0:00:07 > 0:00:10Today, we are in East Sussex in the South of England
0:00:10 > 0:00:12and I'm standing in the grounds of Firle Place,
0:00:12 > 0:00:17which has been home to the Gage family for the last 500 years.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20So, there's plenty of tales to tell from here and from all
0:00:20 > 0:00:25the other fabulous locations we plan to revisit on today's show.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:51 > 0:00:54We have been to some fantastic places across the UK
0:00:54 > 0:00:58and our experts and the team loved listening to your stories
0:00:58 > 0:01:01and taking your gems off to auction across the country.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09We visited Highcliffe Castle,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12overlooking the Jurassic Coast in Dorset
0:01:12 > 0:01:14and it was here that Christina Trevanion
0:01:14 > 0:01:17was unsure whether this item would take off at auction.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- Is it nice be wearing a fly? I don't know.- No.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- Do people go around swatting you, maybe?- No.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29It was in Powderham Castle in Devon, overlooking the River Exe,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33that Will Axon met a special kind of collector.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- And this is part of your collection? - Yeah, it's the only one.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- It's the only one. A large collection of one.- That's right.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45And we crossed the English border into Wales
0:01:45 > 0:01:49and set up our valuation day at Margam Country Park,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51just three miles from Port Talbot,
0:01:51 > 0:01:52where Mark Stacey spotted
0:01:52 > 0:01:55a very interesting piece.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59And I think these very bright yellow pieces are gold
0:01:59 > 0:02:04and overlaid in copper, depicting some sort of religious scene.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08And over in East Sussex,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11just down the road from the gorgeous Firle Place,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13is the market town of Lewes,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16which has a rich history.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19If you turn back the clock to the Tudor times,
0:02:19 > 0:02:2317 Protestant martyrs were burnt to their death here.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26That horrific event in our history has now made this
0:02:26 > 0:02:29the scene of one of Britain's most celebrated annual events.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31And it always goes off with a bang.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33LOUD EXPLOSION
0:02:35 > 0:02:38But before that, an item sparked Adam Partridge's
0:02:38 > 0:02:42interest at our valuation day at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- Good morning, Mike.- Hello.- I believe this is a familiar location for you.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49Yeah, I was manager here for five years.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- For five years.- Five years.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Completely managing everything? What did that entail
0:02:53 > 0:02:55with managing a castle like this?
0:02:55 > 0:02:58I'd been involved in the restoration work
0:02:58 > 0:03:01and the publicity and then in 1999, took over as manager.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03So, happy memories?
0:03:03 > 0:03:04- Yeah, busy memories.- Good.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06And now hopefully, this curious little object
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- didn't come from the castle. - No, this was a car-boot sale...
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- two or three years ago.- Oh, OK.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15And it was a fiver, but it just doesn't fit into our collecting.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17What sort of things do you collect, then, Mike?
0:03:17 > 0:03:20We collect 20th-century design, stainless steel,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23glass, jewellery, all sorts of things.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- Everything that's fashionable at the moment.- That's right.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29That's what's really in vogue in collecting terms at the moment.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32So, this is a little Japanese bronze piece.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- What can you tell me about it? - It's...
0:03:34 > 0:03:36obviously, a flintlock. I think...
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- Yeah, so you push the button. - The little button there.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- The little one, yeah.- I think it's late 18th, early 19th-century.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- Yeah.- Japanese, obviously.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Japanese bronze with a little inlaid decoration.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Used as a netsuke.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- And called a walnut lighter. - A walnut lighter.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57A walnut netsuke lighter.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- Form of a walnut, made out of bronze.- That's right.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04And so, this is basically a very early example of a pocket lighter.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07So, what attracted you to buying it in the first place?
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- Apart from the fact it was a fiver. - The fact it was a fiver
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and it's unusual. And when I saw it, I hadn't got a clue what it was.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14So, you've researched it?
0:04:14 > 0:04:16It took me a little while to open it cos it was...
0:04:16 > 0:04:18actually, around the edge, it didn't open.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- It was all sort of gummed up.- Yeah. - And how does that function?
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Can you demonstrate it?
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- This comes back.- Yeah.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30The flintlock comes forward and it should hold back, I think,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32on a spring.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34This goes back in.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36As it comes down,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39it would light the tinder in the little hole at the bottom.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42It's very hard to date these very accurately.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44When I'm looking at this hinge mechanism here,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I'm not so sure about the age of that.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51I think it might be 19th, to even early 20th, but at a fiver...
0:04:51 > 0:04:55I think... What I would suggest is we put it in the auction
0:04:55 > 0:04:58loosely catalogued, let the market speak.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- Yeah, that's right. - How do you feel about that?
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- That's fine.- Is that all right? - Yeah. What, £50 estimate,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- something like that? - Yeah, absolutely. 50 to 80 quid.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- That's lovely.- Are you going to dare with a no-reserve?
0:05:09 > 0:05:11- Cos that's what I'd suggest. - Yeah, no reserve.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Well, it will be a good way of seeing exactly what it's worth
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- on the day.- That's right. - Well, let's see what happens.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- Thanks for bringing that in. - Thanks very much.- OK. A pleasure.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Adam really found a fascinating object there.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27And over at Firle Place in East Sussex,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31the house is stuffed to the rafters with captivating objects too,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33including a few "Flog It!" favourites.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Tea was such a precious commodity in the early part of the 18th century.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41It was always kept under lock and key
0:05:41 > 0:05:44and we see that in the tea caddies you show us at our valuation days,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47always a little lock and a key.
