Exeter

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0:00:02 > 0:00:07We're in Devon's capital city. Welcome to Exeter and to Flog It!

0:00:45 > 0:00:50Exeter is full of history, from its cathedral from Norman times

0:00:50 > 0:00:56to its historic quayside, which must have been the hub of activity.

0:00:56 > 0:01:01You can see wonderful architectural detail like this stunning doorway,

0:01:01 > 0:01:04just asking to be admired.

0:01:04 > 0:01:10We're back up-to-date at St George's Hall for our valuation day.

0:01:15 > 0:01:18Our Flog It! experts are David Barby and Will Axon.

0:01:18 > 0:01:24We've got that winning combination of experience and youth on our side.

0:01:24 > 0:01:29Sorry! I mean experience and youth on our side.

0:01:35 > 0:01:39Joyce, what an extraordinary thing to find in Exeter today.

0:01:39 > 0:01:42It certainly is.

0:01:42 > 0:01:44It's a piece of Russian silver.

0:01:44 > 0:01:48How did it make its way over here?

0:01:48 > 0:01:52I was turning out some things at mother-in-law's, we came across it

0:01:52 > 0:01:58and thought we'd bring it along to see what the value of it was.

0:01:58 > 0:02:03Have you seen this black pen-work decoration before?

0:02:03 > 0:02:05No, I haven't.

0:02:05 > 0:02:09It's a type of decoration that's typical of Russian silver.

0:02:09 > 0:02:12It's called niello decoration.

0:02:12 > 0:02:15It's applied enamel

0:02:15 > 0:02:20onto the surface after some chasing here to outline the design.

0:02:20 > 0:02:24We've got this tight scrolled decoration,

0:02:24 > 0:02:27very busy surface decoration.

0:02:27 > 0:02:32The contrast of black and silver makes it quite striking.

0:02:32 > 0:02:35- Yes.- It's typically Russian.

0:02:35 > 0:02:37If we look inside,

0:02:37 > 0:02:41we can see a maker's mark, Khlebnikov,

0:02:41 > 0:02:43which is the Russian maker.

0:02:43 > 0:02:48There's also, interestingly, a Royal warrant mark,

0:02:48 > 0:02:53which a lot of people thought was solely given to Faberge.

0:02:53 > 0:02:56It's not a Faberge piece.

0:02:56 > 0:03:01There were other firms making pieces of silver under Royal warrant.

0:03:01 > 0:03:06On the front, there's an architectural portrait.

0:03:06 > 0:03:09I don't recognise the building.

0:03:09 > 0:03:14I don't think it's the Kremlin, even though there's a Moscow mark.

0:03:14 > 0:03:20On the other side, we've got a small initialled monogram.

0:03:20 > 0:03:24People say that does detract from the value.

0:03:24 > 0:03:27I think, in this case, not necessarily so.

0:03:27 > 0:03:34- Have you ever had it valued? - No.- Why have you brought it today?

0:03:34 > 0:03:38- Just to get it valued and... - Perhaps sell it?

0:03:38 > 0:03:42- Perhaps sell it if it's... - If it's saleable.

0:03:42 > 0:03:44- You don't use it?- No.

0:03:44 > 0:03:47- You don't use it as a napkin ring? - No.

0:03:47 > 0:03:54It's not going to be hugely valuable. It is a napkin ring.

0:03:54 > 0:03:58You're looking at maybe 40 to 60, 50 to 80.

0:03:58 > 0:04:03- Right.- Is that the sort of level you'd be willing to sell at?- Yes.

0:04:03 > 0:04:06- Reserve at 40, with a bit of discretion.- OK.

0:04:06 > 0:04:12- Fingers crossed for the day. - Thank you very much. Thank you.

0:04:19 > 0:04:24- David, were you born in Exeter? - No. I actually live in Southampton.

0:04:24 > 0:04:29- What are you doing here? - I'm on holiday for the weekend.

0:04:29 > 0:04:32So you spend your holiday here?

0:04:32 > 0:04:34Well, come down and see you.

0:04:34 > 0:04:39Right, tell me where this collection of Beswick came from.

0:04:39 > 0:04:41It was me mum's collection.

0:04:41 > 0:04:44She used to collect china and porcelain.

0:04:44 > 0:04:50Sadly, me father died early part of this year so I inherited everything.

0:04:50 > 0:04:55Why are you selling these? They belonged to your mother. She died.

0:04:55 > 0:05:01- Aren't they part and parcel of your family history?- Yes, they are.

0:05:01 > 0:05:04I have got some other stuff, which I'm gonna keep.

0:05:04 > 0:05:09- Which have stronger sentiment? - Stronger sentimental value.

0:05:09 > 0:05:13What I find so fascinating is that Beswick

0:05:13 > 0:05:16was a phenomenon of the post-War years.

0:05:16 > 0:05:22I remember seeing shops, particularly in the Midlands,

0:05:22 > 0:05:26- full of Beswick figures, whole hunting sets.- Oh, yeah.

0:05:26 > 0:05:29This is all part of that tradition.

0:05:29 > 0:05:33There's a great variety here.

0:05:33 > 0:05:36My favourite piece is this here.

0:05:36 > 0:05:40- You can hardly see the mark but it is Beswick.- OK.

0:05:40 > 0:05:46This palomino horse did not originally have this leather work.

0:05:46 > 0:05:48I think that's been put on later.

0:05:48 > 0:05:54Maybe to pull a model cart. Does that ring a bell with you?

0:05:54 > 0:05:59Funny enough, my dad, who was very skilled with his hands,

0:05:59 > 0:06:02used to make travelling caravans.

