0:00:04 > 0:00:06Hold on to your hats because today,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Flog It is flying around the country,
0:00:08 > 0:00:10bringing you brand-new valuations
0:00:10 > 0:00:14from the amazing locations we visited this series.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20And I'll be showing you around
0:00:20 > 0:00:22one of the most extraordinary estates in the South West.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25It boasts ten miles of unspoilt Cornish coastline,
0:00:25 > 0:00:3156 historic listed buildings, 865 acres of parkland,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34and yet most people don't know this exists.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37Mount Edgcumbe, a 500-year-old estate,
0:00:37 > 0:00:39which quite frankly, is one in a million.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Welcome to Flog It.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Tucked away on the Rame Peninsula across the water from Plymouth,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Mount Edgcumbe is a unique and diverse estate.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18At its centre is this magnificent 16th-century mansion house,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21designed by Sir Richard Edgcumbe himself.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24It was attacked by Parliamentarian troops during the English Civil War,
0:01:24 > 0:01:29ravaged by fire during World War II, but it still stands proud today.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32It's a house with plenty of stories to tell
0:01:32 > 0:01:35and I shall be sharing them with you later on in the programme.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38But first, we're off on a Flog It trip around the UK.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46We're heading over to Northern Ireland
0:01:46 > 0:01:48to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51where Thomas Plant proves his expertise in animals
0:01:51 > 0:01:53as well as antiques.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- That's a bat. You see the wings? - I didn't notice it was a bat.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- With his little face, can you see that?- Yeah.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03We'll be taking over the gardens at Croome in South Worcestershire,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06where Natasha Raskin found an impressive collection of medals
0:02:06 > 0:02:08from a man with a smile on his face.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10He was quite a stern man and strict.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- So...- Really? Cos look how cheeky he looks!- Yeah.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16And we're at auctions all over the country
0:02:16 > 0:02:18with some surprising results.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- It's not bad!- Yes!- Sold!
0:02:23 > 0:02:26But first, we're touching down on the edge of the Quantock Hills
0:02:26 > 0:02:29in Somerset, where Crowcombe Court made a spectacular backdrop
0:02:29 > 0:02:31for our valuation day.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35And first up, James Lewis, with a question for Alan and the audience.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Now, tell me, is that...? What would you call that?
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Well, just a walking stick, as it is there.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Is it a walking stick or a walking cane?
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- I suppose a cane, isn't it?- Is it?
0:02:49 > 0:02:50Who thinks that's a stick?
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Hands up.
0:02:53 > 0:02:54And who thinks it's a cane?
0:02:56 > 0:03:01OK. A friend of mine has a shop that sells sticks and canes
0:03:01 > 0:03:03and he said...
0:03:03 > 0:03:05"A bloke carries a stick,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- "whereas a gentleman has a cane." - Carries a cane!
0:03:10 > 0:03:13So, you know whether you're a gentleman or a bloke.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14You know from now!
0:03:15 > 0:03:17So, why have you got this?
0:03:17 > 0:03:19It was given to me by a gentleman
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- who was packing up his home to go into a home.- OK.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26So, a lot of stuff went to sales, and this one he gave me.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Well, I have to say, stick or a cane,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- it has a wonderful purpose, doesn't it?- It does.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Has it got a maker's mark on it anywhere?
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Swaine and Adeney, Piccadilly, London.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43And this would have been made at the time that London gentlemen
0:03:43 > 0:03:47would not only have had a cane, but also a horse.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51And if they'd wanted to go and view their horse before buying it,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53they would have taken one of these with them
0:03:53 > 0:03:57and they would have measured it to the shoulder with one of those,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59and it's measured in hands.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02And that is a horse measuring stick from the late 19th century.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Probably dates from about 1890-1910, something like that.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- Does it? Wow.- It is bamboo and that's the root ball for the bamboo.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14So, it would've been that way and that's where the roots come out,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17which is why it's pollarded like that.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22The two best type of cane that you get are either bamboo or Malacca.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24So, a good indication of quality.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27It appeals to the walking stick or walking cane collector,
0:04:27 > 0:04:33but also to somebody who would be interested in equine collectables.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36And there are plenty of both.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39And also, let's go back to this maker.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44Swaine and Adeney are one of the best walking stick makers.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48They started in London in 1750 and in the 1990s,
0:04:48 > 0:04:53this firm was appointed riding crop and glove-maker to the Queen.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55So, it's a good maker.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- What do you think it's worth? - I've no idea, really.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- We've lost a bit off the end. - Yeah.- So, that will affect it.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Even with a bit missing,
0:05:03 > 0:05:08you'll get £60 to £100 for it, and I would hope towards the top end.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- No chance of finding that, is there? - I will look when I get home.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Have you got an umbrella stand or something at home?- Yeah, yeah.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- Just have a look in the bottom. - I will, yeah.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17Because that will add a ten.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- All right?- So, we'll take it along and see how we go.- Lovely.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27From Somerset, we're zipping 450 miles and crossing the Irish Sea,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, just east of Belfast.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36And Thomas Plant has uncovered some top-quality jewellery,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39engraved with a very familiar name.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43So, tell me about these lovely pieces of jewellery you've got.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Cos they're all inscribed to somebody, is that a relation?
0:05:46 > 0:05:48It was my great uncle and aunt's,
0:05:48 > 0:05:53and he bought them for his wife at Christmas, 1945.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58The name is a name we've heard for years within our childhood stories.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- It's a Crockett.- Yeah.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Any relation to the Davy Crockett, the explorer?
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- He's in the ancestry. - No! Really? How fascinating!
0:06:06 > 0:06:10What gifts to be given at Christmas in 1945.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12I know, they're beautiful, so they are.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- Have you worn any of these things? - No.- Not even the ring?- No.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- My friend likes that one, but no, I haven't worn it.- No.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22So, we've got a diamond, and possibly platinum cocktail watch,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- which is rather magnificent.- Right.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- Did you wear a watch today? - No, I didn't, actually.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30People have got time on their phones all the time, haven't they?
0:06:30 > 0:06:33So, these pretty little watches are not worn so often.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- It's very elegant.- It is very elegant, isn't it?
0:06:36 > 0:06:39And then the next item, which was given at Christmas 1945,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41is this beautiful old-cut diamond ring.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Now, this would have been second hand when he gave it to her,
0:06:44 > 0:06:49because the stones are what we call old-cut diamonds, cut pre-1933,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51in an old style,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54so the light doesn't refract and reflect around
0:06:54 > 0:06:56as much as it could do.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- But I kind of like them. - Yeah.- I really like them.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Both these items here are engraved to your great aunt...
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- Yep.- And they're dated 1945, Christmas.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08But they both were second-hand items.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11This was 1920s, and this is going to be 1920s as well,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13maybe a little earlier.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Now, that's not because I don't think your uncle, your great uncle,
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- was a cheapskate.- Yeah.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22He wasn't out there thinking, "I'll buy this second-hand."
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- No, it's because in 1945, this wasn't around.- Yeah.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27We weren't making new jewellery.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29We just finished the Second World War.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31There was rationing still going on.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34And frivolity like this wasn't going to be made,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- so you had to go and buy second hand.- Yeah.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39And then, my favourite thing, which is not 1945,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43I think it's 19th century, is this gorgeous Chinese bangle.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- It's beautifully chased.- Yeah.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49You've got this wonderful chasing here, it's centred with a bat.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Yeah?- Just there.- I didn't notice it was a bat.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- That's a bat. You see the wings? - Yeah.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55And his little face. Can you see that on there?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Yeah!- It's cool, isn't it?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00And other Chinese emblems around here, a bit of bamboo,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02and a beautiful bit of prunus flower,
0:08:02 > 0:08:04and designed all the way around.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07To top it all off, it's hallmarked, it's stamped there.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11Not a British hallmark, it's got a Chinese stamp to it.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13So, when it comes to valuation, if we look at the watch,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16I think that's worth between £200-300 at auction.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- Reserve it with about a 180 reserve.- OK.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22The target ring, £400-600.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Lovely.- Lovely. 350 reserve.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- OK.- And it's rather good.- Yeah.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Now this. Now, I think this is hot to trot at the moment.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32People are after Chinese jewellery.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35And I think it's good quality.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38I think at auction, this should be worth £300-500.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- Fantastic!- And I'd reserve it at 200.- Yeah.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43So, that's three individual lots.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47Three, four, seven, eight... £900 a possibility.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Thank you very much.- You going to come to the auction?- Yeah.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Yeah, most definitely.- It'll be a pleasure to see you there,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- and hopefully, these'll do well for you.- Hope so! Thank you.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06What a fantastic collection of jewellery
0:09:06 > 0:09:09passed down through two generations of the same family!
0:09:09 > 0:09:12That's one of the great things about antiques.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15They help us remember the ones we've loved and lost.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18This next collection discovered at Croome Court
0:09:18 > 0:09:20is a fantastic example of that.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23So, take it away, Natasha Raskin.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Well, Mike, what a collection you've brought along here!
0:09:29 > 0:09:32It certainly looks impressive.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34What do you know about it?
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Well, it was actually my great-grandfather's.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38He was a member of the Buffaloes.
0:09:38 > 0:09:39And it was left to my mum.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43So, I brought it here today to try and find out a bit more about it.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45I want to make sure I get this correct.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Yes, that's correct.- Now, even RAOB is a wee bit of a mouthful.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- So, shall we just say Buffs? - That's great.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55That's what they're commonly known as, isn't it? Buffs.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57It's quite like the Masons, isn't it?
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- The Masonic Lodge, the Buffs, as they're called.- Yeah.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03But a little bit less cloak and dagger,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05a little bit less secretive about what they do.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Because of course, it's actually all for a good cause.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- It's all philanthropic, isn't it? - Yes, yeah.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13So, do they interest you as the great grandson of Horace,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- I believe, was his name. - Yeah, his name was Horace.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20It's something I took an interest in when we found it,
0:10:20 > 0:10:22because of all the medals, basically.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26I was quite interested in them, and to learn what they were for.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Because they were obviously some sort of rank or award
0:10:29 > 0:10:30for being in it.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34Certainly, at first glance, it would appear that your great-grandfather
0:10:34 > 0:10:36was quite high up amongst the Buffs.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39You cannot have this number of medals, all this regalia,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- if you're just a nobody in the order.- No.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44So, let's have a little bit of a look at this.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45Because here's Horace's certificate
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- to say he was, in fact, a member of the Buffs.- Yes.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51That all of this was authentic.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52Even more than that, you've got a picture him.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55So, point him out to me. Which one was he?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- That's him there.- Oh, he looks like quite a cheeky chap.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Was he fun-loving, by all accounts?
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Well, the family say he was quite a stern man and strict.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Really? Cos look how cheeky he looks!- Yeah.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07He's got a big smile on his face there.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11So, certainly, Horace looks as though he was well perceived
0:11:11 > 0:11:13amongst his peers. He's got lots of medals here.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16I think the earliest one we have is 1937.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19And then, we work our way up to all sorts of fancy ones.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Look at this one here!
0:11:20 > 0:11:22At first glance, these all look gold, don't they?
0:11:22 > 0:11:24When you first saw this lot,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27did you think, "A-ha, what a load of gold medals!"
0:11:27 > 0:11:31I thought some will be gold, but looking into it,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34it's mainly brass and silver-gilt.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Exactly. There is one. I had a wee look and there is one.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Where is it? Here. One little medal here
0:11:39 > 0:11:41that is marked for gold on the back.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44But apart from that, everything, like you say,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46is silver-gilt or brass.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50Nicely cast and I think that most of them are by one maker, as well.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53You've got L Simpson & Co of London.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56I had a look and most of them are by this maker.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59They must have got their money's worth out of the Buffs,
0:11:59 > 0:12:00- I'll tell you that.- Certainly.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02You're not keen to keep a hold of it, are you?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05You don't prance round, wearing this regalia at home, do you?
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- No, not even at weekends. - SHE LAUGHS
0:12:07 > 0:12:10No. It was left to Mum.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16So, it's been under her bed for 20 odd years, and she said,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19"I've got nobody to pass it on to," so she said,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21"Probably now's the time to get rid of it."
0:12:21 > 0:12:24We know that the Buffs as an order still exist.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28So, we hope they'll be bidding, perhaps online or on the phone.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30And I think we don't want to kill that competition.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31Because if they are out there,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- we want them to come and get it, don't we?- Yeah.
0:12:34 > 0:12:40So, my feeling is that £250-350 would be the right way to go.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43It's not giving it away, but it's not scaring anyone off.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- How do you feel about that? - That sounds reasonable. Yeah.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49A fair, to come and get me, sort of...
0:12:49 > 0:12:52A little bit come and get me. Absolutely. And what about reserves?
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Shall we put one at the lower end of the estimate?- Yeah.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56I think Mum would want a reserve on it.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00OK. So, a reserve at 250.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04If this doesn't catch someone's eye, I have absolutely no idea what will.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06So, Michael, I'll look forward to seeing you at the auction.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Yeah, and you. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12That's our first three items in the bag.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15So, it's time to head off to auction and here's what's coming with us.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Will Alan's horse measuring stick be the first past the post,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25or will it go back to live in the umbrella stand?
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Will there be a stand-off in the saleroom
0:13:29 > 0:13:31over the Crockett jewellery?
0:13:33 > 0:13:37And let's hope the ceremonial medals aren't rebuffed by the bidders.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Our first auction comes from Bridgwater in Somerset,
0:13:45 > 0:13:49where the familiar face of Claire Rawle is wielding the gavel.
0:13:49 > 0:13:5028, 30...
0:13:50 > 0:13:53There's always commission to pay at an auction room,
0:13:53 > 0:13:55so factor that in if you're buying or selling.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- Good luck, Alan. Good luck, James. - Thank you!
0:14:01 > 0:14:03The race is on. I hope we're in fine fettle.
0:14:03 > 0:14:04Going under the hammer right now. Ooh!
0:14:04 > 0:14:07We've got that horse measuring stick. I like this. I've got horses.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- You've got horses? You can have it. - Do you know, I'm not allowed to!
0:14:11 > 0:14:13I'm not allowed to.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15But you know, I think these are great items,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- they really are great fun. Good luck with this.- Thank you.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Going under the hammer right now.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25This one, I have to start away at £42, at 42.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Do I see 5? 45, 48. 50 at the back.
0:14:27 > 0:14:3055, 60. 65.
0:14:30 > 0:14:3270. 70 at the back of the room.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35At £70. At 70 now. 75 on the net.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37No? At 75.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40It's on the internet now, 75. Do I see 80 anywhere?
0:14:40 > 0:14:43It's going to sell, then, internet bid at £75.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- Spot-on, 70 quid. - That's good, isn't it?
0:14:47 > 0:14:48Great fun. Just great fun.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Next, we're off to Ross's Auction House in Belfast.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57£406...
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Will Irish eyes be smiling on Joanne's jewellery?
0:15:00 > 0:15:03You brought along some wonderful treasures to show Thomas.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05We've split them all up into three lots.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07You're selling because they're, what?
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- In a drawer, or not being used? - Yeah.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Being kept in a wardrobe, just safe keeping.- OK.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15And I don't think it's anything my daughters will particularly use.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20No. We're starting with the first lot, which is that gorgeous ring.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22We'll get a grand total at the end. We'll add it up.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Fingers crossed, you'll be really happy!
0:15:25 > 0:15:27And so will Thomas.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Here we go, this is the first of the lots.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Can we open the bidding, please, at £500?
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Really?- 400. £300, please. - Oh! That got me going.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38200 I'm bid. 220, 240.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40260.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41New bidder at 280.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45300, 320, 350.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- 350.- At £350. Any more?
0:15:48 > 0:15:53For the ring, all finished at £350.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Hammer's gone down. That was quick. That was short and sweet.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Someone really wanted it and they weren't pushed.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00That's one down, two more to go.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03A lady's platinum and diamond cocktail watch.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Nice lot. Could we say £200?
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Got to be worth it.- It's got to be that.- Open the bidding at 100.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Anywhere? At 100, I'm bid. 20, for the cocktail watch? 40.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Come on! Where are all the ladies? Where are the jewellery dealers?
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- I know!- There's a few here.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19At £160 now.
0:16:19 > 0:16:2280, a new bidder. At £180.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Last call, at 180.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28We have £530 so far.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30We have the Chinese bangle going under the hammer.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32£300-500.
0:16:32 > 0:16:33Let's see 500. Let's see more.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Let's see you going away with lots of money.- Hopefully!
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Right, here we go, this is it.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42£100, anyone to open for the silver bangle.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44100, I'm bid. 120.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47140. 140, now any more?
0:16:47 > 0:16:50At the door at 160. £160 now.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- I think it's going to struggle. - £160 for the silver Chinese bangle.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56At 160.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Last call at £160.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- Two out of three ain't bad. Is it?- No.- 530.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- 530.- And you've got your bangle, as well.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Happy?- Yeah, why not? It's been a good day.- Brilliant. Thank you.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Now to Evesham in Worcestershire,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17and there's nothing small about Littleton auctions,
0:17:17 > 0:17:19which is packed full of bidders.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21560 on the internet...
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Let's hope the Buffs are in the room too.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27So, going under the hammer right now,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29we have Mike's great grandfather's medals.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31It's a great collection, but they have to go
0:17:31 > 0:17:33because nobody in the family wants them any more.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35They've been under your mum's bed, I believe.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- Yeah, for ten years! - HE LAUGHS
0:17:37 > 0:17:39At least they're safe under the bed.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- But better here than there. - Yeah, today.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45So, you've decided to let them go, so a collector can research,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47find out a bit more about them and enjoy them.
0:17:47 > 0:17:48Yeah, so if somebody can enjoy them,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51because they're no good gathering dust, so...
0:17:51 > 0:17:54We have had medals like this on the show before.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Single ones, belonging to the Buffs. The Buffalos, isn't it?
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Let's not go through the whole name. - No, we won't!
0:18:01 > 0:18:04But I think these will be sought after and they will sell.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05Oh, good. I'm glad to hear it.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08Because they don't come on the market that often.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09- No.- And I know Mum's here.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- And Mum's over there.- Yeah.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13I can see her there, and she's got a bidding paddle.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15You're also going to buy something, aren't you?
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Yeah. Enjoy the auction.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Good luck with this, Mike. Good luck, Natasha. This is it.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Lot number 100, ladies and gentlemen,
0:18:24 > 0:18:28is the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes medal collection.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- It's going to ride. - There we are.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Looking to start that at £250.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Asking for 250, room or net?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Looking for £250...
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- 250, I'm bid. Thank you, madam.- Ooh!
0:18:39 > 0:18:42We're in the room at £250. I'm asking for 260 now.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44And it wasn't Mum?
0:18:44 > 0:18:46At 250, are we done then?
0:18:47 > 0:18:48- Come on!- £250.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Going once, twice...
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- Yes.- Sold. Well done.- What a relief!
0:18:54 > 0:18:55- That was, wasn't it?- Well done!
0:18:55 > 0:18:57I feel good we don't have to take it home again.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03That's our first visit to the saleroom complete.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05We'll be back for more auction action later.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18But now, it's back to Mount Edgcumbe on the Cornish coast,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22as I wanted to learn more about this unique estate's fascinating history.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29I've been lucky enough to present Flog It for 15 years
0:19:29 > 0:19:32and you'd think by now I would have seen it all, wouldn't you?
0:19:32 > 0:19:35But I haven't. Even today, I get surprised by the little corners
0:19:35 > 0:19:38of the country we go to and see these hidden gems,
0:19:38 > 0:19:40steeped in history.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43And Mount Edgcumbe is definitely one of those.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Nestled on the Rame Peninsula,
0:19:50 > 0:19:54with only one road and a ferry connecting it to the mainland,
0:19:54 > 0:19:56the estate is a stunning mix of coastline,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59parkland and medieval ruins.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02But most impressive of all is the family themselves.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06The Edgcumbes are one of the great families of Cornwall.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09They've been here for more than 500 years.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13They've befriended the monarchy and represented their country in war.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15They've also been caught in the crossfire of battle,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18but have risen from the ashes to protect what was theirs.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22They're a captivating family of fighters and survivors,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24and this is their story.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31We begin our tale in medieval England when King Henry VIII
0:20:31 > 0:20:34was fighting battles at home and abroad.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38The Edgcumbes were military men and fought bravely at his side.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41A young Piers Edgcumbe in particular
0:20:41 > 0:20:44impressed the King on the battlefield,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48and his reward would change the course of Edgcumbe history forever.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54In 1515, King Henry VIII not only knighted Piers
0:20:54 > 0:20:56for his services to King and country,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59he gave him permission to empark deer,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03which meant much more than just creating a 200-acre deer park.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06It meant the family were given permission by the King
0:21:06 > 0:21:09to develop this stunning landscape.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Enter Pier's son, Richard.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Sir Richard Edgcumbe was a pioneer.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20He recognised the potential of this beautiful coastal land,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22but saw there was one major drawback.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Threat of invasion from France and Spain made it key enemy territory.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30So, Richard built defences
0:21:30 > 0:21:34where artillery protected his land from all sides.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38That allowed him to build a house unique of its time,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41a house that looked outward rather than inward.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46And this was the result.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51A light and airy, more comfortable house.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53So different from the typically dark,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55fortified architecture of the day.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00It represented a more prosperous and peaceful Elizabethan society.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03But, more importantly, the house that Sir Richard built,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07was the first house in England to take advantage of the view.
0:22:11 > 0:22:12And what a view it is!
0:22:14 > 0:22:18The Edgcumbes' new family home reflected their wealth and success
0:22:18 > 0:22:22as they reached the very highest echelons of English society.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26But life by the Plymouth Sound wasn't all plain sailing.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31For our next mighty Edgcumbe, Colonel Piers,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34the civil war of the 1640s would divide the country
0:22:34 > 0:22:37and put Mount Edgcumbe in its greatest danger yet.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Colonel Piers declared loyalty to King Charles,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46but just three miles across the Tamar,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Plymouth city was fighting for the other side.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Despite its fortifications, Mount Edgcumbe came under attack
0:22:57 > 0:23:04by a force of 300 Parliamentarian soldiers on May the 15th, 1644.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06They invaded, they took the family church at Maker
0:23:06 > 0:23:08and they destroyed the banqueting hall.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10It was some fight and during the battle,
0:23:10 > 0:23:13the Parliamentarians lost at least 80 men.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Colonel Piers had a choice -
0:23:17 > 0:23:19fight for the Parliamentarians on his land
0:23:19 > 0:23:21and see more of his estate destroyed,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24or negotiate a surrender that would allow him
0:23:24 > 0:23:26to keep his family legacy intact.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30He chose to save the estate.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33And when the monarchy was restored, under Charles II,
0:23:33 > 0:23:37the Edgcumbes were again rewarded with a royal licence
0:23:37 > 0:23:39to extend their estate.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Colonel Piers and his descendants made grand expansions.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49They invested in a house they believed would last forever.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52But come the 20th century,
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Mount Edgcumbe would be caught in the crossfire of war again.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04In 1941, Plymouth came under attack from German bombs.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Historic buildings were destroyed and an incendiary device,
0:24:09 > 0:24:14intended to wreak havoc on Plymouth Naval Dockyard, hit Mount Edgcumbe.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17The centuries-old interior was gutted by fire
0:24:17 > 0:24:19and the house lay in ruin.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25The heroes to emerge from the wreckage
0:24:25 > 0:24:29were this lady and gentleman, Kenelm and Lillian Edgcumbe.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31They were living in Essex at the time
0:24:31 > 0:24:35when Kenelm unexpectedly inherited the title of the Sixth Earl.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37And he was 71 years old.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40They moved here and spent the next 20 years of their lives
0:24:40 > 0:24:42resurrecting Edgcumbe from the dust.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49Kenelm and Lillian poured everything they had - financial,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52physical and emotional - into the rebuilding of Mount Edgcumbe.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56They lived in the servants' quarters
0:24:56 > 0:25:00and Lillian negotiated her way around the site in a wheelchair.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04The house was rebuilt to the Tudor plan,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06but with a steel support at its heart.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10The stone from the rubble was reused, and a key piece of furniture
0:25:10 > 0:25:13inspired the interior design of each room.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19It took Kenelm and Lillian 20 years to turn the burnt-out pile
0:25:19 > 0:25:22they inherited back to its former glory.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25But sadly, they had little time to enjoy it.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Lillian died the year the house was completed
0:25:28 > 0:25:30and Kenelm passed the following year.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37The estate stayed in the family
0:25:37 > 0:25:40and although faced with crippling death duties,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43they did what the Edgcumbes have always done -
0:25:43 > 0:25:47they protected the estate for future generations.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52The house, and 865 acres,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56were sold off to Plymouth and Cornwall City Council in 1971,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59so the public could enjoy the estate
0:25:59 > 0:26:02and the incredible Edgcumbe story could live on.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Our journey across the country continues
0:26:13 > 0:26:16as we stop off at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire,
0:26:16 > 0:26:20where during the Second World War, the most brilliant minds
0:26:20 > 0:26:23in the country worked tirelessly to crack enemy codes.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Today however, Thomas Plant has found something
0:26:25 > 0:26:27a little easier to decipher.
0:26:30 > 0:26:36Carol, you have a massive connection to Bletchley Park and these figures,
0:26:36 > 0:26:37it's been home for them, hasn't it?
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- It has, yes.- Tell me about your connection first.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43My father first came here about 20 years ago on a bus trip
0:26:43 > 0:26:46and saw the bust of Winston Churchill in the mansion
0:26:46 > 0:26:49and mentioned to them that he had got a few bits and pieces
0:26:49 > 0:26:53relative to Winston Churchill memorabilia and ended up
0:26:53 > 0:26:56being in the mansion for a while and then moving across
0:26:56 > 0:26:57into one of the other buildings
0:26:57 > 0:27:01and these young ladies were all on display in one of his cases there.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04So, your father came here on a trip and said, "I've got some items,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07"can I display them here?" And they said yes!
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- And so what we have here is part of the collection.- It is indeed.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12So, this is quite interesting because these have got nothing
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- to do with Winston Churchill. - Nothing at all.- For a start.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18These are German and these are from, all I can say,
0:27:18 > 0:27:19from the Third Reich Youth.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23The female league of the Hitler Youth.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27We call them BDMs, the Bund Deutscher Madel.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29These are made by a company called Elastolin
0:27:29 > 0:27:31and they're a composite material.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Like a plaster mixed with a sort of sawdust.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37They're quite brittle and they've got a little wireframe
0:27:37 > 0:27:38running through them.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41They're widely collected and they produced German soldiers.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45They even produced Adolf and Mussolini and other characters,
0:27:45 > 0:27:47these huge displays.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50And I have seen them and sold them before in the past.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53They also made zoos and they made farms,
0:27:53 > 0:27:55they made other things boys and girls could play with.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59But these ladies are a little bit rarer, they'd be more interesting.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01So, value, what are these worth?
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Each one of these figures is worth at least between £15-20.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07- Each.- Oh! I didn't think they would be as much as that.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10There's a few which are damaged, the flag bearer, a few cracks on them.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12So, I think you've got 13 of them.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16You're looking at between £150 and £250 easily.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17Would you be prepared to put them through?
0:28:17 > 0:28:20I would be prepared to put them through, because I think somebody
0:28:20 > 0:28:23might enjoy them because I don't know what to do with them.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Well, I think that's a very good reason.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28And if we did get £150, would you give the money back to your dad?
0:28:28 > 0:28:30I'd probably treat him to something, a day out somewhere.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- A day out.- Yes!
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Probably something still to do with Winston Churchill tied into it.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36Absolutely.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Let's hope it's V for victory for Carol in the saleroom.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Back at Crowcombe Court in Somerset
0:28:46 > 0:28:48James has found a set of postcards
0:28:48 > 0:28:50with an extraordinary social history.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54I don't know about you, Michelle,
0:28:54 > 0:28:58but when I go abroad and I go on trips on holiday,
0:28:58 > 0:29:02I tend to come back with photographs of my daughter,
0:29:02 > 0:29:08or scenes of joy and happiness and beaches.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- Yes.- And interesting buildings even.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13In this first album that we've got, we have got just that,
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- many in postcard form.- Yes.
0:29:15 > 0:29:22Interesting historical temples, buildings, dragon walls, China,
0:29:22 > 0:29:27Japan, and a really interesting album of postcards of the time.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32But here it's not everybody's idea of a photograph album from holiday,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- is it?- No, I have to say it isn't.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Clearly, somebody was in Japan
0:29:37 > 0:29:42on the 1st of September 1923, in Yokohama,
0:29:42 > 0:29:44when the Kanto earthquake struck.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- Yes.- I have to say some of the postcards you've got here
0:29:48 > 0:29:52and original photographs are quite harrowing.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54They're upsetting, deeply upsetting, yes.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Here we can see examples of the destruction
0:29:58 > 0:29:59and it's just incredible.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03Trying to search for survivors.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06The amount of rubble is amazing, isn't it?
0:30:06 > 0:30:10Total destruction. I researched the earthquake online.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14It struck at 11:58am
0:30:14 > 0:30:20and was 7.9 on the Richter scale, so it was a big, strong earthquake.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25And 143,000 people were killed.
0:30:25 > 0:30:31Reading about it, a lot of the death was caused through pots of hot oil
0:30:31 > 0:30:34tumbling because they were cooking because it was lunchtime,
0:30:34 > 0:30:38and the hot oil set light to the buildings
0:30:38 > 0:30:42and many people were killed not just through tumbling blocks,
0:30:42 > 0:30:47but through whole areas of accommodation catching fire.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- I didn't realise that at all. - Yes, it's just incredible.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54Look at this. You first of all think, "Well, who would want it?"
0:30:54 > 0:30:59But historically it's important and there wouldn't have been many people
0:30:59 > 0:31:04with a camera taking these images, and these are all original images,
0:31:04 > 0:31:07so many of these would never have been seen before.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- Where did you find them? - They belonged to my grandmother.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15She had worked for many years for the Mothers' Union in their overseas
0:31:15 > 0:31:18office in Mary Summer House in London,
0:31:18 > 0:31:22and the note said that somebody knew of this overseas connection
0:31:22 > 0:31:24and had given her the albums,
0:31:24 > 0:31:28but we've got no idea who it was or why, other than that.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32Well, I think these are historically very important,
0:31:32 > 0:31:36I've never seen anything of this disaster before.
0:31:36 > 0:31:42In terms of collectors, people love transport, they love costume,
0:31:42 > 0:31:45they love buildings and they love disaster,
0:31:45 > 0:31:47and here you've got them all.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51And with a lot of these I think they are probably original photographs
0:31:51 > 0:31:54that nobody else will ever have seen.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57In terms of value, we've got the postcard album there
0:31:57 > 0:32:00with standard postcards from all over the Far East.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02I think there's probably £20 there.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- Right.- I think in this album, it's not about the money,
0:32:05 > 0:32:07it's about the interest.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- Yes.- But I think there's got to be 60-100 there.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15So, if we said £80-£120, would that be OK for you?
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- That would be fine.- I think they are great things,
0:32:18 > 0:32:23- I think they're really interesting, if not quite macabre.- Yes.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26We will see if the postcards attract international attention
0:32:26 > 0:32:28later in the show.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33PIANO MUSIC PLAYS
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Well, we have already heard that Mount Edgcumbe
0:32:37 > 0:32:39has had an extraordinary past,
0:32:39 > 0:32:43but it's also got a great future and helping to bring the place alive
0:32:43 > 0:32:45two or three times a week is a man who's making
0:32:45 > 0:32:47sweet music on the piano.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Sounds fantastic.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Tony, how did you end up playing piano here?
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Well, I lived just, of course,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06a mile down the road at one stage,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09and we were friends of Mount Edgcumbe.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11I saw the piano, Broadwood.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Yeah. Good British piano, quality.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Yeah, and I thought I'd like to play that.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19So I asked them could I come in and play on a regular basis,
0:33:19 > 0:33:24and so they said yes and I came about three times a week,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27I guess, and had a great time.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29I bet, I bet.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31I can hear in your playing you like your jazz as well.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Indeed, yes. I still run a jazz quartet.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- Do you?- Yes, indeed.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38In Plymouth and around the whole area here?
0:33:38 > 0:33:40Round the Plymouth area, yes.
0:33:40 > 0:33:41Don't move far now, cos I'm 84.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Really? You don't look 84.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45Well, I'm glad you've said that.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49- That's music keeping you young, isn't it?- Indeed it is.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58How does it feel to play the piano in such a historic house?
0:33:58 > 0:34:02Well, it's such a lovely place to be, a lovely piano.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05I've played in lots of quite swish places,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08but this tops them all, I think.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15Yeah, you're a big talent, do you know that?
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- Keep playing here and long may it continue.- Thank you.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26From Cornwall, we're hotfooting it
0:34:26 > 0:34:29170 miles north to Croome in Worcestershire.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35The 18th-century Palladian mansion was at the cutting edge of design
0:34:35 > 0:34:39in its day and now thousands of people a year enjoy the house
0:34:39 > 0:34:42and grounds, and Adam Partridge has found a collection
0:34:42 > 0:34:44befitting our elegant surroundings.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Diana, welcome to "Flog It!"
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- Thank you.- Thank you very much for coming along with these beautiful
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- silver vases.- They're lovely, aren't they?- They really are.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58So, if you like them, why are we sitting here about to sell them?
0:34:58 > 0:35:05Well, I had a massively big birthday and I vowed never to clean silver
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- again.- That was one of your birthday resolutions, was it?- That's right.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Congratulations on your massively big birthday and I don't blame you.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16They're not easy to clean, they need cleaning every few months.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- At least, yes.- They soon tarnish.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22And I am a bit worried about rubbing away the silver, if you use them.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26That's right, that's an important point and the decorations
0:35:26 > 0:35:27are still quite crisp and nice.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31The hallmarks are a little rubbed in places, so I don't blame you.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35I use this one for flowers and I loved it for years.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38Well, they're a very pretty set of three, aren't they?
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Made by Sampson Mordan, which was a very well-known maker,
0:35:42 > 0:35:45famous really for inventing the propelling pencil.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- Good gracious.- Yes, Sampson Mordan
0:35:47 > 0:35:50established in the early 19th century
0:35:50 > 0:35:53and they made a wide range, not just silver, but the propelling pencil,
0:35:53 > 0:35:57and desktop accessories, and cigar piercers, and all sorts of pieces.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01But these silver examples are very much decorated
0:36:01 > 0:36:04in a bit of an Art Nouveau style, with the embossed flowers on them.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- I think they're delightful. - What date are they?
0:36:08 > 0:36:11We've got a London hallmark on there which looks to me about 1903.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14My grandparents' wedding present, maybe.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Do you know when they got married?
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- Around that time.- Well, I would think that's highly likely.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- And what a super thing to get for your wedding present.- I know.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Too much emphasis is placed on the material value
0:36:25 > 0:36:28of the metal these days. People say, "How much do they weigh?"
0:36:28 > 0:36:30and then they get their calculator out and work out
0:36:30 > 0:36:32how much they're worth in metal terms.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34I'm not a subscriber for that at all.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Furthermore, these are weighted in the bottom to keep them steady,
0:36:37 > 0:36:38so, even if you did weigh them,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41it wouldn't be an accurate representation of their value.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43- Any idea yourself?- I have no idea.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45- £50?- No.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47We have some idea then, don't we?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49I think £150-£200.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51I think that is going to be fairly achievable
0:36:51 > 0:36:54and hopefully they'll make a little bit more than that.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57- Does that sound all right with you? - Yes, and a reserve of...?
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- A reserve of 150?- Fine. - Is that all right?- Yes.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Thank you very much for bringing them. I look forward
0:37:02 > 0:37:03to seeing you at the auction,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- hopefully they will make a little bit more.- I hope so.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14That's our last three items valued and ready to sell at auction
0:37:14 > 0:37:16and here's a reminder of what we found.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20The figurines have lived at Bletchley Park
0:37:20 > 0:37:23for more than 20 years, but will they find a new home today?
0:37:25 > 0:37:28An extraordinary set of postcards and photos that capture
0:37:28 > 0:37:30a tragic moment in Japanese history.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36They shine brightly today, but Diana wanted to clean them no more,
0:37:36 > 0:37:39so they're being put under the hammer in just a few minutes.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49First up, we are at Jones & Jacob auction house in Watlington,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Oxfordshire, and going under the hammer are the German figurines.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56Well, so far, so good. Things are flying out,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59there's a lot of tension in the saleroom and I love this.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01This is what auction rooms are all about
0:38:01 > 0:38:03and going under the hammer right now we have got those 1930s
0:38:03 > 0:38:06German youth figures belonging to Carol, who's with me.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08But we do not have our expert Thomas.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11He is on holiday enjoying a break in the sun right now.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13But these are quite quirky,
0:38:13 > 0:38:15I like them and I've not come across them before,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18so I know there are collectors out there that will love these.
0:38:18 > 0:38:19- I hope so.- There are, there are.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22We're going to put this valuation to the test right now,
0:38:22 > 0:38:24so, good luck, Thomas, wherever you are in the sunshine.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27We're enjoying the moment. Here we go, this is it.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31150 to start me or 120 if you like.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Start me at 120. Can't go any lower at 120.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Anybody want them? 120 for them?
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- Nobody want them?- Come on.
0:38:39 > 0:38:40Pass those at 120.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Obviously not fashionable any more.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43120...
0:38:43 > 0:38:45GAVEL BANGS
0:38:45 > 0:38:47He's moved on. Sorry about that.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49And I am pleased they were protected with a reserve.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- Thank you.- So they're going to be in a box.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Take them home, OK? Find some space for them.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57I might well do.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01There's always another auction on another day.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07Hopefully, Diana will have more luck when her silver vases
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- go up for sale in Worcestershire. - At £210.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Going under the hammer right now we have three silver vases
0:39:12 > 0:39:15belonging to Diana and it's great to see you again.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Now, at the valuation day,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20I thought I recognised you from somewhere way back in the past.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Diana's been on the show before.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27Now, Diana I think the value is between £200 and £300.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- I thought it would be more. - Oh, did you?- Yes.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34Crumbs, I was hoping to see you go, "Really? As much as that?"
0:39:35 > 0:39:37It didn't sell, did it?
0:39:37 > 0:39:40It didn't sell and I had to pack up 40 pieces
0:39:40 > 0:39:43to take away on holiday with us.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Oh, no, Diana.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47I tell you what, today is going to be a good day.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- I am pretty sure these will sell. - I don't do unsold.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- Quality always sells. - He's said that before!
0:39:53 > 0:39:55He's said that before!
0:39:55 > 0:39:57Here we go, no pressure.
0:39:57 > 0:40:02Where shall we go? Let's start 150 for them, looking for £150.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Looking for 150. I'm selling on the net at £150.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08At £150. The net has them at 150.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11At 150. 160 in the room.
0:40:11 > 0:40:12170 on the net.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14At 170 on the internet.
0:40:14 > 0:40:15180, sir? 180.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17190 net.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19£200. In the room at 200.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21210 net.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23And 210 on the internet, ladies and gentlemen.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Are we done then? At £210.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28Yes, well done, Adam.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33He said he didn't have unsold.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Unbearably cocky, sorry about that.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38But I'm pleased, are you happy?
0:40:38 > 0:40:39Very.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Second time lucky for Diana.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46Finally, we're heading back to Bridgwater where Claire is selling
0:40:46 > 0:40:48hundreds of items an hour.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52But will Michelle's unusual postcard albums appeal to the bidders?
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- Good luck, both of you, good luck, Michelle.- Thank you.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59I think this next lot will definitely not be return to sender.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00Lots of postcards,
0:41:00 > 0:41:03wonderful with this lovely Japanese lacquered cover to it.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Which I think's a touch of quality, don't you?
0:41:06 > 0:41:07- It was really pretty.- Yeah!
0:41:07 > 0:41:11And, since the valuation day you've added to this collection,
0:41:11 > 0:41:12- haven't you?- Yes,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15because my grandmother left a little note and there's a dish
0:41:15 > 0:41:17that was squashed in the earthquake
0:41:17 > 0:41:21and I couldn't find it on valuation day, but subsequently I found it.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Thank you. And you've been the custodian of that.
0:41:24 > 0:41:25- Yes.- You've looked after it.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- It's been in a sideboard for years. - Yeah, yeah.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33At the bottom of my grandmother's wardrobe before that.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Right, let's put them under the hammer and I think
0:41:35 > 0:41:37they'll find a good home in a good collection.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40127, I have had a lot of interest in these
0:41:40 > 0:41:43and I'm going to have to start straight in at...
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- ..£250.- Oh!
0:41:45 > 0:41:47- It's started at 250!- Goodness.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51At 25. At 250, the bid is up here with me.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52Do I see...? 280, 300.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55These deserve to be in an important collection.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57At 300 with me, looking for 20.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59320, 350 with me, at 350.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03380? 380, 400, 420, 450 with me.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06480 on the internet. At 480.
0:42:06 > 0:42:07I'm looking for 500 now.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09At 480.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11500 I have on the telephone.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Now 50? 550. 600?
0:42:16 > 0:42:19No. It's 550 on the internet. Telephone's out now.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Are you all done out there at 550?
0:42:22 > 0:42:23They're going to sell.
0:42:23 > 0:42:24BANGS GAVEL
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- Yes! 550!- I did not expect that.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Great, great.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31And I feel sure that collection will stay as a collection.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34I hope it does. It's why I brought them.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38Everything about it, even the cover, the added dish, that's history.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45What an excellent result for Michelle.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48It's not just about the money, she found a rare piece
0:42:48 > 0:42:51of social history and now that will be kept safe for ever.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53That's it, we're at the end of today's show.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55I hope you've enjoyed watching.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Join us again soon for many more surprises but, until then,
0:42:58 > 0:43:02from Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall, it's goodbye.