.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21And they are desperately trying to track it down.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Well, a few days ago, I went back there, to see if they have managed
0:20:24 > 0:20:26any more pieces.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Cardiff Castle can be found right in the heart of the city.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Its distinctive Gothic revival architecture
0:20:37 > 0:20:39has made it world-famous.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42But this austere facade conceals one of the most glamorous
0:20:42 > 0:20:45and dramatic interiors in Britain.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Its exuberant decor blew me away when I first clapped eyes on it
0:20:48 > 0:20:50ten years ago.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54This certainly does have the wow factor.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56It looked straight out of the Middle Ages,
0:20:56 > 0:21:00but was actually created during the mid-1800s.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04It was the product of an important creative partnership -
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Gothic revival architect and designer William Burges
0:21:07 > 0:21:11and the owner of the castle, the third Marquis of Bute.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Born in 1827, William Burges was a unique creative force
0:21:15 > 0:21:17in the Victorian era.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Burges was an eccentric character.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23He was just five feet tall, short-sighted, plump,
0:21:23 > 0:21:27very energetic and he remained a bachelor all his life.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31His obsession with the Middle Ages resulted in rooms like this one -
0:21:31 > 0:21:35the Chaucer Room. The space was not designed to be practical.
0:21:35 > 0:21:36It was all about having fun.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Burges only worked for a handful of affluent clients
0:21:41 > 0:21:46who loved his ornate and extravagant interpretation
0:21:46 > 0:21:50of medieval design. Lord Bute, a wildly rich industrialist,
0:21:50 > 0:21:52had the money and the imagination
0:21:52 > 0:21:54to commission his work for Cardiff Castle.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59But as I discovered, there was more to this story
0:21:59 > 0:22:03than just lavish decoration. William Burges was also commissioned
0:22:03 > 0:22:07to create around 40 pieces of furniture for the castle.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Now, unfortunately, half those pieces were sold off
0:22:10 > 0:22:12in an auction in 1949 by the Bute family,
0:22:12 > 0:22:16when they handed the castle over to the council.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19So, the hunt was on to find those missing pieces of furniture
0:22:19 > 0:22:20and bring them back home.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24These were unique, handcrafted pieces,
0:22:24 > 0:22:28designed exclusively for Lord Bute. Without them, Burges' vision
0:22:28 > 0:22:31of the castle would not be complete.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34But in 15 years, they had only managed to retrieve four pieces,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38including Lord Bute's elaborate bed.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43When I first visited the castle ten years ago, I met curator
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Matthew Williams, a leading authority on Burges,
0:22:45 > 0:22:49who showed me another piece - a beautiful inlaid table.
0:22:49 > 0:22:55I understand this was sold for a fiver in 1949.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Isn't it unbelievable? It is one of a pair, actually.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01This one, we think, was sold for a fiver.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- The other one was sold for £5.10.- Oh, dear!
0:23:03 > 0:23:05How did you get this one back?
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Well, this was offered to us by a London dealer.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- So how much did you have to pay for it to get it back?- £70,000.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Ouch.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17This wasn't just a difficult task, it was also an expensive one.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Matthew had photographs of many of the original items of furniture,
0:23:21 > 0:23:22but where were they?
0:23:24 > 0:23:27So, I'm back to meet Matthew to find out if
0:23:27 > 0:23:31he's found any more missing pieces to the jigsaw, and I can't wait.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- Do we know where the other one is? - No, we don't...
0:23:35 > 0:23:36There we are ten years ago.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Aged like a good antique since then, I think, don't you?
0:23:39 > 0:23:43You haven't changed at all. I'll tell you what, it's nice to be back.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Now, let me pause that for a second. Let's just recap, OK?
0:23:46 > 0:23:49The last time I saw you, you had found four of the missing pieces.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- That's right, isn't it?- It is.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53And you were looking out for some occasional tables.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Well, there were a set of six occasional tables
0:23:56 > 0:23:58that were made for the clock tower,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01in fact we've got a picture of one of them here,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04actually an original picture from 1874 when it was brand-new,
0:24:04 > 0:24:06just finished, but we do have
0:24:06 > 0:24:11a whole trail of where the history of the piece comes from.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Apart from the original photograph,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16you've got the inventory of the castle from 1931...
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- This is really good. - ..and they're mentioned here,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21"a set of six ebonised tables with ivory inlays to match",
0:24:21 > 0:24:22£200 as a value.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27And we have a record of actually how much they fetched,
0:24:27 > 0:24:28and it wasn't £200.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32The set of tables, they were all selling to different buyers here -
0:24:32 > 0:24:34two pounds two shillings each.
0:24:34 > 0:24:35Gosh, that's nothing!
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Absolute buttons.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41By the time of the 1949 auction,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Britain's taste in furniture had radically changed.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Mass manufacturing meant lighter, more affordable pieces
0:24:48 > 0:24:50for the modern post-war home,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53which is why Burges' furniture sold for next to nothing.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58But today, he's one of the most sought-after names in the world.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01There was another piece of furniture you talked to me about,
0:25:01 > 0:25:02that fire screen.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- That was a unique piece.- Yeah. - That was a real one-off.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Tables are a set of six, but the fire screen,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10which you can see in this photograph here of the room,
0:25:10 > 0:25:15perhaps in about 1900, that again was sold off.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18We've got a reference to it in the inventories.
0:25:18 > 0:25:19There's a valuation there of it.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23"Threefold ebonised fire screen with stained glass panels, £40."
0:25:23 > 0:25:26But in 1949, same story,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29here it is - "Lot 28, £5."
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- Isn't that depressing?- Yeah.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34So put me out of my misery, OK?
0:25:34 > 0:25:36What have you found in the last ten years?
0:25:36 > 0:25:38We've found one of the tables.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- Yeah.- And a big thrill, we actually found the fire screen as well.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- Really?- Yeah.- So you were teasing me all along, weren't you?- Yeah, I was.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Can I see them, please?
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- They are up in the original setting. - Where they belong.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Matthew and I are heading to the clock tower,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55which houses the summer smoking room.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58This is arguably the most exquisite room
0:25:58 > 0:26:00created by Burges for Lord Bute.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04It features lavish decoration including the signs of the zodiac
0:26:04 > 0:26:09and a breathtaking dome painted with stars and constellations.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Wow. The assault on the senses.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16This is exactly how I remembered it.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18You will never forget this room, will you, as long as you live?
0:26:18 > 0:26:21I think it's one of the best 19th-century interiors in Britain.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23And this was his smoking room, so only...
0:26:23 > 0:26:26This was his summer smoking room.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- Right.- There's another one downstairs for use in the winter.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31OK, so only his best friends would come up here.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Just for the privileged few, during those six weeks of the year
0:26:33 > 0:26:39that Lord Bute was here, and they would be smoking exotic cigarettes
0:26:39 > 0:26:44and generally drinking and enjoying themselves, telling dirty stories.
0:26:44 > 0:26:45- And there's the table.- Yep.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49It's in a bit of a sorry state, isn't it? Where did you find it?
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Well, this is the interesting thing about it -
0:26:51 > 0:26:54it's in its unrestored state still,
0:26:54 > 0:26:58but what's happened to it in those years since 1949
0:26:58 > 0:27:00until it was rediscovered.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- It's got a bit damp.- It hasn't been treasured, hasn't been looked after.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Somebody might even have had it in a garage.- Yeah.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Are you going to get this restored?
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Yes, but it's going to be quite expensive to have done
0:27:10 > 0:27:13and of course we paid quite a lot of money for the table.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- How much did you pay for that? - This was £30,000.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16PAUL GASPS
0:27:16 > 0:27:17- In that state?- Yeah.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20It was discovered in an auction somewhere in Wales
0:27:20 > 0:27:22and recognised by somebody who offered it to us.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- And you had to have it. - Well, we did, didn't we?
0:27:25 > 0:27:27£30,000!
0:27:27 > 0:27:29I like it a lot. I like it a lot.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31And the fire screen, that catches the light there.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33The condition is very good.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34This was very much better.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37We were very pleased to find this in this state because again,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40it could have got severely damaged over the years.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43You can see this yellow glass that we've got here -
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Burges has actually included in the design a salamander
0:27:46 > 0:27:50on each circular panel, which is symbolic of renewal through fire,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- so he's carefully thought it all out.- Where did you find it?
