0:00:05 > 0:00:09Althorp in Northamptonshire has been part of the landscape since 1508,
0:00:09 > 0:00:12and farming is in the blood of the Spencers, who own it.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15A couple of hundred years ago, cattle would come grazing,
0:00:15 > 0:00:16right up to the house,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19and a young lad would be employed to stop them from licking the windows
0:00:19 > 0:00:21and damaging the paintwork.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Well, let's hope our fantastic crowd behave themselves today,
0:00:24 > 0:00:25and they don't need MOO-ving on.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Welcome to "Flog it!".
0:00:50 > 0:00:53The Althorp estate covers 13,000 acres
0:00:53 > 0:00:56and includes a deer park, pasture, woodland
0:00:56 > 0:00:59and some impressive old oaks.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03It was the landscape that brought the sheep-farming Spencers here.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Collections inside the house reflect the family's livelihood
0:01:06 > 0:01:09and the love of country pursuits.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11There'll be a chance to explore later on in the show -
0:01:11 > 0:01:14but, for now, it's time to greet the crowd.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Look at this - what a queue!
0:01:16 > 0:01:19It's almost stretching right around to the stables there.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21I tell you what, Althorp is not a bad place
0:01:21 > 0:01:22to be spending the day, is it?
0:01:22 > 0:01:25I know we're going to have a cracking time, aren't we?
0:01:25 > 0:01:26- Yeah!- Yes, that's right.
0:01:26 > 0:01:27Hundreds of people have turned up -
0:01:27 > 0:01:31it's time our experts got stuck into all of these bags and boxes.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Who knows what we may uncover?
0:01:33 > 0:01:37And, of course, the question on everybody's lips is...?
0:01:37 > 0:01:38- ALL:- What's it worth?
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43And, keen and eager, we have our experts.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Charles Hanson is dressed appropriately
0:01:46 > 0:01:48in shoes made in Northamptonshire -
0:01:48 > 0:01:50and, look, he's found some more...
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Are they my size?
0:01:52 > 0:01:53- Doc Martens. - Doc Martens. Made in Northampton.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Look at the size of those soles, hey?
0:01:55 > 0:01:58..and joining him is Will Axon...
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- I hail from Newmarket, so I've got a soft spot for horses.- Horses, yes.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03They've got a soft spot for me, as well.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04Usually get kicked in the shins.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07..and they're jockeying for position.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09I'm one step ahead of you, Charles.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Has this man been stickered already, or not?
0:02:11 > 0:02:12No, I'm just inspecting his lunch.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14Oh!
0:02:14 > 0:02:15How do you rate this spear?
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- What do you think of it? - I think it's quite interesting.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20I tell you what, why don't I give you a sticker,
0:02:20 > 0:02:21and we'll find out inside, sir?
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Lovely.- Lovely. Thanks, Charles. - You're a gentleman. Thank you.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29Time to open the doors and get this lot inside.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31There's plenty of space, so the crowd's wriggling its way
0:02:31 > 0:02:35through the passageways and into the state rooms.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37As the people settle down and unpack,
0:02:37 > 0:02:41here's a preview of what's coming up in today's show.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Will is tempted to take up a new hobby...
0:02:43 > 0:02:47It almost makes me think I should get myself a metal detector, really.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Charles is on the offensive...
0:02:49 > 0:02:51My styles have changed over the years.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54That top to me says 19...
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- I don't know, '70s?- Yes!
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Sorry, OK, um...
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- Keep digging, keep digging. - Sorry! No, sorry...
0:03:03 > 0:03:06..and we create a bidding war at auction.
0:03:06 > 0:03:071,500, 1,600.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10And I'm out at 1,700. 1,800.
0:03:10 > 0:03:11Wow.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Now, you know I love my shoes - and Northamptonshire is shoe central,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18so, later on in the programme, I'm going to be finding out
0:03:18 > 0:03:21about the weird and wonderful when it comes to footwear.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26Well, everybody is now safely seated inside -
0:03:26 > 0:03:29it's time to get on with those all-important valuations,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32and we are going straight over to Charles Hanson,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and I think he's got something that could give us a real surprise
0:03:35 > 0:03:37in the auction room.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41It's a claret jug brought in by Neville.
0:03:42 > 0:03:43Do you enjoy a drink?
0:03:43 > 0:03:45I love wine.
0:03:45 > 0:03:46- Do you?- Especially red wine.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50I'm almost tempted to say this object is fit for purpose.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Did you inherit it, did you buy it?
0:03:53 > 0:03:55No, it was a present.
0:03:55 > 0:03:5748 years ago.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59I lived in Cardiff,
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- and I met my wife in Cardiff...- Wow.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03..and just before we got married,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06my old landlady gave me this as a present.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08And the three of you...
0:04:08 > 0:04:09wife and this all together, still?
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- Yes.- Very nice. That's a good sign.- Yes.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15And I like it because this really is an object which has great style.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- You like it?- Yes, I do.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19It's an unusual shape.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20Very unusual shape.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23We don't use it, obviously, for purpose,
0:04:23 > 0:04:27but I like the shape, and I like the patterns on it.
0:04:27 > 0:04:33I like it because, obviously, the market today is all about style,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35all about certain decades.
0:04:35 > 0:04:41If I said to you, the Paris Metro and those great whiplash designs -
0:04:41 > 0:04:46and this jug, really, was based on that influence of design.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50It is German Art Nouveau, or German Jugendstil.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Ah, I've seen that term.- Exactly -
0:04:53 > 0:04:59and this would date, Neville, I suppose to around 1900, 1905 -
0:04:59 > 0:05:03and I love the sinuous, naturalistic...
0:05:04 > 0:05:06..curvaceous lines.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09And its hint of use, you can see, is in the berries...
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- Yes.- ..of the fruiting vine.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13- It's lovely, isn't it?- It is.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- But you've never used it? - Never used it for wine, no.- No.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- Not been tempted to?- No.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- What a shame.- It would take a nice sort of Spanish brandy, though.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Oh, really?
0:05:23 > 0:05:26If we turn it upside down we'll see,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29what we look for, particularly in objects like this -
0:05:29 > 0:05:32we obviously first of all hope it might be silver, OK?
0:05:32 > 0:05:35There's no hallmarks whatsoever in that regard.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40On the bottom, we can see, Neville, there's this all-important mark,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- which is WMF...- Yes.
0:05:42 > 0:05:48..and that was a leading German factory of an industrial type
0:05:48 > 0:05:50called Wilhelm Metallwarenfabrik.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55You've also got a mark here confirming it is silver plate -
0:05:55 > 0:05:59and what I like is the fact, yes, you've cleaned it well,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01you haven't been to excessive, have you?
0:06:01 > 0:06:03No, I've been very careful cleaning it.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06In fact, my wife's cleaned it for 46 years.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- Has she really? - I cleaned it once last night!
0:06:09 > 0:06:11But I was very, very gentle with it.
0:06:11 > 0:06:12Well, you haven't done a bad job.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15What I quite like, you'll see, just in crevices,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17you'll see a bit of dirt.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- Yes.- Which is OK.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24It's got that hint of, "I'm original and I am 120 years old."
0:06:25 > 0:06:27I would say, in the market today,
0:06:27 > 0:06:31this was probably performing a little stronger a few years ago,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33but I will still happily value this today,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36with a view to it going to auction, if you are in agreement, Neville,
0:06:36 > 0:06:40with a guide of between 150 and 250 -
0:06:40 > 0:06:42and I think it has got legs.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Well, four in fact.
0:06:44 > 0:06:45- It has four legs.- Exactly!
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Will that meet your approval?
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Well, yes.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51We haven't got the use for it now,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- and we haven't got the space for it, so...- We'll put a reserve at 150,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56with maybe 10% discretion,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- and give it a good send-off.- Good.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04And on Will's table,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06there's a real gem owned by Marina.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09What a cracking ring you've brought along today.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- Not bad!- Where's this come from?
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Well, it was my mother's.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15I've had it about 40 years.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17And it's just too big to wear,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20I just thought I'd like something sensible that I can wear.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Yeah, because it does stand quite proud, doesn't it?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- It certainly does. - When you're wearing it -
0:07:24 > 0:07:26which, for some people, is a problem.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30I mean, as far as quality goes, it's a cracker, isn't it?
0:07:30 > 0:07:32Beautifully made, with some precious stones.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36We've got emerald and diamonds and unmarked gold -
0:07:36 > 0:07:39but pretty certain it's going to be 18-carat gold, the mount,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- even though it's unmarked.- Is it? - I'm sure it is, yeah.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- Do you think it was handmade? - Yes, without a doubt.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- I always thought it might be handmade.- Exactly.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48If you look at the mount itself, it's really intricately worked,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- isn't it? With sort of piercing, engraving.- Mm.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53The work is just superb.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56And then you've got these little, almost fleur-de-lys type mounts
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- on the shoulders. - That's what I was attracted to.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00It is beautiful -
0:08:00 > 0:08:02and then, you know, there's no denying
0:08:02 > 0:08:05that you've got one big emerald in there, as well,
0:08:05 > 0:08:06which is emerald cut -
0:08:06 > 0:08:09that's how we describe the cut when it's that shape.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- Emerald cut.- Emerald cut.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13And then you've got the little diamonds around the edge,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15which are old-cut diamonds,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19which, again, helps us decide that it's almost certainly 19th century.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22So, I mean, the thing with jewellery is it is affected
0:08:22 > 0:08:23- by changes in fashion.- Yes.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Some jewellery comes into fashion, out of fashion,
0:08:26 > 0:08:27- you know how it works.- Yeah.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29And, I think, with this piece,
0:08:29 > 0:08:32we are probably slightly caught in that trap
0:08:32 > 0:08:35that it isn't hugely fashionable, really.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37No, that's what's always bothered me.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38But, that said, there are people
0:08:38 > 0:08:40that specialise in antique jewellery,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43and I think they would be - I think they would be interested by this.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Just because it's different enough, it stands out,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48and - classic combination, isn't it?
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- Emeralds and diamonds.- Yes.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52So, I would suggest an auction estimate,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56we are looking £800-£1,200.
0:08:56 > 0:08:57- You happy with that?- Yes, yes.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00And I think we should reserve it, certainly.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- Oh, yes!- I'm not going to try and twist your arm for a no-reserve.- No.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08Let's go for that bottom figure. £800 - and shall we fix it at 800?
0:09:08 > 0:09:09- That's fine.- Yeah?- Yes.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10What will you do with it?
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Are you going to replace it with a more wearable piece?
0:09:12 > 0:09:16I would like to buy myself something like that, an emerald.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- Oh, yes - look.- Art Deco.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- An Art Deco ring to go with the other side.- So, I see, again,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24emerald, diamonds - but this time probably in a platinum setting,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- white metal.- Yeah, I prefer the white setting, yes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Exactly. Well, listen, I tell you what,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31even without that ring and your new Deco,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- you're going to look 1 million. - Ooh, lovely.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Althorp is buzzing.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37As our experts get on with their work,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I'm off to find out more about the Spencer family.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45Now, this is the Sunderland room, and I must show you this -
0:09:45 > 0:09:47it's just across the corridor
0:09:47 > 0:09:49from where all the action is taking place,
0:09:49 > 0:09:50where the valuations are happening.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Now, this room really does sum up
0:09:53 > 0:09:55the third Earl Spencer, John Charles.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57When his wife died he found consolation
0:09:57 > 0:09:59in farming and stock breeding.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02He was never happier than when he was outside -
0:10:02 > 0:10:03and look at the walls,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06they are literally adorned with wonderful images of bulls.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18And here he is showing off one of his prize bulls.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Look at that. Taking the money for it and selling it.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Isn't that a lovely image?
0:10:22 > 0:10:25But his interest did help the family.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27His father was a very passionate book collector,
0:10:27 > 0:10:32but, unfortunately, he left his son with debts to the tune of £300,000.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Now, rather than sell off his father's prized book collection,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38he decided to breed bulls and sell them,
0:10:38 > 0:10:39and that was successful -
0:10:39 > 0:10:42it helped pay the debt and keep the estate going.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45So much so that it enabled his brother Frederick
0:10:45 > 0:10:47to inherit the estate solvent.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49So, Althorp was in safe hands.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53So you could say it was down to the third earl.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Otherwise, Althorp could be a very different place.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Back to the valuation tables,
0:11:02 > 0:11:07and Charles has uncovered a tiny but perfectly formed sewing kit
0:11:07 > 0:11:09belonging to Anne.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Are you a seamstress, do you enjoy sewing?
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- I do.- Good. - I do sewing, lace making.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Did you inherit this object, or did you...?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Yes, I found it in my mother's sideboard...
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- ..when she passed away.- I love it, because the quality is exquisite -
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- and I can almost tell straightaway because, OK, it's not marked...- No.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34..but this type of eagle head, this type of pommel handle,
0:11:34 > 0:11:39and the type of chased vibrant ornament, to me, it's very Parisian.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42- Mm!- It's quite flamboyant, Anne.
0:11:42 > 0:11:48- Right.- So, it's French. OK? French circa 1880, 1890.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Ladies, as part of their noble education...
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Would have done... - ..were creating samplers,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58were sewing, it's a wonderful art, isn't it?
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- My mother never embroidered, so it's not...- No - but you do.- Yes.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Do you know what each utensil does,
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- what its actual practical purpose is?- I can only guess,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12but I think this was perhaps for when people did broderie anglaise.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- Yes.- You had to part the threads so you didn't break them.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18And when we talk about broderie anglaise,
0:12:18 > 0:12:19explain to me what that is.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21It's embroidery round a hole, basically.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24So that would part the threads, rather than break them,
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- so you wouldn't have it running back or doing anything.- No.
0:12:28 > 0:12:29That's what I think that was for.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32I agree. I love that mushroom handle.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34This object in the middle, I love.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36This is different altogether.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38This unscrews...
0:12:39 > 0:12:42..and inside there's a very tiny...
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Absolutely.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46..little hook - and this will fit in there.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50And then, with that little tap on the side,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53you can then tighten it and use it like that.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Again, you've got a very small point on this end.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57But isn't it ingenious?
0:12:57 > 0:12:59But what really, to me, sets it off,
0:12:59 > 0:13:03and we think of the eagle's head of France, is this lovely case here.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04- The bodkin case.- I love it -
0:13:04 > 0:13:09because, again, what's lovely, Anne, if you take it out, you'll see...
0:13:09 > 0:13:11there's no imperfections,
0:13:11 > 0:13:16the quality of these heads, again, are really well chased.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17- It's a screw opening, isn't it?- Yes.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20And if you open it up, you'll see within...
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Arthritis stops you holding...!
0:13:23 > 0:13:26You're doing a great job, you're doing a very good job.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- And there we are.- It's a bodkin.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Exactly. So, of course, a needle case, little bodkin case,
0:13:31 > 0:13:32and it's a real delight.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35It's interesting, Anne, it isn't hallmarked.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- No.- I've had a look over it, I'm very happy,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- almost certainly it would test as being silver.- Silver.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45And what's wonderful is it's complete.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47It's complete, everything's there.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- What's it worth?- No idea.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51No, I think you'll be quite surprised.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Because it's novel and because it's so complete,
0:13:54 > 0:13:59I would like to give it a guide price of between £80-£120,
0:13:59 > 0:14:05and with the right online wind blowing to American enthusiasts.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06Or somebody from France.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Exactly - or maybe a French lady
0:14:08 > 0:14:12wishing to recreate the work this would undertake,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14I hope it might make just a bit more.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- Oh, lovely. - Would that be OK with you?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- That would be nice.- Fantastic. - Very nice.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Well, I must say Althorp's proving an inspirational place.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30This magnificent oak staircase was sourced from trees on the estate
0:14:30 > 0:14:33and guests that have stayed here over the years
0:14:33 > 0:14:35have praised it for its magnificent scale -
0:14:35 > 0:14:37and it really is quite dramatic.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38Well, talking about drama,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40we're going straight over to the auction room right now
0:14:40 > 0:14:42because our expert have found their first three items
0:14:42 > 0:14:44to be put under the hammer -
0:14:44 > 0:14:46so here's a quick recap of what we're selling.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49A wedding present from a landlady -
0:14:49 > 0:14:52the beautiful Art Nouveau claret jug...
0:14:53 > 0:14:57..the eye-catching emerald and diamond ring...
0:14:57 > 0:15:01and an impressive late 19th-century silver sewing kit.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07We've headed north half an hour by car
0:15:07 > 0:15:09across the border into Leicestershire
0:15:09 > 0:15:10to the town of Market Harborough,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13once a thriving market town.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Let's hope its reputation rubs off on us
0:15:15 > 0:15:18and there's some brisk business to be done inside.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27On the rostrum today we have two auctioneers -
0:15:27 > 0:15:28Mark and Will Gilding...
0:15:29 > 0:15:34..and our first lot is the French sewing kit belonging to Anne.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Now, she cannot be with us today because she's on holiday
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- celebrating her golden wedding anniversary...- That's correct.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- ..in the Caribbean.- Wow.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44This is her daughter, Jude.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- Hello. - Well, golden wedding anniversary -
0:15:46 > 0:15:48and still happily married.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Still, very, very... They didn't flog each other, so...!
0:15:50 > 0:15:52They didn't!
0:15:52 > 0:15:54How can you put a value on that?
0:15:55 > 0:15:56Do you like this little set?
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- It's lovely.- It is, isn't it?
0:15:58 > 0:15:59It was my nan's.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03It's top end in that sewing requisite market.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06What's it worth? Let's find out.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Late 19th-century three-piece white metal set of sewing requisites
0:16:09 > 0:16:11in a nice case, as well.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12Super condition.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Bidding opens at £50.
0:16:14 > 0:16:1760. 70. 80. 90.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22100. 110. 120. 130,
0:16:22 > 0:16:23130 in the room, at 130 standing.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26At 140 online, at 150, 160.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Oh, they love it. They love it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30180. 190.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33200. 210 online, at 210.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35220 in the room.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36- Yeah, online's done it.- Yeah.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38230. 240.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40All right!
0:16:40 > 0:16:41240, standing on at 240.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Your turn - 250 on the internet, at 250.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48260. £260 I'm bid now. At 260.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Where have you gone, internet? I'm waiting for you.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53It's 260 in the room.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Fair warning, online - 270 online.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58280 in the room.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00At 280.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03We'll stay in tens, internet, I don't mind, it's 280.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06280 in the room, then.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Last chance. 290.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11I'll wait for you, now - it's 290 online.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13300, thank you, at 300.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- Wow!- Very good, the auctioneer. - Great.
0:17:15 > 0:17:16300.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Internet's disappeared, by the looks of it, so, with 300 in the room,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22thank you for your bidding and away at 300.
0:17:22 > 0:17:23£300.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24GAVEL BANGS Thwack!
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Fantastic!- Brilliant! - Thank you very much!
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Oh, that was worth it, wasn't it? - Great, yes.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Get on the phone and tell mum and dad, they'll be so happy.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31That's great, thank you.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Trebled expectations.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Brilliant.- Yes. What do we say Charles, what sells?
0:17:36 > 0:17:39The big Q, Paul. Quality!
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Now I've found a kindred spirit from the same part of the world as me.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47Marina, good luck.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Good luck - and what part of Cornwall are you from?
0:17:49 > 0:17:50I'm near Padstow.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Near Padstow, oh, nice part, I like the north coast.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55I was born just outside Padstow.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57So, is there a bit of sentimental value here?
0:17:57 > 0:18:02A little bit, but she never wore it, I never saw her wear it,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- so I don't think...- OK. - It's not really sentimental.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07OK, well, look, good luck, good luck.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08- Here we go.- Here we go.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11A large emerald and diamond cluster ring,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14and going to open the bidding here at £500.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16At 500, 500, 550.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19At £550. 600. 650.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21At £650.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23At £650.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26At 650. 700. And 50.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29£800 standing, thank you, at 800.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Straight in front, £800 bid at 800, do I see 50 anywhere?
0:18:33 > 0:18:35At £800 here, I'm selling at 800.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40Aww.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- It's gone anyway. - It's gone.- It's gone.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44Sorry we couldn't get any more.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- No, it's all right. - We tried, we tried.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Well, at least someone saw it and loved it and bought it
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- and took it home and will wear it, maybe.- What do they say in Cornwall?
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- Um...- A proper job. - A proper job, yeah.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01It found its market - and now for Neville's claret jug.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04You were given this what, 48, 46 years ago,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- somewhere around there? - 46 years ago.- For a wedding present.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- Yes.- I think that's quite nice, actually -
0:19:09 > 0:19:12so you're selling this because it's still in its box,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14you've never used it, you don't want to use it.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Exactly. Yes. - Well, I don't blame you.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18We've downsized, as well,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20so we haven't got room to display it properly.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23OK. It's going under the hammer right now.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Claret jug here by WMF, and lots of interest.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30110, 120, 130, 140, 150,
0:19:30 > 0:19:35160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38230 I'm bid in the room.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40At 230.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43230 I'm bid on my right now at £230.
0:19:43 > 0:19:44Do I see 40?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47240 with the internet, at 240.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50250 in the room, at £250.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53250 now with the room bidder at 250.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Internet, where are you? 260.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57270 now in the room, at 270.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02270. 280.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04It's £290 bidding in the room.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Fair warning. 300 - new bidder at 300.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09320. 340.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11360.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13A shake of the head, then - at 360.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- Wow.- To my right at 360,
0:20:15 > 0:20:20still in the room and standing tall at £360.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- Yes!- Yes! Fantastic. - That chap did buy it.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- That chap there.- Good, very good.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27Cheers all round!
0:20:27 > 0:20:28Cheers!
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Well, there you are - three lots under the hammer,
0:20:33 > 0:20:34three more to come later on in the show
0:20:34 > 0:20:36when we come back to the auction room.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Before we go back to our valuation day venue, Althorp House,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41I'm putting my best foot forward
0:20:41 > 0:20:44to uncover some little-known facts about footwear.
0:20:49 > 0:20:50MUSIC: Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Northampton, a town that knows shoes.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00For centuries, this area has been world-renowned
0:21:00 > 0:21:02as a centre for shoemaking,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05home to some of the most famous names in footwear.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Small wonder, then, that Northamptonshire is a shoe Mecca -
0:21:15 > 0:21:17and nowhere is this more evident
0:21:17 > 0:21:20than at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23which boasts the largest shoe collection in the world.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29The whole history of footwear is represented here,
0:21:29 > 0:21:31from the earliest, simplest foot coverings
0:21:31 > 0:21:33of the Ancient Romans and Egyptians
0:21:33 > 0:21:36right up to the 21st-century sports shoe
0:21:36 > 0:21:40made from the latest hi-tech synthetic materials.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43And alongside the trainers, military boots,
0:21:43 > 0:21:48clogs and wellies that represent familiar, practical footwear,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51there are some exhibits that are rather less conventional.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53# What's that sound
0:21:54 > 0:21:56# I like that sound
0:21:56 > 0:21:58# I love that sound
0:21:58 > 0:22:01# It's the sound of my shoes. #
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Well, they say you should never judge someone
0:22:03 > 0:22:05until you've walked a mile in their shoes -
0:22:05 > 0:22:08but I don't think it's possible to take one step in those.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14It's obvious when we look at some of the extraordinary shoes here
0:22:14 > 0:22:18that there's a lot more to footwear than simple practicality.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20But that's not a new phenomenon -
0:22:20 > 0:22:24shoes have played a symbolic role in human culture
0:22:24 > 0:22:26for thousands of years.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28High heels are a great example.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Among the earliest records are in Greek plays,
0:22:31 > 0:22:32where platform shoes were used
0:22:32 > 0:22:35literally to elevate the main characters,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38and, ever since then, they've fallen in and out of fashion
0:22:38 > 0:22:39many times over the centuries.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Usually, the fashions had functional origins.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46In the late medieval age,
0:22:46 > 0:22:51fixed-soled chopines kept clothing out of the filth of unpaved streets,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54and gradually became teetering status symbols
0:22:54 > 0:22:55for the wealthy.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Perhaps the most disturbing expression of status
0:23:00 > 0:23:01comes from China,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03where, for nearly 1,000 years,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06the tradition of binding women's feet to keep them small
0:23:06 > 0:23:08was practised.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11The idea was a foot no longer than three to four inches.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17And to achieve this, girls as young as four would have their toes broken
0:23:17 > 0:23:21and compressed back into the arch of the foot to arrest growth.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24The so-called lotus feet
0:23:24 > 0:23:27made it extremely difficult to walk,
0:23:27 > 0:23:31demonstrating the elite status of a woman who didn't need to work.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Shoes also appear as a reoccurring themes
0:23:36 > 0:23:39in traditional stories and fairy tales -
0:23:39 > 0:23:42sometimes as sinister or powerful objects.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Cinderella's glass slippers emphasise her delicate feet
0:23:46 > 0:23:49that her ugly sisters desperately try to emulate
0:23:49 > 0:23:52by cutting off their toes.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54In Hans Christian Andersen's The Red Shoes,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57a spoilt girl is condemned to dance forever
0:23:57 > 0:23:59as a punishment for her vanity.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03Red shoes have been potently seductive for centuries,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06evoking power, sex, danger and death.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17To find out more about our fascination
0:24:17 > 0:24:19with strange and wonderful footwear,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21I'm meeting Rebecca Shawcross,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24the museum's shoe resources officer.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Rebecca, there's such an incredible collection of shoes here.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- There's something for everybody. - There is indeed.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35I mean, we do have a collection that's just about 15,000 strong.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Wow! I love my shoes, I really do,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41and I've been walking around today and I'm thinking, "Gosh,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44"I wish I could buy them all! I wish they were available in a shop!"
0:24:44 > 0:24:46You've picked out a few in front of you.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49So, why did you select these ones?
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Well, these are interesting for various reasons.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55One is, we have the concealed shoes,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57which are shoes that have been hidden in buildings...
0:24:57 > 0:25:01- Right, OK.- To ward off evil spirits.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03They're usually incredibly well worn,
0:25:03 > 0:25:07but the idea is that the wear is a good spirit that goes into the shoe,
0:25:07 > 0:25:11and it's kept there because they're sort of container-shaped,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14and once hidden in a building, say by a chimney -
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I mean, these were found in a chimney -
0:25:16 > 0:25:19then that good spirit will ward off any evil spirits
0:25:19 > 0:25:22that may want to harm the house and its occupants.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24They're very powerful things.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- Yeah.- Some people don't like talking about them.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28That looks like... What is it, a Victorian shoe?
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Well, these ones are actually about 1640.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33- Oh, really early, then. - So, really early ladies' shoes...
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Gosh, Charles I, somewhere around there.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37So, yeah, amazing survivors.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39OK, that one looks quite comical, with the big, long toe.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Yes, this is a replica of a medieval poulaine.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Now, both men and women wore short versions,
0:25:45 > 0:25:49but men took it to extreme, and this is...
0:25:49 > 0:25:52this is still quite short, relatively speaking,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54but men had the very long-toed versions.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56One, it's a sign of status...
0:25:56 > 0:25:58You could see them coming around a corner five seconds before
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- their body came round the corner! - Exactly!
0:26:00 > 0:26:02I mean, really, really difficult to go upstairs -
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- but you probably didn't work, so... - No.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07But also, it's a sign of the wearer's masculinity.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10The longer the toe, the more manly you were thought to be.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13You put that well, didn't you?!
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Let's look at this one.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17You're bringing us up to - what, the 1980s?
0:26:17 > 0:26:18You can buy that now.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- Oh, can you? So, that's current. - Yes, really, but these are...
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Can you walk on something... heel-less like that,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- with a big, raised sole? - Yes, they're balanced.
0:26:26 > 0:26:27You can feel quite secure.
0:26:27 > 0:26:28But these are up-to-date.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31But there is nothing new in shoe fashions at all.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Things just keep coming round again and again and again.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36These were very popular in the 14th century.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38This is what I would term a platform shoe.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40- It is, really, isn't it? - I mean, it has a heel,
0:26:40 > 0:26:45but it is what, you know, in shoe terminology, is a platform.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48And, really, there's only eight or nine types of shoe
0:26:48 > 0:26:50which everything is based around.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53What is it about shoes that are so alluring?
0:26:53 > 0:26:55You know, everybody has to wear shoes,
0:26:55 > 0:26:59and I think, throughout history, they've been a really great way
0:26:59 > 0:27:02of showing the wearer's personality,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04their status, their sexuality.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08People who are obsessed by trainers, which I see a lot,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11so they have a particular brand that they wear...
0:27:11 > 0:27:13So you can sort of show off who you are.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17And even people who say to me, "I'm not really interested in shoes.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19"I just wear them because they're practical,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22"you have to keep your feet warm," et cetera,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25they're still saying something about themselves,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27because you choose your shoes.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30Shoes are commonplace,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33yet there are uncommon examples of them all around us.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38They can represent freedom or oppression,
0:27:38 > 0:27:40power or powerlessness...
0:27:42 > 0:27:43..protest...
0:27:44 > 0:27:45..or protection.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52A well chosen shoe can allow us to exhibit who we are.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55They can also help us to live up to a fantasy -
0:27:55 > 0:27:59to literally step out of yourself and become someone else.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01MUSIC: Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Time to kick off those heels and get back to the valuations at Althorp,
0:28:15 > 0:28:19where Charles has honed in on some real craftsmanship
0:28:19 > 0:28:21belonging to Lydia.
0:28:21 > 0:28:22- I love these vases.- Thank you.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Are they a family heirloom?
0:28:24 > 0:28:25No. Well, sort of.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27They came with me when I left home.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- When you left home? - To go to university.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- Back in the...- '70s.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34'70s. Yeah, back in...
0:28:34 > 0:28:35OK, that's perfect,
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- cos it puts into context perfectly when they were made.- Ah!
0:28:39 > 0:28:42And, of course, there's that infamous name Whitefriars,
0:28:42 > 0:28:43or that factory, which goes...
0:28:43 > 0:28:47People forget that Whitefriars, or James Powell and Sons,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49goes as far back as the 17th century.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51- Oh, really? - The factory in London
0:28:51 > 0:28:53was founded in the 1680s,
0:28:53 > 0:28:54but over the 19th century,
0:28:54 > 0:28:58James Powell and Sons became a more important name
0:28:58 > 0:29:01with the Gothic revival in the late 19th century,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04and then the 20th century was born,
0:29:04 > 0:29:07and, really, Whitefriars began to move,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10following the 1951 Festival of Britain.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12A fine man called Wilson
0:29:12 > 0:29:17employed a man called Geoffrey Baxter in 1954,
0:29:17 > 0:29:20and he looked at certain forms,
0:29:20 > 0:29:23he looked at, almost, mouldings of nails and barks
0:29:23 > 0:29:27- and these really peculiar exterior finishes.- Mm.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32In 1967, he introduced these different shapes.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37- For example, the television vase, which this is.- Ah!
0:29:37 > 0:29:40Gorgeous - and by 1969, he'd perfected colours
0:29:40 > 0:29:45like kingfisher blue, indigo and also pewter.
0:29:45 > 0:29:51So, this is your pewter television vase of circa 1969.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54And this one, again, same sort of period,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57in this crystal-clear finish,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00in almost this icicle form, of the same period,
0:30:00 > 0:30:04and it's wonderful, because they've got their ground pontils.
0:30:04 > 0:30:05They're just beautifully made.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07They're so tactile, aren't they?
0:30:07 > 0:30:09They're so refined.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11So, now, where is it in your home?
0:30:11 > 0:30:12- In a cupboard.- Why?
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Have you gone minimal?
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- My styles have changed over the years.- I mean, that top, to me,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19says 19...
0:30:19 > 0:30:21I don't know, '70s?
0:30:22 > 0:30:23Sorry. OK...
0:30:24 > 0:30:25But...
0:30:28 > 0:30:29Keep digging! Keep digging!
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Sorry! No, sorry...
0:30:31 > 0:30:32I thought I was being clever!
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Sorry about that. Anyway, let's move it on...
0:30:35 > 0:30:38I love them. I think they're really, really creative.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40I think the market today,
0:30:40 > 0:30:42we know, online, there are so many collectors
0:30:42 > 0:30:46who find favour with these objects, importantly -
0:30:46 > 0:30:49and we look at the rims, we look at the corners,
0:30:49 > 0:30:53we just feel around particularly this area, make sure it's smooth,
0:30:53 > 0:30:55which these objects are.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59So, I'm pleased to say, they're in tip-top condition for their age.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02We would love to market them and see you at the auction with them
0:31:02 > 0:31:05and I would like to put a guide price on the two together,
0:31:05 > 0:31:07with your blessing,
0:31:07 > 0:31:09of between £70 and £100.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10- Mm.- Is that OK with you?
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- Yes, that's fine. - And I would propose...
0:31:12 > 0:31:13Let's put a reserve at 60 -
0:31:13 > 0:31:15but I'm very happy they're going to race away.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- Lovely.- Thank you very much, Lydia.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18- Thank you.- And thanks for coming. - Thank you.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22You're an antiques expert, Charles, not a fashion critic!
0:31:22 > 0:31:26Now, I just can't resist what Sue has brought along.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28I love your little collector's cabinet.
0:31:28 > 0:31:29- It's gorgeous!- Thank you.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32It's slightly naive and tatty, but that's why I like it!
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- It is!- How did you come by it?
0:31:34 > 0:31:37It was found in the attic of our property,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- some while after we bought it, so... - How long ago was that?
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Well, we've been there for 35 years, so...
0:31:43 > 0:31:48but I've had it in the kitchen for about 15 or 20 years,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- just sitting there.- Have you ever thought of adding to it?
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Because there's three... There's three empty drawers in the bottom.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55I haven't, actually,
0:31:55 > 0:31:57because it's someone else's collection,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59and I've got all the children's little bits that they collect,
0:31:59 > 0:32:01but I just left it as it was.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- Is lovely, isn't it?- Yes.
0:32:03 > 0:32:04- It really is, and times have changed.- Yes.
0:32:04 > 0:32:0730 years ago, I think, you know,
0:32:07 > 0:32:09- people would have gladly left this in the attic.- Yes, yes.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Now, natural history has never been bigger.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14It's so on-trend right now.
0:32:14 > 0:32:15Everybody wants it -
0:32:15 > 0:32:19from taxidermy to skeletons, to fossils, to crystals,
0:32:19 > 0:32:21minerals, seashells.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23You name it, everyone wants it.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25It's a good amateur collection.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- It wasn't owned by an academic back in 1880.- No.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30I don't know... It looks like there's three initials there.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35- Yes.- ADG or something, and it's 1880.- That's right, yes.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37So, this is scratch built.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- It's got a lovely natural scumble-glaze paint to it.- Right.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42It's got its original paintwork.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44All the drawers, everything's been made by hand,
0:32:44 > 0:32:48- by an untrained cabinet-maker, yeah?- OK.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50It's kind of cobbled together.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53That's why I don't think it was owned by an academic.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56- No.- I think it's shells that you found on the British coastline,
0:32:56 > 0:32:57because they're all rather small,
0:32:57 > 0:32:59but you've got lots of minerals here,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02you've got lots and lots of little bits and pieces of fossils...
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Yes.- ..but it's wonderful.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- It smacks of a bygone era, you know? - Yes. Good!
0:33:08 > 0:33:12Good for you. Now, I think, if we put this into auction
0:33:12 > 0:33:14it's worth £60 of anybody's money.
0:33:14 > 0:33:15- I'd be happy with that.- Would you?
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- Yes, yes.- Let's put an auction...
0:33:17 > 0:33:19And to someone who's got an interest in it, as well.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Yeah - let's put an auction estimate of £60 to £80,
0:33:23 > 0:33:24- with a reserve of 50...- OK, yeah.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26..and, hopefully, it'll find a new home
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- and somebody that'll carry on collecting.- Yes.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40Well, as you've seen, we've taken over the whole house.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43There are people everywhere - in fact, the queue is so big now -
0:33:43 > 0:33:45we're halfway through the day, and look,
0:33:45 > 0:33:47it's still winding out the main front door.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50We found two items and we need one more to go off to auction -
0:33:50 > 0:33:54who's that lucky person going to be? We're just about to find out.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Will's meeting Adam, a genuine treasure hunter.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01It's something I found when I was a boy.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- You found it? - Found it with a metal detector.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05- No!- Did.- Really?- Yeah.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08Best thing you found? Or have you found other things?
0:34:08 > 0:34:10No, it was just a passing phase.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12It was in Mum and Dad's back garden, actually,
0:34:12 > 0:34:14in Far Cotton, in Northampton.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- So, pretty local to here, really? - Two or three miles, yes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18That's a lovely touch, isn't it?
0:34:18 > 0:34:19Found not far from here.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21- It was buried. - Did they know it was there?
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- No.- How funny.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Did you think you had found maybe the Lost Ark?
0:34:25 > 0:34:27- No - I didn't really know what it was...- Face down?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- I just knew it was too good to be in the ground.- Yeah, exactly.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33So you dug it up - and tell me, what did you do with it then?
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Did you take it into the house and show your mum and dad?
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Yeah, everybody had a look at it.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40It's spent... All of the time it's spent with me,
0:34:40 > 0:34:42either in the loft or the garage,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- it's been in the shed...- Really?
0:34:45 > 0:34:47These are great things for putting in sheds. A lot of the time you can
0:34:47 > 0:34:49patch up the old, rotting woodwork in the shed
0:34:49 > 0:34:53with a few enamel signs and old barns and garages, of course,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56you see them - because they were made to advertise
0:34:56 > 0:34:59a wide variety of things from engine oil
0:34:59 > 0:35:01through to pneumatic tyres,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04right down to chocolate, as we have here.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07I love it. What do you like about it?
0:35:07 > 0:35:09The colour. The colour is beautiful.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- It's good, isn't it? A nice deep blue.- Yeah.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Just the condition of it, really.
0:35:14 > 0:35:15Well, the condition is very good.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18It's got a few chips and scraped here and there around the edge,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- which - that wasn't you with your spade?- No, no.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23That happens - because these were designed
0:35:23 > 0:35:26to be attached to buildings, for example,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28to advertise what was for sale inside,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30and when they are taken off the wall,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33they invariably lose a little bit of enamel here and there -
0:35:33 > 0:35:36and you mentioned the colour. This deep blue.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- I mean, it's held its colour really well, hasn't it?- It has, yeah.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42That's the whole reason why they use vitreous enamel for these signs,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44because if that had been blue paint,
0:35:44 > 0:35:46buried in the ground however many years ago,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48- that would have be faded, wouldn't it?- It would.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Whereas this is still nice, deep, bold -
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and the juxtaposition, here,
0:35:53 > 0:35:55with the white, as well, really makes it stand out -
0:35:55 > 0:35:57which was the name of the game.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59You wanted to catch people's tension.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02The other way they've done this is with this rather fun sequence
0:36:02 > 0:36:05of pictures here of the little boy.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08What have we got here? We've got desperation, poor lad, look.
0:36:08 > 0:36:09No-one's looking after him.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Pacification.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Aye-aye, he's heard a rustle, maybe some chocolate paper.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Expectation - he thinks something's coming his way.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Acclamation - he seems happy about that -
0:36:19 > 0:36:23and then, of course, the whole reason, "It's Fry's". Realisation.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Happy face. It's trying to sell it to the consumer, isn't it?
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Because Fry's, as a firm, actually dates from mid-18th century,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32but it wasn't until about 100 years later
0:36:32 > 0:36:34that they made the first chocolate bar,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36as a sort of commercial venture.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39So, it's got a lot of history and a lot of pedigree.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43Down at the bottom here, we've got Fry & Sons here, Bristol.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44Again, that's where they had their factory.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48Later, they merged with another big chocolate manufacturer
0:36:48 > 0:36:51and their factory was near Bristol,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54and then, here we've got "Chromo, Wolverhampton".
0:36:54 > 0:36:58Now, Chromo was one of two big firms making enamel signs,
0:36:58 > 0:37:02and for the collectors, the more decorative the better, really,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05and I think you've ticked a few boxes with this one.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07If I said to you I would put this into auction today
0:37:07 > 0:37:11with an estimate of 1,000-1,500, what do you think to that?
0:37:11 > 0:37:13- Happy days.- Happy days, isn't it?
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- Not bad for digging around in the back garden.- No. No, no.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Why don't we fix the reserve at £1,000?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Does that sound like a nice round number to you?
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- Yeah, that's fine. - Are you happy with that?
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- Yeah. - What's the money going towards?
0:37:26 > 0:37:27Who knows? Just put it in the bank.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Go and buy yourself something nice.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34It's incredible that survived so well stuck in the ground.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Well, there you are, that's it,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40our experts have now found their final items to take off to auction,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43which really does bring the day to a close here at Althorp House.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45We've had a marvellous time, haven't we, everybody?
0:37:45 > 0:37:46- Yes. ALL:- Yes!
0:37:46 > 0:37:49We've thoroughly enjoyed looking at the house and the estate
0:37:49 > 0:37:50and we've learned so much.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53Right now, we're going over to the auction for the last time
0:37:53 > 0:37:55and we're putting those valuations to the test.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57We're going to find out, what it's worth?
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Here's a quick recap of all the items going under the hammer.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05The retro vases which decorated Lydia's student room
0:38:05 > 0:38:07in the 1970s...
0:38:07 > 0:38:10my favourite, the cabinet of fossils and shells...
0:38:12 > 0:38:15..and, dug out of the Northamptonshire soil,
0:38:15 > 0:38:17the enamel advertising sign.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25As we return to the saleroom, it's all eyes on our auctioneers.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Lydia's vases are first to tempt the bidders.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31So, why are you selling?
0:38:31 > 0:38:33It sat in a cupboard for 30-odd years.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- In a cupboard?- Mm. - Not catching the light.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- Ohh!- No, no. - Anyway, think of the money.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- I will. - Hopefully, we'll get the top end,
0:38:41 > 0:38:42and we'll move on - buy something you do like.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Absolutely.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:38:46 > 0:38:47It's going under the hammer right now.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51The pewter-colour Whitefriars-style clear glass vase, the two pieces.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Whitefriars always popular, isn't it?
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Bidding opens here at £60.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58£60 I'm bid, then, for the two pieces here, at 60.
0:38:58 > 0:38:5965 at the back.
0:38:59 > 0:39:0170 here. 75. 80.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- Yeah.- 85. 90.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- Good.- 95 with the lady, at 95.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07I'm all out here, it's 95 at the back.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09£100 over there.
0:39:09 > 0:39:10Fresh bidder here at 100.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12You're out on the side.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14£100, fair warning, then,
0:39:14 > 0:39:15selling in the room at 100.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- Yes! £100.- Lovely. - Spot on. Well done.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- Fantastic.- What are you going to dig out the cupboard now?
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- I'll have a root in the attic. - Do, won't you, and join us again.
0:39:25 > 0:39:31And now, time for my favourite - Sue's cabinet of fossils and shells.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32Didn't it look great on the staircase?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35It did, yes - nearly made me change my mind.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36I know it did. I know it did.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38You know, but it's flavour of the month,
0:39:38 > 0:39:40and decorators love this kind of thing,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42and anybody that's starting a collection on shells
0:39:42 > 0:39:44will love this. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Here we go, it's going under the hammer now.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Collectors cabinet, collection of rocks and minerals,
0:39:49 > 0:39:51interesting little lot there.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53380 and let's start, shall we, at £40?
0:39:53 > 0:39:55£40. Opening the bidding at 40.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- £40...- Look, straight in.
0:39:57 > 0:40:0242. At 42. 45. 48. 50.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Room bid 50.
0:40:04 > 0:40:0650. Here in the room at 50.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Five. 60.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10£60 bid.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11Five. 70.
0:40:14 > 0:40:15Five. 80.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Mm!
0:40:17 > 0:40:19Fair warning in the room, the room bid is £80.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23£80 online. At £80 - are there any further bids?
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Quite sure, then - finished and sold at 80.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28- Top end, wasn't it?- Yes, it was top end, yes that's very good.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29- Got it right.- Yes.- Well done.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Thank you for bringing that in, because that made my day, there.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- Really did.- Thank you.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36I'm so pleased that did well.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Now, fingers crossed for Adam's chocolate sign.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43It's big, it's graphic, it's colourful, it's pictorial,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- it's just great. Love it. - It's a lot of money, isn't it?
0:40:47 > 0:40:48It's a large amount of money.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Hopefully, we'll get the top end, which is even more exciting.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53Anything can happen in an auction, can't it?
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- It can.- And that's why we're here,
0:40:55 > 0:40:57that's why it doesn't have a price tag on it.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59Let's find out who else loves chocolate.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00It's going under the hammer now.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Fry's chocolate sign, the enamel sign, of course,
0:41:03 > 0:41:05plenty of presale interest in this one.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08And I open the bidding here at £800.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10At £800, my bid.
0:41:10 > 0:41:1350. 900. 50. 1,000. 11. 1,200.
0:41:13 > 0:41:18My bid 1,200. 1,200. 1,300. 1,400.
0:41:18 > 0:41:191,500. 1,600.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21I'm out, at 1,700.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Here's the bid standing at £1,700.
0:41:25 > 0:41:261,800.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30- Wow.- 1,850.- Wow!
0:41:30 > 0:41:34I'll take at 1,850. 1,900.
0:41:34 > 0:41:362,000.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39And 50.
0:41:39 > 0:41:412,100.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43And 50.
0:41:43 > 0:41:462,200.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48£2,200.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53A valiant effort, £2,200 here at Denise's telephone, 2,200.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56At £2,200, are we all done?
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Quite sure?
0:41:58 > 0:42:00They don't come up that often - at 2,200.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- 2,200.- And 50.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- Yeah!- 2,250!- Come on, he's had another one. Can't let it go.
0:42:08 > 0:42:092,300.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14And 50.
0:42:14 > 0:42:20£2,350 here standing in the room at 2,350.
0:42:22 > 0:42:242,400.
0:42:24 > 0:42:252,400!
0:42:25 > 0:42:27For something you dug up.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30And 50.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32£2,450.
0:42:32 > 0:42:342,500.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41We've been in this position before - make sure you're certain this time.
0:42:41 > 0:42:42£2,500.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46Denise's telephone has the bid at £2,500.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Are we all done?
0:42:51 > 0:42:52- Yes. Whoo!- Well done.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- Put it there. Well! - Well done, buddy.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57I'm shocked. I'm shocked!
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- That's a lot of money. - 2,500 for a dug-up enamel sign -
0:43:00 > 0:43:02that's an expensive bit of chocolate.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03- How are you feeling?- Very good.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05Yeah, I bet you are!
0:43:05 > 0:43:07I bet your head's going, "Ooh, what can I spend that money on?"
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- I'll have to ask.- You'll have to ask permission from the wife,
0:43:10 > 0:43:11she's over there.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14She knows what it made, unfortunately!
0:43:14 > 0:43:16What a way to end today's show.
0:43:16 > 0:43:17That was just absolutely fabulous.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19I've learned something, I hope you have -
0:43:19 > 0:43:21and that's what this show's all about.
0:43:21 > 0:43:22That was a great document of social history.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- Thank you, Adam, for bringing that in.- Pleasure.
0:43:25 > 0:43:26Join us again for many more surprises,
0:43:26 > 0:43:29but until then, from Market Harborough, it's goodbye.