0:00:10 > 0:00:11Today, we're in Sussex
0:00:11 > 0:00:14at Herstmonceux Castle, just outside of Hastings.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17This architectural delight was built in the 15th century
0:00:17 > 0:00:20and what a marvellous backdrop for our valuation day.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Tucked away in the Sussex countryside,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Herstmonceux Castle is a real gem of a building,
0:00:49 > 0:00:50whichever way you look at it.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52It gets its name from Herst,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55which is ancient Anglo-Saxon for "wooded hill",
0:00:55 > 0:00:56and the Monceux family,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59who were lords of the manor here in the medieval times.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01It was built in the 15th century
0:01:01 > 0:01:04and it's a beautiful reminder of that era.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Our enthusiastic crowd have travelled from
0:01:08 > 0:01:11all corners of Sussex today to this magnificent historic setting,
0:01:11 > 0:01:13laden with bags and boxes full of treasures.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16They're here to see our experts, to ask that all important question,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- which is... ALL:- What's it worth?!
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24To help us in our quest to sift through these treasures,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28we've asked two of the finest experts to do the digging.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29There's lovable James Lewis...
0:01:29 > 0:01:32A big cuddly bear. Just like me!
0:01:33 > 0:01:36And commanding respect is Catherine Southon.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39Doesn't that look better now, with the lid on?
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Yes, my Lord!
0:01:41 > 0:01:44These are two people who really love their job.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46And there's not a moment to lose.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49It's quite a long walk from the castle gates
0:01:49 > 0:01:51to the magnificent ballroom,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54where our teams have got everything in place for our visitors.
0:01:54 > 0:01:55And while everyone gets settled,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58here's a quick glimpse of what's coming up later on in the show.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02Catherine gets a little too attached to one of her finds.
0:02:02 > 0:02:03Can I have a receipt?
0:02:03 > 0:02:05No, I don't give receipts.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09And we have a real howler at the auction.
0:02:09 > 0:02:10HE HOWLS
0:02:10 > 0:02:14And I get to honour the intriguing story behind today's venue,
0:02:14 > 0:02:15Herstmonceux Castle.
0:02:20 > 0:02:21Good luck, everyone. Fingers crossed.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25We're all safely seated inside now, so there's not a moment to lose.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Let's get on with our first valuation
0:02:27 > 0:02:29and it's straight over to Catherine Southon
0:02:29 > 0:02:34to take a closer look at what she's spotted and who that lucky owner is.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41Christine, there's one name that jumps out at us when we see this
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- and it's...- Moorcroft. - Moorcroft, of course.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46And this is something that certainly came out to me in the queue,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50because it is... It is a piece of Moorcroft,
0:02:50 > 0:02:52but it is an early piece of Moorcroft
0:02:52 > 0:02:54and that's what the collectors want.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56Where did you get it from, Christine?
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Well, actually, I was clearing out my mother's cupboards
0:02:59 > 0:03:01and I'd never seen it before
0:03:01 > 0:03:04but it was covered in cigarette smoke, because she smoked,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06and I thought, where's this come from?
0:03:06 > 0:03:09And I think it must have come from her family.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12So when you saw it, did you recognise what it was?
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- No.- Right.- I didn't know anything about it at all.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16I took it out of the cupboard and I thought...
0:03:16 > 0:03:19I like flowers, I thought, oh, that's quite pretty,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21washed it off, took it home,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24then started watching these antique programmes
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- and Moorcroft kept popping up and popping up...- Right.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29And I thought, I'll go and have a look at the name on that...
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- Ah! Very good.- ..vase.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36- And it was Moorcroft, so that's how I came about it.- Fantastic.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- So then did you like it a bit more when you saw Moorcroft?- I did!
0:03:39 > 0:03:41But I like it myself anyway,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43because of the flowers and the design of it.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- Yeah.- But I've had it for quite a long time, over 30 years, I think.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50It's wonderful, because this is an early mark.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52The actual pattern on it, which is so pretty...
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- It is.- On this lovely cream ground, is actually known as Persian,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58the Persian pattern.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59And you can kind of see
0:03:59 > 0:04:02where they've got that sort of Persian influence from.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06It dates from the 1920s and if you turn it over there,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08you've got a lovely clear mark...
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- That's right.- W Moorcroft for William Moorcroft,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13and then down there,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16you've got the number which actually relates to the shape.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Now, as we look at it, it is perfect.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21However, we turn it round...
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- I know what you're going to say. - And what do we see?
0:04:23 > 0:04:26There's a tiny chip and I don't know how that got there.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I think it was there when I picked it up.
0:04:28 > 0:04:29It's such a shame.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- I know.- And the problem is when people buy Moorcroft,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Moorcroft collectors, who will love this piece of early Moorcroft...
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- I know.- ..because it is quite a rare pattern.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41The first thing they're going to ask about is restoration
0:04:41 > 0:04:45and they are very picky on any marks, any chips.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Had this been in perfect condition, you probably don't want to hear,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- but I'm going to tell you anyway... - Right.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51Had this been in perfect condition,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55I think you would be looking at 1,000 to 1,500,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57maybe 1,200 to 1,800.
0:04:57 > 0:04:58- Oh!- I know.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Right. Now, tell me the...
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Tell you... Are you...? Do you want to hold on to something?
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Hold on to me, hold on to me. Um...
0:05:05 > 0:05:09Because of the condition, it really makes a massive, massive difference.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10I know.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Really, the price goes right down
0:05:12 > 0:05:14and we're looking at more like 400-600.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- Right.- Shall we flog it?
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Oh, yes, please. Flog it.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19Fantastic. Thank you, Christine.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- Thank you. - It's been lovely to meet you.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22Back in the ballroom,
0:05:22 > 0:05:27it looks like James has sniffed out a real treat for dog lovers.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Alf, when I saw you outside in the queue...
0:05:31 > 0:05:36..and I saw that in your hand, I just thought, how fantastic.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39There are certain things that when you pick them up
0:05:39 > 0:05:40or when you see them,
0:05:40 > 0:05:44memories of childhood sort of come flooding back.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46And that is exactly what happened for me.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51And my grandad used to rip out a cartoon strip from the Daily Mail
0:05:51 > 0:05:55and it used to be Fred Basset and that's why I picked it, really.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Because I just thought, what a lovely, lovely thing to have.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01And it's inscribed to you.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- Yeah.- What's the history?
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Well, Alex Graham was one of our vice presidents,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10at Artisans Golf.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13He was my partner and we got talking
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- and my wife was organising a dog show...- Right.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Some friends had a Basset and I said,
0:06:20 > 0:06:24could he just whip a Basset on a scorecard.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27He came up with that, as simple as that.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- Brilliant. - That's basically the story of it.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35I'm sure you know all about Alex Graham.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39He was a Scottish born artist, born in 1917,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42sadly died around 1991.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46And was most well-known for his work in the Daily Mail
0:06:46 > 0:06:49with the Fred Basset cartoon strip.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53And he did hundreds of them through his career
0:06:53 > 0:06:58of this little Basset Hound called Fred,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01and it was based on his own little Basset Hound that he had,
0:07:01 > 0:07:02called Frida, I think?
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- I think it was...- Yeah.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06This is an original cartoon strip
0:07:06 > 0:07:10and it's signed, it's in pen and ink,
0:07:10 > 0:07:15and you can see where some of the errors and changes have happened,
0:07:15 > 0:07:19where he's used the old-fashioned Tippex to rub them out.
0:07:19 > 0:07:25I've never seen one before and the difficult thing is to value it.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29But I always end up overvaluing the things that mean something to me.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32I think if it didn't make £30, I'd be disappointed
0:07:32 > 0:07:33and it wouldn't be worth...
0:07:33 > 0:07:35it wouldn't be worth selling it, would it?
0:07:35 > 0:07:39So I think if we put a reserve of 30
0:07:39 > 0:07:41and an estimate of 30-50,
0:07:41 > 0:07:42- would that be all right?- Yeah.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45I mean, it's only sitting in the cupboard at home...
0:07:45 > 0:07:46- Is it really?- Yeah.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48It's a perfect thing to have up on the loo wall.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51..Nah!
0:07:51 > 0:07:52THEY LAUGH
0:07:52 > 0:07:54But I think it's absolutely super.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56I really like it.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57As long as I've made your day.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Yeah, you've really made me smile.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Well done, thank you so much for bringing it in.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- Thanks a lot.- Great to see you. Thank you.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08As a Basset owner myself, I do love those cartoons.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09And outside the castle,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13Catherine has spotted our final find of the morning.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Well, Chou-chou.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16Tony, what can I say?
0:08:16 > 0:08:18We have a beautiful backdrop
0:08:18 > 0:08:21and then we have some very elegantly dressed people.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22You look wonderful, both of you.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- Thank you.- Thank you.- Very smart.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26You're very kind, thank you.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- More important than the objects. - You look gorgeous yourself!
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Well, let's move on to have a look at what we've got here.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36We've got some nice pocket watches and a rather smart fob.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Now, you're very elegantly dressed, Tony.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39- Yeah.- Very smart.- Yes, he says.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- He knows he is, doesn't he? - That's his hobby.- Yeah.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Are these something that you would've worn once upon a time?
0:08:45 > 0:08:47I used to wear these every week.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- Really?- Because I always wore waistcoats and suits,
0:08:50 > 0:08:54but I, of course, was never allowed
0:08:54 > 0:08:58to wear any jewellery or a watch.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- Right.- Because of my career.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- What was your career, then? - Grand Prix motorcyclist.
0:09:02 > 0:09:03- Oh, I see.- And in consequence,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06you weren't allowed to wear any jewellery or anything.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Wonderful. And I bet you looked really smart.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10So, let's go through these one by one.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Thank you.- So we've got this nine carat gold pocket watch.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- Yes.- Let's just have a look at it here, half-hunter pocket watch,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18because we've got the little aperture there.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- Half-hunter.- The important thing is to look at the dial
0:09:21 > 0:09:22to see what sort of condition it is.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- Yes.- The dial there, which is an enamel dial,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28we can see there's a couple of little cracks there...
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Yes, yes.- But generally speaking, it is in quite nice condition.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35But for me, the more interesting piece is this little medallion.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Where did it come from? - Well, that was won by...
0:09:38 > 0:09:41my great, great, great grandmother, erm,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44for gymnastics before the First World War.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47And, um...
0:09:47 > 0:09:53It was handed down to me but I never saw the lady, so it has no actual...
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- Value to you.- ..heart value to me.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Because you just turn it over there and you can see it is dated 1910.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- 1910.- And presumably that's her, is it?
0:10:01 > 0:10:02- V Horton.- Yes.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04And there she's won first prize.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Yes.- And you can see on the top there it says first.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07And then moving onto this one,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09because I really like the shape of this.
0:10:09 > 0:10:15It's about 1920s and just sort of speaks of that era, doesn't it?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- Yeah.- So where did you get this one?
0:10:17 > 0:10:18That was handed down to me
0:10:18 > 0:10:21as an heirloom from another auntie.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- OK.- Because you open it up inside
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and I know, cos you mentioned something about Grand Prix...
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- Yeah.- And inside I saw Grand Prix and I was thinking,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31"Oh, Grand Prix, as in Grand Prix."
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Grand Prix. - But it's nothing to do with that.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35Nothing to do with me, no.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37It's Grand Prix as in Grand Prix, a prize.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- Yes, yes.- So that's what it means.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- Grand prize, yes.- Exactly.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44And again, this is a nine carat gold pocket watch.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- Yes.- Now my thoughts are that these have been worn as one by yourself
0:10:49 > 0:10:52and I think they should stay together as one.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57I would suggest putting them in with an estimate of £300-500
0:10:57 > 0:11:00with a reserve of 300, because they're worth that.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- Yes.- This one...
0:11:02 > 0:11:03I love this watch,
0:11:03 > 0:11:08but I would suggest 100-150 as an estimate with a reserve of £80.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11So how does that all sound to you? Happy to put them into auction?
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Well, that sounds perfect to me.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15That sounds perfect to me, too.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17So, two different, we've got two different lots here
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- going under the hammer. - Yes, thank you.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20- Sound good to you?- Yes, fine, yeah.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Terrific.- Thank you, Chou-chou?
0:11:22 > 0:11:23- Yes.- Chou-chou.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Chou-chou. Thank you, Tony.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Thank you, Catherine. And I shall see you both at the auction.
0:11:28 > 0:11:29- I hope so, yes.- Thank you so much.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Two very stylish owners with two stylish watches and chain.
0:11:33 > 0:11:34A perfect combination.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Well, this is where it gets exciting.
0:11:36 > 0:11:37This is where we change gear.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Our experts have now found their first three items
0:11:40 > 0:11:41to take off to auction.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Anything could happen, do not go away.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Fingers crossed, we're going to have one or two big surprises.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48We're making our way over to the saleroom and we'll leave you
0:11:48 > 0:11:50with a rundown, just to jog your memory,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53of all the items that are going under the hammer.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57With Moorcroft signed on the base,
0:11:57 > 0:11:59that vase should pull in the collectors at auction.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Tony's decided it's time to say goodbye to his fob watches,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07which we'll auction off separately.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12And I love the Fred Basset cartoon,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15but will it be best in show and fetch a good price?
0:12:15 > 0:12:18We're heading east now, across Sussex to Rye.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Rising up above the levels of the Romney Marshes,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23this picturesque seaside town is home
0:12:23 > 0:12:25to our unusual-looking saleroom,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Rye Auction Galleries.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30This is what I love to see, an auction room packed full of bidders.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Auctioneer Kevin Wall is already on the rostrum,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34the auction is just about to start.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37I'm going to catch up with our owners, they're feeling nervous.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40You settle down and watch the excitement as it unfolds.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Let's get on with our first lot.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45And remember, there's always commission to pay at auctions.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49Here, it's 15% plus VAT.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52And our first lot of the day is Christine's vase.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Going under the hammer now, one of the greatest names in ceramics,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Moorcroft. And we've got a lovely bit.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Thank you for bringing it in, Christine. Good to see you again.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Thank you.- Why are you selling this?
0:13:01 > 0:13:03My husband wanted to go on the British Pullman
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- and I want to do it for his birthday...- Oh...
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- ..so that's why I'm selling it. - Oh...
0:13:08 > 0:13:10We're going from Eastbourne to Bath.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11Oh, how lovely.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- How regal.- Yes. It's lovely.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15Oh... He's a lucky boy.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- He is, very lucky.- He's a lucky boy.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19£400 to £600, we should do this.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21This is a cracking example.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23We should. Lovely colours, nice Persian pattern,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26the only thing was there was a tiny bit of damage that I can recall.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Only a tiny bit. - We keep saying tiny...- A tiny bit.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Tiny.- Let's find out what the bidders think,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33it's going under the hammer right now.
0:13:33 > 0:13:40Lot 115 is the Moorcroft cream ground Persian pattern vase.
0:13:40 > 0:13:46And I've got 200, 220, 250, I've got 250 here.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48280, 300, 320.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50350, 380, 400.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53At 400 at the back of the room now.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54Has the internet gone quiet?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57At £400, it's still with you, sir.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59At £400, are we all done?
0:13:59 > 0:14:00BANGS GAVEL
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Yes! £400, we just got that away within estimate.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Four to six, we've sold it.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Good.- That's the train journey sorted out for you.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- That's right, it is, yeah, thank you.- Great.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Next up, it's those fabulous fob watches.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Chou-chou and Tony, thank you so much, and Catherine,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21for brightening up the show.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- Look at this.- Thank you. - I feel a little bit underdressed.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26You all look fabulous today, lots of lovely colours.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- Thank you.- I love what you're wearing, as well.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Thank you.- Right, look, two watches going under the hammer.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- Yes.- One is the half-hunter, that's going now.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- Mm-hm.- And the other one is the one with the fob.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- Yeah.- The one with a lot of money on it. This is it, good luck.
0:14:37 > 0:14:43Lot 460 is the George V nine carat gold half-hunter pocket watch
0:14:43 > 0:14:47with silver dial. And I start it at 75.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49At 75. 80, is it now?
0:14:49 > 0:14:51At 75, do I see 80?
0:14:51 > 0:14:53At 75 for this one.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55At 75, it's a lovely...
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- Close, go on.- Come on!- Sell it.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Are we all done at 75?
0:15:00 > 0:15:01No?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04I'm afraid that is unsold today.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09Look, I'm ever so sorry, we had £75, we needed five more,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12five more pounds to reach that reserve of 80, we didn't get it.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14That one didn't sell, it's going home.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Next up, the larger watch with the fob chain.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18It's going under the hammer now, this is it.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Lot number 475 is this nine carat gold half-hunter pocket watch,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25together with a curb link fob chain and I start it at 220.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27220, I've got.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31At 220. 230, 240, 250, 260,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34270, 280, 290, 300...
0:15:34 > 0:15:35- Yes.- This is good.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39320, 330, 340, 350, 360,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42370, 380, 390, 400,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45410, 420, 430, 440, 450,
0:15:45 > 0:15:49460, 470, 480, 500, 520,
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- 540...- Up...- 580, 600.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55620. 640.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59At 620 on my right now.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01At £620.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03At £620, the bid is on the right.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06At £620, you're all done and selling...
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Well, look, £620...
0:16:08 > 0:16:09- Fantastic.- Whey!- Whoo!
0:16:09 > 0:16:12We failed with the first but we did really well with the second.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Yeah...- We made up for it.- Thank you. Thank you, both of you.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16We're sending you away very happy.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- Yeah.- Well done.- Thank you, both of you.- Thank you.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24And finally, can Alfred's signed cartoon
0:16:24 > 0:16:26give us something to smile about?
0:16:26 > 0:16:27So, who loves Basset dogs?
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Well, I do. I've got one and I'm sure many of you have at home.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33They're great dogs, they're so stubborn, though
0:16:33 > 0:16:34and they are incredibly lazy.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Alf, it's great to see you.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38Did you ever get a Basset dog in your life?
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Some friends have one.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42And aren't they lovely? But I love Fred Basset.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Like you, I grew up reading that cartoon strip.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- Yeah.- My mum and dad got the paper and I used to collect them
0:16:48 > 0:16:50and read them. It's not about the money for me on this.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- No...- It's about the memories.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- I mean...- But it's signed by the artist.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58We came over for a day out to the valuation and ended up here.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Well, it's good, this is Flog It!
0:17:00 > 0:17:02You're getting the whole experience.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Right, we're going to put this under the hammer, a packed saleroom,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08all of these bidders out here must love Fred Basset, mustn't they?
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- One hopes so. - We all grew up with him.
0:17:10 > 0:17:11Let's find out what it's worth.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16Lot 295 is the Alex Graham Fred Basset cartoon strip.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Lots of interest. Erm...
0:17:18 > 0:17:22I've got 35, 55, 65, 75,
0:17:22 > 0:17:2585, 90, 95, 100...
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- Whoa!- 120.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32130? 140, 150?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- Wow.- 160, 170.
0:17:34 > 0:17:35At 180 now.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37At 180, 190?
0:17:37 > 0:17:39At 200. 210, 220...
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- Oh, brilliant.- Oh, my...
0:17:41 > 0:17:42Everyone loves the Basset.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45250. At 250 on the net.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48At £250, are we all done and finished here?
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Yes! £250 for Fred Basset.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55HE HOWLS
0:17:55 > 0:17:58And they do do that, Bassets, they're proper hounds.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00A-woooo! 250 quid, Alf.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- I don't believe it. - Have you got any more?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- No. - THEY LAUGH
0:18:05 > 0:18:08I'll have a look round for some more.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Anyway, thank you very much. - 250 quid.- What a great result.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12Brilliant, isn't it?
0:18:16 > 0:18:17Well, there you are,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20you've just seen our first three lots under the hammer.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23So far, so good. We are coming back here later on, so do not go away.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Before we join up with our experts back at the valuation day venue,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31I had the chance to find out the story behind Herstmonceux Castle.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Well, there's no denying it,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Herstmonceux Castle is a stunning, impressive-looking building,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59it really is an architectural gem.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01It's nearly 700 years old
0:19:01 > 0:19:05and it still looks like it's in pristine condition. Today,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07it's part of Queen's University in Canada
0:19:07 > 0:19:10and students from all over the world come here to study,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13but its story is one of great survival.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15This is a building lucky to still be standing.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Herstmonceux may look like a fortress
0:19:19 > 0:19:22designed to hold back an army, but it isn't.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Look a bit closer and you might spot a few problems.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31It's made of brick and has big windows,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34neither of which are much use against cannons or siege catapults.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40And that's because Herstmonceux was never meant to be a fortress.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45The castle was built in 1441 by a wealthy nobleman, Sir Roger Fiennes.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48Not only did he want a home that would impress,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51but it also had to reflect his taste and his status.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54He not only made this absolutely huge,
0:19:54 > 0:19:56but he decided to build it out of brick,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59which was really unusual because back in Britain at that time
0:19:59 > 0:20:02nobody else was building in brick,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05so you could say this is the finest build of its kind
0:20:05 > 0:20:08since the Romans left a thousand years earlier.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14However, few people in the country really knew how to build with brick,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16so Sir Roger had to bring in
0:20:16 > 0:20:19specialist brick makers and builders from Belgium.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22That brought the cost of this ambitious project
0:20:22 > 0:20:25to over £1 billion in today's money.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28It was a huge success.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Trendsetting Roger made brick-building fashionable.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35The size and the style of the castle put Herstmonceux on the map
0:20:35 > 0:20:38and inspired the design of other buildings around the country.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41For the next couple of centuries,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45life for the castle and its owners ticked along fairly smoothly.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49Running a castle like this was probably enough of a task.
0:20:49 > 0:20:50By the 1600s,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53the family name changed by marriage to Leonard
0:20:53 > 0:20:56and these accounts from the period give a fascinating insight
0:20:56 > 0:20:58into what life was like in the castle
0:20:58 > 0:21:01and how the castle ran its financial affairs.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05And just reading what they ate gives you an idea of how well they lived.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Apart from the obvious things we've got here
0:21:07 > 0:21:09like pork and mutton and beef,
0:21:09 > 0:21:13they liked rabbits, they liked squirrel,
0:21:13 > 0:21:17they liked blackbird, lark, pigeon.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Lobster, crab, mullet, bass
0:21:20 > 0:21:23and it even says here, "maids," "ursers" and "withies",
0:21:23 > 0:21:24whatever they are.
0:21:24 > 0:21:25And, incidentally,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28there is a beer quota here for every single person,
0:21:28 > 0:21:32including children, of eight gallons of beer per week.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Now, to be frank with you,
0:21:34 > 0:21:36I think the beer would be a lot healthier to drink
0:21:36 > 0:21:38than the water back in the day.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Running a castle was an expensive business
0:21:41 > 0:21:44and this just goes to show how detailed and careful they had to be.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48They kept a watch on every single penny.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Believe me, these are just a few pages from hundreds that exist
0:21:51 > 0:21:53in the castle's archive.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Unfortunately, the cost of lavish living in such a grand castle
0:21:57 > 0:21:59became too much for the family,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02and, by the 18th century, it had to be sold off.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04This was bad news for Herstmonceux.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Over the next 60 years, the castle passed between different owners,
0:22:08 > 0:22:11slowly becoming more and more neglected.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15And, in 1776, all the contents of the castle were sold off.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Fixtures, fittings, fireplaces, everything.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20The sale lasted three days
0:22:20 > 0:22:23and the eager buyers camped out on the front lawns.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27That's the type of dedication to auctions we love to see on Flog It!
0:22:27 > 0:22:29But the worst was still to come.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32The owners of the castle demolished all the interior walls.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36All that was left were these outer walls of Herstmonceux Castle.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37It literally was a shell.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42A once grand and glorious home was now left as a ruin.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Over the next century, the ivy crept in
0:22:45 > 0:22:48and virtually swallowed the ruins.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50The elegant gardens became overgrown
0:22:50 > 0:22:55and the once great castle became a quaint Victorian tourist attraction.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58But it wasn't all over for Herstmonceux.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00There was a knight in shining armour
0:23:00 > 0:23:03ready to rescue this castle in distress.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07It was bought in 1911 by Lieutenant Colonel Lowther.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11He was determined to return it to its former glory.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14Over the next 18 years,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17he set about rebuilding the castle brick by brick.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19From just a desolate ruin,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22he gradually restored the interior of the building
0:23:22 > 0:23:24and then the ivy was stripped away
0:23:24 > 0:23:28and the gardens returned to their former Elizabethan elegance.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32He did an amazing job when you bear in mind that
0:23:32 > 0:23:35all he bought was a shell of a building.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36The detail is fantastic.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39He fitted out to the interior with fine stone and woodwork.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Most of it from other historic houses across England.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48Most impressive has to be this very grand oak staircase,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50said to come from a house in Hertfordshire
0:23:50 > 0:23:53built for a visit for Queen Elizabeth I.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Now, sadly, Lowther died in 1929 when the restoration of Herstmonceux
0:23:57 > 0:24:00was nearly there, but not quite complete.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07The challenge of completing Herstmonceux Castle
0:24:07 > 0:24:11was taken on by Sir Paul Latham in 1932.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16Lavishing a staggering £60 million in today's money,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19he finished off the restoration and put Herstmonceux
0:24:19 > 0:24:23back on the map, attracting the rich and the famous.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27Robert Shanks's father was the farm manager at the time
0:24:27 > 0:24:29and they lived on the estate.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32Robert, so, did you know the castle as a child?
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- Did you get to know it?- Yes, we did.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36It was on our doorstep
0:24:36 > 0:24:39and it was only open to the public one day a year
0:24:39 > 0:24:42but, as children, we used to sneak over the fence
0:24:42 > 0:24:43and have a look at it.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47When you saw the scale of it, and all the ramparts and things,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50as a nine-year-old, you had to be impressed with it.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52And you've got some memorabilia?
0:24:52 > 0:24:53Yes, I have.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56I've got a visitors' book of the castle.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58I would imagine there are some
0:24:58 > 0:25:00very important names in this visitors' book.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Well, the one that I think I would go to first -
0:25:03 > 0:25:07here we have King George V and Mary,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10and we have the future King George VI and Elizabeth
0:25:10 > 0:25:12all on one page.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13That's quite incredible, isn't it?
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Fashion people like Beaton.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Alexander Haig. Look at that.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20The aircraft designer and builder Sopwith.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Even the Rothschilds turned up, too.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Look at that. Victor Rothschild's there.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- That's quite a scribble for such a rich man.- It is, isn't it?
0:25:26 > 0:25:28- Yes.- It's a pity it's not on a cheque, isn't it?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33I mean, that's a Who's Who of the day, basically.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- Yes, it is.- It really is and that's a wonderful,
0:25:35 > 0:25:37valuable document of social history.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39It really is, isn't it? It's not just a book.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44It's got names, dates and places all connected to this fabulous castle.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- Yes, it has.- That's so precious. - Yes.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53Sadly, those heady days of Sir Latham and his famous guests
0:25:53 > 0:25:54didn't last long.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56He sold off the castle after the Second World War
0:25:56 > 0:25:59and it passed through various owners
0:25:59 > 0:26:01until it became what it is today -
0:26:01 > 0:26:05a very unique campus for Queen's University in Canada.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Today's students walk the corridors
0:26:09 > 0:26:11and study in the rooms of Herstmonceux,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15the latest inhabitants of this grand old building.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17For a castle that was never meant to be a stronghold,
0:26:17 > 0:26:22it's taken all that 700 years of history can throw at it
0:26:22 > 0:26:25and it's survived incredibly well, and, looking at it now,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29who's to say it's not going to be around for another 700 years?
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Back inside the castle ballroom,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46people are still flocking in with their antiques,
0:26:46 > 0:26:47eager to meet our experts.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49And it looks like James has spotted something
0:26:49 > 0:26:54that wouldn't look out of place in one of the castle's fine rooms.
0:26:54 > 0:27:00Jo, let me take you back 150 years or so to about 1850.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03You've just had a wonderful dinner
0:27:03 > 0:27:07with all your servants looking after you, serving you at the table,
0:27:07 > 0:27:12and the ladies go to one room and the gentlemen to the other
0:27:12 > 0:27:17and somebody says, "Shall we get the liqueur cabinet out?"
0:27:17 > 0:27:22And the servant would go to their side cabinet, collect this,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26we open this up - what a great surprise.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29So inside we've got six liqueur decanters.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33And we've got a little tray that would be taken out
0:27:33 > 0:27:36and...decanter would be taken out,
0:27:36 > 0:27:41would top up a couple of very mean little glasses there,
0:27:41 > 0:27:43and you would sup away
0:27:43 > 0:27:47and I have to say you'd have to have quite a few refills, I would say.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49How long have you had it?
0:27:49 > 0:27:51It came from my grandfather's antique shop.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54He was a fine arts dealer at the beginning of the 20th century.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56OK.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58It was passed down through my father
0:27:58 > 0:28:01and the lock is broken
0:28:01 > 0:28:06because my brother and I were left on our own with it one day,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09it had no key, so it had to be opened!
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- Did you know what was in it? - No, we had no idea.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14So you weren't after a crafty whisky or anything?
0:28:14 > 0:28:17I was only about eight.
0:28:17 > 0:28:18Let's look at the outside.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23We've got emblems of neoclassicism, like the shell.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Fashionable from about 1780.
0:28:26 > 0:28:27We've got barber pole stringing.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31We've got a mahogany cabinet, lacquered brass handles.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35The shells go back to a very ancient form of design,
0:28:35 > 0:28:39but if we look at this one, we've got a green ground
0:28:39 > 0:28:41and that green is harewood,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44and harewood is stained sycamore,
0:28:44 > 0:28:50and sycamore holds the stain much better than any other wood.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53And if you've got Granny's rolling pin at home,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55you smell the rolling pin,
0:28:55 > 0:28:58it doesn't smell of whatever you've rolled the time before.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00That's because it's probably made of sycamore,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03and the grain is so tight that it doesn't absorb smell,
0:29:03 > 0:29:05but it also doesn't release colour.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07It's a great thing.
0:29:07 > 0:29:12Not the most fashionable of objects today, but no, I like it.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15I like it a lot. Value...
0:29:15 > 0:29:20I think we should put an auction estimate of £100-£150 on it.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24That's conservative, but it does take into consideration the damage.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- Is that OK?- Yes. Will there be a reserve on that?
0:29:28 > 0:29:29Shall we put a reserve of £100?
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- Yes, please.- Brilliant.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34It'll do that very easily.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Marvellous. Thank you.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Over to Catherine's table now,
0:29:38 > 0:29:41and it looks like something dazzling has caught her eye.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Pat, you've brought a beautiful ring,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47one of my favourites, an aquamarine, along to Flog It today.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49And, actually, it goes very nicely with what you're wearing.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Yes, my favourite colour.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53It is a beautiful colour, isn't it?
0:29:53 > 0:29:57Now this was actually very popular, this type of ring, in the 1920s.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00This is really when it came out, became very fashionable.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Where did you get it from, Pat?
0:30:02 > 0:30:04It belonged to my late mother-in-law,
0:30:04 > 0:30:06who was quite a character,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10and I remember distinctly the day she showed it to me.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Came in with it on her finger and I said, "Oh, Mum, that's a bit gaudy.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- "Where did you get it from?" - Oh, did you?- "A Christmas cracker?"
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Did you?!- Yes! She was quite upset, really.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22She said, "It's a real aquamarine."
0:30:22 > 0:30:25So when you saw this, what sort of time was this?
0:30:25 > 0:30:2730, 40 years ago?
0:30:27 > 0:30:28Yes, about...
0:30:28 > 0:30:34Well, she died in 1978 so that would have been a few years before then.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- Do you like it?- I do like it, but it's a bit big
0:30:37 > 0:30:39and it's getting a bit tight for me now.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- But it is something that you've worn?- Oh, yes, yes.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47It's just cos looking at it, looking at the marks,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49the mark that it's got, it's not an English mark.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- No.- It's a Continental Mark, and it says on it 14 K.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55So this is actually white gold.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- Yes.- And a really nice cut stone.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03I think that's a beautiful cut. It's nicely stepped on the sides.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06And it is something that is still very wearable, I think, today,
0:31:06 > 0:31:08and the colour of it, it's a nicer colour
0:31:08 > 0:31:10rather than the sort of blue-green colour
0:31:10 > 0:31:12that you sometimes get with aquamarines.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- This is really quite a nice colour. - Some of them are much darker.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18They are, but I think this is a nice colour.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Are you interested in selling it?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Well, yes, it might as well go. And then I'll use the money, yes.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26I think we've got to think about, realistically,
0:31:26 > 0:31:28how much it would really make at auction
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- and I think that's about £300-£500.- Yes.
0:31:30 > 0:31:31How does that sound to you?
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- Yes, that's fine. - Well, with a reserve of £300.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36I think it's still very saleable
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- and I think it should make towards the top end of that.- Oh, good.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- Are you happy with that, Pat? - Yes, fine.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Well, I'm going to pop it on there.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45I think I shall wear that for the rest of the day.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- Shall we leave it there?- Yes.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50Can I have a receipt?
0:31:50 > 0:31:51No, I don't give receipts.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Looks like we might have to prise that ring away from Catherine
0:31:56 > 0:31:59to sell it. While our experts search for our last item,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02I took the chance to find out about the castle's current owner.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05Since it was built in the 15th century,
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Herstmonceux has been a grand home for many different owners.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12But recent history has seen it put to a very different use.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Today it's the Bader International Study Centre
0:32:14 > 0:32:17which is part of Queen's University in Canada.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20And the reason for the name and it being here is this man,
0:32:20 > 0:32:23Dr Alfred Bader.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27Bader came to this part of England from Germany in 1938,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29aged just 14, as part of the Kindertransport.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31This was the rescue effort
0:32:31 > 0:32:34that brought thousands of refugee Jewish children to Britain
0:32:34 > 0:32:37helping them escape the persecution by the Nazis.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Unfortunately, as the war dragged on,
0:32:39 > 0:32:43many of these children were then moved to Canada and Australia
0:32:43 > 0:32:45and put into internment camps.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Bader ended up in one of these camps in Canada,
0:32:48 > 0:32:50and when he was released in 1941
0:32:50 > 0:32:54he applied to various universities to study chemistry.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58Queen's, a small university just outside of Montreal,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00was the only one to offer him a place.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03From here, Bader went on to do incredibly well,
0:33:03 > 0:33:07starting his own chemical company with just 500.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10And within 30 years, he made it one of the largest in the world,
0:33:10 > 0:33:11worth billions -
0:33:11 > 0:33:16amazing for a young man who struggled to get into university.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20So, in 1993, retired and extremely wealthy,
0:33:20 > 0:33:25Dr Bader bought Herstmonceux Castle for £6 million
0:33:25 > 0:33:29in the part of England that gave him his refuge,
0:33:29 > 0:33:32and handed it to the university that gave him his education -
0:33:32 > 0:33:35a wonderful, generous act of kindness
0:33:35 > 0:33:41that has helped preserve and keep this magnificent castle alive.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Back in the ballroom, there's still plenty of buyers
0:33:44 > 0:33:46and James has found our last item for auction.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Do you like bats?
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- Not particularly.- Don't you?
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Well, if you were Chinese, you would.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Because the Chinese word "bat" is "fu",
0:33:58 > 0:34:02and the Chinese word for "good fortune" is also "fu".
0:34:02 > 0:34:05This symbol, the symbol of the bat,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08is something you find all over Chinese porcelain,
0:34:08 > 0:34:12metalwork, sculpture, bronzes, and that's the reason.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14It means good fortune.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18And this is hopefully going to bring you a little bit of good fortune.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22It's a piece of Chinese porcelain
0:34:22 > 0:34:24that would have been made for the export market
0:34:24 > 0:34:27around 1900, 1920.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Is it something that's been in your family that long?
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Yes, I would think so. It belonged to my great-grandmother.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36And was your great-grandmother a collector?
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- No.- Just something that she acquired?
0:34:39 > 0:34:41I suppose could even have bought it new?
0:34:41 > 0:34:42Maybe, maybe, yes.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46But, interestingly, it's a circular porcelain plaque
0:34:46 > 0:34:50mounted with silver-coloured metal mounts,
0:34:50 > 0:34:53and these are original with it, which is lovely.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56With guilloche enamel on the decoration -
0:34:56 > 0:34:58these wonderful turquoise greens and blues.
0:34:58 > 0:35:04And what we are seeing is a scene of an elder,
0:35:04 > 0:35:08a teacher, teaching a young lady calligraphy.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11And we see the long Chinese brush,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14and this circular porcelain plaque
0:35:14 > 0:35:17is in the style of an 18th-century one.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21We see the view through a window, so we got the curtains on the side,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24the drapes, and here, the Chinese three-legged censer,
0:35:24 > 0:35:28which would have been filled with sand and incense sticks,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31filling the air with wonderful smells.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35The verse here in Chinese script, I can't read it.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36I wish I could.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39But it probably relates to the scene
0:35:39 > 0:35:42that we see taking place there.
0:35:42 > 0:35:43So let's whip it over.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49So we've got three strands soldered in the middle.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53Very rough unglazed base
0:35:53 > 0:35:57that is exactly what you want to see.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Totally untouched.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03- Has it been on the wall? - It was in my grandmother's day, yes.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- But not lately. - And how long have you had it?
0:36:05 > 0:36:07I've had it ten years.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- In a cupboard somewhere? - In a drawer, yes.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Well, a little piece like that
0:36:13 > 0:36:15I think would do jolly well at auction.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17Not as well as a year ago,
0:36:17 > 0:36:23but still, the market is buoyant, and it's still doing well.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- What do you think it's worth? - I've no idea.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Would you sell it for £50?
0:36:28 > 0:36:30- No.- How about 100?
0:36:30 > 0:36:33I might consider 100, yes.
0:36:33 > 0:36:38I think it should make £200-£300, something like that.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40It's the sort of piece
0:36:40 > 0:36:44that, if the Chinese start bidding online,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47and two start fighting against each other,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50it could do considerably higher.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52That's the hope. Is that all right for you?
0:36:52 > 0:36:54- Yes, that's fine. - Well, let's take it along.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56I'm sure it will do well
0:36:56 > 0:36:59and it wouldn't surprise me if it made a bit more than my estimate.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01OK. Thank you.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Well, our experts have now found in their final items
0:37:08 > 0:37:09to take off to auction.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12We've had a fantastic time here today at Herstmonceux Castle.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- Have you enjoyed yourselves? - Brilliant.- It's been brilliant.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17We've all learned a lot, as well.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19We've enjoyed the historic surroundings,
0:37:19 > 0:37:20but right now our work is done here.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23We need to move straight across to the auction room
0:37:23 > 0:37:26and here's a quick recap of all the items we are taking with us.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Jo's decanter set oozed style and sophistication.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Will it get the bids pouring in?
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Pat's ring is sure to do well in the auction -
0:37:39 > 0:37:41if we can get it away from Catherine!
0:37:43 > 0:37:47And will the buyers go batty for Jeanette's Chinese wall plaque?
0:37:47 > 0:37:48Fingers crossed.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Back at the saleroom in Rye,
0:37:52 > 0:37:56auctioneer Kevin Wall is still on the rostrum and still going strong,
0:37:56 > 0:37:58working his way through the lots.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59Going under the hammer right now,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02we've got that wonderful decanter box dated 1850.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04I really like this.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06I spotted it at the valuation day.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09James beat me to the valuation, because I wanted to do that one.
0:38:09 > 0:38:10Why do you want to sell this?
0:38:10 > 0:38:13It's been sitting wrapped up in the wardrobe.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Aww. Well, at least it's been looked after.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- It's been out of the sunlight. - Well, yes...
0:38:17 > 0:38:20I know there's a tiny bit of damage, but you can forgive it for that.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22- There's something about it. - It's a shame.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24You open it up and go, "Oh, this is history."
0:38:24 > 0:38:25- Yes.- What a way to live.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27Can you imagine owning that back in 1850?
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- Imagine who handled it. - Yes!- That's what I think of.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Right, well, we can't debate this any more.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Obviously we want it to go for as much as possible.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Right now it's down to the bidders out there.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40Let's get it under the hammer.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Lot 85 is a Georgian mahogany box with strong decanter set.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46And I started at 75.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49At 75, do I see 80 now?
0:38:49 > 0:38:51At 75, do I see 80 here?
0:38:51 > 0:38:53At 75, are we all done?
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- And finished at 75. - I'm shocked.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58That's not sold, I'm afraid.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01I had a feeling it wouldn't.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05It was worth so much more than £200!
0:39:05 > 0:39:08It can go back in the bottom of the wardrobe.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11It was lovely to be here, it really was lovely to be here.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Well, we genuinely loved it, didn't we?
0:39:13 > 0:39:15But the bidders didn't.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18That's such a shame, but that's the thrill of the auction room.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Let's hope we have a good result with the aquamarine ring.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Right, we've just been joined by Pat and Catherine.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Going under the hammer right now, the aquamarine ring,
0:39:27 > 0:39:29popular in the 1920s and '30s.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32I like this. I don't know if it's fashionable today,
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- but I know you did wear it a bit, didn't you?- Oh, yes, yes, I wore it.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37It was my mother-in-law's, yes.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39We've got phones ringing all over the place.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Hopefully ringing the auction house to buy this ring.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44We don't know. But look, good luck with it.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46I know you want to sell it. You don't want to wear it any more,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- do you?- No, no.- And no-one in the family wants it?- No, no.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52It's a beautiful colour and, hopefully... And it looks great,
0:39:52 > 0:39:54it does look the business, doesn't it?
0:39:54 > 0:39:57So fingers crossed we will sell well.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- You never know your luck.- You just don't know in an auction, do you?
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Anything can happen, as you know.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03We putting it to the test right now.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05What's it worth? We are going to find out.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Lot 340 is a 14-carat white gold ring
0:40:08 > 0:40:10set with emerald-cut aquamarines.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13I started at 220, 220.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14Do I see 230 now?
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Rather a nice big ring now.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20230, 240, 250,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22260, 270,
0:40:22 > 0:40:24280, I've got.
0:40:24 > 0:40:25290.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28- Come on, we are there, aren't we?- Almost.- Almost.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29- Come on, one more.- 280 here.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31At 280. 290.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Sell, if there is no more bids at 290,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37at £290, are we all done?
0:40:38 > 0:40:41At £290...
0:40:42 > 0:40:45We just got it away, didn't we? Only just.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- You didn't want to take it home, did you?- No.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- Have you got a sore throat? - I've got a bad sore throat.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53I got so excited, shouting and jumping up and down.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56We've had some great results today. It's been a brilliant auction.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Well, we'd better quickly move on to our next lot,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01because I don't want to risk losing my voice now.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Right now, a touch of the Orient comes to the south coast.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06I've just been joined by Jeannette. Good to see you again.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10And we've got our expert James who I know is feeling really excited.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12We've got £200-£300 on this Chinese plaque
0:41:12 > 0:41:15but this is an auction. Anything can happen, so stay with us right now.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17This is getting really, really exciting.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- This has been in the family a long time, hasn't it?- Yes, it has.
0:41:20 > 0:41:21Why have you decided to sell it now?
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Because we don't need it, and it's just been in a drawer.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- OK. Well, this is exciting. Ready for this?- Yes.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Let's put it under the hammer.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Right, lot number 10 is a 19th-century
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Chinese circular porcelain wall plaque
0:41:33 > 0:41:35and I can start it at...
0:41:35 > 0:41:38We'll get rid of my little commissions first, shall we?
0:41:38 > 0:41:40200, 250, 350, 450,
0:41:40 > 0:41:43500, 550, 600, 650,
0:41:43 > 0:41:46700, 750, 800. 800 here.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47850 on this one. At 850.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51- 900.- This is fantastic, isn't it? - It's unbelievable, isn't it?
0:41:51 > 0:41:531,000. 1,500?
0:41:55 > 0:41:562,000?
0:41:58 > 0:42:00£2,000!
0:42:00 > 0:42:02And they are not going to let go.
0:42:02 > 0:42:042,500?
0:42:04 > 0:42:06I'm starting to tingle.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- I'm really starting to tingle. Are you?- Yes!
0:42:09 > 0:42:113,000.
0:42:13 > 0:42:163,500.
0:42:16 > 0:42:184,000.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- Wow!- 4,500.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24At 5,000 on the telephone here now.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26At £5,000.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29The internet is out. All the other phone lines are out.
0:42:29 > 0:42:30It's still on this phone line.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34At £5,000, all done.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38Yes! Well done.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Wow. What a result!
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- Well done. I'm so pleased for you. - Thank you so much.- Well done.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47200-300?
0:42:47 > 0:42:50You know, it was just an everyday come-and-buy-me estimate.
0:42:50 > 0:42:55- I knew it all along. - That got everyone excited.
0:42:55 > 0:42:56That's auctions for you.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58The money is going to charity?
0:42:58 > 0:43:00- Yes.- All of it? Are you going to treat yourself?
0:43:00 > 0:43:02No, it's all going to the air ambulance.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03You are a real star.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07- Brilliant. Well done. - I hope you enjoyed that.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09What a great end to today's show.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11It doesn't get much better than that, does it?
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Join us again in another saleroom soon.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17I'm so excited I've lost my voice. But we'll see you again. Cheerio.