0:05:47 > 0:05:48Now, here at Firle Place,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51we have this wonderful little teapoy, it's a little tea chest.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54If I lift that up, that's where the caddy would have been.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57And here, look, no exception.
0:05:57 > 0:05:58Lock and key.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01So, the lady of the house would have had the key
0:06:01 > 0:06:05to stop any unscrupulous servants from stealing a bit.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12And at our valuation day at Margam Country Park in Wales,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15a cuppa was definitely on Catherine Southon's mind
0:06:15 > 0:06:18when she spotted this striking tea set.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- Phil, lovely to meet you. - And lovely to meet you.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25And thank you very much for coming along to "Flog It!" today.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Now, you've brought a rather nice Art Deco set along.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Where did you get this from?
0:06:29 > 0:06:32I got this from a charity shop.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Started off initially at £60.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Did it really? Cos this is only silver-plate.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Yeah, and I understood that, but I tracked it.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- You tracked it.- I tracked it. - Tell me about this tracking.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45The next time I went, it was £30.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49The time after that, a fortnight later, it was £15.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- So, it kept going down and down and down.- And down and down.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- Persistence.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56And why did you buy it?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Purely on the style. I loved the style. I like Art Deco.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05And I thought, it's fairly typical of its style.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Absolutely. Well, you've hit the nail right on the head there
0:07:08 > 0:07:11because it is absolutely 100% Art Deco.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14I would say, probably maybe towards the end of the '30s,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18so perhaps 1936, '37, that sort of era.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22But the fact that it's stylised, this wonderful, tapered shape...
0:07:22 > 0:07:25I love the fact that there's no decoration to it.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27It's very simple.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Apart from these lovely little bands around the top
0:07:30 > 0:07:31and again at the bottom.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36So, we've got the teapot, the hot water jug, the milk jug
0:07:36 > 0:07:39and the sugar basin, there at the front.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Mm-hm.- Now, you are into Art Deco, Phil.- I love Art Deco.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46I think it's one of my favourite styles. I also like Art Nouveau,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48but Art Deco, I think, is my favourite.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50Turning it up, there's no real names underneath.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53We haven't got Mappin & Webb or a really great name, Asprey,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57or something like that. So, it's not the highest quality.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- So you paid £15 for this?- Yes.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01And what do you think it's worth?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Not a lot more than that, actually.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Well, certainly nowhere near the £60 that they were asking.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09No, no. Nothing like that. Nothing like that.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13I would say, for this set... Because people would be buying this
0:08:13 > 0:08:16purely on the style of it, just like you did.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18They wouldn't be buying it because of the quality
0:08:18 > 0:08:21because it's not silver, it's silver-plate.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25They'd be buying it just because it's '30s, just because it's Deco.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28And for that, I think you will be looking at about £30 to £50.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30That will double my money, probably.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33It will double your money, wouldn't it, Phil?
0:08:33 > 0:08:35And it would leave you to go off and find some more goods.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Back to the charity shop.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38So, if I put £30 to £50,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41do you want a reserve on it of £15, which is what you paid
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- or are you happy just to let it go? - I'm happy to let it go.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48Phil, that sounds good to me £30 to £50, no reserve.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50We'll see what happens and hopefully,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53you will have a little bit more money to go and buy some more Deco.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Back at Firle Place in East Sussex, there's still plenty to uncover.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08Now, don't let this manor house with its 18th-century facade fool you.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Inside, behind the masonry, it definitely is a Tudor building.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13And in some parts, it's medieval.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17As soon as you get in the entrance, well, you find this staircase.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Now, on the half-landing, there's a magnificent full-length
0:09:20 > 0:09:22portrait of Sir John Gage -
0:09:22 > 0:09:26the first of the Gage family to live here at Firle Place.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Now, we know he had friends in very high places.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33He accompanied a young Henry VIII on his first military tour of France
0:09:33 > 0:09:38in 1513 and on many other military excursions throughout Henry's reign.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40And during that 40 year period,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44Sir John held many titles, like vice-chamberlain to the King
0:09:44 > 0:09:48and in 1541, he was made Knight of the Garter.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50He was held in such high esteem by Henry
0:09:50 > 0:09:57that when Henry passed away in 1547, he left Sir John £200 in his will.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Now, that's a considerable amount of money.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03That's the equivalent of around, £40,000 today.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07The story of this family doesn't end there.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10They were at the heart of some major events in English history,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13some of which I'll share later on in the show.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Back at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19we caught up with Philip Serrell,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22who was quick to spot an intriguing object brought in by Myra.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26I love this. You tell me what you know about it.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27It was my grandmother's.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Got a feeling it might have been given to her as a wedding present.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- And when would that have been? - Pre-First World War, certainly.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35She was a cook in a big house.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37So, this has been with you over 100 years.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Well, not with me, but in the family, yeah.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41That's fantastic, isn't it?
0:10:41 > 0:10:44It was always in her kitchen. She kept her wooden spoons in it.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46And it's just sat there all my life.
0:10:46 > 0:10:47- So, it's a spoon jug.- Yeah.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Do you know what I love about things like this?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Is that you put that like that, put a hole there, bury it...
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- It's the pipes they used to make. - ..bury it 3ft in the ground
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- and you've got Doulton salt-glazed drainage pipes, haven't you?- Yeah.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02And then, you know, with a bit of invention, you think,
0:11:02 > 0:11:04"Well, if we can make pipes,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06"drainage pipes that go in the ground,
0:11:06 > 0:11:10"we can sort of give it a bit of a shape, put a handle on it,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12"put a bit of decoration on it, we can turn it into a jug."
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- It's a lovely shape, too, isn't it? - How cool is that? Isn't it?
0:11:15 > 0:11:17So, do you know anything about these people?
