0:00:09 > 0:00:12Today, we're on the edge of the Quantocks in the county of Somerset,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14and this place, Crowcombe Court,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17was built as a statement of wealth and a place to entertain.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20And that's exactly what we're going to do - entertain you.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Welcome to "Flog It!" Yes!
0:00:20 > 0:00:22CHEERING
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Local landowner Thomas Carew built what we see today,
0:00:50 > 0:00:53designed to impress in the English baroque style.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55It was finished in 1739.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58His descendants owned it until the mid-20th century.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03The current owners are busy making their mark on Crowcombe Court,
0:01:03 > 0:01:05to ensure it's still an enticing spot.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07We'll be meeting them later on,
0:01:07 > 0:01:12but for now, it's time to catch up with our own queue.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS
0:01:16 > 0:01:18LAUGHTER
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Our crowd have travelled from all corners of Somerset today,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26to get to this magnificent historic setting.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28And I think one or two of you are going home with a few smiles on your
0:01:28 > 0:01:31face, and a lot of money at the end of the auction room.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33I can't wait to delve into all of these bags and boxes,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35and nor can our experts.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38But I know there's only one question on everybody's lips,
0:01:38 > 0:01:40which is... CROWD:What's it worth?
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48We've brought along the people best placed to answer that question.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51James Lewis has gone for real pedigree.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Hello. You're the star lot, aren't you?
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Yes, you are.And he's assisted by Somerset lad Thomas Plant,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59who's after a snifter.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02It's quite heavy. Once you've got your gin and tonics on there,
0:02:02 > 0:02:03you must have a strong butler, then.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07A soap-stand figure has them vying for attention.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Any similarity, do you think?
0:02:07 > 0:02:10LAUGHTER
0:02:10 > 0:02:12James, I wasn't going to be that rude.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21It's time to open the doors and get on with our valuation day.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24As people settle in and unpack,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26here's a look at what's coming up later on in the programme.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Thomas's culinary discovery prompts a mouthwatering tip.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36I slice my sausage open and put marmalade inside it.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40You're a heathen!James is in adventurous mood.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43I'm going to do something that I've never done on "Flog It!" before.
0:02:43 > 0:02:44Intriguing, James.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46And there's excitement at the auction.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Oh, Thomas!
0:02:49 > 0:02:51And I fulfil a childhood dream.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Well, I'm hard at it, shovelling coal,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57fuelling a steam engine on Britain's longest standard-gauge heritage
0:02:57 > 0:03:00railway, and I hope I don't run out of puff!
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Well, everybody's now safely settled inside the house, and I must say,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16this room is rather spectacular - the Grand Hall.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It really is a place of entertaining and showing off.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21Wonderful architectural ornamentation.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Hello, everyone. CROWD:Hello!
0:03:23 > 0:03:25Who's been here before?
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Many of you? Yeah, a few hands.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Well, I tell you what, what a cracking location!
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Hopefully, we can learn something here today.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33We're surrounded by history,
0:03:33 > 0:03:35but we want to see some of your history right now,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38so it's straight over to James Lewis's table.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Let's take a closer look at what he's spotted.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46Michael, we see an awful lot of these oak or mahogany
0:03:46 > 0:03:49wall timepieces on "Flog It!",
0:03:49 > 0:03:51but not many of them are 24-hour.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54No, well, I've actually never seen another one
0:03:54 > 0:03:58and I've been round to many antiques markets and auction rooms.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01And is this something that you've bought at auction?
0:04:01 > 0:04:06No, no, it's not. My parents bought the house I still live in.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08They bought it in 1955.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Right.And the previous owners left all their furniture...
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Did they?..in the house. Everything.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17And this is one of the things that was left.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I guess, in the 1950s, Victorian timepieces,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Victorian furniture wasn't worth anything.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Some of the furniture they left is actually, now, quite valuable.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28There was French Ormolu display cases...
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Right...which I think are now worth quite a lot of money.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34My brother's got those.Lovely. OK, so you ended up with the clock.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38What does KCC stand for? Well, we tried to find out.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40I'd always thought it meant Clock Company.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43OK.But...Or County Council?
0:04:43 > 0:04:45Could be, could be an institution of some sort.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Kent County Council?
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Kensington and Chelsea Council?
0:04:49 > 0:04:52You take your pick. You take your pick.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Could be... But it's the sort of thing that's very institutionalised.
0:04:55 > 0:05:0124-hour clocks generally were used by either people who had an interest
0:05:01 > 0:05:06in clocks, or scientists or astronomers, that sort of reason.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Because it's quite a busy dial, isn't it?
0:05:09 > 0:05:12There's a lot going on there.I know a lot of people, when they first see
0:05:12 > 0:05:15it, they can't make out how to tell the time by it.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17It doesn't surprise me. I love it.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19Well, let's have a look at the quality.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21So, the case is oak.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26The dial is a painted dial, and let's have a look at the movement.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29So we've got a single winding hole at the front,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32which tells us that it's not going to have a chime,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34it's not going to strike.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38It's merely going to have a mechanism for moving the hands.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42And inside there, we have a cone
0:05:42 > 0:05:45that has a wire around it.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48That cone is known as a fusee.
0:05:48 > 0:05:54So it's a fusee movement, and that cone keeps the chain,
0:05:54 > 0:06:00the going chain, tight. It means it's a more accurate time-teller.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04So, it's a good movement.It's always kept very good time.Yeah.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09But the pendulum is weighted with lead in the centre,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12just to give it that extra bit of accuracy. So, we've got a
0:06:12 > 0:06:17really good quality wall clock, probably for some institution.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Yeah, it's a really good thing. Any ideas of value?
0:06:20 > 0:06:23I was hoping between £600 and £800.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26OK.Whether that's being a bit optimistic...
0:06:26 > 0:06:29It might make it, but I think if you put it on as an estimate,
0:06:29 > 0:06:31it might put people off.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35I mean, I would suggest, and this is only a suggestion, 4-6,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38so if you're happy to have a reserve at four...
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Yeah. OK, when I sell it, I'll probably go and buy another clock.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Is that what you're going to do? So what sort of clock are you going to buy?
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Well, I probably won't get one of these, but perhaps one with 12 numbers on it.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50You want another wall clock? Well, I'd like to, yeah.So,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53you're going to sell the wall clock to raise some money to buy a wall
0:06:53 > 0:06:56clock?To buy a wall clock.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Brilliant.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56THEY LAUGH
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Thomas has found himself a good spot to value
0:07:02 > 0:07:05a great example of Danish design.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Tell me about this lovely table.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14Well, I was in a house in 1998, and I was looking to furnish it,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16and I bought this off the neighbour for £20.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Really?Yeah.They probably thought,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21"Oh, it's this sort of '70s stuff, not of any great value."
0:07:21 > 0:07:25Have you done anything to it? I just beeswaxed it.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Yeah?Every now and again, but not really.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30So, it...It sat in the corner. It's a lovely... It's Danish.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33That's what I thought.It's teak, which is good.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Which is good.And I love this quarter veneer you've got going on.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40It almost looks like a pie, doesn't it? Slices of a pie.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42It's cool, isn't it?Yeah, it is.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Yeah, you can see it's all the same all the way round.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46yeah, that's a really, it's a lovely thing.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Now, this is designed by Soren Georg Jensen,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52so Georg Jensen's son.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56So it's got a lineage of great design behind it.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59I love the fact that you've got this swept base underneath.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01And it's made by a firm called Kubus.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04It's on the base, so if we just turn it over...
0:08:04 > 0:08:08there it is. Kubus. Danish furniture of high quality.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11And you've got the Georg Jensen mark there.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13I think it is rather, rather good.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Now, at the moment,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18modern design is quite popular, isn't it?
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Yeah, that's why I brought it along.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23I think we'll put an estimate of £100-£120 on it,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26and reserve it round about 80?
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Oh, yeah, lovely.Yeah, that be a good idea?
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Yeah, that would be brilliant. It's more than I expected.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32I think they are really cool things.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35And imagine you were in London, in a swanky retail environment,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37this would be hundreds of pounds.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40If we were to sell this, we've got £100. What are you going to do with
0:08:40 > 0:08:43the money? Replace it with a bit of furniture?No, I just think a good
0:08:43 > 0:08:45day out is going to be done on the old table.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48A good day out!A good day out,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48yeah.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48LAUGHTER
0:08:48 > 0:08:52What does that involve, Carl? I couldn't imagine.Coming to the auction and going to have something
0:08:52 > 0:08:55to eat and a couple of pints after. A couple of pints afterwards.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58I think £100 will be quite... suffice for that, wouldn't it?
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Yeah, nice day out.We'll look forward to seeing you there.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Crowcombe Court contains some interesting pieces of its own,
0:09:07 > 0:09:09all brought here by owners Kate and David Kenyon.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11They didn't inherit the house,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15but I'm about to find out how Kate's ancestry has made it possible for
0:09:15 > 0:09:16them to take it on.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20How long have you lived here?We've been here five years.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22It's not long, is it?It's not a long time,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26but I love the Georgian period. Yeah.And I love history, I love old things.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28I tell you what, looking up there, I mean,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30that's quite a property portfolio. Yes.Isn't it?It is.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Can you talk to me about that?
0:09:32 > 0:09:35The chap we are looking at here is a chap called James Morrison,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37and I'm a direct descendant of James Morrison,
0:09:37 > 0:09:41and he became the wealthiest commoner during the 18th century.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44He was the son of an innkeeper
0:09:44 > 0:09:47and became an 18th-century entrepreneur.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Really?He made quite a significant sum of money.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53One of the things he did invest in was the railroads in America,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55which is quite an extraordinary thing.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58And tea clippers, banking, all sorts of things.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Oh, he was switched on, wasn't he? He was switched on.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04So he then bought properties for a lot of his family
0:10:04 > 0:10:06members, his siblings, all over the country.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09So what we've done here is actually just shown the direct line from
0:10:09 > 0:10:11James Morrison to me,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13and the properties that are significant
0:10:13 > 0:10:15to that direct line down.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Right.So, starting with Basildon Park...
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Basildon, we filmed at Basildon Park.Did you?Yes, yes, we have.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25And then down to my father's family home in Hamptworth,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28which is the northern part of the New Forest, Hamptworth Lodge.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Lovely.And then down here to David and I at Crowcombe Court.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34I've never seen that done before as a family tree with a property
0:10:34 > 0:10:36portfolio.I know.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36LAUGHTER
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Good for you. Hey, I've arrived!
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Well, that was the thing, because when we first got here,
0:10:41 > 0:10:45so many people kept saying to David and I, "Young couple, big house.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47"How are you here? Have you inherited this?"Sure, yeah.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50"No." I have come from that background,
0:10:50 > 0:10:52which is the home in the New Forest,
0:10:52 > 0:10:54but this is not a family home as such.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58We bought this specifically to run as a business.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00So, what do you owe James Morrison?
0:11:00 > 0:11:02I owe James Morrison,
0:11:02 > 0:11:06through his entrepreneurial business management,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08the fact that I'm here today,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12and I think we need to allow people to also enjoy it as much as we enjoy
0:11:12 > 0:11:15it.Well, I'm pleased you have, because we wouldn't be here today,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18and we've filled the house - there's around 600 people roaming around,
0:11:18 > 0:11:22all over the ground floor. It's absolutely fantastic, so thank you so much.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25No, it's our pleasure.James Morrison sounds quite a man.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Kate's lucky to have him as an ancestor.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Now, back at the valuation table in the Great Hall,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34James has spotted a collection belonging to Rod that's also been
0:11:34 > 0:11:36passed down through family lines.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41One of the most common questions people ask me,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43when they stop me in the supermarket and say,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45"You're that bloke from 'Flog It!', aren't you?",
0:11:45 > 0:11:49is, "When people have family medals,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52"why do they sell them?" And I often say,
0:11:52 > 0:11:58"Well, it's better to sell them to somebody who's a military historian,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00"who can research them and tell the story..."
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Yes."..rather than just chucking them in the drawer somewhere at home."
0:12:04 > 0:12:06Yes.Now, Rod, it that what you've done with these?
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Chucked them in a drawer?Yes, indeed. Actually they were given to
0:12:10 > 0:12:14me as a child, I was probably around about seven years of age,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17and an old gentleman gave me the two Boer War medals...
0:12:17 > 0:12:22Ah, OK...and they were actually placed in an old teapot.Right. LAUGHTER
0:12:22 > 0:12:26Then, later on in life, my father's medals were in the house,
0:12:26 > 0:12:30and those two also ended up in the teapot.In the teapot!
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Now, the fifth one, I'm not quite sure where that came from,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36because I don't recognise the name on it.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39OK.The chap by the name of Cave, I don't know who he was.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41And I thought about it,
0:12:41 > 0:12:46and decided that perhaps it would be better if someone had them,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50because I don't think my children would cherish them in any way.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54So, we've got three chaps who served
0:12:54 > 0:12:56in World War I?Yes.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58We've got the Silver Service Medal...
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Yes...that each of them have been awarded.Yes.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05What was your father's name? Gamblin. Oscar Harold Gamblin.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07Ah, so, that's those two? That's my father.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09Your father's also been awarded the Victory Medal?
0:13:09 > 0:13:13Yes, yes.There would have also been a 1914-18 Star somewhere?
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Yes, there was. What happened to that, I don't know.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19OK.It wasn't in the teapot.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19LAUGHTER
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Well, they're known as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24they're named after cartoon characters in the First World War.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Yes, yes.So, they're relatively common...Right...as is this one and this one.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32Yes.So, all those are World War I. Yes.But this chap,
0:13:32 > 0:13:37he clearly was fairly mature by the time the First World War came...
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Yes...because he fought in the Boer War, as well, in 1900.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43That's right. 1900.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45And that's the one that I think is interesting.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Yes, it is interesting.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49They're all incredible in terms of what they would have had to have
0:13:49 > 0:13:52gone through to be awarded any of those in World War I.Yes.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55But this one, for me, I'm a bit of a South Africa nut.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59Yes.This is the one of financial interest.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02In terms of this one, it's worth about £10 or £15.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Right.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07These two are worth about £30, £40.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Right.This one and this one
0:14:10 > 0:14:13are worth £150.Right.Now,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16I'm going to do something that I've never done on "Flog It!" before.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Right.Now, you've got kids, yeah?
0:14:18 > 0:14:23Yes.The old man who gave you those doesn't mean anything to your kids.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26No, it doesn't.Nor does this, because you don't know who it is.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32No.But you never know what your grandkids and great-grandkids might
0:14:32 > 0:14:37think to these. Why not stick them in a box, take them home,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and keep them? Those two that are your dad's.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41Yeah, I think we will.You know?
0:14:41 > 0:14:44That's a very good idea.Because the thing is, once they've gone,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46they've gone.They've gone. I think you're right.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50They're not worth a lot.No. We'll keep those.I'm making that decision for you.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52We'll keep those, thank you.All right?Yes, absolutely.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Let's put those in...Yep, OK...and let's put £120 to £180.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58OK.That's where the interest is, that's where the value is,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01and you've got your dad's medals back.That's lovely, thank you very
0:15:01 > 0:15:04much indeed.Absolute pleasure.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Interesting, James, but I don't think Rod will regret that decision.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Well, here we are in the ballroom,
0:15:10 > 0:15:12where hundreds of people are now seated.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14They're not dancing, you never know, we might be dancing...
0:15:14 > 0:15:17We might do it later.We might be later on in the show.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19We're just about to go off to auction, but before we do,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21let me just show you this fireplace,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24its wonderful architectural proportions.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26It's not fussy and frilly, it's not baroque,
0:15:26 > 0:15:29which suggests it doesn't really belong here.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32And that's right, because this ballroom was remodelled in 1870,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34and it's said that this marble fireplace
0:15:34 > 0:15:36came from Stowe in Buckinghamshire,
0:15:36 > 0:15:38and it really is quite striking.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40It does sit right here, I've got to say that,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43it's bold, it's symmetrical,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45it's got everything you want about a grand fireplace.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Well, right now, things are getting hot in the saleroom,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51so let's get straight over there with these three items.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53And here's a quick recap of what we're taking with us.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58The unusual 24-hour timepiece.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01A great example of modern design, the Danish coffee table.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05And kept in a teapot, medals from two wars.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
0:16:10 > 0:16:13We're heading half an hour east across Somerset to the market town
0:16:13 > 0:16:16of Bridgwater, sitting on the River Parrett.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19It's been a busy port and trading centre in the past,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21and hopefully the good fortune will rub off on us
0:16:21 > 0:16:24as we head into the saleroom.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27And this is where we're putting our valuations to the test today,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Tamlyns Auction Rooms in the heart of Bridgwater.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33As you can see, the room's filling up. In a moment, Claire Rawle will be getting on the rostrum.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37I'm going to catch up with our owners, because I know they're feeling really nervous.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Don't forget, if you're buying or selling at auction,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43there is commission to pay. Here today, it's 15% plus VAT,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45but these rates do vary from room to room.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Right, let's get on with the sale!
0:16:48 > 0:16:50And our first lot is one of my favourites.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55It's a 24-hour dial clock.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58It belongs to Michael, and it was left on the wall when your mum and
0:16:58 > 0:17:01dad bought their house?Yeah, they left it fully furnished,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03they left everything there.Yeah! Well, how about that?
0:17:03 > 0:17:06That's a fixture of fitting I've never heard of.Didn't happen to me.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10£400 to 600? I think that's spot-on, I've not seen a clock come on
0:17:10 > 0:17:12the market like this for a long time.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14I've seen them before, but not up for sale.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Fusing movement as well?Yeah, great movement, great movement.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21And also the key fitted my
0:17:18 > 0:17:21radiators.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21LAUGHTER
0:17:21 > 0:17:24You can bleed the radiators? Yeah, I'm really going to miss that.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Will you promise to get me another one?I said I'd try.Anyway,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30let's find out what the bidders think of this clock, shall we?
0:17:30 > 0:17:32It's going under the hammer right now.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37197, a 19th century 24-hour wall clock.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Where do I start it?
0:17:39 > 0:17:40Well, 320 with me at the moment.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44350 anywhere? At 320, 350, 380 with me.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Great.That's 400 on the net now.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48You've sold it.At 400. There anyone else out there?
0:17:48 > 0:17:51You all done? It's going to sell at £400.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55It's gone. Gone on the lower end, but it's gone.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57I've got an early Georgian house...
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Yeah...so I thought I'd put the money towards getting an
0:17:59 > 0:18:0118th-century clock. Brilliant, good idea!
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Perfect.Good idea, yeah.I've got to go and find a radiator key now.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06LAUGHTER
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Not a bad start. James was spot on.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Let's see if he was right about our next lot.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Going under the hammer right now, we have three medals belonging to Ron.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Sadly, he can't be with us today, but we do have our expert, James,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23and we are looking for a value of around £120 to £180, somewhere
0:18:23 > 0:18:26around there.Yeah, something like that.And hopefully
0:18:26 > 0:18:27we can sell at the top end. Here we go.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Can I start straight in at £120? At 120?
0:18:32 > 0:18:33It's a nice group. 120 I have.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35The internet will come in, 140, 140, 150.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37160 I have in the room now.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38£160, then.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41It's a room bid. Are you all done at 160?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Thank you.Spot on, spot on.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Well done, James.They are a good thing, and, you know, medals,
0:18:47 > 0:18:49they've done so well over the last few years.
0:18:49 > 0:18:50They'll be a great investment.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Something I'd be happy to own is Carl's Danish coffee table.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Great design!
0:18:57 > 0:18:59You picked this up how long ago?
0:18:59 > 0:19:0120-odd years ago?Yeah, 20 years ago, yeah.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04I got a couple of nice pieces of old furniture.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06It's all the look now, isn't it? Yeah.
0:19:06 > 0:19:1020 years ago, it wasn't, but now it's highly sought after.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Absolutely, it's the line and form, the sort of, the space it takes up.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18It looks like it sort of hangs there in the air.Yeah.It's a very good table.It's nice.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Very well thought out.It's nice. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25It's going under the hammer right now. Good luck, Carl. Good luck, Thomas. This is it.
0:19:25 > 0:19:31230 is this Danish circular teak wood coffee table, starting at £100.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Wow!Oh, straight in at £100! 100, do I see 110 anywhere?
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Bid is with me at 100.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37At 100.Come on, come on, come on!
0:19:37 > 0:19:40There's someone bidding in the door. Yeah.140, 150.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42It's in the room now at 150.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Not bad.Good design!
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Are you all done then at £150?
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Yes!Brilliant. I like it, because it's a piece of furniture,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53and we don't get a lot of furniture on the show, so thank you, Carl.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55And if you've got anything like that,
0:19:55 > 0:19:56bring it in to a valuation day.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59But that's a good result for you, that's a really good result.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03Yeah, I'm very happy with that. Yeah, I would be as well. Yeah, yeah.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Well, there you are. That's our first three lots done and dusted,
0:20:12 > 0:20:14under the hammer.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16We are coming back to the saleroom later on in the programme,
0:20:16 > 0:20:20so don't go away, there could be one or two big surprises.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Before we go back to Crowcombe Court to look for some more treasures,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27I've been discovering why 200,000 passengers each year
0:20:27 > 0:20:29jump on board West Somerset Railway.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37SOARING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYS
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Railway mania was at its most frantic in British history
0:20:43 > 0:20:44in the 1840s.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Businessmen wanted to boost their trade,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50and railways were the perfect solution.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Backers in Somerset engaged the railway engineer of the day,
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58In 1862,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01the line between Taunton and the busy harbour port of Watchet opened.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Within 12 years, this was extended along the coast, from Watchet to the
0:21:05 > 0:21:07seaside resort of Minehead.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13TRAIN WHISTLE
0:21:13 > 0:21:16And Minehead is where I begin my journey today,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18although I do need to get properly dressed for my trip.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21LIVELY MUSIC PLAYS
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Well, that's better, isn't it?
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Apprentice Paul Martin, reporting for duty!
0:21:33 > 0:21:37The railway was closed down by British Rail in 1971,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39but reopened just five years later,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42thanks to local businesses and enthusiasts who saw the
0:21:42 > 0:21:46benefits of a heritage railway for both commuters and tourists.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50Now it has 50 full-time staff and 1,000 volunteers.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Stuart Nellum started as a volunteer when he was a young lad.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00Now he's a driver, and oversees the very popular train driving training
0:22:00 > 0:22:02course. He's my mentor today.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Right, this is where the fun starts. I get to have a lesson,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08and hopefully drive the engine.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11We have to start with the basics, of course, which is the fire first of all.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Yep.Which is obviously using the coal and air to heat the water.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Very crucial to keep an eye on the water level.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19We have two gauges showing you the water level, and then obviously we're generating steam,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22which you can see by the steam gauge up there.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25I remember from my schoolboy days, it's not the coal that's important, it's the water.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29It's the water that creates the steam.Absolutely.So you need to keep that water pressure up.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32That's right, there's a huge reservoir of water that we're
0:22:32 > 0:22:36turning into steam, we're just purely using the coal to do it. And this?This is the regulator.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38OK.It's like an accelerator in a car.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40This lets the steam from the boiler into the cylinders.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43The other important one, of course, is the brakes.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46We've got to be able to stop the locomotive. The brakes run right through the train,
0:22:46 > 0:22:48so every wheel on the train brakes.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51When we're at full steam, what sort of speed will this do?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54A locomotive like this will probably do, sort, of 50, 60mph quite
0:22:54 > 0:22:58happily, but on a light railway like this, we're only allowed to do 25.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05This is Ben, who's today's fireman.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Hello.Hi, Ben, pleased to meet you.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12That's a relief, I thought for a second I was going to be doing all the shovelling, but Ben's here!
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Brilliant! I'll swap places with
0:23:12 > 0:23:15you.Righto.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15LAUGHTER
0:23:15 > 0:23:17That's good news!
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Well, OK, well, I reckon, by my watch, we should be leaving the platform.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Is that about right?That is, yeah. Green flag from the guard.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28All clear.Off we go, if you'd like to blow the whistle.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29WHISTLE BLOWS
0:23:29 > 0:23:32HE LAUGHS
0:23:32 > 0:23:36The platform at Minehead is nearly a quarter of a mile in length,
0:23:36 > 0:23:40which was ideal for the hundreds of tourists visiting the seaside town,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43and it's kept West Somerset on the holiday map.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47Our destination is Bishops Lydeard, 20 miles south-east of here,
0:23:47 > 0:23:49and there are ten stations along the route.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04What is it about steam for you?
0:24:06 > 0:24:08I think it's a mixture of the teamwork, the effort,
0:24:08 > 0:24:10they just respond.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14So everything you put in, you get back.How long have you had this passion?
0:24:14 > 0:24:17I've been involved with the railway
0:24:14 > 0:24:17for about 20-odd years.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17WHISTLE BLOWS
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Started as a volunteer, as many people do, as a young lad,
0:24:20 > 0:24:23and it just gives you a passion to keep it going.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30The route must be one of the prettiest in the UK,
0:24:30 > 0:24:34taking in the beaches and the cliffs of the West Somerset coast.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36When the railway was first built,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39it played a key role in opening up this rural part of the West Country,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42both to trade and people,
0:24:42 > 0:24:46enabling previously little-known Somerset towns to link with the
0:24:46 > 0:24:48developing national network.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51This line carried generations of holiday-makers to West Somerset's
0:24:51 > 0:24:55beaches, and served remote villages.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59Stuart, what's your favourite part of the whole journey on the line?
0:24:59 > 0:25:02I think two bits, really. One along the coastline, as you've already seen.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Yeah.Along the beach, along the cliffs.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07And then, of course, we go up into the Quantock Hills,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10and it just changes. Every day of the season, it's different.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11Really lucky.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14WHISTLE BLOWS
0:25:14 > 0:25:16That little red mark up there,
0:25:16 > 0:25:18that's what we've got to keep to.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21That keeps the steam pressure up, that tells you,
0:25:21 > 0:25:22that's the right level.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25This is what I like seeing - look at that up there!
0:25:25 > 0:25:26Ha-ha-hey!
0:25:42 > 0:25:45At Washford, three stops into our journey, my moment has come.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Time for me to take control!
0:25:49 > 0:25:50OK?
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Green from the guard. I get to have a go! So, ready?
0:25:53 > 0:25:55WHISTLE BLOWS
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Gosh, there's a little bit of a delay, but it cuts in and...
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Whoa, whoa, whoa! Well, that's brilliant.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Easy as that!
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Off we go!You can feel the power, can't you?
0:26:11 > 0:26:12Yeah.How cool is that?
0:26:12 > 0:26:15I get to drive this wonderful locomotive!
0:26:16 > 0:26:18WHISTLE BLOWS
0:26:18 > 0:26:20HE LAUGHS
0:26:20 > 0:26:23My time as a loco driver was too short.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27I had to hand back to Stuart, at the historic harbour at Watchet.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30In 1862, the year the railway arrived here,
0:26:30 > 0:26:3413,000 tonnes of coal were imported by ships,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36using this Bristol Channel port.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38The town had its own rail terminus,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41to transport goods unloaded at the docks.
0:26:41 > 0:26:47By 1903, the line carried over 63,000 tonnes of freight annually.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51It also brought in tourists, and two hotels opened in Watchet,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54along with new shops and a pleasure ground.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59We're just pulling out of Watchet station,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01and here you can see the harbour.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03SOARING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYS
0:27:24 > 0:27:26I guess the teamwork between you two,
0:27:26 > 0:27:28between the fireman and the driver, is crucial.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29You have to have harmony all the time.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32It's very important, because I can't go anywhere without him.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35He basically generates the power that I use.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37So unless I work with him and he works with me,
0:27:37 > 0:27:41it just doesn't work. So the teamwork, very important.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Well, we're nearly coming towards the end of our trip today,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47and I've noticed how hard the fireman works,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50so at least I wasn't left to it by myself!
0:27:52 > 0:27:55He's sweating. He's not!
0:27:52 > 0:27:55LAUGHTER
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Well, the train's now slowing down.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12We're coming to my stop.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14It's been fantastic!
0:28:14 > 0:28:18It's been brilliant! I've thoroughly enjoyed it - the noise, the steam,
0:28:18 > 0:28:20the taste, the smell.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22I've got it on my lips as well.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26Brilliant. It's taken me back to my very first trip on a steam train
0:28:26 > 0:28:28with my dad, when I was about ten years old.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Thank you so much. I know you're going to get a bit of water now.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34We are.What a day it's been. Fantastic!
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Take a trip on a steam train.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43150 years since trains first ran along this line,
0:28:43 > 0:28:47it's testament to the likes of Stuart and the passionate volunteers
0:28:47 > 0:28:49that this route is so popular today.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Back at our valuation day at Crowcombe Court,
0:29:00 > 0:29:02it's full steam ahead for Thomas,
0:29:02 > 0:29:05who's uncovered a pretty collection, belonging to Julia.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08You've brought along these jewels here.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Yes.What do you know about these jewels?
0:29:10 > 0:29:14They were my mother's. She acquired them about 40 years ago,
0:29:14 > 0:29:16when they were living in the Middle East.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19They are very beautiful, but really,
0:29:19 > 0:29:21you know, not something I would wear.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I have worn the earrings and I've worn the pendant, individually.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Never the ring?No, not really. I don't do costume rings.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30So, I've divided these up.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33What do you think they are? Amethyst?They're not.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Well, that is an amethyst. 100%, that's an amethyst.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Gosh!That's fine. This is quite an interesting stone.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Being an amethyst, it's the birthstone for February, for an Aquarius.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45If you are going out for a drink, you can wear that stone,
0:29:45 > 0:29:48and you won't get drunk.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48SHE LAUGHS
0:29:48 > 0:29:52It's true! Amethyst wards off drunkenness.Is that true?Yeah, that's why sometimes a bishop's
0:29:52 > 0:29:56ring...Perhaps I'll start wearing it...is always an amethyst. Ecclesiastical colour.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59I see.Because they're always on the ecclesiastical wine.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02There we are.No, I'm joking!
0:29:59 > 0:30:02They're not, they're not!
0:29:59 > 0:30:02LAUGHTER
0:30:02 > 0:30:06But there's a theory. But that's the whole idea about an amethyst, and that's in nine carat gold.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Right.These are not amethysts.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10These are made by man.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17And they are imitating a very rare famous stone, called an alexandrite,
0:30:17 > 0:30:21which changes colour...I see. ..between green and pink.
0:30:21 > 0:30:27Really?With natural and artificial light, so an extra special thing.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33These are made in Egypt, or made in the Far East, mounted in Egypt,
0:30:33 > 0:30:35so quite a high carat of gold.
0:30:35 > 0:30:36And the, you know, the story is,
0:30:36 > 0:30:39these are alexandrites from Alexander.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Mmm, OK.They're not.Right.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44But what's great about them is they've got a different colour,
0:30:44 > 0:30:46haven't they?They're slightly different, aren't they?
0:30:46 > 0:30:50They've got a violet to them...Yes. ..with a hint of a grey in there as well.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53So, when you wear them, they slightly change colour...
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Yes, indeed...between natural and artificial light.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01And that's why we call them synthetic corundum alexandrites.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04So they are copying, they are an aluminium oxide.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08And it's an interesting fake stone.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11This was the very first gemstone I looked into,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14when I started studying, I looked into it with my eye-glass, and bang,
0:31:14 > 0:31:17that was my world. Well, there you are.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20It started to change colour, and things moved,
0:31:20 > 0:31:22and light refracted and refracted,, and I thought,
0:31:22 > 0:31:26"If you can do that with a man-made stone, what's a real one going to be like?"
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Wow, indeed.So I love them.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32Natural ones are worth over £6,000 a carat, for a really good,
0:31:32 > 0:31:35strong colour change, like an amazing stone.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Yeah.I'm afraid these aren't. OK, I can live with that.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40You can live with that. We'd sell them as a group.
0:31:41 > 0:31:46Amethyst ring, with synthetic colour change of earrings and a pendant.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49This ring here, worth between £60 and £100.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Really?Yeah.OK.And these each,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55they're worth approximately £150.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57So you've got £200 there.
0:31:57 > 0:32:02OK.We'd reserve it roundabout that...Yes...£180 mark.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05I mean, it's very nice costume jewellery, isn't it? Absolutely, and you don't wear it.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09And I don't wear it.And it's been in a drawer?Yeah, yeah.So you may as well flog it.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Sat in a drawer, yes, yes. And buy something you do wear.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16Well, this is the point, I would like to buy something that, you know, is modern and more me,
0:32:16 > 0:32:19that I will wear and cherish and pass on to my daughter.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Because jewellery is to be worn, otherwise what's the point?
0:32:22 > 0:32:23Good idea.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28I loved my railway journey on the footplate earlier.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32Now James has met a man who is just as enthusiastic about West Country
0:32:32 > 0:32:36rail routes.Now, Ken, looking at your sweatshirt...
0:32:36 > 0:32:38what does it say? South Devon Railway?
0:32:38 > 0:32:41That's right.You're going to know a little bit more about this stuff
0:32:41 > 0:32:43here than me. You can wear the expert's hat,
0:32:43 > 0:32:46and I'm going to sit and listen, because there's no point in me
0:32:46 > 0:32:50trying to tell you about something you know more about than I do.
0:32:50 > 0:32:51So, go for it, tell me all about it.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55Well, the shunting bell sign was, as far as I know,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58comes off a box which would be in a marshalling yard.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00What is a marshalling yard?
0:33:00 > 0:33:04Marshalling yard, where all the trucks are, to keep them out of the
0:33:04 > 0:33:08way of...Oh, OK, so basically a storage yard for the trucks?
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Storage yard, that's right.And what is a shunting bell?
0:33:11 > 0:33:13It's a bell that was in a box.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17When they needed to move the trucks about, they had to ring the bell
0:33:17 > 0:33:20to let people know that they were being moved.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Ah, so a safety bell?Yeah, I imagine that was...
0:33:22 > 0:33:25A little bit like a bleeping reversing lorry these days.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30Yeah, yeah, that's right.Well, we sell a lot of railway memorabilia, and I have to say,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33there is a massive following for it, isn't there?
0:33:33 > 0:33:37If you've got a GWR clock, and it just says GWR on it,
0:33:37 > 0:33:40the difference that that GWR makes...
0:33:40 > 0:33:44Yeah...is from £200 without it, £800 with it.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Yes.I mean, it's an incredible market.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51It is, yeah, indeed.So, here we've got a chisel with GWR.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53That's right, yeah. Great Western Railway.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56And what's this?That's a tunnel board from a branch line
0:33:56 > 0:34:01down in Devon.OK, so fairly local, then.Yeah.Relatively local.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Fairly local to me.What do you think they're worth?
0:34:03 > 0:34:05I can't remember how much I paid for it all.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08I paid for things in a job lot, you see.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10It looks to me, I have to say, around £40.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Would £40 be all right for you? Yeah, it would be all right, yeah.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Fine, let's put 30 to 50,
0:34:15 > 0:34:19it'll certainly go towards your next purchase, I'm sure.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21LAUGHTER
0:34:21 > 0:34:24Hungry railway workers would have been glad of our next find.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26It's certainly got Thomas's juices flowing!
0:34:28 > 0:34:30So, Joan and Geoff, tell me
0:34:30 > 0:34:33about these fabulous, wonderful sausage plates.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36I'm sure you're not meaning that!
0:34:33 > 0:34:36No, I absolutely love these!
0:34:33 > 0:34:36LAUGHTER
0:34:36 > 0:34:39I can't tell you how excited I am to see them.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43They belonged to my mother's mother,
0:34:43 > 0:34:45and my mother left them to me.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48So I don't know any more than that about them.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Were they butchers, your family?
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I've got a slight knowledge of a butcher, but that's all.OK.
0:34:53 > 0:34:59Well, that's good enough for me. Yeah. So, Geoff, do you like a sausage?Oh, I love sausages!
0:34:59 > 0:35:02I think, I think you can't be a human being if you don't like a sausage.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04You can't be a human being without sausages.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Do you know what I do with my sausages for breakfast?
0:35:06 > 0:35:08When I'm...You have sausages for breakfast?
0:35:08 > 0:35:10No, but when I'm out, say when I'm filming here.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Oh, right, yes.Not every day.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16I slice my sausage open and put marmalade inside it.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19You don't!Marmalade?!I do! Only for breakfast, though.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Can't do it at any part of the day, it has to be breakfast.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25You're a heathen, do you know that? I'm not a heathen!
0:35:25 > 0:35:27It's sweet and savoury. Oh, I'll try it.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32So, this man, Mr Harris, was a massive self-promoter.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34He was Victorian,
0:35:34 > 0:35:38and he started selling sausages in London, in Smithfield's,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42but also this is Wholesalers of London Bridge Meat Market.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46So he was established there, but he was a massive self-promoter.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49This logo was his logo,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52of the Derby winner riding a porker.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56And there's this fabulous porker here, running across the line,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58next to the winning post.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02And then you've got, "The winner of the pork sausage derby".
0:36:02 > 0:36:05It's all made up by this wonderful man.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08I mean, this man knew how to sell sausages!
0:36:08 > 0:36:12He would be like Richard Branson, the Victorian version.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15"The Sausage King," he was named.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17And he sold sausages all over Britain.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19And these were promotional things, were they?
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Well, yes, he would have had them made.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24So, you know, if you wanted your Harris sausage,
0:36:24 > 0:36:28you could have it on your own Wedgwood plates.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30What better than to have a British banger with your...
0:36:30 > 0:36:34on a Wedgwood, on a British stoneware plate?
0:36:34 > 0:36:38That's an 1880s mark, that's from about 1885.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Really?Yeah.Oh! So they're Victorian.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43You're surprised, aren't you? I am! I am.I know!
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Cos they've only... They're Mum's sausage plates, been on the wall.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48That's Mum's sausage plate.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Yeah. These are lovely, that they've survived, as well.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54It's of a bygone era. It's of a different age.Yeah.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58It's when Britain was at its sort of peak in the Industrial Revolution.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01It's when people could name themselves "The Sausage King".
0:37:01 > 0:37:05They could be characters. This man walked around Smithfield and
0:37:05 > 0:37:08London Bridge Market, buying produce
0:37:08 > 0:37:10to make his sausages, in evening dress,
0:37:10 > 0:37:13with a top hat, and a diamond pin in his shirt.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16I mean, he was a real eccentric. Yeah, yeah.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20What do you think they're worth?Not
0:37:16 > 0:37:20a lot, I shouldn't think.Well...
0:37:16 > 0:37:20SHE CHUCKLES
0:37:20 > 0:37:23They're only sausage plates. They are only sausage plates.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25What do you think, Geoff?They're worth what somebody will pay for them.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Let's put them in at £100 to £200.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Oh, you're joking! No, £100 to £200.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Yes, all right, my love, yes.Let's set the reserve at 50.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Yes, fine.Let's watch these porkers fly out!
0:37:35 > 0:37:38Yes, right, fine.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38SHE CHUCKLES
0:37:38 > 0:37:40Thomas has got us all chomping at the bit over the sausage plates.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42What a super find!
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Well, there you are, that's it.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Our experts have now found their final three items to take off to
0:37:49 > 0:37:52auction, which means it's time to say goodbye to Crowcombe Court,
0:37:52 > 0:37:56our magnificent host location here in West Somerset.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Hundreds of people have turned up from all over the West Country,
0:37:59 > 0:38:03and I know they've thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and I have, too.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06This has been such a fabulous venue, but right now, as we say goodbye,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09it's straight over to the auction room for the very last time,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12and here's a quick recap of all the items we are taking with us.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Julia's collection of jewellery from the Middle East.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19The railway memorabilia belonging to Ken,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22who taught James a thing or two.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24And the sizzlers - plates to promote the wares of
0:38:24 > 0:38:27an exuberant Victorian butcher.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Back to Tamlyns Auction Rooms, where there's a good turnout,
0:38:32 > 0:38:35and fingers crossed there are some railway fans.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Let's hope we're on the right track as we join up with Ken and our
0:38:39 > 0:38:42expert, James, for the railway memorabilia.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46I like this. We are in the right area, that's for sure.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49West Somerset Railway, I've been on that, I've been on the footplate!
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Woo-woo!
0:38:49 > 0:38:52LAUGHTER
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Right along the coastline, fantastic! Trip of a lifetime!
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Look, good luck, both of you. Thank you.It's not a lot of money.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Let's hope we get the top end of the estimate, OK?
0:39:00 > 0:39:01Going under the hammer now.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07Lot 12, some railway interest items here,
0:39:07 > 0:39:09and this one I have to start away, I've got £22 here.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12At 22. 25, 28.
0:39:12 > 0:39:1430 at the back of the room.
0:39:14 > 0:39:1732. 35. 38.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19No? At 38.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21£38.£38.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23At £38, it is, then. Going to sell.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27Are you all done?£38. Good.Gone.Well done.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30That's brilliant, isn't it? We're happy with that.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Phew!
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Ken's lot was just the ticket.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Let's see if Julia's collection of jewellery has the bidders
0:39:36 > 0:39:38jumping onboard.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42These were your mum's, weren't they? They were, yes.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44So why are you selling these?
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Um, well, my mum passed away, and they are beautiful,
0:39:47 > 0:39:50but not something I would wear very often,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53and my daughter isn't really interested.OK.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55One person who is interested is Thomas.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Yes.But not to wear them!
0:39:55 > 0:39:59No, not to wear.Go on.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59LAUGHTER
0:40:00 > 0:40:04All at once!
0:40:00 > 0:40:04LAUGHTER
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Goes with your eyes.Absolutely! Anyway, look, good luck.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Thank you.Good luck.Fingers crossed.I think they're quality,
0:40:09 > 0:40:13and I think we'll find a new home for them, and they're going under the hammer right now.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Lot 340, nice group of jewellery there.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Where can I start? It is a good group.I've got 120.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24At 120, 130. 140, 150. 160, 170.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27180. 180, I have in front.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30180, it's sold. We got it away. At 180, lady's bid in front.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Now it's in the room.She's got...
0:40:32 > 0:40:36She's got a lot for her money at 180.I think so.You all done?
0:40:36 > 0:40:38It's going to sell at 180.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43180.Sold on the reserve.Right on the reserve. Say something!
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Bother!
0:40:43 > 0:40:46LAUGHTER
0:40:48 > 0:40:51At least you're smiling! At least we put a reserve on.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53Yeah. Absolutely, yeah.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55With jewellery and the market, the market is never wrong.
0:40:55 > 0:40:56That's the price today,
0:40:56 > 0:40:59they've worked out what all the gold's going to be weighed,
0:40:59 > 0:41:02what it's worth.What the stones are worth.It's been online.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05And Thomas knows that's going to be split up.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07You know that, you know that.I should probably go to auction,
0:41:07 > 0:41:09to buy a piece of replacement jewellery.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Absolutely.That's the nice thing. Get a bargain.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15That's the nice thing, and hopefully you'll get a bargain.Thank you.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17SHE LAUGHS
0:41:17 > 0:41:18That's auctions for you.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Thomas was right to suggest a sensible reserve.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Time now to lick our lips as Geoffrey and Joan's
0:41:25 > 0:41:27promotional sausage plates tempt the buyers.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Wedgwood, just about to go under the hammer.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33A great name in ceramics, but I've not seen Wedgwood like this before!
0:41:33 > 0:41:36I've never seen Wedgwood like this before! Sausage plates.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40Oh, they're brilliant!They are fabulous.Absolutely great. The condition's brilliant.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Anyway, look, they're going under the hammer. I'm quite excited about these.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Let's find out what this lot think.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48These are lovely, the Wedgwood & Co...
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Even Claire said they're lovely. Sausages are the best.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Right, now, well, a lot of other people like these as well,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56so I start these straight in at £320.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58320!Oh!
0:41:58 > 0:42:00Oh, Thomas!
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Internet 350, I'm 380.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05400.400!Oh, Thomas!
0:42:05 > 0:42:07At 450, 480 with me.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10At 480. 500.500!
0:42:12 > 0:42:13Oh!At 520. 550.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16580 with me.It's going up!
0:42:18 > 0:42:20At 580. Do you want to go 600?
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Can I sink into oblivion?
0:42:22 > 0:42:24600. I'm 620.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27What did you put on these?All right, all right,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30I've never seen them before, OK? At 620, the bid is with me.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32650. That clears me now.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Room's gone a bit quiet. 650.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34LAUGHTER
0:42:34 > 0:42:36It's on the net, then, at 650.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40Are you all done? Cos they're going to sell at 650.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Yes!650, Joan, Jeffrey, and Thomas!
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Oh, Thomas!Pleasure.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Brilliant.Thank you very much.No...
0:42:48 > 0:42:49LAUGHTER
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Paul, thank you very much. Wasn't that fantastic?
0:42:52 > 0:42:53Yes, I can't get over that!
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Well, look, you said you were going to treat the grandchildren.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00How many grandchildren have you got? I've got six great-grandchildren.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Six... No!Yes.Wow!
0:43:03 > 0:43:05Well, anyway, look, there's a lot of money there.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08I've had this white hair since I was 38, mind.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10Is that all the worry?
0:43:08 > 0:43:10LAUGHTER
0:43:10 > 0:43:13It was only a couple of years ago. LAUGHTER
0:43:13 > 0:43:16Well, look, it's a lot of money. Enjoy it! And the grandchildren,
0:43:16 > 0:43:18and the great-grandchildren will be so happy.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20You've been a real star, I hope you've enjoyed the show.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24Thomas, you were spot on there. You knew something exciting was going to happen.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26He kept that to himself! I hope you've learned something.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30Sadly, we've run out of time. What a great day we've had here in Somerset.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Join us again for many more surprises, but until then,
0:43:33 > 0:43:35it's goodbye from all of us.