0:00:06 > 0:00:11Today we're at the Gateway to the North. Welcome to Flog It from Darlington.
0:00:43 > 0:00:50Darlington is a busy market town situated in the north-east of England in historic County Durham.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55The area's most celebrated author Lewis Carroll grew up
0:00:55 > 0:00:58just down the road in Croft-on-Tees.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03The parish nestles in the picturesque countryside of North Yorkshire along the River Tees
0:01:03 > 0:01:08and the town's famous inhabitant has certainly left his mark.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Let's hope Darlington proves to be a wonderland of antiques today.
0:01:13 > 0:01:20And already rifling through the heirlooms here at the Dolphin Centre are experts Will Axon
0:01:20 > 0:01:22and Adam Partridge.
0:01:22 > 0:01:29The clock is ticking, so let's get the doors open. We don't want to be late for our very important date.
0:01:29 > 0:01:35And Adam has already been bowled over by some cards featuring sporting heroes of the past.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- Hi, Sue.- Hi.- Welcome to Flog It.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- You've brought along a collection of cigarette cards.- I have.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45We see a lot of these in our auction business. Where did you find yours?
0:01:45 > 0:01:50I found them in the attic when I was clearing out the house of my new partner
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- before he moves up to the north-east.- OK.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58- Where is he moving from?- Maidstone. - Do you want to say hello to him? - Hi, Ray.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- Hi, Ray. Does he watch Flog it? - I think so, when he's not working.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Does he know where they came from before? Can he shed any light on them?
0:02:07 > 0:02:13He knows that his mother smoked and he assumes that that's where they're from.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- She smoked quite a bit.- Yes.- You got one of these for every packet.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- Scary, isn't it?- It makes you realise how much people used to smoke.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24These date from the '20s, '30s.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- We've got examples of cricketers which are quite interesting.- Yes.
0:02:29 > 0:02:36- Some famous names - Wally Hammond and Harold Gimblett. I'm quite into my cricket.- Good. I'm not.- No?- No.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Then we've got a few others, the usual kind really.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44These are quite nice with the medals, military crosses and things.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46There's a few pages of those
0:02:46 > 0:02:52and what particularly caught my interest, being a keen poultry keeper, were these ones
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- because I've got this breed of birds called Brahmas.- They're so pretty.
0:02:56 > 0:03:02- They're lovely and they've got big, hairy legs. Big, fluffy legs. - I'll say no more.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05They're real roadrunners.
0:03:05 > 0:03:11This page caught my eye because you've got first-aid techniques which are quite interesting -
0:03:11 > 0:03:16- how to stop bleeding from the nose.- I'm not sure why you need your arms in the air.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- Pulled up as well.- Yes. - We could re-enact it, but I don't know...- No, thank you.
0:03:21 > 0:03:27Then we've got another album here which is all your typical flowers, flora and fauna, and animals
0:03:27 > 0:03:29which you see a lot of the time.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- It's an interesting collection, but not a valuable one.- No, OK.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- We would put that in at no reserve, so it makes whatever it makes.- Yeah.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43Which is probably gonna be between £20 and £40, but possibly closer to 20.
0:03:43 > 0:03:49- It won't make a lot of money, but what else will you do with them? - Nothing.- So, happy to sell?- Yes.
0:03:49 > 0:03:55I won't ask you what you'll do with the money. How do you spend £20? Parking and petrol?
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- Or going out for a drink. - That's a much better idea.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- When are we going?- I don't know. No, I wouldn't go with you.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- Ray would have something to say? - Yes.- Thanks for bringing them along.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- It's a pleasure.- I look forward to the auction.- Thank you.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20Dane, thanks for coming along today and bringing these pieces.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25Is this some of your formal wear you're getting rid of? It's very sophisticated.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- Where has this come from?- I'm not too sure. It's come from the family.
0:04:29 > 0:04:36But it's something I unearth every time I move house. I find it in the back of a cupboard or something.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38It's a nice suite of jewellery.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42You've got the four studs at the front there,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45each one centred with a diamond.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50And then you've also got the matching ring which again is centred with a diamond.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55They've come through the family. You've probably not had them valued?
0:04:55 > 0:05:01No, they've always been in the back of a cupboard. Every time I move house, I find them again.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- You thought it was time to do something about it?- Yeah.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08How many people do you know that wear studs today?
0:05:08 > 0:05:14- Not many at all.- Exactly. And I'm afraid that affects the commercial side of these pieces.
0:05:14 > 0:05:20But I've got a sneaking suspicion that I know what's gonna happen to these studs at the sale.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26I think they're gonna be bought by someone who will turn them into cufflinks.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- Oh, right.- You can imagine two of these joined together,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33nice, smart cufflinks with a diamond centre piece.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- And how many people do you know who wear cufflinks?- Everybody.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40So plenty of people wear cufflinks. No-one wears studs.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43That's what's gonna happen to them.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47As cufflinks, they're probably gonna be worth £300, £400, £500.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52We can't value them at that now because someone has to work on them.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56I would say, for the whole lot, including the ring, which is nice,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58but not terribly commercial...
0:05:58 > 0:06:02I suppose the ring is worth £50 to £80, that sort of level.
0:06:02 > 0:06:09The four studs, I would value at 150 to 250, so if we're gonna put all the pieces together as one lot,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I would suggest an estimate of £200 to £300,
0:06:12 > 0:06:18and perhaps setting the reserve at 200 with discretion. I don't know how you feel about that.
0:06:18 > 0:06:25- That seems fine.- Yeah?- Yeah.- 200 with discretion. If the auctioneer gets to 180, he'll probably sell them.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- If you're happy at that, £200 to £300, see you at the saleroom.- OK.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41- It's always good to see things of local interest from Darlington. This is Julia. Born and bred?- Yes.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- What's the best thing about Darlington in a few words?- Friendly.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- Good atmosphere, people look after each other?- Definitely, yeah.
0:06:49 > 0:06:56Lot of history here as well. And you're clutching a bit. Tell me a bit about this interesting bottle.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59I was digging the garden up and I found it.
0:06:59 > 0:07:05- In your back garden?- Yeah, it's got the Darlington train on.- Where did it run from?- Darlington to Stockton.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08It's in incredibly good condition.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11"Darlington Bottling."
0:07:11 > 0:07:16It's mineral water and there's the tiny little train on the front,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18the little locomotive.
0:07:18 > 0:07:24- If you put that on the windowsill in the kitchen, that'll catch the light.- I have it on the mantelpiece.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27It'll remind you of your roots every time you look at it.
0:07:27 > 0:07:34If you were clever, you could put coloured minerals and bath salts in there and use it in the bathroom.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- I never thought of that. - Ah!- Clever, aren't you?
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- Good morning.- Good morning. - Alan?- Yes.- And Judith?- Yes.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- What made you bring the violin? - I haven't played it for 40 years.
0:07:49 > 0:07:56I never was a violinist really, so I'd rather that somebody had it that could get some pleasure from it.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- So it's been in a cupboard for 40 years?- Yes.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02How did you end up owning it?
0:08:02 > 0:08:05I was a music student at a college.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10Violin wasn't my first instrument and I was roped into playing in the orchestra.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- Really?- They had a very scratch orchestra.- "Scratch" being the...
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Operative word. Because of my playing! I had to rush off and get a violin from somewhere.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23So I went to the nearest junk shop and found that one there.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- How much was it? Do you remember? - The dealer wanted a fiver and I knocked him down to £3.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31£3, but that was 40 years ago.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36What would £3 be in relation to a day's wages then or something like that?
0:08:36 > 0:08:38My grant then was £7 a week.
0:08:38 > 0:08:44- So it was no mean sum really. - Nearly half of my weekly... - Half of your week's grant.- Yeah.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Judith, have you ever had any interest in the violin?
0:08:47 > 0:08:51I have. My ancestor played in the Philharmonic
0:08:51 > 0:08:55and all the top orchestras and he also played for royalty.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- Oh, really?- Yes, in London.
0:08:57 > 0:09:03And I was always interested, but unfortunately, being one of ten children,
0:09:03 > 0:09:07we couldn't afford any violins or instruments or anything.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- And you've not been tempted to learn?- Not really.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13It's a very hard instrument to learn.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17This is a fair instrument. It's a German-made instrument.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21It's got a pine table. The front we know as a table.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26If we go to the back, we've got a two-piece back there...in maple.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Also in nice order and the scroll intact.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34A lot of violins that have been played a lot, enthusiastic players sawing away,
0:09:34 > 0:09:39they lose their corners here and here, but your corners are still intact.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42And there are no cracks which is crucial.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46You've got two old catgut strings in the middle as well.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- They've been on there for... - At least 40 years. They were on when I bought it.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55If we tune it up... There we are. So it's in tune.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58OK, to the valuation bit. Any idea what it's worth?
0:09:58 > 0:10:03- Around 100 maybe? - Yeah, that would probably be the top end of my estimate really.
0:10:03 > 0:10:09Even though it's 1886 and in good condition, it's not rare, it's not particularly valuable.
0:10:09 > 0:10:15I would expect 60 to 100 estimate and you may just get the three figures for it.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20We should put a reserve on it of £50 to stop it from going for nothing.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- I would feel awful if it made 20 quid.- So would I.- It would be awful.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- If it doesn't make that, it's worth taking it home. You play music yourself.- Yes.
0:10:30 > 0:10:36Would the money go towards something specific musically or just into Judith's back pocket?
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- No, no.- It might pay off a week's council tax.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43That's a sobering thought, isn't it?
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Thanks for bringing it along. I'll be back to see you at the auction.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51Let's hope it goes well and we leave on a high note. Sorry about that.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- Helen, one thing to ask you this morning... Who let the dogs out?- My fiance.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07- His collection, is it?- Yeah. His mum had bought a couple before.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10And then he took over from there.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Beswick, a well-known, collected make. Good factory.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19These are typical of the sort of pieces they made.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23Any favourites of his? Do you know which one is his favourite?
0:11:23 > 0:11:27I don't know which one is his, but that's my one, the little one here.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Let's have a look at him.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31A little Border terrier.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Border terrier?- Looks like one. - I'm not terribly good on my dogs.
0:11:35 > 0:11:41I know we've got a few here. There's a spaniel and the Dalmatian.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- This little chap, is that a chihuahua?- Looks like it.
0:11:44 > 0:11:50Then you've got the big Afghan hound at the back there, elegant pose there with the beautiful coat.
0:11:50 > 0:11:56- Do you know what sort of money he perhaps paid for them?- One or two of the littler ones was £4 or £5.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- £4 or £5. - Back in the '70s, '80s.- OK.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05He's done OK because I would suspect that value-wise now,
0:12:05 > 0:12:10you're probably gonna be looking at around the 150 mark for the group as a lot.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16I don't think there are gonna be any rare variations in this lot here because those ones make the money.
0:12:16 > 0:12:23They call them the Colourways where you'll get a Dalmatian and perhaps it's got different coloured spots.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Maybe it's got liver-coloured spots or something like that,
0:12:27 > 0:12:33so there might be slight variations on some of these that make them collectable.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38But if we put them in at, say, 150, do you think your fiance would be happy with that?
0:12:38 > 0:12:45- Do you need to phone him to check? - I already checked. He's happy for them to be sold.- He wants them sold.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50He thought with them being stuck up in the loft in a box, they're not getting appreciated.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- They're not on display?- No.- So doing no good up in the loft.- No.
0:12:55 > 0:13:01OK, let's put a sensible reserve on them. Let's say 150 with some discretion for the auctioneer.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05So, if he gets to perhaps 130, he's gonna sell them.
0:13:05 > 0:13:11- Any idea what he'll do with the money? He might buy you a nice surprise?- Fingers crossed.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- Maybe I'll get a real puppy instead. - So you're after a real dog?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18I might persuade him slightly.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23Fingers crossed, on the day, we get close to 150 and I hope he buys you something nice.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Thank you.- See you, Helen.- Thank you.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Helen's 12 Beswick dogs join the line-up
0:13:29 > 0:13:31of our first items going to auction.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35Their kennel mates are... Sue's collection of cigarette cards.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Here's hoping a collector snaps all of these up.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Will a bidder with style spot the potential in Dane's dress studs
0:13:42 > 0:13:44and matching ring?
0:13:44 > 0:13:50And finally, could a bid of the right notes awaken Alan's abandoned violin?
0:13:56 > 0:14:01This is where all the action is taking place today - Thomas Watson Auctioneers in Darlington.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06Things are starting to warm up. There's an air of anticipation amongst the bidders.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Let's hope, by the end of the show, things are gonna be steaming.
0:14:12 > 0:14:19And wielding the hammer that will decide the fate of the items is auctioneer Peter Cartwright.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25We've got three cigarette card albums with a value of £20 to £40.
0:14:25 > 0:14:31We've got all the albums, but not the owner Sue, but we do have Sue's best friend also called Sue!
0:14:31 > 0:14:34So when did you two first meet?
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- We met at school.- A long time back. - High school at the age of 13.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44- And you're still best friends?- We're still good friends.- And you live close by?- Yes, I live in Darlington.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- So you know her better than anybody?- Pretty well, yes.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52She's gonna be expecting that top end. Adam, can we get £40-plus?
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- Possibly.- Possibly.- But they're all fairly common cards.- Oh!
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- Oh!- You don't have to say they're common.- "Common" as in we see a lot of those types.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- I'm so sorry.- You never saw these, did you?- No, I didn't.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- You can always bid on them if you want to.- I don't think so. They're not my thing.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14We're gonna find out what this lot think now. Good luck, everybody.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19Lot number 45 is the three albums of cigarette cards Colin's showing you,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22circa 1920s and '30s, these.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Can I have 15 to start on the cigarette cards?
0:15:25 > 0:15:29At £15. 20 seated. At £20. 5 now for the lot? At 25.
0:15:29 > 0:15:3230, sir? At £25 in the gallery. 30. 5?
0:15:32 > 0:15:37At £30 in the gallery. At £30. Are we all done at £30?
0:15:37 > 0:15:3935. 40, sir. 45.
0:15:39 > 0:15:4250. 5. 60.
0:15:42 > 0:15:465. 70. 5. 80...?
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- There's possibly one rare one there! - Are we all done now at 75?
0:15:51 > 0:15:56- Yes, the hammer's gone down, £75. - More than I thought.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- Well over estimate. She's gonna be so pleased.- Very pleased.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- Are you gonna ring her up or will it disturb her? - No, I'm going to ring her up.
0:16:10 > 0:16:16Next up, we've got a great pair of cufflinks. Well, it could be if you use your imagination.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21We've just been joined by Dane. It's those lovely four dress studs. Cracking item.
0:16:21 > 0:16:27- I'm sure that's what's gonna happen to them.- They're crying out to be made into cufflinks.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32They'll be really classy with the black onyx and diamond inset.
0:16:32 > 0:16:38- And there's the ring which is a bonus.- Just to set off the ensemble, a little onyx ring on your pinkie.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Suits you, sir!
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Lot 255 is the four 18-carat and platinum dress studs
0:16:46 > 0:16:51with diamond set on black, together with the almost matching ring.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Interest in this lot opens us up at £120.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Hopefully, we'll creep up there.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59130. 140. 150?
0:16:59 > 0:17:03At 140 with me, still the bid at 140. 150 now for the lot?
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Are we all done at £140? All done at 140...?
0:17:08 > 0:17:10No, we didn't get those away.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Don't put them back in the cupboard.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- No.- The back of the wardrobe. I think another sale on another day.- Yeah.
0:17:26 > 0:17:32Next up, a collection of 12 Beswick dogs about to go under the hammer and they belong to Helen.
0:17:32 > 0:17:38- They're your fiance's collection. - Yeah.- He's hiding up the back. He's a bit camera-shy.- Very.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42We're looking for £150 which isn't a lot of money for 12 Beswick figures.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47That's just over a tenner a piece and they've got to be worth that.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Got to be barking if they go for less than that!- Like it.- Like it.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Lot number 285, a collection of 12 Beswick dogs,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58including the bulldog, Dalmatian, terriers, etcetera.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02I can open these up at £110. At 110. 120 now?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05120. 130. 140 upstairs, the bid.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10150 now for the lot? At £140 in the gallery. At 140.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14150 now for the lot? Are we all done at £140 in the gallery, at 140...?
0:18:15 > 0:18:19Yes, he's put the hammer down. He's sold with a bit of discrepancy.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- We had a reserve of 150.- Yes.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- Phew, just!- Just. - Good result though.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30Yeah, bearing in mind that the Beswick market is a little bit on the wane.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- So we've done well.- I'm happy.
0:18:36 > 0:18:42Next up, we've got that lovely Victorian violin valued at £60 to £100, belonging to Alan and Judith.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- He's a bit of a muso then, is he? A good musician?- Definitely.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52- Did he serenade you?- No. - Never? Surely, he must have done. - Yes.- Of course he did.- Sometimes.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55At the end of the bed with the guitar.
0:18:55 > 0:19:01- You are a good guitarist? - Absolutely.- And violin was your second instrument?- Yes.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- So why are you selling this? - I haven't played it for 40 years.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- It's just been in a cupboard. - Will we get that top end, Adam?
0:19:09 > 0:19:13I think we'll be lucky to get much more than three figures for it.
0:19:13 > 0:19:19- But sometimes with violins, people think they've found something... - A bargain.- We might get a surprise.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- Fingers crossed.- Bit unlikely. - It's going under the hammer now.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Lot number 30 is this violin by Maggini with the bow.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30In its wooden case, this lot.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- I have interest in this lot and I can open it away at £80.- Straight in.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38At £80 for the violin. 90 now for the lot? 90.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40100. And 10, sir...?
0:19:40 > 0:19:43110 on the telephone, the bid.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45At 110. 120 now for the lot?
0:19:45 > 0:19:50At £110. On the phone at £110. Are we all done at 110...?
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Yes, the hammer's gone down at 110.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56It played a good tune right to the end. 110 quid, that's not bad.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- No.- More than I thought. - What will you put that towards?
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- I might pay a week's poll tax with it.- A week's poll tax!
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- Or I might put it towards a gallon of petrol.- I get the message.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Before heading back to the valuation day,
0:20:17 > 0:20:22I've travelled north to the picturesque Yorkshire town of Croft-on-Tees,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26once home to a writer who created some memorable characters.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Do you remember the Cheshire cat?
0:20:30 > 0:20:34You know, the one that mysteriously grinned down through the trees
0:20:34 > 0:20:38in that classic children's novel, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland?
0:20:38 > 0:20:42After annoying Alice for a little while with his clever remarks,
0:20:42 > 0:20:46it gradually started to disappear, leaving nothing but a grin.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50Well, this stone carving here in St Peter's Church in Croft-on-Tees
0:20:50 > 0:20:54could well be the inspiration for that character.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Just look at this little grin here.
0:20:56 > 0:21:02Its author Lewis Carroll, otherwise known as Charles Dodgson, had easy access to this church
0:21:02 > 0:21:08and that grinning little stone carving because his father was the rector here.
0:21:08 > 0:21:15Archdeacon Dodgson was the Rector of St Peter's Church from 1843 to 1868.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20And Charles spent many happy years just across the road from the church
0:21:20 > 0:21:22at the splendid rectory
0:21:22 > 0:21:26which was the Dodgson family home for 25 years.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30He was one of 11 children, educated first at home,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32then later at Rugby School.
0:21:32 > 0:21:38Although he was a somewhat awkward, sickly child with a weak chest and a stammer,
0:21:38 > 0:21:44by the age of 11, Charles was already showing his extraordinary talent of storytelling.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Charles compiled his verse into magazines
0:21:47 > 0:21:52and much of the inspiration was provided by the sprawling grounds of the rectory.
0:21:52 > 0:21:58Amongst the many magazines that Charles invented was one quite special one, The Rectory Umbrella,
0:21:58 > 0:22:04used for household circulation only, so you had to be quite privileged to look at that one.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09But the inspiration came from this very tree that I'm hugging here.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13You can imagine looking up there and seeing that naughty Cheshire cat.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18During the past 29 years, the rectory has been lovingly restored
0:22:18 > 0:22:23by its owners Jane Atkinson and her husband Peter.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27And over the last three decades, Jane has gained a real insight
0:22:27 > 0:22:31into the childhood of one of Britain's great literary figures.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- Jane, it's a real pleasure to meet you.- Hello.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39What a fantastic place! Look at it.
0:22:39 > 0:22:45- It's immaculate.- Well, it's green and casual.- You must have worked your fingers to the bone.
0:22:45 > 0:22:51- When did the Dodgsons finally leave the premises?- Lewis Carroll's father died in the July of 1868,
0:22:51 > 0:22:57then they had to leave in September, so it was three months of packing up and going to Guildford.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- What happened then?- The new rector did a lot of alterations to it.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- Everyone wants to put their mark on a house.- Definitely.
0:23:05 > 0:23:11The entrance originally had been here around the side of the house and he moved that to the front
0:23:11 > 0:23:14and that had been a window in Lewis Carroll's time.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18When you first saw it, it hadn't been lived in for a few years.
0:23:18 > 0:23:24No, the ground floor was empty for a couple of years, but it had a lovely, warm, comfortable feel to it.
0:23:24 > 0:23:30- A dream house.- Yes.- You found out it was the childhood home of Lewis Carroll. How did you feel then?
0:23:30 > 0:23:35It was a lovely connection and we've met a lot of very interesting people through it.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- Have they all given you their input and their suggestions?- Yes.
0:23:39 > 0:23:46Some have had photographs of the sisters sitting under trees here and have shown us that.
0:23:46 > 0:23:52Charles Dodgson went on to become a brilliant student at Christ Church, Oxford.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56And there he met the daughter of the Dean, Alice Liddell,
0:23:56 > 0:24:00who famously became the inspiration for the Alice books.
0:24:00 > 0:24:06Charles and his friends would take Alice and her siblings on boating trips on the River Thames.
0:24:06 > 0:24:12And on one such outing, Dodgson recounted the first story of Alice's Adventures Underground.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17Alice begged him to write the story down and the rest...is history.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- How do you think the Dodgson family felt when they first arrived? - I think they loved it.
0:24:28 > 0:24:34They were a big family. There were already ten children. They had gardens and a house.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- Just looking at that, it is a lovely family home.- Yes.
0:24:37 > 0:24:44- Ten children would... It would ring with enthusiasm and happiness, wouldn't it?- Absolutely. Yes.
0:24:44 > 0:24:50- That's a fabulous staircase. You can imagine the kids running down, Charles leading the way.- Yes.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53This is nice. Talk me through this.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57We asked an artist friend of ours to do a painting of the house for us
0:24:57 > 0:25:02and he thought it would be nice to have the Alice connection put in, hence all the figures.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06It really works. I gather there's been interesting objects found?
0:25:06 > 0:25:10Yes, in the 1950s, when they were turning the house into flats,
0:25:10 > 0:25:15they found objects under the floorboards that relate to the stories in Lewis Carroll.
0:25:16 > 0:25:22Could the items found in the rectory be the inspiration for Charles' famous Alice stories?
0:25:25 > 0:25:29"Alice started to her feet, for it flashed across her mind
0:25:29 > 0:25:36"that she had never before seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat pocket or a watch to take out of it."
0:25:41 > 0:25:47And here are those intriguing little treasures that the builders found under the floorboards in the 1950s.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52We start off with a tiny little glove which in its day was brilliant white,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55but has turned a dirty brown over the years.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59Remember the white glove dropped by the white rabbit?
0:25:59 > 0:26:03"Oh, my fur and whiskers!" So there's a reference point there.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05There's a tiny brass thimble there.
0:26:05 > 0:26:11Can you remember the story where Alice was given a little thimble as a prize by the Dodo?
0:26:11 > 0:26:13There's another little connection.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18And this one, I love this, a tiny little, battered leather child's shoe.
0:26:18 > 0:26:25This could have been a reference point to the poem that Charles had written, The White Knight's Song.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29"And now, if e'er by chance I put my fingers into glue
0:26:29 > 0:26:35"Or madly squeeze a right-hand foot into a left-hand shoe..."
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Charles Dodgson, Lewis Carroll, had an incredibly fertile mind.
0:26:43 > 0:26:49It's wonderful to think that the seeds of that creative imagination were sown right here
0:26:49 > 0:26:54at the rectory in Croft-on-Tees where the wonderful world of Lewis Carroll was born.
0:27:05 > 0:27:11Back at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington, Will has been inspired by an old Flog It favourite.
0:27:12 > 0:27:19Well, Terry, you probably don't need me to tell you what you've brought in to us today at Flog It.
0:27:19 > 0:27:25I suspect the viewers have already screamed at the TV what you've brought, a nice piece of Moorcroft.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27To be honest, I didn't realise...
0:27:27 > 0:27:33It did have the name on it on the bottom, but I didn't realise that there was any great interest.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37It was in the bottom of several things that I brought this morning.
0:27:37 > 0:27:43It is well documented that Moorcroft does well in the salerooms, is well collected,
0:27:43 > 0:27:48depending on various factors such as shape and pattern and so on.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53I mean, you've got here, I suppose, a slender vase in the pomegranate pattern.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55That's the design that we see.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Typical Moorcroft design with the tube lining, then the colouring in.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03What can you tell me about it? How did you come by it?
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Is it something you've bought or inherited?
0:28:06 > 0:28:10No, we got it as a wedding present 24 years ago
0:28:10 > 0:28:17and it's been in a cupboard because it didn't match the decor. We just stuck it in the back of a cupboard.
0:28:17 > 0:28:23- You're still married, I hope? That's not the reason for selling it? - No, definitely.- Good. Excellent.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28- About to celebrate 25 years of...? - Next year.- Congratulations on that. - Thank you.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Back to the piece here, I noticed on the vase, if I spin it round here,
0:28:32 > 0:28:37- we can just see a couple of blemishes. Do you see those?- Yes.
0:28:37 > 0:28:44Those happened in the firing of the piece. There would have been perhaps a bit of grit or an air bubble
0:28:44 > 0:28:50that has, in the kiln, heated at a different rate to the surrounding clay, causing a small explosion.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53That's why it's created these.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58I looked underneath because when that happens, they're occasionally sold as seconds.
0:28:58 > 0:29:05When they come out imperfect, they adjust the mark to the base and they sell them at a reduced price.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09But this is fine. It's got the Moorcroft mark underneath.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11And the signature also.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16- So have you had it valued? Any idea what sort of value...? - No idea whatsoever.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20If I offered you £20, £30 for it, do you think that's fair?
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- Something like that. Maybe 40. - Maybe 40?- Yeah.
0:29:23 > 0:29:30Because of the two small blemishes that I've pointed out, the firing defects, I'm gonna hold it in
0:29:30 > 0:29:34and I think it's gonna be valued around 80 to 120.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- How do you feel about that?- Yeah, I'd be delighted with that. Smashing.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43Do you have to check with the wife? Is this gonna scupper your 25 years?
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- No.- She won't mind if you sell it? - No.- Good.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50- Shall we reserve it at 80 with a bit of discretion?- Yes, please.
0:29:50 > 0:29:56- We'll put a reserve on, £80 with discretion, and hopefully we'll get the top end.- Thank you.- No problem.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- John, you've just made my day. - Good.- You really have.- Good.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07A wonderful piece of table treen.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11It's a spice tower and I think it's absolutely delicious.
0:30:11 > 0:30:17It's got the right look and the right colour. Tell me about its history. How did you come by it?
0:30:17 > 0:30:21It was a family heirloom and my mother's just passed away.
0:30:21 > 0:30:26- And it's come into my possession. - Can you remember seeing this as a little boy?
0:30:26 > 0:30:30- Yes.- Did you play with it? - No, I wasn't allowed to.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- A clip round the ear from Mum! - Yeah.- Aw! Your mum had good taste.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- Right.- She really did. I just think this is so tactile.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41It's beautifully turned on a lathe.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Quite an accurate modelling lathe.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47They've even managed to put a screw thread through,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50so every compartment has a proper bottom,
0:30:50 > 0:30:56but it sits tight, so it doesn't really matter in which order you put these back.
0:30:56 > 0:31:02You could put the cloves back on top of the nutmegs or the ginger back on top of the cinnamon or vice-versa.
0:31:02 > 0:31:08It really doesn't matter. It's beautiful. It's a lovely piece of sycamore and it's aged so well.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12I would say this is very early 19th century.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16This is sort of circa 1800, 1810, somewhere around there.
0:31:16 > 0:31:23What's gonna appeal to the treen collectors has got to be its beautiful, variegated colour.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26It's so nutty. You can't fake colour like that.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- Can you see that?- Certainly. - It's beautiful.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34So where have you had it then? What have you done with it?
0:31:34 > 0:31:40Well, as I say, it's just come into my possession. I've just had it on the top shelf of a wardrobe really.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- Kept it out of the way. - Kept it out of the way, yeah.
0:31:43 > 0:31:50I mean, we live in a modern house and there's not anywhere to put it really.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55Somebody else might appreciate it more than we do.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00There's a lot of people that collect treen, items of wood, table treen,
0:32:00 > 0:32:05this size, maybe fruit bowls or snuff boxes, things like that.
0:32:05 > 0:32:10But there's a lot of spice cabinet collectors and spice jar collectors,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13so we've got a double hit here of collectors.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17It's a lovely period thing. It's put a smile on my face.
0:32:17 > 0:32:22I know for a fact, when we put this into auction, this will sell really well.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27- Have you any idea of the value? - I was thinking about £200, £300.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29I think you're spot-on.
0:32:29 > 0:32:35I'd like to put it into auction with an auction estimate of 200 to 300, but put a reserve on at 200.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Yeah.- So it won't go for any less than 200.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41I think it's worth £200 of anybody's money.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46It's beautiful. I would be keeping this if I was you.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50But it's certainly made my day. It's put a big smile on my face.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55It really has. That's one of the best spice towers I've seen.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- Craig, how are you doing?- Not too bad, Adam. And you?- OK, thanks.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12You're very smart at the top and then it terminates in boots.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16- I've been out working today. - Hence the boots.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21- Yeah.- It's not a fashion statement then.- It's not.- I don't know anything about fashion.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25This is rather a fashionable thing. This is pretty smart.
0:33:25 > 0:33:31- What do you think of this? - It doesn't really fit in with my minimalistic living room.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Where did you get it from?
0:33:33 > 0:33:37I got it from my nan who recently emigrated to Malta.
0:33:37 > 0:33:43Then obviously when moving, because of the weight of it and everything else that she was taking with her,
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- she said, "Do you want to take that?" - Sacrificed the elephant.
0:33:47 > 0:33:53Prior to that, it was a relative that lived in the grounds of a stately home in Northumberland.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58The person sold it to a developer who came in and gutted the whole place.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02This was one of the things that was going in the skip.
0:34:02 > 0:34:08Being in the grounds and selling his house, he went to the subcontractors and said, "Can I take this?"
0:34:08 > 0:34:13- They said, "Yeah, whatever."- "What do you want that piece of rubbish for?"
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Do you think that's when we lost the tusks?
0:34:15 > 0:34:20- Possibly, yes.- We're missing tusks. - Yeah.- Ivory tusks it would've had.
0:34:20 > 0:34:26- And also I've noticed that we're missing some eyes out of the tigers. - Three eyes.- Three eyes missing.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30The eyes of the tiger missing. One, two, and one of these up here.
0:34:30 > 0:34:37- Yeah.- So it's got its problems. And probably in that skip, or wherever it went in, the wooden base.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40It would have had a hardwood base with recesses
0:34:40 > 0:34:42for these bits to sit in.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46So it's incomplete, but it is bronze.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- It's a hell of a weight.- It is.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52It's Japanese and it dates from what they call the Meiji period
0:34:52 > 0:34:56which is 1868 to 1912.
0:34:56 > 0:35:02- This is probably late 19th, early 20th century.- Yeah.- Around about 100 years old or thereabouts.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06It's not particularly scarce. There are lots of similar models around.
0:35:06 > 0:35:11You've got the elephant on their own, being attacked, and different versions of this type of thing
0:35:11 > 0:35:16with the generic signature mark somewhere under here. I can just about feel that.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- I've sold these entire for about £1,000 to £1,500.- Yeah.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Bearing in mind it isn't entire, it's got its problems,
0:35:24 > 0:35:29- my estimate would be £600 to £800. How does that sound?- Fantastic.
0:35:29 > 0:35:35I think we should put a reserve on it, just slightly less, 550, so you get a chance of getting it away.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40- Because you want it sold, don't you?- Yeah.- You don't want to cart it home again.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44You won't thank me if you've got to carry it home after the auction.
0:35:44 > 0:35:51- The money's gonna go halfway between you and your nan?- She wants me to go over to Malta and see her.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- It'll pay for that.- You'll spend your bit on going over to see her.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- Thanks for bringing it along.- You're welcome.- See you at the auction.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- I might get some boots to match! Cheers.- Cheers.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07It's time to put our experts' valuations to the test as we head back to auction.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11Here's a quick reminder of what's going under the hammer.
0:36:11 > 0:36:17Terry's vase might be small, but the Moorcroft name should help it make a big impact.
0:36:17 > 0:36:22I fell in love with John's spice tower, but will the bidders be as keen?
0:36:22 > 0:36:27Let's not forget Craig's bronze, the elephant being attacked by tigers.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Will it have a better day at auction?
0:36:30 > 0:36:34Before the hammer falls, let's check in with auctioneer Peter Cartwright.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- What do you think? - Personally?- Personally.
0:36:38 > 0:36:43- Not a lot.- I tell you what though. There's a lot of work there.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48I've not seen a bronze like that before. £600 to £800, that's relatively priced.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51I think it is relatively priced.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54They are quite popular, these bronzes of wildlife.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59- The elephant is being taken down, not everybody's cup of tea.- No.
0:36:59 > 0:37:05But it is an interesting piece. It's missing its ivory tusks which may hinder it a bit.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09That's solvable and the little glass eyes in the tiger are missing.
0:37:09 > 0:37:15But Craig, he wants to sell this. It was his nan's. They're going 50-50 on the money.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17I reckon they'll get 400 quid each.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21I agree with our expert. This should do the top end.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23It's very different.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28- I'm not so sure.- No, I wouldn't give it house room either.
0:37:28 > 0:37:34I don't like the subject matter, but there's plenty of people out there that would buy this bronze.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37I'm sure there is, but my concern is the tusks.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42They will be replaceable, but at what cost? I would be looking more at the bottom end.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- Looking at 600? - I would be looking more at 600.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48We'll find out in just a moment.
0:37:54 > 0:38:00When we talk about antiques, we always say invest in quality, condition and a good maker's name.
0:38:00 > 0:38:06This next lot has got the lot. A bit of Moorcroft, belongs to Terry and it's the pomegranate pattern.
0:38:06 > 0:38:12We've sold plenty. Hopefully, this one will be no exception. Will we get 150 quid for it?
0:38:12 > 0:38:18We could do. I'm not gonna promise anything. But it's got a nice shape, it's easy to display.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23- And in the saleroom today, there's a selection of Moorcroft. - Collectors will be here.- Hopefully.
0:38:23 > 0:38:29Lot number 315 is the Moorcroft pomegranate, trumpet-shape vase.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33And I have interest in this lot. We'll open this up at £120.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- 120 straight in.- Yes!
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- 140. 150?- Yes, that's better.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43At £140 with me, the bid. With me on commission then at... 150.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- 160. 170.- Still on commission.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50At £170 and I'm out now. The gentleman's bid at 170...
0:38:51 > 0:38:56The hammer's gone down at 170. It never, ever lets us down.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- It doesn't.- It's like Clarice Cliff. It always does the business.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02- Fantastic.- Quality always sells.
0:39:02 > 0:39:08- With a maker's name, something like Moorcroft, it's always gonna sell. - I'm pleased.- I'm really chuffed.
0:39:08 > 0:39:14- That's a nice present for your grandchildren.- For something in the back of a cupboard.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Next, we've got a cracking bronze with a value of £600 to £800.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- It belongs to Craig and hopefully it is here to sell.- Hopefully.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31I had a chat to the auctioneer a little bit earlier.
0:39:31 > 0:39:38He said it might struggle, but I think this will get the top end. I'm quite impressed by it.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42I think you've loved it as well. The damage won't hold it back too much.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47Not major damage. It's a big, showy lump, isn't it? For £500, £600, must be worth it.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- I don't like the subject so much. - No, a bit gruesome.
0:39:50 > 0:39:56- But I love the modelling on it. - Yeah, well modelled, nicely cast, attractive bronze.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00And there will be someone that will buy this. There's got to be.
0:40:00 > 0:40:05Hopefully, it's someone in the room. It's going under the hammer now. Good luck.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Moving along now, it's this Japanese bronze elephant.
0:40:09 > 0:40:15On its hind legs. Interest in the lot. I can start this away at £400.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19At 400. 450 I'll take? At £400 for the bronze.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- Come on.- 450 now? At £400 with me, the bid... 450.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26500. And 50? 550 on the telephone.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29At £550 on the telephone. 600 now?
0:40:29 > 0:40:34- At £550.- Yes! - Are we all done at £550...?
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- He's knocked it out, 550. Just got it away.- Scraped it away.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43- Pleased?- Yeah.- And you'll split the money with your aunt?- Yeah.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- What will you do with your half?- Go over and see her. She lives in Malta.
0:40:47 > 0:40:53It's a good sum of money. And that is a great example of why you should put a reserve on something.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- It would have made 300, 400 quid and it's worth more.- Yeah.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- We've protected it, we've done a good job. Well done.- Thank you.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10John, this spice tower is a cracking item. I love it.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14I had a chat to Peter the auctioneer and he agreed with the valuation.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17Fingers crossed, we'll get that top end.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21It's one of those things that you can't help but fall in love with.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- Yeah.- He's parting with it today. You don't know what to say.
0:41:25 > 0:41:31- You're slightly reticent, thinking, "Have I done the right thing?" - No, I've made my mind up.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- I hope it goes to a good home. I really do.- Yes, that's important.
0:41:35 > 0:41:41We'll find out right now. It's time to wave goodbye, John, because this will definitely sell. Here we go.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44An interesting lot now.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48We've got the 19th century, treen ware, Victorian spice tower.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52I can start this away at £200. At £200. 210 now for the tower?
0:41:52 > 0:41:54At 210. 220. 230.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58240. 250. 260. 270.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01At 270 in the room, the bid. At £270.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05270 for the tower. Are we all done at £270? 280.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08At 280. 290. 300.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12And 10? At £300. In the door at £300.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Are we all done at £300...?
0:42:14 > 0:42:18- The hammer's gone down. I'm happy. You've got to be happy.- Yeah.
0:42:18 > 0:42:24It's nice when you get the top end of the estimate. I love that item. We won't see another one.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28All credit to you for looking after it. It was in pristine condition.
0:42:28 > 0:42:34It had such a feel-good factor. It had its own personality. What will you put the money towards?
0:42:34 > 0:42:40My wife is taking early retirement shortly and we're going on a Caribbean cruise.
0:42:45 > 0:42:50Sadly, we're coming to the end of another show. We've had a fantastic day in Darlington.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53We've made new friends and unearthed some bygones.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56My highlight was John's spice tower.
0:42:56 > 0:43:01I'm so pleased it sold at the top end of the estimate, a real quality item.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04I hope you've enjoyed the show. Until the next time, cheerio.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2009
0:43:27 > 0:43:30Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk