0:00:05 > 0:00:07It's so bracing!
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Now, you might just recognise that as the classic catchphrase
0:00:10 > 0:00:13for the largest seaside resort town on the Lincolnshire coast.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17It's been a popular holiday destination for well over 100 years.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Where else could we be but Skegness?
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Skegness is a great place.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56There's so much to do here.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59It's got a fabulous, award-winning beach, but if you don't want to
0:00:59 > 0:01:03paddle in the sea, you can entertain yourself on the pier, walk along the
0:01:03 > 0:01:05promenade or play some crazy golf.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Or just make the most of the great attractions
0:01:08 > 0:01:10by enjoying all the fun of the fair.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16But all of these good people, hundreds of them here, have turned
0:01:16 > 0:01:19their backs on that to queue up outside the Embassy Theatre on the
0:01:19 > 0:01:24Grand Parade to be entertained in a roller-coaster ride of excitement,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27ending in the auction room with our very own stars of the summer season,
0:01:27 > 0:01:32experts Elizabeth Talbot and David Barby, who are going to be asking that all important question...
0:01:32 > 0:01:34ALL: What's it worth?
0:01:34 > 0:01:36Well, we're going to find out.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42It could be one of our experts!
0:01:42 > 0:01:46You always get postcards at a seaside resort,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50and Elizabeth has cleverly found us some to start the day with.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55David, lovely to see you. I'm intrigued by this collection of albums that you've brought in.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57What can you tell me about them?
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Well, when my father died 30 years or more ago, my mother
0:02:01 > 0:02:06asked me to dispose of some of his clothing, which was in a cupboard.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09She said, take everything in that cupboard
0:02:09 > 0:02:12and just get rid of it, give it to charity or something.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15And at the bottom of the cupboard, after I got the clothes out, I found these albums,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19which I thought, oh, gosh, what fun, you know?
0:02:19 > 0:02:22And I just put them away in a cupboard in my house and
0:02:22 > 0:02:25there they've stayed until I saw that this programme
0:02:25 > 0:02:27was coming to our local town.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29I thought, oh, my photo albums!
0:02:29 > 0:02:33I wonder what they'll think of them, and apparently they've caused a bit of excitement!
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- We think a lot of them. We think they're lovely.- Yes.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41Within the three albums, there's a very varied and eclectic mix.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45We have some humorous, we have some local, we have some quite serious
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and we have some very collectibles.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53- So, lots and lots of strands there to talk about.- Yes.- First of all, the albums themselves help
0:02:53 > 0:02:58date the collection to Edwardian, primarily Edwardian and a little
0:02:58 > 0:03:00bit after, so early 1900s through.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05So, that's a lovely period of postcard production and collecting.
0:03:05 > 0:03:11The cover of this album is very typical. Very art nouveau in design.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16I particularly rest upon these pages, which illustrate some
0:03:16 > 0:03:20early tourist views of Skegness, which is appropriate for today.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- Yes.- There are some early photographs of Skegness, including their luxury
0:03:24 > 0:03:27hotel camp at Skegness, which is quite interesting.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- And the early photographs are... - Yes, I used to work at Butlins, too.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- Oh, did you?- Yes. When I came to Skegness 22 years ago, I came
0:03:35 > 0:03:37to become the press officer for Butlins.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42Well! Another coincidence. So, you must have been interested to see these from your own knowledge
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- of the sites and everything. - Absolutely amazing.- How amazing. And also, at the front we have
0:03:47 > 0:03:51some more humorous, sort of early 20th-century humour from Skegness.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- Yes.- But along with all these, which are nice and local and relevant
0:03:56 > 0:04:01for today, I notice you have some very significant military-related ones.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Some shipping scenes.
0:04:03 > 0:04:11And lots of strong themes which will inspire collectors to get quite excited about what you've here.
0:04:11 > 0:04:17Now, have you any perception of what you have here in terms of value, or is it just interest value do you?
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- No idea. No idea. - Well, I think that it if you look at them as a collection of three albums
0:04:22 > 0:04:28all together, realistically, I would think they should make between £120 and £180 quite comfortably.
0:04:28 > 0:04:35- Yes.- But I do suggest that we place a reserve, a protective reserve, of £120 fixed, so that they don't
0:04:35 > 0:04:41- sell for less.- Yes, I wouldn't like them to go for less.- So, I shall meet you there on the big day!
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- Yes, thank you very much! I look forward to it.- Thank you for bringing such wonderful items.
0:04:49 > 0:04:57Tony, this brings back a lot of happy memories for me because we have a similar box to this at home.
0:04:57 > 0:05:04Now, I suppose we ought to open it up to show people what it actually is! But this is a lovely
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Victorian musical box.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11It's equivalent to a gramophone,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15the radio, the DVD player of today,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19because this was the entertainment of the late 19th century.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21So, where did it come from?
0:05:21 > 0:05:26Well, all I can tell you about it is the fact that
0:05:26 > 0:05:30my grandfather, he used to work on the docks at Boston, and I don't know
0:05:30 > 0:05:32whether or where he really got it from.
0:05:32 > 0:05:38When he died in 1955, he was 83,
0:05:38 > 0:05:42and it was just passed down to me. And him and my grandmother used to, I presume,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46used to play it, but where it came from I can't tell you, I'm sorry!
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Well, I think it's lovely and when you listen to it...
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Let's have a play.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53Because the inside
0:05:53 > 0:05:55has a lovely mechanism, doesn't it?
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Yeah.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02PRETTY TUNE PLAYS
0:06:03 > 0:06:08Because the actual hammers have butterflies mounted on them, so you've got this movement
0:06:08 > 0:06:12of the insects going backwards and forwards.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14Yes.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19What's so important with these boxes is that all the teeth
0:06:19 > 0:06:24are intact, because that's so expensive to replicate.
0:06:24 > 0:06:31And the other thing is on the cylinder, these little spikes that are raised to touch the teeth,
0:06:31 > 0:06:37all those have to be in an upright position, otherwise the object wouldn't work.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- Correct, yes.- Now, if we look at this
0:06:39 > 0:06:43lithographic plate, which has printed in English the various
0:06:43 > 0:06:50tunes, we can actually date it, because one is here, number seven, Soldiers Of The Queen.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53And there's another composition here,
0:06:53 > 0:06:55A Runaway Girl, by Monckton.
0:06:55 > 0:07:01And Monckton was a great sort of entrepreneur of the musical stage in the late Victorian period.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- Oh, yes?- So, we can take this towards the end of the 19th century.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- About 1885, 1890, that sort of period.- Oh, good!
0:07:07 > 0:07:13It's a lovely box and the very fact that it plays is brilliant.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16A little attention required to the top. This is a transfer design.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19There are some scratches here and there.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22I would imagine that has been shoved under a chest,
0:07:22 > 0:07:27under a sideboard and things have been put on the top there and sort of worn away the varnish.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- Yeah, yeah.- But it's a nice piece.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32I had it wrapped up in my wardrobe with a cloth over it, you see,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36so I presume the majority of that was done before it got to me.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- So, it's never seen the light of day for years, has it?- Not much.- OK.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45Right, these sell at auction anything from about £650 up to £1,000.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50I can see this going round about £700 to £800. Now, would you be happy at that figure?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Yes. Yes, certainly.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- So, if we put a reserve of 650 on it fixed...- Yes.- You'd be happy.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Well, I'd be quite happy, yes.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- OK, well, Tony, let's go ahead and hope the auctioneer can call your tune!- I hope so as well!
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Thank you very much indeed.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Lynn, this looks great fun.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16I can't wait to put the key into the litter zebra and wind him up.
0:08:16 > 0:08:21- He does work, doesn't he? - Yes, he does. - Tell me a little about his history.
0:08:21 > 0:08:27Right, I bought it round about ten years ago and I actually bought it from a car-boot sale.
0:08:27 > 0:08:32- Oh, did you?- Yes.- Because I know definitely this is 1950s.- Right.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36This is a classic Japanese clockwork toy, typical 1950s.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39It's kind of the end of the golden period for them,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41because by the 1960s it was all battery-operated toys.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45And that's when started seeing all the robots. This is actually fantastic.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- I've not seen a little clockwork zebra before.- Right.
0:08:49 > 0:08:55- And I've got to say, considering you got this in a car-boot sale?- Yeah. - It's in immaculate condition.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57It's never, ever been played with, has it?
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- It doesn't look like it.- In fact, the ears are so new they're still bent over from being in the box.- Yes.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06The box is a little bit tatty, but, nevertheless, it's its original box and there's a lot of value
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- in the box, as you know if you watch Flog It.- Yes, I do.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- How much did you pay for this?- £2.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16I bet you thought, oh, yes! That's made my day.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18I thought it was worth £2.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- You know that was to cheap, don't you really, for what it was? - Yes.- So, can I have a go?- Yes!
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- Can I have permission?- Yes, you can.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28I'm going to break it now!
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Right, OK, here goes.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34I won't over-wind this. I'll just do two or three times, shall I? I'll just put him down.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39That's cracking, isn't it?
0:09:39 > 0:09:42And the little zebra just goes around in a circle.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- It's definitely different. - I think it's brilliant! It's absolutely brilliant.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- What do you think it's worth? - I don't know.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Well, you'll be chomping at the bit to put this one into auction,
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- because I think we're going to get £50 to £80.- Do you really?- Yeah.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01- I didn't think it was worth as much as that. No. You've shocked me. - Yeah, I really do.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06I think it's that rare and that unusual and it's in museum condition, apart from the box.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10That's the thing I like about it. The condition of it. It doesn't look as though it has been played with.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- Don't give it away though.- No. - We want to sell it, don't we?- Yes.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- But let's put a fixed reserve of £30 just in case nobody is interested. - OK.- Let's flog it!- Yes!
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Margaret, I think this is very, very obviously a couple of pieces
0:10:29 > 0:10:32of Troika which we're now all familiar with, I think.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- Yes.- But you have a story behind these two?
0:10:35 > 0:10:41Yes, well, I bought these for my mother in law in sort of 1971, '72.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44And she absolutely loved it.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49But unfortunately she died in 1976, so they came back to me again.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55So, they have been in the attic ever since.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58So, it's time to move them on.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- So, you bought them as a gift, but you don't like it.- No.- What do you know about that Troika factory?
0:11:03 > 0:11:06I don't know anything other than what I've heard on television.
0:11:06 > 0:11:13Troika was established in 1963 by three men, hence the name Troika,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17and they specialised in this rustic, as you say, very rustic
0:11:17 > 0:11:24moulded body, which was purposefully made to emulate concrete.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Now everything in the '60s and '70s was concrete.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31It was very fashionable, both in architecture and in other things.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- In 1970, they moved to Newlyn. - Oh, right.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- And then in 1983, it closed. - They didn't have a very long... - No, they didn't.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45- Only 20 years, so you were buying really in their mid period.- Yeah.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48We look at the mark on the bottom, which is where they marked them.
0:11:48 > 0:11:54Troika, Cornwall, and with the artist's monogram on the bottom there as well.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Of the two, I quite like the lamp.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00I think it's a nice usable size.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03It's practical, but it's a clever design.
0:12:03 > 0:12:10- The vase is probably classed more of a regularly seen item. - Yes, it is, yeah.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16I think that, realistically, the vase would sell for around about
0:12:16 > 0:12:21£40 to £60, and the lamp should be in the region of about £70 to £90.
0:12:21 > 0:12:29- Yes, that's fine.- So, combining the two separate valuations, if we put a total estimate of £110 to £150,
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- with a reserve of £100 on them.- Yes, that's good.- You'd be comfortable with that?- That's fine.- Wonderful.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Time for a quick look at what's heading off to the auction room.
0:12:39 > 0:12:45It's always nice to start with something local, like David's lovely postcard collection.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52Full of social history, Tony's Victorian music box still plays a lively tune.
0:12:54 > 0:13:01This 1950s clockwork zebra should make money for Lynn, as she only paid £2 for it.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Margaret is not keen on Troika, but plenty of people are, so I don't
0:13:04 > 0:13:09think this vase and the lamp base will be going back into the attic.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13For today's sale, we've left the Lincolnshire
0:13:13 > 0:13:17coastline of Skegness and travelled inland to Grantham, to Golding Young
0:13:17 > 0:13:22Auction Rooms, and on the rostrum, the man with all the local knowledge is auctioneer Colin Young.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36We've got some Troika up for sale and it belongs to Margaret.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Are you a Troika fan, then?- No.- No, that's why you're flogging them. - Well, it belonged to my...
0:13:40 > 0:13:47- I- bought it actually for my mother- in-law, but unfortunately she died in '76 and it came back to me.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52We love Troika. I love Troika. It's good 20th-century studio pottery.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57- I'm growing to like it, but I do light the lamp. I could live with that.- You could live with that.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- I could, yeah.- What do you going to buy with that?
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- I was going to share it between my grandchildren.- How many have you got? - Three, and a great-grandson.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Wow! Well, you'll be busy then, won't you?
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Lot number 310 is the Troika wheel table lamp,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16and we also have the Troika coffin vase. There we go.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Very nicely named, of course(!) Who's going to start me at £100?
0:14:20 > 0:14:22100? 100? 80 to go then.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23Always very popular, Troika.
0:14:23 > 0:14:2650? £50?
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Not in Grantham! - Oh, this is cheap for Troika.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31At 50 bid. 60 surely? 60. 70.
0:14:31 > 0:14:3480. 90. 100. 110.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38120? 110 bid. Any more now? At 110. We're on the market at 110.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40I'll take 15 as the last call. 15.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42120 on the internet.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45125. 130 do I see?
0:14:45 > 0:14:51130? 130 there. 135. 140? 140.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54145. 150? 150. 155. 160.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57155 bid. 160 do I see?
0:14:57 > 0:15:00The internet's out. Selling at 155.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Yes!- The hammer's gone down.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Colin's done a proper job for us, hasn't he? He did really well.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- He did, very well.- £155.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14I thought it was sort if settling down a bit and people were buying too much now.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Oh, there's always another bid to tease out! You ask Elizabeth, she gets on the rostrum a lot.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- Yes, I know! - You've got to work that crowd!
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Still nervous on this side and watching what's happening. My goodness!
0:15:28 > 0:15:33Right, let's make some sweet music because it's Tony's 19th- century music box. It's wonderful.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35It's got all the airs. It's working.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38We know what David said at the valuation day, £700 to £800.
0:15:38 > 0:15:44Quite precise! Because, you know, sometimes you've got a £400 to £800, but I like that.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48That's a proper valuation, not an estimate and we've seen plenty on the show before,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51and they've all done well for us. This is your lot. Good luck!
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Thank you!
0:15:53 > 0:15:56A 19th-century Swiss musical box this time, playing ten airs.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00What shall we say for this one? Who's going to start me at 700 for it? 700?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Five, then. Surely five. Who's going to put me in? Five?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Four, if we must. 400. Thank you. £400 bid. At 400.
0:16:06 > 0:16:0950 now, do I see? £400 bid, 50 now surely?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12At £400 bid. 50 anywhere else now? 450?
0:16:12 > 0:16:15500. And 50 now.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- We're going up.- We've got a bid on the books.- Yeah.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20600 surely? 600? We're petering out now at 600 bid.
0:16:20 > 0:16:2450? One more? At 600, are we all done and finished at 600?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26I'm afraid I have to withdraw this one.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29If you have a word with us, we may be able to negotiate a sale.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33I was toying with dropping it to six before. But I thought...
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- Ah!- Oh, well.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Really, when we where at Skegness, I said,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41when I was going out, I said, I think I ought to have said to David
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- just knock it down to six, but we thought...- A little bit late.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter now.- Well, have a word with Colin afterwards.- I will do.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59406.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Remember that lovely clockwork toy, that zebra?
0:17:02 > 0:17:06It's my valuation and it's just about to go under the hammer, and it belongs to Lynn.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- It's good to see you again.- Hello.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- I think we'll sell it.- Yeah, I think so.- £30, fixed reserve, we're not giving this away.- No.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15It's worth a bit more. It's worth double, isn't it?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- I think so.- And we had a bit of fun with it. It's a lovely little zebra.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- All the money is going to your son, is it?- Yes. - You're going to treat him.- I am.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- OK, OK. Well, let's find out what the bidders of Grantham think, shall we?- Yes.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29They will love this. It's going under the hammer.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33A "made in China" tin-plate clockwork jumping zebra.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35A fabulous little lot. Quite fun, isn't it?
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Who's going to start me at £30 for it? 30? £30? £20?
0:17:39 > 0:17:43Well, who wants to start me at five? Five bid. Eight anywhere else now?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- Oh, come on! - 10 bid. 12 bid. 15? 15. 18.
0:17:45 > 0:17:4920. At £20 I'm bid. Two, do I see? Two? Two, bid. Five now. Five. 25.
0:17:49 > 0:17:5128. 30. At 30 bid. 32 now.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- £30 bid. At £30.- Mmm...
0:17:54 > 0:17:5632 now, do I see? At £30, second row.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59At 30 bid. Any more now? At £30.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Well done, Colin. He pushed that one.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Unfortunately, we didn't get middle estimate.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06No, but that's not bad, is it?
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- It's gone.- Yeah.- It's still not bad. That's a very good result.- I think it is. I think it is really.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Well, next up we've some memorabilia, some social history of Skegness.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Some early photographs that belong to David.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23These are so sought after, and you thought that as well.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- It's the social history always sells well.- Absolutely.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28A good mixture of all sorts, including some militaria,
0:18:28 > 0:18:32so it's a lovely original album in a proper collection.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Yeah, £120, £180.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- There's even Butlins in Skegness there!- Yes, indeed! - Yes, so we've got it all.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Hopefully, it's going to find a good home.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Lot Number 355 is a collection of early 20th-century postcards
0:18:44 > 0:18:46contained in three albums.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Nice spread lot. Who's going to start me at £100?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51100? 80 to go then. 80.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- Yeah, come on.- 50 surely? £50. Who's going to be first in? 50.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Five. 60. Five. 70. Five. Bid 80.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59And five. And 90. And five. 100.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01110. 120 on the book.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03130 in the room. 140.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- Yes!- 150. 160. 170?
0:19:05 > 0:19:09170. 180. 190? 190. 200. 220.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12240. 260. 280. 300...
0:19:12 > 0:19:15He's got a commission bid on the book. He keeps looking down.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18At 400 bid. I'll go to the phones. Do we have an extra bid?
0:19:18 > 0:19:21We do, 420 on the phone. 440.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24460 now. 460? 460. 480.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26500 now, say. 500 bid surely?
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Thank you. 550 now? I'll take 20.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Let's keep the progress rolling.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33520. 540 now. 540 bid. 540.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37560. 580 now? 580 bid?
0:19:37 > 0:19:38580. 600 surely? No?
0:19:38 > 0:19:40At 580 it's on the telephone then.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Do we've any more bids? At 580.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- 580.- We're done and finished, on the telephones at £580.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50£580. The hammer's gone like that and it's sold.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- Absolutely amazing! - We see it time and time again.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54So much money in social history.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- If you've got a collection like that, we want to see it. Unbelievable.- Unbelievable.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- A lot of money there. There's a bit of commission to pay. - Yes.- What will you put that towards?
0:20:03 > 0:20:08- Any idea? What's going through your mind?- I'm taken by surprise by the amount it's fetched!
0:20:08 > 0:20:12I shall have to give it serious consideration in a quieter moment! LAUGHTER
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Lot with you, at 45.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22Well, how about that? So far so good. We've had some cracking results.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26We are coming back later on in the show to the auction room, but right now I'm going to take a break
0:20:26 > 0:20:33and I need some bracing sea air, and David, with those postcards, has just given me a very good idea.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43That is absolutely wonderful! How could I possibly come to the bracing Lincolnshire coastline
0:20:43 > 0:20:48without visiting one of the big names in British holiday seaside entertainment?
0:20:48 > 0:20:54And in my opinion, it's up there with fish and chips, Brighton Rock and Blackpool Tower.
0:20:54 > 0:21:01Hello, everyone! This is Beryl, your Radio Butlin announcer, wishing you a very good morning.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05It's Billy Butlin's first ever holiday camp in Skegness.
0:21:05 > 0:21:11Billy opened the holiday camp in 1936 and this chalet, which is now
0:21:11 > 0:21:14a Grade II-listed building, is all that is left
0:21:14 > 0:21:18of what those visitors would have enjoyed in the early days.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19There was one electric light bulb.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23A cold tap and hand basin in the corner, and no heating!
0:21:23 > 0:21:25So, you can see,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28it was all pretty basic.
0:21:28 > 0:21:35But it didn't seem to matter, because what Billy provided was a week's holiday for a week's pay.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38'The time is now 7.30,
0:21:38 > 0:21:45'and breakfast for all our first sitting campers will be available at 8.15.'
0:21:47 > 0:21:51People may scoff at knobbly knees competitions and the regimentations of camps,
0:21:51 > 0:21:58but it gave ordinary families the chance to get away, meet new friends and have some great fun.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Right, I'm off to find Chris Barron and have a chat with him.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07He's the resort director, and I'm going to find out a little bit more about the man who started
0:22:07 > 0:22:09this fantastic holiday empire.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15How did Billy come up with the idea?
0:22:15 > 0:22:20I think what he had done is when he was in Skegness, he saw how the old bed and breakfast used
0:22:20 > 0:22:25to work, and the mum and dad and the two kids being kicked out at 9 the morning
0:22:25 > 0:22:28and being told they couldn't come back till 6 at night.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33He had the recollections of his days in Canada when he was a youth when he used to see these old-style camps,
0:22:33 > 0:22:37which were made up of tents, and he had the dream of being able to do this.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39So he put the two ideas together.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- What was he doing, for a living? - He had, just before then, he'd been into fairgrounds.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46He was always a showman. He'd done the stalls and stuff.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48He'd come up to Skegness because he'd heard two guys
0:22:48 > 0:22:53in a pub in London saying what a great season they'd had and how much money they were making.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Then he got the break on the seafront when he saw these dodgem cars.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00And again it was an exceptionally brave decision to commit to take the concession
0:23:00 > 0:23:04for these from America for the whole of Europe and Britain.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07So, again, he made lots of money bringing dodgem cars in,
0:23:07 > 0:23:11and that give him the base to sort of crystallise his dream.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15So, he bought the turnip field that was here in 1935
0:23:15 > 0:23:19and started out building Butlins as we know it today.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- That's incredible. - And the plan for the 1936 chalet
0:23:22 > 0:23:25that you saw over there was drawn on a cigarette packet!
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Something that we wouldn't get away with now!
0:23:28 > 0:23:32It opened in Easter '36 and it was literally last minute.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36People would turn up to their chalet and the door wasn't there.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41By the time they got back to say the door wasn't there, it would have been put on. It was all very tight.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43It sounds like he was a very good businessman.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48He was. He always knew how to spot an opportunity, but he also knew how to sell himself.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52In '36 he borrowed lots of money to build this place and things were running late,
0:23:52 > 0:23:56his creditors were getting concerned, so he had the inspirational idea
0:23:56 > 0:23:59of what he'll do is just hire a Rolls Royce for the day.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00No way could he afford one!
0:24:00 > 0:24:02He went round his creditors, reassured them.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07They saw this in the car park and then they were very comfortable and it gave him a breathing space.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11He also knew, when there was an opportunity, to make the most of it.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15Just after the war, all of a sudden people were saying, workers deserve holiday pay,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17which they'd never had before.
0:24:17 > 0:24:23So he invited all the MPs down to Clacton to give them a presentation to say why it was so important
0:24:23 > 0:24:26that these people should have a week's holiday pay,
0:24:26 > 0:24:31ignoring the fact that Billy was the only person in the country who was in place to capitalise on that!
0:24:31 > 0:24:36- But at least he lobbied for it, didn't he?- Yeah! And again, it made him a people's champion.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40But it also then gave him his slogan, which was "A week's holiday for a week's pay",
0:24:40 > 0:24:42which is still probably the case today.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46What was a holiday camp is now a holiday resort,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49with New England style chalets,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52a sumptuous health spa,
0:24:52 > 0:24:56water slides and swimming pools and a variety of great evening entertainment.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00It has changed tremendously.
0:25:00 > 0:25:06Entertainments are still absolutely key to it, but there has been massive investments in accommodation.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09We now have to have a holiday resort for the 21st century,
0:25:09 > 0:25:14and television is now key to people's lives, so what we try and do is bring television to life.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18So, entertainment will include things like stars from the X Factor, or Britain's Got Talent,
0:25:18 > 0:25:22but it'll also include bringing things that people won't see at home.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25So whether it will be the Colombian Circus, or acts from Moscow.
0:25:25 > 0:25:31Also, the first time your five-year-old sees Bob The Builder or Angelina Ballerina,
0:25:31 > 0:25:33- you just can't capture that smile.- No, you can't.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38You want to provide an environment that people probably aren't getting anywhere else.
0:25:38 > 0:25:39Bring the world to Skegness!
0:25:39 > 0:25:44But one thing that is still recognisable is the famous Red Coat
0:25:44 > 0:25:47and I'm not leaving here without meeting one.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Chris, hi! Pleased to meet you.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00I'm going to steal him away from you, ladies, OK, and have a quick chat with him.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02See you later!
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Where did the idea of the Red Coat come from?
0:26:05 > 0:26:09The Red Coat? Well, it comes back to when Billy Butlin... He was Canadian,
0:26:09 > 0:26:11and I think he got the idea from the Canadian Mountie.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14He wanted a bright coloured red coat to make a statement
0:26:14 > 0:26:18and to show everyone that we're here to entertain you and have a good time.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20What's the best thing about being a Red Coat?
0:26:20 > 0:26:26For me, there's no better buzz than when you're making people smile and laugh on stage to 2,000 people.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28You're up there, you're making their holiday.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33You're having a great time and you're making sure they're enjoying themselves.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38- That's the best buzz for me.- Chris, thank you very much. I'll let you get back on.- Yeah, I'd better go!
0:26:41 > 0:26:46Well, Butlins has been updated in so many different ways since those early days,
0:26:46 > 0:26:50but the brilliant thing is the tradition of a great British seaside holiday,
0:26:50 > 0:26:55packed full of fun and tremendous value is still well and truly alive.
0:27:02 > 0:27:08Time to get back to our very own version of seaside entertainment with a rather excited David.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14William, this is an extraordinarily beautiful figure.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Lovely, lovely quality porcelain.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18Where did it come from?
0:27:18 > 0:27:20My wife's uncle - I called him uncle.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23He travelled the world with a film company from London.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27On his journeys, with his friend, who was the wardrobe man,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31he was the caterer, they picked things up like this.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35When he went senile, me and my wife looked after him and he left me that
0:27:35 > 0:27:39before he died, then he left me a lot more stuff after he died.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41So that's where it came from,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44somewhere on his journeys around the world.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- Or possibly somewhere in this country.- It could be.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49This is an English piece of porcelain. Worcester.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- The very best you could have bought. - Oh, right.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56This dates from the end of the 19th century,
0:27:56 > 0:27:58tucked just into the 20th century.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01It's known as the Eastern water carrier.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05It's a lovely figure.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10There's a special technique of decorating these figures with gold,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13which they blew onto the surface.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15It gave the effect of bronzing.
0:28:15 > 0:28:21- Oh, right.- The mark underneath says "Worcester shot enamels".
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- I've seen that.- So this was sprayed onto the surface.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26The cap is interesting.
0:28:26 > 0:28:32When I had a look at this, I thought it was a second, because that is bubbled.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35But what you've got to bear in mind is,
0:28:35 > 0:28:39in the kiln, it depends where this was placed.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43If it was placed fairly high up in the kiln, the heat rises.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48It could have had a reaction in the second firing when they were securing the gilt.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51That's what might have happened.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55That it reacted on that particular section of colouring.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59So, why are you wanting to part with this?
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Well, I never liked it. My wife doesn't like it.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06It's been sat up on a pine corner cupboard for years and years
0:29:06 > 0:29:08and we have to get it down and dust it.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11I think this is a terrific figure.
0:29:11 > 0:29:17At auction, it should realise £600 to £800, but...
0:29:17 > 0:29:21but...there's something wrong with it and you know what it is.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- What's that?- A well's missing.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28I think it was a large basin and he's pouring water into the basin.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- That's right.- What I find extraordinary is you've got
0:29:31 > 0:29:34this circular aperture which would have
0:29:34 > 0:29:37secured the basin, which was modelled separately,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39but it still looks perfectly OK,
0:29:39 > 0:29:42as though he's pouring water into a hole.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Into a hole, that's right.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47But that does affect the value.
0:29:47 > 0:29:54- So instead of the £600 to £800, we might be only looking at around £100 to £150.- That's all right.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56If it only realises, let's say,
0:29:56 > 0:30:01worst scenario, £80, what are you going to do with that money?
0:30:01 > 0:30:03It's not an awful lot.
0:30:03 > 0:30:04My wife asked me that and I said,
0:30:04 > 0:30:08"When the money comes, if it comes and it's OK, just take it and
0:30:08 > 0:30:11"get your hair done, get a new frock and do whatever you want with it."
0:30:11 > 0:30:13What a nice idea.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15She's a lovely lady.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17That's a lovely gesture.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- I hope we make 200.- I do!
0:30:26 > 0:30:30- Hello, Ailsa.- Hello, there. - I think this is stunning.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32I think this is lovely.
0:30:32 > 0:30:38- It's obviously some piece of fine jewellery that you're actually contemplating selling.- I am.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41Tell me the story of it and the history of it.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45It was handed down to me from my mother.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48An aunt left my mother it.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51So you remember it from a child?
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- Yes.- Have you ever worn it? Have you had an occasion to wear it?
0:30:54 > 0:30:56- I've worn it once.- When was that?
0:30:56 > 0:31:01When I was...perhaps 24, 25 and went to a ball.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Oh, stunning. Felt like Cinderella, I should think?
0:31:04 > 0:31:06I felt the bee's knees.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- But you've also got it squirrelled away somewhere? - It never sees daylight.
0:31:10 > 0:31:16It's a shame. I say that, but if we have a closer look at it,
0:31:16 > 0:31:20I think that, ironically, has been to its advantage. What we have
0:31:20 > 0:31:22here is a late 19th century
0:31:22 > 0:31:25necklace, which dates at, I think, from about 1880.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Stylistically, that's when I would place it.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31So it's about 120-130 years old.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36It comprises six hand-carved ivory panels.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41Ivory is a natural substance which is very prone to reacting
0:31:41 > 0:31:44to its environment and its surroundings.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Also, it absorbs impurities in the atmosphere.
0:31:48 > 0:31:49So over time,
0:31:49 > 0:31:53as it ages, ivory tends to go quite yellow or a very deep cream colour.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56This looks almost as fresh and as crisp and clean as it did
0:31:56 > 0:31:58when it was first crafted.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01It's been wrapped away and hidden, but we take it out in the 21st
0:32:01 > 0:32:05century and it really couldn't look any better.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07The box, a lovely fine ivory box that goes with it,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10and I think it's been with it since it was first made,
0:32:10 > 0:32:14is actually in quite a sorry state. It's protected the contents,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16but do you know why it might be looking so sad?
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Yes, I think so.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21It belonged to my aunt and I do know, as a child,
0:32:21 > 0:32:26that she kept it under the mattress and slept on it.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Ah, so its compression from a sleeper above
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- that's caused the damage.- Obviously!
0:32:31 > 0:32:36Now, you're contemplating... selling it.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- Yes.- There's always a question mark over the sale of ivory.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42It's a very sensitive and important issue.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46What I'd make clear here is that this is a late-19th-century piece,
0:32:46 > 0:32:51so the legitimacy of this as examples of ivory,
0:32:51 > 0:32:53and even the ivory box, is quite pertinent to sell.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58If it were after 1920, it would be a very different story
0:32:58 > 0:33:02and it wouldn't be something that could be commercially traded.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04But absolutely fine on this one.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- You can rest easy on that.- Lovely.
0:33:06 > 0:33:12I think it's wise for you to try it with an estimate of £800 to £1,000.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Very nice.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18And I do recommend you reserve. It should have a reserve on it.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22It is a serious piece of jewellery which merits that.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25If it doesn't make that, I would hang on to it.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28- Yes.- Well, I think you and I should go to the auction,
0:33:28 > 0:33:33offer it there and the proof will be in the pudding, won't it?
0:33:38 > 0:33:44Dawn, if anybody posed a question to me, "what should you collect?"
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Right.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49These are the objects I would advise anybody to collect
0:33:49 > 0:33:50- if they had spare cash.- Oh, right!
0:33:50 > 0:33:55Although they date from the earlier part of the 20th century,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58they are so much of today's style.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59Where did they come from?
0:33:59 > 0:34:04Originally, I think they would either have been Grandma's,
0:34:04 > 0:34:07if not Grandma's, then Mother's, most certainly.
0:34:07 > 0:34:13Both my parents passed away recently, so we've been clearing out.
0:34:13 > 0:34:14We found them in the shed.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17You found them in the shed?
0:34:17 > 0:34:22In the shed, yes. So I'm quite amazed they've survived, really.
0:34:22 > 0:34:28So am I! I want to know why you're selling them.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32- I'm a bit clumsy and I'd rather have ornaments that bounce.- Oh, right.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Right. I can understand that.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37These are exquisite.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39- You know what they are?- Yes.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41They're Ruskin Pottery.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44William Howson Taylor, together with his father,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47who was called Edward, set up a factory in Smethwick,
0:34:47 > 0:34:49very close to where I live in Warwickshire.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52That was in 1898.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55The factory eventually closed in 1935.
0:34:55 > 0:35:01But they were renowned worldwide for their exquisite pottery,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04which was based on Chinese originals.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06In particular, the glazes.
0:35:06 > 0:35:12They produced a huge range of glazes, including flambe,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15which is a lovely glowing red,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18and these, which come under the category of snake green.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25There's a mark on the bottom which is oval and it says
0:35:25 > 0:35:27"West Smethwick" on the bottom
0:35:27 > 0:35:31and also there's a date - 1905.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33That's very early.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36That's very early in the catalogue of production,
0:35:36 > 0:35:39they established the factory only a few years before.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41But these are absolutely exquisite.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45The design itself is based on a Chinese bottle,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49with this wide shoulder, but a very narrow neck.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- Put your finger in that hole. - Yeah, I thought they were...
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- And then that one. - Slightly different, aren't they?
0:35:56 > 0:36:01Exactly. That's an indication that every single piece was hand-thrown.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05That means every piece is also unique.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Now, think in terms of price.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13These are sought-after pottery items.
0:36:13 > 0:36:21I would estimate these somewhere between £400 and £600 for the pair.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25- Oh, really?- But they could do more, so don't be too shocked.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Oh, lovely.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31- Thank you.- I think we'll put a reserve of about 380 on them.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- Is that agreeable?- Yes, I think so.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36We'll put them up for sale.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Lovely. Thank you.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42Now for a last look at what our experts have chosen.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45William wants to treat his wife and I think this lovely Worcester figure
0:36:45 > 0:36:47should provide the means.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51Elizabeth picked out this exquisite ivory and gold necklace.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Time for it see the light of day and shine in the sale room.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56Finally, rescued from the shed,
0:36:56 > 0:37:02these hand-thrown snake-green Ruskin vases really are an exciting find.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13Next up is William's Worcester figure, with a valuation of £100 to £150.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17All the money is going on a makeover for your wife.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20I think that's so sweet. But were you under orders?
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- Yes.- She said, "I don't like it, flog it!"
0:37:22 > 0:37:25"I want a new dress, hairdo."
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- She's got her purse ready. - The works. Spa treatment...
0:37:29 > 0:37:31I think that's really nice.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33I really do. Good for you.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35You'll be in her good books.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Let's hope we get that top end, David.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41For that sort of makeover, we've got to look for about 200.
0:37:41 > 0:37:42If not more.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46There's just one problem. I think you know about that, Paul.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- No, I don't.- There's a missing element on the figure.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52We've got the water carrier tipping a pitcher into what?
0:37:52 > 0:37:55It looks like a hole, but there should be a basin there.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57You know how fussy collectors are.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59But the decoration is brilliant.
0:37:59 > 0:38:00There is no damage.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- Good luck.- Thanks.- Here we go. It's going under the hammer.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Royal Worcester Cairo-ware figure.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10This is a male water carrier. Who's gonna start me at 150 for it?
0:38:10 > 0:38:12150? 100 to go then, surely? 100?
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- 80 if we must. 80, who's going to be first in?- Come on, come on.
0:38:15 > 0:38:1850 then, surely. £50? 50?
0:38:18 > 0:38:22- 30? 30, thank you.- This is Worcester. This is Worcester!
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Bid 40. Do I see 40?
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Bid 50? 5. 60.
0:38:27 > 0:38:2965. 70? £70? Do I see 70?
0:38:29 > 0:38:31£70 bid. Five now surely.
0:38:31 > 0:38:3575. 80? 80 bid. £80. Five, do I see?
0:38:35 > 0:38:36£80 bid. Five anywhere? At £80.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Any more bids? No. At £80 bid, we're done, we're finished.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41We're on the market at £80.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- It's gone though. £80. - That's the hairdo.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45That's it, that's the hairdo, yeah.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48I'm happy with that. Yeah, very good.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56- Ailsa, are you feeling nervous? - Terrified.
0:38:56 > 0:38:57Don't worry, don't worry.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59You wear it well. You'd never guess.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03There's £800 to £1,000 riding on this wonderful necklace.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05It really is a consumate work of art.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07It's somebody at the top of their genre.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11- You see a lot of bad carvings in ivory.- But the sad thing is it's all anonymous.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13There's no signature or anything.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16You can't attribute to anybody. But it's lovely.
0:39:16 > 0:39:1819th century Cantonese ivory and gold necklace.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Fantastic little lot. Lot 65. What shall we say?
0:39:21 > 0:39:25Who's going to start me at the bottom estimate? 800 for it? 800?
0:39:25 > 0:39:26Six?
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Five? Four?
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- Wrong direction!- Thank you, 400 bid.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34At 400. 420, do I see?
0:39:34 > 0:39:35At 400 bid, 420 anywhere else now?
0:39:35 > 0:39:38At 400 bid. 420 there. 420. 440.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40460. 480.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44500. 550. 600. 650. 700 now.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46650, my bid's here. At 650.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Seven now surely? Seven, do I see?
0:39:48 > 0:39:51At 650. Is there seven anywhere else now?
0:39:51 > 0:39:54At 650. Seven now surely? Seven? At 700. 750, do I see now?
0:39:54 > 0:39:59At 700, any more bids? All done and finished at 700?
0:39:59 > 0:40:00I'm afraid I have to withdraw that lot.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- You've still got it. - Just a bit short.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08I think you're meant to keep this. It's been in the family a long time.
0:40:08 > 0:40:09I'm quite happy to keep it.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13- I really am.- Back under the bed! Put it back under the bed.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Dawn has got to pay the bills.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28- So many have come in.- That's right. - We need the money desperately.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31That's why we're flogging the Ruskin vases. Wonderful pair.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33They are nice. Lovely colour.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36David gravitated towards them.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41Of all the things I've ever wanted at a sale, it is these vases.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Snake green. I love the term "snake green".
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- Lovely glazes. - Were you happy with 4-6?
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- Yes.- That will cover the bills?
0:40:49 > 0:40:52It will help. It won't cover them, but it'll help.
0:40:52 > 0:40:53Well, on a good day...
0:40:53 > 0:40:56I don't want to get your hopes up.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59But on a good day, with two people actually bidding and
0:40:59 > 0:41:03- loving these and wanting them, could do four figures.- Yeah.- Could do.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08- We have a triptych of telephone bidders now.- Lovely.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11The most exquisite pair of Ruskin vases I think I've ever seen.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15What shall we say for these? Start me at bottom estimate. £400?
0:41:15 > 0:41:16400, who's first in?
0:41:16 > 0:41:18400?
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Deathly silence. What do I know then?
0:41:21 > 0:41:24£400? 300?
0:41:24 > 0:41:27300 bid. At 300. Let's go 20 now.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29At 300. 320. 340. 360.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31380. 400. 420.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35440. 460. At 460. 480.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37- 500. 550. 600.- Oh, excellent.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40700. 750. 800. 850 now. At 800 bid.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42850. Who's joining in next?
0:41:42 > 0:41:43At 800 bid, any more now?
0:41:43 > 0:41:47At 800. 50, do I see? 850 on that phone there.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50900. 950, do I see? 950 bid.
0:41:50 > 0:41:521,000. 1,100?
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- Oh, yes!- 1,100? 1,100 bid.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57I have 1,200. 1,300 now?
0:41:57 > 0:41:591,300 over there. At 13.
0:41:59 > 0:42:0314 anywhere else now? 1,300 on that phone.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Anybody else joining in? At 1,300.
0:42:05 > 0:42:071,400. Thank you, 1,400.
0:42:07 > 0:42:101,500 now? 1,500. 1,600?
0:42:11 > 0:42:12- Brilliant.- 1,600 bid.
0:42:12 > 0:42:151,700 over here? 1,700?
0:42:15 > 0:42:161,700. 1,800 now?
0:42:16 > 0:42:221,800, it's Mr Squire's client at 1,800. Any more now?
0:42:22 > 0:42:2350 is the last call.
0:42:23 > 0:42:271,850 in the room. At 1,850. 1,900 now. 1,900 bid, do I have?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Oh, my gosh, that's wonderful.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34At the back of the room then, selling at £1,850.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- So pleased.- Well done.- Really well. Brilliant.- Pay those bills.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- Always deserved four figures, didn't it?- Yes.- It really did.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44I'm really pleased about that.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46I didn't want to take them home,
0:42:46 > 0:42:48because I was worried they would get broken.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52No way would you take them home at £400 to £600. That was...
0:42:52 > 0:42:54A come-and-get-me figure!
0:42:54 > 0:42:57We had a chat and we said, "It will do four figures,"
0:42:57 > 0:43:00but we didn't want to get your hopes up.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04To get that sort of figure - nearly £2,000, is fantastic.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Will that cover the bills?
0:43:06 > 0:43:09It will be a big help. It won't cover them all, but it is a big help.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11It really is.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18If you've enjoyed the show, please keep watching.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22There's going to be plenty more surprises like this in the future.
0:43:22 > 0:43:23Until then, cheerio.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:51 > 0:43:55E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk