Leicester

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0:00:04 > 0:00:09- OK, everybody says "cheese." - ALL: Cheese.

0:00:09 > 0:00:12Fantastic! How appropriate was that, because today we're in an area

0:00:12 > 0:00:15famous for producing Red Leicester and Stilton.

0:00:15 > 0:00:18So you'd have to be crackers not to join us for the show

0:00:18 > 0:00:20because Flog It! comes from...

0:00:20 > 0:00:22ALL: Leicester!

0:00:54 > 0:00:58There are literally hundreds of people queued up outside the Ramada Jarvis hotel

0:00:58 > 0:01:00in the centre of Leicester today

0:01:00 > 0:01:03for our valuation day which means hundreds of items.

0:01:03 > 0:01:06But which are the lucky few that our experts are going to take off to auction?

0:01:06 > 0:01:11Could it be these guys? We don't know until we get inside and hit those Flog It! blue tablecloths.

0:01:11 > 0:01:15Whether it's toys, ceramics, jewellery or bizarre family heirlooms,

0:01:15 > 0:01:20experts Charlie Ross and Adam Partridge will be the ones hunting out the golden oldies

0:01:20 > 0:01:22for us to take off to auction.

0:01:22 > 0:01:27Well, there's only one thing left to do, it's exactly 9.30, so let's get the doors open,

0:01:27 > 0:01:31get this massive queue inside and get the show on the road.

0:01:35 > 0:01:38Paul, I recognise these two characters, no doubt you do,

0:01:38 > 0:01:46and I'm sure somewhere on the figures themselves it'll tell us who they are. But that's certainly Charles I.

0:01:46 > 0:01:49- It is.- And I think this is his old chum, Oliver Cromwell, is it not?

0:01:49 > 0:01:50It is, it's true, yeah.

0:01:50 > 0:01:55- Tell me where they came from? - Well, I bought them 30 years ago

0:01:55 > 0:01:59from a pawnshop and the gentleman in the pawnshop told me

0:01:59 > 0:02:01that they'd come out of a big fire

0:02:01 > 0:02:05in Queen Street in Leicester round about the 1910 period.

0:02:05 > 0:02:09But I bought them 30 years ago for £18.

0:02:09 > 0:02:12It's got something on the bottom of the Oliver Cromwell one

0:02:12 > 0:02:15telling you about the fire.

0:02:15 > 0:02:17Whether they got them as an insurance lot, I'm not sure,

0:02:17 > 0:02:21- but that's the history I know.- They don't look in bad condition to me.

0:02:21 > 0:02:25Oh, no. No, I think it was just a little bit of scorching

0:02:25 > 0:02:27- underneath the base of Oliver Cromwell.- Yeah.

0:02:27 > 0:02:30- Do you know what they're made of? - I believe they're made of spelter.

0:02:30 > 0:02:34- That's right.- Which was considered the poor man's bronze,

0:02:34 > 0:02:35- as I would describe it. - It is. It is.

0:02:35 > 0:02:40It's a mass-produced alloy. Much, much lighter. They're hollow.

0:02:40 > 0:02:42They won't have the weight of bronze.

0:02:42 > 0:02:46- But they've still got a certain amount of quality.- I think so.

0:02:46 > 0:02:53These figures are copies of a 19th-century French sculptor

0:02:53 > 0:02:56called Rancoulet and the originals would have been in bronze.

0:02:56 > 0:02:59If we had original bronze ones, we'd be getting very excited.

0:02:59 > 0:03:02The quality is pretty good.

0:03:02 > 0:03:04The historical interest is there.

0:03:04 > 0:03:0717th century, Civil War.

0:03:07 > 0:03:11Let's just have a look at one and see what we can glean from them.

0:03:11 > 0:03:14- They're on simple turned wooden bases.- Right.

0:03:14 > 0:03:19Date, interestingly enough that you should say that the fire was in 1910

0:03:19 > 0:03:21because that's going to be round about the period of them.

0:03:21 > 0:03:25I should think 1900 is when they were cast

0:03:25 > 0:03:30and that's got the sculptor, Rancoulet, at the bottom there.

0:03:30 > 0:03:33Interestingly enough, isn't it funny that a French sculptor

0:03:33 > 0:03:37should be doing something that is so quintessentially English?

0:03:37 > 0:03:41- That's what surprised me. - So they have to have been made for export purposes.

0:03:41 > 0:03:44- Right.- I don't think that the average Frenchman in 1900

0:03:44 > 0:03:47was in the slightest bit interested in Charles I,

0:03:47 > 0:03:52our Charles I as opposed to theirs, or indeed Oliver Cromwell.

0:03:52 > 0:03:58One of the problems with spelter is there's a certain amount of blemishing to the surface.

0:03:58 > 0:04:02And unlike a bronze which you can buff up, with these you've got nowhere to go

0:04:02 > 0:04:06- really other than resurfacing them which you wouldn't want to do.- No.

0:04:06 > 0:04:08They've had rather a nice gilt finish

0:04:08 > 0:04:11which you can see on the side of Charles's face.

0:04:11 > 0:04:15So that pitting that's there has detracted from the value.

0:04:15 > 0:04:18Other than that, no real damage.

0:04:18 > 0:04:21Right. We've moved to a bungalow and they just look a bit large and dark

0:04:21 > 0:04:24- for the surroundings we're in now. - Bit dated, aren't they?

0:04:24 > 0:04:27- They are a bit dated.- Everybody's a valuer, have a stab.

0:04:27 > 0:04:34Well, I would say the old auctioneer's favourite of 80 to 120.

0:04:34 > 0:04:36- You've watched too much Flog It! - That's right.

0:04:36 > 0:04:40It is my favourite show on television, so, I probably have.

0:04:40 > 0:04:42So I would say 80 to 120.

0:04:42 > 0:04:45There are far too many of us that put 80 to 120 and I'm one of them.

0:04:45 > 0:04:49But I have to say, I think your valuation's pretty well spot on.

0:04:49 > 0:04:52It might even be a little bit bullish in view of what they are

0:04:52 > 0:04:54- but you want to sell them, don't you?- Yes.

0:04:54 > 0:04:59- I think if we put a published estimate of 80 to 120 and shall we sell them without reserve?- Yes.

0:04:59 > 0:05:00- Let's just flog 'em.- Flog 'em.

0:05:00 > 0:05:04That's what I like on this programme. Just let's see them go.

0:05:04 > 0:05:08- See where the true market is and I'm hoping it'll be 80 to 120. - That's great.

0:05:12 > 0:05:13Hello, John and Valerie.

0:05:13 > 0:05:16- Hi, Adam.- Hello. - Thank you for coming along.

0:05:16 > 0:05:20What you've bought is what I call a pair of real belters.

0:05:20 > 0:05:22I really like these. What can you tell me about them?

0:05:22 > 0:05:26They've been in my family for, well, ever since I can remember.

0:05:26 > 0:05:29My mother had them for a wedding present,

0:05:29 > 0:05:32I understand, in 1931 from an older sister.

0:05:32 > 0:05:34She was the youngest of 14.

0:05:34 > 0:05:38So the oldest sister, by the time my mother got married,

0:05:38 > 0:05:40had a china shop in Wharf Street in Leicester.

0:05:40 > 0:05:42And obviously picked two out of stock

0:05:42 > 0:05:44to give to my mother as a present.

0:05:44 > 0:05:47- A matching pair as well?- Yes.

0:05:47 > 0:05:48What a lovely wedding present.

0:05:48 > 0:05:54- And the date absolutely matches up with the period of these chargers as we know now.- Yes.

0:05:54 > 0:05:56Did you know what they were yourself or...?

0:05:56 > 0:06:00I didn't, no. I'll be honest, I just thought, "Well", a couple of days ago,

0:06:00 > 0:06:04"we're going to take some things down to Flog It! might as well put those in, and see".

0:06:04 > 0:06:09We looked last night and saw the name C Rhead. Didn't mean a thing.

0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Right.- But when one of your experts this morning said "Charlotte Rhead"

0:06:13 > 0:06:15something clicked and I thought, "I've heard that name before."

0:06:15 > 0:06:18Yes, well, we have filmed a number of her items.

0:06:18 > 0:06:20Not as many as Clarice Cliff perhaps

0:06:20 > 0:06:23but they're both of the Art Deco period, the 1930s,

0:06:23 > 0:06:26both based at the potteries in Staffordshire.

0:06:26 > 0:06:29She worked mainly at Crown Ducal and for Burleigh Ware.

0:06:29 > 0:06:32I think these are Burleigh Ware ones.

0:06:32 > 0:06:35And she was a well known designer and tube liner.

0:06:35 > 0:06:37This method of production's known as tube lining.

0:06:37 > 0:06:41And they're very unusual as far as I'm aware because where I operate

0:06:41 > 0:06:45is just north of the potteries and we see an awful lot of Charlotte Rhead.

0:06:45 > 0:06:50Most of it has these sort of stylised floral designs and fruit designs

0:06:50 > 0:06:53and things like that and I have not seen any of these

0:06:53 > 0:06:55with boats or ships on of this kind.

0:06:55 > 0:06:59- They look like Viking ships, or galleons.- Galleons.- Galleons.

0:06:59 > 0:07:02But they're very stylised and they're very Art Deco

0:07:02 > 0:07:04and I think they're absolutely lovely.

0:07:04 > 0:07:05To have a pair as well.

0:07:05 > 0:07:09- Yes. And not to be chipped or cracked.- No, they're perfect.

0:07:09 > 0:07:13Let's just prove that there. They've got these manufacturer's holes there.

0:07:13 > 0:07:17- Yes.- To enable them to be held up without putting those terrible...

0:07:17 > 0:07:20- Oh, those clips.- ..metal hangers we all moan about so much.

0:07:20 > 0:07:23And there's the Charlotte Rhead signature

0:07:23 > 0:07:25and there's the Burleigh Ware mark.

0:07:25 > 0:07:29Now, one other thing is these often have a pattern reference on the back

0:07:29 > 0:07:33as well which is often a number which starts with the letters "TL"

0:07:33 > 0:07:35and then has a reference number as to the pattern.

0:07:35 > 0:07:37These don't have that.

0:07:37 > 0:07:39I'm wondering if they might be quite rare.

0:07:39 > 0:07:42I've sold hundreds of pieces every year and none of these.

0:07:42 > 0:07:45In terms of value, did you have any thoughts on that?

0:07:45 > 0:07:49I thought I wouldn't put them into auction unless they were going to fetch 200 plus.

0:07:49 > 0:07:52200 plus. OK.

0:07:53 > 0:07:58No, I'm joking. Is that each or the pair?

0:07:58 > 0:08:00- Each, I thought.- Each.

0:08:00 > 0:08:05- Originally I thought estimate of 300 to 500 for the pair will get everyone after these.- Yes.

0:08:05 > 0:08:09- They should fly away.- Hope so.- If you want to put it higher, that's fine,

0:08:09 > 0:08:13but I was in favour of putting them on the kind of conservative end.

0:08:13 > 0:08:16- You're the expert, I'm not. - Thank you very much.

0:08:16 > 0:08:21- In that case, that's what we shall do. 300 to 500 with a reserve of three.- Yes.

0:08:21 > 0:08:25Between you and me, they'll probably make... Oh, this is being filmed, isn't it?

0:08:25 > 0:08:29- You can tell me later. - I reckon they'll make more than 500 quid.- Be nice if they did.

0:08:29 > 0:08:33If they don't, I'll take you out to dinner after the auction, how about that?

0:08:33 > 0:08:36- That's how confident I am.- Shall I book a table at The Three Swans?

0:08:36 > 0:08:38- No, they'll make more than 500 quid. - Yeah.

0:08:44 > 0:08:49I have to say my eyes lit up with glee when I saw you in the queue,

0:08:49 > 0:08:55Edward and Adrian, because I was hoping today to find something of local interest and here we have it,

0:08:55 > 0:09:00and I think a full set of Quorn Hunt plates. Where did they come from?

0:09:00 > 0:09:03- They were bought by my late father-in-law.- Yeah.

0:09:03 > 0:09:06- Probably late-20s, early-30s.- Yeah.

0:09:06 > 0:09:08And they've been in the family since.

0:09:08 > 0:09:10And where's the family home?

0:09:10 > 0:09:13Well, the family home was Hackford Hall in Norfolk.

0:09:13 > 0:09:16Oh, right. Right. So they've travelled back from there to here?

0:09:16 > 0:09:20- Yes, yes, and they went out to India as well at one stage.- When?

0:09:20 > 0:09:25Well, my father-in-law was in the Army and he was out there in the '30s.

0:09:25 > 0:09:27Yeah. They are tremendous.

0:09:27 > 0:09:29A, there's a full set of eight.

0:09:29 > 0:09:34B, they're by Alken, who is the man for hunting prints.

0:09:34 > 0:09:36They are hand-coloured which is magnificent.

0:09:36 > 0:09:40You've got all the best ingredients for a hunting print really.

0:09:40 > 0:09:44The colour, the artist, the publisher,

0:09:44 > 0:09:48- and one of the most famous hunts there is.- Yes.

0:09:48 > 0:09:52- The Quorn. Do you know how the Quorn got its name?- No, I really don't.

0:09:52 > 0:09:56Well, I have to confess that I didn't but I found out

0:09:56 > 0:09:58since I left you in the queue.

0:09:58 > 0:10:05It's a shortened version of Quorndon, the village of Quorndon, which is where the hunt started.

0:10:05 > 0:10:09The original date of these Alkens are 1835.

0:10:09 > 0:10:15Now, these aren't 1835 in my opinion but they are certainly 19th-century

0:10:15 > 0:10:18and I would be surprised if they were much later than 1860-1870.

0:10:18 > 0:10:20And they're good quality.

0:10:20 > 0:10:23There is, however, one big problem, isn't there?

0:10:23 > 0:10:25Yes. The foxing.

0:10:25 > 0:10:28Foxing. Pardon the pun.

0:10:28 > 0:10:31They are heavily foxed and that's a problem.

0:10:31 > 0:10:37Yes, yes. Well, we decided that we wouldn't have them done because of the advice that we got.

0:10:37 > 0:10:40Yeah, well, you're quite right, I think. It's a difficult job

0:10:40 > 0:10:45to get the foxing out of a print without the print losing its colour.

0:10:45 > 0:10:49Leave it to the experts and being a full set they're going to be

0:10:49 > 0:10:51well sought after, I think in the sale room.

0:10:51 > 0:10:57Just wondering whether, with the ban coming in with hunting, would that affect the value in any way?

0:10:57 > 0:10:59Well, in my experience, no.

0:10:59 > 0:11:02Even if it were banned completely and was never seen again,

0:11:02 > 0:11:08I think there would be more interest in collecting something like this for historical reasons.

0:11:08 > 0:11:13- Yes. - Somebody must have said over the years, "These are worth X, Y or Z"?

0:11:13 > 0:11:16I've had a valuation of between £300 and £1,200.

0:11:16 > 0:11:19So you want them to be up the top really?

0:11:19 > 0:11:22I think that's bullish with this foxing, I have to say.

0:11:22 > 0:11:25- I think a conservative estimate is 400 to 600.- Right.

0:11:25 > 0:11:30If you twisted my arm I might say 500 to 800.

0:11:30 > 0:11:36My view as an auctioneer is the more realistic the estimate, the better chance you've got of them taking off.

0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Yes, absolutely.- If you publish them at 400 to 600,

0:11:38 > 0:11:42there will be sufficient interest to take them up above that figure. would you be happy with that?

0:11:42 > 0:11:44Yes, yes, very much so.

0:11:44 > 0:11:47Some of the money is going for his wedding?

0:11:47 > 0:11:49- Oh, your wedding?- Yes. - Oh, magnificent.

0:11:49 > 0:11:54- Oh, splendid. We'll see how many top hats we can get out of this. - Absolutely.

0:11:56 > 0:12:01Well, let's hope we can help the wedding plans along as we head off to the auction room.

0:12:01 > 0:12:05The spelter statues survived a fire but will we get burned with

0:12:05 > 0:12:07Charlie's valuation in the sale room?

0:12:07 > 0:12:10Valerie and John don't like their Charlotte Rhead chargers,

0:12:10 > 0:12:13although Adam's confident they'll make waves.

0:12:13 > 0:12:15And finally we're looking for an exciting chase

0:12:15 > 0:12:19to win the Quorn Hunt prints brought in by Edward and Adrian.

0:12:25 > 0:12:29For today's sale we've come to Gilding's Auctioneers in the heart of Market Harborough.

0:12:29 > 0:12:34So let's go inside and see how the auction's shaping up.

0:12:34 > 0:12:39And running today's proceedings is auctioneer, John Gilding.

0:12:39 > 0:12:42Well, right now we're just about to sell the kids' inheritance.

0:12:42 > 0:12:45We've got a couple of spelter figures. I've been joined by Paul.

0:12:45 > 0:12:48It's mixed metal and it sounds a bit like a mixed valuation.

0:12:48 > 0:12:52We've got £80 to £120 with no reserve, Charlie Ross.

0:12:52 > 0:12:56He doesn't want to take them home.

0:12:56 > 0:12:59- But what if they only sell for a fiver?- Charlie's in big trouble.

0:12:59 > 0:13:01Charlie's in big trouble!

0:13:01 > 0:13:03The kids will get him!

0:13:03 > 0:13:07- And the grandkids.- OK, seriously, why are you flogging these?

0:13:07 > 0:13:11We've had Charles and Oliver Cromwell live with us for the past 30 years

0:13:11 > 0:13:13- and it's time for them to move on.- OK.

0:13:13 > 0:13:15- And you bought them for £17?- £18.

0:13:15 > 0:13:19- £18.- 30 years ago.- Right, OK. So we could have a good investment here.

0:13:19 > 0:13:22We could get, what, sort of £100, Charlie? Mid-estimate for you?

0:13:22 > 0:13:25- 50, I think.- 50?

0:13:25 > 0:13:28So where does the estimate 80 to 120 come from then?

0:13:28 > 0:13:30- I was having a bad day.- OK.

0:13:30 > 0:13:32Cromwell and Charles I.

0:13:32 > 0:13:33Good old battling pair. There we go.

0:13:33 > 0:13:36What would you say with that lot 20,

0:13:36 > 0:13:38the French patinated spelter figures?

0:13:38 > 0:13:43Bidding starts with me here. No reserve here. At £20 I'm bid.

0:13:43 > 0:13:46At £20 I'm bid, 22, 22, 25, bid 25.

0:13:46 > 0:13:49At £25, 28, bid 28, bid 30, 30, 30...

0:13:49 > 0:13:52- Oh, somebody's getting worried. - How absurd.- 35.- Keep going.

0:13:52 > 0:13:55- £35...- It's a dangerous game to play, no reserve.

0:13:55 > 0:13:57No reserve, it has to be sold. At £35.

0:13:57 > 0:14:01- Inheritance isn't looking too good. - At 35.- Hammer's gone down.

0:14:01 > 0:14:03That's a sold sound.

0:14:03 > 0:14:05- You wanted them to go?- That's right.

0:14:05 > 0:14:07- Yeah, they've sold.- Cheaply.

0:14:07 > 0:14:09Just that the grandchildren are coming for Charlie now.

0:14:09 > 0:14:15It is a dangerous game to play, I keep saying it, never put something into auction without a reserve.

0:14:15 > 0:14:17- I know you guys love it.- Absolutely.

0:14:17 > 0:14:19Did you want to take it home, Paul?

0:14:19 > 0:14:25- No, no, no.- You did the right thing. - I'm quite happy. I'm quite happy. We're OK.- You're a kind man.

0:14:25 > 0:14:27I'll let you off the hook this time, Charlie.

0:14:31 > 0:14:34Well, there should be lots of local interest on this next lot,

0:14:34 > 0:14:39the Quorn Hunt prints belonging to Edward and Adrian. Why are you flogging these?

0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Well, because Adrian's getting married.- Right.

0:14:42 > 0:14:45- And we want to raise some money. - I see. Congratulations.

0:14:45 > 0:14:49- What's the young lady's name? - Ella.- Ella. Ah, wonderful. - So August 2008.

0:14:49 > 0:14:52Right, not a lot of pressure then, Charlie.

0:14:52 > 0:14:54We've got £400 to £600.

0:14:54 > 0:14:55There is a great deal of foxing.

0:14:55 > 0:14:57There's a lot of water damage here.

0:14:57 > 0:15:01I'm not sure I've discounted the condition enough, have I? I'm getting cold feet.

0:15:01 > 0:15:03They're up there on the wall, they look good.

0:15:03 > 0:15:06They can be restored but I think you had a quote, didn't you?

0:15:06 > 0:15:09- Absolutely and it was a bit too expensive really.- Right.

0:15:09 > 0:15:12We're going to find out what the bidders think

0:15:12 > 0:15:14because they're just about to go under the hammer.

0:15:14 > 0:15:19Lovely set of eight, the engravings on the back there, please.

0:15:19 > 0:15:20Published in 1835.

0:15:20 > 0:15:24And bidding starts for me at £220.

0:15:24 > 0:15:29- That's a start.- 220 I'm bid, 240, 260, 280, 300, and 20, 340.

0:15:29 > 0:15:34- 360, 380, £400 in the room. - Are you excited? Ho-ho!

0:15:34 > 0:15:39At £400 - the commissions are all finished. £400.

0:15:39 > 0:15:41Yes! That was good.

0:15:41 > 0:15:44£400 towards the wedding. It was a close call.

0:15:44 > 0:15:47Because condition is everything. People do get put off by it.

0:15:47 > 0:15:50As you know yourself, because what was the quote you had?

0:15:50 > 0:15:52£110 per print.

0:15:52 > 0:15:56- Per print. A lot of money.- The best part of £1,000, extraordinary.

0:15:56 > 0:16:02Yeah. I think you did the wise thing. I really do. Congratulations.

0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Thank you very much indeed.- Well done, Charlie. You got it spot-on.

0:16:11 > 0:16:13Next up, some Charlotte Rhead plates.

0:16:13 > 0:16:15It's a pair. I've just been joined by John and Valerie.

0:16:15 > 0:16:18And we've got a valuation of £300 to £500.

0:16:18 > 0:16:22Put on by our expert, Adam Partridge. Were you happy with the valuation, 3 to 5?

0:16:22 > 0:16:27- Yes.- Can we do something with that, if we get the top end? What would you put £500 towards?

0:16:27 > 0:16:29We're going to visit Morocco in the summer.

0:16:29 > 0:16:31My daughter has an apartment in Tangiers.

0:16:31 > 0:16:35So we thought that will go towards that.

0:16:35 > 0:16:36OK, there we go. Pressure's on.

0:16:36 > 0:16:39You've got to get them out there on holiday.

0:16:39 > 0:16:41I think we'll do it. I love these two.

0:16:41 > 0:16:45- They're super things.- Anyway, it's too late. They are going under the hammer right now.

0:16:45 > 0:16:46This is it. Good luck.

0:16:46 > 0:16:50A lovely pair of Charlotte Rhead chargers here, please.

0:16:50 > 0:16:55- Beautiful. They look great. - And bidding starts with me at £200.

0:16:55 > 0:17:01- £200, 220, 240, 260, 280 on the telephone, 300.- More, more, more.

0:17:01 > 0:17:08- 320, 350. 380, 400.- The suspense!

0:17:08 > 0:17:14- 420, 450, 480, 500.- Yes!

0:17:14 > 0:17:18- 520, 550...- Lots of phones ringing.

0:17:18 > 0:17:22580, 600, 620.

0:17:22 > 0:17:27All done? Sold at £620.

0:17:27 > 0:17:31Yes, the hammer's gone down on £620!

0:17:31 > 0:17:34What a brilliant price! What a brilliant price.

0:17:34 > 0:17:36We were rightfully confident!

0:17:36 > 0:17:41- You were indeed.- As I said at the valuation, I didn't like them, but I like them now!

0:17:47 > 0:17:53It's not often on the show that we say something is a matter of life and death but today it really is.

0:17:53 > 0:17:59I have come to Nottingham to visit a firm that take pride in giving their clients a very special send-off.

0:17:59 > 0:18:03# Now there are three steps to heaven... #

0:18:05 > 0:18:09The firm was started in 1879 as a joinery and undertaking business.

0:18:09 > 0:18:15Then in 1958, two new partners stepped in to create Vic Fearn and Company.

0:18:15 > 0:18:21They stopped arranging funerals and built a factory to specialise in the manufacture of coffins.

0:18:25 > 0:18:30Business prospered and the firm now makes around 20,000 traditional coffins each year.

0:18:30 > 0:18:34Back in 1990, the directors noticed a trend was starting to flourish.

0:18:34 > 0:18:40People were requesting their own coffins and their loved ones' coffins to be, let's say,

0:18:40 > 0:18:41slightly more personalised.

0:18:41 > 0:18:47# Now most people think of heaven and they see those pearly gates

0:18:47 > 0:18:52# But I looked a little closer, and there's a sign says "do not skate". #

0:18:52 > 0:18:55And that's exactly how Crazy Coffins was born.

0:18:55 > 0:18:59- Hello, David, thank you very much for showing me around.- Welcome.

0:18:59 > 0:19:03- Where did the idea for the crazy coffins come from?- Purely by chance.

0:19:03 > 0:19:04It was not our idea.

0:19:04 > 0:19:08A lady said could we make a Red Arrows coffin?

0:19:08 > 0:19:11In the design of the aeroplane - she was a big fan.

0:19:11 > 0:19:12And this was for her?

0:19:12 > 0:19:14This was for her. She was in good health.

0:19:14 > 0:19:18She said, I want to store it, but when I do die, I want to be buried in my aeroplane.

0:19:18 > 0:19:20It seems kind of hard to talk about it.

0:19:20 > 0:19:23I don't think the English are very good at preparing for or talking about death.

0:19:23 > 0:19:28I would say up until maybe the last seven or eight years, we didn't talk about it.

0:19:28 > 0:19:30Nobody wanted to know.

0:19:30 > 0:19:32I even had less friends

0:19:32 > 0:19:33because of my job.

0:19:33 > 0:19:39Everybody thinks about it more today. It is very popular now to do a complete funeral pack.

0:19:39 > 0:19:42So you go to your funeral director and say, "I don't want tradition,

0:19:42 > 0:19:46"I don't want what you want for me, I want what I want.

0:19:46 > 0:19:50"I want it personalised. And this is how I want my funeral."

0:19:50 > 0:19:56Talking about travelling in style, or passing away in style, this is a Rolls-Royce,

0:19:56 > 0:19:58- I believe.- It is, yes, 1913.

0:19:58 > 0:20:02Apparently, I believe he had one of these in his garage and his family

0:20:02 > 0:20:06always said, "If you don't sell it, we will bury you in it."

0:20:06 > 0:20:09And they said, "Well, why not bury Dad in a Rolls-Royce?"

0:20:09 > 0:20:13Fortunately, we have a very good team here, who work on Crazy Coffins and we have

0:20:13 > 0:20:17a very good designer, Richard Mullard, who can do all the hard work for us.

0:20:17 > 0:20:21That's exactly who I'm off to see right now, so, David, thank you very much for showing me around.

0:20:21 > 0:20:26# Singing, if I die before I wake

0:20:27 > 0:20:30# At least in heaven I can skate. #

0:20:30 > 0:20:32Richard, how do you do?

0:20:32 > 0:20:36You're the artist in residence, the creative side of the package, here.

0:20:36 > 0:20:38But how did you get involved with the firm?

0:20:38 > 0:20:41I enjoy going for trips into the Arctic.

0:20:41 > 0:20:46And I always felt quite comfortable with my equipment.

0:20:46 > 0:20:48It was good company for me.

0:20:48 > 0:20:53I just felt that I would like to make my final trip, surrounded by the things that are important to me.

0:20:53 > 0:20:56What did they think when you presented them with this idea?

0:20:56 > 0:21:01They thought it was a bit wacky and I like to think it is.

0:21:01 > 0:21:08- I think it is - very wacky!- I wanted to make my final journey wearing my beloved skis and I also, I suppose,

0:21:08 > 0:21:12wanted to give someone a bit of a headache, which I think it will.

0:21:12 > 0:21:14I think so, burying this. Definitely.

0:21:14 > 0:21:19And from there, as you can see, we went on to produce...

0:21:19 > 0:21:21It's progressed, hasn't it?

0:21:21 > 0:21:27# Oh-oh-oh-oh, when I'm dead and gone.... #

0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Something's caught my eye. - Yes, I thought it might.

0:21:32 > 0:21:34Come this way. Canal boats.

0:21:34 > 0:21:39I've got to take a closer look at these. They're stunning.

0:21:39 > 0:21:43They catch everyone's eye because they're so colourful, aren't they?

0:21:43 > 0:21:45And most people can relate to them.

0:21:45 > 0:21:49This is a perfect job for me because, in my other life, I'm a sign writer and I actually paint

0:21:49 > 0:21:52- real canal boats.- You've done a wonderful job again on this.

0:21:52 > 0:21:54So, who's commissioned this pair?

0:21:54 > 0:21:57Yeah. It's a couple.

0:21:57 > 0:21:58People who live not too far away.

0:21:58 > 0:22:01- So it's a his and hers? - It is, yes, man and wife.

0:22:01 > 0:22:03I think they use them as a blanket boxes, to be honest.

0:22:03 > 0:22:05That's a nice idea. There's a function,

0:22:05 > 0:22:08and not only that but they are very, very decorative.

0:22:08 > 0:22:11What does your family and friends think of your career?

0:22:13 > 0:22:15Erm, I've got two children.

0:22:15 > 0:22:19They're well aware of what I do. In fact, my daughter is quite artistic.

0:22:19 > 0:22:22She very often comes up with her own ideas.

0:22:22 > 0:22:27When I'm working on a coffin, she comes with her sketches and says...

0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Daddy, look at this! - "Don't you think mine's better?"

0:22:29 > 0:22:34# Just follow steps, 1, 2 and 3. #

0:22:35 > 0:22:37Look at this.

0:22:37 > 0:22:40It's the Angel of the North, isn't it? It's Antony Gormley.

0:22:40 > 0:22:43It's actually made of canvas and wood. I know it looks like metal.

0:22:43 > 0:22:46I quite like the idea of fooling people.

0:22:46 > 0:22:49It's kind of like the mummified shape, isn't it?

0:22:49 > 0:22:52Well, Tutankhamen was buried in something similar.

0:22:52 > 0:22:56Richard, thank you very much. It's given me a great deal to think about

0:22:56 > 0:23:00but now it's time to get straight back to the land of the living.

0:23:00 > 0:23:02Let's join our experts back at the valuation day.

0:23:15 > 0:23:17Good morning, Omar, how are you?

0:23:17 > 0:23:20- Fine, thank you.- You've brought along a pair of watercolours here.

0:23:20 > 0:23:22What can you tell me about them?

0:23:22 > 0:23:27- I can't tell you anything about it because I don't know nothing about the painting.- When did you get them?

0:23:27 > 0:23:30In 1980, about 25 years ago.

0:23:30 > 0:23:32And where from?

0:23:32 > 0:23:36- A local auction, in Leicester. - And what did you pay for them?

0:23:36 > 0:23:37£2.50 each.

0:23:37 > 0:23:41Right, so that makes £5?

0:23:41 > 0:23:47- That's right.- Very good. Is there two big marks on your wall now, where you've taken these down?

0:23:47 > 0:23:51I never hanged them up because the house is too small and we have nowhere to hang them.

0:23:51 > 0:23:53So where have they been?

0:23:53 > 0:23:56- They have been in the loft, lying for 25 years.- A bit of insulation?

0:23:56 > 0:23:58I guess you're right.

0:23:58 > 0:24:00Lying in the loft for 25 years?

0:24:00 > 0:24:04- That's right.- And now you've brought them out? Well, the colours have survived very well.

0:24:04 > 0:24:05Sometimes, these fade in the sunlight.

0:24:05 > 0:24:08So it maybe wasn't a bad thing, putting them in the loft.

0:24:08 > 0:24:10Do you know anything about the artist?

0:24:10 > 0:24:12- No idea.- Giovanni Barbaro.

0:24:13 > 0:24:15Where do you think he comes from?

0:24:15 > 0:24:17- Probably Italy? - Sounds Italian, doesn't it?

0:24:17 > 0:24:19Sounds like a wonderfully Italian name. Giovanni Barbaro.

0:24:19 > 0:24:24- It's actually a pseudonym for a man called Arthur Dudley.- Right.

0:24:24 > 0:24:29But I think if he put Arthur Dudley on the pictures, they wouldn't have sold so well.

0:24:29 > 0:24:36He was a London and Bath-based painter and he did a lot of these watercolours of Arabian scenes,

0:24:36 > 0:24:39street scenes, desert scenes, and he also did a lot of still-life

0:24:39 > 0:24:44flowers in the Italian style, but he was an Englishman. So it was a bit of a cheat, that.

0:24:44 > 0:24:46"Oh, I've got a Giovanni Barbaro"

0:24:46 > 0:24:49sounds a bit better than "I've got an Arthur Dudley."

0:24:49 > 0:24:53Apologies to anyone out there called Arthur Dudley, of course.

0:24:53 > 0:24:55I'm not saying it's not a nice name at all.

0:24:55 > 0:24:59It's a very distinguished name. Well, they've gone up a bit.

0:24:59 > 0:25:00It's not one of those faint moments.

0:25:00 > 0:25:05Don't worry, you don't have to be sitting down. They're probably going to make 100-200 at auction.

0:25:05 > 0:25:08Somewhere between those. Is that all right with you, 100-200?

0:25:08 > 0:25:10- Yeah, fine. - Do you want to put a reserve on?

0:25:10 > 0:25:12No reserve, I just want to flog it.

0:25:12 > 0:25:15Good man! No reserve, I just want to flog it.

0:25:15 > 0:25:17That's what it's all about, selling for the best price.

0:25:17 > 0:25:20The auction house we're going to, I've been before, I know them well,

0:25:20 > 0:25:23- I think they'll do a good job for us.- I hope so.- The frames have had a bit of damage.

0:25:23 > 0:25:26- Was that like that when you got them? - Yes.

0:25:26 > 0:25:28That's a great pair of pictures.

0:25:28 > 0:25:33Good decorative. Large pictures, you can see how big they are cos I'm eight foot tall and they're massive.

0:25:39 > 0:25:42Right, Jackie, open up your box and reveal all.

0:25:45 > 0:25:49Ho, ho... I can't believe if you brought these along that you don't know all about them.

0:25:49 > 0:25:51- I have done some research. - Good girl.

0:25:51 > 0:25:55Saved me some time. I can just sit and listen.

0:25:55 > 0:25:58They're a set of silver spoons by William Comyns of London.

0:25:58 > 0:26:01- Yeah.- They're hallmarked 1892.

0:26:01 > 0:26:04Are they really? That surprises me, but carry on going.

0:26:04 > 0:26:09I bought them locally about 18 years ago and then moved to Portsmouth,

0:26:09 > 0:26:12- the area where case says they're from.- Yeah.

0:26:12 > 0:26:16Did some research and discovered something quite fascinating about the ships on the top.

0:26:16 > 0:26:18Right.

0:26:18 > 0:26:22They're a replica of the Golden Barque, the weather vane on top of Portsmouth Cathedral.

0:26:22 > 0:26:31Really? The reason I was surprised is because looking at the case, it looks a real 1920s case to me.

0:26:31 > 0:26:33It doesn't look Victorian.

0:26:33 > 0:26:39The hallmark will say it all and William Comyns was a maker of generally small items,

0:26:39 > 0:26:47photograph frames, dressing-table mirrors, trinket boxes, things like that.

0:26:47 > 0:26:49He did a huge, huge amount.

0:26:49 > 0:26:52- Can we pull out one spoon and have a look?- Of course.

0:26:52 > 0:26:56They've got the ship there, or the stylised version of the ship on the top.

0:26:56 > 0:27:01At the back we've got Portsmouth.

0:27:01 > 0:27:04Here is the hallmark. The lion passant...

0:27:04 > 0:27:08We've got the leopard's head which tells you it was made in...

0:27:08 > 0:27:10- London.- You have done your homework.

0:27:10 > 0:27:15And, we've got the letter stamp for 1892.

0:27:15 > 0:27:20So, if they had been made one year earlier, you'd have Victoria's head on the hallmark.

0:27:20 > 0:27:27My real favourite is the tongs. They actually have the Neptune head as the base. It's gorgeous.

0:27:27 > 0:27:29Marvellous! Pop that back in.

0:27:29 > 0:27:32- There is one piece of damage, isn't there?- Yes, there is.

0:27:32 > 0:27:36It's only one flag. I don't think that's a real problem.

0:27:36 > 0:27:41- You can't have done all that research without having a clue about the value.- No.

0:27:41 > 0:27:44I had them valued a few years ago for insurance purposes.

0:27:44 > 0:27:46It came out at £1,000.

0:27:46 > 0:27:48£1,000 for insurance, right.

0:27:48 > 0:27:50- How long ago?- Seven years.

0:27:50 > 0:27:56Seven years. I would suspect that things haven't moved much for something like that over seven years.

0:27:56 > 0:27:59That's probably reasonably accurate.

0:27:59 > 0:28:04I would, as a thumb rule, say insurance would be three times the sale value.

0:28:04 > 0:28:09If you're expecting £1,000 for them we'd better part company now because I don't think they are £1,000.

0:28:09 > 0:28:11250-350, that sort of figure.

0:28:11 > 0:28:15- Would you be happy with that? - Yes, very happy.- Are you sure?- Yes.

0:28:15 > 0:28:17So, 250-350...

0:28:17 > 0:28:19Reserve 250 with 10% discretion.

0:28:19 > 0:28:22- That's fine.- If we can turn it into £300 or £400...- Even better.

0:28:22 > 0:28:24- What are we doing with the money? - A holiday.

0:28:24 > 0:28:28Holiday! Well, we better get £1,000 for them, then!

0:28:33 > 0:28:36- Hi, Ros.- Hi.- Where are the oysters?

0:28:36 > 0:28:39- Sorry, I forgot to bring them. - Ah, and I was getting hungry!

0:28:39 > 0:28:43I've ruined your day, I apologise. There's no dips either.

0:28:43 > 0:28:47Clearly, these are majolica oyster plates.

0:28:47 > 0:28:51Please tell me how long you've had them, where you got them and all that sort of stuff.

0:28:51 > 0:28:55- They were my grandma's. She left them to my mum and they're still my mum's.- Right.

0:28:55 > 0:28:58- Is your mum with you today? - No.- Does she know you've brought them?

0:28:58 > 0:29:03- Yes.- OK. Yes, I've rung her and told her that you'd like to sell them and she said, "Yes, go ahead."

0:29:03 > 0:29:05Well, they're interesting.

0:29:05 > 0:29:08They're majolica, which is the name for this type of earthenware.

0:29:08 > 0:29:12Many people will know that. We've done majolica a lot on these programmes.

0:29:12 > 0:29:16They're clearly oyster dishes and they're made by the well-known firm of George Jones

0:29:16 > 0:29:21who was one of the most famous majolica makers around the 1870s, 1880s.

0:29:21 > 0:29:26They should be marked for him and there's the G and J there, which is the George Jones mark.

0:29:26 > 0:29:29This is a registration lozenge here. We could look in a book and it would

0:29:29 > 0:29:34tell you exactly when this was produced, the day, the month, the year - everything.

0:29:34 > 0:29:39These symbols in every corner. We could find that out as well with the right books and things like that.

0:29:39 > 0:29:40Here we have the pattern number.

0:29:43 > 0:29:45Sometimes they're not marked with the GJ. I think this one...

0:29:45 > 0:29:49This one isn't marked very clearly.

0:29:49 > 0:29:53- No.- They always wipe off this little bit here to write the reference number on there.

0:29:53 > 0:29:56I thought that was faulty because it had a bit wiped off.

0:29:56 > 0:30:01Sometimes, if you're watching and you see majolica with this rubbing,

0:30:01 > 0:30:04you know it's George Jones even if it hasn't got their mark on it.

0:30:04 > 0:30:08- This one, as you can see, has an old...- It's been eaten.

0:30:08 > 0:30:14..old damage on the bottom. Apart from that, it's got a few little chips and nicks here and there.

0:30:14 > 0:30:18Majolica is very prone to damage. There's a lot of this crazing in every bit.

0:30:18 > 0:30:21There's a bit of a hairline crack that goes around the other side as well.

0:30:21 > 0:30:23- The condition isn't great. - I know that, yes.

0:30:23 > 0:30:26Why have you brought them in? Because they're languishing in a cupboard?

0:30:26 > 0:30:28- That's right. - Any idea what they might be worth?

0:30:28 > 0:30:31No idea at all.

0:30:31 > 0:30:33Have you ever shown them to anyone else before?

0:30:33 > 0:30:35My father died 13 years ago.

0:30:35 > 0:30:40At that time an antique dealer came to the house and he offered us £30.

0:30:40 > 0:30:44- £30.- At the time we weren't at all bothered so we left them in the cupboard.

0:30:44 > 0:30:48I don't think that was the most generous offer but maybe the market has improved a bit.

0:30:48 > 0:30:54- I'd estimate £100 to £150 for the pair.- Fine.

0:30:54 > 0:30:59Which I think is a fair auction estimate and hopefully they might make a little bit more.

0:30:59 > 0:31:02- Better than sitting in a cupboard.- Absolutely, yeah.

0:31:02 > 0:31:05We should put a reserve on them so they don't go for nothing.

0:31:05 > 0:31:08- That's fine.- I'd suggest on that a fixed 80.

0:31:08 > 0:31:14- No less than 80. Does the money go to mother?- Yes.- What do you think she'll do with it?

0:31:14 > 0:31:20- We're having a new kitchen so it might buy a couple of door knobs. - They are expensive nowadays!- Yes.

0:31:23 > 0:31:26And now some more tasty treats to serve up in the auction room.

0:31:26 > 0:31:30We're taking Omar's exotic watercolours by the artist

0:31:30 > 0:31:33who didn't think his name was quite exotic enough.

0:31:33 > 0:31:39Jackie's shipshape collection of silver spoons, which Charlie hopes will make a splash,

0:31:39 > 0:31:46and Adam may have underestimated the power of oysters with his valuation of Roslyn's plates.

0:31:46 > 0:31:50But first, let's see what our auctioneer, John, has got to say about them.

0:31:50 > 0:31:54The pairs are good. We like pairs. It puts a lot of value on the item, doesn't it?

0:31:54 > 0:31:58These belong to Roslyn. George Jones majolica, great name.

0:31:58 > 0:32:02We've got a valuation of £100 to £150 put on by our expert.

0:32:02 > 0:32:05- Very conservative. - It is a bit, isn't it?

0:32:05 > 0:32:09- Very conservative.- Especially for George Jones.- And a pair.

0:32:09 > 0:32:13It's not often you see two of anything of George Jones.

0:32:13 > 0:32:16I like these. I think the colour's very good.

0:32:16 > 0:32:20I'm sure you'll find these will double or treble the estimate.

0:32:20 > 0:32:23- Your bottom estimate. - Yes, exactly, £300.

0:32:23 > 0:32:29And for majolica, which is very easily chipped, they're in very good condition.

0:32:29 > 0:32:33- It's a soft paste, so it doesn't put off majolica buyers, does it?- No, not at all.

0:32:33 > 0:32:38I don't know why Adam has put £100 to £150 on these.

0:32:38 > 0:32:41He is normally so spot-on that it's quite annoying.

0:32:41 > 0:32:44Well, he may still be right, Paul.

0:32:44 > 0:32:47- Yes.- I haven't sold them yet but I'll try and prove my point.

0:32:49 > 0:32:51I just happen to like them.

0:32:51 > 0:32:55- I hope you're right for Roslyn. - I just like them more than he did.

0:32:55 > 0:32:59- But it has peaked. The Americans have stopped buying majolica. - Yes, but they'll start again.

0:32:59 > 0:33:03- They'll start again. - They will when they see these!

0:33:07 > 0:33:11Right, now it's the moment of truth for Omar's Arabian watercolours.

0:33:11 > 0:33:16We've got a nice pair of these and they've been in the attic for 25 years. The condition's fantastic.

0:33:16 > 0:33:19- We've got a value of £100 to £200. - Yeah.- There's quality there.

0:33:19 > 0:33:25Yeah, well he's a known prolific artist, Giovanni Barbaro, real name Arthur Dudley.

0:33:25 > 0:33:27Glamorous pseudonym!

0:33:27 > 0:33:30They usually make that sort of money so I'm fairly confident.

0:33:30 > 0:33:33No great surprises, hopefully no great disappointments. We'll see.

0:33:33 > 0:33:35Well, the money's going to come in handy, £200.

0:33:35 > 0:33:37Let's hope we get that top end.

0:33:37 > 0:33:40This is it. It's going under the hammer now. Good luck.

0:33:40 > 0:33:42Giovanni Barbaro.

0:33:42 > 0:33:44Showing here.

0:33:44 > 0:33:47Bidding starts with me at £55.

0:33:47 > 0:33:51There's no reserve. 55 I'm bid, 55. 60.

0:33:51 > 0:33:5465, 70, 75, 80.

0:33:54 > 0:33:56They're creeping up.

0:33:56 > 0:34:0185, 90, 95, 100.

0:34:01 > 0:34:02110, 120.

0:34:02 > 0:34:05- We've sold them.- 130, 140.

0:34:05 > 0:34:08150, 160.

0:34:08 > 0:34:11- 170, 180. - This is great. They love it.

0:34:11 > 0:34:13190, 200.

0:34:13 > 0:34:16We've done it. We've got that top end of the estimate.

0:34:16 > 0:34:18200 in the room and sold... 20.

0:34:18 > 0:34:20240, 260.

0:34:20 > 0:34:22- Fresh legs.- What did they cost you?

0:34:22 > 0:34:25- £5.- 340, 360. Are you all done?

0:34:25 > 0:34:28And sold at 360.

0:34:28 > 0:34:30The hammer's gone done.

0:34:30 > 0:34:33Omar, £360, what are you going to put that towards?

0:34:33 > 0:34:35- A holiday, probably. - Where are you going to go?

0:34:35 > 0:34:38- Probably the Far East or India.- OK.

0:34:38 > 0:34:40Well, have a great time, won't you?

0:34:40 > 0:34:42- Thank you.- What a surprise.

0:34:42 > 0:34:45Well, it was a good result. I've always been lucky here.

0:34:45 > 0:34:47You have, haven't you?

0:34:53 > 0:34:56Jackie's here. We've got your spoons and tongs just about to go under the hammer.

0:34:56 > 0:35:01£250 to £350 was put on by our expert, Charlie.

0:35:01 > 0:35:04I had a chat to the auctioneer earlier.

0:35:04 > 0:35:08He thinks they just might...

0:35:08 > 0:35:09struggle.

0:35:09 > 0:35:11I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

0:35:11 > 0:35:15I wanted to say they'd do really, really well. They're unusual. I like the ships on them.

0:35:15 > 0:35:16They haven't been sold yet!

0:35:16 > 0:35:19- No, I know.- Faith in the valuer.

0:35:19 > 0:35:22It's his local market. He knows the scene here.

0:35:22 > 0:35:24I'm hoping you're right, Charlie. I really do.

0:35:24 > 0:35:28- They're good quality and they've got an interesting history.- Absolutely.

0:35:28 > 0:35:30Well then, let's prove him wrong, shall we?

0:35:30 > 0:35:32It's going under the hammer now, this is it.

0:35:32 > 0:35:36A set of six cast teaspoons with the sugar nips. Blimey!

0:35:36 > 0:35:42275. the bidding starts with me at £200.

0:35:42 > 0:35:44He was wrong, you were right, Charlie.

0:35:44 > 0:35:46- 220, £240...- They're selling.

0:35:46 > 0:35:48I shall be selling, please. You're out in the room.

0:35:48 > 0:35:51The bid's on commission at £240.

0:35:52 > 0:35:54Brilliant.

0:35:54 > 0:35:55That's a fantastic result.

0:35:55 > 0:35:57Well done, I'm so pleased for you.

0:35:57 > 0:36:01When John the auctioneer looked down at his paperwork he went, "Blimey."

0:36:01 > 0:36:05He didn't believe he'd got a bid to start the opening.

0:36:05 > 0:36:06Perhaps somebody left 700 on them.

0:36:06 > 0:36:11- Jackie, what are you going to do with the money?- I'll probably put it towards something for the garden.

0:36:11 > 0:36:13Plant something up, watch it grow?

0:36:13 > 0:36:15Possibly a summerhouse, something like that.

0:36:15 > 0:36:17Lovely, well, enjoy it.

0:36:17 > 0:36:19- I will, thank you. - Time in the garden.

0:36:19 > 0:36:21Great result.

0:36:24 > 0:36:27Time to put the oyster plates to the test.

0:36:27 > 0:36:30They've caused lots of stir. We've talked about them.

0:36:30 > 0:36:31I've just been joined by Roslyn.

0:36:31 > 0:36:35We like them. The auctioneer likes them. Adam loves them.

0:36:35 > 0:36:37I've forgot the oysters again.

0:36:37 > 0:36:39We've had a valuation of £100 to £150.

0:36:39 > 0:36:42I had a chat to John. the auctioneer.

0:36:42 > 0:36:45- He thinks they might possibly creep to £300 to £400.- Lovely.

0:36:45 > 0:36:51Majolica is so hot at the moment. It's one of those "come and buy me" estimates.

0:36:51 > 0:36:55Bearing in mind the condition, you want to put it nice and tempting, get them all at it.

0:36:55 > 0:36:59- Hopefully we'll get another great result.- I think we will.

0:36:59 > 0:37:04- This is it.- One of the prize lots of the day, 170.

0:37:04 > 0:37:08Commission bids start here at £750.

0:37:10 > 0:37:12Yes, that's a "come and buy me", Adam!

0:37:12 > 0:37:15£750, I'm bid.

0:37:15 > 0:37:16Any telephone bidding?

0:37:16 > 0:37:19750, 780. 800.

0:37:19 > 0:37:21Wow!

0:37:21 > 0:37:24And 20, 850.

0:37:24 > 0:37:29At 850... 880. 900.

0:37:29 > 0:37:33920. 950.

0:37:33 > 0:37:37£980...

0:37:37 > 0:37:39All done? Sold.

0:37:39 > 0:37:41£980, how about that?

0:37:41 > 0:37:45- Serving up for you, right now, on those plates.- Fantastic.

0:37:45 > 0:37:49- I guess we missed a nought off that estimate, didn't we?- Wow!

0:37:49 > 0:37:51What are you going to do with that? It's nearly £1,000.

0:37:51 > 0:37:55It's going towards Mum's kitchen fund and that'll be granite worktops, I think.

0:37:55 > 0:37:58Wow, how about that. Won't it be luxury, granite worktops.

0:37:58 > 0:38:03- Adam, that was a "come and buy me". - It was, very conservative, Paul.

0:38:03 > 0:38:05The condition was what we were worried about.

0:38:05 > 0:38:08I did think they'd make more, but I am surprised that they made quite that much.

0:38:08 > 0:38:10And that's what auctions are all about.

0:38:15 > 0:38:19The auction's still going on but it's all over for our owners.

0:38:19 > 0:38:20What a great day we've had here.

0:38:20 > 0:38:25It was great to see that big smile on Roslyn's face when her two oyster plates,

0:38:25 > 0:38:29the George Jones majolica, fetched a staggering £980.

0:38:29 > 0:38:32Join me next time for plenty more auction surprises.

0:38:32 > 0:38:34So, from Market Harborough, it's cheerio.

0:38:53 > 0:38:56Doors open at 9.30.