0:27:53 > 0:27:55This was offered to us by a London dealer.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58He knew it had come from Cardiff Castle
0:27:58 > 0:28:01and so we had to pay 17,000 for it.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04That's not a lot of money compared to that.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- It was wonderful to have the two pieces back.- It must be.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- I can see...- I get very enthusiastic about this sort of
0:28:10 > 0:28:13thing, but it's getting harder and harder to find it, so I hope
0:28:13 > 0:28:16that with those few missing pieces you're going to help me with.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18I will do, especially at 30 grand a pop.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25The two pieces have finally been returned to their rightful place,
0:28:25 > 0:28:27just as Burges and Lord Bute envisaged.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34So in the last ten years, the castle has managed to find another two
0:28:34 > 0:28:38of the missing pieces of furniture, that makes a grand total of six.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40There are still a lot more pieces out there. Who owns them?
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Where are they?
0:28:42 > 0:28:45But judging by the condition of that small side table,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48I would guess in a damp garage or cellar somewhere.
0:28:48 > 0:28:49One thing is for sure,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for them and I hope you are too.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Back at Margam Country Park, I wonder if our experts have
0:28:59 > 0:29:03turned up anything as remarkable or rare as a piece by Burges.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07You never quite know what's wrapped up in these bags and packages,
0:29:07 > 0:29:12but it looks like Charles has come across a blast from the past at the BBC.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15What an interesting item, Clive and Carol.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- It's quite scientific, isn't it? - Well, we don't know what it is.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23That was the fascination, to find out really what it is or what it was.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Yes, I feel as though I should put on a voice,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28- because the BBC...- Yes. - This is the BBC.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33- Yes.- Are you receiving me yet? - Not yet.- Over.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34It's a receiver.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36It's a radio receiver.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40If you look on this top section here, Clive,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43you'll see what it is.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47It's called the Lissenophone Midget.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52- Yes.- Here's your tuning capacitor, which is in Bakelite.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57You can see on this section here, it says "phones".
0:29:57 > 0:30:03So you would have had an earpiece attached to both of these lacquered
0:30:03 > 0:30:06brass finishes here to pick up and
0:30:06 > 0:30:10- then tune in to BBC Home Service. - OK.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12OK?
0:30:12 > 0:30:17Here you can see your aerial for A would have been fastened here.
0:30:17 > 0:30:24Your earth wire would have linked into here, to actually allow
0:30:24 > 0:30:27the object to work.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30It's in remarkably nice condition.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34My instinct is, without being too precise on date,
0:30:34 > 0:30:40would be to say it's interwar years. So it could be 1920s, 1930s.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42The finish of it's very, very good.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46You've got this lacquered metal section here,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49on this beautiful mahogany body.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52With a very clean yet slightly worn logo.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- How did you acquire it? - Cleaning out the house when my father died.
0:30:57 > 0:30:58It was in the drawer.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00We don't know where he got it from,
0:31:00 > 0:31:04but he and my mother did quite a lot of house sales so he might've
0:31:04 > 0:31:08had a miscellaneous box and this just might have been part of it.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10OK, what's it worth, any idea?
0:31:10 > 0:31:13As it is, give me a fiver for it and you can have it.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Well, I say, take your fiver,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- I'm going to guide it between 40 and £60.- Wow.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- Lovely.- I propose a reserve of 20.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- Lovely.- 40 to 60, let's dial in. - OK. We're there.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28I'm sure a collector will snap that up.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Maybe they can get it working again and who knows what they might
0:31:31 > 0:31:35be able to hear out there on the airwaves.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- RADIO PIP - 'This is the BBC Home and Forces Programme.'
0:31:38 > 0:31:40But now it's my turn as I catch up
0:31:40 > 0:31:43with Chris, who I met in the queue earlier.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Who owns one of these, then?
0:31:45 > 0:31:46- No-one?- No.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Tea caddies are a thing of the past but I tell you what,
0:31:49 > 0:31:52they're a good thing to collect now, they really are.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- So how did you come across this one? - A boot sale.- No?!- Yes.- Really?
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- In Port Talbot.- How long ago?
0:31:59 > 0:32:02- Four weeks.- I don't believe you. Really?- Yeah.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04How much did you pay for that?
0:32:04 > 0:32:08- Hopefully lots of money. - Well, hubby paid £10 for it.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Ooh, that was a bargain, wasn't it? Wasn't that a bargain?
0:32:11 > 0:32:14This is George III, you know.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- This is circa 1790.- Well, I knew it was pretty old.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22This is really nice. It's a tortoiseshell tea caddy.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Technically, it's not tortoiseshell, it's turtle shell.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Blonde turtle shell, it's been cleaned up.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29But it's absolutely lovely,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32I like the fact it's got a little domed lid to it.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36If I open this up, two compartments,
0:32:36 > 0:32:41- who knows why there's two compartments?- Black tea and green tea.- Yes, good girl.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45Black tea and green tea. Look at that. It's even got its lining.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49That's tinfoil. That's there to keep the tea fresh.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53Incidentally, the word "caddy" comes from the Malay word "kati",
0:32:53 > 0:32:56which is the weight of measure a tea was originally sold in.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Little cubes, "katis". This is where we get the term "caddy" from.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03I like that. I really do like that.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06It looks like there's been evidence of no feet, which is quite
0:33:06 > 0:33:10interesting because most little caddies have little turned feet.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Architecturally, it makes them stand better.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15This one looks to me like it's never had any feet.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- If this was in much better condition and the market was stronger...- Yes.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21£400 to £600 any day of the week.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26But the fact that it's turtle shell, there's this Cites issue.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29Anything pre-1947 we can sell from an endangered species,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33but after that you can't. That's the cut-off period.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36People are against ivory and turtle shell nowadays but
0:33:36 > 0:33:39there are collectors out there that will buy this still.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43I like it a lot, it's not the best tortoiseshell caddy I've come
0:33:43 > 0:33:45across, it's got a bit of wire work missing here.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- There's a bit of damage.- Yes.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- But otherwise that silver can be done.- Yes.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52I think we could put this into auction with a valuation
0:33:52 > 0:33:55of £150 to 250.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- Not bad for ten quid, is it? - Brilliant.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- Now she's feeling guilty, aren't you? That you bought it for a tenner.- Yes, I am.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06'A tenner! Wow, Chris really got a good deal there.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09'Fingers crossed we can improve on that.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12'We've still got one more item to find and I think someone
0:34:12 > 0:34:15'has uncovered a historic gem.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17'Mark Stacey, I presume.'
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Edward, now, you've brought a fascinating book in to us.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21Tell us all about it.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- I acquired it seven years ago in a car-boot sale.- No!
0:34:25 > 0:34:29I looked down at the floor in a box and there was all these old
0:34:29 > 0:34:31books and this caught my eye.
0:34:31 > 0:34:37And I picked it up, turned a page or two, and I thought, "Ahh!
0:34:37 > 0:34:41- "This is signed by David Livingstone himself."- Gosh.- Signed by him!
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- Of "Mr Livingstone, I presume?" - Yeah, the famous explorer.- Exactly.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49And if we open it, actually, we can see that we've got -
0:34:49 > 0:34:50who had the book - Captain...
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- Yeah, several people have had the book, yeah.- ..Forbes.
0:34:53 > 0:34:58But then you've got this wonderful handwritten inscription,
0:34:58 > 0:35:03"Major General Charles Murray, May," and then there's a little note
0:35:03 > 0:35:08from him, signed David Livingstone, London, 29th of October 1857.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- Quite old.- It is quite old.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13It's amazing, and then as you go through the book there are
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- various lithographic plates.- Yes.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20And you have the title page as well there.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22And you've done some further research, haven't you?
0:35:22 > 0:35:28Yeah, I found out who the person was, Major General Charles Murray,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32and he was a famous general, went back as far as Waterloo.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37- Gosh, really?- And then it passed on to another two people since.- Gosh.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41And these people were just clearing out and hadn't looked at the book,
0:35:41 > 0:35:42- just...- Didn't look inside, yeah.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44Well, the book was in such a bad state,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47I suppose they didn't think it was worth anything.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- Do you want to know how much I paid? - I'd love to know how much you paid.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51Don't tell anybody else.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- Well, nobody watches the show, so it's fine.- I paid a pound for it.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- A pound?- Yes, a pound. - A whole Welsh pound.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00What I find fascinating is that I'm handling
0:36:00 > 0:36:04a book that was written by this famous person,
0:36:04 > 0:36:09- who signed it and presented it to another famous person.- Yes.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13It is good that, as you say, it's not signed to AN Other.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- Yeah.- It's signed to a person of note, as well.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19And signed, obviously, by Livingstone.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22It is a difficult thing to value, though.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Myself, I think we've got to protect it, so I would suggest an
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- estimate of £1,000 at £1,500, to be honest with you.- Yes, that's OK.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31And we can protect it, of course, with a reserve of £1,000,
0:36:31 > 0:36:35because if it doesn't sell for that you can keep it as an investment.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Quite happy to keep it, yes.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41So you're ready for our own expedition into the jungle world of the auction.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Yes, certainly, all the way to Cardiff.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48That's an incredible find, and I've a feeling that's going to
0:36:48 > 0:36:51stir up serious excitement at the auction.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Well, that's it, our experts have now found their final items
0:36:54 > 0:36:58to take to auction, and I can't wait to put those valuations to
0:36:58 > 0:37:02the test, so sadly it's time to say farewell to our magnificent host location
0:37:02 > 0:37:05and the hundreds of people who have turned up today.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07What a day it's been, everyone's enjoyed themselves.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10But right now, here's a quick recap of all the items going under the hammer,
0:37:10 > 0:37:12and this is Jessie, and thank you for saying this,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14and here's the quick recap in Welsh.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Go on.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18A dyma'r pethau a fydd yn mynd ar y sel heddiw.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21That was brilliant. Let's flog it!
0:37:21 > 0:37:22Well done.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Clive and Carol's BBC receiver, which they found in a drawer.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33The lovely turtle-shell tea caddy spotted at a car-boot sale.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40But the biggest discovery of all, David Livingstone's signed book.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43Back at Rogers Jones & Co,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Ben is still hard at work on the rostrum,
0:37:46 > 0:37:48but before we start our first lot
0:37:48 > 0:37:51I want to take a look at the David Livingstone book.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55Published in 1857, the book tells of Livingstone's adventures in
0:37:55 > 0:37:59South Africa over a 16-year period.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Born in Scotland, he was a Christian missionary,
0:38:01 > 0:38:04explorer and anti-slavery campaigner.
0:38:04 > 0:38:09As one of the first Europeans to penetrate the interior of Africa,
0:38:09 > 0:38:14he famously named Victoria Falls and became a hero of the Victorian age.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20I didn't see this at the valuation day, Mark.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- I know, it's amazing, Paul, isn't it?- It's fantastic.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- Some people have all the luck.- Have you got high hopes for this, Mark?
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Well, we've put £1,000-£1,500,
0:38:28 > 0:38:30but how can you value something like that?
0:38:30 > 0:38:32PAUL INHALES DEEPLY
0:38:32 > 0:38:34This we could have a big surprise with.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Whatever you do, do not go away.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40I reckon a lot more than what Mark thinks.
0:38:40 > 0:38:45All will be revealed, but first up, it's the BBC receiver.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49I love this next item. It's not a lot of money.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51It's a real curio, it's a little, tiny radio receiver,
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- but it looks like a piece of sculpture.- Yes.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- It's got the BBC on it. - It has, yes.- Hasn't it?- Yes.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58I think you're spot-on with the value.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- Yeah, I hope so. It's a real curio. - Yeah.- A real boy's toy.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- Of course it is.- Love it.- Something for the desktop, to play with.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06We're putting this under the hammer right now. Good luck.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- Thank you.- This is it.
0:39:08 > 0:39:14The wooden, brass and celluloid radio receiver, bearing BBC crest.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17I'm straight in at £80. Is there 5?
0:39:17 > 0:39:1985. 90 with me. Is there 5?
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- 95. 100 bid.- Clive, this is good. This is very good.
0:39:23 > 0:39:24- Fantastic!- We never thought.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- 110 in the room.- One more. It's picking up.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Out online, OK. 110, it's in the room. Is everybody done?
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- At 110, here we go, at 110. - Brilliant thing.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- Hammer's up now.- It's a brilliant thing.- Fantastic!
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- Sold!- 110, that sold. I'd love to have owned that as well.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39- It's just...- Why didn't you say?
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Well, cos we're not allowed to buy things,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- but I could see that on my desk at home, because it's fun.- It's lovely.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Yeah, and it's all about the BBC as well, which is brilliant.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50'That was a real gem, and a great result.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54'Next it's tea-time, with the stylish Georgian caddy.'
0:39:56 > 0:39:58Right, it's my turn to be the expert.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02I fell in love with this, and it belongs to Chris, who's looking very colourful.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- Fingers crossed for this.- Oh, yes. - I think I've pitched this to sell.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07I think this will go, and it's in good company,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09there's two or three other caddies today,
0:40:09 > 0:40:12so hopefully the caddy collectors would have picked this up.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13- Jolly good.- It's a quality item.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17OK, ready? This is it, it's going under the hammer.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22A wonderful tortoiseshell tea caddy, lot 336.
0:40:22 > 0:40:28- Off I go, 340. At 340, is there 60? - Hey-hey! High-five.- Whoa!
0:40:28 > 0:40:32At 360, 380. At £380, is there 400?
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- At 380.- Yeah, I was a bit cautious about the damage.- Yes.- 400. 420.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- Well, it looks as if they've fancied it, yeah.- Is everybody done?
0:40:39 > 0:40:45At 420, last call, then, at 420, here we go.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48420, that was literally straight in and straight out.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50I think he had two or three commission bids left
0:40:50 > 0:40:52- on the high point there.- Maybe, yes. - Up in the high 300s.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56Chris, that's a brilliant result. It was fantastic, wasn't it?
0:40:56 > 0:40:58- Give us a hug.- Big hug!
0:40:58 > 0:41:00- You're right.- Well done.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04'That's not bad for a £10 investment. What a brilliant result.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09'Next up, that historic book signed by one of the greatest names
0:41:09 > 0:41:12'in Victorian history, David Livingstone.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14'I've been looking forward to this.'
0:41:14 > 0:41:17Well, our next item was bought for just £1 at
0:41:17 > 0:41:20a car-boot sale several years ago, yes, just £1.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24It belongs to Edward. Can you remember the day you bought this?
0:41:24 > 0:41:25Were you excited?
0:41:25 > 0:41:27I didn't get too excited at the time,
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- I had to verify whether it was genuine.- Yeah.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34- I thought 99% it was, yes.- And the book's in pretty good condition,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36all the plates are there, there's no pages missing.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39I think this is a... I would totally agree with you, you know,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41we're looking for £1,500, maybe £2,000,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44but this should be in a museum, and if somebody picks up on this
0:41:44 > 0:41:47hopefully we're looking at two to three grand.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49- I don't know, the sky's the limit. - I don't know, Paul.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53Who doesn't know the expression "Mr Livingstone, I presume"?
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- We all know it, we were brought up at school on these stories.- We were.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58I mean, it really brought my childhood back,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01that expression, and it really made me tingle when I saw it.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- Yeah, and it's something you'd love to own.- Oh, it's wonderful.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Hopefully we're going to have this roller-coaster ride,
0:42:06 > 0:42:08and it's starting right now.
0:42:08 > 0:42:09This is it.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14Lot 391, what a wonderful item to have in a saleroom,
0:42:14 > 0:42:17it's been a privilege to look after it for a few weeks.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20The volume of Livingstone's Missionary Travels In South Africa,
0:42:20 > 0:42:21with wonderful provenance.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25- I'm straight in at £1,800.- Ooh! There you go.- Is there 19 now?
0:42:25 > 0:42:27At 1,800, 1,900,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29£2,000.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- Paul, you were right. - It's a lovely item here. At 2.2.
0:42:31 > 0:42:332.4.
0:42:33 > 0:42:342,600 online.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39- Ooh, yes!- 2,600. Is there 8 now? At 2,600.
0:42:39 > 0:42:412,600, 2,700.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- 2,800.- 2,800. - Are we going to do the 3,000?- 2,900.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- We will do the 3,000. We will, we've got to.- £3,000.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- Yes!- 3,000, and I'm out. At £3,000, it's online.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54At £3,000, is everybody done?
0:42:54 > 0:42:58- £3,000 and here it goes. Hammer's up now.- £3,000.- £3,000...
0:42:58 > 0:42:59Oh, I'm tingling.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03Edward, you must be tingling, that's brilliant. £3,000!
0:43:03 > 0:43:07- Thank you, thank you.- Ahh! - For a pound investment.- £1.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09Oh, I'm tingling all over. That is so exciting.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Thank you for making my day. I hope we've made your day as well.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15Join us again for many more surprises,
0:43:15 > 0:43:17but sadly that is the end of today's show.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Come and join me, you both deserve it.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Dr Livingstone, I presume, how about that?
0:43:22 > 0:43:24- Hopefully it's gone to a museum. - I hope so, yes.- I hope so as well.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28Join us again next time for many more surprises on "Flog It!"