Winchester Flog It!

This magnificent cathedral dominates the oldest capital in England.

Welcome to Flog It from Winchester.

In 70AD, the Romans built a fortified city here

and it's so typically Romanesque

with its streets in grid fashion and a forum right in the middle.

Today it's a refined, wealthy city, renowned for its shopping and its works of art.

So hopefully we can't go far wrong for our valuation day here at the guild hall.

I can't wait to get this massive queue inside.

Charlie Ross and Michael Baggett are already hard at work and there are a few surprises in store.

Sheila and Peter, this is a grotty old album.

-I hope there's something better inside.

-Yes.

Unfortunately, my mother accidentally knocked over a candle and burned her bungalow.

To the ground?!

Yes, sort of.

-And I had the task of clearing out what was left. And I found this.

-You found that?

I'm going to open it up. Postcards - who collected these?

-My grandmother. My father's mother.

-Are they all written on?

-No.

-They haven't been used at all.

-Straight into the album.

-Yes.

I like the fact they're black and white. Good portrait black and white photographs are better than colour.

I've marked one or two favourites.

Anna Neagle I remember seeing on the stage in the West End in about 1968.

-That dates me.

-Yes!

-Pretty. Noel Coward - love Noel Coward.

Have you seen all these films?

-No.

-No, no. Bette Davis.

-She was wonderful.

-Yeah.

-How many are there?

-118.

-118?

-Yes.

-So what have you been doing with them all?

-They sit in the cupboard.

-What made you bring them today?

-I've just moved in with Peter this week.

-Have you?

-This week?!

-Yes.

-Congratulations.

-Thank you.

-And that came out of one of the boxes.

-Really? You think they might have a bit of value?

-I hope so.

-Any ideas?

-I haven't a clue.

I think they're worth about...

50p a card.

So you're looking at an album there of value £60-£100, I'd have thought, to a collector.

I would recommend a reserve of 60, with a bit of auctioneer's discretion.

-Are you happy with that?

-Yes.

-Jolly good.

Come along to the auction and we'll see who's buying these.

Clive, I spied you in the queue with a box with just the neck of that poking out and I pounced.

-It's a wonderful bottle. Are you a bottle collector?

-No.

Just anything that catches my eye.

-And where do you look for these?

-Car boot sale.

-The car boot sale again.

I have gone round a few and never found anything as interesting as this. Was it expensive?

-They can be quite pricey.

-I paid £3.

£3. Right, right. Did you have any idea what it was?

-Yes.

-What do you think it is?

-I think it's an onion bottle.

What it is is an early wine bottle and they vary in shape and form and designs.

The very earliest ones are rather rounded with a flatter base.

They look basically like an onion. So they are the onion bottles.

-It isn't, unfortunately, as early as some of them are. Any idea of the date?

-18th century,

but I'm not too sure.

With this shouldering here and this applied rim,

it's anywhere from about 1720 up to about 1740,

1750. And, basically, these things have been dated

because often they'll have seals on with the date.

It's amazing they survive. You know quite a bit about them.

-Any idea of the value of it?

-Em, I'm not too sure, really.

-I know some with a date can be very expensive.

-Absolutely. Some with a seal are £1,000-£1,500.

In this case, because it's 18th century and not 17th century,

and it's a fairly standard type,

it's more going to be in the region of about £60-£100.

It's a bottle to start a collection.

-Still a very good return on £3!

-Yes, very good.

We'd put a little discretion on the lower estimate, say, a reserve of £45.

-But it could exceed my expectations if we get two collectors.

-Hope so.

Liz, you've brought along two of the Cries of London, I think.

Cherries and we'll come to the other one in a minute. Something's wrong with the caption on the other one.

-Can you tell me about them?

-They belong to my mother-in-law.

She was given them by Mr Copeland.

-By Mr Copeland?

-Indeed.

Because her father-in-law was coachman to the Copelands.

How fantastic. When?

-In the early 1900s.

-In the early 1900s. Yes.

Then the family actually farmed on the estate in Cornwall.

That's when Mr Copeland gave the figures to my mother-in-law.

Sounds like it would be around 1920.

One of them has got the inscription... There we are.

"Spode. Copeland's China, England."

And here, as we were saying, "Cries of London after Francis Wheatley",

who was an 18th-century artist. Royal Academy. He did a series of paintings

from which people have done a lot of coloured engravings.

Copeland and Doulton and others have made figures of the series.

Ripe strawberries, cherries, all sorts of things.

I always thought it was, "Milk-o! Milk-o!"

This one says, "Milk below!"

I think there's something wrong there. I've never seen one of these with "Milk below!"

Why you'd be tipping milk out of a window I do not know.

I think whoever modelled that just overheard, "Milk...something or other,"

-and put, "Milk below!"

-Right.

I think that's a wrong caption, which makes it quite charming. You don't like them?

-My mother-in-law is afraid that she might break them.

-Is she?

-She's happy for them to be sold.

-She does know you brought them?

-Yes.

I phoned her, just to make sure!

You've had her blessing. Did she say, "Oh, sell them if they're worth X, Y or Z"?

-Yes, she did. £50.

-£50. I think they're worth that each.

-She will be pleased.

-You can tell her that.

I think they are worth £110, £120 the pair,

into three figures.

These are pretty collectable and I do like the inscription.

OK, super. Thank you very much.

-Whose collection is this? What are your names?

-Claire.

-Rob.

-Whose are they?

-They were my granddad's.

-You've inherited them?

He sadly passed away last year. They used to be all on display in the flat that they lived in.

-Lots of dusting!

-Yes. I think my nan was not happy with the dusting,

-so she was thinking about tipping them down the sink!

-I see little bottles of Guinness.

They're worth £20-£30 each.

But the value here is in the bottles of single malt.

Single malt is expensive anyway.

There's quite a few of those.

The rest you'll struggle to get 30p or 40p for.

Nevertheless, it's a fantastic collection.

-Have you thought about what you'll do with it?

-No, we haven't.

-Drink it!

-Has anyone got any glasses?

-We considered it while we were waiting.

-Granddad was a big fan.

-He liked a tipple for "medicinal purposes".

-I don't blame you. Thanks for coming in.

-Thank you.

Nicky, it's fair to say that my eyes popped out of my head

when you opened your little box in the queue

and I saw this magnificent watch. What can you tell me?

I know practically nothing about it. It belonged to my grandmother and probably her parents.

-I know nothing about it.

-It's been in the family.

-Yes.

-Has it ever been worn or used?

-No.

-What I'll do, to get a better look at the watch first,

is if I take it off here...

We've got this beautiful gold case set with half-pearls

all the way round the bezel on blue and white enamel. Quite fantastic.

-And look at the back of it!

-That's what I love.

-That's stunning.

It's an English watch, but a very French and Swiss technique,

which they developed in about 1750, 1765, of engine turning.

You get a piece of metal, you turn it in a jig and it gets a rather fine and intricate pattern.

Then you flood it over with clear enamel, in this case blue. And you see all the working underneath.

The real joy of it... should be...

when we get it open. There we go. That's the cover open.

There should be another snib here. There we go.

-And we've got the movement. Ever seen it?

-No. Never dared.

Look at the craftsmanship.

Beautifully pierced. Hopefully, we'll have a maker's name on it.

Right. Well, they're not watchmakers, but it's a good name.

It's Rundell and Bridge, goldsmiths to George IV.

They actually provided most of the regalia for his coronation.

They provided all the diamonds for his crown and their heyday was

around...1810 to about 1820, 1825.

And it's fantastic. The fact that it is Rundell and Bridge, not Rundell, Bridge and Rundell,

dates it to about 1810, 1815.

The only disappointing feature is no full set of hallmarks.

I tried to look for the hallmarks. I thought it might be on this.

Well, we've got a little lion passant, which you've got here on the bezel and on the back.

-This is, I'm happy to say, 18 carat.

-Oh! Sounds all right.

If we close that up, the only flaw with this is the lack of the minute hand!

Not terribly useful like that, but otherwise in lovely condition.

This, because it had the rigours of wear, is base metal,

which is gilded. But all of this work again is in gold.

Beautiful blue engine-turned enamel. I think this little fob here is original to it.

-We've got the blue and the white.

-And that's the key?

Yes. And in period with 1810, 1820. Cast gilt scrolls and roses.

Really super thing. Right, any idea of what it's worth?

No, I'm here for you to tell me. I've always just admired it.

I think it's a stunning watch. If I were a watch collector and I saw that at an auction,

I'd want to own it. So I think, for the purpose of the auction, we'll put...

£600-£800 on it.

A fixed reserve of £600.

And hopefully, if two people get behind it, we'll do very much more.

-If you're happy with that...

-A few telephone bids!

-From London and New York!

I watch your programme practically every day.

-That would be thrilling.

-We'll pop it into auction and see how it goes.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

Well, I'm escaping the crowds and going to see what cultural treasures the city has to offer.

You've got to keep your eyes open here. Winchester has a refreshingly modern outlook.

The civic powers are really tuned in to contemporary art.

Amongst the city's old buildings, there's plenty of visual surprises.

For instance, you may not expect to see something as modern and contemporary as this

situated right by the city's 11th-century cathedral.

Or this bronze statue which is situated underneath a canopy of green foliage

on a very busy high street.

These two works of art are nearly 100 years apart.

The statue behind me on this side of King Alfred was put up in 1901.

On this side, that sundial was commissioned to mark the new millennium.

So it's no surprise, really, to find out that the local county council

have commissioned the largest embroidery to go on public display in the UK

and it's being made in Winchester by internationally-renowned textile artist Alice Kettle.

Alice, this is such a vast explosion of colour. I can't grasp the scale.

-What size is it?

-It's 16.5 metres by 3 metres.

Possibly the largest machine embroidery in the world, but that's arguable!

-It's very big.

-I think it is.

When it's on the wall, you can stand back and appreciate it. Has it got a title yet?

-We're inviting the public to make suggestions.

-Good idea!

-So we might discover a title for it.

-So where did the inspiration come from?

-It's about Winchester.

It's going to be located in the new discovery centre, the library.

So I've tried to reflect aspects of Winchester.

You've taken inspiration from Winchester itself - buildings, sculptures...

-I looked at the Winchester Bible, a remarkable treasure.

-12th century.

-It's in the cathedral.

-The colours remind me of the illuminations.

The vivid blues, ultramarine, gold.

-Exactly.

-You've captured those hues.

-That's exactly what it refers to,

although I've used the colours as a sweep across.

Can you explain a little about the technique you use?

It's machine embroidery. Normally I use one machine. I'm using seven different types!

The easiest way to describe it is if you've got a fixed pencil

and you move the paper underneath to do a drawing.

I'm doing the same with a sewing machine. I've got a needle and I've removed the foot.

I can move the fabric in any direction.

I've got four helpers. I've trained them, so they've had to learn my technique and interpret it.

I've also go a computerised sewing machine, which is very different.

It sews out independently.

Has it gone the way you wanted it or has it led you in some places?

It's very much led me because of the scale and the technical challenges along the way.

-You've had to adapt?

-Completely. It's testing things out as I do the making process.

I wanted the whole thing to be very glowing and lustrous.

-It's got metallic thread throughout.

-Lots of golds.

-Yes, yes.

-How do you work on such a vast scale?

-Do you work from smaller drawings and size them up?

-As it's a public commission, I had to do a design.

-I did a small watercolour painting.

-Did that go to a committee?

-Yes.

Although they were very positive and they had no changes that they wanted to make.

To have a commission on this scale in textiles is truly remarkable.

-So I'm very proud and very lucky.

-Well, good luck with this.

-Thank you.

-I'll come and see it when it's in the new building.

-Then I can really appreciate it.

-Thank you.

-Thank YOU.

The people of Winchester turned out in droves for our valuation day

but now we're off to auction with all our treasures.

Charlie uncovered these glamorous postcards of movie stars, but will they shine at the auction?

Michael's nose led him to this 18th-century wine bottle, which Clive found at a car boot sale.

I think it will make a healthy profit.

Fingers crossed, Liz's two spode fetch a good price, as they belong to her 92-year-old mother-in-law.

And Nicky's beautiful enamelled watch is a unique time piece.

I think this will be the one to watch at auction.

Today we're the guests of Andrew Smith and Son just outside Winchester.

Before the auction starts, one item has caught Andrew's eye.

It belongs to Nicky. Michael did the valuation.

He's put £600-£800 on this watch,

but look what you get with it.

-And I like the enamel work.

-And the pearl around the edge.

-We've been getting a lot of interest in this.

-Have you?

-This one will quite exceed expectations

-by quite a big amount.

-Can you let us in on a little inside knowledge?

Auctioneers have the knowledge before the sales start, Andrew.

We haven't had enough interest to categorically say, but we think well in excess of £1,000.

Well in excess of £1,000. I can't wait to see this go under the hammer. Don't go away.

-Andrew's going to weave his magic with the aid of...who's this?

-This is Ted.

Ted, the new porter! Good luck. I can't wait to see this one fly.

Sharing the rostrum with Andrew today is Nick Jarrett.

First some film memorabilia from Peter and Sheila.

Some big stars there. We've got a valuation from Charlie of £60-£100.

-Reserve 60.

-Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Clark Gable.

-Let's hope we get that top end!

-I've got to treat him for his birthday!

-Is it his birthday?

-Soon.

-75.

-He doesn't look it.

-4 o'clock in the morning I start work and I finish at 4 in the afternoon.

-What do you do?

I work on the roads, doing lining and things.

-Still at the age of 75?

-Yes.

-Crikey.

-We both work.

-Six days a week.

-Keeps you fit, doesn't it?

And he makes waistcoats.

Well, good luck, everybody. It's going under the hammer now.

The album of portrait cards of film stars. Good names in there.

To clear bids, I'll start you here at £80.

-Goodie!

-Mid-estimate. Straight in.

85? It's with me at 80.

Anybody else? £80. I'll sell it for that.

Done at 80?

-Blink and you'd miss that one! £80, straight in.

-Brilliant.

-You're going to party with that!

-Not half!

I love this next lot. It's not a lot of money, but it's a bargain from a car boot sale.

-And it was found by Clive. How much?

-£3.

-£3 for this 18th-century wine bottle.

If this had a date on it, we'd be looking at £600.

Nevertheless, £60-£80 is a good bargain.

What a buy! A bottle that's been around for nearly 300 years for £60.

Well, good luck. This is it.

This is the 18th-century dark green glass bottle in onion form.

We have a commission bid and a number of telephones.

Good grief! What have I done?

So, starting at £50. Is there 5 in the room?

At £50. Is there 5?

55. 60. And 5.

Commission bid 65. Is there 70? 70. And 5.

80. And 5.

90? At £85 in the centre. Is there 90?

And 90. And 5.

100. 100. And 10.

-120.

-This is more like it. It's a nice sculptural piece.

160. 170.

-180. 190.

-"Come and buy me!"

-It was!

-200. 220. 240.

260? £240 and selling.

260? 260.

-Another bidder. They love it!

-320.

340. 360. 380.

-400?

-Oh, Clive, you're going to be over the moon with this!

He's shaking!

At £380, then. Is there any more?

At £380.

At £380 for the last time.

-Something for the purists and the academics.

-When's your next car boot sale?

-Sunday.

-Right!

That's not bad, is it? £3 turned into £380.

I'm rich!

We've got two beautiful Spode figures belonging to Liz.

Why aren't you keeping these in the family? It's where they belong.

-Well, they were tucked away in a cupboard

-Forgotten about.

-Mother always knew they were there,

but she's afraid that at 93 she might chip them.

We have no room for them and my daughters don't want them,

so somebody else should enjoy them.

-The old story. The next generation don't want them. No point in leaving them up in the loft.

-No.

They've got to go and they're going right now.

Two Spode figures here. "Milk below!" and "Cherries!"

Start me at 120? £100, then?

£100? £80 to get it going? £80?

Thank you. And 5. 85.

-90. And 5. 100.

-We're in!

-And 5. 110.

115. 120?

£115 and selling. At £115. Any more?

All done at £115?

-For the last time.

-Yes!

-£115. The hammer's gone down. That's excellent.

-It is.

-You've got to get down to Cornwall now to treat Mum.

-That's it.

Time is up for Nicky's gold pocket watch. It is a real gem.

Nicky, we're looking at £600-£800. Who have you brought along?

-My husband Mark. We've been married 52 years.

-52 years! Hello. Pleased to meet you.

-And they can't be separated.

-No.

-It's a great moment for you both.

Such quality. It's not just the watch, but it's the seals, the fob, everything that goes with it.

My eyes popped out of my head! It's a fantastic, top quality item that I wish we saw more of!

We mused over this with the auctioneer earlier on.

He seems to think it could do your top end plus a little bit more.

-We could be looking at £1,000.

-Four figures.

-Four figures.

Four figures! Tell me, why are you selling this?

It's your inheritance. It's been in the family a long time.

I'm keeping it quiet from the others.

It's time to say goodbye to it. It's going under the hammer now. Good luck.

This is the lever escapement watch and we have two telephones.

Telephone bids! Two!

I'm going to start the bidding at £900.

-Is there 50 in the room? At £900.

-It will go on now.

-Michael, you were right.

950. 1,000. And 50.

-They love it.

-1,100. And 50.

1,200. And 50.

1,300. And 50.

1,400. And 50.

1,500. And 50?

-At £1,500.

-Another "Come and buy me".

-1,600.

1,700. 1,800.

1,900. 2,000. 2,100.

Commission bids out. 2,100 in the room. Is there 2,200?

At £2,100 and selling. Is there 2,200?

At £2,100, then. For the last time.

-That's a sold sound!

-Wow.

-£2,100, Nicky.

I told you my eyes popped out of my head. They're rarely wrong.

-Wow! What will you put it towards?

-I was going to spend it in Sicily. We go there at the end of June.

-But I don't know.

-Put it in the bank.

-That's it!

-Gosh.

-It can earn some money.

It's all over for our owners. The auction has just finished

and they are paying for their lots.

We've had a cracking day here just outside Winchester.

We've had some big smiles as well, and some big surprises.

I hope you've enjoyed the show. Join me next time for plenty more.

Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd - 2007

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