0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today, Flog It is on the English Riviera,
0:00:05 > 0:00:10a place of choice for Victorian royalty and the well-heeled.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14It has a real continental feel to give St Tropez a run for its money.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Welcome to Torquay and Flog It!
0:00:54 > 0:00:59Tourists have come to the English Riviera since the 18th century,
0:00:59 > 0:01:06partly inspired by King George III who was apparently cured of mental illness by a dip in the sea.
0:01:06 > 0:01:12This inspired rich and important landowners to follow suit for the good of their health.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Torquay impressed everyone.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18One early visitor wrote in 1794,
0:01:18 > 0:01:25"How great our surprise at seeing a pretty range of new buildings fitted up for summer visitors
0:01:25 > 0:01:32"who may have enjoyed carriage rides, bathing, retirement and a most romantic situation."
0:01:35 > 0:01:39We're at the Palace Hotel in Torquay
0:01:39 > 0:01:43which has been welcoming holidaymakers since 1921,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47but today the crowds are here for something completely different.
0:01:47 > 0:01:53They'll get their antiques valued by Michael Baggott and Mark Stacey.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02If our owners like the valuations and they want to flog their item,
0:02:02 > 0:02:07we whisk them down the south coast where they go up for auction.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- Not sold.- Oh, dear.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- Could've been a bit more for Mary. - He was decapitated.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- Yes!- Good.- Michael was spot-on.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26There's no shortage of interesting looking bags and boxes
0:02:26 > 0:02:32and Mark's already spotted a rather stern-looking gentleman.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- Good morning, Margaret. - Good morning.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38I love this plaque you've brought.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43He looks as if he's flushed with success and I hope we will be.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47- Do you know anything about it? - Nothing at all.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- Where did it come from?- An elderly gentleman gave me it 40 years ago.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56He said it belonged to his father, so I imagined it was old.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Where has it been in your house?
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- It was on the wall, but I didn't like the look of it.- Quite scary.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08A bit scary. So, it's been wrapped up in a cupboard.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12Did this elderly gentleman have a Scottish connection?
0:03:12 > 0:03:16I wouldn't know. I don't know about that.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It might have started life in Scotland.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23It's got the look of the Portobello factory,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25the painted decoration on the side.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29He's a religious looking character, almost Wesley,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32but I don't think it is Wesley.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37There's no mark on the back to give us an indication of the factory,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41but this wonderful creamy texture to the pottery
0:03:41 > 0:03:45and this bluish tinge tells us that it's pearlware.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- Yes.- And pearlware was made in Staffordshire, the northeast,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52as well as in Scotland.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- Have you ever thought of the date of it?- No, I've no idea.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01I think this was probably made around 1810, 1820.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06It's getting on for 200 years old which isn't bad.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10We have a small chip there, but it doesn't make a huge difference.
0:04:10 > 0:04:16I've got more damage on me and I'm nowhere near 200 years old!
0:04:16 > 0:04:21The value might surprise you too, because though it's not attractive,
0:04:21 > 0:04:25there are a lot of collectors for early pottery.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30I would put a value on it for auction of between £100 and £150.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Gosh!
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- By your reaction, I think you quite like that.- Yes.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38I wish I'd said 80 to 120 now.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43The reason I put that on it is I want to tempt the buyers in.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47It's going to a good auction room in Plympton
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and I think they'll pull in the collectors for it.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54I have a feeling it might even top our top estimate.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- Let's see how far we can reach with it.- Lovely.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07Sue, where did you get this curiously shaped object from?
0:05:07 > 0:05:11I inherited it from my aunt about 15 years ago.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Is it in pride of place at home?
0:05:13 > 0:05:17It's been by the fireplace for 15 years, I think,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20but I don't like cleaning it.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- Have you any idea what it might be? - It may be a Victorian hand-warmer.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- I'm not sure.- Oh, close, close.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32If we have a look at it and pop it open,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36we must be careful because the hinge is broken...
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- Do you know how that happened? - It's always been like that.
0:05:40 > 0:05:46We've got this brass pierced ball and this steel gimballing inside
0:05:46 > 0:05:48which is supporting a small heater.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51You would have a flame there,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55but it's not a hand-warmer, it's a carriage warmer.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01They would be carried in carriages and they would emit warmth from them.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06They were produced for a number of years. Any idea how old it may be?
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Well, a guess, Victorian?
0:06:09 > 0:06:13You could be forgiven for thinking it was Victorian
0:06:13 > 0:06:16cos they were made up until that time.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21They started to be made in the 17th century here and in Holland.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26They continued to be made through the 18th and early 19th centuries.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32It's hard to date them because they've always got this stylistic flaw engraving on them
0:06:32 > 0:06:36all the way around to let the heat out.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41But as it's such a nice quality one and the catch is very well made,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45I'll stick my neck out and say it's about 1780, 1800 in date.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48That's older than I thought.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53Whether it's English or Dutch, I don't know, but it doesn't matter.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Have you got any idea of its value?
0:06:56 > 0:07:01No, I've never thought about it very much. It's just always been there.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- In the fireplace?- Yes. - Did you do anything to it?
0:07:06 > 0:07:08It's a little bit bruised.
0:07:08 > 0:07:14As children, we'd roll it up and down the hall at my aunt's house.
0:07:14 > 0:07:20- Your aunt was happy about this? - I don't think she knew we were doing it.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24Condition-wise, it's fairly good, but it has got a few dents.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28At auction, it should do between £200 and £300.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32If we put a reserve of £200 on it, pop it into the sale
0:07:32 > 0:07:36and it does well, what are your plans for the money?
0:07:36 > 0:07:41I don't know. Probably treat my friends to something.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- So, they'll all be rooting for it? - Yes.- Thanks for bringing it in.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55There's 11,000 miles of coastline around the British Isles,
0:07:55 > 0:07:59so, on the south Devon coast, we had to see nautical memorabilia.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Tell me all about it, Jason.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04I don't really know a lot about it.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08All I know is that when we bought it from the auction,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11we overheard the auctioneer say
0:08:11 > 0:08:16that it was built in Chatham Dockyards in the 1800s.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- Yeah.- As an exhibition piece for the Golden Hind.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Other than that, nothing else?
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- I've no idea.- How long ago did you buy this in auction?
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- It was only months ago.- How much did you pay?- £14 with commission.
0:08:33 > 0:08:39- With the commission, it's £15.- You definitely got a bargain.- Thanks.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42It is a model of the Golden Hind.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47It's a late Victorian one, around about 1880, 1890.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50We call it a scratch-built model.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55It's a one-off and it's built of whatever materials are at hand,
0:08:55 > 0:08:59a mixture of woods cobbled together and painted.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03I expect this has had its last few years of its life
0:09:03 > 0:09:06in a theme pub or a restaurant.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10The more you look at it, the more you can see the detail,
0:09:10 > 0:09:14the rigging, the blocks, the gaffs, the cannons.
0:09:14 > 0:09:21Everything is right about it, apart from this door-knob finial from a piece of furniture.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- I did think that was a little bit strange.- It's a bit over the top.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31And there's rather a crude repair on the rudder, look.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36It's been done probably in the '50s or '60s with strips of rubber.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40The plinth isn't right for it, the base, unfortunately.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45That lets it down, but someone who buys that will sort it out.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49We'll get a good return on what you paid for this, £14.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51It's a hard one to pin down
0:09:51 > 0:09:54as it's scratch-built, a one-off.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59That will put the value up, but the condition will let it down.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02I think we're looking at a value
0:10:02 > 0:10:06of possibly £60 to £120,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09somewhere around there.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- I know it'll do the £60 mark. I'd like to say 80 to 120.- Yes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Hopefully, two people will fall in love with it.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22If you've only had it a few months, why do you want to move it on?
0:10:22 > 0:10:27I did get it for myself, the reason being if I did keep it myself,
0:10:27 > 0:10:33- I'd try my hand at sorting it out, but I'd ruin it.- You'd ruin it.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38Whoever buys this will leave it looking exactly as it is.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41If we got £80, what would you do?
0:10:41 > 0:10:46We're looking to save for a holiday at the moment, a family holiday.
0:10:46 > 0:10:52- It's lovely and let's hope it sails away at the auction room.- Thanks.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Debbie, you've brought this little fellow in to see us.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Where did he come from?
0:10:59 > 0:11:04I found him in my grandmother's loft 20 years ago after she passed away.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07He was wrapped in an old blanket.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11He's in fairly good condition for being wrapped up in the loft.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- Did you have him out on display? - I did for a couple of years,
0:11:16 > 0:11:21on the bedside cabinet, then I put him away again for safekeeping.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- He's lived most of his life in the dark?- Yes.- Poor teddy bear.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- Do you know anything about him?- No.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34I'll tell you a bit about him. He's in plush mohair.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38And a little bit worn around the belly.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40There's something in his belly.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44He's either been used for smuggling or he's got a growler.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49And even if I press it very hard, I can't get him to growl,
0:11:49 > 0:11:53so that's broken, but he's in fairly good condition.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56He's got a plastic, rubberised nose
0:11:56 > 0:11:59which I'm told dates him to the post-war period.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04So, he's probably 1945, 1955.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09I don't know if it was your grandmother's or your mother's.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14And he's your classic teddy bear and very collectible too.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19- So, have you got any idea of what he might be worth?- No idea at all.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24Even with the little bits of wear, he's worth between £40 and £60.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- Right.- Hopefully more than that.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32So, if we were to put him in, have you got any plans for the money?
0:12:32 > 0:12:40- My children would find a way of spending it.- So, your children would rather have the cash?- Probably.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44We'll put him into the auction and do our very best.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- Beryl, Derek, nice to see you. - Hello.- Hello.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57You've brought an interesting thing in.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Tell us the history of it.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04The history is we were in London. We had been down to one of our shows
0:13:04 > 0:13:09because we used to be in the nursery trade - cots, prams and baby things.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13And I thought I'd have something a little bit showy.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17I saw these lorgnettes and they were very nice,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- so we bought them in Portobello Road.- Really?
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- At a jeweller's and I used to use them.- I think we should have a look.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29If we look first at the handle,
0:13:29 > 0:13:33we've got this lovely turquoise blue enamel on here
0:13:33 > 0:13:37with this engine turning underneath it.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- As we turn it round, it gives that lovely rippling effect.- It does.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44And that technique is very French,
0:13:44 > 0:13:49so when we look for some marks, we'll find they're continental.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52French or Swiss.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55If we fiddle with that button, there you go.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00There's your glasses to look over. And if we have a look inside,
0:14:00 > 0:14:05we've got some continental marks, but also some import marks
0:14:05 > 0:14:10to show it was sufficient quality to be hallmarked in this country.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- That's interesting.- We're looking at the early part of the 20th century.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20Maybe 1910, 1920. They went up to the Art Deco period.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24The other thing I like is they're telescopic.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28That just gives you the chance to be more superior.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- You can go like that.- Absolutely.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36They're absolutely charming. You bought them about 35 years ago.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- What did you pay for them?- I think it was round about the £50 mark.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47That's not too bad, considering that you're buying them in London.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- £50 at the time was a lot of money. - It was, actually.- Yes.
0:14:52 > 0:14:59I think the estimate today should be about £120 to £150 on them.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- You've enjoyed them.- Yes. - They've gone up in value.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07And if we get a good price, what will you put the money towards?
0:15:07 > 0:15:12I'd like Beryl to have jewellery for her neck or diamond earrings.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- Is that a good idea, Beryl? - Yes. I have arthritis in my hands.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I can't wear rings any more.
0:15:20 > 0:15:26- So, maybe a nice bracelet or necklace or some nice earrings? - That would be very nice.
0:15:26 > 0:15:32- I hope a lot of people want a pair of lorgnettes. - Very becoming.- Thank you.
0:15:37 > 0:15:43We've had no shortage of quality items coming through the Flog It doors here today.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48Here's a quick reminder of what we're taking to the auction room.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56Will Margaret's pearlware plaque pass the £100 mark at the auction?
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Could Sue's carriage warmer heat up the bidders
0:16:00 > 0:16:03and make between £200 and £300?
0:16:03 > 0:16:09The model ship may have been caught in a storm, but will it sail away?
0:16:09 > 0:16:11If you go down to the woods today,
0:16:11 > 0:16:17you'll find a bear that's lost its growler, but is he a bargain?
0:16:17 > 0:16:21And here's looking at you through a pair of lorgnettes.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26At £120 to £150, the bidders could have double vision.
0:16:30 > 0:16:36The sale today comes from Plympton, a former trading centre for locally mined tin
0:16:36 > 0:16:41and the birthplace of renowned artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50It's auction preview day and as the public look at what's up for grabs,
0:16:50 > 0:16:56I'll corner auctioneer Anthony Eldred to see what he thinks of some of our experts' valuations.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Now, this is a real curio,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Sue's carriage warmer.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12If I open this up, you see it works on a gyroscope effect
0:17:12 > 0:17:17where it'll always find its own level. Isn't that unusual?
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- It's marvellous.- Michael Baggott has put £200 to £300 on this.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- We won't see another one for a long time.- I've not seen one.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Certainly not in this form. I've seen square ones.
0:17:30 > 0:17:36It's a fascinating object. £200 to £300 is probably what it's worth.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39It's not worth any more than that.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44I can see this doing the top end because it is so rare
0:17:44 > 0:17:49and it's a nice period thing. If you had £300, would you buy this?
0:17:49 > 0:17:53I wouldn't, but I see that a lot of collectors would.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57It's not a thing of beauty when it's closed like this,
0:17:57 > 0:18:01but when you open it, it becomes much more interesting.
0:18:01 > 0:18:07- It's like Pandora's box.- I would have it open like that.- Precisely.
0:18:08 > 0:18:14Anthony seems confident about the carriage warmer. What about the battered boat?
0:18:14 > 0:18:19Oh, my word, just look at Jason's model ship of the Golden Hind.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23I think it's sailed down from Torquay to Plymouth in a Force 9!
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Can't remember it looking like that at the valuation day.
0:18:27 > 0:18:33I put a valuation...of £80 to £120 on this. I put a reserve of 60.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37I'll stand by my reserve because I know it looks so tatty...
0:18:37 > 0:18:42It certainly doesn't look seaworthy enough for your original quote,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44but you may just get the £60.
0:18:44 > 0:18:50- I think it could fail.- I might have had rose-tinted spectacles on.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52But it's a restoration project,
0:18:52 > 0:18:57I want you to look enthusiastic, be very positive on my behalf
0:18:57 > 0:19:01and push it to the bidders as a good auctioneer can sell things.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04You're testing my talents.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09It does at first glance look like a bag of string and parchment.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I think Hurricane Charlie's done its worst.- Look deeper!
0:19:13 > 0:19:18It's got some deck detail and I will do my very best for you,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21but I'll have my work cut out.
0:19:25 > 0:19:31We'll see, but first to go under the hammer is Margaret's plaque.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- We need £100 to £150. You don't like it.- No.- I'm not keen on it.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- But I bet somebody out there will love it.- I hope so.- They will.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- Will we get the top end?- I like it.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- A nice piece of English pottery. - Would you have it on your wall?- No.
0:19:48 > 0:19:54Let's find out. The bidders of Devon will love this. Good luck.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57A pearlware, oval, portrait plaque.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00And I'm bid £60 for it.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04At £60. 65 anywhere? Against you all in the room at 60.
0:20:04 > 0:20:075, surely? All done at £60?
0:20:07 > 0:20:105. 70. 80. 90.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- £90. 100.- Yes.- We've got it.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16At 100. Are you all done at 100?
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Quite sure then...?
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- We just did it - £100. - Wonderful. Lovely.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- That was close.- Very close.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29I'm not an auctioneer, but you are.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35If you have enthusiasm in your lots, you can draw the bidders in.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39I'm sure a good auctioneer will sell something for a little more.
0:20:39 > 0:20:45- We're supposed to encourage and enthuse.- Of course you are.
0:20:45 > 0:20:51But if there isn't anybody bidding in the room, it is difficult to drum up that enthusiasm.
0:20:51 > 0:20:59- You cut it flat?- Sometimes it's better to say nobody will buy this, let's get on with the next sale.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- And you'll spend your £100 on what? - Pampering myself.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Sounds good!
0:21:05 > 0:21:11Great start. Let's hope the bidders aren't sitting on their hands now.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15If they need warming up, we've got Sue's carriage warmer,
0:21:15 > 0:21:20valued by Michael at £200 to £300. I think that's right on the money.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24I'd like to see the top end. I had a chat with the auctioneer.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- He didn't quite grasp it... - Oh, dear.- Wasn't keen on it,
0:21:29 > 0:21:34didn't know a lot about it, so he's gonna trust Michael's opinion here.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- I hope so.- Oh, dear. - It's all down to you, Michael!
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- I've found out it's based on an Islamic incense burner.- Right.
0:21:44 > 0:21:50They came into this country hundreds of years ago and were used as hand or carriage warmers.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55- But I think that little catch means it's European.- It sets it off.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Might be an Islamic style, but it's definitely Dutch.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03This is the 19th century, ball-shaped carriage warmer.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Got a gimbal-mounted burner inside.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09It starts at £100. 10 if you want?
0:22:09 > 0:22:11110. 120. 130. 140.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14150. 160.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19At 160 then. Against you all at £160...?
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- Quite sure at £160...? - Come on, come on.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Not sold.- Didn't do it.- Oh, dear.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Didn't do it.- Didn't sell it.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- I'm sorry. - I'll have to take it home again.
0:22:33 > 0:22:39Or put it into a specialist sale. This isn't quite the right room.
0:22:39 > 0:22:45Someone was interested at 150, 160, so we're fairly close. It's a pity we didn't get it away.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54This is the moment I've NOT been looking forward to.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Here is Jason who's a big bloke. I hope he's got a sense of humour.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- We'll find out. Do you want to know what the auctioneer said?- Yeah.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08It will struggle. I said it could be a restoration project at £60.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12He said it might struggle at 20 to 30.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- Hmm.- You're not gonna thump me, are you?
0:23:16 > 0:23:20And it's the carved wood model of the Golden Hind.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25It's had a rough trip, but is an excellent challenge to restore it.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29And I'm bid £30. Against you all at 30.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32At £30. 5 if you want it. At 30.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35At £30. 5. 40. 5. 50.
0:23:35 > 0:23:41- 5. 60 now. At £60... All done at 60 then?- We've done it.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Quite sure at £60? All done then? Last chance at £60...
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- He sold it.- Well done. - I'm so pleased I put a 60 reserve.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56On an 80 to 120, that was quite speculative.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I'll stick to furniture in future.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04- I was gonna walk the plank there, but we did it.- We did it.- Yes.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- And you only paid £14?- £14.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10In the right sale room you can make a profit.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19Mary cannot be with us. She has a hospital appointment.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24Let's hope she's on the mend, unlike Teddy who's lost his growl
0:24:24 > 0:24:29and his head fell off, but Michael has put £40 to £60 on this.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34- I think he's gonna do it.- I hope he BEARS up well in the auction!
0:24:34 > 0:24:38He's the only toy in the sale, so he might struggle a bit.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43His growl has gone and he's a bit tired, but he's charming.
0:24:43 > 0:24:49And he does have the look. Let's find out what the bidders of Plympton think of Teddy!
0:24:49 > 0:24:51It's a post-war teddy bear.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Little bit tired, but he looks quite good fun.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58I'm bid £40. 2 if you want?
0:24:58 > 0:25:0242. 5. At 45 now. Against you all still.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- At £45. 8 if you want him? - Come on.- £45 then...
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Teddy's going for £45. All done?
0:25:11 > 0:25:16Just over the bottom end, £45. Could've been a bit more for Mary.
0:25:16 > 0:25:22He was decapitated and stitched back, so I think £45 is a good result.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Beryl and Derek are just about to flog their lorgnettes
0:25:31 > 0:25:34which is such an unusual thing.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Mark valued it at 120 to 150.
0:25:37 > 0:25:44- Are you happy with the valuation? - Yes, I am.- Hopefully we'll get the top end.- I hope so.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47And Lot 79...
0:25:47 > 0:25:51is the pair of early 20th century, enamelled lorgnettes.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55And several bids again. I'm bid £125.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- Straight in.- At 125. 130.
0:25:59 > 0:26:025. At 135 then...
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Against you all at £135...
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Bit more!
0:26:07 > 0:26:10At 135, I'll sell it. All done...?
0:26:11 > 0:26:16- He's done it, no-one else to push him. £135.- That's very nice.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20What are we gonna put 135 quid towards?
0:26:20 > 0:26:25Less a bit of commission to pay. In this sale room, it's 15%.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28What's the money going towards?
0:26:28 > 0:26:34It was going towards a necklace for Beryl cos she can't wear rings now with arthritis.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39But we were talking today with my mother, it's her birthday, 96,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43we might push it up there to Yorkshire.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48- Happy birthday, Mum.- Happy birthday.- Happy birthday, Mum.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08It may look like another slice of English countryside,
0:27:08 > 0:27:13but hidden from view, as was intended, is Crownhill Fort,
0:27:13 > 0:27:19built in the 1860s to fend off an attack from invading armies.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24By 1850, France had recovered after the defeat at Waterloo
0:27:24 > 0:27:29and set about building a naval fleet to re-establish its strength.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33With the launch of the first fully iron-clad warship, La Gloire,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36the British Parliament took note.
0:27:36 > 0:27:43Led by Prime Minister Lord Palmerston, Britain began to build 70 forts to defend its harbours
0:27:43 > 0:27:46against the possible threat.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50The "Palmerston follies" stretched around the south coast
0:27:50 > 0:27:54with Crownhill Fort the largest in the Plymouth area.
0:27:54 > 0:28:00As the flagship defence post, it was at the cutting edge of Victorian fort design.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04After nine years and a couple of strikes along the way,
0:28:04 > 0:28:10it was finally opened in 1872 at a total cost of £76,400.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14In today's money, that's just over £4 million.
0:28:14 > 0:28:20Built on an exposed hill 400 metres in front of the defensive line,
0:28:20 > 0:28:24the seven-sided fort had a 360-degree lookout.
0:28:24 > 0:28:31An advancing enemy could be spotted at distance from the huge ramparts as they approach Crownhill
0:28:31 > 0:28:36and would meet the first line of defence, a 30-foot-deep dry ditch.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40The soldiers would be armed with rifles and artillery,
0:28:40 > 0:28:44able to fire on the enemy that had reached the ditch.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49The idea was to have a line of fire in each direction on this level.
0:28:49 > 0:28:56If that wasn't enough, each caponier had 21 rifles and two cannons which fired case shot.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00You can just imagine the noise - absolutely deafening.
0:29:00 > 0:29:06You can hear the acoustics with my footsteps, let alone one of these things going off!
0:29:06 > 0:29:10The place would've been filled with smoke, there'd be no visibility
0:29:10 > 0:29:14and the armourers were loading by touch alone.
0:29:16 > 0:29:23Underground tunnels zig-zagged around the fort, allowing soldiers to be deployed quickly and safely,
0:29:23 > 0:29:29but also enabling them to listen in to intruders on the outside.
0:29:36 > 0:29:4020 soldiers at any time would live, sleep and eat in the barracks,
0:29:40 > 0:29:44receiving the most basic provisions and kit.
0:29:46 > 0:29:53Today, it's re-enactors that take their place, bringing to life the experience of a serving soldier.
0:29:53 > 0:29:59- What was life like in the barracks? - Far better than on civvy street outside.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02At least you're warm, it's dry.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06You're given your kit, your clothes, two good meals a day.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11- I take it you saw no action here in the time?- No, not one.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13We didn't fight the enemy at all.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16What's the daily routine like?
0:30:16 > 0:30:21Early in the morning, six o'clock, up, try and wake,
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- send some men detailed to the cookhouse.- Right.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29Take the tea dixie down and use your tea bowl.
0:30:29 > 0:30:35It's not only a tea bowl, it's a shaving bowl or it could at night be a night bowl.
0:30:35 > 0:30:40We'll move on from that swiftly. I wondered why it was so big!
0:30:40 > 0:30:47Once you've done your drill, there wouldn't be a lot to do unless you were on duty. You'd do maintenance.
0:30:47 > 0:30:52You'd have to do maintenance on the gun, you'd have to practise.
0:30:52 > 0:30:58Every so often, a general would say, "We want you out on the moors for a couple of days.
0:30:58 > 0:31:05"We'll do sham fights. We'll put a dummy enemy out. We want you to fire rounds at the targets."
0:31:05 > 0:31:10- What would a soldier earn?- One and tuppence a week before stoppages.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13One and tuppence is a lot of money.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17- Yeah.- But deductions for the wife
0:31:17 > 0:31:20or money sent back to Mother,
0:31:20 > 0:31:24stoppages for fines, stoppages for loss of kit.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29You went drinking the other night, you lost your belt - buy a new one.
0:31:29 > 0:31:36Sunday pay parade, start off at one and two, sorry, there's your total - threepence, three farthings.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41- I bet some gambling went on in here as well.- No doubt some went on.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45In its heyday and fully armed,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49Crownhill was garrisoned by 300 Royal Artillery soldiers.
0:31:49 > 0:31:55Despite all the practice runs, the French threat amounted to nothing
0:31:55 > 0:31:59and as technology moved on, the fort became obsolete.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04Today, the fort is open to the public and 130 years on,
0:32:04 > 0:32:09it's only one of two forts fully preserved in original condition.
0:32:09 > 0:32:16It may be a legacy to Palmerston's imaginary foreign invasion that the guns are far from silent.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25We're back at our valuation day in Torquay,
0:32:25 > 0:32:29home to one of our most prominent crime writers.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33Agatha Christie was born in Torquay in 1890
0:32:33 > 0:32:40and is the most widely published author ever, only outsold by the Bible and William Shakespeare.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44She wrote 80 books over a career that lasted more than 50 years,
0:32:44 > 0:32:47setting scenes in the Torquay area.
0:32:47 > 0:32:53The scene's set at the Palace Hotel and the only mystery is what will turn up on the Flog It tables.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02Shirley, you haven't been disconnected at home to bring this?
0:33:02 > 0:33:05I doubt it, but you never know, do you?
0:33:05 > 0:33:10- So, if this isn't your day-to-day phone...- Not really.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- Where does this live in your house? - On top of my bureau at home.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18It's just, you know, for show really, but...
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- Where did you get it? - I acquired it 40 years ago.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- You bought it as an ornament? - I didn't buy it.
0:33:26 > 0:33:32- I think it belonged to an ex-husband. - Oh, right.- But he's passed away.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36- So, it is mine. - It ended up with you.- Yeah.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40It flummoxed me a bit because early phones aren't my speciality.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45We've got a lovely mahogany base and all the fittings are in brass.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49And we've got this early Bakelite handle
0:33:49 > 0:33:54and rather amusingly this button says, "Press this while speaking."
0:33:54 > 0:33:59- Yes.- So, you get some exercise, as well as a conversation.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02And it's apparently "the magnet".
0:34:02 > 0:34:09- The period of its manufacture is about 1905, up to the First World War.- I thought so.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12But it's a lovely thing.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16It's most unusual in its form and I haven't seen many like it.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21Usually you see the upright telephones with a hook on them.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25People like to have them working in their homes now.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29It just makes having a conversation more enjoyable.
0:34:29 > 0:34:34- Yes.- There is a little bit of damage there.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36I'm not an expert in early phones,
0:34:36 > 0:34:40but they are collectible and it's a pattern I haven't seen.
0:34:40 > 0:34:46I think at auction it's going to be in the region of about £70 to £120,
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- that sort of region.- That's fine.
0:34:48 > 0:34:54- If we gave the auctioneer maybe 10% discretion at the £70...- Yes.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57But we could both be pleasantly surprised.
0:34:57 > 0:35:03- So, what are your plans for the money? - Towards a holiday. Pocket money.
0:35:07 > 0:35:12- Malcolm, I really like these candlesticks. Are they yours?- Yes.
0:35:12 > 0:35:18- How have you got them?- Someone gave me them with a load of other stuff.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- When did you receive them? - About two months ago.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- So they're a new acquisition?- Yeah.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29- You thought these were interesting. - There's signatures on the base.
0:35:29 > 0:35:34I thought they were old, so I'm just curious about them, really.
0:35:34 > 0:35:40You're quite right. They've got this "AR" mark underneath.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Which means "Augustus Rex".
0:35:42 > 0:35:46And if these were Augustus Rex candlesticks,
0:35:46 > 0:35:52we're looking at a pair of Rococo candlesticks of the 1740s, 1750s.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57They are German and they would be quite valuable.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02We've got typical scenes of rural lovers and typical colours as well,
0:36:02 > 0:36:06the turquoises and pinks and these lovely floral sprays.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08Unfortunately, that's not the case.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11These are much later than that.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15They are round about 1900, 1920.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20The hole in the bottom was put in to stop it breaking in the firing.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25If the air couldn't be released, the whole thing would shatter.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29And on one of them, we've still got a slight firing crack.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31That happened in the kiln.
0:36:31 > 0:36:37I can see these in somebody's house. They're quite commercial.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Have you thought of their value?
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Roughly about £30, £40.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46I think I might please you in that case.
0:36:46 > 0:36:53If we put these in for sale, we'd be looking at an estimate of £100 to £150.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- Blimey!- Is that all right?- Yeah.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00They are a good pair and they might push up on that.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- Right.- It obviously pleases you. - Oh, yeah.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- I do like them, but they don't go... - They're not your style.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- I'm a bit more modern. - More contemporary.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17If we got a good price, any ideas on what you might spend it on?
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Not really. I'd probably take the wife out.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I'm updating my computer and stuff.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29- Put it towards a new megabyte or something.- Yeah, bit of software.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- And treat the dog. - Another mega-BITE!
0:37:36 > 0:37:41- Jackie, where did you get this wonderful article?- From my partner.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44It was from his late grandmother.
0:37:44 > 0:37:50That's about ten years ago now. I don't know a lot else about it.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Where does it live at home?
0:37:52 > 0:37:58- It's in my unit with all my other articles.- It should be on a desk.
0:37:58 > 0:38:04- Do you know what it's used for? - I thought it was a letter or a paper opener.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07You can be forgiven for thinking that.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10It's actually a page turner.
0:38:10 > 0:38:16Sometimes they can be cut down to be used as letter openers
0:38:16 > 0:38:18as that's slightly more practical.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23It was used in Victorian times when you had a large newspaper.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28Rather than get the print on your hands, you had a page turner
0:38:28 > 0:38:32and you could insert it into each leaf and turn it.
0:38:32 > 0:38:39- This would discolour and not your hands. Any idea how old it is?- No idea, no.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42It's a bit of silver and it's hallmarked.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46I'll hunt around for my eyeglass and having got it,
0:38:46 > 0:38:50it's by Edward Barrett and Barrett's a good maker.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55They made little desk blotters, stamp cases and desk accessories.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58That's absolutely in keeping.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02And we've got the lion passant for sterling silver,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05the leopard's head for London
0:39:05 > 0:39:09and it's got a little F which is the date letter for 1901,
0:39:09 > 0:39:14so it's just between Victorian and Edwardian.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17The handle, unfortunately, isn't solid silver.
0:39:17 > 0:39:22They've die-stamped it on a press because it's far too intricate
0:39:22 > 0:39:26with these little flowers and acanthus motifs.
0:39:26 > 0:39:33They've done that in two pieces and filled it in with pitch, so it's not very heavy.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36They've got a bit of elephant ivory or any other ivory
0:39:36 > 0:39:41that was large enough to form this blade and pinned it in.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- Have you any idea what it might be worth?- No idea.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49- It's going to be worth at auction between £50 and £80.- Gosh!
0:39:49 > 0:39:53It's a nice thing, so we'll see how it does in the auction.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57- Thank you for bringing it in. - Thank you for seeing me.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- Hello, Mary.- Hello.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04You've brought a nice pair of watercolours in
0:40:04 > 0:40:06with unusual subjects on them.
0:40:06 > 0:40:11- Can you give me the history? - Yes, they belong to my family.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14My mother died at the age of 97 last October,
0:40:14 > 0:40:20so my sister and I decided it would be better to sell the two together,
0:40:20 > 0:40:23rather than split them up.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26I quite like them. They're continental scenes.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31I particularly like this one with the senorita with her fan
0:40:31 > 0:40:35and the musician is playing outside her window.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39You've got a few other street vendors there as well.
0:40:39 > 0:40:45That might be a street in Santiago which would be fun if it was.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47This one is a typical market scene
0:40:47 > 0:40:51outside the cathedral or the town hall there.
0:40:51 > 0:40:58They're both signed here, "Thomas Macquoid", this one "1894" and the one over there "1886".
0:40:58 > 0:41:03They both bear labels on the back which adds a bit of provenance
0:41:03 > 0:41:06which I always like
0:41:06 > 0:41:11and it's staggering to think that even then it was £15, 5 shillings.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15- Amazing.- That might have been later in a gallery.
0:41:15 > 0:41:20- 20 years later maybe, but it's a nice part of the history.- It is.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25And when these were painted, the Victorians loved these scenes.
0:41:25 > 0:41:31Their houses were covered with these paintings and pottery and ceramics
0:41:31 > 0:41:33and china cabinets and furniture,
0:41:33 > 0:41:37much more cluttered than we live today.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42They should sell reasonably well. If we put them in for sale,
0:41:42 > 0:41:47we should try them at an estimate of £300 to £400 for the pair.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51- Is that something you'd be happy with?- That would be fine.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54And they might go for a bit more.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03The valuation day is in full swing with the experts working flat-out.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07It is thirsty work and I've got just the tonic.
0:42:11 > 0:42:18There is something missing and it is a good job we're just a stone's throw away from Plymouth
0:42:18 > 0:42:24where they have been putting the G into G&T since 1793 at England's oldest distillery.
0:42:32 > 0:42:38Plymouth Gin has its roots at the Barbican in the historic heart of the city.
0:42:38 > 0:42:45This place is home to the Royal Navy and there's always been a link between gin and the Navy.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49Dutch courage was given to the sailors before they set sail.
0:42:49 > 0:42:56But ordinary Britons got their first taste of the spirit at the beginning of the 17th century
0:42:56 > 0:43:00when William of Orange, a keen genever or gin tippler,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04came from Holland to seize the English throne.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09It quickly became a fashionable drink amongst his courtiers.
0:43:09 > 0:43:16William furthered the gin cause by encouraging the country to shun French imports of wine and brandy
0:43:16 > 0:43:21in favour of domestic distilling, resulting in a gin free-for-all
0:43:21 > 0:43:24with legal and illegal production rocketing.
0:43:24 > 0:43:29The streets were awash with gin and the quality varied so much
0:43:29 > 0:43:34that it was often bottled in stone jars to disguise impurities.
0:43:34 > 0:43:40Gin took a grip on the country and scenes like Hogarth's painting of "Gin Lane" were commonplace.
0:43:40 > 0:43:45In London, one in three houses sold gin, many people were paid in gin
0:43:45 > 0:43:51and wives and daughters were sold into prostitution just to pay for the spirit.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55"Mother's ruin" was threatening to destroy society.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00By 1730, production was up to 11 million gallons,
0:44:00 > 0:44:05so the government decided to halt this excessive consumption.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08The Gin Act put a cap on things.
0:44:08 > 0:44:15By introducing duty and forcing producers to have a licence, they got the situation under control,
0:44:15 > 0:44:17but not without a public outcry.
0:44:17 > 0:44:25There were several gin distillers in Plymouth when Mr Coates bought the Black Friars building in 1793
0:44:25 > 0:44:32and ousted his rivals by winning a court battle to be the only distiller of Plymouth Gin.
0:44:32 > 0:44:36His recipe remains the same to this day.
0:44:36 > 0:44:40Richard, what are the ingredients? What's so special about it?
0:44:40 > 0:44:47The most important thing is the water, soft Dartmoor water, but also the seven botanicals.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49What is that? Is that its recipe?
0:44:49 > 0:44:52Yes, I've got some of them here.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56So, this is the secret recipe, but not so secret now?
0:44:56 > 0:45:02What goes into it is not secret, but the mixes and the proportions are.
0:45:02 > 0:45:06We have juniper berries - every gin has juniper in it.
0:45:06 > 0:45:11We've got coriander, lemon, orange - Plymouth gin is very citrussy -
0:45:11 > 0:45:15cardamom pods from Sri Lanka, angelica root from Germany
0:45:15 > 0:45:20- and orris root from Italy.- Talk me through the distilling process.
0:45:20 > 0:45:27We put 5,000 litres of neutral grain spirit, which is basically from English wheat,
0:45:27 > 0:45:312,000 litres of Dartmoor water and the botanicals into the still.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34They're brought to the boil slowly,
0:45:34 > 0:45:39then the spirit in vapour form goes through the swan neck.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- And that's what's collected?- Yes, into a condenser and from there,
0:45:44 > 0:45:48the spirit comes through to these spirit safes.
0:45:48 > 0:45:53They used to be locked and the Excise man had the key.
0:45:53 > 0:45:58This is still the place where the distiller can check the product.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01And the first part is thrown away.
0:46:01 > 0:46:06The middle part when it becomes consistent and the quality is right,
0:46:06 > 0:46:08that's what's kept - the middle cut.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11Wow, how fascinating is that!
0:46:11 > 0:46:15- So, how long does the whole process take?- Only a day.
0:46:15 > 0:46:21- And it's ready to drink almost straight away.- He said with a big smile on his face!
0:46:21 > 0:46:27This might be a daft question, but how can you tell the consistency? Is it the old...?
0:46:27 > 0:46:32No, it's the expertise of the distiller. It's done with the nose.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36They all say that. I see lots of glasses dotted around.
0:46:36 > 0:46:42- Maybe we should have a test, but not with the nose?- Absolutely.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46For centuries, the Navy took Plymouth Gin around the world,
0:46:46 > 0:46:50spreading the word on this fashionable drink.
0:46:50 > 0:46:55They even had their own gin pennant which was hoisted while in port
0:46:55 > 0:46:59as an open invite to come aboard and have a drink.
0:46:59 > 0:47:04Even today, each new vessel is given a pennant and a case of gin.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08Traditionally, the gin was stored near the gunpowder store.
0:47:08 > 0:47:14This was a problem because if the gin spilt, the gunpowder wouldn't ignite.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18So, a special Navy-strength gin was developed
0:47:18 > 0:47:22and at 57% proof, it would combust every time.
0:47:22 > 0:47:29The gunpowder/gin mix was tested on deck to see if any dilution occurred on the way.
0:47:29 > 0:47:34This proof test led to the alcohol measuring system we still use now.
0:47:39 > 0:47:46While I get used to the subtleties of Plymouth Gin, here's a rundown of the items up for auction.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53If Shirley's telephone connects with the bidders,
0:47:53 > 0:47:57perhaps they'll exchange £70 to £120 for it.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01Malcolm hopes his candlesticks will sell for at least £100.
0:48:01 > 0:48:06That way, his wife and his dog will be in for a real treat.
0:48:06 > 0:48:12Could Jackie's page turner make £50 to £80 when the gavel goes down?
0:48:12 > 0:48:16And finally, let's hope our pair of watercolours
0:48:16 > 0:48:21aren't left hanging around at £300 to £400.
0:48:24 > 0:48:30In the saleroom, the lots are ready to go under Anthony Eldred's gavel,
0:48:30 > 0:48:34but what does he have to say about the watercolours?
0:48:34 > 0:48:39Mark Stacey has put a valuation of £300 to £400 on the pair.
0:48:39 > 0:48:44They belong to Mary, but at £300 to £400 these are gonna sell.
0:48:44 > 0:48:50She didn't want you to split them because they've been in the family a long time.
0:48:50 > 0:48:55We've catalogued them together, but they're not really a pair
0:48:55 > 0:48:57and might have made more split.
0:48:57 > 0:49:02300 to 400 is conservative and we should do better.
0:49:02 > 0:49:07- I love the detail in this one. That to me is 300 to 400 alone.- Yes.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09There's so much going on in it.
0:49:09 > 0:49:14The bidders will have to pay the extra money to get that one.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18- Mark says they are Spanish scenes. - I can understand.
0:49:18 > 0:49:20One of them does look to be,
0:49:20 > 0:49:24but the other one is titled "Wurzburg" in Bavaria.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27I suspect it is the market there.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31Would our Mark have missed something like that?
0:49:31 > 0:49:35What would you put them on as a pair?
0:49:35 > 0:49:40- They should make between £600 and £800.- That's what we want to hear.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48Do you like these? They're Malcolm's continental candlesticks.
0:49:48 > 0:49:53Mark Stacey's put £100 to £150 on these. Will they do it?
0:49:53 > 0:49:56They might do it.
0:49:56 > 0:50:00I don't see what else you could quote on them.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04- They are porcelain.- They're hand-painted, not transfers?
0:50:04 > 0:50:10They are hand-painted, but look at the overall quality of the things.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13They sort of lean over at the top.
0:50:13 > 0:50:17This one's like the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
0:50:17 > 0:50:21They are in good condition, they're not damaged
0:50:21 > 0:50:26and they've got this pseudo Augustus Rex mark here underneath.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28The decorators will like them.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32I think for £100 they're perfectly good value.
0:50:32 > 0:50:38There's no accounting for taste and someone out there will love them.
0:50:38 > 0:50:44Will that wonky pair put the buyers off? Let's put them to the test.
0:50:47 > 0:50:53Malcolm's going to sell the pair of continental candlesticks for £100 to £150,
0:50:53 > 0:50:57- but he's also brought in his dog, Ginseng.- What a face!
0:50:57 > 0:51:00I say, hello! How cute is that!
0:51:00 > 0:51:03Do you like these candlesticks?
0:51:03 > 0:51:06- Not particularly. - They don't do anything for me.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09I had a chat to the auctioneer
0:51:09 > 0:51:14and we both preferred a couple of empty wine bottles with candles in!
0:51:14 > 0:51:19But I think they'll do the £100. There's a lot of work there.
0:51:19 > 0:51:23- Sorry, Mark.- They're a little bit better than that, come on!
0:51:23 > 0:51:27They're quality, but they're not my taste.
0:51:27 > 0:51:31They're copies of 18th century, but they should make £100.
0:51:31 > 0:51:36- They're decorative enough for that. - That's all hand-painted.- Yes.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40- We'll find out now. This is it.- Right.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42Next is Lot 363
0:51:42 > 0:51:45which is a pair of candlesticks.
0:51:45 > 0:51:49There they are, German candlesticks.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51£50 starts those. 5 if you want?
0:51:51 > 0:51:54£50. 5. 60.
0:51:54 > 0:51:58At £60 then. 5. 70.
0:51:58 > 0:52:02- Surely? 5. 80. - We're gonna do it.- £80.
0:52:02 > 0:52:045 anywhere? All done at £80...
0:52:04 > 0:52:07- Quite sure?- Oh!
0:52:07 > 0:52:11- Not quite.- Didn't sell them.- No. - Not quite, not quite.
0:52:11 > 0:52:16- It's all right.- They weren't anybody's taste.- I'm afraid not.
0:52:16 > 0:52:20- Except yours. - Well, I didn't say I liked them!
0:52:20 > 0:52:25- I wouldn't have them in my bijou residence in Surrey.- No.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28But they were decorative.
0:52:28 > 0:52:32- Maybe try them in another sale with a lower estimate.- Yeah.
0:52:32 > 0:52:37- We nearly got it right, just £20 under.- Not too bad.
0:52:37 > 0:52:43Thanks for coming in and thanks for bringing in Ginseng who is behaving very well.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46He likes the camera. Don't you?
0:52:46 > 0:52:50The crooked candlesticks had a leaning for Malcolm's mantelpiece
0:52:50 > 0:52:54which is where they're going - back home!
0:52:54 > 0:52:58Perhaps the telephone will ring more bells.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02I wonder if there are any phone lines booked on Shirley's telephone
0:53:02 > 0:53:06which Michael has put £70 to £120 on.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10Quite a wide margin, Michael. It's normally 80 to 120.
0:53:10 > 0:53:15It's a guestimate cos I've never seen one before in my life.
0:53:15 > 0:53:19I don't have a clue what it's worth, but let's give it a go.
0:53:19 > 0:53:22I wouldn't like to value it either.
0:53:22 > 0:53:26- You've had this 40 years. It's now time to sell?- That's right.
0:53:26 > 0:53:31- It belonged to an ex-husband, so... - The telephone's got to go.- Yes.
0:53:31 > 0:53:36Next is the earlier telephone on a wood base. There it is.
0:53:36 > 0:53:38And I'm bid...
0:53:38 > 0:53:41£50, against you all at £50.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44At 50. 5. 60. 5. 70.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47- Oh!- At £70. At £70.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51At £70 then, against you all. Are you done for 70?
0:53:51 > 0:53:54At £70. Are you bidding...? 80. 5.
0:53:54 > 0:53:59- He's got one bid on the phone, one on the book.- 90. At £90 now.
0:53:59 > 0:54:04On the telephone at £90, against you all. I can sell it for 90.
0:54:05 > 0:54:09- 90 quid.- That's fine.- We'll settle for that. Good guestimate!
0:54:09 > 0:54:12- Spot-on for a guestimate!- Yes.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16"The magnet" phone attracted a few bidders!
0:54:16 > 0:54:20- You complain at MY lines! - I can buy an up-to-date model.
0:54:20 > 0:54:25- What will you do with £90?- Buy an up-to-date model.- Seriously?- Yes.
0:54:25 > 0:54:32- That one you didn't use, so you had another one?- Yes.- Fair exchange. - Yes. Thank you very much.
0:54:36 > 0:54:40Remember the wonderful watercolours that Mary brought in?
0:54:40 > 0:54:44We've just been joined by Mary and Mark Stacey.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47We had a chat to the auctioneer.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50He said 3 to 4 is a "come and buy me".
0:54:50 > 0:54:53He's hoping for maybe £600 to £800.
0:54:53 > 0:54:58- Oh!- That'll suit us, won't it?- Very much.- I think that'll suit Mary!
0:54:58 > 0:55:02- It will. Excellent. - A bit of pressure off Mark here.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06We'll find out because we just don't know.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09I feel we should've sold them separately,
0:55:09 > 0:55:14but they mean something to you and you want them sold in a pair?
0:55:14 > 0:55:16It would be a shame to split them,
0:55:16 > 0:55:22- but maybe it would have been better to sell them separately.- This is it.
0:55:22 > 0:55:27Next is two watercolours by Thomas Macquoid. A bit of interest.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32I'm bid £310 to start it. Against you all at £310 now.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34320. 330. 340.
0:55:34 > 0:55:40350. At 350 now. Still against you all at £350.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43All done at 350, sell at 350...
0:55:45 > 0:55:49The hammer's gone down, unfortunately, only £350.
0:55:49 > 0:55:53Mark, you were spot-on. That's auctions for you.
0:55:53 > 0:55:58- But you're happy?- Very happy. - What will you put the £350 towards?
0:55:58 > 0:56:04- My family are coming over from Australia, so we'll have a big party.- Enjoy it!
0:56:05 > 0:56:08At 1,000. And 10...
0:56:08 > 0:56:12For those of you wishing to turn over a new leaf,
0:56:12 > 0:56:17you might be interested in Jackie's ivory and silver page turner
0:56:17 > 0:56:21which Michael has estimated at £50 to £80.
0:56:21 > 0:56:25I love this, it's quality. Will it turn a profit?
0:56:25 > 0:56:27You've stolen my line!
0:56:27 > 0:56:33I think it's got to sell. No question. I'd love it to make £80.
0:56:33 > 0:56:39There's a spot of damage on the ivory, but that can be polished out and it will be as good as old.
0:56:39 > 0:56:41As good as old!
0:56:41 > 0:56:46The silver and ivory paper knife or page turner...
0:56:46 > 0:56:50And I'm bid £42. Two bidders at 42. At £42.
0:56:50 > 0:56:535. 8. 50.
0:56:53 > 0:56:562. 5. 8. I'm bid 60.
0:56:56 > 0:56:58- 5. At £65...- Really?
0:56:58 > 0:57:01At 65. 68. 70.
0:57:01 > 0:57:07Against you seated at £70, still at the back. 75. 80 now.
0:57:07 > 0:57:11- That's good. 80, oh! - At £80. Quite sure?
0:57:11 > 0:57:14At £80. All finished at £80...?
0:57:15 > 0:57:20- Yes!- That's good.- Michael was spot-on, top end.- Lovely.
0:57:20 > 0:57:25- 80 quid, £80.- Lovely. - Happy with that?- Yeah, very good.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28Michael, top end, well done.
0:57:28 > 0:57:34If you're wealthy enough to want one to turn the pages of your newspaper, £80 is nothing to you.
0:57:34 > 0:57:38- No. Very decadent. - Lovely thing, though.
0:57:43 > 0:57:48The auction's finished and our two experts have done us proud,
0:57:48 > 0:57:52although one "no sale" each. What have you got to say?
0:57:52 > 0:57:57- Those Dresden candlesticks hardly lit up the sale.- Michael?
0:57:57 > 0:58:01That carriage warmer, the bidders didn't warm to it.
0:58:01 > 0:58:06- But at least I got that battleship away.- You were lucky.- I know.
0:58:06 > 0:58:08Some you win, some you lose.
0:58:08 > 0:58:13If you've got any antiques and collectibles you want to flog,
0:58:13 > 0:58:17bring them along to one of our valuation days. See you next time!
0:58:38 > 0:58:42Subtitles by Subtext for BBC Broadcast 2005
0:58:42 > 0:58:46e-mail us at subtitling@bbc.co.uk