0:00:12 > 0:00:14Today, we're in Sussex and this is the stately ballroom
0:00:14 > 0:00:16of Herstmonceux Castle near Battle.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18As you can see, our stewards are putting
0:00:18 > 0:00:20the rows of chairs out for our owners
0:00:20 > 0:00:23and our crews are making the final checks on their equipment.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31And out here, the most important people of all, our visitors,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34hundreds of them, who have come from far and wide.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36I hope you've brought some great treasures along today.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- ALL:- Yes!
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Welcome to Flog It!
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Our host venue, Herstmonceux Castle in Sussex,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06looks immaculate for a building that is nearly 700 years old.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08But it wasn't always so.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11In the 1800s, it had become a ruin,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14fallen into disrepair after a century of neglect.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Fortunately, recent owners took the castle under their wing
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and brought it back to its former glory,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24giving us a glorious location for our Flog It! valuation day.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Look at this. What a fantastic crowd we have today
0:01:27 > 0:01:29and the sun's coming out. We're going to be in for a good day.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Are you going to have a good time, everyone?
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- ALL:- Yes! - Yes, of course you are.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Look, we need to get this crowd inside
0:01:35 > 0:01:36to get on with the valuations.
0:01:36 > 0:01:37It is now 9:30.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41We're going to get the doors open and we are going to find out exactly
0:01:41 > 0:01:42what's it worth?
0:01:42 > 0:01:44And we're going to take the best items off to auction and,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46fingers crossed, we are going to have
0:01:46 > 0:01:48one or two big surprises. So, stay with us.
0:01:48 > 0:01:49And joining us on our quest
0:01:49 > 0:01:53to find the finest antiques brought in by our visitors
0:01:53 > 0:01:55are our very own antiques experts.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58With a keen eye for collectables, it's Jonathan Pratt.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03And entertaining the crowd, it's Catherine Southon.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06# Do do do do do do! #
0:02:07 > 0:02:08They'll be battling it out
0:02:08 > 0:02:11to unearth the best treasures to take to auction.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12Off on your hols, Jonathan?
0:02:12 > 0:02:14Oh, maybe, maybe.
0:02:17 > 0:02:18While everyone gets seated and settled,
0:02:18 > 0:02:22here's a quick taste of what's coming up later on the show.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Jonathan gets to try out one of his finds.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- What would you like?- Oh, yes, cup of tea with one sugar, please.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30One sugar? Oh, right, OK, there we are.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32Our auction really moves Catherine.
0:02:32 > 0:02:33I'm doing a little dance!
0:02:36 > 0:02:39And I discover a piece of history that's very futuristic.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41This looks pretty impressive.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43It looks like something out of a Bond movie set.
0:02:48 > 0:02:49Having a good time, everyone?
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- ALL:- Yes! - Yes, that's what it's all about.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Look at this. It looks like chaos, but believe me,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Flog It! is a well-oiled machine.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Lots of cogs working together.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Everybody knows exactly what they're doing
0:02:59 > 0:03:00and I know you're going to have a good time.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04We're all here to learn something and, hopefully, you will, too.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06We're going to crack on with our first valuation.
0:03:06 > 0:03:07Who is that lucky owner going to be?
0:03:07 > 0:03:11We're going to find out right now, as we join up with our experts.
0:03:12 > 0:03:13So, do you want to pour?
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Do you want to be mother?
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- Oh, yeah.- So, Julie,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22you've brought along a nice tea service and I'm always amazed
0:03:22 > 0:03:24with children's tea services how, actually,
0:03:24 > 0:03:25any of it survived, frankly.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- Oh, yeah.- You know,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30I've got kids and I've seen tea services and they get destroyed.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Well, it was mine when I was a child.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- Yeah.- I've got two daughters
0:03:34 > 0:03:36and they did get to play with it a bit
0:03:36 > 0:03:38when they were young, as well.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41So, you were, you were given this tea service by your mother,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- is that right?- Well, I was adopted
0:03:44 > 0:03:47and the tea service was given with me.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- Oh, really?- But I did track down my birth mother
0:03:51 > 0:03:54years later and asked her about it. And she said,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58"Well, it must have been Aunt Jane's, because I smashed mine!"
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- Oh, really?- So, the sisters both had these when they were little.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03That's sweet, isn't it?
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- Yeah. - Well, it's a Grimwades tea service.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10It's...it's porcelain.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13So, it's quite finely potted.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18Grimwades came around, sort of, you know, 1900, and, you know,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21at that point, tea was becoming,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23tea was becoming available for the masses.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28And then, obviously, at the end of the 19th century, circa 1900,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30that's when we see Beatrix Potter
0:04:30 > 0:04:32and she's up in Cumbria, isn't she?
0:04:32 > 0:04:36And she was writing her stories of Peter Rabbit and Tom Kitten,
0:04:36 > 0:04:40who we've got, and Squirrel Nutkins. And so, those books were
0:04:40 > 0:04:42first published at the end of the 19th century.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Cup factories like Grimwades
0:04:44 > 0:04:49realised they could endorse products and market them
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- to a new audience, being children. - Right, yeah.- So this would have been produced -
0:04:52 > 0:04:54from the shape of the tea service, as well -
0:04:54 > 0:04:56probably around the '20s, '30s.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Yeah.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Well, we've got all sorts going on in here and, you know,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03I think every parent is familiar with this, you know,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06with the characters and the storylines.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10And so we've got Mittens, Tom Kitten and Moppet...
0:05:10 > 0:05:13playing. In this instance, obviously, Tom Kitten's...
0:05:13 > 0:05:17He's naked. He hasn't got his blue coat on.
0:05:17 > 0:05:18Oh, I hadn't noticed that.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22And he's here, there he is in his proud suit.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24So, lovely tea service and there's
0:05:24 > 0:05:27a big collectors' market for children's things.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29So going to the value, well, I mean, this chap here,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- he's not going to hold much tea, I don't think.- No.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33So bearing that in mind and it is a popular tea service
0:05:33 > 0:05:36but bearing that condition element in mind,
0:05:36 > 0:05:40I would say a sensible estimate would be £180-£220.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- Yeah.- And, then, maybe, we put a reserve just below,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45giving us a little bit of wriggle room
0:05:45 > 0:05:47for the auctioneer of maybe £150?
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- Yeah, that would be fine, yeah. - OK. That's wonderful.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Well, there we are. I think, after all that, it's thirsty work, this,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54isn't it? So, maybe... What would you like?
0:05:54 > 0:05:55Oh, yes, cup of tea with one sugar, please.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57One sugar? Oh, right, OK, there we are.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Well, that's wishful thinking, Jonathan. We haven't got time for tea breaks.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04There are hundreds of people here and even more items to look through,
0:06:04 > 0:06:06so let's crack on and see what Catherine has found.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Mary, this is a beautiful card case that you've brought along.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Can you tell me a little bit about where you got it from?
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Well, I inherited it from my mother.
0:06:16 > 0:06:23And I'm pretty sure it came from a place in China called Weihaiwei.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28My grandfather was a missionary and he was sent out there.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34And I inherited it and that was really about it.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Is it something that you remembered from your childhood?
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Yes, but I wish I'd asked a bit more about it.
0:06:41 > 0:06:42You never asked any questions?
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- Not much.- Well, it's certainly
0:06:44 > 0:06:46a card case. It's actually made in China.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48It's Cantonese.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Oh.- And it probably dates from around 1850 or 1860,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53that sort of period.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58And the quality of the carving is absolutely superb.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03And it's carved not only on one side but also on the back and also around
0:07:03 > 0:07:07the sides, as well. And then, you open up the top, here,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09and that's where your calling card
0:07:09 > 0:07:12would have been placed, in the top, there.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17But it's been made in Canton for the Western market.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19And is it something that you always admired in your family?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Yes, oh, yes, I think it's amazing.
0:07:22 > 0:07:23Because it's in lovely condition.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27The quality of the carving here is absolutely superb.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30And on one side you can see that these little figures
0:07:30 > 0:07:31are playing a game.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33These always do make
0:07:33 > 0:07:35good money at auction. It is ivory,
0:07:35 > 0:07:41so we do have to be very careful in stating that it is pre-1947,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44so it is legal to sell items like this at auction.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47But they always command good prices.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Any ideas on price?
0:07:49 > 0:07:51£200?
0:07:51 > 0:07:52You should be doing my job!
0:07:52 > 0:07:54You are absolutely spot on.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59If I was to put this into auction, I would say probably around 200-£300.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01But they do command high prices.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03The Chinese are really hot on these at the moment,
0:08:03 > 0:08:06so it wouldn't surprise me if it did make 400 or £500.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Oh.- But I think, let's put it in at 200-300,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13with a reserve of £200 and it should do very well, indeed.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15How does that sound you, Mary?
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- Thanks very much. - Does that sound good?
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- Great. Yes. - Well, you've really looked after it
0:08:19 > 0:08:21and I hope that'll go to
0:08:21 > 0:08:24someone who will also look after it in the same way you have.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25Thank you so much, Mary.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26It's been lovely to meet you.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30Back over to Jonathan's table now
0:08:30 > 0:08:32and it looks like a very famous figure
0:08:32 > 0:08:34has scurried on to his table.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35Well, Wendy.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- Hello.- Are you a big cartoon fan?
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- I am, yes.- Are you?
0:08:40 > 0:08:41Yes, yes.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44I remember Tom and Jerry from a long time ago.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48I think I spent my childhood watching re-runs of these guys,
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- you know.- I think it's just nostalgia, now,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- for those times.- So, who did you want to win all the time?
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- Oh, the mouse.- Did you? - Because he's so small.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59It's that, that sort of, archetypal rivalry, isn't it?
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- It's the cat and mouse.- Absolutely.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03The origins of this go right back to 1940, OK?
0:09:03 > 0:09:04I hadn't realised that.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07So the creation of...the creation
0:09:07 > 0:09:09of these two characters
0:09:09 > 0:09:11by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15who came up with these characters in 1940,
0:09:15 > 0:09:19and they worked on throughout the '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21I think there was a bit of a lull
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- and they have reproduced them recently.- Yes.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25And the production company that
0:09:25 > 0:09:26I think did it was Warner Brothers,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29right, because you saw the big logo, there, at the end.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- That's it, yeah. - You know, and the theme tune.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I think we can probably hum it away now.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Well, we've got Jerry, here.
0:09:36 > 0:09:37Yes.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41And we've got a view of Jerry in various poses, OK?
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Nicely separated by acid-free tissue paper.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46And then we hit some drawings down the bottom,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48where he's wielding a book.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- He is. - And at the moment, no cats involved.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55There's Tom cat, Tom cat's down the bottom there, OK.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Now, so those viewers who don't understand
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- how cartoons were done in the old days...- I know.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03You know, they were literally drawn and painted onto celluloid,
0:10:03 > 0:10:04which is a hard plastic.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08Yes. They would do cell by cell, folding over, folding over,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11each movement, sort of stop-start animation,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13they might understand a bit more like today.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- Yeah. - So, an enormous amount of work.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21- Effort, yes. - So, how did you come by these?
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Well, I went to a book fair in Lewes about five or six years ago
0:10:24 > 0:10:27and he happened to have these for sale, as well,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30and I just was intrigued by them.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32And he said he got them in a job lot
0:10:32 > 0:10:34and didn't really know what to do with them.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37And I just, sort of, it was a bit of an impulse thing,
0:10:37 > 0:10:41I thought, oh, that's really, really nice and I might frame one or two.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- So I bought them...- Yes.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45..intending to do that, but I never have.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47How much did you pay for them?
0:10:47 > 0:10:51Well, he wanted about £30 and I beat him down to about 20.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52- OK.- And I didn't pay any more,
0:10:52 > 0:10:54I'm sure I didn't pay any more than that.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56It doesn't seem like a lot of money.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- No.- But there is the "What do you do with them?"
0:10:59 > 0:11:02I know, but they were so unusual and I just fell in love with them.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04It was a bit of an impulse, really.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06What do you want for them?
0:11:06 > 0:11:09I don't know. It would be nice to get my money back.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13It would, wouldn't it? OK, let's say £40-60 and let's put,
0:11:13 > 0:11:15just to protect you, a £20 reserve on it.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- Right.- And you're going to get your money back, I promise you.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19Yes, all right. Yes.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Well, Jonathan, we shall find out soon enough.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Well, there you are, you've just seen them,
0:11:25 > 0:11:27our experts have now found their first three items
0:11:27 > 0:11:28to take off to auction.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30This is where it gets exciting.
0:11:30 > 0:11:31You've heard what they've had to say.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33You've probably got your own opinions,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35but right now, it's down to the bidders.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Let's find out what they think.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Let's find out exactly what it's worth, as we go into the saleroom.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Here's a quick recap of all the items we are taking with us.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46Julie's tea set might be a children's toy,
0:11:46 > 0:11:50but I'm sure it will get the bids pouring in.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Mary's card holder is so beautifully carved,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57it's sure to do the business at auction.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02And the Jerry cartoons are a delightful little set.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Let's hope the collectors will sniff them out.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08We are off to Rye, down on the south coast of Sussex.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12In medieval times this pretty town was right on the coast,
0:12:12 > 0:12:14but the sea has retreated since then,
0:12:14 > 0:12:18and now only small ships and fishing boats bob on the river.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23Well, this is what I like to see.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26A packed auction room full of bidders and fine art and antiques.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28On the rostrum, we have auctioneer Kevin Wall
0:12:28 > 0:12:30and the sale is just about to start.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31Let's catch up with our owners
0:12:31 > 0:12:34and, fingers crossed, we get some great surprises.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Our items are going under the hammer at Rye Auction Galleries.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Like all auctions, there's commission to pay
0:12:40 > 0:12:43and, here today, it's 15% plus VAT.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Kevin Wall is the man on the rostrum
0:12:45 > 0:12:49and he is fast approaching the Beatrix Potter tea set.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Good luck to you, Leigh.- Thank you. - Time to say goodbye to the tea set,
0:12:53 > 0:12:54going under the hammer right now.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57We've got a Grimwades Beatrix Potter tea set
0:12:57 > 0:12:59and I am a big Beatrix Potter fan.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Are you?- Oh, yes, yes, I love it.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- What about you?- Oh, yes, definitely.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- Got all the books?- I did have them.
0:13:05 > 0:13:06They got handed on to my children.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Do you know, I've still got all the books
0:13:09 > 0:13:12and I've read them to my son and also to my daughter.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15They are so tatty, but they're still complete.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Good luck with this. Why are you selling this, anyway?
0:13:18 > 0:13:21I'm actually trying to raise some money for a new sofa.
0:13:21 > 0:13:22Not terribly exciting.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Right, OK. So, we need something to sit on,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29this is a good start, isn't it?
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- Yes.- Fingers crossed we sell this.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Good luck. Right, let's find out what the bidders think.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36It's going under the hammer right now.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41Lot number 40 is the Grimwades Beatrix Potter child's tea set.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45There's a small bit of damage to it, but however, I start it at 100, 120,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48150, 180, 200, 220.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- We are in there. - 250, 280. 280 I'm bid.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54290. 300. 310.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59At 310, my commissions are out, it's on the phone now, at 310.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00Do I see 320?
0:14:00 > 0:14:05At 310 here on the phone, at £310, you're all out, on the telephone,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08at 310.
0:14:08 > 0:14:09£310.
0:14:09 > 0:14:10- Very good.- Lovely.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Sofa! Sofa, so good!
0:14:15 > 0:14:16- Register that trademark!- Yes.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Hey, look, good luck with that one. - Thanks very much.- Good luck,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22enjoy it and put your feet up on the sofa and watch Flog It!
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Oh, definitely.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26If you've got anything like that you want to sell,
0:14:26 > 0:14:28then bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Details of up and coming dates and venues, you can find
0:14:31 > 0:14:34on our BBC website or our Flog It! Facebook page.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Come along and join us. Dust them down and bring 'em in.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Hopefully, we're coming to a town very near you soon.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Right, there's no time to waste. Today's auction is fast and furious.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45So, it's time for a bit of Tom and Jerry.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46Wendy, good luck.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- Oh, thank you. - Going under the hammer right now,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50we've got those cartoon strips, the Warner Bros ones.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I love these. You got them in a fair in Lewes.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55I did. Yes. I got carried away by them.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- Well...- Memories of Tom and Jerry bashing each other over the head.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Hopefully, hopefully, we'll get you your money back, plus a bit more.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03Well, good luck with this.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- Thank you. - I think these deserved to be
0:15:05 > 0:15:07framed in strips on the wall, don't you?
0:15:07 > 0:15:10I think they are good children's bedroom things, aren't they?
0:15:10 > 0:15:11I mean, I grew up on Tom and Jerry.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13So did I. Yeah. Good luck, both of you.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- Thank you.- Going under the hammer right now, this is it.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Lot 235 is a selection of Warner Bros cells and drawings.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23These are quite a few laughs over them and I've got, what have I got,
0:15:23 > 0:15:2512 to start. 12 only.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Do I see 15? Unusual little lot, £12.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Do I see 15 now? 15, 18, 20, sir.
0:15:31 > 0:15:3420 is with you. At £20, do I see two now?
0:15:34 > 0:15:38At £20 only, have we all done and finished here?
0:15:38 > 0:15:40At £20, then.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- Well, there we are. - Oh. That's all right.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Just about got the £20 back.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Do you know, for a moment it was that...
0:15:47 > 0:15:49I heard that sound of Tom scraping his nails.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Going... Oh, it was Jerry, wasn't it,
0:15:51 > 0:15:52or Tom, both of them were going...
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Down the side of a ship when they were trying to escape something,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- and that noise. - That's fine, I got my money back,
0:15:57 > 0:15:59that's all that mattered, really.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Oh. It's going to a new home, which is brilliant.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- Exactly.- Yes, they'll be used, where I didn't use them.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Well done, anyway.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12And right now, it's Mary and our third lot of the day.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Going under the hammer right now, we have a Cantonese ivory card case.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19It belongs to Mary and I think this one's going to fly away.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20It's good to see you again, Mary.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22And how have you been since the valuation day?
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Oh, yes, still upright.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25Still upright!
0:16:26 > 0:16:29Now, this card case has been in the family a long time.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31It was your mother's. She lived in China.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32- Yes.- For a little while.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35But I don't know whether she brought it back, or...
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- Right, OK.- I really don't know.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Your grandfather was a missionary in China.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- Yes.- A lot of history there.
0:16:41 > 0:16:42- Are you ready for this?- Yes.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44OK, let's put it under the hammer
0:16:44 > 0:16:46and find out what those bidders think.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Here we go.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49So, 190.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Here we are.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54It's a 19th-century Chinese, shaped, ivory card case.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Another nice piece they are showing and I've got 150 to start,
0:16:58 > 0:16:59150 with me.
0:16:59 > 0:17:06At 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 200 here, 200,
0:17:06 > 0:17:14210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, at 290,
0:17:14 > 0:17:16we're doing the coco here.
0:17:16 > 0:17:23300, 320, 340, 360, 380, 400, 420, 440,
0:17:23 > 0:17:27460, at 460, on the next deal, 480 now.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32At 500, at 500, do I see 520 now?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- At 520.- Oh, I'm so pleased for you.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- This is wonderful.- At £520 now.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40At 520, have we all finished here?
0:17:40 > 0:17:43At £520.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Oh, bless you, brilliant, well done, Mary.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47£520.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Quality always sells, doesn't it?
0:17:50 > 0:17:51Doing a little dance.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57That's a great result, that's a great result.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59How do you feel about that?
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Oh, very pleased, thrilled.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Thank you so much for coming along
0:18:03 > 0:18:06to the valuation day and bringing it along.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- Oh. It was beautiful.- Yeah.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10It's a shame, I could talk to you all afternoon.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Why don't you stay with us and watch the rest?
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Well, that's the end of our first visit to the auction room.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19We'll be back later on with three more exciting sales.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Now, it's time to head back to Herstmonceux, our host location,
0:18:28 > 0:18:29but before we go back inside the castle,
0:18:29 > 0:18:32I want to show you something quite spectacular
0:18:32 > 0:18:34that's also on the same grounds.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38And just up the hill it really is quite something.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41This is like the set of a futuristic movie.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45It's actually a very impressive and quite unique science park,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47with all kinds of exhibits
0:18:47 > 0:18:50for visitors to experience hands-on science.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54And these strange green domes contain enormous telescopes,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56designed to explore the universe.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00They were once the heart of one of the most advanced astronomy sites
0:19:00 > 0:19:04in the world. So how did they get here and what became of it?
0:19:04 > 0:19:08Our story starts in London in 1675.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12King Charles II wanted to improve navigation for sailors,
0:19:12 > 0:19:16because too many ships were getting lost and wrecked.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19So the Royal Greenwich Observatory was built
0:19:19 > 0:19:22and, from here, astronomers created the principles
0:19:22 > 0:19:25of longitude and Greenwich Mean Time.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Greenwich led the world of astronomy,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29but by the 20th-century,
0:19:29 > 0:19:33pollution from smoke and streetlights made it redundant.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36So, the decision was made to build a brand-new state-of-the-art
0:19:36 > 0:19:38facility in the countryside and the grounds
0:19:38 > 0:19:40of Herstmonceux Castle were chosen.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43However, when the first dome appeared on the horizon,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45the local residents weren't that happy.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46In fact, they were upset.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50They thought it looked ugly and it ruined the peacefulness,
0:19:50 > 0:19:54the tranquillity of the medieval castle and its surrounding area.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57So, the architects went back to the drawing board and redesigned
0:19:57 > 0:20:00the project, to make it into something more in keeping
0:20:00 > 0:20:03with the area. The buildings were clad with local Sussex brick,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05similar to Herstmonceux Castle.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10The copper domes were coated with a chemical to turn them green quicker,
0:20:10 > 0:20:12helping to blend in with the countryside.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14In 1957, the site was finished,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16looking quite beautiful and distinct.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20Telescopes from Greenwich were brought down and carefully installed
0:20:20 > 0:20:22into their new country homes -
0:20:22 > 0:20:25each dome containing a different kind of telescope for studying the
0:20:25 > 0:20:30cosmos, with grand names like the Astrographic and the Yap Reflector.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34And my favourite is this, the Thompson Refractor.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39For over 100 years, this has photographed the sky at night.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Now this can snap photographs
0:20:41 > 0:20:43of the stars 100,000 times fainter than what
0:20:43 > 0:20:46we can see with our naked eye at night.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48That is very faint.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50This was the golden age of the Royal Observatory.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54At its peak, with over 200 people working here,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57it was the largest facility of its kind in the world.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Scientists led the way in research,
0:20:59 > 0:21:01including finding the first-ever black hole,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05and, not surprisingly, the site was a popular destination for one
0:21:05 > 0:21:07of the longest-running TV series in the world,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10presented by the legendary Sir Patrick Moore.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13This is Herstmonceux Castle,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16astronomically, the most famous castle in the world.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19It's the headquarters of the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20As the name suggests,
0:21:20 > 0:21:24the Greenwich Observatory was originally in Greenwich Park.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27This is a big telescope and very suitable for this kind of work,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30but of course, it's also very much of a precision instrument
0:21:30 > 0:21:33and, by remote control, as Diane is doing here,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35you can point it exactly in the right direction.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39Even playing a special part in the nation's timekeeping.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Now, do you recognise this sound?
0:21:41 > 0:21:42Listen.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43REGULAR BEEPS
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Yes, that's the BBC pips.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Now, they were generated from
0:21:47 > 0:21:50the Observatory's incredibly-accurate atomic clock
0:21:50 > 0:21:54that was based here, then transmitted to the BBC,
0:21:54 > 0:21:56to be used on TV and radio sets.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59The medieval estate of Herstmonceux Castle
0:21:59 > 0:22:02had truly become a part of the modern world.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04But this golden period was short lived.
0:22:04 > 0:22:0730 years after the Royal Observatory
0:22:07 > 0:22:09opened its doors here at Herstmonceux,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11it was almost made redundant.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16The large telescopes were moved out and, in 1990, it closed its doors,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19leaving just the old historic telescopes.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25The site reopened in 1995 in its current reincarnation -
0:22:25 > 0:22:28a science centre open to the public.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Dr Sandra Voss helps run the centre.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35The Royal Observatory in London was established for over 300 years,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37but it only lasted 30 years here.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Why is that?
0:22:39 > 0:22:40Well, the reason why it came out here
0:22:40 > 0:22:43in the first place was the light pollution
0:22:43 > 0:22:45and air pollution from London.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47And it only lasted 30 years here
0:22:47 > 0:22:51really because the light pollution was encroaching again.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Astronomers now do all their research in La Palma,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58but we've still got all the telescopes here.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I mean, it seems such a shame,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04but I know you've put the whole area to good use, haven't you?
0:23:04 > 0:23:05I mean, it's not been wasted.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- Not at all. - Things are still happening.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Yes, things are still happening and we've brought the astronomy back.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12We've got three of the historic telescopes working,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15so the general public can come and have a look through the telescopes
0:23:15 > 0:23:17when we've got open evenings.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19We're trying to inspire the next generation in science,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22not just in astronomy, but in science in general.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24I've been inspired looking at those telescopes,
0:23:24 > 0:23:25so it's a brilliant thing.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Going from the world's foremost astronomy site
0:23:28 > 0:23:30to an inspiring science park might be
0:23:30 > 0:23:34a bit of a step down for these magnificent telescopes,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37but it's not all over for serious astronomical research
0:23:37 > 0:23:39on the Herstmonceux estate.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Take a look at this.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Tucked away in a quiet corner of the grounds,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45not far from the green domes,
0:23:45 > 0:23:47this special telescope is the
0:23:47 > 0:23:51only working leftover from the Royal Observatory days.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55Dr Graham Appleby has worked here at Herstmonceux since 1969.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59Graham, hi there.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- Hello, hi. - This looks pretty impressive.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04It looks like something out of a Bond movie set.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06What we're doing with this telescope
0:24:06 > 0:24:08is tracking satellites in orbit round the earth.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10How many satellites will be up there?
0:24:10 > 0:24:12We'll be tracking something like 50 or 60 during a night.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- That's a lot.- And the laser's firing at 2,000 shots per second.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- Wow.- Getting a lot of data.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20So, it hits the satellite, then bounces back.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Bounces back and we time how long it takes to do that.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24This is essential support
0:24:24 > 0:24:28for navigation, as we know it, on the surface of the Earth these days.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31GPS in our cars and our aircraft all depend
0:24:31 > 0:24:33on support from stations like this.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34So, really, the Royal Observatory
0:24:34 > 0:24:37was set up to help sailors navigate the oceans and, now,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40in a slightly different way, but helping us to get around.
0:24:40 > 0:24:41Precisely, yes, yes.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45It's a good legacy of that original 300-year-old set-up at Greenwich.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Mm. It's great to have a chat with you, Graham,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50and I'll let you carry on. I know you can't do an awful lot
0:24:50 > 0:24:52with the cloud cover, but I'm sure there's plenty to do.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54There certainly are plenty of things to do.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56- Thank you very much. - Very nice to meet you, Paul.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07The story of Britain's Royal Observatory
0:25:07 > 0:25:11is a tale of one of the most famous scientific institutions
0:25:11 > 0:25:13in the world for over 300 years.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15And in this quiet corner of Sussex
0:25:15 > 0:25:18is a testament to mankind's obsession
0:25:18 > 0:25:22with the stars, with space, with the whole universe and our place in it.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Back at the castle, just across the estate,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40our experts have been working away
0:25:40 > 0:25:44looking through all the antiques that have been brought in,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46And out in the gardens, Catherine has something that
0:25:46 > 0:25:49would have felt right at home in the Royal Observatory.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Colleen, it's wonderful to come out here.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53It seems very calm, very tranquil.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55So, what have you brought for me to see?
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Right, I've bought this.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- Right.- Which I didn't know what it was, when I first saw it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Oh, what did you think it was?
0:26:02 > 0:26:05I thought it was a military shell.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- Right.- Don't ask me why, other than the fact
0:26:08 > 0:26:13that it was in my uncle's cabinet, along with militaria, swords.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Ah.- Rifles.- So, that's why you thought a shell.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- Yes.- Well, I certainly know what it is,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20but I'm interested to see, really,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23who this was made by and when it was made.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- Mm-hm.- Do you know anything more about that?
0:26:25 > 0:26:29- Not really.- Right, because the first place you look on a telescope,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33when you're trying to identify who it is made by,
0:26:33 > 0:26:34is you open up the drawers and
0:26:34 > 0:26:36the first section here, the first drawer,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39that tells us exactly who it was made by,
0:26:39 > 0:26:42so we've got Spencer, Browning and Rust.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Now they were a firm that manufactured scientific instruments,
0:26:46 > 0:26:48and when I say scientific instruments,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50I mean navigational instruments.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55So, mainly octants, sextants and, also, telescopes.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59They were manufacturing in the 18th and 19th-century
0:26:59 > 0:27:04and this, I would probably date from the first half of the 19th century,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07so perhaps around 1830-1840, that sort of date.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Was he a collector, your uncle?
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Well, a modest amount, yes.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16As I say, militaria and that.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20Well, this is something, this is a telescope that has been used.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22You can tell that really by the way
0:27:22 > 0:27:24that this drawer has been going in and out
0:27:24 > 0:27:26of the main body of the telescope.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29It's actually a day or night telescope,
0:27:29 > 0:27:33which means it can be used in different types of light,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35so different situations.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38And then you've got a little cover there, can you see that?
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Where you would open up and you could actually look through it.
0:27:41 > 0:27:42But it is in lovely condition,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- because these do often split over the years.- Oh, right.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Quite often we find that they crack or split.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51This bit at the top, that's not its original cap.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Oh, right.- Originally, I'm going to hand that to you,
0:27:54 > 0:27:58you would have had a rather nice brass cap on the top.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00So that will affect the value slightly.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03You can see there where it would have been, once upon a time,
0:28:03 > 0:28:05but it would have been brass, certainly not that.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07I think that's a replacement.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10The important thing with these is to see if you can use them.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Let's have a look, what can we see?
0:28:14 > 0:28:15Can we see the Observatory?
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Well, it's certainly in good condition and the lenses
0:28:18 > 0:28:21are in good condition. There is no cracks or chips.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- No.- And I think something like this would
0:28:24 > 0:28:28probably command about £80-100 at auction.
0:28:28 > 0:28:29How does that sound to you?
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Yes, that's... that's quite reasonable.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Would you be happy to sell it at that?
0:28:34 > 0:28:35Yes, I think so.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37I'm not going to use it.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- No.- I'm not going to do anything with it, so, yes, I mean,
0:28:40 > 0:28:43if it's of interest to somebody else, that's fine.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46OK. Would you like to put a reserve on it?
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- Yes, I would.- Because it's something obviously that's been handed down
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- through the family.- Yes, yes.- It meant something to your uncle.- Yes.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56So perhaps if we put a reserve on of £70, does that sound OK to you?
0:28:56 > 0:28:57Yeah, yeah, that's fine.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59I hope it goes to someone who's going to use it.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- Yes.- It should be used, it's a great instrument,
0:29:02 > 0:29:05great maker and it's been lovely to meet you.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- And you.- Thank you very much, Colleen.- Thank you.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11And while we're out in a spectacular castle gardens,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14there's a unique feature I want to show you.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Out of all the garden ornaments, my favourite has to be the sundial.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Not only is it a scientific instrument,
0:29:20 > 0:29:21it's practical and functional,
0:29:21 > 0:29:23and this is a classic example.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26So, as the sun is shining, it casts a shadow
0:29:26 > 0:29:28that moves as the day progresses.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Sundials have been around for thousands of years and have come
0:29:31 > 0:29:33in all shapes and sizes,
0:29:33 > 0:29:36but the basic design hasn't changed much until recently.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Now, here at Herstmonceux there is a sundial that is really quite unique.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43And here it is. To give it the full name,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46it is a reclining equiangular sundial.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51This hi-tech looking dial was erected here in 1975,
0:29:51 > 0:29:55to celebrate 300 years of the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58How it works? It really is quite simple.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00You see this rod here?
0:30:00 > 0:30:04Well, this gives you the reading and it slides up and down
0:30:04 > 0:30:05on this pole here,
0:30:05 > 0:30:09so you can actually fine tune it to get the timing more accurate.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12The sun is shining up there, it's a good, clear day,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16it is casting a shadow on the outer ring over there, on the 15, look,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18it says nearly 3:30pm.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21And by my watch, it's just gone 3:30pm.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23It's not bad, not bad at all.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Needs a bit of fine tuning to meet Greenwich Mean Time,
0:30:25 > 0:30:31but it just goes to show how simple and how beautiful sundials can be.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Back inside the castle, there is still plenty of buzz.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Next up, it's Jonathan, with two intriguing finds.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- Hello, Pauline.- Hello, Jonathan.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44You've brought two beautiful objects.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- Yes.- Are they family objects? How have you come by them?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49They've come through the family on my mother's side.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51OK, did the family ever use them?
0:30:51 > 0:30:55No, they've just been stored in a drawer.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57How far back in the family do they go?
0:30:57 > 0:31:01My great, great grandparents got married in 1862.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- Right.- So they've come through my, um...- Gosh.- ..well,
0:31:04 > 0:31:07three generations, four generations?
0:31:07 > 0:31:10And you believe that certainly they were your great great-grandparents?
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- Yes.- That's wonderful.- Yes.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14This is mourning jewellery.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Black is associated with mourning.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19It tended... It comes through the Victorian period,
0:31:19 > 0:31:21particularly when Albert died, Prince Albert died,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23and he died in 1861.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26It might have been their parents who had it
0:31:26 > 0:31:30for some form of mourning and it was given to them at that time.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33That date is actually from 1870,
0:31:33 > 0:31:351880, probably thereabouts.
0:31:35 > 0:31:41It is...pearl, gold and probably
0:31:41 > 0:31:44uh...jet, which is fossilised coal,
0:31:44 > 0:31:47which again, was a very popular Victorian material
0:31:47 > 0:31:50because it was a natural black, very hard and very shiny.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53These, on the other hand, these are interesting, because you're...
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Whether the family actually used these.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58- I wouldn't know. - I think they are great,
0:31:58 > 0:32:01cos they are lorgnettes.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04The origins of these are French,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06essentially, the word "lorgne" means to squint.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10They are not actually used for looking through as such,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13they were more as pieces of jewellery, sort of a vanity thing.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17They come in all shapes and sizes and to find one in nice condition
0:32:17 > 0:32:21in gold is a little bit of a rarity.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- So, Pauline... - Yes.- ..why are you selling them?
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Because I have two sons who are
0:32:27 > 0:32:31not interested in anything of any antique history
0:32:31 > 0:32:36and I've got to an age now where I don't really want to be
0:32:36 > 0:32:39weighed down, weighted down with all these things.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- Very sensible, too.- I think someone else can enjoy them.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44I would say they are worth..
0:32:46 > 0:32:48..ah, gosh, what's the worth?
0:32:48 > 0:32:51probably £150-£250 at auction.
0:32:51 > 0:32:52- Yes.- Yeah?- Right.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Looking at the brooch here,
0:32:56 > 0:33:00nice condition, nice quality, interesting antique object.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06The estimate, I would say £40-£60, which judging by your face,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09doesn't... Not as much as you might have imagined.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- No, not quite.- It is good quality,
0:33:11 > 0:33:16it is gold, it is not marked, it could be 15 carat gold.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18It's that sort of quality.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22I would suggest maybe putting a reserve, just protect it, £40 on it,
0:33:22 > 0:33:23and see what happens.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- I'm happy with that. - Good.- Thank you.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29We will be splitting those two little treasures
0:33:29 > 0:33:31into separate lots for the auction.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35And finally, Catherine has made her way to the castle bridge.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42Hazel, you've brought along this really stunning prayer book.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45And I think it's stunning, really,
0:33:45 > 0:33:50because of the enamel, the colours are really quite special.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53They really jump out at you, they are very vibrant.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56And, actually, in rather nice condition.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57Where did you get this prayer book from?
0:33:57 > 0:33:58It was my mother's.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02It has been in a household for a long time.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04So, it was handed down?
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- I believe so, yes. - Because it doesn't strike me
0:34:07 > 0:34:11as an English piece. I think it's probably Continental.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15Is it something you had in your house for a while?
0:34:15 > 0:34:16Yes.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18As a child did you look at it?
0:34:18 > 0:34:22Yes, I think so and possibly we broke the clasp.
0:34:22 > 0:34:23Let's look more closely at it,
0:34:23 > 0:34:25because the first thing you mentioned there is
0:34:25 > 0:34:27the fact that the clasp is broken.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31We are missing a little clasp on the side there, we can see.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34But I love the fact that you've got,
0:34:34 > 0:34:38it looks like real pearls inset on the corners.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42For me, it is really the enamel and the quality of the enamel.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44The best bit about it...
0:34:45 > 0:34:48..is the back. Now look at that.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51That speaks for itself to me.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56We've got the cross here, but also these wonderful growing plants.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59We've got really crisp colours,
0:34:59 > 0:35:03crisp enamel in a wonderful Art Nouveau style,
0:35:03 > 0:35:07and I would say it dates from the late 19th century,
0:35:07 > 0:35:13bordering on 1900, but certainly got that lovely Art Nouveau style to it.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Is the book itself in good condition? Let's have a look.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Looks like it's missing a page.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24- It does look as if...- At the beginning. But generally speaking,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27it looks in OK condition. It's one of those things, really,
0:35:27 > 0:35:32that, it's not so valuable because of the religious content,
0:35:32 > 0:35:35but I think people will be drawn towards it as,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38indeed, I was, because of the colours,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42the enamel. Really, the overall quality of it.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Because of that, I would suggest an estimate of 100 to 150,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- with a reserve of £80. How does that sound?- Yes.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51Are you happy to sell it at that?
0:35:51 > 0:35:53- Yes.- I don't think we should put discretion on it,
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- I think we should have fixed reserve and, hopefully, let it fly.- Yeah.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00- All right?- Thank you so much, Hazel,
0:36:00 > 0:36:01it has been lovely to meet you
0:36:01 > 0:36:03and it will be lovely to see
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- how this goes at auction. - All right. Thank you.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- Had a good time, everyone? ALL:- Yes!
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Yeah, so have I, so thank you so much for turning out.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17The people of Sussex have given us
0:36:17 > 0:36:19such a warm welcome and we found some
0:36:19 > 0:36:23fantastic treasures worthy of such a magnificent host location.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26So now, it's time to say goodbye to Herstmonceux Castle,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29as we go over to the auction room for the very last time,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32and here's a quick recap of all the items that are going
0:36:32 > 0:36:33under the hammer.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Catherine spied with her little eye,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37a wonderful wood and brass telescope
0:36:37 > 0:36:40that is bound to catch the eye of the collectors.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Determined not to be left out,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Jonathan spotted an elegant lorgnette and brooch
0:36:46 > 0:36:48to take to auction.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53And I'm sure that enamel prayer book will fetch a heavenly price when it
0:36:53 > 0:36:55gets to auction.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59Back in the saleroom, Kevin is working his way through the lots.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02He set his sights on the telescope.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Right, it's time to find out if we can find a buyer for your telescope.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- Yes, let's hope so. - You excited about this, Colleen?
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- I'm thrilled.- Have you been to an auction before?
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- No.- Never?- No.- Well, they don't all look like this.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- This is very silver in here.- It is.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19It's a great little auction room, but they vary all round the country,
0:37:19 > 0:37:22so next time you get the chance, go and visit your local one.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25I'm going to go to others now, yes.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27- Yes.- Get the atmosphere.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Well, I think we'll do all right on the telescope.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32- I think so.- I think you've priced that spot on.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33Let's find out what the bidders do,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35because it is going under the hammer right now.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40Lot 265 is the Spencer, Browning and Rust brass wooden-bound,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43single draw, day and night telescope.
0:37:43 > 0:37:44There it is.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49I've got to start it at 55. 55.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Do I see 60? At 55.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55Very cheap. At £55, are we done and finished, then?
0:37:55 > 0:37:57No?
0:38:00 > 0:38:03I'm afraid that's not going to sell then. Shame.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08Well, he didn't put the hammer down, we didn't reach the reserve,
0:38:08 > 0:38:09and I'm shocked at that,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12because that was a lovely thing and you would think
0:38:12 > 0:38:16in an old harbour town like Rye, everyone would want a telescope
0:38:16 > 0:38:19like that, even if it's just a prop to use as a bit of fun.
0:38:19 > 0:38:20Yeah.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22I'm surprised. Really surprised.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25It lives on a little bit longer.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26Yes.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28That's a shame, but fingers crossed
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Pauline's brooch and lorgnette will sell.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Going under the hammer right now,
0:38:32 > 0:38:34we've got a lorgnette and we have got a mourning brooch.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37It's the mourning brooch coming up first, so why are you selling these?
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Well, because I've got so much stuff that, you know, it's just...
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- Clutter.- I don't know what to do with it, to be honest.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45And my sons don't want any of it.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50- OK.- So, they've told me, "Mum, get rid of it all."
0:38:50 > 0:38:51So, that's what I decided to do.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- Take them down to the valuation day and get on the show.- Yes.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57OK, Jonathan. We've got the mourning brooch coming up first.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Yeah, it's nice quality and, you know,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02you can buy antique jewellery reasonably priced and build up
0:39:02 > 0:39:04collections of these things. And academically,
0:39:04 > 0:39:06they're quite interesting and that's what this is.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08It's in nice condition and is, sort of, very typically Victorian.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- But doesn't suit boys.- No, no.- Let's see if we can get £40-60 for this.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13It's going under the hammer right now.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Lot 370...
0:39:15 > 0:39:17is the carved jet mourning bar brooch
0:39:17 > 0:39:20with applied gold and 32, I've got.
0:39:20 > 0:39:2132. Do I see 35?
0:39:21 > 0:39:2238, 40, sir?
0:39:22 > 0:39:2440 here. Two, is it, now?
0:39:24 > 0:39:2842. 45. 48. 50.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31No? At £48, are we all done and finished?
0:39:31 > 0:39:34At £48.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- £48. That's... - Good.- Spot on, Jonathan.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39Right, now the lorgnette.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- We're looking for around £100, £150 for this.- Yes.- Fingers crossed.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- Fingers crossed, Pauline. Here we go, this is- it.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Lot 490 is an antique lorgnette.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Rather decorative. I've got 100.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51110 to start.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54110. 120, are we now, for the lorgnette?
0:39:54 > 0:39:55Do I see 120? 130.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59140. 150. 150's here.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01150. 160, is it, now?
0:40:01 > 0:40:04At 150, have we all done and finished?
0:40:04 > 0:40:06At £150?
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- You were a bit shocked there, weren't you?- Yes.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12It did go, though. It went on that £150, plus the mourning brooch,
0:40:12 > 0:40:15that's a total of £198.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17- Thank you.- Just shy of 200, OK?
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- Yeah.- I think that's a good day's work.- Yes, thank you very much.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24That's just what we needed, two great sales to get us back on track.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Going under the hammer right now we have a silver enamelled prayer book
0:40:27 > 0:40:28belonging to Hazel.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Unfortunately, Hazel cannot be with us right now.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33We do have the prayer book and we have our lovely expert,
0:40:33 > 0:40:35Catherine Southon. And you like this, don't you?
0:40:35 > 0:40:37I like the enamel work, as well.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Do you know what? The best thing about it was when you turned it over
0:40:39 > 0:40:41and the enamel on the back was beautiful.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43Really nice quality.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45- Gorgeous.- Really beautiful.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Well, it's been in Hazel's family a long time and I'm sure she'll
0:40:48 > 0:40:50be pleased to get the top end of that result.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52It's under the hammer now. This is it.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56Lot 430 is the late 19th-century order of morning prayer book.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Here we are. And I've got to start it at 65.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02At 65. 70, is it?
0:41:02 > 0:41:0470. Five.
0:41:04 > 0:41:0580, five.
0:41:05 > 0:41:0690, five.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09100. 110, sir?
0:41:10 > 0:41:13110, 120, 130.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Ooh, ooh, ooh!
0:41:15 > 0:41:16140?
0:41:18 > 0:41:19Yes.
0:41:19 > 0:41:20150?
0:41:20 > 0:41:22160?
0:41:22 > 0:41:24170?
0:41:24 > 0:41:26180?
0:41:26 > 0:41:29- It's gone quiet.- 190.
0:41:29 > 0:41:30190?
0:41:30 > 0:41:32200.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35- No.- 200, sir.
0:41:35 > 0:41:36210?
0:41:36 > 0:41:38220, 230.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40240?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45We bring you in, 250. 260.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48270. 280. 290.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- Fantastic! I wish she was here.- I know.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55300. 320. 340.
0:41:55 > 0:41:56360.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59380. 400.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03420. 440.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06460. 480.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10500. 520.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Hazel, where are you? This is amazing.
0:42:13 > 0:42:14540. 560?
0:42:14 > 0:42:17At £560, it's on the telephone.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20The other phone is out. The room is out. 560 here.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22At 560. Did the internet come in?
0:42:22 > 0:42:26At £560, are we all done and selling, at 560?
0:42:26 > 0:42:28- Amazing.- 560. You didn't see that coming, did you?
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- No.- No, nor did I.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32I thought maybe two.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33- 250.- Wow!
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- Unbelievable. I'm thrilled.- Do you know what?
0:42:36 > 0:42:38We always say, quality always...
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Sells!
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Well, there you are. That's it. It's all over for our owners.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49As you can see, the sale is still going on, but what a day we've had.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51The atmosphere has been terrific here.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53I've lost my voice, but more importantly,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55the owners have gone home happy.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Job done on Flog It! Join us again, for many more surprises
0:42:58 > 0:43:00in more auction rooms to come,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03but until then, from Rye, it's goodbye.