0:11:17 > 0:11:19I thought I did, but then I realised
0:11:19 > 0:11:21that it isn't the Captain Scott I thought it was.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- You thought it was... - The Scott of Antarctic-type Scott.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Indeedy, no.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31Captain Lambton and Captain Scott were Boer War naval captains.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32Ah!
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- And the Handyman with these guns... - Yeah.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39..refers to all the guys that were on deck.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Oh, I see.- So, that's the history behind it.- Mm-hm.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45And this is Doulton, Lambeth, England
0:11:45 > 0:11:47stamped up underneath.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52So we know that it's sort of 1895, 1900, whenever the Boer War was.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56But it's that era, but I just love it and what I think...
0:11:56 > 0:11:58You know, you've got these lovely,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01almost Charles Rennie Mackintosh designs here.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04You know, you can almost see those in the Glasgow tea rooms, can't you?
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Yes, yes.- That sort of stylised, flower heads, that type of thing.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12But I think it's really, really cool. That's what it's all about.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- So, it's now been in the family over 100 years.- Yeah.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- And you've decided now is the time...whoosh, out.- Yes.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19Why is that?
0:12:19 > 0:12:24Well, I moved into a much smaller flat a couple years ago.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- There's just not really enough room for all my stuff.- Yeah.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Some of it has got to go.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32That's all there is to say, except what's it worth?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34What do you reckon?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36I was given an offer some years ago for it,
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- but I know it's gone down...- Ooh!
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- I know it's gone down since then. - Well, how much was it?
0:12:40 > 0:12:44£200. But I mean, I'm well prepared for it to go down.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Well, it's sort of, kind of hard, really,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- because I think we should estimate this at 80 to 120.- Mm-hm.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54With a reserve of £80, so the estimate is 80 to 120,
0:12:54 > 0:12:55- the reserve is £80.- Yeah.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58But I think we should give the auctioneer £10 discretion,
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- if he needs it.- Yeah.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02The market is a little bit tough for those,
0:13:02 > 0:13:04but having said that, I think
0:13:04 > 0:13:07this is quite a collectible decoration on these.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11So, fingers crossed, let's hope it does quite well for you.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16It's time to find out how these items did at auction,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19but let's remind ourselves of what they were.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24The Japanese walnut flintlock from our valuation day
0:13:24 > 0:13:28at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset was such a rare find.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34And the Doulton Lambeth jug
0:13:34 > 0:13:36that Phillip Serrell also spotted at Highcliffe
0:13:36 > 0:13:39would make a great kitchen accessory.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47While the Art Deco tea set found at Margam Country Park in Wales
0:13:47 > 0:13:50was simple, yet stylish in design.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57First up, we head to Cottees Saleroom in Wareham in Dorset
0:13:57 > 0:14:00to see how the Doulton Lambeth jug would shape up.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- John Condie was on the rostrum.- 90.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Remember, whether you are buying or selling,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10at every auction, there's always commission and VAT to pay.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Right now going under the hammer, we have some Lambeth Doulton stoneware.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17We've seen it on the show before,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21but this one is really nicely inscribed, belonging to Myra.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Right, OK, so your wooden spoons were kept in this in the kitchen?
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- My grandmother's wooden spoons. - Oh, your grandma's.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29To a collector, I think it's probably quite a rare lot
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Yes, so do I. I can see this in someone's kitchen
0:14:32 > 0:14:34with wooden spoons in it.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38It's going under the hammer right now. Good luck.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Start at £50 for it.
0:14:41 > 0:14:4450. Yes, 50 bid. Thank you.
0:14:44 > 0:14:4650, I'm bid. £50.
0:14:46 > 0:14:52At 50. 55. 60. 5. 70.
0:14:52 > 0:14:535, sir?
0:14:53 > 0:14:575 here. 75. 80 at the back.
0:14:57 > 0:15:0085. 90.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03£90, gentleman at the back at 90.
0:15:03 > 0:15:0595 anywhere?
0:15:06 > 0:15:11In the room at £90, then. I'm going to sell it at 90.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- Well done, Philip. £90, good estimate.- No drama.- No drama. No.
0:15:16 > 0:15:17THEY LAUGH
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Don't expect any, I've had a lovely day.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Thank you. - And that's the whole point of it.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23Well, it's all down to you.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27It was then over to Wales
0:15:27 > 0:15:30to Rogers Jones & Co Saleroom in Cardiff.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Ben Rogers Jones was the auctioneer
0:15:32 > 0:15:35and Phil's Art Deco tea set was up next.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Remind us, how much did you pay for this again?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- I paid £15.- OK.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45But originally, they wanted a lot more than that.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49I've got to be honest, the money is irrelevant, just meeting you two
0:15:49 > 0:15:50- is the pleasure.- Aw.- Aw.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Well, that's sweet of you. That's sweet of you.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Well, we are going to put this valuation to the test
0:15:54 > 0:15:57right here, right now. It is going under the hammer. This is it.
0:15:58 > 0:16:0230 to start with. Is there 5? At 35.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Oh, good. You've doubled your money.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Is there 5? 45.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07And 50.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10£50, gentleman's bid. The lady is out at £50.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Anybody new? At £50.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Before it goes. Hammer's up now. £50.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- That's a cracking lot for £50. - That's brilliant.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- Well done.- You've doubled your money.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- Paid your commission and doubled your money.- Thank you.- Absolutely.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23You've got away with that one.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26I'm glad you didn't buy it at £60, though,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- otherwise it would have been a loss. - LAUGHING:- Yeah, yeah.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34It was then back again to Cottees Saleroom in Dorset
0:16:34 > 0:16:38just in time for John Condie to sell the Japanese flintlock
0:16:38 > 0:16:40belonging to Mike.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42And I like the back-story to this.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44You're a collector of 20th-century modern,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46what, stainless steel and glass?
0:16:46 > 0:16:49You're out buying one day, you're at a fair, and you came across this.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- Couldn't leave it. - That's a good buy for a fiver.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- It's a terrific buy.- Good return.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Have you handled many things like this?
0:16:55 > 0:16:56No, not really. You don't
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- really come across them.- No, nor have I.- You see them in books
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- occasionally. I mean, it's a rarity, for sure.- It's photographed in books
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- on lighters. It's the first lighter in your collection.- Oh, really?
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Yeah.- It's like the Holy Grail, is it?- I think so. I HOPE so.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11We are going to find out what the bidders think right now
0:17:11 > 0:17:14and hopefully, the experts online might have a clue. Here we go.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Off we go. Got interest, £60 bid.
0:17:19 > 0:17:2360. 60. 70. 80. 90.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28110. 120. 30. 140. 160. 180.
0:17:28 > 0:17:34200. And 20. 240. 260. 280.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36300. 320.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- Hey, you were right, Mike. - I hope so.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43360 now. 360. 380, make it.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47At 360. All on the internet. 360.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51At £360, then. That's the bid.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Selling.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- Well done, Mike.- That's a strong price.- That's a strong price.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Good for a fiver.- Yeah.- Hey, if he could do that every day,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03you'd be the happiest man on the planet. Well done, you.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06He's really happy with himself, he doesn't want to show it.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- And rightly so.- Well done, well done.- Thank you.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14And later on in the show, there are more surprises to come.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24First, back at Firle Place in East Sussex,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26I want to find out about an old tradition
0:18:26 > 0:18:29that taps into deep-rooted religious sentiments
0:18:29 > 0:18:32from the reign of Queen Mary I,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35or Bloody Mary as she became known in the mid-16th century.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Earlier on in the programme, I told you about Sir John Gage,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43the first of the Gage family to live here at Firle Place,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46the trusted counsellor to Henry VIII.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Well, his son Edward also played a significant role
0:18:49 > 0:18:51in the history of Sussex.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55In 1553, Queen Mary came to the throne.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58She returned England to the Catholic faith.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Edward was a staunch Catholic
0:19:00 > 0:19:02and he was made High Sheriff of Sussex
0:19:02 > 0:19:06in order to root out anybody with Protestant beliefs.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10The town of Lewes would never forget what happened next.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17During the first three years of Queen Mary's five-year reign,
0:19:17 > 0:19:23up to 300 Protestant martyrs around the country were accused of heresy
0:19:23 > 0:19:26and sentenced to death for their religious beliefs.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34And this East Sussex town saw a lot of bloodshed.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38I'm standing in the cellar of the town hall on Lewes' high street.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41In fact, we are slightly underneath the high street.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43That's the pavement up there through that fanlight.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47Now, back in 1557, this was the Star Inn,
0:19:47 > 0:19:49so this was the cellar of the pub.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51And ten Sussex men and women were kept down here
0:19:51 > 0:19:55in the cellar for the final few hours of their life
0:19:55 > 0:19:58before they were put inside empty, tarred barrels
0:19:58 > 0:20:00and burned at the stake.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02It wasn't the first time this had happened either.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07Seven other locals met a similar fate in the previous two years.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Now, that fanlight is a Victorian replacement for what would
0:20:11 > 0:20:13have been two very heavy oak trap doors
0:20:13 > 0:20:16that would open up like that to let the beer barrels
0:20:16 > 0:20:18come rolling down here into the cellar.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Instead of that happening, those doors opened up
0:20:21 > 0:20:24and these poor ten were led up these very steps
0:20:24 > 0:20:28to the assembled masses gathered in the road above.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39On 22nd July 1557,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42the ten unfortunate Protestants were burnt at the stake
0:20:42 > 0:20:47in what was one of the largest human bonfires the country has ever seen.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55BELLS TOLL
0:20:55 > 0:20:58FIRECRACKERS POP
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Today, on the 5th of November,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03the town of Lewes has one of the largest bonfire celebrations
0:21:03 > 0:21:04in the country.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09However, as well as remembering Guy Fawkes' failed Gunpowder Plot,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11the town also uses this historic date
0:21:11 > 0:21:17to honour the 17 Protestant martyrs who burned for their beliefs
0:21:17 > 0:21:19and to remember their sacrifice.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25There are no fireworks today,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27but here on Lewes' high street
0:21:27 > 0:21:29where the main procession takes place,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32I've come to meet local photographer Tom Reeves...
0:21:35 > 0:21:39..who, like his ancestors before him, takes part in the celebrations.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43His studio started with his great-grandfather in 1858.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48And they have captured many early
0:21:48 > 0:21:50photographs of the high street.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54But on Bonfire Night, the camera is put down,
0:21:54 > 0:21:58because Tom plays an active role in the festivities.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- Hi, Tom.- Good to see you.- And you.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06I feel like I'm stepping back in time walking through that passage.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- I know how you feel, yes. - Love the shop front as well.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- Now, it says Edward on the door. - It does.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Family-run business, obviously. What generation are you?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16I'm the fourth generation. Edward was great-granddad.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19He moved in here in 1858, and that's when we started taking pictures.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Gosh, and you haven't moved ever since.- No, we've never moved.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Never felt the need. No. - Well, you're a resident.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27You actually live on the high street where it all happens.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- Do you personally get involved?- I am a member of the Bonfire Society.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32I go out and hold a torch on the 5th.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36I don't really go out photographing because I'd much rather go out
0:22:36 > 0:22:37and blow things up.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40But, yeah, I think most people get involved in some way or another.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42DRUMS BANG
0:22:42 > 0:22:43Over the centuries in Lewes,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46the celebrations on Bonfire Night have evolved.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49And today, thousands of local people take part.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51DRUMS BANG
0:22:51 > 0:22:5617 burning crosses are held aloft in remembrance of the 17
0:22:56 > 0:23:01Protestants who, over 400 years ago, were burned to death in the town.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03DRUMS BANG
0:23:03 > 0:23:06PEOPLE SHOUT FIREWORKS CRACK
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- What actually happens during the march?- It's a long evening.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11It starts... The first procession is about 5.00.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14And it goes through to the last procession just around midnight.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Do you dress up?- We do. I mean, there's a variety of costumes.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19The majority of people are smugglers.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22In other words, we have stripy jumpers, white trousers,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24neckerchiefs and hats. But there are also
0:23:24 > 0:23:25what they call the Pioneer front.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27We have a Viking front to our procession, which is
0:23:27 > 0:23:30a wonderful thing where people actually become Vikings.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34Other societies have Red Indians and Zulus and it sounds a bit odd,
0:23:34 > 0:23:38to be honest. But it goes back into the mists of time.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40And it's a very benevolent kind of
0:23:40 > 0:23:42portrayal of whatever we're doing.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44And it becomes some people's lives.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48They start preparation for one year, the day after the previous year.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51So what it's really about is for the community to come
0:23:51 > 0:23:54together on that one day of the year and really celebrate.
0:23:54 > 0:23:55That's absolutely right.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58I've always thought that it's the glue that holds Lewes together.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01It's a great leveller. You look in the processions
0:24:01 > 0:24:04and there is the milkman marching alongside the accountant.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07You know, everybody is the same in their costumes and it's great,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09and therefore everybody knows each other.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Why do you think Lewes remembers the martyrs so strongly?
0:24:12 > 0:24:14I think it's just part of Lewes history.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Not every town has had multiple burnings in the town centre so...
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Um, it's a fairly horrible remembrance...- Yeah.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23..but I think it's important to remember that sort of sacrifice.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28FIREWORKS CRACK AND BANG
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Up to 80,000 people are drawn here each year to see this
0:24:37 > 0:24:42powerful show of defiance, independence and commemoration,
0:24:42 > 0:24:46before Lewes returns once again into a quiet, unassuming town.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57It's time to get back to our tour of places we have visited this
0:24:57 > 0:25:00series and some of the gems we spotted along the way.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03And over at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Christina Trevanion was a busy bee.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Yes, it's very appropriate that we've got this fly buzzing around
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- in this wonderful garden, isn't it? - Yes.- Very, very appropriate.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Tell me, where's he flown in from?
0:25:16 > 0:25:20A friend of mine, his aunt died, and he cleared out her flat
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- and jewellery. And he gave the brooch to me.- Ah, well.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- But I haven't worn it.- Is it nice to be wearing a fly? I don't know.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- People go around swatting you, maybe.- No.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- That's why I haven't worn it. - Not very nice, would it?
0:25:33 > 0:25:34Swatting people wearing fly brooches.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37We've got here a little Victorian
0:25:37 > 0:25:39fly or bee brooch, set throughout.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43We've got this wonderful sort of turquoise and pearl combination.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Now, if you imagine when this was made,
0:25:45 > 0:25:49it was made in the Victorian era, so we're talking 1870, 1880,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51which was the sort of height of,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53if you think of the Pre-Raphaelite movement,
0:25:53 > 0:25:54think of looking back to nature.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57It was when the Industrial Revolution was really starting,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00and you've got these big mill towns churning out billowing smoke.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Everyone was escaping to the countryside
0:26:02 > 0:26:05and looking back to nature and organic items.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08So it was very much an item of its time.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09And if you look at the detail on him, you can
0:26:09 > 0:26:11see quite how beautifully he's made.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Each of his little leggies has got
0:26:13 > 0:26:15this wonderful foot on the end of it.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18You'll see the two eyes there and the wings set throughout as well.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19If we look at the back,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22we can see that they are actually complete seed pearls,
0:26:22 > 0:26:23rather than split seed pearls.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26That will make it slightly more valuable than if they'd
0:26:26 > 0:26:30been seed pearls that had just been cleaved, ie cut in half and set.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33And it's claw set throughout in this yellow metal.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Now, frustratingly, despite having had a really good look,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40all around our little bee/fly -
0:26:40 > 0:26:43maybe we'll call him a bee with an identity crisis -
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I can't see any marks on him whatsoever.
0:26:46 > 0:26:52But I am 99.9999999% sure that this is gold.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54It will either be nine or 15 carat gold.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57To be perfectly honest, the colour at the back,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00that colour there, would say to me that it's probably 15 carat gold.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- Oh, right.- Which is obviously slightly higher grade
0:27:02 > 0:27:04than nine carat gold.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06And I think he's lovely. I think he's really, really lovely.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09I'm very sad that you don't wear him.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- I do wear brooches but I don't... - You do wear brooches!- Not that one.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Yes, that's a bit blingy as well. Look at that one. Wow. What's wrong?
0:27:16 > 0:27:19What did he say to you? He'd go beautifully with your T-shirt. Look!
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Well, he would, yes. The colours are right but...
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- Yes, absolutely. - ..the content isn't.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27I mean we're finding at the moment that brooches are a little
0:27:27 > 0:27:29bit of a sticky wicket.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30So they're not as popular perhaps as
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- if he was earrings or a pendant... - No, no.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35..which possibly are more wearable.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40I think at auction he stands a good chance of maybe making £40 to £60.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- How do you feel about that? - Well, that's fine. If that's...
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- Would that be all right... - Yes, yes.- ..do we think?
0:27:45 > 0:27:48I mean if we said £40 to £60, maybe with a reserve of £30,
0:27:48 > 0:27:49- should we need it.- Yes.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51- Cos we don't want it to go for nothing, do we?- No, no, no.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54And hopefully he'll buzz off and find a new home somewhere.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- Yes, let's hope so, yeah.- Brilliant. Thank you for bringing him in.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59- OK, that's lovely, thank you. - She got my joke.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03THEY LAUGH
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Oh, BEEhave, Christina.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Now over at Powderham Castle in Devon,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Will Axon had a find that was sure to shine at auction.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19So, tell me, who's the collector out of you two, the coin collector?
0:28:19 > 0:28:24- Andrew.- Well, collector am I. - And this is part of your collection?
0:28:24 > 0:28:29- Yes, it's the only one.- The only one. A large collection of one?
0:28:29 > 0:28:30- That's right.- Well, exactly.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34- Well, every collection's got to start somewhere, hasn't it?- And end.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Sue, I'm sensing from you, you're not keen.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Tell me, what do you think of the coin?
0:28:38 > 0:28:39It's a lovely-looking coin,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42but at the end of the day, it just sits in the drawer, doing nothing.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46So what drew you to gold coins?
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Well, in my case, it was just helping a friend out.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52He was a photographer that used to work for me
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- doing shots of hairdressing work that I did.- Yes?
0:28:55 > 0:29:00And he had this Krugerrand, and I guess he was a bit hard up
0:29:00 > 0:29:02and asked me if I wanted to buy it.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04And so...
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- ..I did.- You thought you'd help him out and...- That's right.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Can you disclose what you paid for it, or is it a well-kept secret?
0:29:10 > 0:29:14I'd be quite happy to, but it was about 25 to 30 years ago,
0:29:14 > 0:29:16and my memory doesn't stretch that far back.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Oh, yeah, good answer. Well done.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- Now, the Krugerrand is, as it says on there, 1oz of gold.- Uh-huh.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25It's a good, clean ounce of gold. It says pure,
0:29:25 > 0:29:29about 22 carat I think, aren't they? 22 carat gold.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32And the name Krugerrand, any idea where that came from?
0:29:32 > 0:29:34South Africa, as far as I can tell.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36It is South African, you're quite right.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41President Kruger, late 19th century, and the rand,
0:29:41 > 0:29:43obviously the South African currency.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47So the Kruger rand. And the reason for turning South African gold
0:29:47 > 0:29:52into these coins was to generate a collectable market for them,
0:29:52 > 0:29:56to make South African gold more commercial. Now,
0:29:56 > 0:29:59price of gold up and down. At the moment,
0:29:59 > 0:30:03I value this at £600 to £800.
0:30:03 > 0:30:04You wouldn't go to seven?
0:30:04 > 0:30:08So you are looking for that mid-figure there? 700?
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- Yeah, I think seven.- Well, I'll tell you what. I'll agree to 700...
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- Right.- ..if you can give us a little bit of discretion.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18So if it gets to within a bid, say it gets to 680,
0:30:18 > 0:30:20for the sake of not selling it...
0:30:20 > 0:30:26- Then I'd go ahead, yeah. Yeah. - OK, so it's £700 to £900.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27It's right on the limit,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30but you never know what's going to happen on the day.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31- And I think it's worth a go.- Right.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34And if it isn't, at the end of the day, it fits in your pocket,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37you can take it home. And what's the money going to go on?
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Or should I be asking Sue? - No, it's Andrew's.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Well, I think I'm going to put it towards holiday,
0:30:43 > 0:30:49although, in fact, Sue suggested I might even buy another guitar.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- He's a guitar player as well?- Yeah.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53You're a man of many talents, aren't you?
0:30:53 > 0:30:55It's been a pleasure to meet you.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- Well done, Sue, pleasure to meet you.- Thank you.
0:31:04 > 0:31:05The walls of Firle Place
0:31:05 > 0:31:08in East Sussex are full of interesting characters.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11And there's one more descendant of the Gage family
0:31:11 > 0:31:13I want to tell you about.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17This story is set at another crucial moment in our history,
0:31:17 > 0:31:19when Britain ruled America.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25Now, here is a map of New York City, drawn up in 1766.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29You're probably wondering, why is it here at Firle in Sussex?
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Well, I can tell you.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Because it belonged to this chap, General Thomas Gage.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Now, he was a commander of the British Army in North America,
0:31:37 > 0:31:41but he was also a descendant of the Gage family here at Firle.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45He was given the freedom of the city in New York in 1773.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Everybody loved him, but things would change.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52This was the beginning of the American War of Independence.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56Now, he ordered the map to be drawn up after a revolt
0:31:56 > 0:31:59due to tax rises in 1765.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00He ordered a survey of the city
0:32:00 > 0:32:04and a map to be drawn which would feature military manoeuvres,
0:32:04 > 0:32:08and it was done quickly and quietly under the air of revolt.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12General Gage was recalled to England in the autumn of 1775
0:32:12 > 0:32:15to consult with the British government.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18In fact, he never returned to America.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21The war was advanced by other British generals.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24But this map is one of the first maps of New York,
0:32:24 > 0:32:26and it exists because of this man here.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Now we're off to Margam Country Park in Wales,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37where Mark Stacey served us up a treat.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44Les, you've brought a rather wonderful Eastern dish in to
0:32:44 > 0:32:49- show us. How long have you had it? - I've had it 30 years now.- 30 years?
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- Where did you get it from, Leslie? - My aunt worked in service for
0:32:53 > 0:32:55- jewellers in Swansea...- Did she?
0:32:55 > 0:32:59When the old man died,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02the lady of the house left it to my aunt.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05They were Jewish. They were a Jewish family.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- A Jewish family, were they?- Yeah.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Because it is quite an interesting piece.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13I mean, at first, when you look at something like this, it's very
0:33:13 > 0:33:16easy to dismiss it as one of these pieces you would find in a souk.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19You know, it's brass. It's well worked.
0:33:19 > 0:33:20And you could just overlook it,
0:33:20 > 0:33:23until you look at the detail of it,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26which you'll have had a chance to study, of course, for many years.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30I mean, fundamentally, what you have is a sort of beaten brass tray
0:33:30 > 0:33:33which is overlaid in white metal.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37And I think these very bright yellow pieces are gold and overlaid
0:33:37 > 0:33:43in copper, depicting some sort of religious scene, I think, here.
0:33:43 > 0:33:49- Yeah.- And you've then got this sort of Arabic-type fencing.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- What I make of it is old Hebrew. - So you think it's...
0:33:53 > 0:33:54I believe it is, yeah.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58The more I look at it now, I think you've got a point there.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- Could it be a sacrificial plate or something?- It could be.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04I mean, I just don't know.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06I mean, I think when this was made, times were different.
0:34:06 > 0:34:12People wanted to have things around them that gave them comfort
0:34:12 > 0:34:14and showed their religion,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17which is not so much what we have around us today.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20It's a very, very interesting piece.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23When you look in detail, there's an awful lot going on here,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26the animals and the birds and the figures.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30The other difficulty with these sort of pieces is -
0:34:30 > 0:34:32how do you date them?
0:34:32 > 0:34:36Because, you know, most of the ones we've seen were probably
0:34:36 > 0:34:41made, you know, 20 years ago. This to me certainly looks 19th century.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44And it could possibly be made earlier than that.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49And it has a certain appeal to me
0:34:49 > 0:34:51because I think it's rather interesting.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53I don't know why I think that.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56I just think there's something about it, it speaks to me.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Now you've got to plump for some sort of estimate, and I would
0:34:59 > 0:35:03probably suggest putting it in at £300 to £400
0:35:03 > 0:35:05with a fixed reserve of 300.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- Yeah.- And I would hope that if,
0:35:08 > 0:35:12because I know you rate it and I rate it, I think
0:35:12 > 0:35:16that if we are right, the potential of it is for more than that.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- But we have to protect it with some sort of reserve.- Yeah.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- Would you be happy with that? - Yes, yes.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- In the drawer, it is, you know, like.- I think there will be
0:35:25 > 0:35:27a lot of collectors out there for this. I hope so.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- Let's find out at the auction, shall we?- Brilliant, marvellous.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31We'll go for it.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34Well, that was our final item.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Now it's time to find out how they fared at auction.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39But first, let's remind yourself what they were.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Did this Krugerrand spotted at Powderham Castle in Devon
0:35:45 > 0:35:46bring in the money?
0:35:50 > 0:35:52And at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54was it time for this brooch to buzz off?
0:35:58 > 0:36:01And what about the religious brass plate Mark Stacey found at
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Margam Country Park in Wales?
0:36:03 > 0:36:07He was keen to see if it would draw in the collectors at auction.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14The first stop was Plymouth,
0:36:14 > 0:36:15to Eldreds Auctioneers.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Anthony Eldred was wielding the gavel over Andrew's Krugerrand.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Going under the hammer right now, we have some 22 carat gold with
0:36:24 > 0:36:25a bit of a difference.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28It belongs to Sue and Andrew, and it's a 1972
0:36:28 > 0:36:30South African Krugerrand.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Had you done some homework on this
0:36:32 > 0:36:35and had a preferred figure or did you take guidance from Will?
0:36:35 > 0:36:36- No, I took guidance from Will.- OK.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38It's very tight on that bottom figure, isn't it,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40to what it's actually worth bullion?
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Let's put it to the test. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46This one could be tight, but fingers crossed. Here we go.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49600 bid for it.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51At £600. 10 if you want it.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53At 600. And 10. 620.
0:36:53 > 0:36:54Yes, there's someone in the room.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56630. 640.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59650. At 650 now.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01660.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03670.
0:37:03 > 0:37:04680 now.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05At £680 here.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08At £680, I'm bid.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Are you happy with that? He's selling it.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12680? Quite sure, then, at 680?
0:37:15 > 0:37:17I think he used a bit of discretion there.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Just. He did, he did. £680, sold.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- Yes!- On the nose.- Just, just.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- I thought it would be close. - Yeah, we called it.- Yeah.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32Next stop, Wareham in Dorset. We're at Cottees Saleroom.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34John Condie was the auctioneer.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35We were about to find out
0:37:35 > 0:37:39if the brooch valued by Christina Trevanion had wings.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Well, sadly, our next owner Liz cannot BEE here,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44but we do have her item, and it's that lovely brooch.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Now, is it a fly, or is it a bee?
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Bees make more money.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Yeah, it's more commercial if it's a bee, isn't it?
0:37:52 > 0:37:56People called Beatrice and Bernice would buy a bee, wouldn't they?
0:37:56 > 0:37:57Napoleon liked his bees.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00This is true, Bonaparte. Yeah, exactly. Yeah.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03You know, I think the bee is the sting in the tail.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06We're going to do a proper job for Liz right now and sell this.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- Exactly.- It's not a lot of money. £40 to £60.
0:38:08 > 0:38:09- It's going under the hammer. - Exactly.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15And I can start that one at £15.
0:38:15 > 0:38:1615 is bid.
0:38:16 > 0:38:1720.
0:38:17 > 0:38:1825.
0:38:18 > 0:38:1930.
0:38:19 > 0:38:2135.
0:38:21 > 0:38:2240.
0:38:22 > 0:38:2345.
0:38:23 > 0:38:2550.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28£50 bid on the little brooch. £50.
0:38:28 > 0:38:3050.
0:38:30 > 0:38:3155, anyone else coming in?
0:38:31 > 0:38:34It's £50 then on the little brooch?
0:38:34 > 0:38:3650?
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- Selling it, last chance.- Brilliant.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- Top end of the estimate. Well done, you.- She'll be delighted with that.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45Liz will be, for her Victorian brooch, £50.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47And it's sad that she couldn't
0:38:47 > 0:38:49BEE here. I like that.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Finally, we went back to Wales
0:38:53 > 0:38:57to Rogers Jones & Co Saleroom in Cardiff.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59We had a religious brass plate to sell
0:38:59 > 0:39:02and Ben Rogers Jones would be the man to "Flog It!".
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Les, I think this is a first on "Flog It!" for us.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09We've not seen a brass plate, a religious one like this,
0:39:09 > 0:39:12inlaid with copper, silver and gold as well.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15So it's mixed metals really. There's a lot going on.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17It is, it's a very interesting piece, Paul, actually.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- You put a value of £300 to £400 on this.- That's right.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22We've got a discretionary reserve at £300.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24We could sell it for 10% less.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Les, why are you selling this?
0:39:27 > 0:39:30For 38 years I've enjoyed it
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- and I mean it doesn't suit my decor at the moment.- OK.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36It's just something you don't really need and
0:39:36 > 0:39:39you want to sell on. You could do with the money.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40I'll invest it in a motorbike.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44Oh, you'll invest it in a motorbike? Oh, good for you! HE LAUGHS
0:39:44 > 0:39:45Have some fun on the bike.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Right, let's put this valuation to the test.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50It's going under the hammer now, Les. Good luck. This is it.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55373. Very decorative. Straight in I go at £300.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57Is there 20 at £300?
0:39:57 > 0:39:59And 20 and 40?
0:39:59 > 0:40:01- 60.- Oh, this is, yeah. This is right.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03At 380. 400.
0:40:03 > 0:40:04- £400. Is there 20?- Brilliant.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Chasing it fast.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Online the bid. £400. Anybody in the room?
0:40:08 > 0:40:10420, 440, 460.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12I thought this was going to do this, Paul.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- 460.- Yeah.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Fair warning, then, 460.
0:40:17 > 0:40:18All done at 460.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21Anybody in the room before it goes at 460.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Last call then, 460.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25And the hand, 480.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26500.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30- 550.- Oh, we're rounding it off now, Les. You can see that bike arriving.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31600.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35£600. And 50.
0:40:35 > 0:40:36700. All done?
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- 700.- 700.- At the back, 50.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42800.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43- Oh, yes.- 50.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- 900.- Wonderful. Come on, let's get 1,000.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Coming back, £900.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- 1,000.- £1,000.- Oh, brilliant.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55We are at £1,200.
0:40:56 > 0:40:581,300.
0:40:58 > 0:40:591,400.
0:40:59 > 0:41:001,500.
0:41:00 > 0:41:01£1,500!
0:41:01 > 0:41:031,600.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- I've got plenty of time.- Well done.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- 1,700.- Well done, you, Les, for keeping it.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- 1,800. 1,900.- £1,900! I can't believe it.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15£2,000.
0:41:15 > 0:41:172,200.
0:41:17 > 0:41:202,200.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Fair warning. 2,200. All done.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27You've had your time. Here we go.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- At £2,200. - That's a brilliant result.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Les, I think you got that motorbike!
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Right arm. That deserves a round of applause.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Thank you so much for bringing it in.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40That was special. That really was great.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43And I'm so thrilled for you because you want a bike, you know, and
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- you've been saving up for one, and now you can afford one.- Yes.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51- I can see myself now.- Yes! Cruising!
0:41:51 > 0:41:53Cruising along the West Coast of Wales,
0:41:53 > 0:41:55taking in all of that scenery.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57I couldn't think of anything better.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01Les, enjoy that, enjoy that bike and well done. What a result!
0:42:01 > 0:42:03That's what we love to see on "Flog It!".
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Such a fantastic and surprising result.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Our interest was piqued,
0:42:09 > 0:42:13and after the auction, we got in touch with the buyer of Les's plate
0:42:13 > 0:42:17who told us they believed it was very rare, early 20th century.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20And contains both Jewish and Persian sentiments.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23The figure in the centre is Solomon, the King of Israel
0:42:23 > 0:42:27and the son of David who, according to the Koran, would talk to animals.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31Hence, he's shown on the plate as surrounded by animals,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35including a peacock which is perched on his head.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38There are two types of script running around the side
0:42:38 > 0:42:39of the plate.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Ancient Arabic Kufic calligraphy
0:42:41 > 0:42:44and the old Persian Timurid.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47So there you go. We're always surprised by what turns up on a
0:42:47 > 0:42:48"Flog It!" valuation day.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54Well, that's it for today's show.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57I've had a wonderful time here at Firle Place,
0:42:57 > 0:42:59exploring the house and finding out
0:42:59 > 0:43:02about the fascinating stories of some of the people who lived here.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04I hope you've enjoyed the show as well,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07so until the next time, it's goodbye.