0:00:02 > 0:00:07It's full steam ahead, as "Flog It!" has pulled into Swindon for today's valuations.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Our venue today is called Steam, and it's a museum that's totally dedicated
0:00:43 > 0:00:48to the Great Western Railway, and in fact the building that we're actually filming in
0:00:48 > 0:00:51is part of the former Swindon Railway Works.
0:00:51 > 0:00:57And it was right here, in 1960, that the last British mainline steam locomotive was built.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59And she was called Evening Star.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Cameras, yes, check.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Lights, all around us, on.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Experts David Barby and Will Axon.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12But clearly there's something missing.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Where are all the people?
0:01:15 > 0:01:21- PA: - 'The train now arriving at platform six is the 9.30 "Flog It!" Express.'
0:01:21 > 0:01:23I think they've arrived!
0:01:23 > 0:01:28And now the hall is full of day-trippers, we can get started with the valuations!
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Making a fast track to the table is Will Axon.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Dawn, this is a really good old-fashioned toy.
0:01:38 > 0:01:44In the days today where people are complaining about the "yoof" sitting on the sofas,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47in front of the TV, in front of the computer console...
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- This is when toys were toys, isn't it?- Exactly.
0:01:50 > 0:01:51Now, how did you come by this?
0:01:51 > 0:01:56Um, I was either nine or ten, and it was a Christmas present from my parents.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01Very nice. So they obviously thought that you'd enjoy this sort of...
0:02:01 > 0:02:04It's perhaps a bit of a boy's toy, perhaps, don't you think?
0:02:04 > 0:02:10I think it is more, but I played with it for so many hours, building my dream home.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- You enjoyed playing with it obviously.- Absolutely. I loved it.
0:02:14 > 0:02:20We can see from the box, one of the first things that strikes you with toys is condition.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- Yes.- I mean, we've got the box here, which is a little bit tattered.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26It's a little bit frayed.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29There's a bit of Sellotape that's kept the label on, and so on.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- But you've played with it.- Yep.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35It's been well loved and well used, and that's what these things were made for.
0:02:35 > 0:02:41- Yes.- When it comes to value, that is a factor we have to take into consideration.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Now, we've got it here laid out on the table.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Bayko, it's not a firm that I've heard of, actually.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51We're used to seeing a lot of Meccano on "Flog It!",
0:02:51 > 0:02:56which was the market leader in this sort of construction toy.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00But Bayko... Made out of plastic.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02You've got all the pieces here.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Now it comes down to value.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06You got any idea? What do you think?
0:03:06 > 0:03:10I have no idea, honestly. Nobody has ever heard of it, so I don't know.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15It's a little bit, from my point of view, an unknown quantity.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21My suggestion to you would be to put it in the sale and just let it make what it makes. Happy with that?
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- Yes, because I do want to sell it. - Once you've decided to sell something, the best thing
0:03:26 > 0:03:29is to just let the market decide what the value is.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31It might be £20 or £30.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36So I think if you're happy to go with that "let it make what it makes" approach,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39we're definitely going to get it away for you.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43OK, then. Thank you very much indeed. Thank you.
0:03:51 > 0:03:58Mervyn, I find this particular book absolutely fascinating.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04- Where did it come from?- Well, originally it belonged to my uncle.
0:04:04 > 0:04:10And he recently passed away, and I had the job of clearing his house out, and I came across it.
0:04:10 > 0:04:16I thought it would probably be of some value or some interest to somebody.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- But you can't tell me who they are. - No, I'm afraid not.- That's not very good, Mervyn!- No.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25Well, first of all, the album itself, without the photographs,
0:04:25 > 0:04:32is interesting, because all of these designs are by an artist called Caton Woodville.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35And he did these military subjects and hunting subjects,
0:04:35 > 0:04:41illustrations people would put on the wall in frames, and also postcards.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43So he was quite a well-known artist.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47But one of the fascinating things is for albums, they often used
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- the colour illustrations with apertures to put photographs.- Yes.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57Now, the emphasis on this album is military. Military and naval.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- Naval, yes.- So, did your family have any connections with the military or navy?
0:05:01 > 0:05:05Well, I suppose all the family, at some time,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09was in the military sort of thing. Army etc.
0:05:09 > 0:05:16Right. Now, looking at the photographs, they're all of a very affluent society.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19And we're looking at the latter part of the Victorian period.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23Crimean War period, particularly the army uniforms here.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28So, is your background from a sort of wealthy background, upper-middle class?
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- Probably middle class.- Middle class.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Well, this strikes a chord with these.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Because if we look at the portraits,
0:05:35 > 0:05:40they're all of very well-to-do people of the late Victorian period.
0:05:40 > 0:05:48Beautifully dressed. And this is one of the reasons why people buy these albums because of the costume detail.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53And if we look at this one here, this one looks to be a captain.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- Aren't you fascinated by this? - Yeah, I am really.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00I love looking at these photographs because it's looking at other people's lives.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- That's right.- And the society.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05When we look at... This one is absolutely intriguing.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Can you see what it is? It's a plantation.
0:06:09 > 0:06:16We've got maybe the owners of the plantation with all the workforce all the way round. That's intriguing.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20And that alone will be a valuable photograph on its own.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- You want to sell this?- Yes.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27We've got to project a price that's going to be appealing for people to buy it.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32And I would have thought round about 100 to 120, that sort of price range.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35But I'm going to suggest we put the reserve at 80.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- I see, yeah. - Would that be agreeable?- Yes, certainly. Yep.- No qualms?- No.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Let's hope we get a high price for you and you can do what you want with the money.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- Thank you very much for coming along. - Right. Thank you very much.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Eleanor, this has certainly brightened up the afternoon for me.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00This wonderful hand-embroidered silk shawl or throw.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05Is it something that you've inherited or is it something you bought along the way?
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- I bought it at a jumble sale. - At a jumble sale.- Yes.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11There seemed to be some very good jumble sales in this area.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14What sort of money did you have to part with?
0:07:14 > 0:07:18It would have been pennies rather than shillings.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21It was that sort of stage, where everything goes for 5p or 10p.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- Towards the end, when no-one wants to take anything home.- Yeah. - What to say about it?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28I mean, obviously it's silk.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32You can feel the fineness of the material and the coloured
0:07:32 > 0:07:37silk threads, and beautiful floral sprays here with these exotic birds.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42And then you've got this lovely lattice-worked border, with the tassels.
0:07:42 > 0:07:48It's probably going to date from, I'd guess, around late 19th early 20th century.
0:07:48 > 0:07:55You wouldn't wear it nowadays, but the shawls themselves came into fashion in the late 18th century,
0:07:55 > 0:08:01when the fashion for dresses in northern Europe were shift dresses, which would have had exposed
0:08:01 > 0:08:06shoulders, and that's why without a shawl to wrap around your shoulders,
0:08:06 > 0:08:11it would have been impossible to wear them in our climate. That's where the shawl originated.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15Have you worn it yourself, or is it on display at home?
0:08:15 > 0:08:17I've never worn it, and it's never been used for display.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22I bought it for the children to use to put into their dressing up box.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- Has it got good use from them? - Absolutely. Four children have had to wear it on many occasions.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30None of them liked it, but it's been very useful.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- And it's a decent size, as well. - That's right.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38And it's got some weight to it, when you pick it up because of the density of this lattice border.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42What sort of figure... You said you paid for it would be pence - is that right?
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- Yes.- So we're not in any danger of you having to perhaps make a loss on this?
0:08:47 > 0:08:50I think whatever happens, you're going to be winning,
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- and I'd suggest an estimate of perhaps around £60 to £80.- Good. - Happy with that?- Yeah.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- You're not afraid to have it back if it doesn't sell?- No.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00So we'll put £60 on it as a reserve.
0:09:00 > 0:09:06If it doesn't sell at £60, perhaps put it in the toy box, waiting for the grandchildren to arrive.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- Yes.- So, £60 to £80. £60 reserve.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11And we'll get it away for you on the day. Fingers crossed.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14That's good. Excellent. Thank you.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- Peter.- Yes, David.
0:09:23 > 0:09:29I could imagine your bedroom, or maybe the attic, all set out with a railway track.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33Well, years ago, my father, his collection was...
0:09:33 > 0:09:36The attic in our bungalow was one mass railway track.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38You go out from the hallway,
0:09:38 > 0:09:43there is this massive wood and above it would be track and then trains.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47You heard your father playing with these trains
0:09:47 > 0:09:50and you heard this hum of electric current as it was going round.
0:09:50 > 0:09:56You could hear it downstairs. You could tell a train was going. You couldn't see it but just the noise.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58So, why are you parting with these?
0:09:58 > 0:10:02My father died about 10 years ago,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05and I don't really have much interest in the trains.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09They were passed on to me and my brother and I saw "Flog It!"
0:10:09 > 0:10:15recently advertised in local papers and thought, come and see if I could sell any of them.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18So, they don't have any sort of sentimental attachment.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- They're not as though you had them when you were a child. - They were my father's.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25It was more, you can look but don't touch.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31Right! What I find with this particular group is that they're all in such good condition.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36And, they've been maintained, on the whole in their original boxes.
0:10:36 > 0:10:42Which is so important when you're selling toys - probably that's the wrong word to use - toys.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44It's more of an adult toy.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49I do like these trains - particularly the Mallard here.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Yes. Everybody's heard of the Mallard.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54And that wonderful, streamlined front.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00I think it's still got the record for the highest speed in the world for a steam train.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04This is perfectly correct. And then you have the Nigel Cresley here.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- What's the one right at the very front?- That is the Duchess of Montrose.- Absolutely superb!
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- And then you have standard locos. - Yes.- How many trains have you got?
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- I think I've got about eight here. - You're wanting to sell these.- Yes.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21When it comes to the actual value, I think they're quite speculative.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25I only hope that we get the collectors in that room.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30If we do, the price can be something in the region of £400 to £500, if not more.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- We shall do our very best for you. - Hopefully, it will be nice.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37I will keep some. I'm not going to get rid of all of them.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41I'll keep one or two with the tracks saying, "That's what my father had."
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- All these on the table now are to be sold. - I'm quite happy for all these to go.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- Peter, thank you very much for coming along.- OK. Thank you.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Chas, you've bought in today something, bearing in mind
0:11:56 > 0:12:00that we're in the Steam Museum in Swindon, that really, sort of,
0:12:00 > 0:12:06hits the note as far as the locos goes. If I open up this box here,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- this quite splendid array of... How many did you say there were?- 50.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- 50 silver ingots, sterling silver. - Sterling silver.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- Solid sterling silver ingots, which commemorate a wide variety of locomotives.- Yes.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20How did you come by them?
0:12:20 > 0:12:27Well, my wife had a second-hand dealership and somebody came in and obviously she was interested.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- What did she pay for them? - Oh, under £100, I think.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- So under £100, which is good going considering the value of silver at the moment.- Yeah.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Date-wise, they're from the 1970s. - They are. Yeah.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Were these collected over a period of time?
0:12:40 > 0:12:45- 50 months. One a month.- Right. So it was one a month. 50 months.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- Over four years.- Exactly. If you miss one, you've got to go back...
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- That's it. Yeah.- And, we've got here the original receipt.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57£11.25. That was each, which I suppose in the '70s was a decent bit of money, wasn't it?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- Quite a bit of money, I'd say. - We've got a bit of literature
0:13:00 > 0:13:03saying that it is the National Railway Museum Collection.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- That came with it. - Came with it.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- So these were produced to commemorate the opening of the museum.- Yeah.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14We've had a quick look through. There are obviously some, sort of, classics,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- like the Rocket and the Flying Scotsman.- Yeah.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21But looking down here, there's one... There it is, the Evening Star.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24That's quite poignant, as that was the last steam loco made.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- It was, yes. In here. - In here, in the 1960s.- It was.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33So, again, bearing in mind where we are, it really sort of hits the right note.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Now, like I said, with regards to the value, it's tricky because 1970s -
0:13:37 > 0:13:40it's not what most people would call an antique -
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- but, what it's got going for it is that they are solid sterling.- Yeah.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Have you got any idea of what sort of figure they should be valued at?
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Have you thought about it, at all?
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Well, scrap price... I mean, probably around £5.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Is it around £5, £6 an ounce?
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Yes. Cos I think you said they were an ounce each?
0:13:58 > 0:14:05- They're an ounce each. Yep. - So each ingot is an ounce. We've got 50, so 50 ounces, obviously.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- Say a fiver for an ounce.- Yeah.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- And at scrap value, we're looking at around, sort of, 250.- Yeah. Yeah.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15But at least then we know it can only go up from there, value-wise.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- Yeah.- So what I would suggest was, if we could value these at perhaps £200 to £300. What do you think?
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- That's fine. Yeah. - You think we'll go for that?
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- Yeah.- Cos again, people who are viewing the sale
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- will be doing their own maths and working out what it is worth scrap. - I understand that.
0:14:31 > 0:14:37Well, I'm happy to give these a go at £200 to £300, if you're happy to go with that.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- Sure.- And, reserve it at a couple of hundred, do you think?
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- I want to reserve it. Yeah. At least 200.- Reserve at 200?- Yeah.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- OK. Hopefully on the day, we'll get it away for you.- Brilliant.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Now I reckon I've been to hundreds of antique auctions in my life.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06I know how they work, but today I'm doing something completely different.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09I'm going behind the scenes at a livestock auction
0:15:09 > 0:15:14to find out what it's like to be a buyer, a seller and an auctioneer.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24Cirencester Livestock Market has been going since 2005
0:15:24 > 0:15:28and has twice-weekly sales and most breeds of farm animals.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33I'm going to learn how it all works from one of the auctioneers, John Pullen.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- What are these cattle?- These are continental cross cattle.- Yeah.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- They would be beef breeds. These will go into the food chain. - These are for slaughter?- Yes.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Someone's just put dobs of grease on their back. What's that for?
0:15:46 > 0:15:50We put lot numbers on the back, as you do in the antiques world.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Keep the lots numbered! Couldn't do that with antiques!
0:15:54 > 0:15:58Every beast has a lot number on its back which must match up with a passport.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01These are very important in our industry.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03You can't move cattle without one of these?
0:16:03 > 0:16:08Cannot move or sell without this. This tells us where the beast has come from, where it was born
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- and where it's going, ultimately.- You still haven't told me your estimate!
0:16:12 > 0:16:14I would expect this beast to make...
0:16:14 > 0:16:19I guess she's a good beast, so she's going to be, hopefully, 750 to £800.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- Will you get that today, do you think?- I'd like to hope so.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23I hope you do, as well!
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- What are your commission charges? - We work on a percentage,
0:16:27 > 0:16:34but we're probably going to earn about 15 to £17 for selling that beast today.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- That's not a lot, is it? - No.- I mean, in my world,
0:16:36 > 0:16:42in the antiques world, most auction houses are charging 17 to 20% commission to the buyer.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- Yes...- And also to the seller.- Yes.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- They're earning 40%. - We're in the wrong trade.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- You are!- In the wrong trade.- You are, aren't you? - We're working on 2, 2.5%.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- And no buyer's premium.- Gosh!
0:16:56 > 0:17:00I've got to say, looking around, I mean, the auction's not far off starting.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03I can't see a lot of bidders.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05How many people do you expect turning up?
0:17:05 > 0:17:10We don't unfortunately get the numbers you get randomly turning up to your antiques.
0:17:10 > 0:17:11On average, what do you expect?
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- Probably five or six bidders on the sheep.- Is that all?
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- And five or six bidders on the cattle.- And that's it?- And that's it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Crikey.- We've got our work cut out. - You have!
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- So you've got to make them fight amongst each other.- We do regularly.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Which is difficult as they all know each other!
0:17:31 > 0:17:33RINGS BELL
0:17:33 > 0:17:37It's typical. All the bidders turned up in the nick of time.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41I think they were in the cafe all along. That is so typical of auction rooms.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47Welcome to Cirencester. My pleasure to say they're cheaper than normal.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51Green lines are farm assured. Blue lines, non-farm assured. Red market today.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53On we go, gentlemen, 42 kilos, then.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56HE TAKES BIDS VERY RAPIDLY
0:18:01 > 0:18:04So quick, I can't even see the bidding going on.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07AUCTIONEER CONTINUES TO TAKE BIDS VERY RAPIDLY
0:18:10 > 0:18:16He's just sold that pen off. What does that work out per kilo, per sheep and also, per pen?
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- Well, about 130 pence a kilo for those lambs in there.- Yeah.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23They come to £64 per head.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26There was ten in the pen so we've made £640 from that pen of sheep.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28OK. £64 per sheep. That's not bad.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33I've got mixed feelings, because I'm a vegetarian and I don't eat meat,
0:18:33 > 0:18:38but looking at these animals, they have been cared for and loved by the farmers,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41and the farmer needs to earn a living and he needs top money.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Peter, these are yours, aren't they?- Yes.- What are they?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- They're the Belgian Blues. - They're beautiful.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53And they're about 25 months old.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- How many of those have you got?- In total, we have 550 in two counties.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01They're such an affectionate animal, the Belgian Blue.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06And that's why I choose them now to farm, because they're slower in energy.
0:19:06 > 0:19:12Whereas the Limousins are a very high energy animal, and I can't run fast enough to keep up with them!
0:19:21 > 0:19:26- BELL RINGS - More bells. It's now the sale of the beef cattle
0:19:26 > 0:19:31- so they'll be coming in a minute. Is it Chris on the rostrum?- It is. - Chris is coming back on the rostrum.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34HE TAKES BIDS VERY RAPIDLY
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Do you know, I can't understand him at all!
0:19:39 > 0:19:43HE TAKES BIDS VERY RAPIDLY, THEN INHALES DEEPLY
0:19:43 > 0:19:46On we go, gentlemen, we move on...
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Cor, that was big!
0:19:48 > 0:19:53510 kilos, gentlemen. 510 kilos coming in.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54Angus bullock...
0:19:54 > 0:19:57How many sales a year do you have?
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- We're in here twice a week.- Twice a week.- Every week. Two sales a week.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Bar Christmas week. Every other week of the year.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07And is it just sheep and cattle, or do you do pigs?
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- We do sheep, cattle, pigs. and goats in here.- Yeah.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- What's your favourite bit of the job?- The selling.- The sale.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18The adrenalin of a sale. It's a real buzz and we all enjoy that.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34Well, the auction's coming to an end and that was an experience, but right now,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37I'm looking forward to getting back to the antiques world.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Well, we've found some wonderful items,
0:20:49 > 0:20:51so now it's time for our first trip to the auction room.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Let's find out what lots we've got.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56I think Dawn's Bayko construction kit
0:20:56 > 0:20:59is just the thing for a budding young architect -
0:20:59 > 0:21:02hours of building fun. What a lovely lot this is!
0:21:02 > 0:21:05There really are some intriguing photos in the collection
0:21:05 > 0:21:07but not anyone that Mervyn recognises.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09So, it's time to let them go.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13Is this the end of the dressing up for Eleanor and her kids?
0:21:13 > 0:21:15That pretty shawl goes under the hammer.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20If Peter's trains sell well, I hope he's going to be chuffed to bits.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24And lastly, there's Chas's collection of silver ingot locomotives.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Let's hope they build up a head of steam among the bidders!
0:21:30 > 0:21:33So, where is today's auction destination?
0:21:33 > 0:21:38We're in Cirencester, the self proclaimed capital of the Cotswolds, which is quite fitting really,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41because we're at the Cotswolds Auction Company.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44This lot behind me are here to buy.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49It seems auctioneer Elizabeth Paul has something to tell us about Peter's trains.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53Do you know, I wish I had hung on to all my toys as a kid
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- with their boxes but I haven't got anything in that condition.- No.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59These belonged to Peter - they were his father's.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- The message was, "Look, but do not touch".- Poor boy!
0:22:02 > 0:22:08In a way, but it has paid off because we've got a valuation because of condition
0:22:08 > 0:22:13and the packaging and boxing which is just right of £400 to £500 with a fixed reserve of 350.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- That's gone up.- Has it?- Yes, it has.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Why? It looks about right to me.
0:22:18 > 0:22:24- We had his second look and this one alone could make 250, 300. Just that one.- The coach? Why?
0:22:24 > 0:22:27The electric motor coach.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Just probably a bit rarer, nice box, pristine condition. I doubt it's ever run.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Are you going to split this lot?
0:22:34 > 0:22:38It's staying together. And there's been a lot of interest.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- And now the reserve is?- 550.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Big difference, £200.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47What are you hoping to get? On a good day, fingers crossed.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49Let's hope six.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00This is a bit of fun. Dawn's Bayko construction kit.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- What value have you got on this? 50, 40?- No, less than that actually.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06We put it in at 20, 30.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08It is a poor man's Meccano.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Ooh, cheeky Will!- In the collector's world. That's what I'm saying.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- I'm not saying it is any less fun or any less taxing.- It's brilliant.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- For the collector...- Dawn, you've had this in long, long time.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- 50 years. - You played with it as a young girl.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- Lots.- You have grandchildren.- Yes. - They're not interested?
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- You can't pass it on to anyone?- You can't divide between three, can you?
0:23:29 > 0:23:32You can't let anyone play with it really.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35It's not safe. With the little ones - screws - it's not safe.
0:23:35 > 0:23:41- Lots of fun though.- Brilliant. - Does it bring back lots of memories? - Oh, it does. Yeah, loved it.- Ah!
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Oh, we could have tears, we could have tears. And you've been doing a bit of research.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51A friend did. The Bayko club is celebrating 75 years next year.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55That might help the price. Anniversaries always bunk the price up.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- Well, nobody had heard of it. - It depends how many people know about it as well.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02We're going to find out right now.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- This is it.- Is it mine?- Yeah.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08OK, 122. Bayko building set - number two.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10A nice lot. Start me at £10.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13£10 to start. Five then. £5 anywhere. Five I'm bid.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Six seated. 7.
0:24:15 > 0:24:178. 9, 10.
0:24:17 > 0:24:2212. 15. At £15 with the gentleman.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24All done.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- And a new home.- What else can we do?
0:24:27 > 0:24:31You will get a coffee by the time they have taken off the commission.
0:24:31 > 0:24:32Exactly!
0:24:32 > 0:24:35You've got a sandwich and a coffee.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- But it's been good fun being on "Flog It!"- That's what it is about.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49Mervyn's photographs, Caton Woodville, these are absolutely lovely.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51A lot of family history here.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54David, you've put about £100 to £120 on them.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Yes, basically, it's a military interest.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Also, the artist that did the lithograph plates, absolutely superb.
0:25:01 > 0:25:06So, you've got two combinations. Military photographs, family history, all the way through.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09The military connection and the naval connection
0:25:09 > 0:25:13which is going to help these hopefully fly away. Lots of family history here.
0:25:13 > 0:25:19Your family history - your social history. Why is he flogging them? That's what we want to know.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25Well, I got to the age where money is more important than everything else.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- What age is that?- Well, I'm just coming up to 75 now.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- You don't look it.- That's not old this day and age, is it?
0:25:32 > 0:25:36With all these drugs going, they can keep your alive till you're 100.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37ALL CHUCKLE
0:25:37 > 0:25:39The only one I like is a little bit of...
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Now we know where the money's going!
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Hopefully, you'll have one of those after the sale.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49We're going to find out right now because it's going under the hammer.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Victorian army and navy photograph album.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55There it is. Put it in, £50. Who'll give me 50?
0:25:55 > 0:25:57£50 anywhere? £50 somewhere.
0:25:57 > 0:26:0030 then. £30. Nobody wants it?
0:26:00 > 0:26:0330 bid. At 30. At 35.
0:26:03 > 0:26:0440. 5.
0:26:04 > 0:26:0950. 5. 60. 5. 70.
0:26:09 > 0:26:105. 80.
0:26:10 > 0:26:135. At 85 on my right, at 85.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17At 85. Any advance, 90? At 90. The gentleman's bid now at 90.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Are we all done? Seated now, at £90 with the gentleman.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22Are we all finished?
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Yes, the hammer's gone down.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28£90. We had a reserve but it just tucked it in there.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- Yes.- £90 less commission.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- Drinks all round?- Yeah.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35Problem is, drinking and driving.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37You've got to go home first.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Go to the local boozer.
0:26:40 > 0:26:41Well done!
0:26:50 > 0:26:56Right now, it's the shawl. We've got £60 to £80 on this. Put on by our expert, Will.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01- Totally agree.- Good! - Eleanor, you've had this 30 years. - Yes.- It is absolutely exquisite.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- Why do you want to sell it now? - I don't need it any more. It takes up space.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07The children played with it for years and I don't need it.
0:27:07 > 0:27:13OK, we've got a reserve. With a bit of discretion at 60. You're not giving us away.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14What do you think?
0:27:14 > 0:27:18I think for quality of the shawl, a nice silk, hand-embroidered.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Good size, decorative.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22It's got to be worth £50 to £55.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25So, fingers crossed, like you say, a few ladies in the room.
0:27:25 > 0:27:26I reckon it's going to go.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30- A good decorator's piece.- Someone will go home wearing this.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32We're going to find out right now.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36- This is it.- A rather lovely fringed and bordered silk shawl.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Centre embroidered with exotic birds.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41A very lovely thing. £50. Start me off somewhere.
0:27:41 > 0:27:4530 then. Come on, it's cheap at 30.
0:27:45 > 0:27:4730, I'm bid. At 30.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49At 35. At 35, any advance?
0:27:49 > 0:27:53At 35, are will done then? At 35.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56It seems to be struggling a bit here.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58It didn't sell. You did the right thing.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01You protected it with a reserve, that's the main thing.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05At £30, £35, it's worth holding on to.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07- Just for a bit longer.- I think so.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11Maybe use it again for dressing up - let the grand kids use it next time.
0:28:11 > 0:28:17- Maybe. - If you do want to sell it, I suggest putting it into a textiles sale.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20This is the only item of textiles here.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22- It's out on a limb really.- Yep.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25- Never mind.- Another 30 years! - Another day.
0:28:25 > 0:28:26ALL CHUCKLE
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Well, we're steaming along now. We should be after this lot.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40It is the Hornby trains. There's a lot of locomotives.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43They belong to Peter. We had a valuation of £400 to £500.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47Since that valuation day, you've had a chat with the auctioneer.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50I had a chat with her before the sale started and now,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53- the price has gone up. - Yes, there was an electric diesel.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56We did talk about it on the day. That's worth a bit more.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59That's why we've actually upped the reserve price.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01- What did you put the reserve up to? - 550.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03And the auction house is agreeable to that?
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- That's fine.- We could be looking at sort of £600, £700 now.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- I hope so.- It would be nice. - It would be very, very good.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13It's full steam ahead. Let's find out.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- Let's hope there are buyers here, Paul.- Hopefully.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18136, Hornby 00 locomotives -
0:29:18 > 0:29:21rolling-stock and track - including electric motor coach.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25A very nice lot. Lots and lots of interest. Start me at 200.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27200 to start.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30200, I'm bid. Thank you. At 200.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32At 200, who's going on? 220. 250.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35280. 300.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38At 300. 320. 350.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40At 350 now. 380.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42400. 420.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45450. 480. 500.
0:29:45 > 0:29:46At 500. 520.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49550. At 550 now, are we all done?
0:29:49 > 0:29:53550 and selling.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Yes. Not bad. The hammer's gone down.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- That's good. - That's good. We'll settle for that.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00I'm happy with that.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07This is interesting. 50 silver ingots just about to go under the hammer.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10They belong to Chas. He can't be with us right now.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13He's at work in Manchester, but we do have Donna, his wife.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16200 to £300. What do you think?
0:30:16 > 0:30:18On the day...who knows?
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- You don't know.- Anything's possible. - we're going to find out now.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25We put 200 to 300 on them cos we thought they're worth 200 quid scrap,
0:30:25 > 0:30:27so, you know, they should make that money.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30They're an ounce a go. 50 of them. Fingers crossed.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Silver ingot collection. 50 in the box.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36In a fitted case. Start me at £100. £100 bid.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Thank you. 110. 120.
0:30:38 > 0:30:4030. 40. 150. 160.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43170. 180. 190. 200.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- 210. 220.- They've sold. - They've sold.- 230. 240.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50250. 260. 280.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- 280.- At 290. At 290.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Selling at 290. Gentleman's bid.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Last time at 290.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02Yes! £290! That's brilliant, isn't it? You were feeling so nervous!
0:31:02 > 0:31:03You got me worried there.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- And me!- But good job the scrap value is worth £200.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08Hopefully they won't be scrapped.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12- Hopefully someone will keep them as a part of a collection. - They were pretty.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26The great thing about my job is I get out and about all over the British Isles
0:31:26 > 0:31:29visiting fascinating places that put a smile on my face
0:31:29 > 0:31:32and I always feel privileged to witness some of the things
0:31:32 > 0:31:35that I see, which most people rarely get a chance to.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Today, I'm doing just that.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45Here, on this disused airfield, just outside Swindon in Wiltshire,
0:31:45 > 0:31:51the Science Museum houses all its oversized objects in six big aircraft hangars, like this one.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55The collection ranges from sock-darning machines to the first ever hovercraft,
0:31:55 > 0:32:00from nuclear missiles to the Blue Peter lifeboat.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Each item comes with its own unique story.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19Peter Turvey, pleasure to meet you. You're the head curator here.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- Yes, that's it.- So you're the person to tell me how many items does this place house?
0:32:23 > 0:32:27We have about 18,000 museum objects here at Science Museum, Swindon.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30You're responsible responsible for all of them?
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Well, our collections care team is responsible
0:32:33 > 0:32:35for making them safe and well looked after.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39What about the history of this place, though, prior to when you got hold of it?
0:32:39 > 0:32:45This was a World War II airfield. It was a maintenance unit, Number 15 maintenance unit.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49All the buildings were built before the outbreak of the Second World War.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54This site was in use by the RAF until the late 1970s
0:32:54 > 0:32:57and then we gradually took it over for museum storage.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Do you have a particular favourite?
0:32:59 > 0:33:02It's difficult, because I've so many things to look at.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05I've got lots of different favourites depending on what day it is!
0:33:05 > 0:33:09I think my favourite at the moment is our steam car.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Maybe we'll have a look at that a bit later!
0:33:11 > 0:33:16What I'd like to see is something quite iconic, something that may be
0:33:16 > 0:33:20the oldest item here or the largest or the heaviest. What have you got to show me?
0:33:20 > 0:33:25We could look at our Fleet Street printing press, the heaviest object we've got at 140 tons.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28- OK. Is it this way?- Just down here.
0:33:28 > 0:33:29After you.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Where is it then, Peter?
0:33:42 > 0:33:47I'm being a bit cheeky, because I know we've just walked through it or underneath it. That is colossal.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51- An impressive piece of machinery. - It's as big as a house, isn't it?
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Yes. Actually, we only have one third of it here.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56It was bigger! Wow, gosh!
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Obviously, you had to assemble it here, it came in bits.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Yes, it came in pieces from Fleet Street
0:34:02 > 0:34:06and skilled engineers spent nine weeks putting it together here.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- What date is that? When was it decommissioned? - It dates from about 1930
0:34:09 > 0:34:15and it was in use printing the Daily Mail and the Evening News until about 1989.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Incredible! Do you know roughly how it worked?
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- Yes. It's quite simple. See that big roll of newsprint there?- Yes.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25That was fed up through the machine up to all those rollers.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Some of the rollers have the type face for printing the newspaper.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Some carry ink onto the type face.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35Then it shoots all the way up into that bedstead contraption at the top
0:34:35 > 0:34:40and it's folded and turned into bits of newspaper, and then shot off elsewhere into the building.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- You could say that is a Fleet Street heavyweight.- It really is.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- Keeps you fit, walking around. - Yes. It's a big site.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00One big giant attic and everything is in juxtaposition. It's quite interesting.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05I can just see, you've got the Sno-Cat here next to an old bus.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- Everything is organised according to size and weight.- Tell me about the Sno-Cat.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11This is really one of our star objects.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13It's got an amazing history with it.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16It was one of four sent to Antarctica in 1957
0:35:16 > 0:35:21for a British expedition that was the first motorised crossing of Antarctica.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29They set off in late-1957 and got to the other side in early-1958.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32It was a very important scientific expedition.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Some of the research they did is very relevant today.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39One of the things they did was measure the thickness of the Antarctic ice sheet,
0:35:39 > 0:35:44- so we can actually see how global warming has affected the ice sheet.- Incredible.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49I can see how it works now. It's got four pontoons as wheels, with tracks on it.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52They were developed in America for servicing telephone lines,
0:35:52 > 0:35:56so they spread the weight so they can go over snowfields.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Fascinating machines.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01It must be a big headache for conservation,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04because you've got to look at these things once they're in here
0:36:04 > 0:36:07and make sure they aren't rusting any further.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11Yes. We have a specialist team of conservators who look after our objects.
0:36:11 > 0:36:17If you go over to our conservation laboratory you can meet Dennis, who's one of our conservators.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30- Hi, Dennis.- Hi.- I've been walking around the hangars with Peter
0:36:30 > 0:36:31and he's been showing me around.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35I want to find out a bit more about conservation. Where do you start?
0:36:35 > 0:36:37What do you pick on?
0:36:37 > 0:36:40We're usually getting objects ready for display
0:36:40 > 0:36:44down at the Science Museum in London, so we don't do any repairs.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- Conservation isn't about making it work.- It's note restoration.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50- That's right.- This is a computer, isn't it?
0:36:50 > 0:36:51Actually, this is ERNIE I.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53He picked the Premium Bond numbers.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57Yeah, that's right. Back in the 1950s.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02The acronym ERNIE stands for Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment.
0:37:02 > 0:37:09From 1957 to 1972, ERNIE I produced thousands upon thousands of winning numbers for the premium bonds.
0:37:09 > 0:37:17Today, ERNIE IV does the job and ERNIE I has been saved as a museum piece.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20What are you doing? I see you're using traditional methods and techniques.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24It's like you're restoring a little bit of fine art on a canvas.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29Absolutely. Art conservators use saliva to clean objects,
0:37:29 > 0:37:36and we've found that the enzymes in saliva are one of the most effective ways of cleaning it.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38- Not all YOUR saliva, though.- Yes.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- Really?- I have to think about lemons a lot.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44- Seriously?- Yes.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49They work on a canvas, let's say, this size. Your canvas is, well...
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- You're going to be here for months. - Yes, it's quite a bit bigger.
0:37:52 > 0:37:53I'm not doing all the surfaces.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Mostly the plastic surfaces.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57How long will this take?
0:37:57 > 0:38:03We've booked in six months to do it and that's going to be pushing it.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05Dennis, I can't shake your hand to say thank you,
0:38:05 > 0:38:09but I know you've got your work cut out so I'll let you get on with it.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19The Science Museum here at Wroughton is such a fascinating place,
0:38:19 > 0:38:23but it's only open to the general public on certain days of the year.
0:38:23 > 0:38:30Do keep an eye open, because there's plenty to see here and they are preserving your heritage.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44It's back to the valuation day and David looks like a very happy man.
0:38:44 > 0:38:50Judy, this is such a remarkable piece of porcelain.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Where did it come from?
0:38:52 > 0:38:55It used to sit in my mother's display cabinet
0:38:55 > 0:39:01for many years and I was often told how very valuable it was.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06I've treasured it for a while but it's not actually my cup of tea,
0:39:06 > 0:39:11so I'd like to find something that I can replace it with.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14I think it's very good indeed.
0:39:14 > 0:39:20It's a nice comparison with the other pieces that we've taken in, because
0:39:20 > 0:39:26- this is the top end of the early-20th century porcelain market.- Oh, right.
0:39:26 > 0:39:33This is the sort of choice porcelain that would have been in the rather splendid Edwardian cabinets.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- Right, OK.- Highly decorative.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Produced not necessarily for usage.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42No, I was wondering what it might be used for, actually.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46The nearest thing you could get for table usage would be bonbons.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- Yes.- And these would have been hand-made sweets and truffles
0:39:50 > 0:39:54that would have been made in the kitchen, below stairs.
0:39:54 > 0:39:55Below stairs. Yes.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00Otherwise, they might have had candied fruit or something like that.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02But this is a highly decorative piece.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07If you look at it carefully and squint at it it almost looks like a Renaissance goblet.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Yes.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13- Yes. I can see that. It's...- It is very, very fine Worcester porcelain.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Now, just tell me, why are you selling this?
0:40:17 > 0:40:21Well, although I can see how attractive it is,
0:40:21 > 0:40:24it's not really my cup of tea.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28It's not something that I look at and think, "Isn't that gorgeous?"
0:40:28 > 0:40:32I'd like something that I'll look at and think, "Isn't that gorgeous?"
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- What I like about it is its sheer opulence.- Yes. Yes.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38It's the amount of gilt that is used.
0:40:38 > 0:40:45This wonderful floral painting and if you look at the floral painting, its outlined in gilt as well.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47It's an incredible piece.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50I love these scroll handles which you'd hold.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52It's almost a drinking vessel.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55If it had been circular it would have been,
0:40:55 > 0:41:00something like that. You are looking back to the past for the inspiration of design.
0:41:00 > 0:41:06Now, these were produced at end of the 19th, into the 20th century.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11This piece has a mark on the bottom which will tell me the exact date it was made.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15The beauty of Worcester porcelain is, it's exactly like silver marks.
0:41:15 > 0:41:21You can tell the exact year that this was made by the dots underneath.
0:41:21 > 0:41:22Now, the dots start in 1892.
0:41:22 > 0:41:29- Yes.- And if you count up all the other dots, it works out to 1911.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33- 1911? Wow.- So, this piece was made in 1911.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- That glorious epoch of the early- 20th century.- Before the Great War.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39The Edwardian ladies. My Fair Lady.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44- Yes. That's where the opulence comes from, yes, yes.- That sort of period.
0:41:44 > 0:41:45It is very opulent.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48It's a cabinet piece.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49Now, price.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52These are still in demand.
0:41:52 > 0:41:59- But not as much as they were five or even 10 years ago.- Yes. Yes.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01This piece, let's say,
0:42:01 > 0:42:07five years ago, would have been 150 to £200. That sort of price range.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11- Yes. Yes.- There's a slight resilience in the market now
0:42:11 > 0:42:13to go for this blush ground.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Fashions change. I never understand why.
0:42:16 > 0:42:21If we are looking at this, around about 100 to 130.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25- That sort of price range.- OK.- If it goes for more, I shall be very happy.
0:42:25 > 0:42:26Yes. Well, so shall I!
0:42:26 > 0:42:31Thank you very much for coming along. I do appreciate it. I hope we make a very good price for you.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:42:39 > 0:42:44Well, look at this lay-out we've got on the table here, Adrian.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46This is taking me back to my childhood.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Were these yours as a child? Did you play with these?
0:42:49 > 0:42:52They were my father-in-law's. He collected them in the '70s.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54They were just put in a case by all accounts.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57And when he passed away, he left them to the wife.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01So, this is how we've come to get them and they've been in the loft for six years.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03It's amazing, he didn't open these, did he?
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Was he buying these for investment, do you think?
0:43:06 > 0:43:08He just liked collecting the cars.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11But he never let the children play with them.
0:43:11 > 0:43:16Well, as you can see, from here, the majority of these are Matchbox.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20Most people when they think of this type of toy think of
0:43:20 > 0:43:24Corgi and Dinky and then third in that tier comes Matchbox.
0:43:24 > 0:43:29You've got quite an array that you've brought with you today, Adrian.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31This one is fairly out here, the GWR.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33Yeah, the GWR train.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37Bearing in mind where we are today, then we've got another loco here.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41If I move towards the front I can see here, again, reminding me of some of
0:43:41 > 0:43:44the television programmes I used to watch as a small boy.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- Any particular favourites of yours, here?- Starsky and Hutch.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50- Starsky and Hutch?- I used to watch that in the '70s.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53Yeah, I think that carries a certain place in a lot of people's hearts,
0:43:53 > 0:43:57doesn't it? Well, that's a Corgi one, as is the James Bond ones.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01Now, that was a bandwagon that a lot of them jumped on.
0:44:01 > 0:44:06That would open up the market to a whole new collector, shall we say?
0:44:06 > 0:44:09They tend to be well collected.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13Just looking at the sort of quantity and variety you have got here,
0:44:13 > 0:44:17- have you any idea of what they might be worth?- Not a clue.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20They've got to be worth a couple of pounds each,
0:44:20 > 0:44:26certainly the ones that have been kept in the packaging. That's a premium that's hard to get.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31It means they're mint condition.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34I've had a quick tot up. I don't know how many there are here.
0:44:34 > 0:44:36- 20, 30?- Something like that.
0:44:36 > 0:44:43My suggestion, to put them into the auction, would be perhaps put an estimate on of £40 to £60.
0:44:43 > 0:44:48Straddle that £50-mark. And see how they do on the day.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50Were you thinking of putting a reserve on them?
0:44:50 > 0:44:53Your wife inherited them - you have permission to sell these?
0:44:53 > 0:44:55- We've got her permission to sell. - Have we?
0:44:55 > 0:44:58If we say no reserve, we're going to get a sale on the day.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00That's what it's about at the end of the day.
0:45:00 > 0:45:05Who knows, I reckon someone might buy them and then just rip them all out of the packaging
0:45:05 > 0:45:08and have a great nostalgic play with them, what do you think?
0:45:08 > 0:45:12- Could do.- Excellent. So, we'll see you on the day? - Yeah, that's fine. Thank you.
0:45:17 > 0:45:22Well, Diane, this is absolutely devastating.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25It's one of the most exciting things that's been brought in today.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28- Right.- Do you know what it is?
0:45:28 > 0:45:31Well, we've always thought it was a visitor's card case.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34That's perfectly correct. Have you seen one like this before?
0:45:34 > 0:45:39- Not so much decoration on it. - This is beautiful.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44It's not just bright cut, so you get the shiny elements in the decoration,
0:45:44 > 0:45:46but it's also raised work, as well.
0:45:46 > 0:45:50When you look at all these flower heads and scrolls,
0:45:50 > 0:45:55it's all raised. Possibly cast originally then chased away,
0:45:55 > 0:45:59so you've got all this lovely open work here on a matt ground.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01But what is such a feature
0:46:01 > 0:46:05is the decoration in the centre panel here, which is of a house.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08Do you know what the house is?
0:46:08 > 0:46:10No. No. We would like to know.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13That house is important, and the one on the other side's important,
0:46:13 > 0:46:19- because it commemorates two major writers of the day.- Oh.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22This one is Abbotsford.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- And where's that?- Who lived at Abbotsford? Sir Walter Scott.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30- Ah.- On the other side...
0:46:30 > 0:46:32we have Newstead Abbey.
0:46:32 > 0:46:34Who lived at Newstead Abbey?
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- Byron, the poet.- Oh.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39So this commemorates
0:46:39 > 0:46:45- two major literary figures of the early 19th century.- Oh.
0:46:45 > 0:46:51Now, when I say early 19th century, this little box dates from 1836.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55- 1836?- 1836.- Gosh!
0:46:55 > 0:46:57- Earlier than we thought.- Yes.
0:46:57 > 0:47:03This was made in Birmingham by a company called Taylor and Perry.
0:47:03 > 0:47:04Right.
0:47:04 > 0:47:09- It's lovely. Now, does this belong to you?- No. It's my father's.
0:47:09 > 0:47:13So your father's instructed you to sell this on his behalf?
0:47:13 > 0:47:15- Yes.- If the price is right.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- If the price is right.- OK.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20How much do you think it's worth yourself?
0:47:20 > 0:47:25Erm... Well, he did think, round about 200 to 300.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29200 to 300. Well, I think he's got a sensible head on his shoulders.
0:47:29 > 0:47:33- Where he is now that you've had to come along?- He's actually on a half world cruise.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36Oh! Doesn't really need the money, does he?
0:47:36 > 0:47:38Oh, he's working though, on it.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41- What does he do? - He's a dance host for Saga.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45- Really?- Yes.- What a fascinating way to see the world, isn't it?
0:47:45 > 0:47:49Yes. So, he left last week from Southampton to Sydney...
0:47:49 > 0:47:52Oh, that's brilliant. Oh, that's brilliant, isn't it?
0:47:52 > 0:47:54I reckon that if it goes up for auction
0:47:54 > 0:47:58we should get something in the region of about 400, £600.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01- Excellent.- That sort of price range.
0:48:01 > 0:48:06But the factors are the decoration and the subject matter.
0:48:06 > 0:48:08- Right.- So that's Newstead Abbey and Abbotsford.
0:48:08 > 0:48:10- Locally made, Birmingham.- Right.
0:48:10 > 0:48:14So you've got all the ingredients and the condition is so important,
0:48:14 > 0:48:16- and that is in perfect condition. - Yeah.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19It is a collector's piece, and I've seen wonderful collections
0:48:19 > 0:48:24of card cases, but not as beautiful as this,
0:48:24 > 0:48:26so I think it'll make the top end of the price.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29- Excellent.- Thank you for bringing it along.
0:48:30 > 0:48:34Sandra, these two pictures are of real quality.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36I think they're very special.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38Will you tell me a bit about them? What do you know?
0:48:38 > 0:48:44Not very much. They were given to my father, when we lived in London.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46A customer gave them to him as a present.
0:48:46 > 0:48:48Just a present?
0:48:48 > 0:48:52- To say thank you. And they've hung in our house ever since. - Do you know what they are?
0:48:52 > 0:48:56Not really. I thought they were painted on slate, but that's all.
0:48:56 > 0:48:58You're right about one thing. They are on slate.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00But they're not painted.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03When you look at them, you think a couple of cavaliers,
0:49:03 > 0:49:06a little bit naively painted on slate,
0:49:06 > 0:49:10and they could have done a better job, because that's not painted on.
0:49:10 > 0:49:18That slate has been carved out and stone and marble has been inset into the aperture that's been carved out.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21"Pietra dura", that's what it means,
0:49:21 > 0:49:28hard durable stone. It's Italian and it's a very, very clever technique.
0:49:28 > 0:49:30The Italians were absolutely amazing at this.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34It's a technique that dates back to the Renaissance, the 1500s.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38Very expensive in their day, as well. The condition is absolutely beautiful.
0:49:38 > 0:49:42If I can just turn them over, you can see, both backs have not been tampered with.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46Original hanging rings and the original paper backing.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49Now, the trade are going to absolutely love that.
0:49:49 > 0:49:50And the collectors.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53Because it's not been fiddled with.
0:49:53 > 0:49:55But look at the quality of that.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58Lovely bold Victorian, ebonised frame.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01Wonderful gold inset. It just picks the whole thing out.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04But look at the stones you've got involved in there.
0:50:04 > 0:50:08There's black onyx, some lapis as well. There's bits of marble.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11Look at the trousers, the boots, that's a lovely marble.
0:50:11 > 0:50:15Isn't it beautiful? Why do you want to sell them?
0:50:15 > 0:50:18I don't think our house is suitable.
0:50:18 > 0:50:23It's a modern central-heated house and I think the central heating is spoiling them.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27Never hang anything like this over a radiator.
0:50:27 > 0:50:34Never hang anything obviously, a bit of fine art work, in a room with direct sunlight coming on to it.
0:50:34 > 0:50:36Ruins everything.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39Have you any idea how much these are worth?
0:50:39 > 0:50:43- Not really.- Well, if I said to you,
0:50:43 > 0:50:49I'd like to put them into auction with an estimated guide of £300 to £500,
0:50:49 > 0:50:54and I think we could possibly break that barrier on a very good day
0:50:54 > 0:50:59- if two people fell in love with these, we could sell the pair for £600.- Fine.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02- Would you be happy with that? Has that surprised you?- Yes.
0:51:02 > 0:51:04It has, really.
0:51:04 > 0:51:08I think it's a cracking lot and hopefully we'll have some eager bidding on this.
0:51:08 > 0:51:09Thank you.
0:51:10 > 0:51:14Here are our second lot of items to go under the hammer.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16The Royal Worcester isn't to Judy's taste,
0:51:16 > 0:51:21but there are plenty of people who love it, so let's hope they are in the saleroom today.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23This collection shouldn't be hidden away.
0:51:23 > 0:51:28It's great fun and could take a willing bidder on a very nostalgic trip down memory lane.
0:51:28 > 0:51:33Finally, these pietra dura are exquisite
0:51:33 > 0:51:36and at £300 to £500, I'd be amazed if they're not snapped up.
0:51:36 > 0:51:38And last up is a silver card case.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40Diane's father has gone on a cruise,
0:51:40 > 0:51:42and told her to flog it.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47And taking the rostrum for this lot is auctioneer Lindsay Broom.
0:51:47 > 0:51:51It's not Judy's cup of tea but plenty of you will love this Royal Worcester,
0:51:51 > 0:51:56including David. You put £100, £150 on it, it's fixed at £100.
0:51:56 > 0:52:01- Why don't you like it? - It's just a bit too much.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03I think it's very attractive.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05I can see the value of it. But it's just a bit too much.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09Is it? You like it a bit more simple things? More humble, bohemian?
0:52:09 > 0:52:15- I wouldn't say humble.- I like humble things.- Just something that's not quite so ornate.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17People might say it's over the top,
0:52:17 > 0:52:21but it has got that richness you associate with the the Edwardian period.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25Again, that's antiques, in a way. Some of them have to be showy. That's what it's all about.
0:52:25 > 0:52:29- You want to show them off, otherwise it's not worth investing in them. - That's true.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32OK, let's see who's going to invest in this one, shall we? Here we go.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36Lot 217, the Royal Worcester porcelain pedestal bowl.
0:52:36 > 0:52:41Very pretty one. What shall we say, £100 to start on this? £100?
0:52:41 > 0:52:4350 then, £50 to start.
0:52:43 > 0:52:44It's a big jump, isn't it?
0:52:44 > 0:52:48Anyone interested at £50 to start?
0:52:48 > 0:52:50£50, thank you, at 50,
0:52:50 > 0:52:5355, 60, 65, 70,
0:52:53 > 0:52:5675, 80, 85, 90,
0:52:56 > 0:52:59- 95, at 95...- Oh, come on!
0:52:59 > 0:53:0295... 100, is it? At 95...
0:53:02 > 0:53:03It's got to be £100!
0:53:03 > 0:53:07£100 for you... 100 bid, right at the back.
0:53:07 > 0:53:12- Gosh, just!- At 100 then, I'm selling at 100...
0:53:12 > 0:53:14Oh, we had a fixed reserve at 100.
0:53:14 > 0:53:18That was close, wasn't it? Sailing a bit close to the wind, there.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22- We did it. 100 quid.- We got the hundred. That's fine.- Ooh!
0:53:30 > 0:53:32Next up, Adrian's Matchbox cars.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36There's a lot of them, but he can't be here today, he's at a conference,
0:53:36 > 0:53:40but his mum, Ruth, is here, flogging his cars.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42Well, we've got £40 to £60 put on these.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46I love the Kojak one and the old catchphrase was, "Who loves you, baby?"
0:53:46 > 0:53:49Let's see if someone falls in love with this one. Here it is.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53A quantity of Corgis and Matchbox die cast. Two boxes.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55A very nice lot.
0:53:55 > 0:53:59£50 to start? 50 I'm bid, at 50. At 50.
0:53:59 > 0:54:0455, 60, 65, 70, at 70,
0:54:04 > 0:54:06who's going on then at 70?
0:54:06 > 0:54:08Any advance then at 70?
0:54:08 > 0:54:10- 75, 80...- Good.
0:54:10 > 0:54:1485, 90, any other buyers? 95.
0:54:14 > 0:54:19100, 110, at 110 now,
0:54:19 > 0:54:23are we all done at 110? Are we all finished at 110?
0:54:23 > 0:54:28Yes. Hammer's down at £110. £110.
0:54:28 > 0:54:29- Good grief.- That's fantastic.
0:54:29 > 0:54:33- He will be over the moon.- A result! Kojak did that with his lollipop!
0:54:42 > 0:54:43Diane, David, good luck.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46I know you've been waiting a long time for this one and so have we.
0:54:46 > 0:54:53It's that wonderful silver card case. 400 to £600. Beautiful work.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55Lovely embossed work. We were musing over it.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58The auctioneer and myself were just poring over it.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01It's absolutely divine. I hope we get that top end.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04It's the best thing in the sale!
0:55:04 > 0:55:06- It's unbelievably good. - Yeah.- It really is good.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08What will you do with the money?
0:55:08 > 0:55:11- Well, it's my dad's. - OK. So what's the money going to?
0:55:11 > 0:55:13To him, but I hope he'll give me a commission!
0:55:13 > 0:55:15Yeah. Let's hope we get that top end.
0:55:15 > 0:55:17I'd like to see the 600.
0:55:17 > 0:55:21Victorian silver castle top card case. Very lovely piece here.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25Beautifully decorated. 300 to start.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27£300. Bid at 300. At 300 near me.
0:55:27 > 0:55:31320. 350. 380.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34- 400. At 400 near me. - Diane, we're selling.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36420. 450. 480.
0:55:36 > 0:55:39500. 520. 550.
0:55:39 > 0:55:44- At 550.- Come on! - At 550, now, are we all done?
0:55:44 > 0:55:45At 550 near me, then.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49- I feel greedy. Come on...!- At 550...
0:55:49 > 0:55:52£550, Diane!
0:55:52 > 0:55:54- Excellent.- You've got to be happy.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56- David's very happy.- I'm delighted.
0:55:56 > 0:56:00- Dad's going to be over the moon, isn't he?- Yeah, when he gets back.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04- He's on a cruise at the moment.- Is he?- Yeah.- On his way to Australia.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06Sounds like he doesn't need the money!
0:56:06 > 0:56:07THEY LAUGH
0:56:13 > 0:56:17- Sandra, what's going through your mind right now?- Are we going to reach the value...
0:56:17 > 0:56:20- of £300?- We've got those two wonderful...
0:56:20 > 0:56:24a pair of pietra dura, in fact, look at this, they're right next to us, just there.
0:56:24 > 0:56:28Going under the hammer, we are two lots away, £300 to £500.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31I had a chat to the auctioneer before the sale.
0:56:31 > 0:56:37They sold a pair in a previous sale for £600 and the images were of birds.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39You've got these wonderful cavaliers.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42We're coming towards the end of the sale and the room has thinned out.
0:56:42 > 0:56:46I just hope there's enough people here who have seen them and left bids
0:56:46 > 0:56:48or you never know, there might be a phone bid.
0:56:48 > 0:56:54- You won't bash me over their head, will you, if they don't sell? - No. They'll just go home again.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57OK. Good luck. They're going under the hammer, now.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00331, pair of pietra dura pictures showing there.
0:57:00 > 0:57:04Very lovely. Start me off, lots and lots of interest. Start me at 300.
0:57:04 > 0:57:08300 I'm bid, at 300, 320, 350,
0:57:08 > 0:57:10380, 400,
0:57:10 > 0:57:13- 420, 450...- Yes...- ..480,
0:57:13 > 0:57:17at 500, 520, 540,
0:57:17 > 0:57:23550, 580, at 580, 600.
0:57:23 > 0:57:26- That's more like it.- At £600, any advance on £600?
0:57:26 > 0:57:30At £600, standing in the room now, are we all done?
0:57:30 > 0:57:33At 600, selling...
0:57:33 > 0:57:36Yes! £600.
0:57:36 > 0:57:39- Wonderful.- That's what we talked about on the day, didn't we?
0:57:39 > 0:57:44We said, we'd pitch it at 300-500, but hopefully they'll make the £600.
0:57:44 > 0:57:48Phew. Pressure is off. What are you going to do with that £600? What's it going towards?
0:57:48 > 0:57:50- For a holiday.- A bit of commission.
0:57:50 > 0:57:53A holiday. Everybody is spending their money on holidays.
0:57:53 > 0:57:55- Where is the holiday going to be? - Guernsey.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58- Ooh, lovely, have you been there before?- Yes.
0:57:58 > 0:58:00Nice peaceful two weeks, just sort of taking it easy.
0:58:00 > 0:58:04Yes. In a hotel this time, not a guest house.
0:58:05 > 0:58:10Thank you so much, Sandra. That was pure quality and quality always sells.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13I hope you've enjoyed today's show. We thoroughly enjoyed making it.
0:58:13 > 0:58:17So, until next time, it's cheerio from Cirencester.
0:58:37 > 0:58:40Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd