0:00:04 > 0:00:11It was once the steel capital of England, where the Master Cutler is second only to the Lord Mayor.
0:00:11 > 0:00:17We're in Sheffield. Maybe we're gonna see a lovely bit of silver.
0:00:17 > 0:00:23Welcome to life on the cutting edge. Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:54 > 0:01:00Sheffield has a long manufacturing tradition. Cutlers have been here for centuries.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03The same is true of silversmiths.
0:01:03 > 0:01:09Sheffield has its own assay mark. It's produced many fine craftsmen.
0:01:09 > 0:01:16We're hoping we'll benefit from that today. We've brought along silver specialist Michael Baggott,
0:01:16 > 0:01:24who, with Philip Serrell, will test the mettle of the antiques in what we hope will be a silver special.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28If our owners like the valuations and want to flog their item,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31we bring them to this auction room
0:01:31 > 0:01:34to grind out some sharp profits.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Yes! We just did it. I can't believe this.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45- Great result.- Amazing.- I've had happier experiences at the dentist.
0:01:46 > 0:01:52That's to come later. This is where it all starts, our valuation day.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56We find out what items go to the auction.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03Audrey, you've got a vinaigrette with a receipt. How did you get it?
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- It was my uncle's. He bought it from London.- Right.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- He went to a shop in London.- Yes.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15- Did he leave it to you?- Yes. - Where does it live?
0:02:15 > 0:02:17On a silver tray in my bedroom.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- You've got silver.- One silver tray. - Two bits of silver is a collection.
0:02:22 > 0:02:28- Do you know what a vinaigrette was used for?- I presume perfume.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Absolutely. It was used in the vile-smelling streets.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35You took a whiff of that.
0:02:35 > 0:02:41If we look at this, it's quite plain to look at at first. We've got this perforated top.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46Lots of people that collect silver will scream at the television,
0:02:46 > 0:02:51"That's a later addition. That's wrong. This is a nutmeg grater."
0:02:51 > 0:02:53That is initially what I thought.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58But if we take the lid off, knock out the little sponge,
0:02:58 > 0:03:02and have a look inside, what's special about this one
0:03:02 > 0:03:07is that we've got the marks that you were obliged to put on silver.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10That's all original, which is rare.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13The standard mark at the bottom.
0:03:13 > 0:03:20The full set of marks. I'm not being clever if I tell you the date because it's on the receipt.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24It was made in London in 1796 by Samuel Meriton.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29Samuel Meriton specialised in egg-shaped nutmeg graters.
0:03:29 > 0:03:36It's not such a departure for him to make a vinaigrette as a special commission in nutmeg grater form.
0:03:36 > 0:03:42Quite rare. Made in London. At the time, most vinaigrettes were made in Birmingham.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47So it's unusual on two counts - the shape and where it was made.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50We'll pop it all together again.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55It looks a bit yellowish around the edges. Originally silver gilt.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58You'd have the appearance of gold.
0:03:58 > 0:04:05The gentleman about town using it, or the lady, could pretend that they'd bought a gold one.
0:04:05 > 0:04:11It's lovely. Vinaigrettes have come into their own. Very sought after, especially unusual forms.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16The receipt says that in 1982, £100 was paid for it.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- Yes.- I think that was a pretty stiff price...- It was.- ..back then.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24But fair enough. A top retailer.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29An auction price, I think, a fair price would be £250-£350,
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- with a fixed reserve of £250 at the auction.- Yes.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- You happy to do that?- I would be.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Any plans for the money?
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- I've no idea.- See how much we get before you decide. Very sensible.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Helena, I love this little horn beaker.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56This is folk art at its best. It's a one-off.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59You'll see a lot of horn beakers,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03but not like this. How did you get this?
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Came down from my great-grandfather.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10- He's here outside the saddlery shop that he owned.- This is him?- Yes.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- He was a saddler?- Yes.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Wow. How did he come across this?
0:05:15 > 0:05:22I think it was part payment for work he'd done for somebody that couldn't pay their bill and offered this.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Interesting that he was a saddler.
0:05:25 > 0:05:32A lot of folk art was carried out by modest tradesmen. Let's say fishermen, farmers, saddlers,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36signwriters, people like that. People with a good eye and hand.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39It's a drinking vessel.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43It's made of horn. Cattle horn, probably.
0:05:43 > 0:05:49Horn vessels were popular as communal drinking vessels. Large pieces were passed around.
0:05:49 > 0:05:55They got cut up into sections. We've got a section of the horn.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01It's been incised with a hot needle. That's how they've done it.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06They're plugged at the bottom with a piece of horn or a piece of wood.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- Right.- On better pieces,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13this base would be thicker, and it would be riveted.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Stitches just to hold it in place.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- And is that horn or wood? - That's horn.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22The top's been cut with a saw.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27To finish it off, a little bit of applied silverwork has been added.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Just bent over. Not hallmarked.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35This was made as a love token. We can see by the initials G and I.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40They're embraced in a heart shape with laurel leaf and two doves.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43The stagecoach is on the road.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47As you turn it around, you can see it travelling.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52Be nice if it was going from London to York, stopping at Sheffield.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57Fat chance, really, but you've got to hope like that.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01This carving is deep. This hot pin has sunk in.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03It's absolutely divine.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Towards the end of the 18th century, about 1775.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- Oh, right.- Late 18th century, early 19th.- Right.
0:07:11 > 0:07:18We could put this into auction for about 160 at a starting level, and hopefully it'll reach £200.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23Why sell it? It's family history, backed up with this photograph.
0:07:23 > 0:07:28I appreciate the history, but it's not an object that excites me.
0:07:28 > 0:07:34We have a few other items that have been passed down. They're nicer.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39That's my sort of thing. That will be contested in a sale.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43Where has this delightful brooch been hiding?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- In the roof.- No!- In the roof.
0:07:45 > 0:07:52- Why aren't you wearing it? - Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but that's not mine.
0:07:52 > 0:07:58- It's pretty, but I don't go places where you'd wear that. - A bit flashy?- A bit.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- So I take it you didn't buy it?- No.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- I can date it back to the mid-'50s when my aunt inherited it.- Right.
0:08:06 > 0:08:14- She died in '79. It passed to my mother. Then to me.- Come down through the family.- Yes.- Fantastic.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18It's a bit earlier than that. If we have a look at it...
0:08:18 > 0:08:22It's the most fashionable style at the moment.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26It's Art Deco. It's fantastic quality.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31Lots of people looking with envious eyes wish that they could have it.
0:08:31 > 0:08:37- It's a brooch, but I think this is a pretty standard pattern.- Right.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42It had me foxed. I thought it might be part of a bracelet or necklace
0:08:42 > 0:08:48- with a pin mounted, but I think that's the way it's made.- Ah.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52No large stones, but enough small stones.
0:08:52 > 0:08:59Even though the setting isn't marked, it's certainly going to be white gold or platinum.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02So it's fantastic quality.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04The date is 1925-1930.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09But it's a lovely little jewel, and very commercial.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14- I think we could safely put it into auction at £400-£600.- Very nice.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20If you're happy to put it into auction, we can put a reserve of £360 on it,
0:09:20 > 0:09:27- to give the auctioneer some leeway. Let's hope it does well. - Thank you. Terrific.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- Derek, how long have you had these? - They've been in my wife's family.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39She grew up being told they were valuable.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42What's really strange, you know,
0:09:42 > 0:09:47is that I've come from Worcester up the M-whatever to Sheffield,
0:09:47 > 0:09:52and these made the same journey before motorways were thought of.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55They are valuable. They are old.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58We can date them quite precisely.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03- You see that plum-coloured mark? - Yes.- We can date that clearly.
0:10:03 > 0:10:051891.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09The 1250, which it says just there,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12that actually is the shape number.
0:10:12 > 0:10:18If you look up 1250 in a reference book on Worcester porcelain,
0:10:18 > 0:10:24these are Cairo water-carriers. It's told us what we need to know.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Now, in a catalogue description,
0:10:26 > 0:10:31can you see that this figure here, it's almost like ivory?
0:10:31 > 0:10:38And this is gilt. So they are a pair of gilded ivory Cairo water-carriers.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43See the pitchers they're holding. They're not so much ivory-coloured.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47More of a blushed ivory. That comes into it.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Gilded ivory and blushed ivory.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54If you described these, you'd have a pair of Royal Worcester
0:10:54 > 0:11:01Cairo water-carriers decorated in gilded ivory with gilt blushed ivory pitchers.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06Shape number 1250. 1891. And then the height.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- There's your catalogue description. - Fine.- There's one thing missing.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- The estimate.- Yes.- If you run your finger around the base here,
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- can you feel a little dink? - Yes, a little nick.
0:11:21 > 0:11:27If your eyes aren't that special - and we are of that age where our eyes aren't that special -
0:11:27 > 0:11:30if you rub things like that,
0:11:30 > 0:11:35you can feel any imperfection, and there's a very small chip.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40Is it important? Well, they are not perfect as a pair.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Collectors of porcelain want perfect examples.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48I think that we can estimate those at £400-£600.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Put a reserve on the pair of £350.
0:11:51 > 0:11:59If someone discounts this bit of damage, there's a chance that they could fly through the top estimate.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05- Happy to put them to auction?- I am. They've been in a cardboard box.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Cardboard box? Why was that?
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- When my children got to toddling age we put them away.- And now?
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- I've got grandkids.- So they never came out of the box?- No.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20If they make £450, what'll you do with it?
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- A bigger car.- Bigger car? - Got grandkids now.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28I hope they make a lot and you get a big car.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36We are halfway through the day. Look, still 300-400 people to see.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41But there's even more outside. Take a look.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Hello.- Hello.- Hello. Hi.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45There's more.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48There's a lot more.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51And just outside now. Look at this.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Hundreds, waiting in the sunshine.
0:12:54 > 0:13:00Here's a quick recap of all the items we're taking with us.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Audrey hopes her vinaigrette will make Michael's estimate
0:13:04 > 0:13:07to get the sweet smell of success.
0:13:07 > 0:13:13I love Helena's horn beaker, which should make at least £160.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17These diamonds are not Meryl's best friend,
0:13:17 > 0:13:22but she's delighted with Michael's estimate of £400-£600.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27And finally, these Worcester figures have been hiding in a box.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31They should carry off a cool £400.
0:13:31 > 0:13:37Let's hope our Yorkshire bidders are keen to carry off today's lots.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42Well, you've seen our items. Just how good are those valuations?
0:13:42 > 0:13:47We're going to put them to the test. It's auction time.
0:13:47 > 0:13:54Let's find out what auctioneer Paul Beighton thinks of our owners' items and those valuations.
0:14:00 > 0:14:07Audrey's silver vinaigrette. Our expert Michael has put £250-£350 on this. It's unusual.
0:14:07 > 0:14:13- Right money?- Unusual and rare, but I don't think it'll sell for that.
0:14:13 > 0:14:20250 reserve. I don't think we'll get there. It's nice. It's early. A little dint.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22We'll struggle to get that.
0:14:22 > 0:14:29It really needs to be in a specialist sale with other vinaigrettes and smaller items.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33For that money, it needs to be in an antique shop.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38Come on, auction prices are almost the same after your commission.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42Almost at retail. Not a lot of profit for the dealer.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45We'll try, but it will struggle.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Derek's Worcester figures. Cairo water-carriers.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58We've got £400-£600 valuation by Philip, a Worcester expert.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02The nicest things we've had from this programme.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- They are the star of today's show. - Possibly.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- But I do think the valuation is a little high.- It's had damage.
0:15:11 > 0:15:17A bit of damage on the base of one of them. Slightly detrimental. Not a lot.
0:15:17 > 0:15:25- We'll struggle to get the reserve. - Really? 350 reserve. If they don't make it, they're not today's star.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- No.- We're in trouble, I think.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31If we could have discretion, maybe.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35Philip might be upset. He does know his Worcester.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- These could do £400-£500. I think they will.- I hope they do.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44Haven't had them on Flog It before. We'll give them a good go.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49Keeping it in the family, Paul's son Jody is running the sale.
0:15:49 > 0:15:55Jody, Dad is keen and eager. How about you? It's now down to you.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- I'm very eager as well. - What item has been viewed the most?
0:16:00 > 0:16:07- The Worcester figures. - They were nice.- Yes, and good condition. They'll do well.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12Right, talking's over. It's time for some hammer action. Come on.
0:16:13 > 0:16:21The auction's finally under way. I'm going to talk to Michael and Audrey about the vinaigrette.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26We've got something rare. I've not seen one before.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30The silver vinaigrette in the shape of an egg, which Audrey owns.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35- But not for much longer.- Hope not. - I think the bidders will love this.
0:16:35 > 0:16:42It is rare. Try and find another one. If someone gave you £250, could you go and buy another one?
0:16:42 > 0:16:49- I've never seen one.- I've not, either. Shame it's a London maker, not a Sheffield maker.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- But we're confident.- Absolutely. We've got a telephone bidder.
0:16:54 > 0:17:01- Flog It's seal of approval.- It is, but... Don't want to cut you down, but we talked to the auctioneer.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05He said he thinks it might struggle.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10We've got one telephone bidder. If we had two, the price would rocket.
0:17:10 > 0:17:16- But it's going to sell.- It'll be the golden egg, then. Good luck.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Assayed from London, 1796. Commission bid starts us at £200.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23(It's gone straight away.)
0:17:23 > 0:17:25220. 240. 250.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30260. 280. I'm out. £300 elsewhere in the room? £300?
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- On the telephone at 300.- (Come on, come on.)- At 300. 320?- (Yes.)
0:17:35 > 0:17:38At £300, then. We're selling.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- Happy?- Yes, I am. - What is £300 going to go towards?
0:17:43 > 0:17:48- I want to go to Egypt.- You're going to Egypt?- I've always wanted to.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- Wow.- This will help.- It will. It'll go some way towards it.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57- That was a good result.- Telephone bidder.- Telephone bidder.- Yes.
0:17:57 > 0:18:04- He could have been pushed more. - Yes, but we can't stick our hands up. We can't "egg" him on.
0:18:08 > 0:18:15This is the moment I've been waiting for. The star of the show. Helena's horn beaker. I love it.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18I like 18th-century things.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23We'll witness your family history evaporating. You must feel sad.
0:18:23 > 0:18:29- I just hope it sells.- Moving on. No sentimentality. Move on.- Yes.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34OK, let's hope we can. Let's find out. It's going under the hammer.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Nice, early lot. Start me at £50?
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Any interest in the room at £50?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Surely that's no money. 30? 30 bid.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- Take 5. 35. 40.- (This is tragic.)
0:18:48 > 0:18:5160. 5. 70.
0:18:51 > 0:18:535. 80.
0:18:53 > 0:18:565. 90. And 5. 100.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59110. 120.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02At 110, then. 120.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06140. 150. 160. 170.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11- (Yes, we're there.)- 180? At 170. £170. Selling, if you're through.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15We just did it. £170, just over the reserve.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- I was hoping for a lot more, but we got it away. Pleased?- Yes.
0:19:20 > 0:19:27- What'll you put that towards?- Maybe a bit of modern art.- You don't like antiques. You're flogging it.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- What d'you fancy buying?- Sculpture, maybe. Something up and coming.
0:19:32 > 0:19:40- Up and coming? Pioneering?- Yes. - Progressive?- Yes.- Maybe a dissected cow preserved in formaldehyde.- No!
0:19:40 > 0:19:42No, no.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50We're in a room full of fine art, about to sell some art.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55It's Art Deco. A gorgeous brooch. Big money riding on it. 400-600.
0:19:55 > 0:20:01It's Meryl's. Diamonds are a girl's best friend. You're flogging them.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- Let's hope there's ladies here with chequebooks.- Willing to buy.- Yes.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- And we want top end.- Definitely. - We want 600, if not more.
0:20:11 > 0:20:18- Let's put pressure on Michael. Will it do more?- If someone bids more than the reserve, it'll sell.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- Safe answer.- There's not much jewellery here. Not many dealers.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28I'm hedging my bets. A good piece, the sort of stuff the market loves.
0:20:28 > 0:20:35- It's got the look.- It should make the high end, but let's not be over-cautious.- Right.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Good luck. Let's watch it sparkle.
0:20:37 > 0:20:43Lot 590, Art Deco 18-carat white gold brooch studded with diamonds.
0:20:43 > 0:20:49- Commission bid starts and ends at a low 150. I'll take 160.- Dreadful.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- 160. 170. 180. 190. - (Work it up.)
0:20:53 > 0:20:56The bid's at 190. 200. 220. 240.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- 260. 280.- (Climbing.)- 300.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02320. 340. 360?
0:21:02 > 0:21:05At 340 with me, then. 360 bid.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- Thank you. Take 380 now.- (Come on.)
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- 360.- (Like wading through treacle.)
0:21:11 > 0:21:17- Didn't get the top end.- No.- It got the very...- ..very bottom end.
0:21:17 > 0:21:24- Good grief. That was like pulling teeth.- It was.- I've had happier experiences at the dentist.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28But it's a brooch. Not many people want brooches.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- You could turn that into a pendant. - Anything.- Studded with diamonds.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- So not a sparkling result.- No. - But it's OK. We got it sold.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- Still a jewel in somebody's crown. - It is, it is.
0:21:49 > 0:21:55A great lot, the Worcester Cairo water-carriers, valued at 400-600.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Brought along by Derek. Who's with you?
0:21:59 > 0:22:05- My wife Anne.- They were yours?- Yes. - Why do you want to flog them?
0:22:05 > 0:22:10They've been in my family for 55 years, wrapped up in a box.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- You've not enjoyed looking at them? - No. I put them away.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17We had a chat to the auctioneer.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22He liked them, but he thought that the 350 reserve,
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- they might just struggle around and creep over it.- They should do that.
0:22:27 > 0:22:33£200 each for classic Worcester figures. There's a demand for them.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Philip knows his Worcester. You've got the right man.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Good luck. This is it.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45Cairo water-carriers. Commission bids allow me to start at £380.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48(Oh, we've sold them.)
0:22:48 > 0:22:50£400 in the room? 400 bid. 420.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53440. 460. 480.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56500. And 20. 540. 560?
0:22:56 > 0:23:01At 540 on the books. At 560? At 540, we're selling.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- £540. Happy?- Yes.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09Kind of middle estimate. A bit above. Very good estimate.
0:23:09 > 0:23:16- What is the money going to go towards?- Another car.- Another car. Put it towards another car.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- Great result.- You don't come to Sheffield to see Worcester.- No.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25That's it, you see - quality. It always sells.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38Most of us at home will have an old carving knife like this one
0:23:38 > 0:23:40with the Sheffield mark on it.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44Have a look after the show. I bet there's hundreds.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48Knives have been made in Sheffield since 1297.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53They've been made with bronze, iron, steel, stainless steel,
0:23:53 > 0:23:56silver and even plastic.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01By 1624, most of the cutlers that made or sold cutting instruments
0:24:01 > 0:24:07belonged to a company of cutlers, and this body wielded tremendous power locally.
0:24:07 > 0:24:13This is the Cutlers' Hall, built in 1832 to house the Company of Cutlers,
0:24:13 > 0:24:20an umbrella organisation designed to protect the interests of Sheffield knife-makers.
0:24:20 > 0:24:27In the early years it had to fight London rivals who tried to restrict the sale of Sheffield goods.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32The old North-South divide goes back a long way.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36We use "cutlery" to describe knives, forks and spoons.
0:24:36 > 0:24:42Actually, "cutlery" only refers to implements that cut, such as a knife or scissors.
0:24:42 > 0:24:48However, spoons and forks are correctly known as "flatware".
0:24:48 > 0:24:54And something else. If you owned a silver spoon in the 17th and 18th century,
0:24:54 > 0:24:59you kept it in your pocket. When out for dinner, you'd use it.
0:24:59 > 0:25:06You wouldn't need to bring your own spoon to the grand cutlers' feast, held in the great banqueting hall.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10It's a big event, attended by important people.
0:25:10 > 0:25:16As this implies, the Master Cutler in Sheffield is an important man.
0:25:16 > 0:25:23Someone who knows all about the past masters is Joan Unwin, the archivist here.
0:25:24 > 0:25:30- Tell me a little bit about all the ledgers you've got here. - This is our oldest mark book.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33This dates from 1614.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38It's got a list of the freemen, the date,
0:25:38 > 0:25:45and the mark that he used to stamp on his knife blades to identify that he had made them.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49By the 19th century, the marks are much more complicated.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54They're trying to tell the customer that it's warranted steel,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57it's quality, et cetera.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02Early ones, all they wanted to do was to identify who had made it.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07It was for the company. They didn't mind what the customer thought.
0:26:07 > 0:26:13It was so the company could identify who had made them and if they'd made rubbish stuff.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18How did they manage to pay for such wonderful surroundings?
0:26:18 > 0:26:22The apprentices, when they were indentured, had to pay a fee.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27When they'd finished and they wanted to be a freeman, they had to pay.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31Freemen had to register a mark and pay a mark rent.
0:26:31 > 0:26:36It also came from fines that people paid if they broke the rules.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- That's where money came from. - Strict.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44One of the points about identifying every knife made in Sheffield
0:26:44 > 0:26:49is that if people cheated by not using steel, they'd be found out.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55There was a chap called Sanderson whose knives were publicly smashed
0:26:55 > 0:26:59in the street on an anvil with a hammer.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02The knife police are out. Beware.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- Let's...- Don't mess with us.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11- It's fitting you're the archivist. There's a personal connection.- Yes.
0:27:11 > 0:27:17Sheffield was almost a one-horse town. Everybody had some connection with the Cutlers.
0:27:17 > 0:27:23Because we've got these records, a lot of people do their family tree
0:27:23 > 0:27:31and get in touch and say, "My great-grandfather was in the cutlery trade. Can you tell me about them?"
0:27:31 > 0:27:39Lo and behold, my seven times grandfather is here. Joseph Leadbeater. That was my maiden name.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43He was a filesmith, and there he is in 1766.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46He registered his mark
0:27:46 > 0:27:51of a little crown kind of thing above the word "Peru".
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- Why did he choose that? - Absolutely no idea.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Sometimes even the records cannot provide all the answers.
0:28:01 > 0:28:08Sheffield marks stayed with the cutler for life. In London they could be bought and sold.
0:28:08 > 0:28:15It's not just the records that are housed here. They've a fascinating collection of early knives.
0:28:17 > 0:28:23They were found in the river Thames, on the foreshore of the Thames.
0:28:23 > 0:28:30- The mud would have preserved them. - Exactly. This one has a mark that we can date to 1614.
0:28:30 > 0:28:35- That's incredible.- This one here... - That is absolutely incredible.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38This was made by Joseph Topcliffe,
0:28:38 > 0:28:43and we've got his mark in the book just here.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48- I can understand these surviving, but this as well.- It's wonderful.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- Touches your soul, thinking about it.- Yes.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56Inns would have been on the Thames, pubs and taverns.
0:28:56 > 0:29:03These would have been chucked in the river. The mud has helped preserve them. Look at that.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07Sheffield was a natural centre for knife-making.
0:29:07 > 0:29:14It had an established workforce used to working in iron, and fast rivers to drive the water-wheels.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Sandstone was used for grinding wheels.
0:29:18 > 0:29:26The peak came in the late 19th century. Sheffield overtook London in terms of quality and quantity.
0:29:29 > 0:29:35- It was the centre, as far as we are, centre of the world.- Definitely so.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40Sheffield's aspirations were apparent even from the 1630s.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43A painting of the company motto.
0:29:43 > 0:29:50The crossed swords represent the cutlery. The elephant's head symbolised
0:29:50 > 0:29:55the ivory used for the knife handles. I just love this.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00Looking at it, it's obvious the artist had never seen an elephant.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05He's working on somebody's description. Imagine it.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08"It's huge. It's got a big trunk,
0:30:08 > 0:30:12"tusks and big ears." He's done a good job.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17The motto is Mediaeval French. It roughly translates to mean,
0:30:17 > 0:30:21"To succeed through honest endeavour."
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Let's hope our experts succeed at valuation day,
0:30:25 > 0:30:30and hope that their items cut the mustard.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46- Maureen, have you come far?- No, three or four miles.- This is nice.
0:30:46 > 0:30:51- How long have you owned that? - My father-in-law gave it to me.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- Tell me what it is.- Pen-knife. - It's not.- No?- No.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59It's a fruit-knife. It's mother-of-pearl.
0:30:59 > 0:31:06The blade is hallmarked silver. You can see the marks for Sheffield, which is the crown,
0:31:06 > 0:31:09and then the date code for 1904.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11Silver blade. A fruit knife.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14As I say, mother-of-pearl here.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18A little shield device to have initials engraved.
0:31:18 > 0:31:25These are collectable. You can get fruit-knives in all sorts of sizes. Some this size.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30This is quite a small one. You can get smaller. All very collectable.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33What about that one, then?
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Lord above!
0:31:35 > 0:31:38That is minute, isn't it?
0:31:38 > 0:31:43Let's have a look. Looks like the handle is mother-of-pearl again.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Bit of damage. Blade's not silver.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51Technically, this probably is a pocket knife. Small pocket.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- Where did this come from? - From my father-in-law.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00- Both from the same source?- Yes. - Both from father-in-law.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- Where did you keep these? - On my charm bracelet.
0:32:04 > 0:32:10- Why do you want to sell?- Well, it's been in my jewel box, doing nothing.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- Not gonna make a fortune.- No.
0:32:13 > 0:32:18Auction value, I think they are collectable. Estimate of £30-£50.
0:32:18 > 0:32:24We can put a reserve on of £25, with a little bit of discretion.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28- I think they'll sell.- Yes. - Pleased with that?- Yes, fine.
0:32:28 > 0:32:36- What'll you put on your charm bracelet?- I don't use it any more. I've got a gold one now.- Ooooh!
0:32:41 > 0:32:45Paul, Chris, where does this lovely bit of silver come from?
0:32:45 > 0:32:49It belonged to my mother. She left it to Chris.
0:32:49 > 0:32:55She left it to me because we looked after her before she died.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57She left me a few bits and pieces.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02- Any idea what it is?- I understand it's a sugar bowl, or urn.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07- Spot on.- Mum kept sweets in it. - That's fair enough.
0:33:07 > 0:33:13They did reproductions of these in the Edwardian period for sweets.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- Ah.- So your mother was spot on.
0:33:15 > 0:33:21It would've had a blue glass liner so the sugar wouldn't fall out.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26But it wasn't sugar as we know it. It wasn't so highly refined.
0:33:26 > 0:33:32You needed much more of it. It's not that they had very sweet teeth.
0:33:32 > 0:33:39We've got a full set of hallmarks for London, 1781, and the maker is John Schofield.
0:33:39 > 0:33:46A good maker. He tended to make candlesticks and salvers. This is a departure for him, for a client.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50It's typical of the period of design.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55You've got intricate, classical piercing. A scroll.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- Urns.- Yes, I spotted the urns.
0:33:58 > 0:34:04Beautifully done. We have a place for the owner's crest or initials
0:34:04 > 0:34:06when you bought it.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10There is a slight problem with it.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Have either of you misused it on any occasion?
0:34:14 > 0:34:18No, we haven't. Not us. Not guilty.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20A bit of damage around the foot.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24It wouldn't normally matter that much,
0:34:24 > 0:34:30but you have the same piercing on the foot as on the body. It split.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35- Can it be rectified?- It can be done by a silversmith. It's not cheap.
0:34:35 > 0:34:41It'll affect the value. Not having the liner doesn't affect it much.
0:34:41 > 0:34:47They make replacements which you can get. Any idea what it's worth?
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- Not really, no.- No.- We're hoping.
0:34:52 > 0:34:58I think we could pop that into auction at £80-£120. If you're happy with a reserve of £80,
0:34:58 > 0:35:03we'll pop that into the sale. Fingers crossed, it'll do more.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07I shouldn't tell you, but it someone hadn't banged it,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10it'd be worth, easily, £300.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14The true price is probably somewhere in between.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- We'll start it off at that and, hopefully, get a result.- Right.
0:35:19 > 0:35:25- What do you think?- Yes. - Go for it?- We might as well. It's been in the attic.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- Up there.- That's no place for it.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38- Jean, you've brought a lovely oil painting on panel.- Right.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Most oil paintings are on canvas. This is on artist's board.
0:35:42 > 0:35:47It's signed "James Watson". It's an original.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- How did you come by it? - I bought it from an art gallery
0:35:51 > 0:35:55in Whitby about 20 years ago. I paid £120 for it.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58It was a view of Runswick Bay,
0:35:58 > 0:36:02painted about 1890 by James Watson.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06I'm going to be really truthful. I saw this earlier.
0:36:06 > 0:36:11- I took the opportunity of looking this chap up in the books.- Right.
0:36:11 > 0:36:18- It's a price guide of paintings that were sold at auction in the last 12 months.- Uh-huh.
0:36:18 > 0:36:24This James Watson, there were three examples of his sold by auction
0:36:24 > 0:36:26of the Runswick Bay area.
0:36:26 > 0:36:34Now, it says here there was a view of Runswick Bay, 9 inches by 12 inches, painted on board.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- Made £740.- Wow.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42Another one, Lady Palmer's cottage, Runswick Bay, view from her garden.
0:36:42 > 0:36:4511 inches by 18 inches. That was a pair.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- Right.- That made £850.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Another one made £1,050.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56A fisherman. It's important to remember that had figures in it.
0:36:56 > 0:37:03- A painting with figures is normally worth more than a painting by the same artist without figures.- Right.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08If you want to value something, the only way to do it is by comparison.
0:37:08 > 0:37:15- In terms of valuation, I told you what I thought it was worth, guessing.- 150, yes.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19I think, based upon the reference books,
0:37:19 > 0:37:22we can put an estimate of £400-£600
0:37:22 > 0:37:27- on the painting, with a fixed reserve on it of £300.- Fine.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32We'll put a photograph of it on the internet and in the catalogue.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36So, all in all, a really sweet little picture.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- I like it, too. - You bought this 20 years ago?
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- Maybe 25. Certainly in the 1980s. - Why did you buy it?- I liked it.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50- You liked it. And now you don't? - I still like it.- Why is it going?
0:37:50 > 0:37:54The children have grown up and left home.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58I've got a big house. I'm downsizing, basically.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03- So it's got to go? - With a few other things as well.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08If it makes, I don't know, £500, what will that go towards?
0:38:08 > 0:38:13Put it towards a car. I haven't got a car. I fancy a little car.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18- Get yourself a car. I hope it does well.- Thank you.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27We're in Sheffield, home of the steel industry.
0:38:27 > 0:38:32We're surrounded by the material. I've a superb example to show you.
0:38:32 > 0:38:40A set of seven boxed cut-throat razors. These would have been owned by a military officer or a barber.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42If I take one out, you can see.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Sheffield steel. Quality.
0:38:45 > 0:38:52With an ivory handle. These ones have all been inscribed with a day of the week on them.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57Monday, Tuesday, et cetera. I think they're superb.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01Value, £40-£60. Guaranteed to give you a clean shave every day.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Bill, where did these lovely spoons come from?
0:39:10 > 0:39:17- From Doncaster racecourse. They used to hold flea-markets there back in the '60s.- Right.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20I spotted these and couldn't resist.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25- What drew you to the spoons? - The engraving in the bowls.
0:39:25 > 0:39:33Having been an engraver, I just couldn't understand how they managed to engrave them so nicely.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- You thought, "I must have those." - Yes.- What do you know about them?
0:39:37 > 0:39:42I know that Atkin Brothers are the people that are stamped up,
0:39:42 > 0:39:45but I'm not certain of the year.
0:39:45 > 0:39:51If you knew everything, there'd be nothing for me to say! Let's look at the marks.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55The "HA" maker's mark, for the Atkin Brothers.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58We've got the crown, for Sheffield.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02We're in Sheffield today. And the date letter "X" for 1890.
0:40:02 > 0:40:09It's fantastic that these spoons have survived in such wonderful condition for 115 years.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14Absolutely amazing. So, how much were they back in the '60s?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17At the time, I paid £55 for them.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20I think you won't do badly on £55,
0:40:20 > 0:40:26although silver was very buoyant in the '60s and you paid a fair price.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30- Yes.- But still, I think you'll show a return on them.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Why are you getting rid of them?
0:40:33 > 0:40:36They've stopped in the box all this time,
0:40:36 > 0:40:43- and that's why they're in this condition. They ought to be on show.- They're immaculate.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- Yes, definitely.- I think we can put these into auction.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52Because they are so supremely engraved, in wonderful condition,
0:40:52 > 0:40:55they're going to make £100-£150.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00- If we set the reserve at 100, would you be happy?- Yes.- Right.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03We'll auction them. Bidders will clamour for them.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06What will the money go to?
0:41:06 > 0:41:11I'm going away on holiday in May over to Tenerife for a week or two.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15- It'll be beer money for that. - Beer money.
0:41:15 > 0:41:20- If they do well, a barrel of beer. - Good.- Thanks for bringing them in.
0:41:25 > 0:41:31Michael, you're our silver expert. You found some Sheffield silver.
0:41:31 > 0:41:37- I'm chuffed.- What have you got? - A rarity that someone brought in. They don't want to sell it.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41This is one of only about 30-35 spoons
0:41:41 > 0:41:45that were made in Sheffield in 1785. Have a look.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- I don't blame them for not selling it.- It's fantastic.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54Made by William Derby. He only produced a handful of these
0:41:54 > 0:41:59by a mechanical method, and then he went bankrupt.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03Mechanical spoons weren't produced again for another 60 years.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06It's a spoon collector's delight.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09What would a spoon collector pay?
0:42:09 > 0:42:12£500 upwards for a spoon like that.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17£500! On that note, I'm gonna find out why Sheffield silver is rare.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- Can I keep this?- Absolutely not.
0:42:21 > 0:42:28Silver was fashioned into objects for adornment and use centuries before the birth of Christ.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33It's rarely mined, but is extracted from lead, copper and other ores.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38The possession of silver was an indicator of real wealth,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41regarded as a great investment.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48I've come back to Cutlers' Hall in Sheffield
0:42:48 > 0:42:55to talk to archivist Dr Joan Unwin, who's going to show me some Sheffield silver.
0:43:02 > 0:43:08Sheffield, for the dealer, everybody knows candlesticks from Sheffield are the best.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11What is special about Sheffield silver?
0:43:11 > 0:43:17Sheffield has made Sheffield silver. As a Sheffielder, I'm proud of it.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21I think the difference between Sheffield and elsewhere
0:43:21 > 0:43:26is that Birmingham specialised in toys and trinket boxes.
0:43:26 > 0:43:32London did top quality stuff, but Sheffield's noted for candlesticks.
0:43:32 > 0:43:37This pair, they are alluring. Collectors would love to own those.
0:43:37 > 0:43:42These aren't actually a pair, even though they look very similar.
0:43:42 > 0:43:46One is silver, one is Sheffield plate.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49This one has a tinge of red to it.
0:43:49 > 0:43:53It's showing the copper through the silver coating.
0:43:53 > 0:43:57- That's the Sheffield plate - silver and copper.- That's right.
0:43:57 > 0:44:02In the 1740s, Thomas Bolsover in Sheffield developed an idea
0:44:02 > 0:44:07where you had an ingot of copper and you rolled on a sheet of silver.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11Put it through a roller, treat it as one piece of metal.
0:44:11 > 0:44:18- You could shape it. You could form it into anything. - Basically, fuse together.- Exactly.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21Sheffield plate is collectable
0:44:21 > 0:44:26because it's quite rare and it was only made for 100 years.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30After 1840, the electroplating process took over.
0:44:30 > 0:44:37The earliest piece of silver belonging to the Cutlers' Company is this goblet from 1773.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40That year, the Sheffield Assay Office came into being.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45And over the top, or what? A table centrepiece, or epergne.
0:44:45 > 0:44:51It was made by local silversmiths for the Master Cutler in 1853.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55Well, it's not my cup of tea. Whose is the mace?
0:44:55 > 0:44:58The mace was made in 1896.
0:44:58 > 0:45:03- For who?- For the Master Cutler. Well, the Beadle carries it.
0:45:03 > 0:45:08The Beadle's an official part of the company. He is master of ceremonies.
0:45:08 > 0:45:15When the Master Cutler goes to functions, the mace is carried in front of him by the Beadle.
0:45:15 > 0:45:20- You've got contemporary pieces. - Sheffield has a long tradition,
0:45:20 > 0:45:25but it's also working to promote modern pieces.
0:45:25 > 0:45:31This dish was made to commemorate 200 years of the Sheffield Assay Office.
0:45:31 > 0:45:33It's made with 200 strips of silver.
0:45:33 > 0:45:38- Each year has been marked. - Each year is marked round.
0:45:38 > 0:45:43- It's gorgeous.- Contemporary. It's what you'd see in a modern house.
0:45:43 > 0:45:49It's so understated that people don't appreciate how skilful making it was.
0:45:49 > 0:45:55- What about this? - This is my favourite piece, the rose ball made by Brett Payne.
0:45:55 > 0:46:01His idea was that with a rose bowl with the wire mesh to hold roses in,
0:46:01 > 0:46:04without roses they don't look good.
0:46:04 > 0:46:09This is designed to look good even when it's got no roses in it.
0:46:09 > 0:46:14Because it's a ball shape, it's a rose ball.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- It's just stunning. - That is a work of art.
0:46:23 > 0:46:28These are segments from that very rose ball, and they are gorgeous.
0:46:28 > 0:46:34I'm talking to Brett Payne, a leading silversmith and the designer of this piece.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38- You've got some documents to show us.- Yes.
0:46:38 > 0:46:43This was the computer generation of the rose ball before it was made.
0:46:43 > 0:46:48And this is an image of an individual unit.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- They're like little propellers. - Yes.
0:46:51 > 0:46:57There are 180 of them in the rose ball. There are 250 parts overall.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01This is a scale of 1:1. Life size.
0:47:01 > 0:47:06I realised about five days before the piece was due to be presented
0:47:06 > 0:47:08that I'd got the geometry wrong.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12- It wasn't going to go together. - At least you realised it.
0:47:12 > 0:47:19- Up against it. What happened? - I phoned a friend who's a better mathematician than I was.
0:47:19 > 0:47:25- He brought this. We realised we could rectify the situation. - It's good to know.
0:47:25 > 0:47:30Contemporary art is still living on a knife-edge. Adds excitement.
0:47:34 > 0:47:40Just as Sheffield knife-makers keep their marks for life, so do silversmiths.
0:47:40 > 0:47:45You've got your own hallmark next to these assay marks. "BP".
0:47:45 > 0:47:49My hallmark is "BP", my initials,
0:47:49 > 0:47:54in a circle. I am the only "BP" in a circle registered in the office.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57The only one that ever will be.
0:47:57 > 0:48:02Any pieces with a circle and "BP" from Sheffield were made by me.
0:48:08 > 0:48:14We promised you silver. Sheffield has lived up to our expectations.
0:48:14 > 0:48:19Michael thinks Paul and Chris's silver basket should make £80
0:48:19 > 0:48:21despite no lining and some damage.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25Maureen's little knives are neglected at home.
0:48:25 > 0:48:30Philip hopes for a cut of £30-£50.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33Michael loves the dessert spoons.
0:48:33 > 0:48:38Bought at Doncaster racecourse, they should gallop off with £100.
0:48:38 > 0:48:45Hoping to change a painting into a car, Jean and Philip are hoping Runswick Bay will make a splash.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49But what does our auctioneer think?
0:48:51 > 0:48:57Here's a cracking lot. As you know, a Georgian silver sugar basket.
0:48:57 > 0:49:02Late 18th century. It has the foot smashed in. Someone was fed up.
0:49:02 > 0:49:06Michael Baggott knows his silver. He's put 80-120 on this.
0:49:06 > 0:49:11It's an auctioneer's cliche, but I think he's about right.
0:49:11 > 0:49:17- It's by John Schofield. It's nice, but the damage will affect it.- Yes.
0:49:17 > 0:49:22Difficult... Right on the cusp of the piercing. Difficult to repair.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25But I think it will sell, just.
0:49:25 > 0:49:30Maybe just away. Pretty thing, but the damage will let it down.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33Sort of thing you'd have at home?
0:49:33 > 0:49:36- I could live with it. - That's what we want. Enthusiasm(!)
0:49:36 > 0:49:41- Your son's got to flog it later. - It'll be away.
0:49:47 > 0:49:52It's quality today. We've got something with local interest.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55Sheffield silver dessert spoons.
0:49:55 > 0:50:00- Bill's the owner. Bill to his friends.- Bill.- William on Flog It.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04- We're looking at £100-£150. Hopefully, top end.- Wonderful.
0:50:04 > 0:50:11- Why are you flogging these?- I've had them for a long time. I think it's time somebody else had them.
0:50:11 > 0:50:16- They're works of art, I think. - They ARE works of art. OK.
0:50:16 > 0:50:21If someone's born with a silver spoon in their mouth, it's Michael.
0:50:21 > 0:50:28- Silver spoons. If I get it wrong, I'll be whipped through the street. - You'll be given the wooden spoon.
0:50:28 > 0:50:33But the condition of these will sell them. They're immaculate.
0:50:33 > 0:50:41- If any set's going to go, it's these.- There's a holiday riding on this. Let's see. Good luck.
0:50:41 > 0:50:46Silver dessert spoons with gilded bowls, engraved with decoration.
0:50:46 > 0:50:50Commission bids start me at £50. Take 5 in the room.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52£55, let's see. The bid's at 50.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55- (Come on.)- 55. 60. 5.
0:50:55 > 0:50:5970. 5? 75, let's see. The bid's at 70.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02- Take 5.- (Oh, struggling. - Can't believe it.)
0:51:02 > 0:51:08Can't believe this. I don't believe that. I just do not believe that.
0:51:08 > 0:51:13- No.- If you can't sell them here, you can't sell them anywhere.
0:51:13 > 0:51:20- We're near Sheffield.- Yes.- Perhaps there's a glut of dessert spoons in Sheffield.- They've all got them.
0:51:20 > 0:51:25- I get a wooden spoon.- You don't. I'm with you on that one.
0:51:25 > 0:51:30- I'm really sorry. That's auctions. - They'll get appreciated at home.
0:51:30 > 0:51:35- I like them.- Good. You were sensible to protect them with a reserve.
0:51:35 > 0:51:40- Yes.- There's another day and another auction if you want to sell.- Yes.
0:51:40 > 0:51:45- If necessary.- OK. You win some, you lose some. That's auctions.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47You don't know until you get here.
0:51:47 > 0:51:52Oh, dear! Poor Bill. Now for Maureen. Fingers crossed.
0:51:52 > 0:51:57I've been joined by Maureen. We're about to sell some fruit knives.
0:51:57 > 0:52:02£30-£50. Not a lot of money. But they're quality Sheffield silver.
0:52:02 > 0:52:07- You were given these as a courting present.- By my father-in-law.
0:52:07 > 0:52:12- Major memories. Why flog them? - I've got no use for them now.
0:52:12 > 0:52:16No use for them. Are we gonna do it, Philip?
0:52:16 > 0:52:23- The little one is a poppet. That should be worth £15-£20 on its own. I'm confident.- A reserve of £25.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27- I think we're going to do it. What do you think?- Hope so.- Right.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31Start me at £20. £20? 10 if you like.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34(Phone's ringing. A phone bid.)
0:52:34 > 0:52:3615. 20. 25. 30.
0:52:36 > 0:52:395. 40. 5?
0:52:39 > 0:52:43At £40. The bid's at £40. Selling.
0:52:43 > 0:52:49Spot on, Philip. £40. All those courting memories have ebbed away.
0:52:49 > 0:52:54- Haven't they?- No, not really. - You can never lose those.- No.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58- I couldn't have sold those. I couldn't.- Nor could I.
0:52:58 > 0:53:01They're just worth hanging on to.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10Can you remember that silver sugar bowl? We're about to flog it.
0:53:10 > 0:53:15Brought in by Paul and Chris. We're looking at £80-£120.
0:53:15 > 0:53:20We talked to the auctioneer. Michael put the valuation on it.
0:53:20 > 0:53:25- You were spot on.- What a relief.- In fact, we think it could do higher.
0:53:25 > 0:53:31There's damage to the foot. Someone stamped it on a table. It's great.
0:53:31 > 0:53:36- This was your mum's.- Yes.- Why are you flogging your mum's stuff?
0:53:36 > 0:53:40- You'd better ask Chris. - She left it to me.
0:53:40 > 0:53:45- We looked after her. She left a few pieces to me.- Other things to keep.
0:53:45 > 0:53:50- A few things.- It's pretty. I'd like to own it. Not allowed to buy it.
0:53:50 > 0:53:55- I'm sure Michael's in love with it. - I am. Bit of damage. Be cautious.
0:53:55 > 0:54:00Auctioneer loves it. The estimate in the catalogue is £800-£1,000.
0:54:00 > 0:54:05- That's a typing error.- Definitely. - If it did that, I'd be very happy.
0:54:05 > 0:54:10- I'm sure it'll sell.- That'd be sweet success. This is it.
0:54:10 > 0:54:16A Georgian silver sugar basket by John Schofield. London, 1781.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19Commission bids start us at £80.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22Take 90 in the room. 90, let's see.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25The bid's 80. Any further interest?
0:54:25 > 0:54:28(Come on, we've made estimate.)
0:54:28 > 0:54:3190. 100. 110. 120. 130. 140.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34150. 160. 170?
0:54:34 > 0:54:36At 160 on the books.
0:54:36 > 0:54:40170, will you? 170. 5. 180.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43I'm out. Take 185. The bid's £180.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45At 180, and selling.
0:54:45 > 0:54:51- £180. We did it. We got a bit more, Michael.- Yes, well done.
0:54:51 > 0:54:56- Happy, happy, happy. Going to spend it on what?- It's my birthday today.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58- Oh, happy birthday.- Thank you.
0:54:58 > 0:55:03I've got an eye on golf clubs, but it wouldn't run to golf clubs.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06- Perhaps a new golf bag.- Fair enough.
0:55:06 > 0:55:13- A great result.- It was, in that state. Someone must think they can put it right and make a few pounds.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16- There's profit in it.- Fantastic.
0:55:19 > 0:55:25This is a wonderful fine art and antique auction. We've got art.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29A great oil on board by James Watson, brought in by Jean.
0:55:29 > 0:55:33- Big money riding on this. £400-£600.- Right.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36- You brought this off the wall.- Yes.
0:55:36 > 0:55:41- You obviously like it.- Yes, I've had it 20 years. Got it from Whitby.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44From John Freeman gallery.
0:55:44 > 0:55:49- Enjoyed looking at it.- Yes, I have. - Why have you got fed up with it?
0:55:49 > 0:55:54I'm not fed up with it. The children have gone. I need a smaller house.
0:55:54 > 0:55:58- It's got to go.- The money's gonna come in handy.
0:55:58 > 0:56:02- Especially top end.- Hopefully. - Will we do it, Philip?
0:56:02 > 0:56:06- As they say in the trade, it's a lovely smudger.- Yes.
0:56:06 > 0:56:11But the catalogue hasn't got down that it's Runswick Bay.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14An illustration would have helped.
0:56:14 > 0:56:20People searching the internet would have picked up an illustration and where it is.
0:56:20 > 0:56:25- That might have helped us achieve our goal.- Sounding a bit dodgy now.
0:56:25 > 0:56:30- Who knows?- Fingers crossed. Let's hope the buyers are here.
0:56:30 > 0:56:34- Don't worry if it doesn't sell. My daughter wants it.- Does she?
0:56:34 > 0:56:38- Will she give you £400-£600 for it? - No.
0:56:38 > 0:56:43Let's hope the bidders are here. Good luck. This is it.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46Gilt-framed oil on board.
0:56:46 > 0:56:49Start me at £200 for it? £200?
0:56:49 > 0:56:53- £100? 100.- (Where are the bidders?)
0:56:53 > 0:56:57120, let's see. Bid's at 120. 140. 160. 180.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00- 200. And 20.- (It's moving.)
0:57:00 > 0:57:03240, let's see. At 220. 240. 260.
0:57:03 > 0:57:05280. 300. 320. 340.
0:57:05 > 0:57:11- 360. 380. 400.- (Good stuff.) - 420. 440. 460.- (They like it.)
0:57:11 > 0:57:13480. 500. And 50.
0:57:13 > 0:57:18- (We like it.- That's good. - Like it a lot.)
0:57:18 > 0:57:20Bid's at 650. Looking for 700.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23On the phone? At 650, then.
0:57:23 > 0:57:26£650. 700. 750? At £700, then.
0:57:26 > 0:57:28(Made its money.)
0:57:28 > 0:57:31At £700, I'm selling it.
0:57:31 > 0:57:36- We'll take it. £700. Great result. - Amazing, yes. Fantastic.
0:57:36 > 0:57:40- That'll go towards the moving. - It will, it will.
0:57:40 > 0:57:47- Your daughter's missed out. - Unfortunately, but...- That's life. - There's another one she can have.
0:57:47 > 0:57:54- A super result.- They did well. I'm pleased for the auctioneers and pleased for us.
0:57:54 > 0:57:59Your doubts evaporated. Didn't need the catalogue. Buyers were here.
0:58:04 > 0:58:11The auction's still going on, but it's over for our owners. Another roller-coaster ride on Flog It.
0:58:11 > 0:58:16Who'd have thought Sheffield silver wouldn't sell? The painting flew.
0:58:16 > 0:58:23If you've got antiques and collectables that you want to flog, bring them to our valuation day.
0:58:23 > 0:58:26See you next time on Flog It.