0:00:02 > 0:00:04There's something so special about London.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06It makes one feel like anything could happen,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09and judging by the size of this queue, I think we could bank on it.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Today, we're at the Old Royal Naval College
0:00:11 > 0:00:15in Greenwich, and this iconic landmark is as impressive
0:00:15 > 0:00:17on the inside as it is on the outside,
0:00:17 > 0:00:19so let me take you on a journey.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Once a rural marshland used for animal pasture,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49the Isle of Dogs is now the financial hub of London
0:00:49 > 0:00:53and home to the impressive skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56It's bounded on three sides by one of the largest meanders
0:00:56 > 0:01:01of the River Thames, a river which stretches for 215 miles,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04making it England's longest river.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Well, they say the best views of this place are from up there,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12from the sky, or from the river,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15but we don't have time to be getting on a boat right now
0:01:15 > 0:01:18because this queue is growing bigger and bigger by the minute.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Hundreds of people have turned up from London and beyond.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24They're eager to get inside to see our experts,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28to find the answer to that all-important question, which is...
0:01:28 > 0:01:29- ALL:- What's it worth?
0:01:29 > 0:01:32If you are happy with the valuation, what are you going to do?
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Flog It!
0:01:34 > 0:01:36So who are our experts today?
0:01:36 > 0:01:38Well, if you have a problem,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41our expert Mark Stacey is on hand to help...
0:01:41 > 0:01:45We can talk about your gas problem when we get inside, all right?
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- Oh, yes.- Yes, I mean, it's lovely.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51..while Jonathan Pratt is ensuring the items brought in
0:01:51 > 0:01:54are above board.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Coach and Horses. Did you have a good night there
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- and you walked away with it? - LAUGHTER
0:02:01 > 0:02:03It seems we're in for a fun-filled day,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06so before the valuations get under way,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09here's a glimpse of what's coming up in today's show.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15There are no holds barred on Mark's valuations.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18What on earth made you think we'd be interested in this item?
0:02:18 > 0:02:21I didn't know that you was going to be!
0:02:21 > 0:02:23SHE CHUCKLES
0:02:23 > 0:02:24And can Jonathan do the didgeridoo?
0:02:24 > 0:02:26It's going to be a bit loud, everybody.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29BUM NOTE
0:02:31 > 0:02:33And later on, I take a tour of London
0:02:33 > 0:02:35on a truck that can swim in the River Thames,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38and we find out how amphibious vehicles like this
0:02:38 > 0:02:41played a key role during World War II.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45While everybody gets safely seated inside,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48let me quickly tell you about this fantastic building.
0:02:48 > 0:02:49It was designed by one
0:02:49 > 0:02:51of England's most renowned architects,
0:02:51 > 0:02:52Sir Christopher Wren.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55In 1696, he was given the task of building a refuge
0:02:55 > 0:02:57for retired or injured sailors,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00and he was told to make it grand.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01And that he surely did.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07And as you step inside, just look at this grand hall.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09It's called the Painted Hall.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14What greets you at first is that above you, 90 feet up there,
0:03:14 > 0:03:15spectacular dome.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17One of the finest in London.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21The ceiling and the walls were painted by Sir James Thornhill,
0:03:21 > 0:03:22and he got a knighthood for his work,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25and it's hardly surprising because it's absolutely jaw-dropping.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27And at 5,683 square feet,
0:03:27 > 0:03:32it is the largest figurative painting in the country.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35And right now, we're going straight over to our experts' tables,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37and let's take a closer look at what they've spotted.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39Hopefully, it's equally as impressive.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- Theresa.- Hello.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Hello, thank you so much for bringing in this wonderful sampler.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Is it a family piece?
0:03:48 > 0:03:50Well, it belonged to my aunt, I think,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53but otherwise I don't know very much about it.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Well, it's wonderful.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57You know, samplers we see quite a lot
0:03:57 > 0:03:59and they're made in all periods.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01This type of work was educational
0:04:01 > 0:04:03and it also filled time,
0:04:03 > 0:04:08because before the enjoyments of television and radio and computers,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10people used to learn skills,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and these sort of pictures go back
0:04:12 > 0:04:16to the sort of 16th and 17th century and stump work.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19As soon as you see this, without even looking for the date,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21you can see it's going to be 18th century.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- Yes.- Because it's very, very fine stitch work.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29When you look at a sampler, collectors are looking for quality
0:04:29 > 0:04:31and looking for certain features.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34This wonderful floral border, very formalised.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38You've got what you find on a lot of samplers, the religious text,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41because everything was put into the morality of life.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44I love this scene here.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45- Yes.- The country house.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Terribly Georgian, isn't it?
0:04:47 > 0:04:48- Yes.- Everything symmetrical.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53And I love the little bird table here, the little dog.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- I love these parrots.- Yes.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59And then when you come down to the bottom panel,
0:04:59 > 0:05:04you've got Elizabeth Harding's work, year of her age March 1791,
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- so late 18th century.- Yes.- So it's been around an awfully long time.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- That's right.- And it's got a little bit of wear here and there.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15But it is absolutely charming. And these samplers
0:05:15 > 0:05:19from this particular date are, I think, still quite sought-after.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Up until the 1820s.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25When you get after 1820, the Victorian samplers,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27they become less desirable.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28- Why is that? - Well, I think because...
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Too many of them. - There's a lot of them around.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35The silk work isn't so detailed.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39You often find much more text than actual pictorial imagery.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41This just screams 18th century.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43And if you own a house like this,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46you would love to have that up on the wall, wouldn't you?
0:05:46 > 0:05:49I actually feel quite guilty. I've not really looked at all this.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Well, when you own something, though, you don't, do you?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Where has it been? Has it been on the wall?
0:05:55 > 0:05:57No, it's not the sort of thing I would put on a wall.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59So it's been hidden in a box?
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Well, tucked in a recess.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Well, it needs to come out of the recess, doesn't it?
0:06:04 > 0:06:06I think there will be a lot of collectors for this.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- Oh, really?- I really do, I think it's charming, I love it.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12What do you think it might be worth?
0:06:12 > 0:06:14I haven't any idea whatsoever.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16I think, if we put it in the auction,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19we should be looking at something like £150-250,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23with a reserve of 150.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24OK.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Now, if you get two or three collectors,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29it might even go higher than that.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33It has got star quality about it, and I absolutely love it.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35I think it will do very well.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Yes.- I love it.- All right. Good, thank you.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42It looks like Mark's got that all stitched up...
0:06:43 > 0:06:45..while Jonathan's gone down under
0:06:45 > 0:06:47to the undercroft of the Painted Hall.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51So, Sue, you've got everything here.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54It looks like you've got a whole tribe's worth.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57You've got boomerangs and you've got spears and clubs
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and all sorts of stuff, pretty much everything bar the didgeridoo.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Well, actually, Jonathan, we have one.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Ah. Concealed upon the person.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- Indeed.- I'm guessing. These great labels tell me a lot of things here.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- Who did the labels?- I did.
0:07:12 > 0:07:13- You did.- Many years ago.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18I was a teacher of geography and so I was able to use these artefacts in
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- my teaching.- You see a lot of these sort of things,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24people have travelled and they've come back over the last few years,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26I see a lot of them in houses hanging on walls and stuff,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28but this doesn't look like this, so where has this come from?
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- How did you get them?- Well, it goes back to early 1960s.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- Mm-hm.- My father was in the Royal Air Force.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38He had a posting to Australia.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40I accompanied him with my mother.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46And whilst we were there, a little lady used to visit,
0:07:46 > 0:07:51and she had contacts to one of the aboriginal reservations.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54She actually brought these items to be sold,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56and we think it was probably
0:07:56 > 0:08:00the proceeds went to help the aborigines in the reservation,
0:08:00 > 0:08:05some of which were utilitarian and some were ceremonial items.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Yeah, and you can see the difference straightaway.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09I mean, something like this very simple hardwood,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11a heavy dense wood...
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Yes.- ..that have whatever uses
0:08:13 > 0:08:15and you can see it's been used quite a lot.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17What's this? It's a sort of spear of sorts.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22It is a ceremonial... I think they called it a sort of yam stick,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25but again, those with the decorations
0:08:25 > 0:08:28were used for ceremonial occasions.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31And that's... That's a weighty old lump
0:08:31 > 0:08:35with some rather sinister looking discolorations on it, which,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38you know, you've got a very heavy club end,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40does look like blood would stain.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42So they look like objects that have been used.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45These guys, they're using this for hunting.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Yes, it was used as a club.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50It's called a nulla nulla, to finish off their prey.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54I reckon, I mean, look at that, there's cracks in the grain.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57It's a tough, tough wood, but it's curved from use.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- Yes.- This intrigues me. A bullroarer.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01So this is something that is spun around.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03It is, and it makes a roaring sound.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08The chief would use that to summon the tribesmen to meetings.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10As a collection, it's very interesting.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Why are you selling it?
0:09:12 > 0:09:15I'm hoping to move shortly, downsize,
0:09:15 > 0:09:17and they'd only go into storage again,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20so it's time for these to move to a new home.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Looking at them as a collection,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26I would suggest their value is something of the region of
0:09:26 > 0:09:27between £300-500 as a collection.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29£300, we can have it as a reserve for that
0:09:29 > 0:09:31and what they'll do is they'll look at the lots
0:09:31 > 0:09:34and then maybe if they split it into two, they'll
0:09:34 > 0:09:36try and make two £150 lots.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Last object here, the didgeridoo.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40Do you didgeridoo?
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I don't didgeridoo.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45But do you do didgeridoo?
0:09:45 > 0:09:47I don't do. Well, I can try the didgeridoo.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48Does it matter which end you blow?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- This end.- Good.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Which has got a slightly softer end to it.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56OK. Now, I think I've tried once in the past.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00You have to try and make, you have to... "Pffft!" Is that right?
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- A sort of...- Here we go.
0:10:02 > 0:10:03BUM NOTE
0:10:03 > 0:10:04Oh!
0:10:05 > 0:10:06Right.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Let's make to make it a bit louder, everybody.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11PARP!
0:10:11 > 0:10:13LAUGHTER
0:10:13 > 0:10:15How do they do it?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17And they keep it going for so long!
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Well, I'm not even going to bother now.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21I've got a note, and that's good enough for me.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- Yes.- Thank you very much. Well, um...
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Yes, well, I think we should leave it
0:10:27 > 0:10:28for the auctioneer now, don't you?
0:10:28 > 0:10:30I think so. Thank you so much.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37What little monstrosity have you brought in to show us?
0:10:37 > 0:10:40What on earth made you think we'd be interested in this item?
0:10:40 > 0:10:42I didn't know that you was going to be!
0:10:42 > 0:10:44SHE LAUGHS
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Um, because "Flog It!" was here in Greenwich,
0:10:46 > 0:10:47I decided to bring it along.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I've had it all that time, so I just wanted you to see it.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I'm so glad you have. Where did you get it from?
0:10:53 > 0:10:58My mother-in-law. She died about 25 years ago and we just acquired it.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59So where's it been living, in a drawer?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- In a cupboard.- Oh, no!
0:11:01 > 0:11:05At least we've elevated it into the Painted Room at Greenwich.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Yes, we have! - Did she ever show it to you?
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Did you ever know where it came from?
0:11:09 > 0:11:11No, no, never saw it before.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- So you have no idea?- No. - Gosh, how interesting.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16I mean I spotted it in the queue hours ago,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20and there's just something a bit quirky about it, isn't there?
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Because you've got this sort of car clock, which is made by Smiths.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- Yes.- And Smiths is quite an interesting maker.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30The actual first Smith, Samuel Smith,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32ran a clock shop in London,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35in the middle of the 19th century, so a long time ago.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40But in the 1930s, they turned their hand to modern household clocks,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42electric clocks, and car clocks.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- Right.- So there's a lot of history connected there,
0:11:45 > 0:11:46- and they are still going today.- Yes.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50You see what I liked about it is it's a complete one-off item.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- Yes.- You can't go round finding one of these.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- No.- Because somebody obviously loves this car clock
0:11:56 > 0:12:00and decided when they got rid of the car, "I want the clock."
0:12:00 > 0:12:02They keep the clock!
0:12:02 > 0:12:06They've had someone, they've taken it to a little engineer or something
0:12:06 > 0:12:09and they've had this very Art Deco mount made for it,
0:12:09 > 0:12:11which is completely handmade.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14You've got these little sort of drums, almost, as the feet,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16but actually I did notice on the bottom here as well,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18that's the winder.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21It's SO aesthetically 1930s Art Deco.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- Right.- And I love that, what we call a lion rampant,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28holding the whole thing up.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32I think it's just great fun and I think there must be people out there
0:12:32 > 0:12:34with sort of minds like mine, I hope,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36who like these individual, quirky items.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39I love it, you can see that,
0:12:39 > 0:12:40I think it's great.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- Do you like it?- No.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- No?- No.- Now I'm glad you're sitting down.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- Right.- Because it's not going to be worth a fortune.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- No.- You know? But you are happy to sell it.- Yes, of course.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54I think your little novelty clock should have an estimate
0:12:54 > 0:12:56of something like £40-60.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57That's more than I thought.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01And we should put a reserve, let's put a £30 fixed reserve.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- OK.- So we don't give it away for nothing.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- No, that's fine.- But hopefully on the day you get two or three people,
0:13:07 > 0:13:08particularly on the internet.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- Yeah.- There might be mad collectors out there
0:13:12 > 0:13:14and it might make 50, 60, 70, who knows?
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- Who knows, yeah. - But a truly one-off item.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- Like us!- Yes!
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- Thanks for bringing it in, Carole. - Thank you.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26We do love those quirky items.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Well, I tell you what, as a backdrop to a valuation day venue,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37it doesn't get any better than this,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College.
0:13:40 > 0:13:41It's an honour to be here.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Isn't it great, everyone?
0:13:43 > 0:13:44- ALL:- Yes!- What surroundings.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47We need items and collectables worthy of these surroundings,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50and I tell you what, our experts have found three right now,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52and we're going to put those valuations to the test
0:13:52 > 0:13:53in the auction room.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Here's a quick recap of all the items we're taking with us.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02The fine craftsmanship in this late 18th-century sampler
0:14:02 > 0:14:04should ensure we sew up a good deal.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Boomerangs, spears and a didgeridoo, right from the heart of the outback,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14should draw in the collectors.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22And let's hope this one-of-a-kind car clock catches someone's eye.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Our auction destination today is in Chiswick.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34This West London suburb was originally a fishing village,
0:14:34 > 0:14:38with houses clustered around its 15th-century medieval church.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Today, it still maintains its riverside charm,
0:14:42 > 0:14:45so let's hope we can lure the buyers to Chiswick Auctions
0:14:45 > 0:14:47just down the road.
0:14:47 > 0:14:48William Rouse is our auctioneer.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Remember, when you're selling or buying at auction,
0:14:53 > 0:14:58you need to pay a commission fee, which, here today, is 15% plus VAT.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05First up, Carole's car clock.
0:15:05 > 0:15:06- Good luck, Carole. - Thank you very much.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10Now, is this something for the motor enthusiast, or clock enthusiast,
0:15:10 > 0:15:11or just people that love quirky things?
0:15:11 > 0:15:13We have that car clock, and I like it
0:15:13 > 0:15:15because it's been adapted over the years
0:15:15 > 0:15:17and made into something, and it is quirky.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19That's why I fell in love with it, Paul.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Somebody obviously hasn't wanted to chuck it away
0:15:21 > 0:15:24and made that lovely mount for it, so it's very Art Deco.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25I like the fact that it's scratch built.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28And you can't do your comparables.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- It's finite. It's a one-off. - Yes, it's a one-off.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31You wouldn't see another one anywhere.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33No, you won't see another one.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- And that's the beauty of it. Happy? - Yes, of course I am.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Happy enough? HE LAUGHS
0:15:37 > 0:15:39We always want a bit more, don't we?
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Right, let's find out what the bidders think.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43It's going under the hammer right now.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46And 411, a vintage Smiths clock.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50What's it worth? Start me, £40 to go.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53£40 for it. £30 for it, then, to go.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55For the clock. It's got to be worth that, come on.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- £30, surely?- BIDDER:- Yes, 30. - 30 is bid, thank you.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Oh, 30 is bid.- Phew!
0:16:00 > 0:16:03£30 in the room. One maiden bid so far of £30.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- Come on.- Anybody else? It's going to sell, for you.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07It's going, then, 30...
0:16:07 > 0:16:08How much is that?
0:16:08 > 0:16:10£30, in the room, then, at 30.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Oh, I think they're sitting on their hands.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17£30, it's gone.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- It's... Only just.- That's all right. I don't have to take it home.
0:16:20 > 0:16:21We're happy, aren't we? We're happy.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- You didn't... I liked it. - We're happy.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- You didn't like it, did you?- No. No.- Thank you so much.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Thank you.- We did our very best. - Yeah, thank you.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Next, it's the collection of aboriginal items.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Sue, good luck. Ethnographica is big business worldwide now.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39We've seen it on the show before.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42We get a lot of aboriginal items going under the hammer
0:16:42 > 0:16:43that Jonathan put a value on.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Your father was in the RAF in the '60s?
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- Yes, yes.- He brought all of this back?- He did.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49I hope we don't disappoint.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50We've got £300-500.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52I think it's a "come and buy me."
0:16:52 > 0:16:54It's one lot. It's going, hopefully, to a new owner.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Are you pleased with this?
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- I am, yes.- Is it going to be a sad moment to say goodbye?
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Have you got lots more things?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Erm, no, no, I think it's time they found a new owner.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- Time they moved on?- Yes. - OK. Good luck, both of you.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Let's hope these boomerangs don't come back.
0:17:07 > 0:17:13Lot 495 is a collection of Australian artefacts.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18Interesting little lot, 495, and start me, £200, start me for it.
0:17:18 > 0:17:19200 is bid on the internet.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22210. 230. 240.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25250. 260. 270.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27270 with me.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28280. 290.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31290. 300.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Internet bid now of 300.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Is that it? 320.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- Slowly, slowly.- 340. 340 on the internet.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42£340, Internet bid.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44340, you all finished and done?
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Selling, then, for 340.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48It's gone. It's going, it's going.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Oh, yes, it's gone. £340.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53No big surprise, there, but you were spot on with your three to five.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- Good, good.- And you're happy because you don't have to take them home.
0:17:56 > 0:17:57- Yes.- That's the main thing.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Now, let's see if we can get this next lot sewn up.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Right now on the show, we've got some textiles
0:18:07 > 0:18:09in the form of a wonderful late-18th-century sampler
0:18:09 > 0:18:12belonging to Theresa. And thank you for bringing that in
0:18:12 > 0:18:14because we don't see too many samplers.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17We used to, about ten years ago, but they've fallen out of fashion.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Oh, right.- And I like this one, and I agree with Mark -
0:18:20 > 0:18:21when you're buying a sampler,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24you've got to get one with a good central architectural image.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Let's hope we get a couple of hundred pounds. This is it.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30361 is a George III needlework sampler.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33361, good little lot, this.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36There we go. What's it worth? Start me at £100 to go.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38180. 200.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39240. 260.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- Yes, yes, yes.- 240 on the internet.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45260. 280.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47280 on the internet.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49300 on the internet.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51300. Do you want 320?
0:18:51 > 0:18:53320 in the room. 340.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56360. 380. 400.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00420. 440. 460.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- 480. 500.- 500!
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Thank you, sir, £500. Internet bid of 500.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12Are we...? Is that it? I'm selling it, then, £500.
0:19:12 > 0:19:13Fantastic. £500!
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Do you know, that's a good result.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17A proper document of social history,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19those wonderful skills.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21But it's nice that the market still responds well
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- with these good quality ones. - Yes, yes.- Faith.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25Yeah, faith in the market.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- Absolutely.- Yeah. Thank you for bringing it in.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28OK, thank you.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Well, that concludes our first visit to the auction room today.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39Not bad so far.
0:19:39 > 0:19:40We're coming back later on.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Do not go away.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45While we're in London, I took the opportunity
0:19:45 > 0:19:50to explore the city on a truck that both drives on land and water.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58London is currently one of the world's
0:19:58 > 0:20:00most popular travel destinations,
0:20:00 > 0:20:04accommodating more than 17 million visitors in recent years.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06# London calling
0:20:06 > 0:20:08# To the faraway towns
0:20:08 > 0:20:10# Now war is declared... #
0:20:10 > 0:20:13People are just drawn to the sights such as the London Eye, Big Ben,
0:20:13 > 0:20:17the Houses of Parliament and the list just goes on and on and on.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18There are many tour buses you can take
0:20:18 > 0:20:21that give you a fantastic view of the city by road,
0:20:21 > 0:20:23and there are also boats that give you a view
0:20:23 > 0:20:26of the London skyline from the River Thames.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29But I'm taking a truck that can do both.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44My name's Matt and this is Nelson, our driver.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Matt and Nelson have kindly agreed
0:20:46 > 0:20:49to give me a special private tour of London.
0:20:51 > 0:20:57..abolished in the 1980s, and it's now the London Aquarium.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59I have to admit that my reason for taking a special tour
0:20:59 > 0:21:02is not only because of the London sights.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09I want to find out more about these amphibious DUKW vehicles,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12or Ducks as they're affectionately nicknamed.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Nowadays, they're a fun way of sightseeing around London,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18but the original vehicles, the original Ducks,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20played a key role during World War II.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27In the early 1940s, as the war entered its most critical phase,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Allied forces needed a more efficient way
0:21:30 > 0:21:33to transport men and urgent supplies.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38Too much time was being wasted with ships waiting for barges,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41barges waiting for trucks and trucks waiting for trains.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46The answer was to develop a new kind of landing craft
0:21:46 > 0:21:50so that cargo could be delivered directly onto the beach.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Or a truck that could swim.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55Now, that was the brief
0:21:55 > 0:21:58given to General Motors Corporation in America.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02It needed to be able to handle rough sea swells,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05high surf and have the ability
0:22:05 > 0:22:08to drive over coral reefs and sandbanks.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11It was decided that they would try and convert
0:22:11 > 0:22:16the already successful six by six, two and a half tonne army truck.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22An American-based marine company designed the hull,
0:22:22 > 0:22:26which made the truck seaworthy, and they were soon put into operation.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Britain put in an order for 2,000 of them.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38I'm meeting with John Bigos, who is the managing director,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41and he can tell me more about how these vehicles work.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43John, we know these have been converted for the tours,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45but are they operating very much
0:22:45 > 0:22:47like they did when they saw active service?
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Absolutely, yes. They have a lot of the original features.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52It has six-wheel drive.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57It is able to operate on soft sand, tarmac, gravel, shingle,
0:22:57 > 0:23:01anything like that. And, yes, she's a lovely old girl.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02What was their role during the war?
0:23:02 > 0:23:04What were they really good at?
0:23:04 > 0:23:07One of the main areas was carrying equipment.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10I've personally seen two of the original Ducks
0:23:10 > 0:23:13with what I would refer to as scaffold boards going across,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16carrying original tanks, and they would travel together
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- and go across rivers and things like that.- Wow, acting as a bridge?
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- Yes.- It's some weight, though, isn't it?- She weighs...
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Seven to eight tonnes She is eight tonnes, yes.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- Phew!- And, erm, when we've got passengers on,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31that brings it up to about 10.5-12 tonnes, yeah.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34The duality is just perfect and the fact that it trundles along
0:23:34 > 0:23:36and it has so much original history with it,
0:23:36 > 0:23:38many, many people stop and stare at it
0:23:38 > 0:23:40and think, "What on earth is that?"
0:23:40 > 0:23:43It's more of a boat than a truck, isn't it? Let's face it.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- I would agree.- Yeah.- I think it's more of a boat than a truck.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- And...- I'm pleased you said that
0:23:48 > 0:23:50because I've got to go out in it in a minute!
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Very good, very good. I hope you enjoy your tour.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01So, everyone, welcome to London's Amazing Amphibious Adventure!
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Well, we are travelling on a Duck called Mistress Quickly,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19and she's equipped with a full complement of life jackets
0:24:19 > 0:24:22and life rafts situated on the roof.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26These Ducks played a significant role during the Second World War,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29for example, the invasion of mainland Italy.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36In September 1943, as part of the Allied invasion of Salerno in Italy,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Ducks moved 190,000 troops,
0:24:39 > 0:24:4530,000 vehicles and 12,000 tonnes of supplies across the invasion beaches
0:24:45 > 0:24:46to Salerno.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52The Ducks also played a vital role
0:24:52 > 0:24:54in one of the biggest invasions of all -
0:24:54 > 0:24:59the D-Day landings in Normandy, in France, on June the 6th, 1944.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01This account by Ronnie Frankland, one of the drivers,
0:25:01 > 0:25:05gives us a fascinating insight into what it was really like.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12In June 1944, on the D-Day landings,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15I found myself crossing the Channel on a coaster,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17along with the Duck I was to drive.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20As I had been loaded on last,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23I was the first to embark on the beaches at La Riviere, Normandy.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26And a terrifying moment that was,
0:25:26 > 0:25:30as I drove into the sea with shells and mortars exploding all around me.
0:25:32 > 0:25:33My friend who was following
0:25:33 > 0:25:35signalled for help as the rudder had been damaged on his Duck
0:25:35 > 0:25:37and he was unable to steer.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41We pulled alongside and threw a rope to give him a tow to shore.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Unfortunately for the third Duck embarking,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47he was now in the lead on the race to the beach.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50He hit a mine, killing the driver and injuring the rest of the crew.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54My good deed had saved my life.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59I continued to drive the Duck throughout Europe
0:25:59 > 0:26:01for the rest of the war and became very attached to my vehicle,
0:26:01 > 0:26:03naming her the Normandy Beauty.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Ronnie survived, but more than 57,000 men
0:26:11 > 0:26:14lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Undoubtedly, the D-Day landings and further battles in World War II
0:26:21 > 0:26:22around Asia and the Pacific
0:26:22 > 0:26:24were heavily influenced by vehicles like this.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28They allowed men, supplies and materials to be taken ashore
0:26:28 > 0:26:32before the port was taken, in pretty unpleasant seas.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Today, these reconditioned machines
0:26:36 > 0:26:39are giving tourists a fun way of sightseeing, not just in London
0:26:39 > 0:26:41but other cities all around the globe,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44and they've taken to it like a duck to water!
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Welcome back to our valuation day venue
0:26:58 > 0:27:01here at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03It's now time to catch up with our experts
0:27:03 > 0:27:06to see what other items we can find to take off to auction.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11So, Valerie, you've got this lovely silver mesh purse.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13- Yes, I have.- Where's it come from?
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Well, I like going through, erm, charity shops,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19and I bought it in my local charity shop.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- Really?- Mm-hm.- Oh, my word!
0:27:22 > 0:27:24I think it was the fringing because I have a lot...
0:27:24 > 0:27:26I love fringing. So I just saw that and thought, "Ooh!"
0:27:26 > 0:27:29And I wondered if it was silver, but I wasn't sure.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31OK, and what made you think it might be silver?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Well, the colour is silver, and this looks like jewellery, you know,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- silver jewellery.- Yeah.- I thought to myself, "Well, it can't be, can it?"
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Well, it is silver, as you were quite right to assume.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- OK.- Erm, but this is a nice touch.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45I love this fringe, like this, around here, and along the bottom.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- I love that.- Erm, it's... There is a hallmark on the side, here.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52It's not made in England but it's imported into England, OK?
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- Oh, right.- So the mark on the side is an import mark.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Obviously, the style of this is...
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- ..sort of alluding to sort of the Art Deco you'd expect.- OK.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02So it's got to be post-1920s.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- So how much did you pay for it? - Well, I paid £5.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08OK, well, it went £5 to charity but then, that's what people do,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- don't they?- Yeah.- OK, well, that's a really good buy for £5.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Would you have dressed up specially to wearing it, taking this?
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Or is it the normal Saturday night gear?
0:28:16 > 0:28:18It would be the normal... Yeah, bling, lots and lots of bling!
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Well, it's definitely bling, yeah, absolutely.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- Did you have to clean it? - No, I wouldn't touch it!- Oh, OK.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26I would say it's probably worth £60-80.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Oh, that's much more than I thought it would be.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32I mean, I wasn't thinking of it being any more than, like, 30?
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- £30?- And were you planning to use it?
0:28:35 > 0:28:38I would use it. Now I've found out it definitely was silver,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40then there's no way I was going to go out, you know...
0:28:40 > 0:28:42What would you do with it anyway, if you did?
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- What would you put in it? - Well, my mobile phone.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- Come on!- My lipstick and that's all I need.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- Yeah, I suppose so.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52I'm only going out on the tiles. I don't need much!
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Yeah, you know, just don't leave it behind. Well, there you are.
0:28:55 > 0:28:56It's much nicer than that,
0:28:56 > 0:28:59in the sense of it has that intrinsic value and, erm...
0:28:59 > 0:29:00..we can happily sell it for you.
0:29:00 > 0:29:06So if we say £60-80, and, erm, set a reserve just around the £60 mark?
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- That sounds fabulous. I didn't expect that.- OK.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- Brilliant.- Well, I'm very pleased.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13- Thank you.- And we'll find out exactly what happens.
0:29:13 > 0:29:14Oh, I can't wait!
0:29:18 > 0:29:19That was a good find.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Now I'm keen to see what Mark has spotted.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Liz. I love this item you've brought in.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- I'm so glad.- I think it's wonderful but before we look at it,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31there's an interesting history to this object, isn't there?
0:29:31 > 0:29:32- Can you tell us?- Yes.
0:29:32 > 0:29:39Erm, in 1938, my father sponsored a young girl of 18 from Vienna.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- From Vienna?- Yes, and things were getting very sticky in Vienna,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46so she came to our family, and later,
0:29:46 > 0:29:49my father tried to get her parents over.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51They got as far as Italy,
0:29:51 > 0:29:54were turned back and ended up in concentration camps.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Oh, gosh. So, obviously, they were Jewish?
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- Yes, yes.- And in Vienna at the time...
0:29:59 > 0:30:00Things were very bad.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04She wanted to be a doctor, but, erm, her parents said, "Things are bad,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- "better not." - Get...get her to safety.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10Yes. She was sort of adopted by our family,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12an extra grandma to all of us.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17- Oh, how lovely.- And she left me, erm, this, which I have to say,
0:30:17 > 0:30:20I loved her dearly, but I'm not very fond of it!
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- I know you like it.- I love it.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24And we all can't like the same things.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- Absolutely.- It's very interesting, this, that you mention Vienna.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Because, of course, I think this is Austrian.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36- Yes.- And it's what we generally refer to as cold-painted bronze.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Originally, I think this would all have been painted.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- Oh, really? - Erm, towards the late 19th century,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44just into the beginning of the 20th century,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47these little novelty cold-painted bronze items
0:30:47 > 0:30:50were very fashionable items for a Victorian house,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53right throughout Europe and the Western world.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56And there were a lot of odd items made.
0:30:56 > 0:30:57This is one of those.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01This is a little baby seated on a stork.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04And, of course, one of the stories is that storks delivered the babies.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06- Of course.- Which is lovely.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- Yes.- There's one particular firm
0:31:08 > 0:31:12that everybody looks out for, and that's Bergman.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14- Yes.- Franz Xavier Bergman,
0:31:14 > 0:31:18born in the 1860s, died in the 1930s.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21He produced the most collectable cold-painted bronze figures,
0:31:21 > 0:31:25but he always marked his pieces, or pretty always marked his pieces,
0:31:25 > 0:31:27with a little B in an urn.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Some of his risque ones, which involved nudity,
0:31:31 > 0:31:34he signed his name backwards.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- Really?- So it was Namgreb, rather than Bergman.- Oh, wow.- I love this.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39I think it's got everything
0:31:39 > 0:31:42a collector of this sort of thing would like.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45You've got the stork, who looks quite evil, actually.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- Does it?- Yes, well, I think it's got quite an evil eye.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- It does, it's got a very long... - A very long beak.- Yes, yes.
0:31:51 > 0:31:52And the baby's clinging on, there.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55The baby looks rather sad, or has fallen asleep, maybe.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57But it's great. It was made about 1900.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59It's not marked, so we can't say Bergman.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02- No.- But it's certainly got an edge of quality about it.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Hopefully, when we put it into the sale,
0:32:04 > 0:32:08- we will find someone who loves it and wants to collect it.- Yes, yes.
0:32:08 > 0:32:09I'm holding it, of course, because
0:32:09 > 0:32:11when I put it down, it's a little bit unstable.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- Yes.- So that needs to be addressed, but we need a professional
0:32:13 > 0:32:16to repair that. I don't want to twist the leg and break it off.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- No, no. - It's got a fascinating history.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- It's not your favourite item in the world.- Absolutely not, no.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23It's one of my favourite items.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- Well, I'm glad.- And I think there will be a lot of favourites at the
0:32:26 > 0:32:27- auction for this.- Really?
0:32:27 > 0:32:30In terms of value, I'd like to keep it realistic.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33- Yes.- If it's all right with you, Liz, because it's not marked.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36I'd like to put £100-150 on it.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38- Great, that would be perfect. - And we'll put a £100 fixed reserve.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- Yes.- So if it doesn't make 100, we'll try it another day.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- Thank you. - I don't think we need to worry.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48How can I say it? Not to make too fine a point, I think it might fly.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50- Well, it should fly. - With the baby, hopefully.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52With that thing, shouldn't it?
0:32:52 > 0:32:53- With the baby, hopefully.- Yes, yes.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55Wonderful. Thanks for bringing it in.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- Thank you very much. Really enjoyed it.- Thank you.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Now, this building is full of nooks and crannies,
0:33:11 > 0:33:13and I'm off to take a snoop around.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Imagine a life at sea
0:33:16 > 0:33:19and then coming to live in this grand setting.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23The naval pensioners must have felt this was a gift from God.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29This corridor connects the Old Royal Naval College
0:33:29 > 0:33:30to the chapel, and this is the way
0:33:30 > 0:33:33that the pensioners would have come on a wet day.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37I have to show you inside
0:33:37 > 0:33:42because the chapel of St Peter and St Paul is a feast for the eyes.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49Gosh! Just look at the architectural detail here.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52This is incredible.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57Every square foot of the walls and the ceiling have been applied
0:33:57 > 0:34:00and adorned with architectural motifs.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03It's absolutely superb.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07And up there, look, figures in niches, but that's trompe l'oeil,
0:34:07 > 0:34:09it's a trick of the eye.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12It looks like they are in a recess, but it is just a flat surface.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15This is really quite breathtaking.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19This neoclassical masterpiece took ten years to build
0:34:19 > 0:34:21and it was completed in 1789.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26Today, it still serves its original purpose as a place of worship,
0:34:26 > 0:34:30as well as being used for recitals and concerts.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Now, you know I love wood,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37so it's inevitable that I'm drawn to this fabulous pulpit.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41It is constructed of oak, mahogany, and carved lime wood detail.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43It is absolutely fabulous.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45It's also got these medallions around the outside
0:34:45 > 0:34:50which depict Biblical stories - the lives of St Peter and Paul.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Originally, this would have been placed in front of the altar,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55over here,
0:34:55 > 0:35:00rising well above the floor level for audibility and visibility.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02But looking at the height of that,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04and looking at the image on the wall,
0:35:04 > 0:35:05looking at the painting,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07you could see that the flames right in the middle,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10if the chaplain was on top of the pulpit,
0:35:10 > 0:35:12it would look like those flames were coming out of his head
0:35:12 > 0:35:14as he delivered the sermon.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17Now, that would create such a dramatic effect
0:35:17 > 0:35:21and I'm sure it would keep the congregation transfixed.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23Now, I wonder if our experts
0:35:23 > 0:35:25are engrossed back at the valuation tables?
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Let's join up with them.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Hello, Vicky. You've brought this lovely watch along.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31- Yes.- Tell me, whose was it?
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- How did you get it? - Erm, it was my husband's.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38We were married for 55 years and, unfortunately, he died in March.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- Oh, OK.- Erm, but...
0:35:41 > 0:35:43I think it was a collective present from his family.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45- OK.- I think so, anyway.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49It's lovely. I mean, I look forward to the collective present myself
0:35:49 > 0:35:52when they bring themselves round to buying a Rolex for me!
0:35:52 > 0:35:55When was that, roughly?
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Erm, he was born in 1931, so it would have been about...
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- '31...- 1952, wouldn't it?
0:35:59 > 0:36:01That's fairly accurate, obviously,
0:36:01 > 0:36:03so we know that we're dealing with the right thing.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06This is a 1950s watch. What did your husband do?
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- Erm, he was actually a watchmaker. - Oh, was he?- Yes, he was, yes.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11And that is apparent in the watch, actually cos, OK,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13we're dealing with a watch which is circa 1950.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15It's a gold case.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17Behind the, erm, the minute hand,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19very, very faded now, is the magic name, Rolex.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23And the chap who set up the Rolex factory was trying to think of
0:36:23 > 0:36:26a name that was memorable in every language,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29and apparently he was riding on the top deck of a bus
0:36:29 > 0:36:31and, supposedly, an angel whispered in his ear,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34"Rolex", and that's how he...he chose the name.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- Really?- Apparently so, yeah. - Oh, that's amazing.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Amazing, isn't it? The other magical word down there
0:36:39 > 0:36:40is the fact that it says chronometer.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43And a chronometer is a precision watch.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45And everyone knows Rolex are precision watches, but, erm,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49it has to meet very strict criteria, where over 15 days,
0:36:49 > 0:36:53it has to be tested at three different temperatures,
0:36:53 > 0:36:55in...in a number, in numerous different ways.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Under the Rolex, it says perpetual. OK?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- Yes.- And the "perpetual" is that it's an automatic watch.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06- Yes.- Erm, Rolex invented the...the self-winding mechanism.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09This will come off, so let's unscrew the back.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12You'll see on the back, the weight that spins round.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16It doesn't want to move much at the moment, but it does say on there,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18"Rolex perpetual chronometer", and it's got the date,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20the warranty date on there.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24It's a really good watch, actually. It's a really good watch.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Erm, now, I'll just see if I can get that back in.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29This is a market now which is becoming very fashionable,
0:37:29 > 0:37:32with the rising sort of wealth in countries around the world,
0:37:32 > 0:37:34a watch is a status symbol for gentlemen.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36It would be great if it was ticking now and I could know that it was,
0:37:36 > 0:37:38it was sort of a pretty much working condition.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42The feeling is, it's probably worth between £600-1,000.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45What sort of value would you be comfortable with selling this for?
0:37:45 > 0:37:47I wouldn't want less than 800.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48You wouldn't want less than £800?
0:37:48 > 0:37:50If we said £800-1,200...
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Yes. And for now, what,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55just to have a reserve of £800 and if it didn't sell for 800,
0:37:55 > 0:37:57you'll just happily have it back?
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- Yes.- I think it has a very good chance of...
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- Do you?- Surprising us, I think so, yeah.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05I really like it. I'd love to have one of these for myself.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- Would you?- There we are.- Yeah. - Thank you very much.
0:38:08 > 0:38:09Oh, you're very welcome.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11And, erm, I'm sure it will go well on the day.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Thank you. Thank you very much.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23Well, sadly, it's time to say goodbye to all of this.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24We've had a marvellous day
0:38:24 > 0:38:27at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Everybody's thoroughly enjoyed themselves, but right now
0:38:29 > 0:38:31we're making our way up the River Thames
0:38:31 > 0:38:33to the auction rooms in Chiswick,
0:38:33 > 0:38:36and here's a quick recap of the final items
0:38:36 > 0:38:38that are going under the hammer.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40A lady would feel like the belle of the ball
0:38:40 > 0:38:42with this silver cocktail purse.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51We hope to see the bronze baby, sat on a stork, fly at auction.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57And those timepiece collectors will have to be quick
0:38:57 > 0:39:00to get their hands on this 1950s Rolex.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Back in the Chiswick saleroom, William Rouse and Stephen Large
0:39:07 > 0:39:10are still in charge of the proceedings.
0:39:10 > 0:39:11£100.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Time to find out how this silver purse will fare.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- Valerie, it's great to see you.- Hi. - Going under the hammer right now,
0:39:18 > 0:39:20we've got that silver cocktail purse which Jonathan valued.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23I don't know why you're selling this because, don't you think
0:39:23 > 0:39:26you would look gorgeous carrying this to a ball somewhere?
0:39:26 > 0:39:30- Thank you.- And how much did you pay? - Five.- £5.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Did you go, "Yes, I've got to have it. £5, here's the money"?
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- Yes, definitely.- Don't blame you.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- Yeah, I liked it.- Right, well, let's find out what it's worth, shall we?
0:39:38 > 0:39:39Let's see if we're right with our value.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41It's going under the hammer right now.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46So, Lot 515 is this 1930s silver flapper's mesh handbag.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Good little lot, there. Start me, £60, it must be worth.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53£60 to start me for the flapper's bag, £60.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56For this silver bag. I thought so. £60 is bid on the internet.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- 65.- Good luck.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00- Straight in at 60.- £60.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04Deathly silence. £60 on the internet is bid.
0:40:04 > 0:40:05Doesn't seem a lot, but it can go...
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- Come on, come on. - It goes, then, for £60.
0:40:08 > 0:40:09Are you all finished and done?
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- It's gone! you can't wear it out again.- I can't wear it again.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Hey, look, but go back to the charity shops.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- I will do.- You know where they are. - I do.- You've got a great eye.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20- Thank you.- Go and kit yourself out. - I will.- Thank you.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22It's all out there. Check it out.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Next, the bronze baby sat on a stork.
0:40:27 > 0:40:32Elizabeth, you made Mark Stacey jump up and down with excitement
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- at the valuation day. - I'm so pleased.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36And I saw it, and I thought, "Yes, quirky, quirky's in."
0:40:36 > 0:40:38And it's hard to put a value on that because it could fly away.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41It is, because I've never seen that model but it's charming.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43It's a representation of the stork delivering the baby,
0:40:43 > 0:40:46but the baby's on the back, clinging onto the stork.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47And I think it's great fun.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50I think this is going to find its own level and it may surprise us.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52- Ready for this?- Oh, I am, Paul.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Right, let's do it. It's going under the hammer right now.
0:40:54 > 0:41:01311 is the bronze model of a baby riding a stork, an unusual subject.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03What's it worth? Start me, £100 to go.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- 80 then, to start.- Come on. - Come on.- Come on, £80, surely.
0:41:07 > 0:41:0880 is bid. £80.
0:41:08 > 0:41:0985?
0:41:10 > 0:41:1390. 95? £100?
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- Oh, we've got the reserve.- Selling on the internet now for £100.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Is that it?
0:41:18 > 0:41:21£100 bid. I'm going to sell it, though.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23All done? £100.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Oh, I feel quite deflated.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29So do I, so do I, because if it was Bergman, it would be 300.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31But we don't know that.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- It's going to a good cause. - It's going to a good cause.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- It's going to a hospice. - Oh, well, that's wonderful.- Yeah.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Thank God we put a reserve on it.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- Yes, well... - I'm glad we protected it.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41Yeah, and it's been fun.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46And finally, next up, the 1950s Rolex.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49Going under the hammer right now we have a '50s Rolex watch,
0:41:49 > 0:41:50belonging to Vicky,
0:41:50 > 0:41:54and I think this could do the top end of Jonathan's estimate.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- And I know your husband's sadly passed away now, hasn't he?- Yes.
0:41:57 > 0:41:58But he loved his watches.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00- He did.- And this was one he picked out, so it means...
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- It means a lot to you?- Yes, yes.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Have you got any other watches that he had?
0:42:06 > 0:42:07- Lots.- Lots.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10OK. I think you're right with the estimate, eight to 12.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12It's a good-looking watch.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16Well, look, fingers crossed we get that top end of Jonathan's estimate.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18It is quality. We keep saying, quality sells,
0:42:18 > 0:42:19but it's a great name as well,
0:42:19 > 0:42:21and hopefully it's going to go to someone in the room.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- Let's put it to the test. Ready? - Right.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25A gents' Rolex Oyster perpetual,
0:42:25 > 0:42:29a very nice thing and I've got to go straight in at £1,200 on the bid.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- £1,200.- You were right.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33- Got the phone on it as well. - Straight in.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- He knew his stuff, didn't he? - 1,300 on the phone.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Commission's out. It's at £1,300.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Any more interest at 1,300?
0:42:42 > 0:42:43Commission's out, no?
0:42:43 > 0:42:45I think we're going to be selling to the phone bid.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49It's going to be sold, fair warning, it's sold, £1,300.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52- Well. Well done, you.- Yeah, very pleased.- Well done. You knew that.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- Yeah, so am I, so am I. - He knew his quality, didn't he?
0:42:55 > 0:42:56He did, yes, yes.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58- It's a good thing. - Well, great to see you again.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00- OK, thank you.- If you've got anything like that,
0:43:00 > 0:43:01we'd love to sell it for you.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03Bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:43:03 > 0:43:04That's where your journey starts.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07Details of upcoming venues you can find on our BBC website,
0:43:07 > 0:43:09or check our BBC Facebook page.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11We're coming to an area, hopefully, very near you soon.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14So dust them down, bring them in and we'll flog 'em.