0:00:02 > 0:00:06Cornwall has some of the most beautiful and stunning coastline,
0:00:06 > 0:00:13but it can be very treacherous. This kind of stuff gives rise to legends of shipwrecks and pirates.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17That's what we hope to find today - some real treasure on Flog It.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Penzance is an ancient market town in the depths of west Cornwall.
0:01:01 > 0:01:07It was the inspiration for Gilbert and Sullivan's musical baddies, the Pirates of Penzance.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24And we're hoping these lovely landlubbers in this massive queue have plenty of loot to plunder.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Our two pirate kings are Philip Serrell and Jethro Marles.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- Right, me hearties?- Aye-aye, cap'n.
0:01:31 > 0:01:39While everyone's unpacking their treasures, let's see who Philip's got to walk the plank.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- Lesley, how are you?- Fine, thanks.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47This has been in an auction before. It's got Lot 211 on there.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- Shall I find out what it is?- Go on.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56The Lifeguard Patent Periscope.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Sole Makers F Duerr and Son, Manchester.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- A periscope.- Mm-hm.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07What on earth happens here?
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- Where did you get this from? - My grandfather.- Your grandfather.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Yes, he brought it back at the end of WWI.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20There's that Jethro over there. I can see him looking at me.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25Is he waving at me or shooting at me? That's a great thing.
0:02:26 > 0:02:32- So this was your granddad's. - Well, yes and no. He didn't actually use it.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37He was in the army and worked behind the lines looking after the horses.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42At the end of WWI, he was sent over to Germany to help the rebuilding
0:02:42 > 0:02:46and he came back with all sorts of bits and pieces. That was one.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49It's just a really cool thing.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55You arrive at a figure for valuation by comparison.
0:02:55 > 0:03:01So if you've sold a painting by John Constable for X and someone brings another one in,
0:03:01 > 0:03:06you know it's probably going to be worth X plus or minus 10%.
0:03:06 > 0:03:12- This may come as some surprise to you, but I haven't sold too many periscopes.- No!
0:03:12 > 0:03:16And the truthful answer is I have no idea what it's worth.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20But it's a great talking point. Really a good bit of fun.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23My guess is...
0:03:23 > 0:03:29that it's worth sort of £30-£50. Stick a reserve on it of £25.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34Anybody would pay that. It's a great thing to have at a dinner party.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37It's just wonderful, that.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- Are you going to sell it?- Yes.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- It's just been sitting in our loft. - I think I can just see a buyer!
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- Now, Doreen... May I call you Doreen?- Of course.- I'm Jethro.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04You've brought in this little clock. It's left a space on your mantelpiece, I guess.
0:04:04 > 0:04:10- Well, in the glass cabinet. - How long's it been in that glass cabinet?
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- Since 1942.- Well, it's older than that. Older than 50-60 years old.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- Is it? Oh, yes? - You had it from new, you thought?
0:04:19 > 0:04:22No, my husband gave it to me in 1942.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- Where did he get it from? - I don't know. It was a present.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- I've got no idea. - Well, let's have a little look.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37It has a small clock mechanism in the top with a figure of Old Father Time on it.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41He's off lighting the lamps, lighting lamps in the street.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- Or calling out, "Get up from bed!" - Or something like that.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51The style, does it say anything to you about when it was made?
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Well, no. I shouldn't think... Around 1900, is it?
0:04:55 > 0:04:58Very good! Very good.
0:04:58 > 0:05:04It is around about 1900. You've got this Art Nouveau influence
0:05:04 > 0:05:07and this very dark grassy green glaze.
0:05:07 > 0:05:15I can see this sitting on an oak sideboard. That was the sort of colour scheme people had.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- Let's have a look underneath and see what it says.- Not a lot.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- It's on the back.- Here we go.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25It's got a registered number.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- And I can tell you that that is for 1901.- Is it really?
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- So you were spot on. - Near enough. Well, I never.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35A year out is pretty good.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39This is Intasien ware. Fully marked on the back here.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44Of course, you wouldn't look at the back of a clock.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47They haven't bothered with glazing on the back.
0:05:47 > 0:05:53- It all looks a bit messy.- It does. - But that would have been against the wall. Never saw it.
0:05:53 > 0:06:00So what's the point in decorating it? Don't waste precious glaze, even on the back of a clock.
0:06:00 > 0:06:07The great thing about it is this fellow and the motif to get you up and get you going.
0:06:07 > 0:06:13- I have to say the thing against it is the colour scheme. - Oh, I see.- A little bit.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18If anybody wants this in their house, it's not subtle, is it?
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- It's not going to blend in. - It isn't going to blend in easily.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26But a lot of people collect this sort of motto ware.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- I thought it might make around about £100.- Yes.- Maybe.
0:06:30 > 0:06:36And I think, realistically, if you put a reserve of £100, that's as much as you should push it.
0:06:36 > 0:06:42- Would you put it in with a reserve of £100?- Yes, I would.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47An estimate of £100-£150 is fair enough, but if the reserve is £100,
0:06:47 > 0:06:52it could sell for £100. And you would be happy with that?
0:06:52 > 0:06:58- That's right. - Despite it being a gift from your husband?- That's right.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Getting older. Things have got to go.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03You've got to bite the bullet.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- Let's put it in.- Thank you.
0:07:11 > 0:07:17Bob and Sandra, you haven't let me down. Lots of Troika. We're here in Cornwall.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20I'm so pleased to be back home.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25- Flog It has brought Troika out of the woodwork.- Right.- It has.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- What's his or her name?- Fern. - It's a her.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33That's got to be the best-behaved Jack Russell I've ever met.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37It'll soon be time for the W. Walkies!
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- Are you ready for a walk?- Oh, dear.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45Thank you for bringing Troika in. We had to see some down here.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49You've brought a choice piece in. How did you come by this?
0:07:49 > 0:07:56- It was bought for me as a Christmas present.- Oh, yes?- When I worked in a school.- As a teacher?
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- No, I was a school cook. - You worked there how many years?- 10.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- And this was a leaving present?- Yes. - Did you leave in the '70s?- Yes.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09How did I work that out?
0:08:09 > 0:08:12This was very prolific in the '70s.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16If you watch Flog It, you must know a bit about Troika.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Only what I've seen on Flog It.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24OK, this is a very nice vase. It's got two face sides to it.
0:08:24 > 0:08:31- If you get bored looking at it that way, you can put it back that way.- Right.
0:08:31 > 0:08:37- Troika started in 1963. - Oh, right.- In St Ives,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39which is just down the road, really.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43They settled on the name Troika two or three years later.
0:08:43 > 0:08:50And things became very good for them. And at one stage, in the mid-'70s,
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- they had 80 workers working for them.- Oh.- At their peak.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58A lot were working from home, freelance,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00and a lot were part-timers.
0:09:00 > 0:09:07The lady that spent the majority of time working for them was one of the artists they employed.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Her name was Avril Bennett. If I turn this over...
0:09:10 > 0:09:15There you can see, "Troika, Cornwall, AB". Avril Bennett.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17She signed this.
0:09:17 > 0:09:23So this one is one of her prolific pieces. It's a lovely spill vase.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- What do people use them for? Pens and pencils?- Yes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- My parents put pens and pencils in there.- Yes.- Their original wares were white and smooth,
0:09:33 > 0:09:38but it was these rough-textured wares that the tourists wanted.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44When you came down to Cornwall in the 1970s, everybody went back with a piece of Troika.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49That cost about £7. What do you think it's worth today?
0:09:49 > 0:09:54Well, only from looking at Flog It, about £100.
0:09:54 > 0:10:02You're spot on. That would be your reserve. We could put it in auction with a value of £120-£180.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- Right.- Avril Bennett is a good name. She's very prolific, though.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- The other thing that puts the value up now is having blue on it.- Right.
0:10:12 > 0:10:18Collectors like a bit of blue. We have a little bluey-green so we're OK, not in the doldrums.
0:10:18 > 0:10:25And, of course, condition. Because it's so affordable, collectors want it perfect.
0:10:25 > 0:10:32And it's in perfect condition. There's no scratches or chips. Shall we flog it, then?
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Yes, please.- Shall we?- Yes.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- Happy with the valuation?- Yes. - What do YOU think?
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- Buy a few dog biscuits.- Woof!
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- How are you?- Fine, thank you. - Where has this chap come from?
0:10:53 > 0:11:00It was given to me by my mother-in-law two years ago. She passed away in November.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- There are one or two things she's left.- What don't you like?
0:11:04 > 0:11:10- Why is it going? - Because I would like to sell it and use the money elsewhere.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- What will you do with it? - I'm going to buy a puppy.- A puppy?
0:11:14 > 0:11:20- Now that's a living testimony! - When Mum came to live with me, I got rid of a German Shepherd.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Paul's got a German Shepherd. Bluebell.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28She's lovely. So, getting back to reality here...
0:11:28 > 0:11:32I think this is a piece of early Ruskin. Let's have a look.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- See that scissor mark there?- Yes. - That's a Ruskin mark.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41It was produced from about 1895, 1898 onwards.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43In fact, it's dated 1912.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48This is an early piece. A little ginger jar. I think it's sweet.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52I love this trailing foliate decoration that goes round.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57Over the years, this tops come off, gone on, and clattered around.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01As that's happened, can you see these white marks?
0:12:01 > 0:12:06It's taken the yellow glaze off and left the white underneath.
0:12:06 > 0:12:12It won't make a great difference. It's not, per se, damage
0:12:12 > 0:12:15or a crack. It's just wear and tear.
0:12:15 > 0:12:21It's reminiscent of a high-fired ware, where the kiln is taken up to a really high temperature.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25High-fired wares really are very sought-after
0:12:25 > 0:12:29and therefore very valuable. So, what's it worth?
0:12:29 > 0:12:34I think we ought to estimate this at £80-£120.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38We'll put a reserve on it of £80, give the auctioneer 10% discretion.
0:12:38 > 0:12:45I think you will find that today, with the internet, that will sell quite well. It's attractive.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48So what will you call the puppy?
0:12:48 > 0:12:54- Buzz.- Buzz?- Buzz II. - A dog or a bitch?- A dog.
0:12:54 > 0:13:00- I think that's brilliant. Let's hope we can get Buzz II. Good luck.- Thank you.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07It's up periscope as we head off to the auction.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12Will the buyers stick their neck above the parapet for this?
0:13:12 > 0:13:19We're also taking the green and brown clock, which has reminded Doreen of the time for many years.
0:13:19 > 0:13:25I valued a Troika spill vase, so I hope the bidders in Cornwall don't let me down with that.
0:13:25 > 0:13:32Or with the sweet little ginger jar which may have a lot to live up to with Philip's spicy valuation.
0:13:32 > 0:13:40For our auction today we've left Penzance and travelled back up the A30 to Jefferys.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44Our man with all the local knowledge is Ian Morris.
0:13:44 > 0:13:50Let's go inside before the sale starts and see what he says about our experts' valuations.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Fingers crossed we've got it right.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02This, to me, sums up contemporary Cornwall. It belongs to Sandra.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06I put a valuation of £120-£180, with a fixed reserve of £100.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11It's been the norm on Flog It. That really is a book price.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Troika in the past has always sold and sold quite well,
0:14:15 > 0:14:19but the market was at its height two years ago.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Anything then I could sell easily.
0:14:22 > 0:14:28- In the last six months, a number of pieces have been left. - Is that because we're in Cornwall?
0:14:28 > 0:14:34- Too much of it about?- Certainly, in another area that don't see a lot,
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- rarity value would increase that. - So you think this might struggle?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42I do think it might struggle.
0:14:42 > 0:14:48This might be a difficult question, but are you a Troika fan? ..He's not, is he?
0:14:49 > 0:14:51I gathered that!
0:14:51 > 0:14:57Get on the rostrum, lots of enthusiasm, make out you love it and flog it!
0:14:57 > 0:15:00I'll try, but I think bottom end.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10Lesley, this is a bit of fun. The First World War periscope.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- We've got our sights set on £30-£50. - That would be great.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Why do you want to sell it? It's such a great talking point.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- It's got nothing personal to us. - I think Philip talked you into it.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- You just gravitated towards this! - It's just a great bit of fun.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33Peering round bends, peering over your neighbour's hedge.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- I shouldn't say that! - We need it in the sale room today!
0:15:37 > 0:15:41I can hardly see the auctioneer. It's jam-packed!
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Let's hope we get that top end.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Lifeguard Patent Periscope, made by Duerr and Son.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Can we say £30 away? £20 to start?
0:15:51 > 0:15:55£20 I'm bid. At £20. At £20. 22.
0:15:55 > 0:15:5825. 28. £30. 32. 35.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- 38.- They love it!- Up periscope!
0:16:02 > 0:16:06At 45. At 45. We're done? £45.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12Yes! The hammer's gone down. 45 quid. That was a good result.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14I'd never have sold that.
0:16:19 > 0:16:25Right. The pressure is on. It's my turn to be the expert and it's a bit of Troika.
0:16:25 > 0:16:31I've just been joined by Sandra and Bob and young Fern. Ohh.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34We've got £120 riding on this vase.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39Fingers crossed. I've got to tell you, I'd a chat with the auctioneer
0:16:39 > 0:16:44and he said it might just struggle around the lower end
0:16:44 > 0:16:46because there's so many of them.
0:16:46 > 0:16:52- But I think we'll sell this. I'm pretty sure. The condition's good.- OK.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57- I've got my fingers crossed. - I hope so. - It's down to the bidders now.
0:16:57 > 0:17:03Troika, slab-form vase. Can I say £100, please? £80 on the books.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05At £80 away. At 90.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10100. 110. 120. At 120 we're bid.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13At 120. At 120. 130? At 120, going.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16£120.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Yes! That was a relief! Ooh, £120.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24It was a bit dubious. He said it would struggle. Gosh, that's good.
0:17:24 > 0:17:30- What will you put the money towards? - Well, I've been taking lessons in computing.
0:17:30 > 0:17:36- How are you getting on?- Struggling! Cos I'm an old person going into technology!
0:17:36 > 0:17:40So I'll put the money towards a laptop computer.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Get surfing on the internet! Surfing's the thing down here.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55Something for you Arts and Crafts lovers now. A Ruskin vase.
0:17:55 > 0:18:02I love this. It belongs to Lynn, but not for much longer. £80-£120 is riding on this.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Why are you getting rid of it?
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- Um, I need some money to buy a new puppy.- Ohh, what sort?
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- German Shepherd.- Yeah!
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- Bluebell's a German Shepherd. - I thought you'd approve.- I do.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- We need top dollar for this! I think we'll get it as well.- Yeah.
0:18:21 > 0:18:27The Ruskin lidded ginger jar with green foliate decoration on yellow lustre.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31£80 away? £50 away?
0:18:31 > 0:18:34£40 I'm bid. 45. £50. 55.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39At £55. At £55. I'll take 60. At £55.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41We need more!
0:18:41 > 0:18:46Are we all done at £55, then? Going at £55.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- He didn't sell, did he? - No puppy.- £55.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52There was a reserve of 80.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56That's too much discretion. I feel really bad about that.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- Lynn's still going to get the puppy. - Oh, yes, yes.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Yes, I've got some other things.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- Other things up my sleeve! - To start flogging?- Yes!
0:19:13 > 0:19:17Well, it's now time to flog Doreen's mantel clock.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22Made in 1901. Doreen, have you had a good trip up this morning?
0:19:22 > 0:19:29- Yes, very good.- This was a wedding present, or a present from your husband. Why are you flogging this?
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- Well, they persuaded me to. - Yes, exactly!
0:19:34 > 0:19:37And who was our expert? Jethro here.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43We've got a valuation of £100-£150. Did you twist Doreen's arm?
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- Not exactly. I was dithering. - You were dithering!
0:19:47 > 0:19:53Someone has to take you by the hand, so we had a little stroll and you decided to sell it.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- You didn't have anyone you wanted to give it to as a gift.- No.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59You wouldn't let me have it!
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- Were you happy with Jethro's valuation?- Yes.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08- Well, let's hope we get that top end.- It would be lovely if we did.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13We're going to find out right now. Watch this. Here we go.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15A mantel clock, figure of a lamp man.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19With an inscription, "Wake up! And get up for business."
0:20:19 > 0:20:23Can I say £100 away? £100? £80 away?
0:20:23 > 0:20:26£70 I'm bid. The bid's with me.
0:20:26 > 0:20:2975. 80. 5. 90.
0:20:29 > 0:20:335. 100. At £100. At £100. For a fine lot.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35105. 110. 115.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38At 115 in the back there. 120.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41125. 130.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- 5. 140 there. 5. Is it 50?- Yes!
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- We're getting to the top end. - That's a surprise! I was hoping.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- 190. 200.- They love it!
0:20:52 > 0:20:56200 down the alleyway. At £200.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58At £200.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03Yes! £200, Doreen! The hammer has gone down. That is a sold sound!
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- Good, yes.- What'll you do with that?
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- I don't know!- What'll you spend that on?- The grandchildren.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- How many have you got?- 10. - 10?! My word!
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- They won't get very much each!- No!
0:21:26 > 0:21:31There's no mistaking the Cornish coastline. It's beautiful.
0:21:31 > 0:21:37But now and then, we get visitors washed up on the beach that don't want to be here.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40They get stranded and need some help from us.
0:21:40 > 0:21:47Seals are often seen on the coast around Cornwall. They live and breed on the rocks and beaches.
0:21:47 > 0:21:55But from time to time, seal pups are left and for a variety of reasons, can't fend for themselves.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01In the winter of 1958, a local chap called Ken Jones rescued a seal pup
0:22:01 > 0:22:06from the beach of St Agnes, just a few miles away from here.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10He took it home and nursed it back to health in his back garden.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15Word soon spread and before long, he was inundated with phone calls,
0:22:15 > 0:22:20"I've just found a seal on the beach, what do I do with it?"
0:22:20 > 0:22:27Eventually, Ken's seals outgrew his garden pool and in 1975 he moved to Gweek on the Lizard Peninsula
0:22:27 > 0:22:32where he could expand his sanctuary to take in more seals.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36This is the National Seal Sanctuary in Gweek.
0:22:36 > 0:22:43They rescue seals from the beach, nurse them back to health and then release them back into the wild.
0:22:43 > 0:22:50There are seals of all shapes and sizes, two little pups there, but this fella is called Magnus.
0:22:50 > 0:22:57He's just made it into the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest grey seal in captivity.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02He's 39 years old this year and he weighs an incredible 44 stone.
0:23:02 > 0:23:08There's plenty more to see here, so I'm gonna take a look around.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13The first stop is the hospital to meet Tamara Cooper with her latest arrival.
0:23:13 > 0:23:20This is our hospital section. This is where our pups first come when they arrive at the sanctuary.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25We make sure they're healthy before they go down to the pools.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- And what have you named this one? - This one's Mowgli.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34He's an orphan. Unfortunately he was abandoned on the beach by his mum.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- And she was nowhere in sight?- No.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- Do they all get a welly boot on arrival for company?- Yeah.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46When they're this young. He'll suckle on that and treat it as Mum.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51- What are you feeding him?- Because he's so young, he's having milk.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55We're stomach-tubing milk every four hours.
0:23:55 > 0:24:02- Then he'll graduate to fish? - As soon as he starts to moult in the next day or two, yes.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07How many weeks before he can go into the pool with all the others?
0:24:07 > 0:24:11That's the main aim. Hopefully, within a couple of weeks.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21So this is the pool all the youngsters are in.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Yes, they've just come down from the hospital.
0:24:25 > 0:24:32- They're learning to feed themselves in the water before they go into the main pool.- Fish is on the menu!
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- It is.- "Not fish again!" Lots of mackerel.- All mackerel today.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- Can I...?- Yes, go ahead. - Come on.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44Do you feed them individually or let them fight for it?
0:24:44 > 0:24:48The idea is they've got to fight amongst themselves.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53They shouldn't see us feeding them, so we stand back.
0:24:53 > 0:25:00- How many fish will the pups get through a day?- They eat 10 to 20 fish a day, depending on their size.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- Who have we got down here? - This is our convalescence pool.
0:25:11 > 0:25:18It's home to our resident seals, but in breeding season, it's home to all of the pups we've rescued as well.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22How many seals can this pool take? Is there a limit?
0:25:22 > 0:25:29We try and move them through as fast as we can, so they go back into the wild in three to six months.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33We have 20 pups in here at one time, but we try and move them along.
0:25:33 > 0:25:39- These are all grey seals?- They're all Atlantic grey seals, yeah.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42How many seals a year do you rescue?
0:25:42 > 0:25:47It depends on each winter, the weather brings us more pups,
0:25:47 > 0:25:49but between 30 and 50 seals a year.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- How do they get abandoned? - Lots of different reasons.
0:25:53 > 0:26:00In heavy storms and rough seas they get washed off their breeding beach and lose their mums.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06If they're born by inexperienced mums on public beaches, there's lots of people around,
0:26:06 > 0:26:09in which case the mum will abandon the pup.
0:26:09 > 0:26:16You know all the characters. Are some permanent residents because they can't be put back?
0:26:16 > 0:26:21We have had residents who couldn't be released back to the wild.
0:26:21 > 0:26:28We've got a number of blind seals in here. If they can't see, they won't be able to catch fish.
0:26:28 > 0:26:35Usually, the pups we rescue each year do go to the wild. We've got a very good success rate.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39It must be a tough job. There must be a tear in your eye.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44You do get a bit attached to some of them, some of our favourites,
0:26:44 > 0:26:49but we're so pleased they're healthy and for them to go back to the wild
0:26:49 > 0:26:56- and perhaps down the line be spotted is brilliant.- Do you tag them? - Yes, on their rear flippers.
0:26:56 > 0:27:03- In the last few years, we've put hat tags on our seals.- To identify them from a distance?- Yes.
0:27:03 > 0:27:11- Are you selective where you release them?- We release them as close as possible to where we rescued them.
0:27:11 > 0:27:18- There are seal colonies out there for them to join.- Do they turn back and give you a glance?- Not usually!
0:27:18 > 0:27:24No thank-yous or goodbyes. They're just off. They know where they're meant to go and that's it.
0:27:29 > 0:27:36Let's rejoin the crowds and see if anything is making a splash back at the valuation day.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43- Heather, how are you?- Fine, thanks. - This is a really stylish mirror.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47It looks like it might have a bit of a look to it. This is yours?
0:27:47 > 0:27:52- No, it's my mother's. - Why does your mum want to sell it?
0:27:52 > 0:27:57- She thought it could be valuable. - Had a bit of a look?- Exactly.
0:27:57 > 0:28:03There are two names you think of when it's copper and one of them is Newlyn School.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08Newlyn School copper is very, very sought after and very valuable.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13The other thing you look for in a mirror like this is a plastic label
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- that says "Liberty & Co".- Right.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20If this is, and I doubt it, a Newlyn School mirror,
0:28:20 > 0:28:25it might be worth upwards of £1,000, £1,500.
0:28:25 > 0:28:32If this has a little plastic label on the back that says "Liberty & Co", it might be £300 to £500.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37- Right.- I doubt it because I don't think it's got that quality.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39It's nice, but the moment of truth,
0:28:39 > 0:28:43turn it over and we hope to find a Liberty label.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46And lo and behold, nothing.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50If we look at the edge of the mirror here,
0:28:50 > 0:28:55what we might find around there is a Newlyn stamp somewhere.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57What have we found?
0:28:57 > 0:29:02- No...- Nothing.- Nothing.- It's time to put it back in its resting place.
0:29:04 > 0:29:10So what we've got is just an oval, copper-framed mirror.
0:29:10 > 0:29:15It would've been a good quality item. If it has a bevelled plate,
0:29:15 > 0:29:20it's better quality than one with a flat plate straight to the recess.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25You've got a bit of damage here, the silvering's gone.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29I think that's acceptable. This is an old thing.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- It's probably between 70 and 100 years old.- Really?
0:29:33 > 0:29:40- So what's it worth? I've told you what it might have been worth if Mum was really lucky.- Yeah.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- I think at auction, £30 to £50. - 30 to 50.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Put a reserve on it at £30.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51If two people take a shine to it, it might make 60, 70.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56I doubt if it will make three figures, but it should sell.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- Happy with that?- Yeah. - Mum won't be too disappointed?
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- No, she'll be happy you valued it for her.- That's sweet.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Pamela, you've brought this stoneware jug.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16How did you come by it?
0:30:16 > 0:30:20It originally belonged to my grandmother
0:30:20 > 0:30:25and it was passed down the family to her youngest son, my father.
0:30:25 > 0:30:32- And he passed it on to me. - Do you remember it in Grandmother's house?- Yes, I do.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36I used to go to see her on a Saturday to do a bit of shopping
0:30:36 > 0:30:39because she was quite elderly.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42And I just used to see it then.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46It's been in your family all this time. Why sell it?
0:30:46 > 0:30:51We've got four sons and you can't cut a jug in four quarters.
0:30:51 > 0:30:56We're doing lots of alterations around our bungalow,
0:30:56 > 0:31:02- making it more comfortable for when we get older and every penny helps. - Absolutely right.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05It's quite a charming little jug.
0:31:05 > 0:31:12We've got this nice stoneware construction with a deep blue glaze on the top,
0:31:12 > 0:31:16but the real charming aspect is this lovely scene on the front.
0:31:16 > 0:31:23- It's unusual, isn't it? - Very unusual, especially when you know who made this jug.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28If we tip it upside down, we see that it's Royal Doulton, England.
0:31:28 > 0:31:34- And it's got the date of 1899, so that's when it was made.- Yeah.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- So just over 100 years of age. - Yeah, right.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40And it's in perfect condition.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43I bet a lot of people are surprised
0:31:43 > 0:31:48to see a Royal Doulton stamp on that jug with this type of scene.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52We've got this young lad who has fallen in the water.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57What does this sign say? "No fishing allowed in these waters."
0:31:57 > 0:32:02I've never seen a Royal Doulton jug quite like this one.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- So it's a bit of a puzzle, this one.- It's not a fake, is it?
0:32:06 > 0:32:12- No, I don't think it is.- That's the main thing.- It's a lovely thing.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17I'll be honest with you, I'm guessing what this might be worth.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21If it didn't have that nice scene, it's a £20 jug.
0:32:21 > 0:32:28- Yeah.- If it was one of the very fine pieces, it could be worth £200 or £300.
0:32:28 > 0:32:34So I'm going to guess that it's worth perhaps...£100 to £200.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39- Ooh! I didn't think it would be as much as that.- Did you not?- No.
0:32:39 > 0:32:44When it comes to a reserve, we should be a bit cautious.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Shall we put a reserve at £100?
0:32:46 > 0:32:49I think an estimate of 100 to 150.
0:32:49 > 0:32:55- Do you trust us to put it in with a reserve at 100 and see what happens?- Definitely.
0:32:55 > 0:33:02- Let's hope we can raise a jug and a glass at the end of it.- That'd be nice. Thank you very much.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- How are you, Ken?- Very well. You're looking very well.
0:33:12 > 0:33:19- That's a compliment.- You're the first gentleman I've met. - Let me shake you by the hand.
0:33:19 > 0:33:25- Where's this come from? - Our family lived in a house, "Ivanhoe", Carbis Bay,
0:33:25 > 0:33:30named after the Ivanhoe gold mine in Kalgoorlie where Grandfather worked.
0:33:30 > 0:33:37- Granny bought it in 1906.- We're talking about the house now?- Yes. - 1906, she bought the house?- Yes.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42- So where's this come from?- I don't know. It's been in the house.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47- I really don't know.- No idea?- No. - You haven't hung it on the wall?
0:33:47 > 0:33:52- No, never on the wall.- Where's it been?- In the boxroom upstairs.
0:33:52 > 0:33:59- You haven't got any more up there, have you?- I don't know.- I'm gonna come back with you after this!
0:33:59 > 0:34:04We've taken it out of the gilt frame which is a bit battered.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09This isn't in the best condition. There's a lot of crazing round here.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12It needs a clean and restoration
0:34:12 > 0:34:17and all this sky here, that actually would be a lovely blue.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21It's quite vibrant colours underneath this.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- It's signed just here. - Who's it signed by?
0:34:24 > 0:34:29It says "Suthers". Then there's a Christian name which is L-E-G-H-E.
0:34:29 > 0:34:35- How do you think you pronounce that? - I don't know.- Ledg-ay, Leg-ay?
0:34:35 > 0:34:43This is a dictionary of British artists. Look at that - "Suthers, Leghe, portrait and figure painter."
0:34:43 > 0:34:48He painted from 1883 to 1905, but here's the interesting bit.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51"Exhibited Newlyn, Penzance."
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- So that'll do, won't it?- Yes.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57I've looked him up on the internet
0:34:57 > 0:35:02and his prices range from between about £800
0:35:02 > 0:35:06to a much bigger painting estimated to make £8,000 to £10,000.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Now, this is in bad order.
0:35:09 > 0:35:15I want you to put a sensible estimate on it, but an attractive estimate.
0:35:15 > 0:35:21- I think we need to estimate this at £600 to £900.- That's all right.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25£600 to £900 estimate, fixed reserve £600.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30I think if you get a real result, this could make £1,000.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34It might make £2,000 and it might make more.
0:35:34 > 0:35:40- Are you happy with that, Ken?- Yes. - Fingers crossed.- Fingers crossed.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46It's time to head back to the saleroom
0:35:46 > 0:35:51with the copper mirror which has got style, but no maker's mark.
0:35:51 > 0:35:57There's the Royal Doulton stoneware jug which is an unknown quantity.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02And last, but definitely not least, we could have a real flyer here,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05despite the grime on Ken's painting.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13The copper mirror, remember it? We're just about to find out
0:36:13 > 0:36:21- if £30 to £50 is a true reflection of its value.- Oh! Who writes these for you?- I don't know!
0:36:21 > 0:36:26- Hi, Heather.- Hello.- Who have you brought with you?- My mum, Margaret.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- Hi, Margaret.- Hi, Paul. - This is your mirror?- Yes.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- Philip doesn't know this, but you rang the auctioneer up.- I did.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39- Yes.- Sorry, Philip. - It depends what you said to him!
0:36:39 > 0:36:41I'll tell you what she said, OK?
0:36:41 > 0:36:48Ian said, "We've got a valuation of £30 to £50 with a reserve fixed at 30."
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Margaret's rung up and increased the fixed reserve to £50 now.
0:36:52 > 0:36:59- We've got to get more than £50 to sell it.- What does the auctioneer think?- He thinks it will struggle.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- Oh, well...- I do.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06An oval, copper-framed mirror, bevel-edged. Lot 386.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10£50 away? £40 away? £40 I'm bid.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12At £40. I'll take 5.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17- 45. 50.- What do I know? Proved yet again! Well done, you.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20At £50 and I'm selling at £50...
0:37:20 > 0:37:25Well done, Margaret. Well done, Heather. Stand your ground!
0:37:25 > 0:37:30- You did it!- I think you had a bit of luck, but well done.- Thank you.
0:37:30 > 0:37:35- Where in Cornwall do you come from? - Perranarworthal.- And you?- Portreath.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47We've got a great name and some quality - it's Pamela,
0:37:47 > 0:37:51but it's also a Royal Doulton stoneware jug, £100 to £150.
0:37:51 > 0:37:58- You've got four sons. You don't know who to give it to or none of them want it?- Well, yes.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03I've found out since I've come to Flog It that one of them likes it,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07but I can't give it to one and not the others.
0:38:07 > 0:38:12- So the idea is to flog it. Let's hope we get that top end.- Yeah.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- If he really likes it, he could always bid on it.- He could do.
0:38:16 > 0:38:23He's offered to buy it if I don't sell it, but I wouldn't sell it to him.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Let's hope it goes today. It's pretty, but it's in the balance.
0:38:27 > 0:38:32Is it gonna make £100 or quite a bit more? I don't know.
0:38:32 > 0:38:38We'll find out right now. It's going under the hammer. This is it.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40Royal Doulton stoneware jug,
0:38:40 > 0:38:45hand-painted decoration of a boy who has fallen into a pond. Lot 115.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48£100? £50 for the Doulton jug?
0:38:48 > 0:38:52£50 I'm bid. At 50. 55. 60. 5.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- 70. 5. 80.- Come on.- £80.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00At £85. At £85. 90 to get on. At £85. 90 anywhere?
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- At 85 then, going...- He's selling.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08The hammer's gone down. £85 it fetched in the room,
0:39:08 > 0:39:12but he didn't sell it, there was a fixed reserve.
0:39:12 > 0:39:17We protected the interests of your little jug. It's a pretty thing.
0:39:17 > 0:39:24- You shouldn't have sold it for less than 100.- I'm quite happy. I'd rather take it home.
0:39:24 > 0:39:31You can sell it to one of your sons. You can say, "You can have it at £100. It only made 85 in the room."
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Right now we've got something that's fresh to the market.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48- It's been in Ken's family since 1906.- Could have been, yes.
0:39:48 > 0:39:54Just after the artist died. Leghe Suthers, Newlyn School, lovely oil on canvas.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58- Who have you brought along? - This is my niece, Sarah.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03- Hello, Sarah.- Hello.- Do you like the painting?- Yeah, it's nice.
0:40:03 > 0:40:08It's not been cleaned for a long time. I hope it cleans up well.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- Why are you flogging this?- I don't want it.- You don't look at it?
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- I'd rather have the money. - I'm with you, Ken.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21There's a bit of damage, it needs restoration, hence £600 to £800.
0:40:21 > 0:40:26- But it could do four figures. - This'll do four figures,
0:40:26 > 0:40:30but you've got to put a "come and buy me" estimate on it.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Leghe Suthers there, 19th century oil on canvas.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Village scene. Can I say £1,000?
0:40:36 > 0:40:39£800 to start me? £600 I've got.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43At 600. At 600. I'll take 50 now. At 650.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46700. 750.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- 800. 850. 900.- They like it.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51950. 1,000.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55At £1,000. £1,000. Is it 50? £1,000.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58On the phone? At 50.
0:40:58 > 0:41:011,100. Is it 50...?
0:41:01 > 0:41:041,150. 1,200. Is it 50?
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- 1,250. 1,300. Is it 50? - This is fantastic.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- This is good, Ken.- Very good.
0:41:10 > 0:41:131,350. 1,400. Is it 50...? 1,450.
0:41:13 > 0:41:151,500. Is it 50?
0:41:17 > 0:41:201,550. 1,600. Is it 50?
0:41:20 > 0:41:231,650. My bid is out.
0:41:23 > 0:41:261,650. Now is it 1,700?
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Is it 50? 1,750. 1,800, is it?
0:41:31 > 0:41:341,800. Is it 50?
0:41:34 > 0:41:37They think it'll restore pretty well, Ken.
0:41:37 > 0:41:401,900. Is it 50?
0:41:41 > 0:41:441,950. Is it 2?
0:41:44 > 0:41:472,000. Is it 2,100? 2,100. Is it 2,200?
0:41:47 > 0:41:51They've got two bidders fighting it out.
0:41:51 > 0:41:532,300. Is it 2,400?
0:41:54 > 0:41:562,400. Is it 2,500?
0:41:56 > 0:41:582,500. Is it 2,600?
0:41:58 > 0:42:03- 2,600. Is it 2,700? - This is brilliant.
0:42:03 > 0:42:072,700. Is it 2,800? 2,800. Is it 2,900? 2,900. Is it 3?
0:42:07 > 0:42:113,000. Is it 200...?
0:42:11 > 0:42:133,200. 3,400?
0:42:13 > 0:42:17At 3,200, on the phone with Fiona. At £3,200...
0:42:17 > 0:42:203,400? 3,400. 3,600?
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- Wow!- 3,600.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- 3,800?- 3,600, Ken!
0:42:25 > 0:42:27At 3,600 on the phone with Fiona...
0:42:27 > 0:42:31At £3,600. Are we all done at £3,600...?
0:42:32 > 0:42:37- Yes!- Well done, Ken. That'll do.- £3,600!
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- My God!- You've got to be pleased with that.- I am!
0:42:41 > 0:42:48- What is all that money going towards?- A holiday and I've got to buy more stuff for my brother.
0:42:48 > 0:42:55- What are you gonna buy him?- For a start, a body warmer.- Keep him warm.- I've got to have one myself.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00- You'll buy a decent one at £3,600! - What a brilliant result!
0:43:07 > 0:43:13The auction's still going on. It's all over for our owners. What a cracking finale!
0:43:13 > 0:43:20That big grin on Ken's face when we got £3,600 for his oil on canvas, the Leghe Suthers!
0:43:20 > 0:43:28That's £3,000 above reserve! Not bad, eh? Join me for many more surprises next time on Flog It!
0:43:48 > 0:43:53Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2007
0:43:53 > 0:43:56Email us at subtitling@bbc.co.uk