0:06:02 > 0:06:05- Large size ones? - No, small model ones.

0:06:05 > 0:06:08He used to make them out of matchsticks.

0:06:08 > 0:06:15Whether that was put on by him, I don't know, to be quite honest.

0:06:15 > 0:06:19I love that family history behind it.

0:06:19 > 0:06:24The other piece I like is the griffin from Alice In Wonderland.

0:06:24 > 0:06:29- These were filled with whisky. They're empty now.- Unfortunately.

0:06:29 > 0:06:33Not by me! Probably me dad, in his old age.

0:06:33 > 0:06:35Putting a price on these,

0:06:35 > 0:06:40I'd like to sell them as a collection.

0:06:40 > 0:06:45That's the foal, the horse, palomino, the things we mentioned.

0:06:45 > 0:06:53At auction, I think the house will say 150 to £200.

0:06:53 > 0:06:59OK. Yes. They'll want to tuck in the reserve maybe around 125.

0:06:59 > 0:07:07- How does that feel?- Yeah.- You'd go with it?- I would go with that. Yeah. I'd very much go with that.

0:07:12 > 0:07:14Olivia, he's a cute teddy bear.

0:07:14 > 0:07:18Have you brought me a Steiff? No, he's not got the stud.

0:07:18 > 0:07:23I tell you what, he really is Steiff looking.

0:07:23 > 0:07:28I think he's a German bear modelled on the Steiff. Is he yours?

0:07:28 > 0:07:33He is mine. We were moving house, looking through some boxes.

0:07:33 > 0:07:37- And he was in there. - Why do you want to flog him?

0:07:37 > 0:07:41- I'd like to buy a Steiff. I'm saving up.- Oh, I see!

0:07:41 > 0:07:46There are so many bears on the market, English bears.

0:07:46 > 0:07:52You've got Chad Valley. There is the Chiltern bear.

0:07:52 > 0:07:55You've even got the Merry Thought bear.

0:07:55 > 0:08:02You're putting your money towards the top end of the market, which is the best thing to do.

0:08:02 > 0:08:07Always try and buy the best cos it saves trading up and losing money.

0:08:07 > 0:08:12Steiff is the best and you'll never lose money if you buy an old bear.

0:08:12 > 0:08:19If you buy a new bear, if you keep him for 40 or 50 years, you won't lose money.

0:08:19 > 0:08:25The attributes to look for are the long arms, the narrow pointed nose,

0:08:25 > 0:08:28the hump on the back and the long legs.

0:08:28 > 0:08:30They're slightly thinner.

0:08:30 > 0:08:34The Merry Thought and Chad Valley ones, are more rounded.

0:08:34 > 0:08:40- Have you given him a name?- He's Hector.- He looks like a Hector.

0:08:40 > 0:08:43You might be annoyed selling him.

0:08:43 > 0:08:47You might think, "I wish Hector was here."

0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Maybe he's the starting point. - I'd prefer a Steiff. Yeah.

0:08:51 > 0:08:54- You're aiming for the top end.- I am.

0:08:54 > 0:08:59Unfortunately, he's got new pads on all paws. Who did that?

0:08:59 > 0:09:02I don't know anything about him, really.

0:09:02 > 0:09:10If he'd had original pads on his paws, we'd easily get £100 for him.

0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Right.- But that's devalued him.

0:09:12 > 0:09:15Somebody's done a really neat job.

0:09:15 > 0:09:18I suppose. There's a few bits on the side.

0:09:18 > 0:09:23For auction purposes, we'll have to put him in the sale

0:09:23 > 0:09:26with an estimate of £60 to £90.

0:09:26 > 0:09:32- That's good!- Let the auctioneer use his discretion at the lower end.

0:09:32 > 0:09:34Thank you very much.

0:09:34 > 0:09:38Let's hope we get the top end of the estimate.

0:09:47 > 0:09:52Tracy, I love this piece you've brought in. How did you come by it?

0:09:52 > 0:09:54It belonged to my late grandparents.

0:09:54 > 0:10:00It was a wedding present, I believe, from my grandparents' parents.

0:10:00 > 0:10:02Interesting.

0:10:02 > 0:10:04It's a Royal Doulton piece.

0:10:04 > 0:10:09We can see quite clearly here that it's marked for 1883.

0:10:09 > 0:10:15This Doulton Lambeth mark only came into use from 1880 onwards.

0:10:15 > 0:10:22Further down, we've got the artist's monogram. ED for Edward Dunn.

0:10:22 > 0:10:29- That's right. Yeah. - He's the decorator and the designer of the piece.

0:10:29 > 0:10:33He's decorated this in a particular style.

0:10:33 > 0:10:35You've got a heron,

0:10:35 > 0:10:38an otter with his catch,

0:10:38 > 0:10:40a trout, he's caught.

0:10:40 > 0:10:43Then you've got this nice kingfisher, perched

0:10:43 > 0:10:47and ready to dive into this lake.

0:10:47 > 0:10:53Then you've got this bold geometric design around the rest of the body.

0:10:53 > 0:10:58- Do you like it? Is it something you've got on display?- No. Sorry!

0:10:58 > 0:11:04- Don't apologise! - I've got a different type of taste of Doulton, that's not really...

0:11:04 > 0:11:08This is more the art pottery.

0:11:08 > 0:11:13Something that would be in a stately home, compared to me.

0:11:13 > 0:11:19No. It's easily accessible for all of us. If you appreciate the aesthetics of it.

0:11:19 > 0:11:22It's pretty enough, but not useful for me.

0:11:22 > 0:11:28It's been used at some stage. There's a bit of water stain.

0:11:28 > 0:11:30It's been used as a jardiniere.

0:11:30 > 0:11:36They don't tend to be the most commercial shapes or types of pottery,

0:11:36 > 0:11:38the jardinieres.

0:11:38 > 0:11:43- It's quite big to have in a display cabinet.- Yeah.

0:11:43 > 0:11:49- Exactly!- It's not a pair of vases, which always carries a premium.

0:11:49 > 0:11:52Nonetheless, it's a nice piece of its type.

0:11:52 > 0:11:58- Have you had it valued?- Not at all. - OK, It's a slightly tricky one.

0:11:58 > 0:12:02Yes, it's Doulton. Yes, it's a good strong design.

0:12:02 > 0:12:06Yes, there are collectors for that.

0:12:06 > 0:12:12You should be looking in the region of £200 to £300 as a sensible auction estimate.

0:12:12 > 0:12:18I wouldn't be surprised if it made a little bit more, maybe just over.

0:12:18 > 0:12:23- If you're happy to pitch it at £200 to £300.- Yeah.

0:12:23 > 0:12:28We'll reserve it at that bottom figure. You're happy to try it?

0:12:28 > 0:12:31- Indeed, yeah.- That'll be great.

0:12:31 > 0:12:35- Get it to the saleroom and we'll see you there.- Thank you.

0:12:35 > 0:12:40'There's something for everyone in our first batch of items.

0:12:40 > 0:12:45'Will the estimate on the Russian silver entice the bidders?

0:12:45 > 0:12:49'David brought in his collection of Beswick animals.

0:12:49 > 0:12:54'Olivia wants a good price for Hector to upgrade to a Steiff.

0:12:54 > 0:12:58'And Tracy doesn't like this 19th-century Royal Doulton vase.

0:12:58 > 0:13:00'Will thinks it should sell well.'

0:13:00 > 0:13:06This is where they'll be going under the hammer, Bearne's Auction Rooms in Exeter.

0:13:06 > 0:13:10The auctioneer, Nick Sainty, has all the local knowledge.

0:13:10 > 0:13:16We're going to find out if we've got it wrong or if we've got it right.

0:13:20 > 0:13:25- Hello, Joyce.- Hello, Paul.- It's jam packed in this auction room.

0:13:25 > 0:13:31- Have you been up here before?- This is the first time.- First auction!

0:13:31 > 0:13:36- Yes, it is.- We've got £40 to £60 on the silver napkin ring.- Yes.

0:13:36 > 0:13:39It's lovely but, if it sells well,

0:13:39 > 0:13:43are you going to buy something, make it a proper day out?

0:13:43 > 0:13:46I'll probably divide it between my grandchildren.

0:13:46 > 0:13:50- You won't spend it in the auction room?- No.

0:13:50 > 0:13:54- Bit too much like gambling?- Yes. It is.- Living dangerously!

0:13:54 > 0:13:59It's scary enough selling something. £40 to £60, Will put on it.

0:13:59 > 0:14:04- Good valuation. It could creep up a little bit more.- It should do.

0:14:04 > 0:14:07At 40 to 60, it's worth all of that.

0:14:07 > 0:14:11- This niello Russian is en vogue, Russian wares.- Very collectable.

0:14:11 > 0:14:14Russian silver. Decorative as well.

0:14:14 > 0:14:19- Shame it's not a set of four! - Exactly! Where's the rest of them?

0:14:19 > 0:14:21I honestly don't know.

0:14:21 > 0:14:25It was amongst my late mother-in-law's belongings.

0:14:25 > 0:14:30OK, well, time is now up. It's going under the hammer right now.

0:14:30 > 0:14:3260, here we go.

0:14:32 > 0:14:39Russian niello decorated serviette ring with a view of the Kremlin.

0:14:39 > 0:14:46Bidding's with me 95, 100, 110 is bid. Commission at £110.

0:14:46 > 0:14:4920 will you? And 20. 130.

0:14:49 > 0:14:52And 40. 150. And 60?

0:14:52 > 0:14:56No. With me still. My commission bid at 150. Are we all done?

0:14:56 > 0:15:01- Listen.- It's on the book and selling at £150.

0:15:01 > 0:15:07That is a sold sound! The hammer's gone down. I was getting excited!

0:15:07 > 0:15:11- I don't believe it.- Your first auction. Sum it up.- Brilliant.

0:15:11 > 0:15:16- It's addicting, isn't it?- It is. - Coming back? Definitely!

0:15:16 > 0:15:20- Yes, when you come to Exeter again. - That was hot!

0:15:20 > 0:15:23- Yeah. Good result.- Very good result.

0:15:28 > 0:15:33We've got six Beswick animals up for grabs. Beswick is hot to trot.

0:15:33 > 0:15:37They belong to David, but possibly for not much longer.

0:15:37 > 0:15:42Why they're collectable I don't know but it's a name everybody wants.

0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Obviously, not you! - Not at the moment, no.

0:15:46 > 0:15:50The best thing to do is put them in an auction room.

0:15:50 > 0:15:54- You'll get the best price on the day.- Yeah.

0:15:54 > 0:15:58We need that £200 plus. Will we get it, David?

0:15:58 > 0:16:02- There's a good selection.- There's a lot of Beswick coming up later on.

0:16:02 > 0:16:06There's a possibility. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

0:16:06 > 0:16:09Beswick's so popular. 1950s pottery.

0:16:09 > 0:16:16They made vases in the Art Deco style, switched to these figures and they've been popular since.

0:16:16 > 0:16:22- I'm pleased David says "Bessick". - Sugar! I should have said "BesWick"!

0:16:22 > 0:16:24It's under the hammer right now.

0:16:24 > 0:16:28285, the Beswick. Spirit of Youth in gloss brown.

0:16:28 > 0:16:33Various others, including a griffin. Six items in all.

0:16:33 > 0:16:37Bidding's here with me 100. £110.

0:16:37 > 0:16:4320, will you? Commission bid of 110. 20, will you?

0:16:43 > 0:16:49And 20, will you? Bidding's on the book at £110. Are we all done?

0:16:49 > 0:16:52- It's staying, then.- Oh, no.

0:16:52 > 0:16:54I'm so sorry, David.

0:16:54 > 0:17:00That's got to be the turning point in Beswick, as far as I'm concerned.

0:17:00 > 0:17:06We have it on the show week in, week out, wherever we are, we always sell it.

0:17:06 > 0:17:08Right. Oh, well.

0:17:08 > 0:17:12- What can I say?- There was nobody bidding in the room.

0:17:12 > 0:17:14Nobody bidding!

0:17:19 > 0:17:21It's my turn to be the expert!

0:17:21 > 0:17:28I am very nervous. I'm not an expert on teddy bears. I went with my gut feeling on this.

0:17:28 > 0:17:32It belongs to Olivia. Hector's just about to go under the hammer.

0:17:32 > 0:17:35Hopefully, we can wave goodbye.

0:17:35 > 0:17:39- The money's going towards a Steiff. - It is, indeed.

0:17:39 > 0:17:44- There is a fantastic one in the reception area here.- There is.

0:17:44 > 0:17:48The sale's in a couple of months. So good luck with that.

0:17:48 > 0:17:50I know you want to bid on it.

0:17:50 > 0:17:55I'm feeling the pressure. I'm worried it might not sell.

0:17:55 > 0:17:59This is it. Good luck. I hate this moment.

0:17:59 > 0:18:02225, the German gold plush teddy.

0:18:02 > 0:18:07Button eyes, stitched nose and mouth. Commission bid of £55.

0:18:07 > 0:18:1260, will you? Commission bid of 55. And 60, will you? With me at 55.

0:18:12 > 0:18:1760, will you? It's all on the book at £55 and 60, will you?

0:18:17 > 0:18:23We're selling, then, on the book, if you're all done at £55.

0:18:23 > 0:18:26Hammer's gone down. We just did it.

0:18:26 > 0:18:31- Just did it! I'm so sorry it didn't get the top end.- Doesn't matter.

0:18:31 > 0:18:35- He had to go cos we want the one downstairs.- I do.

0:18:35 > 0:18:40- I don't blame you. Have to save up a bit more money.- A little bit.

0:18:40 > 0:18:45- It's a good starting point.- It is. Thank you very much.- Good luck.

0:18:51 > 0:18:58We're going to raise the temperature because we have got some quality, Tracy's Royal Doulton.

0:18:58 > 0:19:03We always say, invest in a good maker's name, quality and condition.

0:19:03 > 0:19:06I think this jardiniere has the lot.

0:19:06 > 0:19:11It's got everything going for it, even the price £200 to £300.

0:19:11 > 0:19:16This is part of your heritage, though. It was the grandparents'.

0:19:16 > 0:19:21- It was.- Do you feel slightly guilty? - I've had nightmares every night!

0:19:21 > 0:19:26Since young Will, here, talked you into flogging it!

0:19:26 > 0:19:28I'm in a win-win situation.

0:19:28 > 0:19:33If it sells, good. If not, you don't get the wrath of the grandparents!

0:19:33 > 0:19:37It's going under the hammer right now.

0:19:37 > 0:19:41Lot 180, the Doulton silicon ware jardiniere.

0:19:41 > 0:19:46- Interestingly decorated.- I like what's on it.- It's well decorated.

0:19:46 > 0:19:50Bidding's with me. 150, 160, 170...

0:19:50 > 0:19:54- It's going! - ..£180 is bid on the book.

0:19:54 > 0:19:58190, will you? There's a commission bid of 180. 190.

0:19:58 > 0:20:01That's me out. With you at 190. 200, will you?

0:20:01 > 0:20:08No? It's on the showcase here at £190. 200, will you? Don't be shy.

0:20:08 > 0:20:13- I'm selling on the phone... - There's one there.- Where was that?

0:20:13 > 0:20:17- I can't see you amongst the crowd. - Ooh! A late bid.

0:20:17 > 0:20:23In the corner, now, at £200. 210, Lynn? ..210.

0:20:23 > 0:20:26220. 230?

0:20:26 > 0:20:31240? No. It's with you, Lynn, at 230.

0:20:31 > 0:20:37The book is out. The room is out. On the phone and selling at £230.

0:20:37 > 0:20:43- A few up and downs! A rollercoaster ride. £230.- Gone all cold!

0:20:43 > 0:20:46What are you going to do with that?

0:20:46 > 0:20:51I'm going to look around for another Doulton figure,

0:20:51 > 0:20:53or even Lilliput I like as well.

0:20:53 > 0:20:56That's what my nan liked as well.

0:20:56 > 0:21:01- You never know. There might be some today.- Keep my eyes open.- Yeah.

0:21:01 > 0:21:04- Thank you so much. - Thanking you both.

0:21:04 > 0:21:10- Did it. Mid-estimate. That wasn't bad, Will.- Yeah. I'm happy with that.

0:21:10 > 0:21:16Phone bidder almost got it cheap. A phone bid gees people to start bidding.

0:21:16 > 0:21:21They think, "I'm missing something. I don't want to miss this."

0:21:21 > 0:21:23Good result.

0:21:34 > 0:21:37# Every day I spend my time

0:21:37 > 0:21:39# Drinking wine

0:21:39 > 0:21:40# Feeling fine

0:21:40 > 0:21:44# Waiting here to find the sign

0:21:45 > 0:21:50# That I can understand, yes I am

0:21:50 > 0:21:53# In the days between the hours

0:21:53 > 0:21:57# Ivory towers, bloody flowers

0:21:57 > 0:21:59# Push their heads into the air

0:21:59 > 0:22:01# I don't care

0:22:01 > 0:22:03# If I ever know

0:22:03 > 0:22:08# There I go. #

0:22:08 > 0:22:11Sculpture, what is it and why is it important?

0:22:11 > 0:22:16To me, it's one of the most important of the visual arts.

0:22:16 > 0:22:21It's three-dimensional. You can view it from every angle and touch it.

0:22:21 > 0:22:24It's very much like these trees.

0:22:24 > 0:22:27That's living, breathing sculpture

0:22:27 > 0:22:30that found its own shape and form.

0:22:30 > 0:22:33There is some sculpture that artists create,

0:22:33 > 0:22:36chip away the layers from stone.

0:22:36 > 0:22:42It's that concentration of energy and time and love that creates a spirit

0:22:42 > 0:22:48which provokes us, shocks you into thinking "What is it all about?"

0:22:48 > 0:22:51Everyone has a different point of view.

0:22:51 > 0:22:58A great place to experience this energy is Streatham campus at the University of Exeter.

0:22:58 > 0:23:05Not only is it a wonderful wooded walk, it's the university's sculpture garden.

0:23:05 > 0:23:09There are over 20 sculptures, all carefully placed.

0:23:09 > 0:23:13I'm just going to pick on half a dozen.

0:23:13 > 0:23:18This is my favourite, by Barbara Hepworth. It's hollow bronze.

0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Listen to this. - RINGS HOLLOW

0:23:21 > 0:23:26I feel privileged to be able to touch this and add more patina.

0:23:26 > 0:23:31Being outside, it's still constantly evolving and changing.

0:23:31 > 0:23:35It's getting a ravishing throughout the four seasons.

0:23:35 > 0:23:41It's great at different times of the year, the light creates different shadows.

0:23:41 > 0:23:45It's an interpretation of mother and child.

0:23:45 > 0:23:50You see the female point of view. It really is awesome.

0:23:50 > 0:23:56I love the way it's been perfectly sited. You can see the conifer.

0:23:56 > 0:24:01You can see perfect symmetry. It's gorgeous.

0:24:01 > 0:24:06Somebody who studied at the Leeds College of Art with Barbara Hepworth

0:24:06 > 0:24:12possibly the world's most renowned sculptor, was Henry Moore.

0:24:12 > 0:24:16There should be a Henry Moore here on this plinth.

0:24:16 > 0:24:19Because there's been a spate of theft,

0:24:19 > 0:24:24the statue's been taken away to have a tracker device fitted.

0:24:24 > 0:24:30It's Reclining Connected Forms and is what you'd expect of Moore.

0:24:30 > 0:24:33Soft organic flowing lines.

0:24:36 > 0:24:39This was designed and built by the students

0:24:39 > 0:24:45the day after the dreadful events in Tiananmen Square in 1989,

0:24:45 > 0:24:49when so many people lost their lives.

0:24:49 > 0:24:53For me, it kind of represents freedom.

0:24:53 > 0:24:58It's a warrior here. He's got his arm outstretched.

0:24:58 > 0:25:02He's trying to redress all that's gone wrong.

0:25:02 > 0:25:05It's frustration, really.

0:25:05 > 0:25:08It is frustration.

0:25:10 > 0:25:15Moving away from the soft organic lines, I've come across this.

0:25:15 > 0:25:20It's very architectural, by Devon born artist Paul Mount,

0:25:20 > 0:25:22born in Newton Abbot in 1922.

0:25:22 > 0:25:26He's still got a studio in Cornwall in St Just.

0:25:26 > 0:25:29It's called Sky Sails.

0:25:29 > 0:25:35It brightens up this very austere boring brickwork.

0:25:35 > 0:25:39Imagine it with a bright blue sky behind.

0:25:39 > 0:25:41You'd almost think you were at sea.

0:25:41 > 0:25:45Constructed of iron and stainless steel,

0:25:45 > 0:25:49it really reflects the atmospheric conditions

0:25:49 > 0:25:52during the four seasons.

0:25:52 > 0:25:56I absolutely adore this piece, Man Of The Word.

0:25:56 > 0:26:00It's by Hungarian-born sculptor Peter Peri.

0:26:00 > 0:26:07It's been here since 1960. It's like Superman coming out the building.

0:26:07 > 0:26:10You've got to be where you are now,

0:26:10 > 0:26:15looking up so you can see the sky and this man reaching out

0:26:15 > 0:26:18saying, "That's my world!"

0:26:18 > 0:26:25I think he's inspired many students at the university over the past decades.

0:26:25 > 0:26:31He's fashioned in that variegated browny red brickwork,

0:26:31 > 0:26:35which you associate with the Devon clays and soil.

0:26:35 > 0:26:39It's beautiful. He's part of the building.

0:26:42 > 0:26:45MUSIC: "Find The River" by REM

0:26:45 > 0:26:50# ..river poet search naivete

0:26:52 > 0:26:58# Pick up here and chase the ride The river empties to the tide

0:26:58 > 0:27:04# All of this is coming your way. #

0:27:17 > 0:27:22'At the valuation day, something's caught David's eye.'

0:27:23 > 0:27:30Pat, I can't understand why you want to sell such a pretty ornament.

0:27:30 > 0:27:33Unfortunately, I'm a cat person. I love cats.

0:27:33 > 0:27:38I can appreciate your sentiment. Where has this been?

0:27:38 > 0:27:44Sadly, it's been in a box over many years. It was a wedding present.

0:27:44 > 0:27:48You're rejecting a wedding present? How long ago?

0:27:48 > 0:27:5040 years.

0:27:50 > 0:27:55- Are you going to offend anybody by parting with this?- I don't think so.

0:27:55 > 0:27:59- The time is right. - Who gave it to you?

0:27:59 > 0:28:02An elderly aunt who was in her 90s.

0:28:02 > 0:28:07What we have here... It was a nice gift, actually, from your aunt.

0:28:07 > 0:28:12Produced in Staffordshire, about the 1845, 1850 period.

0:28:12 > 0:28:16- This is what we term a cottage ornament.- Right.

0:28:16 > 0:28:20A large number of companies produced similar.

0:28:20 > 0:28:24This is good quality. You had Chamberlain's Worcester producing.

0:28:24 > 0:28:27Samuel Alcock, Mintons.

0:28:27 > 0:28:33All producing these porcelain figures. This one had a purpose.

0:28:33 > 0:28:39There's a little hole, a vent hole to save it exploding in the kiln.

0:28:39 > 0:28:42It also provided a pen rest.

0:28:42 > 0:28:48If you wanted to rest your pen while you sealed up the envelope,

0:28:48 > 0:28:52you'd put it in there, so that is a functional piece.

0:28:52 > 0:28:57When I look at this, I think in terms of Victorian period.

0:28:57 > 0:29:01The character that comes to mind is Betsy Trotwood.

0:29:01 > 0:29:05She would have had that as an ornament in her room.

0:29:05 > 0:29:10This is the type of society, a middle-class society,

0:29:10 > 0:29:14middle England and middle of the Victorian period.

0:29:14 > 0:29:20There's still a market for animals, particularly dogs and cats.

0:29:20 > 0:29:23This is nice, on a cushion base.

0:29:23 > 0:29:28I think it's just modelled as one, not of a pair.

0:29:28 > 0:29:35It's nice to have the mother here, and also the small puppy suckling.

0:29:37 > 0:29:42Price, if it goes up to auction, somewhere between £60 to £100.

0:29:42 > 0:29:46- If not, just over.- Right.

0:29:46 > 0:29:53We need to put the reserve price at a sensible figure to encourage people to leave a bid.

0:29:53 > 0:30:01- I think the auction house will say "We'll put £50 reserve on it." Would you be happy?- Wonderful. Yes.

0:30:01 > 0:30:05- £50 would feed your cats for how long?- About a fortnight.

0:30:05 > 0:30:11- They're very hungry!- Thank you very much for coming along.- Thank you.

0:30:19 > 0:30:23Lindsey, Donna, thanks for coming along today.

0:30:23 > 0:30:30You look a bit young to be carrying around a Rolling Stones album. Where have you got this from?

0:30:30 > 0:30:36- My dad inherited it from his sister. - Your auntie?- Yeah. Auntie Teresa.

0:30:36 > 0:30:40- He's a Rolling Stones fan? - He's a Rolling Stones fan.

0:30:40 > 0:30:45- This has taken pride of place?- Yeah. It's at the front of the collection.

0:30:45 > 0:30:52Well, it's the Rolling Stones album, obviously. It's their debut album.

0:30:52 > 0:30:55It's at the front of his collection.

0:30:55 > 0:30:58It really should be at the back.

0:30:58 > 0:31:03If we turn this over... we can see what makes it interesting,

0:31:03 > 0:31:06as far as I'm concerned.

0:31:06 > 0:31:09The three signatures we've got there.

0:31:09 > 0:31:13- Four, with Teresa Wood. Your auntie?- Yes.

0:31:13 > 0:31:17Mick Jagger, Brian Jones and Keith Richards.

0:31:17 > 0:31:21Unfortunately, not all the band members.

0:31:21 > 0:31:24For the signature collector, that's what they want.

0:31:24 > 0:31:27They want all the band

0:31:27 > 0:31:32on one piece of paper that can be easily displayed.

0:31:32 > 0:31:40- How did your auntie get the album signed?- She went to the concert at the Princess Theatre in Torquay.

0:31:40 > 0:31:44She got backstage passes and that's how she got them.

0:31:44 > 0:31:47I'm not an expert on rock and pop signatures.

0:31:47 > 0:31:53My gut feeling is that these signatures are probably right.

0:31:53 > 0:31:55Your auntie went to the concert.

0:31:55 > 0:32:01I think, as well, that this may be a first pressing of this album.

0:32:01 > 0:32:04In later pressings, the track listing changed.

0:32:04 > 0:32:09You no longer got I Need You Baby. They changed that to Mona.

0:32:09 > 0:32:12Suggesting an earlier pressing.

0:32:12 > 0:32:17In terms of the record itself, which is in mint condition,

0:32:17 > 0:32:20it doesn't look like it's been played much.

0:32:20 > 0:32:25Plus the addition of the signatures takes it that level up.

0:32:25 > 0:32:29Mick's signature's a bit... He's had a heavy night.

0:32:29 > 0:32:33Keith Richards, clear signature, and Brian Jones.

0:32:33 > 0:32:37He's not going to be signing any more, obviously.

0:32:37 > 0:32:41There's a finite source of Brian Jones signatures.

0:32:41 > 0:32:46Mick and Keith are still signing things. Have you had it valued?

0:32:46 > 0:32:51We haven't, no. This is the first time we've ever brought it out.

0:32:51 > 0:32:55- What would you pay for a signed...? - No idea.

0:32:55 > 0:33:01- What sort of album with a signature would you be after?- Oh, my goodness!

0:33:01 > 0:33:05It would have to be the Red Hot Chili Peppers!

0:33:05 > 0:33:08That's the kind of band to look out for.

0:33:08 > 0:33:13If you had all four signatures, all nicely displayed,

0:33:13 > 0:33:16you'd be looking at high hundreds.

0:33:16 > 0:33:18Because you've got the three...

0:33:18 > 0:33:23you should be looking at £200 to £300 as an estimate.

0:33:23 > 0:33:29The album itself is probably worth £50. That's all right with your dad?

0:33:29 > 0:33:36- He's happy for us to sell it.- You haven't sneaked it out then he'll be surprised when he tunes in?

0:33:36 > 0:33:40"I thought that was up in the loft!" What will you put £150 towards?

0:33:40 > 0:33:45- We'd like to spend it for our dad! - Buy him a little surprise?

0:33:45 > 0:33:47Buy him the CD. He might play it.

0:33:53 > 0:33:58If you've got antiques and collectables you want to flog,

0:33:58 > 0:34:02bring them to one of our valuation days like this one.

0:34:02 > 0:34:06Details of coming dates, you can find on our website.

0:34:06 > 0:34:10Log on to bbc.co.uk/lifestyle and we'll see you there.

0:34:10 > 0:34:15If you haven't got a computer, check the details in your local press.

0:34:15 > 0:34:19Maddy, why do you want to get rid of family history?

0:34:19 > 0:34:25- They've been sat in the attic for a long time.- That is often the case.

0:34:25 > 0:34:30People die, the beneficiaries come along and clear everything out.

0:34:30 > 0:34:33Not wanting to throw things away, they just hoard.

0:34:33 > 0:34:38- You find them and say "What am I going to do with them?"- Yes.

0:34:38 > 0:34:40What I like about these albums

0:34:40 > 0:34:43is they represent a complete cavalcade

0:34:43 > 0:34:46of early 20th-century life.

0:34:46 > 0:34:52We have a collection of cards, sepia toned, some colour ones.

0:34:52 > 0:34:55Humorous cards, sometimes a little bit naughty.

0:34:55 > 0:34:59They reflected the humour and where people travelled.

0:34:59 > 0:35:05- Your aunt and uncle that collected these, did they have children?- No.

0:35:05 > 0:35:09It was my uncle's first wife that collected them.

0:35:09 > 0:35:12She died in the 1930s.

0:35:12 > 0:35:16So these are all 1920s, 1930s.

0:35:16 > 0:35:22If your uncle's wife died in 1930, that's when these stopped.

0:35:22 > 0:35:28- There are no cards after 1932? - There shouldn't be. No.- That's good.

0:35:28 > 0:35:33- Is this the couple that collected? - That's his first wife with my uncle.

0:35:33 > 0:35:35These were the collectors.

0:35:35 > 0:35:38This one is immensely interesting.

0:35:38 > 0:35:43These show views of West Country sporting events,

0:35:43 > 0:35:47in particular, bicycle rides or bicycle events.

0:35:47 > 0:35:50A chap's trying to repair his cycle.

0:35:50 > 0:35:52These are fascinating.

0:35:52 > 0:35:56Oh, look! Sharp's at Wembley. 1924.

0:35:56 > 0:36:01I remember eating Sharp's toffees there.

0:36:01 > 0:36:03These things are full of memories.

0:36:03 > 0:36:11Just because you don't want them, doesn't mean there aren't hundreds of people who'll bid on these.

0:36:11 > 0:36:14Have you any ideas regards price?

0:36:14 > 0:36:16Not really. Um...

0:36:18 > 0:36:27- You mentioned a price, but I don't...- Yes. I mentioned a price, originally, of about 80 to 100.

0:36:27 > 0:36:32We have a valuer, Michael, who's very keen on postcards.

0:36:32 > 0:36:37- He said, "These will probably go 100 to 150, if not more."- OK.

0:36:37 > 0:36:42The auctioneer will put a reserve around about 100.

0:36:42 > 0:36:47- Do you feel comfortable with that reserve?- I think so. Yes.

0:36:47 > 0:36:52I shouldn't ask, but are you going to replace these with anything?

0:36:52 > 0:36:55These have been stored away for so long,

0:36:55 > 0:37:02- I'd replace it with something I can enjoy.- I'd do exactly the same. Thank you very much.

0:37:03 > 0:37:07'Before we go back, here's a recap of our items.

0:37:07 > 0:37:12'Cat-loving Pat brought in this Victorian Staffordshire pen holder.

0:37:12 > 0:37:19'It may only have three signatures, but let's hope this album gets the bidders rocking.

0:37:19 > 0:37:23'We may have a sleeper with Madeline's postcard collection.'

0:37:29 > 0:37:35A bit of Staffordshire pottery now, that cottage pen holder and it belongs to Pat.

0:37:35 > 0:37:39- Hello.- This is great because people need a pen holder!

0:37:39 > 0:37:44- I'm always losing pens. - You still use a quill!- Oh, yes!

0:37:44 > 0:37:49- Makes the handwriting look good! It is lovely.- It's beautiful.

0:37:49 > 0:37:54These were so popular a few years ago, used to sell £200 plus.

0:37:54 > 0:37:57The market's dropped slightly.

0:37:57 > 0:38:03Lot 120. This pretty Staffordshire ink stand with a dog and puppy.

0:38:03 > 0:38:0722, 25, £28 is bid.

0:38:07 > 0:38:1030, will you? 32. 35.

0:38:10 > 0:38:1438. And 40? Two. 45.

0:38:14 > 0:38:2048. And 50? That's me out. Showcase at £50, unless we see five.

0:38:20 > 0:38:24All done, then, on the showcase and selling at £50.

0:38:24 > 0:38:27Yes! Just! That was close!

0:38:27 > 0:38:30- We made it!- 50 quid!

0:38:30 > 0:38:35- You can treat yourself.- Definitely. Something for the garden.

0:38:35 > 0:38:38Yeah, plant something up. What a lovely idea.

0:38:38 > 0:38:43- A memento of your wedding. It was a wedding present.- Watch it flourish.

0:38:43 > 0:38:47- That will be good. - You're so romantic.

0:38:52 > 0:38:58Getting back on track, one of the best rock n roll bands in the world, the Rolling Stones.

0:38:58 > 0:39:03It's a signed album, belonging to Donna and Lindsey.

0:39:03 > 0:39:08- What have you been up to since the valuation?- Working hard.

0:39:08 > 0:39:15Well, if this had Charlie Watts's signature on it, we'd be looking at £800.

0:39:15 > 0:39:21- Really?- Where was that drummer when the signing was going on? - Partying somewhere.- Yeah.

0:39:21 > 0:39:27We've sold Rolling Stones autographs for £800. It was the whole band.

0:39:27 > 0:39:31I think what Will's done is OK. £200 to £300.

0:39:31 > 0:39:36Not all the signatures are there. You have to take that into account.

0:39:36 > 0:39:44- You say one of the best rock n roll bands.- The greatest!- Most people, it's all Beatles, Beatles, Beatles!

0:39:44 > 0:39:49- That's why I said "one of".- The second step is the Rolling Stones.

0:39:49 > 0:39:51They have a worldwide fan base.

0:39:51 > 0:39:57- I'm hoping there's a couple of fans here today.- That's all we need.

0:39:57 > 0:40:02Let's hope we get some satisfaction. £300 to £400, that's what we want.

0:40:02 > 0:40:06360. Rolling Stones.

0:40:06 > 0:40:10Decca labelled and signed. We're away here, then.

0:40:10 > 0:40:16£85. 90, will you? It's here at £85 for the Rolling Stones album.

0:40:16 > 0:40:2190, will you? £85. 90, will you? It's with me at 85.

0:40:21 > 0:40:2590, will you? No interest? Can't twist your arm?

0:40:25 > 0:40:30If you're all done. I can't get no satisfaction.

0:40:30 > 0:40:35LAUGHTER

0:40:31 > 0:40:35I couldn't resist it! Unsold, then, at £85.

0:40:35 > 0:40:41£90, that's all the bidding went up to, is absolutely nothing

0:40:41 > 0:40:44for an album with three Rolling Stones signatures.

0:40:44 > 0:40:49Nobody was here who wanted it. It does happen in auction rooms.

0:40:49 > 0:40:54- The record is almost worth that. It's a first pressing.- Yeah.

0:40:54 > 0:40:59Hang on to it. It is worth £200 to £300. I totally agree with Will.

0:40:59 > 0:41:06But if you catch hold of Charlie Watts, get him to sign it, it's worth £500 to £800.

0:41:06 > 0:41:07Thanks very much.

0:41:13 > 0:41:15This is a cracking lot.

0:41:15 > 0:41:19Scenes from the 1920s and '30s. Our social history.

0:41:19 > 0:41:23Madeline's social history, really. It belongs to you.

0:41:23 > 0:41:27I think £100 to £150 might be a bargain for this.

0:41:27 > 0:41:30The lost scenes of those streets.

0:41:30 > 0:41:35They tell a story of great value. Why are you getting rid of them?

0:41:35 > 0:41:38They were taking up room in my attic.

0:41:38 > 0:41:44I thought that's a reason. My children didn't want them.

0:41:44 > 0:41:46We could see 300 or 400.

0:41:46 > 0:41:53I remember one Flog It! a few years ago and we said £100 to £150 and a photograph album made £600!

0:41:53 > 0:41:56You just don't know what's in it.

0:41:56 > 0:42:03Remember 100 silk woven postcards that nobody was interested in from the first World War?

0:42:03 > 0:42:07- Swings and roundabouts.- Yes. - The market does change.

0:42:07 > 0:42:10We're going to find out. This is it.

0:42:10 > 0:42:13330. The postcard albums.

0:42:13 > 0:42:18Some nice subject matter. Early shipping, sports, patriotic.

0:42:18 > 0:42:20You've all seen it.

0:42:20 > 0:42:27- The bidding opens here at £410. 20, will you...?- Museums want this.

0:42:27 > 0:42:29420, madam. 430. 440...

0:42:29 > 0:42:33- I told you, David.- ..460. 470.

0:42:33 > 0:42:36- 480...- Incredible!- 500?

0:42:36 > 0:42:41520. 540? No? My commission bid, then, at £520.

0:42:41 > 0:42:48Brave try. Still with me. I'm selling on the book at £520.

0:42:48 > 0:42:55That is our social history, our heritage, which we need to preserve.

0:42:55 > 0:43:01It got in the right hands. It'll probably be split up between different museums.

0:43:01 > 0:43:06- You were pleasantly surprised when David said £100, £150.- I know.

0:43:06 > 0:43:11What a fantastic first auction. That's Flog It! for you.

0:43:11 > 0:43:14- Thank you so much.- Thank you.

0:43:14 > 0:43:17It's so worth it to see the smile on Madeline's face.

0:43:17 > 0:43:20We've had a great day at Exeter.

0:43:20 > 0:43:24See you next time on Flog It! for more surprises.

0:43:47 > 0:43:51Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd