0:00:01 > 0:00:04Today on "Flog It!", we have a special show that navigates the nation,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08revisiting some of the incredible locations we've seen in the series.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10And as always,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13we're on the hunt for your special items to take off to auction.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19And I'll be exploring Knightshayes, here in the heart of Devon.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23On the outside, it looks like a grand Victorian mansion but, on the inside,
0:00:23 > 0:00:27we'll reveal the hidden layers that make it both a fascinating family
0:00:27 > 0:00:30home and one of the real treasures of our design heritage.
0:00:30 > 0:00:31Welcome to "Flog It!".
0:00:52 > 0:00:56Here at Knightshayes, the grand Victorian house was commissioned in
0:00:56 > 0:00:591869 by Sir John Heathcoat-Amory.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04It was his family home until it was taken over by the National Trust in 1974.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Knightshayes was designed by William Burges,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12one of the most fashionable architects of the day.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16The house is in the Gothic revival style, which took its inspiration
0:01:16 > 0:01:19from the forms and patterns of the Middle Ages.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22The elaborate design may look impressive to us but, in its day,
0:01:22 > 0:01:27it did nothing but cause controversy and upset.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30We're going to find out about that a little later on but, right now,
0:01:30 > 0:01:32let's see what's coming up on today's show.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Today, we are on a tour of the country and our journey takes us to
0:01:39 > 0:01:41some stunning locations.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45We'll be at Althorp House in Northamptonshire,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49where Christina has found a collection given from the heart.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- Oh, my goodness!- So there were...
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- A husband that listens?!- That's right.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55You want to bottle him. You'd make a fortune!
0:01:56 > 0:01:58At Greenwich Royal Naval College,
0:01:58 > 0:02:03some unusual items reveal another tale of love and marriage.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05I was 18, he was 41.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10- Really?- I fell in love and I told him I was going to marry him.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13And the most romantic of castles, Herstmonceux, in Sussex,
0:02:13 > 0:02:18where the 700-year-old stone castle provided the perfect backdrop for
0:02:18 > 0:02:20our valuations.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24It's wonderful just to see one of these turn up on "Flog It!",
0:02:24 > 0:02:27but to actually see a collection, that's really something else.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31We start our tour at Reading Town Hall, in Berkshire,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34where the crowds have taken up every seat in the concert hall,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37and sitting with David Harper is a very special guest indeed.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45Now, Queen, I've got to tell you, I love this object but, more than that,
0:02:45 > 0:02:46I love your name.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- Oh, thank you.- What a lovely name!
0:02:49 > 0:02:50Where does that come from?
0:02:50 > 0:02:52I'm originally from Nigeria.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56And my family, we are coming from a royal family and...
0:02:56 > 0:02:58How fascinating is that!
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- Yeah.- So, are you really a queen from some exotic land?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Yes. In my own land. In my own country.
0:03:05 > 0:03:06No, that is amazing!
0:03:06 > 0:03:09OK, well, we're supposed to be talking about objects.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10- OK.- So here we have an object.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Everybody at home can see it's an ink stand.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Tell me about it. How did you come to get your hands on it?
0:03:16 > 0:03:20OK. That was ten years ago, when I nearly move into Reading.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25And I was kind of bored because then I wasn't working.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28And I said to myself, oh, I was watching, like,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- Antiques Roadshow on TV...- Yes.
0:03:31 > 0:03:32How do they collect all the silver?
0:03:32 > 0:03:35So I started going to car-boot sales.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37So I went to the one in Oxford.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39And that caught my eye.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- I bet.- I was like, "Wow, that's so beautiful!"
0:03:41 > 0:03:43I went to the lady, I said,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46"That looks like ink table or something, like, display."
0:03:46 > 0:03:50And she said, "Yes." And I said, "How much is that?"
0:03:50 > 0:03:51- You want me to tell you?- Yes, I do.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- I'm going to be very interested. - I say, "Is that real silver?"
0:03:54 > 0:03:58She said, "Yes, it is real silver." And I said, "OK, how much is that?"
0:03:58 > 0:04:01She said, "How much do I reckon?" I said, "I don't know."
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Because I'm just... I just love the silver, you know?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06And I made an offer, like...
0:04:06 > 0:04:08"Could you take, like, 70?"
0:04:08 > 0:04:09She looked at me...
0:04:10 > 0:04:12"Are you seriously? Or are you joking?"
0:04:12 > 0:04:14I was like, "No, I'm joking."
0:04:14 > 0:04:16And she was like, "OK, give me £60."
0:04:16 > 0:04:18I said, "No. Can I give you 57?"
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- So we go a little bit...- OK.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- Fine, OK.- So, 57 was the purchase price.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- Yes.- OK. So you take it home, looked at all the markings,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- tell me what you know.- Actually, I didn't.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I didn't check the markings.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34No? Well, it's a good job you brought it in today, isn't it?
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- Yeah.- Well, I can tell you that this little object here tells a really
0:04:38 > 0:04:42interesting story. If we spin it round, first of all,
0:04:42 > 0:04:44we can see it's dated 1893.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Have you not seen that?
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- Queen?!- 1893! I never checked it. That's a long time ago.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Exactly. This is where this story begins.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- OK.- Look, spin it round to the front, here, and you've obviously
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- read this...- Yeah.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01It's inscribed here to CB Ottaway Esquire.
0:05:01 > 0:05:0514th of December 1954.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08From Customs and Excise colleagues.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- So it must be a present to somebody...- Yes.- ..who worked for Customs, then?
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Yes.- Ah!- Later, in 1954.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16So there's the first part of the story.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- Wow!- Now we need to know whether, in fact, it's silver.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- Is it?- I think it is silver.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23OK. Have you looked for the hallmarks?
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- No.- You're very, very naughty.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28I've got to say that. You're very naughty.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32OK. So, in the little wells, here, we have a hallmark, here...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- Oh!- ..for Sheffield, Henry Atkins is the maker.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40- OK.- And the date mark for 1892. - 1892.
0:05:40 > 0:05:46This is solid British hallmarked sterling silver...
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- Wow!- Dated beautifully, one year later it was given as a gift.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54And then we have the ink wells themselves, with silver tops.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56They're hallmarked in Birmingham.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00But we have the same maker and these are dated 1891.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Yeah. Beautiful objects actually.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04And how long have you owned it for?
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- Ten years.- Ten years.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Right, ten years ago, paid £57.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13How much would £57 have made you in the bank? Just about nothing.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- Yeah.- What's it worth today?
0:06:15 > 0:06:20I would like to see it in auction, 100-150, as a guide estimate.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22How would you feel about that?
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Actually, 120 would be nice.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29OK. Right.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33All right. OK. That's why you're a queen and I'm not a king.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Yes.- You know what you're doing.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- That's why we are queen.- OK, so that means I have to put it in,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43then, at 120-150, with a fixed reserve at 120.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44- Yes.- Are we going to do it?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- We are going to do it.- Queen...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Nice of you, thank you.
0:06:48 > 0:06:49Made my day.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52You're royalty to us, Harper.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57The next stop on the journey is 75 miles north to another noble household,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Althorp, once home to Princess Diana,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03where we were privileged to hold a valuation day in its elegant surroundings.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05And "Flog It!" queen, Christina,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09found a charming collection built over a lifetime of love.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Tell me about this wonderful little collection that I've got before me here.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20About 30 years ago, when I had a glass cabinet and nothing in it,
0:07:20 > 0:07:24I told my husband I was quite interested in collecting small boxes.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Because they're varied. You get different materials...
0:07:27 > 0:07:28- Yeah, you do.- Different sizes.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33But I was actually interested myself in going out and hunting them down.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36But he obviously took the hint and every time it was my birthday or
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Christmas, up would come another box.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- Really?- Yes.- Oh, my goodness!
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- A husband that listens?!- That's right.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45You want to bottle him. You'd make a fortune!
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Most of these items are little presents from my husband, but I
0:07:50 > 0:07:52haven't got anywhere to display them any longer.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- What happened to the cabinet?- We moved and they were sold.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Oh.- They just live in a drawer.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Oh, we can't have them living in a drawer, can we?
0:07:59 > 0:08:00Can I pick out my favourites?
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- Yes, please do.- And then you can tell me about them and when you got them.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06So this one, I think, has got to be the sort of
0:08:06 > 0:08:07creme de la creme of the collection.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Yes. That was for a special birthday.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Yes.- Wonderful. I think this is particularly beautiful.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17It's set throughout with wonderful banded agate material.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Now, hugely and very highly prized because of this wonderful banding.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24All these different layers here, this strata. Look at those colours.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26I mean, they are just beautiful, aren't they?
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Yeah, he's got a good eye, hasn't he?- He really has, yeah.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31I mean, this is a 19th-century piece.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33It's as old as that?
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Wow!- And it's set in gilt metal.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37I don't think it's gold.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39I think it could potentially be silver-gilt.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43But it certainly is a very nice quality piece and a very nice
0:08:43 > 0:08:47example of its type. So often you find these but they have cracked.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- Right.- Because they are incredibly brittle.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- OK.- But this is in perfect condition.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52I really can't fault it,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55even the base, here, has got this wonderful agate material.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00So this was a really beautiful piece in its time and still is now.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01So very nice birthday present.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- You must have been very good that year.- I'm always good.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07A twinkle in your eye there, Mary.
0:09:07 > 0:09:08My second favourite piece,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11I think, has got to be this wonderful vesta case here.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Yes, that's cute, isn't it? - It's really, really sweet.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15Now, tell me about that.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18This, again, was a Christmas present.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Going back about 30 years now, when he bought it for me.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Well, this is quite a specific box because what would this have held?
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Matches.- Exactly.
0:09:26 > 0:09:27So, this is a vesta case.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Now, we know that because, on the bottom, you've got the striker.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Now, vesta cases were introduced in about 1830.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37And produced extensively between about 1890 and 1920.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I think this might be of that sort of era.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Wow!- And obviously, if you think of that time, you didn't have...
0:09:43 > 0:09:45You couldn't just flick a switch, could you?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48You had to carry matches around with you to light all your everyday items.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50All your sort of lanterns and stoves,
0:09:50 > 0:09:54so it was an essential part of your daily attire.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58Now, this one is advertising Moet Chandon, Dry Imperial here.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01You've got these wonderful bottles and it's sort of stamped all
0:10:01 > 0:10:02throughout. It's wonderful.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05And for a vesta collector, that would be a really,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07really nice addition to their collection.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- Yes, I quite like that one. - So, a lovely thing.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Now, the rest of your collection,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13those really are the two for me that shine...
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- Yes.- Those are going to be the most valuable items.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18You've also got an incredibly sweet little stamp box...
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Yes, that's cute, isn't it?- ..which I think has got a stamp in it.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- Yes, it has.- But really the thing, for me, that is quite exciting
0:10:24 > 0:10:27is the top of it, there, is by Charles Horner.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- Right.- Now, Charles Horner was very much an Art Nouveau silversmith
0:10:30 > 0:10:32and produced a lot of examples.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35So, again, there are Charles Horner collectors as well.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37So you are covering a lot of different bases with this
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- collection, Mary, you really are. - Right.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Personally, it seems a shame to split the collection.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Bearing in mind it's been so lovingly put together.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45What would I put on it at auction?
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Adding up all these little component parts, I think we're probably
0:10:48 > 0:10:51looking somewhere in the region of maybe £150-£250.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- How do you feel about that? - That's fine, yeah.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56How many years' birthdays and Christmases have we got here?
0:10:56 > 0:11:00Well, it stretches back to about 30 years, but I did tell him to stop
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- buying me boxes... - Really?- Yes.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Well, I tell you what, let's put 150-250 and let's look forward to the auction.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Yes, I'm looking forward to it already.
0:11:08 > 0:11:09Thank you very much.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13We'll see how the collection gets on at auction in just a minute.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16But first, it's back to Knightshayes in Devon,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20which is not only extraordinary on the inside but the outside is rather
0:11:20 > 0:11:21special too.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24It boasts one of the largest Victorian kitchen gardens in the country.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26And I went to find out more.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31The kitchen garden was once the mainstay of any grand country house,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34producing not only food for the family and their guests,
0:11:34 > 0:11:38but also for the staff in the house and on the estate.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42But not only that, it was a statement of wealth and, at over
0:11:42 > 0:11:44four acres, this statement was bold.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49When this kitchen garden was in full swing, it employed a team of
0:11:49 > 0:11:5312 full-time gardeners and it contained 17 greenhouses.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57But the First and the Second World Wars claimed vital manpower.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59The gardens gradually fell into decline,
0:11:59 > 0:12:03eventually being made redundant and turned into a car park.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Thankfully, it's now been restored to its former glory and it embraces
0:12:07 > 0:12:12the spirit of the Victorians to keep our vegetable growing history alive
0:12:12 > 0:12:14and just like the house, Knightshayes,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17it is a living, breathing, work of art.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25The next port of call on our voyage is Greenwich Royal Naval College.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28And it provides another sensational setting.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Michelle, how are you?- Well, I'm very happy to be here today.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35It's good to see you. You've got a sort of interesting collection here.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I kind of understand these. I'm not sure I understand those.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42These are what I would call almost like Grand Tour intaglios.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- Yeah.- The sort of things that would've been produced in Italy
0:12:45 > 0:12:47round about 1800, 1820.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50You went on your Grand Tour and these were equivalent of the
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- stick of rock for the tourists, aren't they?- Ah, I see, OK.
0:12:54 > 0:12:55But what's the story behind these, here?
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Well, my late husband, Brian Taylor, was a sculptor...
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- Right.- ..at the British School at Rome.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04And when he came to Italy, he'd never been abroad before.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06He came from a very poor background.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- Yes.- So he loved it so much, he stayed for five years.
0:13:09 > 0:13:15- Right.- But he will have taken these wax images from art that was around
0:13:15 > 0:13:16- in Italy at the time.- Right.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18And these images are Greek.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22But I think these little friezes remind me a lot of what's in the
0:13:22 > 0:13:24British Museum, the Elgin marbles.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26What was his purpose for doing this?
0:13:26 > 0:13:29These are all impressions he took, I think,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32with the intention of making bronzes, because they're all wax.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35And that is one of the stages of making a bronze piece.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38They're very delicate, they've survived a long time.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40So have I. I'm delicate.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43What's interesting is, if you just pick that one up,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46it's basically the wax relief underneath, isn't it?
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- Yes. Yes.- Was he prolific? Did he produce lots and lots...?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Yes, he was prolific. There are quite a lot that were made before I
0:13:53 > 0:13:54- met him.- How did you meet him?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Well, I was his student at Camberwell College of Art.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- You were his student?- Yes.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01I was 18. He was 41.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- Really?- I fell in love. And I told him I was going to marry him.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06At which point did you tell him you were going to marry him?
0:14:06 > 0:14:09The first day of our tutorial.
0:14:09 > 0:14:10LAUGHTER
0:14:11 > 0:14:16Your tutor is sat there thinking he is discussing some form of art and
0:14:16 > 0:14:18you come in and say, "I'm going to marry you."
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- That's about it really.- What did he say to that?
0:14:20 > 0:14:23He said, "Don't be silly, my dear." And I said, "We'll see about that."
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- A lady... You were on a mission, weren't you?- Well...
0:14:27 > 0:14:29We didn't marry until ten years later.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30But he was a very special man.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Does your husband's work still sell today?
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- Yes. Yes.- And what price range does it command?
0:14:35 > 0:14:41Well, from about £8,000 to 200,000.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45The big animals he sculpted are obviously worth quite a lot.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Right, you haven't got one of those...? No, no, we won't go there.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- I haven't got one in the bag, no. - Well, we need to split this into...
0:14:50 > 0:14:54The reason why I say split these into two lots is because this is
0:14:54 > 0:14:55predominantly his work.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59And, to be truthful with you, I don't really know what to put on those.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00These things are a little bit easier.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02There is roughly 30 of them.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04I think they are going to make between
0:15:04 > 0:15:07probably £50 and £80 for these.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- OK.- All right? Now, how do you feel about that?
0:15:10 > 0:15:14Well, it's a bit lower than I was hoping, but it's not the end of the world.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- They always say this, don't they? What were you hoping for?- 100?
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Let's perhaps think in terms of 80-120, then.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- OK. OK.- With a reserve of 80 on these.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- OK.- Now, as a second lot, we've got your husband's waxes.
0:15:28 > 0:15:29What are you going to be happy with?
0:15:29 > 0:15:30Well, I would say...
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- A minimum £100 would be good.- You're happy with that?- Yeah.- Good.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41What an unusual item, but will it peak the bidders' interest?
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Let's find out, as all three items go under the hammer.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46And here's a reminder of what's up for sale.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53The silver ink stand bought for £57 by a queen,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56but will it reign supreme at the auction house?
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Will the bidders be thinking outside the box for this collection?
0:16:05 > 0:16:07And we all know that provenance is key,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11but will that be enough to sell the late sculptor's wax moulds?
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Our first lot is up for sale in Wokingham, at Martin and Pole saleroom.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Like all auction houses, there's commission and VAT to pay.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24So factor that in if you're buying or selling.
0:16:24 > 0:16:31Time to see if Queen's silver ink stand makes the 120 reserve she insists on.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- I like this. This is quality. - Yeah.- And you've got good eyes.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36You spotted that in a car boot, didn't you?
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Yes, I did.- You're going to make a profit.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- OK.- You're going to make a big profit.- Yeah.
0:16:40 > 0:16:41- And that's what it's all about. - Yeah.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44You can reinvest that profit into something else and keep turning
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- it over.- Exactly.- Yeah?- Yeah.- That's kind of like what we like to do.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Be a millionaire in a year.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Just like him.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53LAUGHTER
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Right, let's find out what the bidders think.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58The Victorian silver desk stand.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01I have absentee bids on this one. I can start it with £120.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- Brilliant.- 130 anywhere?- That's a good, good in.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05So, £120. 130. 140. 150.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- Yes!- At £150.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- Any more?- There's 100 quid profit.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- Yeah.- 160. At 160 now.- Yes!
0:17:13 > 0:17:15£160.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18At 160, are we all done now at 160?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20All finished at 160, then.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- Yes. 160.- Yes!- You know, that was a nice thing.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25I can see it on a desk. That won't go to melt.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- Someone is going to enjoy that.- Yes. - And you made a big profit on it.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- I'm happy.- I bet you are.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- I know.- I wasn't expecting it to reach that.
0:17:33 > 0:17:34- It's good, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37So you now know what to do, go out and look for more silver.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Yes. I will. I will see you again.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- Well done. Well done.- We'll see you next year, Queenie.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47Next, we're heading back down south to Chiswick auctions in West London,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50where that rare set of wax moulds are up for grabs.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Going under the hammer right now, one of my favourite lots in the sale.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58The intaglios. Yes, it sums up the Grand Tour.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00They belong to Michelle. And it is Michelle, isn't it?
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- Yes.- I was chasing you around the valuation day,
0:18:02 > 0:18:04you had all these in a box.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06I was going, "The Grand Tour, the Grand Tour..."
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- I got there first.- Yes. She went over to you.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09I know you valued them as two lots.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Yes.- The auctioneer now has put them all together.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- Yes, OK.- He thinks it's easier for them to sell.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Hasn't really changed the value. Just joined the two values together.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- OK.- He's now put them together for £100.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20They're on now.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24We've got this collection of intaglios and the resin
0:18:24 > 0:18:25moulds by Brian Taylor.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Interesting little lot. Start me, £100 to start me?
0:18:29 > 0:18:30The little lot of intaglios for £100.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32£80, then? Let's get things going.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34For £80.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Any interest for £80?
0:18:37 > 0:18:38Nobody wants them for £80?
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- That's bonkers.- I'm going to have to pass the lot, then.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42No interest.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- That's crazy.- Gosh. Look, it just wasn't the day.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Just wasn't the day. It's as simple as that.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49It wasn't the day. It's nothing to do with the intaglios.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Yeah. OK.- I honestly think, on another day,
0:18:51 > 0:18:52they'll make that money.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Our next auction is 100 miles north,
0:18:56 > 0:19:00in the Leicestershire town of Market Harborough,
0:19:00 > 0:19:01once a thriving market town.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05We're hoping business is booming at Gildings saleroom,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07as Mary's collection of small boxes goes under the hammer.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Good luck with this. There's lots of memories there. Have you saved one?
0:19:12 > 0:19:13Have you got a couple left still?
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- This is not...- I've got some odds and ends but I haven't got any
0:19:17 > 0:19:18little boxes left, no.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22I'm thinking of collecting antique glass, maybe 18th century...
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Oh, with the twisted stems, yeah.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- That's what I really like.- Anyway, look,
0:19:26 > 0:19:27your lot is going under the hammer.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30We're selling the little boxes now. Here we go.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35The agate and gilt metal casket, shell-faced purses, agate box.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37There really is something for everybody in this lot.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38Bidding opens here at £85.
0:19:38 > 0:19:4085, I am bid only.
0:19:40 > 0:19:46At 85. 95. 100. 110. 120. 130. 140.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Your turn. 150. 160.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- We've got to the reserve.- Yes.- And now we're over.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- Well done, Mary.- 180. This side, then, at 180.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54180 in the seats.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56At £180. 190, do I see?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59180. We are down here on the...
0:19:59 > 0:20:00- Go on! A couple more.- Fair warning.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Come on!- Selling at 180.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07Yes. The hammer has gone down. 180, as they say in the darts!
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- Well done.- Thank you very much. - Well done.- That's perfect.
0:20:09 > 0:20:10- A lovely little collection.- Yes.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13A lovely little collection and now I want it to transform into an
0:20:13 > 0:20:1418th-century wineglass.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Thank you.- Yeah, actually you're right.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20That's a great result for Mary and we'll be back later in the programme
0:20:20 > 0:20:21for more auction action.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Back at Knightshayes in Devon, I went to find out more about the
0:20:34 > 0:20:39incredible design you see today and find out how it was nearly lost forever.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Now, I'm here in the great hall.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46You can just imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages with this
0:20:46 > 0:20:49wonderful minstrels gallery, this barrel-vaulted ceiling,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52stencils and armorials everywhere.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54And these gorgeous corbels looking down on you.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57It's a hall fit for a medieval banquet.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01But you may be surprised to know this is no more than 150 years old.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04It wasn't designed for a medieval baron.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06It was designed for a Victorian baronet.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Knightshayes was commissioned by Sir John Heathcoat-Amory,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15a Devon man, who inherited his father's successful lace factory.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Sir John wasn't interested in the business, but he enjoyed the wealth
0:21:19 > 0:21:23that came with it. He aspired to be a typical country gentleman.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27And what says that better than a very big house in the country?
0:21:31 > 0:21:35To build his house, Sir John would only have the best, so he chose
0:21:35 > 0:21:37William Burges, one of the most prominent,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41if not peculiar figures of Victorian architecture.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Burges was the most fashionable designer of the moment,
0:21:43 > 0:21:48well known for working with some of the wealthiest men in the country.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51So, naturally, a perfect fit for Sir John.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58Burges was obsessed by the Middle Ages and even dressed up in costume.
0:21:58 > 0:21:59And he was partial to opium,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03which may have influenced his more out-there designs.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08He tried to conjure up the romance and fantasy of the medieval period
0:22:08 > 0:22:12and was at the forefront of the Victorian Gothic movement.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17And Burges didn't let the small question of money get in the way of his vision.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18His vision had no limits.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27Work began on the house in 1869 and the exterior was built more as
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Burges intended and was relatively restrained.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34But progress was slow and Sir John soon realised that costs were
0:22:34 > 0:22:36spiralling out of control.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40When he saw the plans for the inside of the house, enough was enough.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45They were too lavish, too ambitious and too expensive.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51And here is the original book of designs and just have a look at this.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55It's a beautifully executed book of watercolours and it was given by
0:22:55 > 0:22:59Burges to the Heathcoat-Amory family in 1873.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03And it really is quite an honour to be looking at something like this.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05And this is the drawing room.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09This would've been the climax of the interior design scheme.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14It's got that play on the medieval theme, knights and chivalry.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16And over there, look at the frieze above the fireplace,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19great big medieval solid fireplace.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24And there's a viewing gallery above for the ladies to look down upon the
0:23:24 > 0:23:27gentlemen below. It really is quite astonishing.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34But whilst it may look great on paper, it was not Sir John's taste.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37So he took the tough decision to fire Burges and replace him with
0:23:37 > 0:23:40another fashionable designer, John Dibblee Crace.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Crace was from a prestigious family of interior decorators,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48so they thought he would be a safe pair of hands.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52But, in fact, Crace largely followed Burges' designs and the result was
0:23:52 > 0:23:55still far too lavish for the family.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58And what happened next meant this unique work
0:23:58 > 0:24:00nearly disappeared for good.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06All over the house, over the next 80 years,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10they slowly removed any trace of Burges' medieval dream.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14The ornate ceilings were covered over,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17furniture rearranged and fireplaces removed.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21The Heathcoat-Amorys redecorated to create rooms that felt more Georgian
0:24:21 > 0:24:22than Victorian.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30The next generations were more interested in running the family
0:24:30 > 0:24:32business and the house was overlooked.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Victorian Gothic was far out of fashion and the designs
0:24:35 > 0:24:37of William Burges were long forgotten.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41But it was thanks to one lady that Knightshayes once again caught the
0:24:41 > 0:24:42world's attention.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46And that lady wasn't just anyone, she was Joyce Wethered,
0:24:46 > 0:24:48the most famous female golfer in the world.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53In 1936, Joyce met Sir John at a golf match
0:24:53 > 0:24:55and it was love at first sight.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56After a whirlwind romance,
0:24:56 > 0:25:00they married and Joyce became the new Lady of Knightshayes.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06When Joyce first stepped through the door,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10she felt some alarm at the prospect of living in such a big, imposing
0:25:10 > 0:25:12house. She was drawn outside,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16where she and John soon discovered a passion they would share together
0:25:16 > 0:25:18for the rest of their lives.
0:25:18 > 0:25:19When World War II broke out,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22John promised her, if they got through it,
0:25:22 > 0:25:23they would make a garden together,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27and the garden they created would make Knightshayes world-famous.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34In the '50s and '60s, Sir John and Joyce created a magnificent garden.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38It became so important that, when Sir John died in 1972,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40the estate was left to the National Trust
0:25:40 > 0:25:42to preserve the topiary,
0:25:42 > 0:25:43shrubs and trees.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46The Trust had no plans to open the house to visitors,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49but when they scratched the surface of the interior,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52they realised what they had on their hands -
0:25:52 > 0:25:55a rare example of forgotten work by William Burgess,
0:25:55 > 0:25:59one of the most celebrated artists of the Victorian period.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07Work began in the 1980s to restore Knightshayes to its former glory.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Joyce, still living on the estate at the time, gave the plan her full
0:26:10 > 0:26:15support, allowing her comfortable family home to be transformed
0:26:15 > 0:26:16into the vision of its creators.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Now, this library had been turned into a sitting room but, thankfully,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27many of the original features had been found in the cellar and the
0:26:27 > 0:26:31conservators were able to use these as a guide to recreate and restore
0:26:31 > 0:26:34this room back to its former glory.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37And they have done a fantastic job, and this important work is going on
0:26:37 > 0:26:39all over the house today.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42It's a remarkable work in progress.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44And as for Joyce, she stayed on living here in Knightshayes
0:26:44 > 0:26:49and died in 1997, the day after her 96th birthday.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55The garden remained her favourite place to be until the very end.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57The house today would be unrecognisable
0:26:57 > 0:27:00to the one she first came to as a young bride.
0:27:00 > 0:27:01But over the years,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Joyce learned to love Knightshayes both on the outside and in.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Back on our journey around the UK,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15we are flying over to Herstmonceux Castle in Sussex,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17complete with turrets and a moat.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20This has to be the most quintessential castle in the UK.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26So you may find it hard to believe it's now a university campus.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31And scholar Catherine Southon is keen to share her wisdom with Mary.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34This is a lovely collection of Okimono figures
0:27:34 > 0:27:35that you've got here.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38And the word Okimono is a Japanese name,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41just really meaning an object for display,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45so an ornament. It's wonderful just to see one of these turn up
0:27:45 > 0:27:49at "Flog It!", but to actually see a collection like this, well,
0:27:49 > 0:27:50that's really something else.
0:27:50 > 0:27:51Where did you get them from?
0:27:51 > 0:27:54My mother. Her father was a missionary,
0:27:54 > 0:27:55and sent to China.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59And you say they are Japanese, so that's a bit of a mystery.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01But I always thought they came from China.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Right, because these are Japanese figures,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06from the Meiji period.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08And they really date from around 1900.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12Does that shed any more light on how they have come to be in your
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- possession?- No, my mother always had them...
0:28:14 > 0:28:15So when your mother had them,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18did she sort of have them around the house...?
0:28:18 > 0:28:19- Just in a cabinet.- In a cabinet.
0:28:19 > 0:28:20On display.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22And what do you think of these figures?
0:28:22 > 0:28:26I've always loved them. But I've decided to give all my ornaments and
0:28:26 > 0:28:29things to my daughters. I've got three.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31And we've all decided we should sell them.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35We do have to be very careful selling ivory items at auction.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39But these are well before the 1947 rule,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42so it's absolutely fine to sell these at auction.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44The thing is about these is the quality,
0:28:44 > 0:28:49because as you look at each one of these, the detail is exceptional.
0:28:49 > 0:28:50This one, first of all,
0:28:50 > 0:28:54a little shell group with these monkeys sort of climbing
0:28:54 > 0:28:56all over the shells.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59And then we've got the crabs here and then some more shells,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01all around the sides.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03This one as well is jolly nice.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06It would be interesting to know the significance of the monkey
0:29:06 > 0:29:10on the side and the toad climbing over the head.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12OK, let's have a look at this one.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14You can see there the difference in the colour of ivory,
0:29:14 > 0:29:16more yellowed at the back.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18And then the front of it is whiter.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- Yes.- You can see the light has slightly bleached it.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Now, underneath there, there's a signature.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25- Did you know that?- Oh!
0:29:25 > 0:29:28So it will be interesting to find out who this is by.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Because that's going to make a massive difference
0:29:31 > 0:29:33to the actual price of this.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36But nevertheless, you have a lovely selection here.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40I think we should put them all in the auction individually.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Are you happy to sell them now?
0:29:42 > 0:29:44- Yes, please.- Do you have any idea of value on them?
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Oh, some, yes.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48Oh, do tell me. What do you think, Mary?
0:29:48 > 0:29:53Well, for instance, I took that one to a church talk.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- Right. - And the auctioneer said 500-600.
0:29:56 > 0:29:57Oh, gosh. I think...
0:29:57 > 0:30:00It wouldn't surprise me if it did make that at auction, but I wouldn't
0:30:00 > 0:30:04suggest probably putting that on it to put it into auction.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06- Right.- This is actually one of my favourite ones.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08I think that's a really interesting group.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11I would suggest putting 250-350 on that one.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- Oh, right.- 200-300 on this one.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20- Right.- And then perhaps on all of these ones, around 100-150 on those.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- Ah.- But I can see them all doing really well.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26And I think, to put them all in the sale together,
0:30:26 > 0:30:28but as individual lots,
0:30:28 > 0:30:29one after the other,
0:30:29 > 0:30:33you will attract a lot of interest, and I think we'll do very well.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34- How does that sound?- Great.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37You're saying, "Well done." We haven't done it yet!
0:30:37 > 0:30:38No, but you're the expert.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40You know what to do.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Next, we are travelling from Sussex to Reading,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46where Nick Davies is making himself comfortable amongst the crowd.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Well, Anna, thanks very much for coming along.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52You've brought three interesting bits of silver.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54Where did these come from?
0:30:54 > 0:30:55It's from my late husband.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59From your late husband. Did he collect or did he inherit these?
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- Collect.- He collected them.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- Yes.- Well, he had a good eye.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- Yes.- We start off with this one...
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- Yes.- Well, this one's a little silver porringer.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09And what has it been used for?
0:31:09 > 0:31:12It would have been for stew or gruel.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14It's really sweet. And how old do you think that is?
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- No idea.- Well, that's dated...
0:31:17 > 0:31:20It was made in London in 17...
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- Ooh!- ..53. That's a long time ago, isn't it?- Yes.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28I reckon it was very plain when it was made originally.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32And I reckon these little details here have been put on later.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- Ah, yes.- It's a little bit tired, but goodness me, at that age,
0:31:35 > 0:31:39- I'm not surprised.- Yes.- I would say that's probably worth around £120-
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- £150.- Uh-huh.
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Somewhere in that region.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44- Yeah, yeah. - So, that's the oldest item.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- You've brought three items.- Yes.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48That's the oldest one. That's the next oldest one.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51And this was made in London, again,
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- and this is 1902.- 1902... - This is just 114 years...
0:31:55 > 0:31:59- A mere 114 years old.- Yes.- You know what this is for, don't you?
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- Sugar.- Yes.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- Yes.- It's really nice, though, isn't it?
0:32:03 > 0:32:05- Yes.- All this embossing.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07It's pretty. It's in good condition.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08- Yeah.- Your husband had a good eye, didn't he?
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- Good.- That one, it's a good size.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15I reckon you should get about £100 for that.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- Yeah.- Yeah?- Yes.- Somewhere in that region.- Good. Yeah.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20And finally, we are going all over the place.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- Do you know where this was made, we think?- No.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26And this was your husband's as well? Was it full when he bought it?
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- Did he drink...? Did he like it, did he...?- No, never.- Never?- No.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- Is that what he told you? - No smoking, no drinking, yeah.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33No smoking, no drinking.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- I know that.- This is a hip flask, and it is actually a hip flask.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38I know it's big. It's my kind of size hip flask, this is.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41This is sterling silver, this is an American one.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45- Oh, yes.- But it's nice that it's got no engraving, no initials.
0:32:45 > 0:32:46Very plain, isn't it?
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- Yes.- That's probably £80, £100, somewhere in that region.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52So there's a nice little group there, isn't there?
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Yeah, yeah.- Shall we put them together as one lot in the sale?
0:32:55 > 0:32:56- What do you think?- I don't know.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00You don't know? I think what we might do is put the earlier one
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- on its own...- Yes. - And then put those two together.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- Yes. OK.- All right? What do you think?- That's fine.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07So we'll put the earlier one on its own,
0:33:07 > 0:33:09and what shall we put a reserve on that one?
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- Shall we put a reserve at 120 on that one?- I'll leave it to you. - Would you be happy with that?
0:33:12 > 0:33:16- Yes.- And shall we put a reserve of 150 on that one?
0:33:16 > 0:33:18So you've got around about £300 in total.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- Yeah, yeah, that's all right. - We'll put a fixed reserve on them.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23- Yes.- Now, I will see you at auction and we will have a cup of coffee
0:33:23 > 0:33:25and, you never know, we might have a little...
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- You don't drink, though, do you? - No.- I'll have your bit.- Yes!
0:33:31 > 0:33:32That's a bit cheeky, Nick.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34Next, it's back to Phil
0:33:34 > 0:33:37at the Royal Naval College at Greenwich.
0:33:37 > 0:33:38Linda, how are you? Are you all right?
0:33:38 > 0:33:40- I'm fine, thank you. - Have you been waiting long?
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- Quite some time.- No better place to wait, though, is there?
0:33:43 > 0:33:44- I know.- Glorious.- It's beautiful.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48Now, you've brought along a really good box... Ah!
0:33:48 > 0:33:49Now, it's an interesting watch.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- Yes.- And we'll talk about that in a moment.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53But how long have you had it?
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Probably about ten, 15 years.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57It was given to me by my grandfather.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59So he just gave me it as a present.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00- As a present?- Yeah. - Good old grandad.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- Yeah, nice grandad. - Top grandad, I'd say.
0:34:03 > 0:34:04And you've never worn it?
0:34:04 > 0:34:07I can't wear it because it's huge on my wrist.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09I've got tiny wrists.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11And it's quite a glamorous watch.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14So I don't tend to go to very glamorous places.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16So I've never worn it.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- It's a shame.- Well, it isn't what it first appears to be.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- Yeah.- Because you've got a very well-known brand on the box.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26- Yeah.- And you've got the Rolex mark here...
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- Yeah.- And again on the winder.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29But it's actually a Tudor watch.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- Yeah.- Which the Rolex founder...
0:34:32 > 0:34:34He introduced the Tudor range I think in the '40s
0:34:34 > 0:34:37because he was really fond of the Tudor period.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41- Yeah.- And so you've got this almost like a subsidiary brand.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Rolex is like the premier brand.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47And Tudor is just perhaps one step below.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Doesn't carry quite the same cachet.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- Mm.- And the net result of that means it's probably not quite that
0:34:53 > 0:34:54- valuable.- Yeah.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58I would think that it probably is late 20th century.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- I'm guessing.- Yeah.- Something like that. It's an interesting watch.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04If you look in there, your eyesight is better than mine,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07can you see what that says?
0:35:07 > 0:35:09- No.- My eyesight is not that good!
0:35:09 > 0:35:11That's the wrong answer, Linda.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13That's really the wrong answer.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14Let's just have a look.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19It's 9-375.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21- Nine-carat white gold.- All right.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23So this is a nine-carat white gold strap.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27These look suspiciously like small chipped diamonds round there.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30They are almost illusion set, to make them look bigger than they are.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34- Yeah.- But it doesn't quite have that premier Rolex brand.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38One of the problems with it is, in a way, it's not just a watch,
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- it's a piece of jewellery. - Yeah, yeah.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42And as fashions change,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44people don't wear things...
0:35:44 > 0:35:47I mean, you will know far more about jewellery than ever I will.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49But it's sort of a little bit gone out of fashion, hasn't it?
0:35:49 > 0:35:53Yeah, I think that's why I don't tend to wear it myself
0:35:53 > 0:35:54because it's just on the cusp of that...
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Looks a little bit old-fashioned, for me personally,
0:35:57 > 0:35:59and that's why I don't particularly like it.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01See, for me, that's quite modern.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- But you want to sell it.- I do.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Let's put a £200 fixed reserve on it.
0:36:05 > 0:36:10- OK.- And let's put 250-350 on it as an estimate.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- OK.- And if it does well, and that Tudor name will help it,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16it might just go through the top estimate.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- So, fingers crossed.- That would be good.- But 250, 350,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22firm estimate, £200 reserve. You happy with that?
0:36:22 > 0:36:24- That's lovely, thank you.- Right.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26That's three items from three locations
0:36:26 > 0:36:28ready to go off to auction.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30And here's a quick reminder of what we found.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35The quality Okimono figures are being sold as separate lots,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37but together,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40they could earn Mary a lot of money.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44The collection of silver has got both age and beauty,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47but will it be popular with the bidders?
0:36:48 > 0:36:50And time is up for the Rolex watch,
0:36:50 > 0:36:52but will its Tudor brand hold it back?
0:36:55 > 0:36:58We are heading east to the picturesque village of Rye,
0:36:58 > 0:37:00where Rye Auction Galleries is our host.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03And it's time for Mary's Okimono figures to be sold
0:37:03 > 0:37:05as five separate lots.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09I tell you what, you certainly filled Catherine's table up
0:37:09 > 0:37:11with your collection of Japanese Okimono.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Let's get on with the first lot.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15Here we go. It's going under the hammer right now.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19The 19th-century Japanese carved ivory, depicting an immortal.
0:37:19 > 0:37:20200 with you, sir.
0:37:20 > 0:37:21At the moment. At 200.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Do I see 210? 220.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- 230.- Bidding on the internet.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- Which is great.- 240.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31250. 260. 260! 270.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33270, they've come back. On the internet now.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35280, sir? 290.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37- 300.- Oh, 300!
0:37:37 > 0:37:40At £300, are we all done now?
0:37:40 > 0:37:41300 buys it, sir.
0:37:41 > 0:37:42And here's our next lot,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45the exquisitely carved monkeys catching the crabs.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47190. 200. 210.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50- Yeah, yeah. Come on. - Yeah, yeah, more, more.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53210. 220. 230. 240.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55That's not sold, I'm afraid.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Right, better luck with our third one.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59It's the musician with the drum.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01At 70, five, 80.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- 80, they've come back.- Just! - At 80 now.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06At £80...
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- We got it away.- We just got it away. - That's the main thing.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Here's the fourth one going under the hammer.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12It's the musician with the monkey.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14110. 120.
0:38:14 > 0:38:15We've sold it, but we need a lot more.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17140 now.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21150, is it? Are we all done at £150?
0:38:22 > 0:38:24The hammer's gone down. Top end of the estimate.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- That's good.- £150.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28One more to go. It's the man with the child in his basket.
0:38:28 > 0:38:3090. Five.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34100. 110. 120.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Thank you, sir. On the net and selling...
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Yes! £110. That's a good result.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41- Good.- That's a good result, Mary.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44I think it's time for a grand total, don't you?
0:38:44 > 0:38:46It's £640.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- Right, good.- 640.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52- Happy?- Yes.- There's one that didn't sell, and hopefully the auctioneer
0:38:52 > 0:38:54will get hold of the underbidder and sell that one as well.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Well, look, thank you for being
0:38:56 > 0:38:57- a big star of our show. - Fantastic result.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00It's been a real pleasure meeting you as well.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02160. 170.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07Next, we are hopping over to Wokingham, to Martin and Poles,
0:39:07 > 0:39:11and it's time to test Nick's valuation of the silver.
0:39:11 > 0:39:12We've got a lovely porridger
0:39:12 > 0:39:14and a hip flask and a sugar sifter belonging to Anna.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16Now, sadly, Anna cannot be with us.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18But we do have the items and we have our lovely expert here,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Mr Nick Davies, who put the valuation on.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24You split these up. We've got the two items put together.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27That's right. We've got the caster and that very big hip flask.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29We need... What? About 150?
0:39:29 > 0:39:30- Yeah.- Here we go.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32The Edwardian sugar sifter
0:39:32 > 0:39:34and the hip flask.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35Absentee bids on this one.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38I'll have to start it with me at £160.
0:39:38 > 0:39:39That's a good in, isn't it?
0:39:39 > 0:39:42£160. 170 with you now.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Any more? 170. 180. At 180 now.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47- Come on. A little bit more. - Are we all done?
0:39:47 > 0:39:49At 180...
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- Sold. £180.- Good. Great. She'll be delighted.- I think she will be.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56We'll wait for the next lot. We've got the porridger by itself...
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- Here it is.- ..as one lot. - 130 anywhere?
0:39:58 > 0:40:01130. 140. 150.
0:40:01 > 0:40:02OK, we are looking for 150?
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- 160.- Yeah.- 170. 180. 190 with you now. Any more?
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- 190. 200.- £200.- 210.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- 220.- This is good.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12240. 250. 260.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16270. 280. 290. 300.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20- This is very good. - This is very good.- 350.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Any more at £350?
0:40:22 > 0:40:24- Are we all done now?- That's an excellent result for that.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Gosh, Anna will be so pleased, we'll have to tell her.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28Yeah, she'll be delighted.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30I make that a grand total of...
0:40:30 > 0:40:33..£530, which Anna will be very, very pleased with. And I think,
0:40:33 > 0:40:35because you met her at the valuation day...
0:40:35 > 0:40:37- Yeah, she'll be delighted. - ..she'll recognise your voice.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- Tell her, ring her up. - I'll give her a call. - "I've got some good news."
0:40:40 > 0:40:41Yeah. I'm sure she'll be delighted.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43And finally, we are nipping down
0:40:43 > 0:40:45the road to Chiswick Auctions in West London.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Sounds like the perfect place to sell a Rolex watch.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Fingers crossed, Linda, good luck,
0:40:52 > 0:40:53we get Philip's top end on this.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56I know you find this a little bit too old-fashioned.
0:40:56 > 0:40:57- It is a bit, isn't it? - It is a bit for me.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00A little bit, yeah. But what I like about it is that it's nine carat.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03It's a kind of white gold. I like the silver on it.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- I think there will be some demand for this.- 250-350?
0:41:06 > 0:41:07It is a "come and buy me"? Yes.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09We've seen other watches...
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- We have.- Fingers crossed.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12Well, its quality, and as we say on the show,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15quality always sells and hopefully we don't get proved wrong.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Right now we're putting the Rolex under the hammer.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22A ladies' Rolex Gold Tudor watch, with its original box.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26And three commission bids, straight in. I'm bid 250.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29260. 270. 280.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32£280 for the little Rolex.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33290, I'll take it in the room.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- Hopefully they will push each other. - 300 on the internet.
0:41:36 > 0:41:37320 on the internet.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40340. 360. 380.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43400. 420.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45440. 460.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47480. 500.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50550.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53- 600.- 600!
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- 600.- Hey, you're going shopping, aren't you?
0:41:56 > 0:41:58I'm definitely going shopping.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59We might be coming with you!
0:41:59 > 0:42:01650 on the internet.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03650 it is, then.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05I'm going to sell it. Make no mistake.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07700.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Room bid now of 700.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11- It's going in the room.- At £700,
0:42:11 > 0:42:13gentleman in the room. Anybody else, then?
0:42:13 > 0:42:15700, it goes...
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- £700!- I can't believe it!
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- That's amazing. Thank you.- £700!
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- I think that's top dollar for it. - Yes, it was.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22- No, definitely.- It was.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24Somebody really wanted that.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25Really wanted that.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- I just can't believe it.- You can go shopping now, can't you?
0:42:28 > 0:42:29And that's the beauty of auctions -
0:42:29 > 0:42:31you never know what's going to happen -
0:42:31 > 0:42:34and we certainly had some happy customers today.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38Well, that's it. We've come to the end of another show.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41I hope you've enjoyed Knightshayes as much as I have.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45What an incredible combination of designs and styles.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Every room tells a story.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51And what a great result for Linda in the auction room with her Rolex
0:42:51 > 0:42:56watch. I hope she converts some of that cash into something that stands
0:42:56 > 0:42:58the test of time just as well.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Well, sadly, we now have run out of time, so it's goodbye.