0:00:01 > 0:00:06St George is the patron saint of England, but it wasn't always so.
0:00:06 > 0:00:13Once upon a time, the title belonged to another saint who gave his name to today's location.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Welcome to Bury St Edmunds.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54St Edmund was the king of East Anglia during the 7th century.
0:00:54 > 0:01:00It's believed he was captured by invading Danes and they decapitated him.
0:01:00 > 0:01:05Legend has it, his head was thrown into a nearby wood and was found being guarded by wolves.
0:01:05 > 0:01:11On reuniting his head back with his body, it's said the two joined miraculously together,
0:01:11 > 0:01:18leaving only a thin, faint red mark. The sign of a true saint.
0:01:23 > 0:01:30Hopefully keeping their heads today are our two saints, David Barby and Adam Partridge.
0:01:30 > 0:01:36- Are we ready to go to work? - BOTH: Yes, we are! - Good! Let's get inside!
0:01:41 > 0:01:48Adam is first up. Sue and Rosalie have bought in a couple of cuddly characters for him.
0:01:48 > 0:01:56- Welcome to Flog It.- Thank you. - These have been well played with. Did you play with them or...?- No.
0:01:56 > 0:02:03- They came from our charity shop. - Brilliant. Which charity? - Salvation Army.- You both volunteer?
0:02:03 > 0:02:10I work in the shop, and Rosalie is our main person who finds out what things cost.
0:02:10 > 0:02:17- So you're the research person.- Yes. - It's very nice to see people from charity shops.- Thank you.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21So we've got two teddy bears handed in. This one's a Chad Valley.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Yes.- His growler does work.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- His growler works as well? - He squeaks.- It's a squeaker.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32HE SQUEAKS
0:02:32 > 0:02:36And he's got a label somewhere. Half a label.
0:02:36 > 0:02:43Chad Valley Hygienic Toys. Hygienic toys...I'm not sure if they're considered hygienic now
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- or you could call them that.- I don't think so.- He's from the '50s.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53His friend here has been equally well loved, if not more so.
0:02:53 > 0:02:59I don't think this one is of any great consequence in terms of value,
0:02:59 > 0:03:05- so they should go in the same lot. - Right.- I'd estimate these at £30-£50 for the two.
0:03:05 > 0:03:12- Hopefully, £50 would be nice. More would be even better. Does that sound OK?- Yes, lovely.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- They wouldn't make that in the shop. - They'd sit there and just get dirty.
0:03:17 > 0:03:24- So have you given them names or is that getting too attached? - This is Sal and this one's Anne.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- Sal and Anne.- Yes. - The Salvation Army. I see!
0:03:29 > 0:03:33I know the auctioneer at this saleroom. She's keen on teddy bears.
0:03:33 > 0:03:40So let's hope she gives a phone call round all the teddy bear people and we get a good result
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- for the Salvation Army.- Lovely. - Thank you, ladies.- Thank you.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54Brian, look at the state of this. You don't use it very often!
0:03:54 > 0:03:58No. I can't remember the last time it was used at all.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04- Right.- Several years ago. - Is it a family heirloom?- Yes.
0:04:04 > 0:04:12- The EM stands for Elizabeth Mortlock. - Right.- Which was my late wife's grandmother.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- She must have inherited it from a previous generation.- Probably.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22The reason I say this is the marks on the back here,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25a king's head, date it to 1805.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- Oh, yes, that's...- It would be her great-great-grandmother.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35We've got the initials of the maker. JW. And that could be John Wray of London.
0:04:35 > 0:04:42- Is there any member of the family that wants it?- No, it's not something that they would want.
0:04:42 > 0:04:49Basically, what you're telling me is the thing I've heard echoed so many times.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Young people don't want silver these days.
0:04:53 > 0:05:00- I read recently that dinner parties and dining rooms are a thing of the past.- Yes.- I can't believe it.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- Where do people eat? - Round the TV, watching Flog It.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10This piece is very nice. It's very plain and simple.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15I think this is the essence of Georgian silver.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19The design itself is what we term fiddle handle.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24If you look at the shape of it, you can trace the outline of a fiddle.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Very simple, well-balanced, easy to use.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33This would be for serving soup. Very elegant object.
0:05:33 > 0:05:39Collectors of silver, particularly of tableware, would wish to acquire something like this.
0:05:39 > 0:05:46- What about value?- I really don't know. One of your colleagues said it would be worth £80-£100.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49£80-£100...
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- Yeah, I think that's a reasonable estimate.- Yes.
0:05:53 > 0:05:59- Possibly a little bit low. I'd expect it to go for 120.- Right.
0:05:59 > 0:06:06- But we've got to put a reserve on it.- Yes.- If you're happy, I think £80 sounds a sensible reserve.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- That would be fine. - And I hope for 120.- Yes, so do I!
0:06:14 > 0:06:21- Colin, are you from Bury St Edmunds? - No, not from Bury, but neighbouring villages.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- A local lad, then.- You can tell that from the way I talk!- Yes, I can!
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- Proud on it, too!- Good for you.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Looking at this really quickly,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36£40-£60. That's foxed you, hasn't it?
0:06:36 > 0:06:41- I'm talking about £40-£60 for the trolley!- Oh, sorry! That?
0:06:41 > 0:06:47- That blanket came off my bed this morning!- You liked that, didn't you?
0:06:47 > 0:06:54I think that is great. It's the only way you can get a lead sundial to the valuation day.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- On one of those.- Without a doubt.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59And this old antique as well.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- How heavy is that?- Eight stone.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06It is solid lead, isn't it? I can't lift that.
0:07:06 > 0:07:12- It's in great demand now, you know, lead is.- I'm just looking at this for the scrap value.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17You're probably right, actually. It's quite nice.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21A little bit naive. Neo-classical revival.
0:07:21 > 0:07:27- A little cherub. He's got some damage to his ankle. There's a lot of strain.- No doubt.
0:07:27 > 0:07:33- And there's a big crack there. - Hairline, I'd say. - That can be mended.- Oh, yes!
0:07:33 > 0:07:39So what's its story? Where has it come from? Your garden?
0:07:39 > 0:07:45- I suffer from old timers' disease. I can't remember. - I know the feeling!
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- I believe I bought it from an antiques dealer. - How much did you pay?- No idea.
0:07:50 > 0:07:56- No idea.- Well, he's a cute little statue, isn't he? Circa 1900. Not any earlier than that.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58About 1910, maybe.
0:07:58 > 0:08:06- Going by the weight and the scrap value, we've got to be looking at around £100-£150.- Yeah.
0:08:06 > 0:08:13- Happy with that?- Oh, yes.- Shall we put this into auction without the trolley?- Bung me in as well!
0:08:13 > 0:08:20This is going to be really funny watching our stewards cart this off. What's the time?
0:08:20 > 0:08:26- I've got no idea. Time I was home.- Time you were home? Let's put it into the auction.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- Very kind of you.- Thank you. - A great pleasure.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42So, John, what is a man like you doing with a trench periscope?
0:08:42 > 0:08:48I've got all kinds of stuff. I've got so much in the shed, there will be a row one day
0:08:48 > 0:08:55- if I don't get rid of some of it! - Ever used it?- Yes, I have.- When have you had the chance to use it?
0:08:55 > 0:09:01If you're a little fella and you want to watch a football match, that's what you need.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- A trench periscope, French... - And proper prisms in there.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- Proper prisms. And it's French manufacture.- Yes.- Is it WWI?
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- Yes, definitely.- With a very nice leather protective case.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- There's a little scratch on there. - That doesn't matter too much.
0:09:20 > 0:09:28- So where did you get this from? - In Bury St Edmunds, just a local shop that had army stuff.
0:09:28 > 0:09:34- I had a swap.- You did a deal. You're not from Bury St Edmunds. - Liverpool.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- I thought so. You didn't lose your accent.- No.- Or your humour.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- You mustn't do that.- So why are you selling it?- Forced into it, I think.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Forced into it? Who by? - My wife. "Get rid of your junk."
0:09:48 > 0:09:54- How will you watch the footie now? - Well, I'll watch the telly.
0:09:54 > 0:10:00- It's been in that shed for seven years.- OK, well, it's probably quite an interesting item now.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- I think it would make about £50. - Should do, I hope. Not more?
0:10:05 > 0:10:12- Well, I think £50 or £60. Not much more. Do you want to put a reserve on it?- No, it's gotta go.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17- Even if it makes 20 quid?- No. - There you go.
0:10:17 > 0:10:24- Put a reserve on at 40. - Estimate £50-£60.- Yes.- And hopefully it'll do well.- Maybe more.- Yeah.
0:10:24 > 0:10:31- Thank you.- I hope the auctioneer can spy a few bidders.- Tell him he can see the top shelf with that!
0:10:31 > 0:10:35We've found our first items to take off to auction.
0:10:35 > 0:10:41The teddies will hopefully sell well and the cash goes straight back to the charity.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45The silver ladle is lovely and should easily make £80.
0:10:45 > 0:10:52What a great local character! I can't wait to see Colin again with his sundial.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56And it's been a long time in the shed for John's periscope.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07Today's sale comes from TW Gaze Auction Rooms in Diss in Norfolk.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10What a lovely sunny day we've got.
0:11:10 > 0:11:16Before the auction gets under way, I'll have a quick chat with Elizabeth Talbot,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20to see what she thinks of some of our valuations.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26I like this. A WWI periscope.
0:11:26 > 0:11:32Obviously used in the trenches. It's in very good condition. John's had it about seven years.
0:11:32 > 0:11:39He got it in some kind of deal he did in Bury St Edmunds. It's been in his shed ever since.
0:11:39 > 0:11:46He's now been forced to sell it. Adam has put a valuation of £50-£60 on this.
0:11:46 > 0:11:52Sounds fair. I mean, there are, like any main field of collectability,
0:11:52 > 0:11:54some people always on the lookout.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59If I were a collector, I'd be quite pleased to see this one.
0:11:59 > 0:12:06- Despite its age, the condition is lovely.- Yes.- So the shed must be nice and dry and warm.
0:12:06 > 0:12:13Prior to that, it obviously had a fairly comfortable life. It's obviously seen some service.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- But not too much.- Probably as good as one could expect from the period.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21So it should make its money fine.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Something to set your sights on.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26You get worse, Paul!
0:12:32 > 0:12:37A little teddy bear, Chad Valley, walked into the Salvation Army shop.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- Rosie and Sue, good to see you. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:12:41 > 0:12:47- Did you spot what it was straight away?- No, the lady who sorts things, she spotted it.
0:12:47 > 0:12:53And she gave it to me. I took it to an antique fair or collectors' fair.
0:12:53 > 0:12:59- A lady told me it was worth about £50, but to put it in auction, so here we are.- Hey, presto.
0:12:59 > 0:13:06- We thought we might do better in auction.- We've seen them do a lot more than £50.- Sometimes.
0:13:06 > 0:13:13- I put £30-£50 on this one. - "Come and buy me". - I'd love it to make a lot more.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17Elizabeth is pretty good on teddies so let's hope.
0:13:17 > 0:13:23And it's being sold with a little friend as well. He's got some company.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28A 1950s Chad Valley teddy bear, together with his friend. Doesn't it pull the heart strings?
0:13:28 > 0:13:33What am I say for these two? Start me at 30.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Come on, £30. Chad Valley.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41It's no good smiling at them. 20 I'll take to start. 20 bid.
0:13:41 > 0:13:4322. 25. 28.
0:13:43 > 0:13:4828 with the lady. 30, new bidder. 32. 35.
0:13:48 > 0:13:5238. 40. 42. 45. 48.
0:13:52 > 0:13:5848 to my left. At 48 with the lady. 48 now. Where's 50?
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Are you all done at 48?
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- Two bidders there. £48. - Thank you very much.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- Going to the Salvation Army. - Yes, wonderful.
0:14:08 > 0:14:16- More than in the shop? - Oh, yes. We'd be lucky to get £5. - And somebody else makes the profit.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25Brian, at £80-£120 this is bound to sell.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- That lovely silver ladle. 1805.- Yes.- Quality.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- It shouts quality.- It does indeed.
0:14:32 > 0:14:38And also the fiddle pattern is a standard design. It could fit any cutlery service.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- And it's fresh to the market. It's a family heirloom.- Yes, it is.
0:14:42 > 0:14:48- You've had it a long, long time. - Yes, it was my late wife's family more than my own.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54It's something you never really use, but I'm sure the collectors and silver dealers will like this.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58Hopefully, it'll find a new buyer. Good luck.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Lot 170. We have the silver fiddle pattern ladle.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05London, 1805. A super piece here.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Interest on the sheets and I start at £55.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11£55 is bid. 60. 5.
0:15:11 > 0:15:1470. 5. 80. I'm out.
0:15:14 > 0:15:1880 down below. I'll take 5. A lovely ladle.
0:15:18 > 0:15:2385. 85 in the corner. 90, sir?
0:15:23 > 0:15:26It's at 85 now. Where's 90?
0:15:26 > 0:15:31At 85. To the lady. Make no mistake.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35It's gone. Within estimate. Just crept in.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- Someone's very happy today. But you're happy as well.- Yes.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44Somebody will get the use of it where it's only been in a drawer.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- You've got more drawer space now. - Yes. Not a lot more!
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Thank you so much.- Thank you.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- John, that WWI periscope is a lovely little item.- It is.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Real quality. I had a chat with the auctioneer.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Elizabeth said we should get you your money no problem.
0:16:11 > 0:16:17- And a beautiful leather case. Not a lot of use. - It's just a bit different.- Yeah.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- We had good fun filming it. - Look!- Look at the family over there!
0:16:22 > 0:16:26Aw, look at that! That's a cracking family.
0:16:26 > 0:16:33- Lots of moral support.- They're good. - We're going to sell this, definitely. Then treat that lot
0:16:33 > 0:16:38to a bit of a lunch. Good luck. It's now going under the hammer.
0:16:38 > 0:16:45Lot 130 now. We have the WWI hand-held periscope there with its fitted leather case.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50I start at £30. 32. 35. 38. And 40.
0:16:50 > 0:16:5342. 45. 48.
0:16:53 > 0:16:5650 at the back. 55. 60. 5.
0:16:56 > 0:16:5870. 5. 80. 5.
0:16:58 > 0:17:0290. 90 at the back. 90 at the back.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06I'll take 5 again. At 90, by the door. At 90.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- Any advance on £90?- Yes!
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- £90?- You've got to be happy. - Oh, yes, yes.- That's a result.
0:17:14 > 0:17:20- That'll be tea and cakes. - Tea and cakes for the family. - For the rest of my life!
0:17:26 > 0:17:31Remember that sundial? It's just about to go under the hammer.
0:17:31 > 0:17:37It couldn't be a dull day with Colin here! Great to catch up with you.
0:17:37 > 0:17:44- You're an ex-Guardsman.- Grenadier. - A proud man. I can see you've got a good, proper straight back there.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- Ever had a backache?- Never, no.
0:17:46 > 0:17:53- I've been in the asphalt business for 45 years.- I've never seen a pair of hands like this before.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58You could drive nails in with those. You've done a lot of hard work.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02I shook a man's hand once. He said it was like shaking a brick.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- That is as tough as leather.- Yeah. Has to be to lift that sundial!
0:18:11 > 0:18:16- It weighs eight stone! - I just hope it sells well.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21Good luck. There's no reserve. Let's just hope it gets around £100.
0:18:21 > 0:18:27On to Lot 10 now. It's the 20th-century heavy lead figure and sundial there.
0:18:27 > 0:18:33What can I say for this? Ideal for the garden. £100? £100, surely. Come on.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38- £50 I'll take.- They're a little bit reticent. All the hands are down.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Thank you. 50 bid. 5. 60.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- 5. 70.- We're in. - Above at 75.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48At 75. Where's 80?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51At 75. 80's bid. 85.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- This is good.- 90. 5.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Are you sure, sir? Round it up. It's in the gallery at 95.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02I'll take 100. At £95. All done?
0:19:03 > 0:19:09- Not bad at all.- Not bad.- I'm happy. - Even for scrap, I couldn't have got that sort of money.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- What are you going to do with it? - I'll make people smile.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18I'll most probably give it to the wife and she'll waste it on food.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22No, that's an essential, food! we all need food to survive.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- She'll just waste it on food! - Thank you so much for coming.
0:19:27 > 0:19:33- Let me shake that rough hand. - Paul, it's been a pleasure. - Thank you, Colin.
0:19:42 > 0:19:4860 years ago, this airfield in Norfolk was a totally different place.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53During WWII, well over 3,000 American airmen were stationed here.
0:19:53 > 0:19:59It was a handful, when you think about it, considering there were over 100 other air bases
0:19:59 > 0:20:04scattered across eastern England, each home to thousands of GIs.
0:20:08 > 0:20:14The arrival of so many Americans was to have an everlasting effect.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18The lives of many local men, women and children were changed forever.
0:20:18 > 0:20:24I've come to meet two such people here at Thorpe Abbotts, the air base for the 100th Bomb Group,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28to find out what life was like back then.
0:20:28 > 0:20:34Sam Hurry was a boy during the war and has many fond memories here.
0:20:34 > 0:20:40So much so, he's still involved with the restoration and upkeep of the base.
0:20:40 > 0:20:47Sam, you spend a lot of time here as a kid. What was it like before the Americans arrived?
0:20:47 > 0:20:52Very peaceful. It was absolute quietness.
0:20:52 > 0:20:59- We used to come up here to gather acorns for the local pigs. - Keeping out of trouble!
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Well, I don't know about keeping out of trouble!
0:21:03 > 0:21:09- Did the Americans just arrive overnight?- No, there were some here.
0:21:09 > 0:21:15We never took much notice of them until the aeroplanes came in.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19We'd come out of school and come up here and the planes came in.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23We were not only excited, but frightened.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26We hadn't seen things that big.
0:21:28 > 0:21:36And as they came round the bend on the runway, the taxi track, it was a bit frightening to see them.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39So we actually ran away, eventually.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- How old were you? - I'd be 10, nearly 11.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47There was some animosity towards the Americans,
0:21:47 > 0:21:55originally, but as time went on they all became very friendly and played baseball with the locals.
0:21:55 > 0:22:01- Did you come up here and do odd jobs?- Yeah. I used to help out, running errands, various little jobs,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04cleaning out aircraft.
0:22:04 > 0:22:10All sorts of things. And they were always taking chewing gum out,
0:22:10 > 0:22:16giving us cigarettes to smoke. They'd just pick you up and throw you on the mess wagon
0:22:16 > 0:22:24- and away you'd go to the mess hall. - So how much time did you spend up here with the servicemen?
0:22:24 > 0:22:29We should ask how much time did I spend at home? Very little!
0:22:29 > 0:22:34Sometimes we never went to school for weeks. We had a trick.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- We'd sign in at school, go out to the toilet and clear off.- Up here.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- To come up here. - Were the GIs in good spirits?
0:22:44 > 0:22:50They were always in good spirits. The only time I can recollect when they were in bad spirits
0:22:50 > 0:22:55was when the Munster raids took place and one aircraft out of 13 came back.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- There was utter...- Devastation.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07I have seen death from aeroplanes.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11There have been some very bad things.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16Sometimes you get a slight flashback of seeing
0:23:16 > 0:23:22the crumpled up bodies in the aeroplanes, yes, you do.
0:23:23 > 0:23:32During the two years the American airmen were based at Thorpe Abbotts, 753 men lost their lives.
0:23:32 > 0:23:38- What was it like after the war when they left? - After the war, we were devastated.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43We could not settle. Our whole life had gone.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48We came up day after day, searching, looking for the Americans.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52We were hoping and praying they'd return, but they never did.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56The things were still in situ, the buildings,
0:23:56 > 0:24:02- the beds were still there, the mess hall.- It must have been quite eerie.- It was.
0:24:02 > 0:24:08The windows were banging in the wind. They never came back.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13It just deteriorated, returned to agricultural, became part of history.
0:24:13 > 0:24:20- Thank goodness you've restored some of these buildings. It keeps the spirit alive.- Thank you.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25We owe them a debt, a big debt, and we shall never repay them.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Sam wasn't the only one affected by the presence of the GIs.
0:24:29 > 0:24:37Helen Anderson was only a young girl during the war, but the Americans shaped her life forever.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42- Helen, how do you do? - How do you do, Paul? - I've just chatted to Sam.
0:24:42 > 0:24:49- I know you didn't have a lot to do with this air base, did you? - No, I'm afraid not.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54- But you lived not far from here. - In Norwich.- And met plenty of GIs!
0:24:54 > 0:25:00- Plenty! - Can you remember the Americans arriving?- Yes, very clearly.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04All of a sudden, Norwich was alive with men!
0:25:04 > 0:25:12- Walking around, chatting girls up. - Chatting your mum up probably, as well.- Yes, I'm afraid they did!
0:25:12 > 0:25:16They talked to all the girls, with husbands or not.
0:25:16 > 0:25:22The boys would always come in on a Saturday in their big trucks
0:25:22 > 0:25:28from all the air bases and they would invade Norwich and come to the dances.
0:25:33 > 0:25:40They were young and fancy-free and not realising the severity of what war really was.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44I can't help but notice you've got a slight American accent.
0:25:44 > 0:25:51- Yes, I'm afraid I'm one of those girls...- A GI bride. - I was a GI bride! Government Issue!
0:25:54 > 0:25:59But I was a little bit later. That was at the Korean War time.
0:25:59 > 0:26:05- How did you meet your husband? - At the Samson Hercules.- What's that? - It's a dance hall in Norwich.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10He asked me to dance and, for an American, he could dance pretty well!
0:26:10 > 0:26:16- How long before you got married? - I met him August '52 and we married in August 1953.
0:26:16 > 0:26:23They were married within 2 or 3 weeks, some of them! "I'm going abroad next week. Let's get married!"
0:26:24 > 0:26:28So off you went. What was life like in America?
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Very different.
0:26:30 > 0:26:37They had so much food, I couldn't believe it. And they thought they were hard done by.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42They thought they were on rations. I said, "You have no idea!"
0:26:42 > 0:26:48And they all had cars, which we didn't have, and refrigerators and washing machines
0:26:48 > 0:26:55- and vacuum cleaners. Like so many girls, you think this is paradise. - Yes, I bet.
0:26:55 > 0:27:02- You've got a lovely accent. It slips into a bit of Norwich! - I'm a little bit mixed up!
0:27:08 > 0:27:13The presence of the American airmen certainly had a lasting impact.
0:27:13 > 0:27:20Air bases like Thorpe Abbotts are a lasting testament to thousands of men that lived and worked here.
0:27:35 > 0:27:41- What am I to call you this morning? - Pat.- Is that not too familiar for a young imp like me?
0:27:41 > 0:27:48- No, no.- I can call you Pat? And you've brought along this delightful tea service.- Yeah.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Really nice. Have you had it long?
0:27:51 > 0:27:56- I've had it since 1977 when my mother died.- Right.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01But she had it for... Oh, in the Fifties. No, could be the Thirties.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- That sounds about right. It dates from the Thirties.- Yes.
0:28:05 > 0:28:12- Very flowery pattern might make you think it was Victorian. - I was told it was Victorian
0:28:12 > 0:28:18- by somebody who came... - Oh, really?- An auctioneer who came to the WI,
0:28:18 > 0:28:24- to give a talk, and I just took a cup.- I'm afraid he was wrong. It's 1930s.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- Yes.- And this is a giveaway. Look at this triangle here.- Oh, yes.
0:28:28 > 0:28:35- Art Nouveau?- Art Deco. They wouldn't have done that in Victorian times.- No.
0:28:35 > 0:28:41- This is by Shelley. Marked on the bottom for those of you at home.- Melody.- The pattern.
0:28:41 > 0:28:46Very popular pattern. They made other things in this design.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51They did it in vases and planters and all sorts of things.
0:28:51 > 0:28:57- Still very pleasing to the eye. - It is. It's very delicate. - Do you ever use it?
0:28:57 > 0:29:03I did at one time. I used to think, "Why have things and not use them?"
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- Until I saw this auctioneer man. - Right.
0:29:07 > 0:29:12He said, "Put it in a cabinet and buy another china set!"
0:29:12 > 0:29:18- Well, that was good advice. - So I did buy another set.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23- I'm glad you still use cups and saucers.- I use mugs mainly now.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- A lot of people do.- Patricia!
0:29:26 > 0:29:31- I'm sorry.- It's all right. So do I, but don't tell anyone.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33- But I do use china ones.- Good!
0:29:33 > 0:29:39So you've got six of everything, a complete set, so 21 pieces?
0:29:39 > 0:29:41No, 18 pieces.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46- 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21. - Oh!- I hate to be right(!)
0:29:46 > 0:29:53- Why did I think it was 18, then? - Cos there's six cups, saucers and plates.- Yes.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58- That's OK. It's a bonus.- Definitely. - You've looked after it well.- Yes.
0:29:58 > 0:30:04- Only one bit of damage I can see. - Yes, that tiny little chip. - And that handle's been off.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- It's all on one.- Oh, yes.
0:30:07 > 0:30:12OK, well, as we've discussed, tea sets aren't particularly popular
0:30:12 > 0:30:19- unless they're a specific manufacturer like Shelley. Any idea what this one's worth?- No idea.
0:30:19 > 0:30:25- OK, well, I would say £100-£150 estimate.- That would be lovely.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30- OK. So in order to protect you, we'll put a reserve on it.- Yeah.
0:30:30 > 0:30:36- I reckon £100.- Yes.- If it doesn't make £100, it'll have to go back in the cabinet.- Oh!
0:30:36 > 0:30:42Bit of a rude question, but if it did make £200, is there any way you'd specifically spend it?
0:30:42 > 0:30:48- I think the garden shed. Ours is falling to pieces. - Is it? How bad is it?
0:30:48 > 0:30:53Even the mice are falling through the holes!
0:30:53 > 0:31:01- It's been lovely to meet you. Thank you for bringing this delightful tea service.- Thank you.
0:31:11 > 0:31:17Christine, what's attracted me to this little lot is not the silver card case. It's the spurs.
0:31:17 > 0:31:23- I love anything equine.- So do I. - What's the attraction of the spurs?
0:31:23 > 0:31:27Well, I was a horse-crazy little girl, like many others.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32I saw them in an old-fashioned junk shop. I went in there one day,
0:31:32 > 0:31:37that was about 1958, and bought them for 5 shillings.
0:31:37 > 0:31:42- Gosh. Mind you, that was quite a bit. - A lot of pocket money!
0:31:42 > 0:31:49A hell of a lot! They're beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. There's the lion passant,
0:31:49 > 0:31:53which tells us they're silver. There's an anchor for Birmingham.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- Have you done any research on it? - No. I wondered how old they are.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01OK, there's a letter K, which is 1854.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- Quite old, then.- Quite old. And they are real quality.
0:32:05 > 0:32:11I think they were made for an officer, for dress or ceremonial use.
0:32:11 > 0:32:17- You've never polished them. - Well, on rare occasions, but not recently, no!
0:32:17 > 0:32:24Well, I think if you put those into auction, they should realise about £150-£175.
0:32:24 > 0:32:29- All right.- We've got to tempt people in. Can I put the spurs into auction
0:32:29 > 0:32:37with a valuation of £125-£175 on them? Or do you want your £150?
0:32:37 > 0:32:40I'd prefer that, if it's possible.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- All right. Twist my arm! - Thank you.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48- I think they are rare and will sell for £150-£200.- That's lovely.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- What else have you got? This is lovely.- Thank you.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- When did you get this?- Oh, gosh. That would be about six years ago.
0:32:56 > 0:33:03- From an auction or a dealer or were you collecting these? - We were up at an auction house,
0:33:03 > 0:33:10- and it just took our eye. - It's rather nice. I love the Moroccan tooled leather interior.
0:33:10 > 0:33:17That's quite unusual. Very good condition. Again, sterling silver with a lovely scalloped edge.
0:33:17 > 0:33:24- Can you see that? Lots of foliage work. It's got a nice feel to it. - Yes. Substantial.
0:33:24 > 0:33:31Again, this is Birmingham. And with a corresponding date stamp, a capital C in a little shield.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35That's 1902. It's very nice, but it is late.
0:33:35 > 0:33:43- Yes.- OK, I'd like to see it do 150, but I think we've got to get it into auction at £120-£180.
0:33:43 > 0:33:48- Fixed reserve of £120. - I paid a lot more for it. - Did you?- I paid £165 for it.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52- Oh, did you? You didn't tell me that!- Sorry.
0:33:52 > 0:33:58- Ideally, you want your money back. - And that was at auction. - Well, fingers crossed, OK?
0:33:58 > 0:34:04- Could we put it on at 150? - Both going in at 150? - Yes, please.
0:34:04 > 0:34:11- OK. I guess you've got to be quite strong.- If people don't want it, I'd rather take them home.
0:34:11 > 0:34:17That's fair enough. OK, so we've got a joint valuation now of £150-£200 on the spurs
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- and £150-£200 on the case. - Lovely. Thank you.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- Remind me never to do any business with you!- OK!
0:34:34 > 0:34:39I want to know, Sue, why you're getting rid of this wonderful cat.
0:34:39 > 0:34:45- Because I no longer need it. It's just gathering dust. - Have you got a live one?- Yes.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- What's he called?- Monty.- Monty.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53Well, this Beswick figure is called a Swiss roll figure.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57It comes in a combination of colours and this one here
0:34:57 > 0:35:02is beige and black stripes, one of the more rare.
0:35:02 > 0:35:08It reminds me very much of my own cat, Algernon, who has this sort of colouring.
0:35:08 > 0:35:14This is a Persian cat. Rather superior, but lovely features with those luminous eyes.
0:35:14 > 0:35:20- Where did you get it from? - It came from my mother-in-law.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25- I've been looking after that now for the last 30 years.- 30.- 30 years.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30- With great affection...? - Oh, yes. It has been an ornament.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35- This model, if it was retail, would be about £200.- Right.- A lot.
0:35:35 > 0:35:43And it just steps it out of the vin ordinaire Beswick figures, if you can call them that.
0:35:43 > 0:35:49And I would put this for auction somewhere between £60 to £80.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- Right.- If it goes above, I shall be delighted.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58I think the auctioneers may say, "We'll put a reserve of £60 on it."
0:35:58 > 0:36:03- Would you be happy selling that for £60?- Oh, yes. - Will you buy cat food?
0:36:03 > 0:36:08- I'll give the money to my son. - Right, right, OK.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13I think the last time you see this will be in the auction room.
0:36:13 > 0:36:20- Let's hope for Beswick lovers or cat lovers. - OK, thanks very much.- Thank you.
0:36:21 > 0:36:26Another three valuations under our belts and items ready for auction.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31Patricia's pretty tea set is complete with only small damage.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34They should do well in a saleroom.
0:36:34 > 0:36:40Christine struck a hard bargain. I hope she gets what she wants when these go under the hammer.
0:36:40 > 0:36:47And this cute cat is certainly to David's liking. Fingers crossed he's not the only cat lover there.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52Back at the auction, Elizabeth is taking a break,
0:36:52 > 0:36:56so stepping in for these lots is Steve Stockton.
0:36:56 > 0:37:02Next up is the Beswick cat. We don't have Sue with us, but we do have another cat lover.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Mr Barby, our expert. £60-£80.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10Yes. It's a thing I'd like myself. It's almost a portrait of Algy.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15- Algy.- Yes. He's a nice little cat. - You're not allowed to buy him.
0:37:15 > 0:37:21Oh, no, no. We've got enough, anyway. 50 on a bathroom shelf!
0:37:21 > 0:37:2350?! Oh, wow!
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Right. Well, unfortunately, Sue can't be with us today,
0:37:27 > 0:37:34but we'll call her after the auction with the good news. So let's hope we get a purrfect result.
0:37:34 > 0:37:40And Lot 430. We have the Beswick figurine of a seated tabby cat.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44- This is Beswick. - With green eyes.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48I have two interested bids. I've got to start with me at £40.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53Where is 2? 42, straight away. 45.
0:37:53 > 0:37:5648. And 50. 55. 60.
0:37:56 > 0:38:0065 and commission is out. Are you all out at 65?
0:38:00 > 0:38:04Don't want to miss you at £65.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- Yes! £65. That's good. - Pleased about that.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13- Exactly what we wanted. Must get on the phone.- She'll be delighted.
0:38:18 > 0:38:24Now it's time for tea! It's time to flog Patricia's Shelley tea service.
0:38:24 > 0:38:29- And this is quite something. From the 1930s.- Yes.
0:38:29 > 0:38:35We've seen these on the show before. I know you kind of like the Art Deco period.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40It's very in vogue at the moment. One likes to sell what's selling well.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43And we've got £100-£150.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47- Happy with that?- Yes, yes. - A bit more, the better.
0:38:47 > 0:38:54We have the 1930s Shelley tea set. Melody pattern, 21 pieces in total
0:38:54 > 0:38:57and I'm going to start at £55.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Do I see 60? £60. 65.
0:38:59 > 0:39:05- 70. 75. Back with me at 75. Do I see 80.- Come on, that's cheap.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08With me now at £75. Do I see 80?
0:39:08 > 0:39:15Are you all out at 75? Any advance? 80. Just in time. 85. 90. 95.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20£100, sir? With me now at 95, then.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Any advance on £95?
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- £95. We've got a fixed reserve of 100, haven't we?- Yes.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- He didn't sell it.- Oh, dear.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33I won't get my shed, then!
0:39:33 > 0:39:37Do you wish he'd used his discretion?
0:39:37 > 0:39:42Paul, it was worth 100 plus. Perhaps it's best not to sell it.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46But I'm very sorry about that. I thought it would do better.
0:39:46 > 0:39:54- So did I.- That's auctions for you. It really can make your day or it can spoil it.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58It's the first time I've been to one. It's an experience.
0:39:58 > 0:40:04Elizabeth is now back on the rostrum and it's time for me to be put on the spot with this next lot.
0:40:04 > 0:40:11I think this lot is divine. A cracking silver card case and some silver spurs.
0:40:11 > 0:40:17- I've never seen them before. - They're lovely.- Divine. I just hope they've been well spotted here
0:40:17 > 0:40:25and there are a few phone bids. They're quality and Elizabeth said she's never seen that before.
0:40:25 > 0:40:32- We've got a valuation of £150-£200, fixed reserve at 150. - Sorry, Paul. It's gone up - 200.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- When did you do that?!- This morning. - You had a word with Elizabeth?- Yes.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- I'm sorry. - Oh, dear. Pressure's on. Right.
0:40:40 > 0:40:48We did say they are worth £200, anyway, but we do need to tempt people in and it might not.
0:40:48 > 0:40:54We'll find out in a moment. First, the silver card case. Fixed reserve of £150.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56- We're hoping for 200.- Yes.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01Lot 65 now. We have a silver card and stamp case.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05It's engraved with folic design. I have interest on the sheet.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09Starting at £100. £100 is bid on this. 110.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13120. 130. 140. 150. 160.
0:41:13 > 0:41:18170 now in the gallery. At 170 and selling...
0:41:18 > 0:41:24- Yes! £170!- Oh, lovely.- I'm ever so pleased with that.- Thank you.
0:41:24 > 0:41:30Right, we've got a bit of work now. I don't blame you with the reserve. They are really special.
0:41:30 > 0:41:37Lot 70. We have the fine pair of Victorian silver spurs. I have interest on these.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41Good, collectable items. I start here at £80.
0:41:41 > 0:41:4590. 100. 110. 120.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48130. 140. 150.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51160. 170. 180. 190.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55- 200.- Got it.- 210. 220.
0:41:55 > 0:42:00230. The gallery at 230 now. 240, new bidder. 250.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03260. 270.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08It's above at 270. At 270 now, Where's 80?
0:42:08 > 0:42:12Above at 270. Are you all done?
0:42:12 > 0:42:17- £270.- That's wonderful, isn't it? - Fantastic!
0:42:17 > 0:42:19You've sold them both - 170 and 270.
0:42:19 > 0:42:25- There was no need to panic. - No, I was overreacting, wasn't I?
0:42:25 > 0:42:29No, you were just being cautious. And fair play to you.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33It's hard to part with things you really like.
0:42:33 > 0:42:39I make that nearly £440, less a bit of auctioneer's commission. That's how they earn their wages.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42What is all that dosh going towards?
0:42:42 > 0:42:46- It's going in my bucket fund. - What's a bucket fund?
0:42:46 > 0:42:51- All the things you want to do before you kick the bucket. - How funny! What's on the list?
0:42:51 > 0:42:55I'd love to go to China and see the terracotta army.
0:42:55 > 0:43:02And I'd love to go to St Petersburg to see the wonderful museums and treasures over there.
0:43:02 > 0:43:08- Thank you so much. I hope you get to St Petersburg and to China.- Thank you very much.
0:43:13 > 0:43:19That's the end of the auction for our owners. And, boy, was that a tough one!
0:43:19 > 0:43:25You can't win them all. Auctions keep you on your toes and you never know what'll happen.
0:43:25 > 0:43:30Sadly, we've come to the end of the show. Until the next time, cheerio.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd - 2008
0:43:45 > 0:43:48Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk