0:00:03 > 0:00:08MUSIC: Flute Concerto No 2 in D Major by Mozart
0:00:08 > 0:00:11What do you do when you have a big collection of fine art and antiques
0:00:11 > 0:00:13and nowhere to put them?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Well, the answer is, you build a museum
0:00:15 > 0:00:19and that's exactly what John and Josephine Bowes did in County Durham,
0:00:19 > 0:00:22back in the 19th century.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26Welcome to the Bowes Museum and welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:47 > 0:00:50The exterior of the Bowes Museum looks like a French town hall
0:00:50 > 0:00:54and the reason for this is that Josephine Bowes was French,
0:00:54 > 0:00:57so they designed and built it in the French style,
0:00:57 > 0:00:58using metric measurements,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01which must have confused the local builders no end.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07John, who was the illegitimate son of the 10th Earl of Strathmore,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10had met Josephine, an actress, in Paris.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13They fell in love, married
0:01:13 > 0:01:16and set about indulging their shared love of collecting.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21And we can see the fruits of their passion here at the museum -
0:01:21 > 0:01:25the hundreds of paintings, the collection of fine French furniture
0:01:25 > 0:01:28and all manner of fascinating objects from all over Europe.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34But now, it's time to get to the front of the building,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37where a large queue is eagerly waiting.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Could there be anywhere more appropriate for our experts
0:01:42 > 0:01:44to make their valuations
0:01:44 > 0:01:47than this temple of fine art and antique collecting?
0:01:47 > 0:01:49Hundreds of people have turned up,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52laden with their own antiques and collectibles. Yes, look!
0:01:52 > 0:01:55And, hopefully, one or two will be going home
0:01:55 > 0:01:58delighted with the news of what our experts will have to say
0:01:58 > 0:02:01and you might make a small fortune in auction - but not you, madam!
0:02:01 > 0:02:04But right now, there's only one question on everybody's lips,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08which is... CROWD: What's it worth? Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Preparing herself to provide the answers
0:02:13 > 0:02:16is auctioneer Elizabeth Talbot.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18This is lovely. A little Bunnykins bowl.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21And that is just the sort of weather I'd love to be having now.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23That's beautiful. We'll have a look inside.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25And joining her today
0:02:25 > 0:02:28is knowledgeable antiques expert Paul Laidlaw.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Very pleasing, vey pleasing. And... CLEAR RINGING
0:02:32 > 0:02:34..no problems with that at all.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41We've set up our valuation tables in one of the fine picture galleries
0:02:41 > 0:02:44and here we are, surrounded by fine works of art
0:02:44 > 0:02:47from artists from all over the world. It's quite incredible.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50But there's one artist I want to point out to you.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Up there, those large 19-century French landscapes
0:02:54 > 0:02:56are by Josephine Bowes herself.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00She was an incredibly talented artist. They're beautifully executed.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02There is one picture which stands out for me, though,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05and it's the great British bull up there.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07That's definitely not Josephine's taste,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09more the taste of her husband, John.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12But right now, we're interested in the taste of our experts.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14Let's take a closer look at what they've found
0:03:14 > 0:03:16at the valuation tables.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Elizabeth is starting us off
0:03:20 > 0:03:23with a piece of silver which is a long way from home.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26Lovely to meet you.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Thank you so much for bringing your lovely little cup.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Tell me what you know about it. Well, it was a family item.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35It belonged to my grandfather first and then my mother
0:03:35 > 0:03:37and when she died, it passed on to me.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39And you've treasured it and prized it, have you,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41and it's been in pride of place in the cabinet? No.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43THEY LAUGH
0:03:43 > 0:03:46It's been wrapped in tissue in the attic. Oh, has it?
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Hence, probably, why it's in such lovely condition.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52It's really pristine, isn't it? What do you know of it as an object?
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Well, until I came here, I didn't have a clue what it was
0:03:55 > 0:03:59and I was told it was a Russian vodka cup. Mmm-hmm.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Yes, it is Russian, very distinctively Russian.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04One of the factors which makes it so distinctive
0:04:04 > 0:04:06is the way it's been decorated.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08First of all, the view on it is of the Kremlin. Right.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Which is a bit of a giveaway. But this black on silver -
0:04:12 > 0:04:14this is a very specific form of decoration
0:04:14 > 0:04:16which the Russians prize themselves in.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20It's called niello work. N-I-E-L-L-O. Yeah.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24It's a combination of sulphides of copper, silver and lead
0:04:24 > 0:04:26which makes this rich black colour
0:04:26 > 0:04:30which they can rub into a surface which has been predecorated.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Oh, right. It makes the engraved decoration stand out,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36almost like a lined drawing, an engraving.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38That makes it very distinctive.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42It was made between about 1899 and 1917. It's that sort of period.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44That would be about the time
0:04:44 > 0:04:47my grandfather had his business in Berlin
0:04:47 > 0:04:49where he was a master jeweller. Really? Oh, wow.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51And he had a big shop in Berlin,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54so it might have been amongst his stock there.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56I think it's lovely and I really like it.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59We don't see so very much Russian artefacts in this country.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03There are pockets of it, but always lovely quality. Yeah.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Presumably, you have little idea of its actual value. None at all.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08Generally, there is a huge collectors' market
0:05:08 > 0:05:11for Russian silver and, of course, Russia and its economy,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13being as strong as it is, there is a lot of interest
0:05:13 > 0:05:16from the homeland of people looking to buy back
0:05:16 > 0:05:18or to collect their own traditional artefacts,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21so it's a good time to be selling it, I think.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Do you want to guess what it might be worth?
0:05:23 > 0:05:25No idea, really. Not at all.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29I would think that it would be worth in the region of about ?150-?200,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31would be my estimate for auction. Goodness, yeah.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34That's not a bad price. Is that all right? Yeah. OK?
0:05:34 > 0:05:37In which case, if we place a reserve on it for you.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41?150 reserve, estimate of ?150-?200 and we'll just see.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44If it's protected with a reserve, it'll just find its feet.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Thank you. It's good of you to come in. Thank you. Thank you.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51In such splendid condition, we should have a good shot at selling that.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56Paul, next, who has also come across some family items.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Hi, Ann, Chris, how are you? You come armed.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03There's got to be a great story behind these objects.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07The ceremonial sword was brought home from the Second World War
0:06:07 > 0:06:10by my dad. He was in the Royal Navy on landing craft. I see.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Before the war, he was trained as a telegraphist... Yes.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16..and he worked on a newspaper. Right.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19He volunteered for the air force but they put him in the navy
0:06:19 > 0:06:21because he could do the Morse code.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23He was over the moon about that. He wasn't!
0:06:23 > 0:06:26I think he was seasick most of the war. Yeah.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Anyway, somehow he came by this when he was in Italy
0:06:29 > 0:06:32and he brought it home with him at the end of the war
0:06:32 > 0:06:34and it's been in our family ever since.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36But most recently, just on the shelf.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Most recently on a bedroom shelf, really.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42I don't know where else you're going to put your dress dagger. Yeah.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47As far as I know, it's a ceremonial sword. Absolutely is.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52So, that's that, but a generation before, someone earned these medals.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55These belonged to HIS father, my grandfather,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58who was a stretcher-bearer, a medic, in the First World War.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Wonderful. Two generations.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05We have, here, the British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Anyone that served in the First World War
0:07:07 > 0:07:10would be entitled to these, so we can imagine
0:07:10 > 0:07:13the hundreds of thousands, millions that circulate, OK.
0:07:13 > 0:07:19What I like about the Victory Medal is this fabulous ribbon here
0:07:19 > 0:07:23bears the colours from all the flags
0:07:23 > 0:07:26of the allies during the First World War.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30It's a poignant remembrance, so far as I'm concerned.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Now, I did hint on huge numbers that are out there. Yeah.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37And all of the corps of these, the non-regimental - the artillery,
0:07:37 > 0:07:42the engineers, the medical corps - they're pretty unloved. Yeah. Yeah.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46Everyone respects what these represent
0:07:46 > 0:07:49but there are a great deal out there and they command modest sums.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54This little pair here, medical corps, get ?20-?40 in auction.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57And there's nothing you or I can do about that. That's the going rate.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Look, the guy survived the war, which is lovely,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03and one of his sons survived the Second World War,
0:08:03 > 0:08:06applying for the RAF, ending up landing craft.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10Well, it could have been invasion of Sicily,
0:08:10 > 0:08:14and at some point, he probably traded this
0:08:14 > 0:08:17for cigarettes or whatever. Yeah.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20I thought I remember him saying he won it at a card game, but...
0:08:20 > 0:08:25There you go. No, that's entirely plausible. What is it?
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Well, it's actually a pre-war
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Italian air force cadet's dress sidearm,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35represented here by the crossguard modelled as wings.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39I tell you what, it's a scarce object. Really?
0:08:39 > 0:08:42These do not turn up so very often at all
0:08:42 > 0:08:45and there's a very healthy demand for such.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50Value-wise, I'd suggest ?150-?200 under the hammer,
0:08:50 > 0:08:54which is a pretty healthy little sum. Yeah.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58I'm hoping that you would like to take this to auction
0:08:58 > 0:09:03and see what comes of it. Yeah. Yes. And the medals, likewise?
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Absolutely. Yeah. Well, two separate lots, I'd advise that for sure.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Different markets, different collector base.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15?20-?40 on our medical corps Great War pair, ?20 reserve.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19And the dagger, ?150-?200's our estimate, ?150 reserve,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22and we are aiming for the sky. We hope for good results.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Sounds good. That's great, thanks.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Now, we've had a wonderful, warm welcome here
0:09:29 > 0:09:31from the people of County Durham
0:09:31 > 0:09:34and, although it's a bit of a wrench to leave this museum,
0:09:34 > 0:09:35the auction is beckoning.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39But before we go, let's have another look at what we're taking with us.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43The silver shot glass is from Russia.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Let's hope the bidders are going to love it.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Two military lots next - medals from the First World War...
0:09:55 > 0:09:59..and a rare ceremonial dagger, dating from the Second World War.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07We're heading west, across the Yorkshire Dales,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09to the glorious South Lakeland,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12which is home to Eighteen Eighteen Auctioneers,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15a business that has been going since -
0:10:15 > 0:10:17yes, you guessed it - 1818.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Remember, if you are buying or selling in an auction room,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24there is commission to pay. Now here, at Eighteen Eighteen Auctioneers,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27it's 20%, including VAT.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30But these commissions do vary from saleroom to saleroom,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33so check the details. It's all printed in the catalogue.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35If you're unsure, ask a member of staff.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Don't get caught out when that hammer goes down.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41And we have two auctioneers looking after us today -
0:10:41 > 0:10:44David Brookes and Kevin Kendal.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48Going under the hammer right now,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51something I've never seen on the show before. I think this is quite rare.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53It's a wonderful Italian dress dagger.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Paul, our expert, found this and it belongs to Chris and Ann.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Now, Ann cannot be with us today, Chris. Where is she?
0:11:00 > 0:11:05She's up in Newcastle. She's recording an album for a charity.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08But hopefully, if anything goes on the dagger,
0:11:08 > 0:11:10it will go towards the production costs. Brilliant!
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I like stories like that and I like this dagger.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16It's a very rare thing. Yeah.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19It's the only one I've seen come on the market in donkey's years.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It's going under the hammer right now.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Italian air cadet's ceremonial dagger.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29Can I start then at ?110 for a start. 100? I'll start at 80 then.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32?80 we'll go. ?80 bid.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Any interest on the net? 85. 90. 5. 100 now.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38100. 110 anywhere? 100.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40I'll take 10s anywhere. ?100.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Are we all done this time? No, at 100.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45This is reserved. I'm afraid we're going to have to pass that today.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Gosh, that's a blow. But we have two lots
0:11:48 > 0:11:52and all the money from the medals is going towards production costs.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Fingers crossed with that as well.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Here we go. Let's find out what they're worth.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59The First World War medal pair.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01What can I ask for this for a start? ?20.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04?20, thank you. ?20, straight in on the net. 22.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08There's no reserve on these, is there? No. 25.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Come on, this is more like it. 28.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Hugely undervalued, these. 28. 28. 30 anywhere? 28.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16?28, going this time then. HE BANGS GAVEL
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Hammer's gone down at ?28. You need the money.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Yeah. That's on the money.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25I think the dagger, too obscure. Find yourself a specialist...
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Militarist. And I think you'll beat your expectations, OUR expectations.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32Smashing. Yeah, well it's worth doing. Yeah, all is not lost.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Get it into a specialist militaria sale, as Paul says,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37and, hopefully, the proceeds will go towards those recording costs.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41That's great. That's great. Hopefully. Thanks very much.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43What a shame the dagger didn't sell.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45But it was worth protecting with a reserve.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52The next lot may be small but it is in immaculate condition.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Good luck. We're just about to sell the Russian shot glass.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57It's been in your family a little while. Yes.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00It's good quality, isn't it, hence the value.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02The Russian buyers do buy quite heavily
0:13:02 > 0:13:04and they will like this kind of thing. Hopefully.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07We're on the internet. Hopefully, they'll pick up our reference.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10It's easily postable in bubble wrap and a little box. Yes.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13So it's got everything going for it. Let's put it under the hammer.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Russian silver vodka shot glass.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17Again, various commissions.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21I'm going to have to start the bidding at 130, 140...?150.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Ooh. Straight in. With me at 150. Straight in and sold.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28160, 170, 180. Commission's out. 180 in the room.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30190 on the internet. 200 in the room.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33220 on the internet. 240 in the room.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36240 in the room. Have we finished? It's your bid, sir, at 240.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41I don't think there's anything going. In the room here at ?240.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42HE BANGS GAVEL
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Hey, worth toasting that one. Brilliant. Better than I thought.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Well, you know why, don't you?
0:13:48 > 0:13:50That was quality and we keep saying it on the show.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Our experts always say it. Quality always... Sells.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00That's the end of our first visit to the saleroom and so far, so good.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Some happy owners and that's what it's all about.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06We are coming back here later on in the programme, so don't go away.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09There could be one or two big surprises.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Back to the picture galleries,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19where the valuations are taking place
0:14:19 > 0:14:22and where there are still plenty of people arriving,
0:14:22 > 0:14:26in the hope that they have brought in something worth a small fortune.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30Let's get over to our experts and see what they've found.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32And it's time to catch up with Elizabeth.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34So, David, we have, here, a Rolex watch.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37It's the pinnacle of watch names, very collectible.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Tell me the history of it, please.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42I bought it in Singapore in 1969 from... It was a NAAFI shop.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46It cost me ?53. Did it really? A lot of money in those days, I guess.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48It was a month's wages. Yes.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51So you were serving at that time, were you? Royal Marines. Right.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54So, was that a treat for you to buy that?
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Well, I was going diving out there at the time
0:14:57 > 0:14:59and if you'd got to have a diving watch,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01you either bought a Rolex or an Omega
0:15:01 > 0:15:04which were the two top watches, the decent diving watches at the time.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07So I went and bought myself one.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09My goodness, so although it was a luxury good,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12you bought it to utilise as a watch. As an everyday watch.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15I wore it every day. You've obviously worn it quite a bit
0:15:15 > 0:15:19because my only comment would be the condition of it is not quite...
0:15:19 > 0:15:22It's had a new face and a new bevel on many years
0:15:22 > 0:15:25cos I done rock climbing and it gets damaged on the rocks. Good for you.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27I lost a strap cos I used to put a cloth strap on
0:15:27 > 0:15:29for the military years and I lost that
0:15:29 > 0:15:31so I just put a replacement strap on many years later.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34It complements it quite well, I have to say.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36It's lost the bezel from round the outside
0:15:36 > 0:15:38and then a bit of damage on the glass, as you would expect,
0:15:38 > 0:15:40but apart from that, it's very collectible.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43It's been a good watch that I've worn since '69.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45And when David bought his watch,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48it would have looked something like this.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Rolex, obviously, a fantastic name, in terms of watches,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54as you pointed out. Established in 1905
0:15:54 > 0:15:56and one of the best Swiss manufacturer of watches,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58certainly in the 20th century.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Because of the cult status, they hold as superb timepieces,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04but they are also very wearable still
0:16:04 > 0:16:06and people do like that vintage look.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09They like to invest in something which maintains the value,
0:16:09 > 0:16:11that is still worth quite a bit today.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14So, you haven't worn it for a little while then?
0:16:14 > 0:16:17No, I don't know whether it stopped keeping good time or not,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19but it's worked ever since I put it on
0:16:19 > 0:16:22and I took it into a jeweller's shop two years ago.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25I thought I'd get it done up again and he said, "I can't touch it."
0:16:25 > 0:16:28You've got to send it back to them. It's got to go back to them
0:16:28 > 0:16:29and they said that'll cost ?1,000
0:16:29 > 0:16:32but it will be worth about ?8,000 afterwards,
0:16:32 > 0:16:34so I put it back in the drawer.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Until we came along and you think you'll now call it quits.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39I saw "Flog It!" was coming, cos we watch it all the time,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42so we brought a few other trinkets and we've had a day out today.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Well, it's been lovely to see you.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47So, we're looking to liquidise the asset you have here
0:16:47 > 0:16:48and put it at auction. Yes.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52For the reasons we've discussed and the condition it's in,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54obviously it won't be worth the ?8,000.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57That's after restoration and so on,
0:16:57 > 0:16:59but there have been other precedents set,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02so we can trace the likely interest and I think, at the moment,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05in that condition, it wouldn't be unfair to suggest
0:17:05 > 0:17:07a price of between ?3,000 and ?5,000. Right.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Well, I was hoping to get ?4,000 at least for it. Right.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13But you don't think that would make ?4,000?
0:17:13 > 0:17:18I think if you suggested an estimate of ?4,000 and upwards from there
0:17:18 > 0:17:21at the moment, in that condition, it would probably frighten people off.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24So, ?3,000-?5,000. ?3,000-?5,000 would be sensible. Yep.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27And a fixed reserve of ?3,000 on it to safety-net it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Yes, that's fine. We'll see you at the auction.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32OK, thank you. Nice to see you. Take care. Thank you.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36That's what I call a well-loved watch.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Over to Paul now,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40who has found something that brings back a bygone era.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Pat, Mike, hi.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45You have got an astonishing collection of photographs
0:17:45 > 0:17:49of stars of stage and screen, back in the day.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53How do you come to own such a collection? I inherited it. Right.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56I think it must have been my paternal grandmother
0:17:56 > 0:17:57that started the collection. Yeah.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00I know she was very keen on theatre and music hall. I see.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04I never knew her. She died before I was born. Right.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07I found these in an old shoe box among Mum's photographs
0:18:07 > 0:18:10and I gathered them together in the albums.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13So, we're looking at the 1920s and either side
0:18:13 > 0:18:18and your grandmother, I guess, would have seen some of these celebrities.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Must have done. Dad was born in 1917. Yeah.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26And he remembers going to music hall and theatre with his mum.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28Where is this? Is this the Northeast?
0:18:28 > 0:18:31No, it would be in Surrey or Hampshire, that sort of area.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34That's where they lived then. Do we know how many there are? Go on.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38About 130. Yeah. 130? Yeah, I think so. That is good going.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42They knew how to take a photograph then. Anna Neagle. Yes. Anna Neagle.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Now there's a name I recognise. That looks signed, doesn't it?
0:18:45 > 0:18:47I've come across this technique before.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51While you can see an impression that you think was made by a pen nib,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55it is, nevertheless, a printed process. Right. Right.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Very sophisticated and would certainly catch the unwary
0:18:59 > 0:19:02and you wouldn't want to have
0:19:02 > 0:19:06a signed portrait of Audrey Hepburn, back in the day,
0:19:06 > 0:19:08and then find out it was one of these sophisticated reproductions
0:19:08 > 0:19:10which are inferior by far.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13That's a little insight into how careful we have to be
0:19:13 > 0:19:15in this field of autographs.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Talking about Audrey Hepburn and the later stars,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Vivien Leigh, that looks like. Late 1940s.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25If that had been signed in her hand, there's a lot on its own.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27However, we've got, going back,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30a whole load of people that most people have never heard of. Sure.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Yes. And I think, under the hammer, they're not worth ?1 a card. No.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36My estimate would be a cautious,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39though likely realistic, ?40-?80 for the collection.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Would you part at that? I would, yes. Yeah?
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Would you like a reserve? I'm not bothered about a reserve.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47You'll let them go. Yeah. ?40-?80's our estimate.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51I think they'll do that - if the gods are with us, even more -
0:19:51 > 0:19:54and I can't wait to see what happens on the day. Grand.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Hello, Clare. Hello.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Thank you for bringing this lovely shiny tea set.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09What's the history behind it?
0:20:09 > 0:20:14It was given to me by my mother for our 25th silver wedding anniversary
0:20:14 > 0:20:19and her husband bought it for her 25th, for their wedding anniversary.
0:20:19 > 0:20:25Yes? So she passed it on to me. Now I've no use for it. OK.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28You don't serve your tea in this every day? No, no.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31So, you're looking to sell then? Yes.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Do you know who it's by or the date of it or anything? No.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Nothing at all. The great thing about silver is in most cases,
0:20:37 > 0:20:39when it's English silver, it's possible to be very precise
0:20:39 > 0:20:42about when it was assayed, tested and passed
0:20:42 > 0:20:45as being full of sterling silver and normally we find out who made it
0:20:45 > 0:20:47and the date it was assayed,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49so it gives you a good, big package of information.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53The marks on yours indicate that it was assayed in 1965
0:20:53 > 0:20:56but it was made by JB Chatterley Sons Ltd
0:20:56 > 0:21:00and that was originally John Bishop Chatterley Sons,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04who was established in about 1880 in Birmingham.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06But this one is mid-20th century in date,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09so we're getting quite late, in terms of production of tea sets.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13And it looks as though both your parents and yourself
0:21:13 > 0:21:14have not really used it very much
0:21:14 > 0:21:18and it's been kept in wonderful crisp, clean condition.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20No, it's never been used, hardly.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Well, it's all the better for that now. Yeah.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25So, if you were to sell it, what would you do?
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Would you buy something else?
0:21:27 > 0:21:29It's our 40th wedding anniversary next month,
0:21:29 > 0:21:34so we'd like to go away somewhere. Oh, congratulations.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38So, keep the wedding theme going but in a different format. Yes.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Oh, that's lovely. I mean, it is good.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45It borrows strongly from the 18th century Georgian style of tea sets
0:21:45 > 0:21:49that we find from 200 years earlier. It's quite heavy gauge silver,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51so quite a decent weight to each of the pieces which is nice.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54But, like yourself, most people in the market these days,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57wouldn't buy it to use it. Value will reflect that though -
0:21:57 > 0:21:59that the demand will not be for the usage of it,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02but more for the aesthetics of it.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03I would think that, currently,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06you'd be looking at a realistic open-market value
0:22:06 > 0:22:08of about ?250-?350 for the set. Yeah.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Which, compared to where it was a few years ago,
0:22:11 > 0:22:13is weak and a bit disappointing,
0:22:13 > 0:22:17but that's very much reflective of the 21st century way of living.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20People just... We don't drink tea in a leisurely way any more
0:22:20 > 0:22:22out of nice things like this.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Would you be happy to put it for auction at ?250-?350? That's fine.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30The silver market can fluctuate up and down within a week or two.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32The markets are forever changing,
0:22:32 > 0:22:34so if the silver prices continue to go up,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36it might be that you make a little bit more. Right.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39But I think it's a fair assessment, as it stands at the moment,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41and we'll try our hardest to get as much as possible.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Is that OK? That's lovely. Wonderful.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Thank you very much for coming in. Thank you.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51If only we did live the sort of lives that require a silver tea service.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53There you are. You've just seen them.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Our experts have made their final choice of items
0:22:55 > 0:22:58to take off to the saleroom, which means, sadly,
0:22:58 > 0:23:00we have to say goodbye to the Bowes Museum,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03surrounded by wonderful art and antiques all day long.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Hopefully, we'll make some history of our own today,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08but let's say goodbye to all our people as well.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11CROWD: Bye. And thank you so much for turning up.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13We wouldn't have a show without that lot, would we?
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Right now, we've got some business to do in the saleroom.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Let's put those valuations to the test.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Here's a quick recap of what's going under the hammer.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26First, we have the Rolex watch which looks like it really has lived.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Followed by the albums containing photos
0:23:33 > 0:23:36of the stars of the stage and silver screen.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44And we round things off elegantly with the Edwardian silver tea set,
0:23:44 > 0:23:46fashioned in the Georgian style.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53We're heading back to the Lakes and the auction house
0:23:53 > 0:23:55for our final selection of items.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59Looking after our first lot is auctioneer David Brookes.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Going under the hammer right now, we've got that wonderful photo album
0:24:04 > 0:24:06showing the stars of stage and screen from the 1920s,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10belonging to Pat and Mike. Good to see you both again.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12These have been in the family a long time.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Yes, they were my paternal grandma's.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Is this something that the dealers will pick on
0:24:17 > 0:24:19for one or two specific photographs in there?
0:24:19 > 0:24:22There's a lot of value in, let's say, four or five items,
0:24:22 > 0:24:24rather than the generic book. Without a shadow of a doubt.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Some of these stars have stood the test of time,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29so there's a few that make the album.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Yeah, fingers crossed. It's going under the hammer right now.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36The selection of vintage postcards. Celebrity interest.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Start me at 40 then, please. ?40? Right, we're in. Thank you sir.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Bidder in the room. 42. 45.
0:24:42 > 0:24:4448. 50 now.
0:24:44 > 0:24:4755. In the room at 55.
0:24:47 > 0:24:4960. 65. 70.
0:24:49 > 0:24:5275. 80 on the internet.
0:24:52 > 0:24:5585 in the room. Have we finished?
0:24:55 > 0:24:5790. 95, room bidder.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00It's against you on the internet. We have 95. 100 now.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03110. 110 in the room.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05In the room at 110. They're having a think.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08120 now on the internet. No? Thank you anyway.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10120 here on the internet.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13And we will sell if no further interest at 120 to the net buyer.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16HE BANGS GAVEL Hammer's gone down. ?120. Ooh.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Good result. Yeah, good result.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22One or two there that thought, "There's something interesting,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24"I'm going to invest and take a chance on it."
0:25:24 > 0:25:27It was a good valuation. That's terrific. Thank you so much.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28Well, good stuff.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Job done. Time now for the Rolex watch.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36But will its poor condition hold it back?
0:25:36 > 0:25:39There's only one name in watches, as far as I'm concerned,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42as far as you're concerned. That's the Submariner, it's the Rolex.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Classic. Are you going to replace it with anything? I don't think so.
0:25:45 > 0:25:46I've got a mobile phone now.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49Oh, yeah, everyone tells the time from their phone, don't they? Yep.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52I tell you what though, people are buying Rolexes
0:25:52 > 0:25:55and they're paying good money for them and it's still working,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58so there you go, that's the great Swiss movement in it.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Let's find out what it's worth right now. Here we go.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Rolex Submariner.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Now, this has seen 20 years' service in the Royal Marines,
0:26:06 > 0:26:09hence its condition, but it'll scrub up very nicely.
0:26:09 > 0:26:10Start me at 2,000 then somewhere.
0:26:10 > 0:26:132,000. We'll come right back, we'll take a bit of time.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Start me at 1,500 online. 1,500 bid.
0:26:16 > 0:26:181,500. 1,600.
0:26:18 > 0:26:2116. 17. 1,700 now. 1,700.
0:26:21 > 0:26:241,700. You're out, on the internet.
0:26:24 > 0:26:271,800. 1,900 now.
0:26:27 > 0:26:301,900 bid. 2,000 bid on the net. 2,000 bid.
0:26:30 > 0:26:332,000 bid now. 2,200.
0:26:33 > 0:26:362,200. Is that 4 online? No.
0:26:36 > 0:26:392,200. Are you all done this time then?
0:26:39 > 0:26:43At 2,200. We are reserved. The best bid was ?2,000 on the internet
0:26:43 > 0:26:45but we have instructions not to sell. Sorry.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48I'm pleased you put a reserve of ?3,000 on it, you know.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Well, it was worth... Oh, gosh, it's worth the top end of that.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53It's worth the 5, they just didn't want it today.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55It's one of those things. That's auctions for you.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57It's been a day out. Yeah.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Thank you for bringing it to the valuation day. My pleasure.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04What a good sport. Time for some refreshments.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Cup of tea, maybe, but don't rush to the kitchen to put the kettle on.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10This tea's courtesy of Clare here and Elizabeth, our expert.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14We have a silver tea set for you, going under the hammer.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Have you got fed up with cleaning it? Yes, I don't clean it much. No!
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Do you know what, everyone that comes on the show
0:27:19 > 0:27:22that wants to sell silver, says exactly the same thing.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26No-one wants it any more, do they? It's going under the hammer now.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31A four-piece silver tea set. 1965. Had various commissions.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34I'm going to have to start the bidding with me at 250, 280...
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Straight in, sold. Top end.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40350. 380. At ?380 bid.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43400, 420.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46450. 480.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48500. Commission's out. 500 in the room.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51That's very good. That's good. In the room at 500.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56Any interest on the internet? In the room here at ?500. Going.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59HE BANGS GAVEL The hammer's gone down at ?500.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02I told you it was a good time for people to buy, didn't I? Yeah.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05They see something in that which means if they sit on that
0:28:05 > 0:28:08for ten years, that will be a good investment for them.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10There's a lot of silver there. You've got to be pleased with that.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13I'm very pleased with it, yeah. It's great.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18That's brilliant. And who knows, they may even drink tea from it.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21There you are. That's it. Another day in another saleroom for "Flog It!"
0:28:21 > 0:28:24And some happy owners. All credit to our experts
0:28:24 > 0:28:27and our auctioneers on the rostrum. They did us proud.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30If you've got anything you want to flog, we want to sell it for you.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36But for now, it's goodbye from all of us.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Welcome to The Mash Report!
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Madonna has launched her own range of booted orphans.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Donald Trump is a legend!
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Let's come at it from another angle. He might be the Messiah. Come on!
0:29:14 > 0:29:15Join me, Nish Kumar,
0:29:15 > 0:29:19for BBC Two's brand-new topical comedy show.