0:00:03 > 0:00:07Over the years, the people of this town have
0:00:07 > 0:00:13turned their hands too many trades - dealing in wool, delivering milk and making money out of old rope.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Today, it's all about the antique business.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Welcome to Flog It! From Melksham in rural Wiltshire.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43It was back in the beginning of the 19th century when Melksham witnessed
0:00:43 > 0:00:49its most ambitious money-making scheme - the attempt to turn it into a spa town to rival nearby Bath.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54Springs rich in iron and saline were discovered and it was believed that
0:00:54 > 0:00:57the worst tasting the water was, the better it was for you.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Apparently Melksham's was even fouler tasting than most.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08The scheme failed when a day out to the seaside became a lot more favourable,
0:01:08 > 0:01:15but these Regency townhouses are a reminder of that spa project, and they are gorgeous buildings.
0:01:19 > 0:01:27Our venue is the Assembly Hall and our experts taking the plunge are Mr Philip Serrell and David Barby.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32Let's hope the good people of Melksham succeed in the business of turning antiques into cash.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Philip's first to take a dip with two unusual decanters.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- Chris and Bob, how are you both doing?- Fine, thank you.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48It isn't really a great deal of use bringing me these at this time of the day, empty.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- Should we go home and fill them for him?- What normally sits in them?
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- At our house, nothing. - How did you come by them?
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Got them from my parents.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04How they got them, I don't know. We believe that my father bought them, but that's all.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- Was he a collector?- No, not at all.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- How long have they been in your possession?- Three years. - So you don't like them?
0:02:11 > 0:02:15They live in a bedroom on a ledge under the dressing table and you don't see them.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18My parents had two types of sherry in there,
0:02:18 > 0:02:24but we are not sherry drinkers, except at Christmas, and it stays in the bottle.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- Excuse me, a big bottle. - It's not that big a bottle.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- I think port would sit in the one, and...- Sherry in the other.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- A good malt whisky in the other. Do you how to clean these? - No, I don't.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- You get a shotgun cartridge from someone who shoots.- Don't know anybody, do you?
0:02:41 > 0:02:45And you cut the end of and take the lead shot out, and then just
0:02:45 > 0:02:50drop them in a water solution with soap, and just keep swirling them round and round.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- It will clean the glass. - I'd never have thought of using that for a cleaning agent.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- Trust me, lead shot does the trick. - Don't know of anybody who does that.
0:02:59 > 0:03:06These are little decanters and we've got a silver collar here that is hallmarked in London, 1905.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09The maker's mark is William Hutton.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14I just think they are really good things. Not hugely valuable.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18A lot of people don't use decanters today, whether it's because
0:03:18 > 0:03:21the contents don't stay in there for long enough...
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Or they don't get too many visitors.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29I think we can put a real good estimate on these of 60 to £90 for the pair.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32We will put a fixed reserve on them of 50.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36If you have a good day at the office, they could make a couple hundred of
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- pounds, but we got to pitch them at the right money. What do you reckon? - Fine.- That sounds fine to me.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51I'm rather surprised that you haven't got family photographs in these.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56Edwardian ladies wearing big hats or something like that. Are they family pieces?
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- Yes, they came from an old relation of mine.- Right.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02And I've never used them.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07And I think they've been little used in the past, because looking
0:04:07 > 0:04:09at the back, the wood
0:04:09 > 0:04:15is incredibly new. There's no indication of polishing fingers,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19where you would carry the polish onto the back, or any rag marks.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24They are brand spanking new, except the date marks will tell me they are not.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- They all date from the early part of the 20th century.- They do, yeah?
0:04:28 > 0:04:31What's extraordinary, we've got two contrasts of style.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35This very ornate one here with lots of scrolls and birds
0:04:35 > 0:04:40is in a style that we call Rococo revival.
0:04:40 > 0:04:46It's very ornate, and scroll work would enhance the image beautifully.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50And then round about the latter part of the 19th century, there was a
0:04:50 > 0:04:55new style of art called Art Nouveau, which is French for new art.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00This one here, the square one, is in that new style.
0:05:00 > 0:05:07What I like about this is the way that they've used plant forms here, the iris, and then they have
0:05:07 > 0:05:13created a sort of wave line, as though ripples in a stream, interlacing all the way through.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18So these are beautiful examples of simple silversmithing.
0:05:18 > 0:05:24- When I say simple, because they've been press moulded and could do as many as, say 100 an hour.- Right.
0:05:24 > 0:05:32They are so collectible, that now you can get copies made
0:05:32 > 0:05:36as far afield as Mexico and China.
0:05:36 > 0:05:43- Right.- But these are pure English examples, dating from the early part of the 20th century.
0:05:43 > 0:05:49And I would reckon that they're going to sell for £40 to £50 each.
0:05:49 > 0:05:56But we'll sell them together. A lovely contrast. If you'd be happy, we'll put a reserve of £60 on them,
0:05:56 > 0:06:02- and hopefully get 80 to 100. - That would be fine.- You would be quite happy?- I would, thank you.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07It's not a lot of money, but do you have it set-aside? You brought these into sell.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11Not really, I shall just go out and spend it.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- That's a good idea, on something you really want.- It is, yeah.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20- I shall offer to go shopping with you.- Thank you, I'll take you up on that.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30I've just joined the crowd and it's Guess What It Is time, because look what I've found.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33What do you think that is?
0:06:33 > 0:06:35It's made of galvanised pressed steel,
0:06:35 > 0:06:39it's coopered with a bit of brass ring there,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43any ideas?
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Let's ask someone in the crowd. What do you think?
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Town crier, ring out the bell.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- I like it. Sir, any ideas? - I couldn't bet on an answer. - Haven't got a clue.
0:06:52 > 0:06:58- How about this side?- A candle.- You think a candle could go in there? - The other way up.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- Any idea? - I thought it was a medieval torch.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03It could be.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Carrying it through the streets.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10I can tell you what it is, as soon as Philip has done this valuation.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- Nancy, how are you?- Fine, thank you. - What's a young girl like you doing in a place like this?
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- It's the best place to be.- Why's that?- Something going on, isn't it?
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- I even missed church to be here. - You missed church? Goodness me.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- Do you miss church often?- No.- Good.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- Are you an avid collector?- Yes, I am. - Sovereigns?- I love the sovereigns.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37- Why?- Because I'm adopted, I have no history of my own and I love the history of them.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42There's not too much you can say about them. You tell me, because you know all about them.
0:07:42 > 0:07:49- I'm going to listen to you.- You tell me. I know there are four reigns there.- Yes, we've got Victoria,
0:07:49 > 0:07:54we've got Edward, we've got George and we've got dear Elizabeth.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Yes. I love the Royal Family.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Are you a big royal fan?
0:07:58 > 0:08:06- A big royal fan.- The value of these things is totally governed by the price of gold bullion.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- Because they are pure gold, aren't they?- Yes.- You've got them mounted
0:08:10 > 0:08:18but these mounts don't deface the coin, because a lot of people solder little hoops onto them.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- Awful, yes.- Yeah. So you've got these four, what do you think they are worth?
0:08:22 > 0:08:28- I don't know.- Gold's good at the minute.- Gold's good at the moment, that's why I brought them.
0:08:28 > 0:08:34Well, I think that we can put an auction estimate on them of £300 to £400.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- Lovely.- And we'll put a fixed reserve of £250.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Right.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45So, if you go and sell those for £300, what would you spend the money on?
0:08:45 > 0:08:51Well, my granddaughter is 18 next week so we are thinking of a champagne supper at the local hotel,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55and then driving lessons and perhaps university.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57I hope they make more than £300 to £400!
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- I know!- I think you're gonna be a very interesting lady to talk to at the auction.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- Thank you.- Well done, Nancy.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Thank you very much.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- Ooh.- There we are.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Well, here we are. Have you guessed?
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Some of you probably have.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15You offer it up to an apple or a pear,
0:09:15 > 0:09:19it's on a long pole, so you can get the really high ones.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24You drop the apple in there, the stalk is resting over the edge and you twist.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27It's a fruit catcher and it catches the apple or the pear.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31I love it. How crazy is that?
0:09:39 > 0:09:43Judith, you don't like silver and you don't like cleaning, do you?
0:09:43 > 0:09:47I don't like cleaning, no.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51I can tell from the condition of these absolutely delicious spoons.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56Where did they come from and why did you hold on to them if you don't like silver?
0:09:56 > 0:10:00They were from my uncle who died about four years ago.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03They've been in my cupboard ever since.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08And you've never felt inclined to use them for dessert or strawberries?
0:10:08 > 0:10:10No.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Well, these are quite attractive.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16Why I like them is because of this finial at the top of each spoon.
0:10:16 > 0:10:23They are interlaced, very much in a sort of Celtic design.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28This design was prevalent at the beginning of the 20th century,
0:10:28 > 0:10:34so you often see this incorporated into silver work of that particular period.
0:10:34 > 0:10:40We call them Art Nouveau, other people might say, "They are very much in the arts and crafts style."
0:10:40 > 0:10:44The two became almost linked at that particular time.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Because of those designs, it puts them into a different class.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53If it was a normal set of teaspoons, probably £30 to £40.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59This just shoves them up into a price range around about £80 to £100.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Oh, right.- Hopefully more.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Now, they're going up to auction and I think the auctioneer might say,
0:11:06 > 0:11:10well, I'd like a reserve of £80 with discretion.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13That means he has 10% discretion.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Would she be happy at that sort of level?- Yeah, definitely.
0:11:16 > 0:11:22I shall be delighted if these go up for sale and if we get the top end of the estimate.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- Brilliant.- Thank you very much for bringing them along.- Thank you.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30The good people of Melksham have brought in some great items
0:11:30 > 0:11:33and we'll be uncovering some more little gems later.
0:11:33 > 0:11:39- I think we've got the oldest things here today in the room.- Really?- Yes! - It glimmers.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42It shimmers. This is brilliant, it's like a jewel.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46But before all that, we're heading just east of Melksham to Devizes,
0:11:46 > 0:11:51where Henry Aldridge and Son Auctioneers will be our host today.
0:11:51 > 0:11:57It'll be father and son Alan and Andrew who'll be wielding the gavel, let's catch up with Alan
0:11:57 > 0:12:00and see what he has to say about one of our lots.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Here is lot 401, Nancy's gold sovereigns.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Philip has put a value of £300 to £400 on the whole lot.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13She's selling them because the money is going towards her granddaughter's 18th birthday,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15and the rest for some driving lessons.
0:12:15 > 0:12:21- Hopefully, we'll get her on the road.- I know Nancy.- Do you?- Yeah, she's a lovely lady.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25I would agree with what Philip has said. Right on the money.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Gold at the moment is very strong.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33People buying it purely for investment, to put it away. I've changed them slightly.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34What have you done?
0:12:34 > 0:12:41I've split them, and the reason I've split them is these three are just purely investment gold weight.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46But I think this one has got a lovely chain, so it's a very pretty thing, and
0:12:46 > 0:12:52I think that some gentleman is going to buy it for his lady, or some lady is going to buy it for herself.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- You can wear that one? - It will push it up slightly.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59If we get that to work we'll get a 25, maybe 50% premium
0:12:59 > 0:13:03on top of the sovereign price, so hopefully we are talking £150.
0:13:03 > 0:13:10- I see what you're doing, well worth doing, then?- Hopefully, yes. - We're gonna find out in a moment.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14Will splitting the sovereigns be the right move?
0:13:14 > 0:13:18Here's a reminder of the other items we're selling.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22Bob and Chris brought in some decanters but Philip wasn't impressed.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27It isn't really a great deal of use bringing me these at this time of the day, empty.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31David's convinced Joan's picture frames will appeal to the room.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34They are so collectible,
0:13:34 > 0:13:41that now you can get copies made as far afield as Mexico and China.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44And Judith's keen to get rid of her spoons.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48You don't like silver and you don't like cleaning, do you?
0:13:48 > 0:13:50I don't like cleaning, no.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55So, will our items cause a stir in the auction room?
0:13:55 > 0:13:58First to go under the hammer are the decanters.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03We've got the glass decanters, we've got Robert, but where's his wife?
0:14:03 > 0:14:05She's a care assistant, she's had to go to a client.
0:14:05 > 0:14:12- She can't make it today?- She's been here, she's had to disappear off and she's coming back to collect me.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15We've got our expert Philip here.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Glass decanters. £60, 70, 80 maybe?
0:14:18 > 0:14:23I'd like to own these and pay that for them, and that's the best way of valuing something.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- They're a nice thing.- Do it from the heart.- Yeah.- So hopefully, 100 plus.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- Because I'm mean.- We'll see what gives.- Fingers crossed, they are going under the hammer.
0:14:33 > 0:14:40233, a very pretty pair of shaped decanters with silver collars.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43it should be somewhere around about £100, this pair.
0:14:43 > 0:14:4580 to start me.
0:14:45 > 0:14:4750 to get me away, then. OK.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50I'll be kind, 30 quid.
0:14:50 > 0:14:5730, I've got. 35, 40, 5, 50, 5, 60.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- 55.- I'll lend them a fiver.
0:15:00 > 0:15:0360, anywhere else? At 55, they've got silver collars.
0:15:03 > 0:15:0760, she's back. 65?
0:15:07 > 0:15:09At £60. £60, it is.
0:15:09 > 0:15:1465, quickly? At £60, am I done?
0:15:14 > 0:15:15He sold them.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19It is a struggle, but that's the market at the minute, isn't it?
0:15:19 > 0:15:25- They are a bit yesterday's antiques. - Yeah, fashion dictates market rates right now, that's the problem.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- Whatever we got, I'm not disappointed.- It's a shame cos they are quality.
0:15:30 > 0:15:36- But they've gone, and you wanted to sell them.- That's the way it goes.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- I hope Christine won't be too disappointed.- No, I don't think so.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43She basically wasn't interested in the price.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Sell them and...whatever we get.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- I guess that's the spirit, really. - Absolutely.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52I like that. He's good, this boy, you know.
0:15:59 > 0:16:05- Right now Joan is in the frame with two silver picture frames. I like these, Joan.- You do?
0:16:05 > 0:16:07I do. Why are you selling them?
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Erm, I don't want them any more, I'm fed up with cleaning them.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15- And someone told me you wanted to go shopping.- Yeah.- What are you going to spend your money on?
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- I shall put it towards a new television.- It depends how much money we get.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- The Art Nouveau one... - Is gorgeous.- ..is gorgeous.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26I love the contrast with that ornate one of the Edwardian period.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- They should do quite well, I hope. - But they're here to go at that price.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33They're going under the hammer now.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36And next a nice little piece of silver,
0:16:36 > 0:16:40two pretty piccie frames, one of them arts and crafts,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44the other just standard, but both very pretty.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47100 to start me. 60 to get my away.
0:16:47 > 0:16:4960, I've got, 60, I've got, 70. 70?
0:16:49 > 0:16:5680. 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Oh, this is more like it, Joan?
0:16:59 > 0:17:03180, 190... 200.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08At 190, at 190, at 190, at 190 I'm going...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Yes!- 190, that's good, isn't it?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14£190! When the bidding got going then, it was great,
0:17:14 > 0:17:20- it was going very quickly, but those sticky patches get you worried, don't they?- They do, yeah.
0:17:20 > 0:17:26- It's when it plunges down, and you're up again like that.- That was a bit of fun, wasn't it?- Thank you.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35It's nearly time, the spoons are going under the hammer.
0:17:35 > 0:17:41- Is this your first auction?- Yeah, it is.- Really? And yours, Alison? - Yeah.- What do you think?
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- Exciting. - It's a great day, isn't it?
0:17:44 > 0:17:47There's lots to see, lots of fun. Has Mum bought anything?
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- No.- You haven't had your eye on anything. We're here to sell!
0:17:50 > 0:17:56- Definitely not buying, cos you've got four children and they all want to go shopping.- They do.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58So we need top money, David.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03- Ooh! Right.- Six spoons. - Silver's doing very well today.- Yes.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- The saving grace is they've got wonderful twisted sort of... - Art Nouveauy.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Yeah, Celtic-style finials.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13They are very nice.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Why are you selling them?- We won't use them, to tell you the truth.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20They've been stuck in a cupboard, so we'd like the money instead.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25At least they're a complete set, and they're here to go right now. Good luck, you two.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28The set of teaspoons in the arts and crafts manner.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Very pretty.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Start me at £90, then.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36£90, get me away.
0:18:36 > 0:18:3960. Right, 60, I've got.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- 70, 80, 5, 90, 5...- They've sold.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47At £90 on my left, £90.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Is there five anywhere else quickly? At £90...
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- Spot-on estimate.- Yes.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Well done. £90 to go shopping with!
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- There's a commission, so you'll lose a bit. But that's good news, isn't it?- Great.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07Nancy, it's good to see you. Your four gold sovereigns are going under the hammer.
0:19:07 > 0:19:13Now, I know your son Roger, cos he's got a record shop in Marlborough where I buy my CDs from.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Are you flogging Roger's inheritance?
0:19:15 > 0:19:18No, it's going to his daughter.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- Is it?- For her insurance for a car.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24She's just passed her driving test, and she's there.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27I had a chat to the auctioneer earlier, and Philip
0:19:27 > 0:19:30doesn't know this yet, but he's split the lots.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34The sovereign with the chain he's selling as a separate lot
0:19:34 > 0:19:39cos he feels it's an independent thing, you might get £30 or £40 more.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41I hope it gets a bit more.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43I hope it gets a bit more as well.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48But precious metal is where the money's going right now, everybody's investing in it.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53Great time to sell, so good on you, Nancy, OK? They're going under the hammer now.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Lot 401, sovereigns.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01We have, in the first lot, two sovereigns and a half sovereign.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Let's have £300 for these three.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06250 to get me away.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07Two I've got, thank you.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10210, 220, 230, 240.
0:20:10 > 0:20:17250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310...
0:20:17 > 0:20:23310, 320. At 310, 310. 312?!
0:20:23 > 0:20:31314? At £312. £312, am I done?
0:20:31 > 0:20:36Great result. Funny figure, but it was £312 and the hammer went down.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Again, a very nice sovereign,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43set on a beautiful chain.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45I think this one should be a couple of hundred pounds. Couple of hundred?
0:20:45 > 0:20:48150 to start me?
0:20:48 > 0:20:51150 I have, straight in at 150.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55150, 160. 170, 180. 190, 200.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Oh, this is going well, £200.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00215, 220,
0:21:00 > 0:21:06225, 230. 240, 245?
0:21:06 > 0:21:08250, 260.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11At 250, the gentleman in the middle.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15At 250. At 250 am I done?
0:21:15 > 0:21:20Well, do know something, Nancy, I make that a grand total of £562.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Wonderful, wonderful!
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- Thank you so much.- Oh, that's OK, thank you for bringing them in. - It's been great fun.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30It's my "Sit down and have a cup of tea" time, Flog It.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- I think you deserve it. Oh, you watch Flog It with a cup of tea.- Every day.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- We've had a great result, but will our luck continue?- 50...
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Oh, my goodness.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44I'm tingling, are you?
0:21:44 > 0:21:48But whilst I'm in Wiltshire, I can't resist popping down the road
0:21:48 > 0:21:51to catch up with some unusual local celebrities.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06Dating back to the 11th century, Devizes is filled with history from
0:22:06 > 0:22:12its medieval street plan, its Norman churches, Georgian architecture and of course the Kennet and Avon Canal.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18All your fresh fruit and veg today for a pound!
0:22:18 > 0:22:21At the heart of the town lies this imposing red-brick building,
0:22:21 > 0:22:28home to Wadworth Brewery, and it's thanks to this family-run business that the streets of this quaint town
0:22:28 > 0:22:32echo to the sound of a most picturesque tradition.
0:22:32 > 0:22:38Dray horses. They get their name from the cart they pull, and they've served Wadworth for over 100 years.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43They're amongst the last in a long history of working horses,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45and over the centuries, horsepower has pulled barges along canals,
0:22:45 > 0:22:50ploughs across fields and even been used down mines.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Despite their resurgence during the two wars,
0:22:54 > 0:22:58the internal combustion engine put an end to horses in harnesses
0:22:58 > 0:23:02in all but a very few places, like here in Devizes.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12For Charles Bartholomew, the great-great nephew of the Wadworth founder, who's also the chairman
0:23:12 > 0:23:18and current managing director, horses are still a very big part of the brewery's tradition.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Very pleased to meet you, thank you for taking time out to talk to us today.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Magnificent horses, aren't they?
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- They are indeed.- They really are.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29How long has the brewery been using shire horses?
0:23:29 > 0:23:34Well, we've been using shire horses all the time the brewery's been going.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39We had a slight period in the late Sixties when we were down to one horse, but other than that
0:23:39 > 0:23:43we've had horses forever, and then of course my father brought them back in
0:23:43 > 0:23:471971-72 properly to do the deliveries in the town.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50And the town really lends itself to these horses, doesn't it?
0:23:50 > 0:23:54I think it does, the streets are quite wide, it doesn't hold the traffic up too much,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57although some people would say probably it does.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Well, I don't think so, it's a proper market town.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03And I think people love them in Devizes.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06They're VIPs, really, aren't they, in Devizes?
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I like to think so, yeah - they're certainly more important than I am!
0:24:10 > 0:24:15What makes a good shire? Let's just point out some of the attributes.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Obviously, strong legs, nice feathers.
0:24:17 > 0:24:23Well, what we like is a nice compact horse with strong legs, good shoulders, a good head.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28When you look at his head, do they have to have a slightly rounded forehead like that?
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Cos it is quite round, it's like Andalucian, isn't it?
0:24:30 > 0:24:35Well, I'm not so sure that's a sort of trait of shires.
0:24:35 > 0:24:43- That's just Max, is it?- Yeah, I mean it shows a bit of arrogance, doesn't it, that sort of rounded...
0:24:43 > 0:24:46He's so beautiful, he really is.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Will this tradition last?
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- Will it keep going? - Yes, Paul, of course.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55We're really keen,, I mean we like horses, the town likes horses,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57and we'll absolutely keep it going.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00We like traditional things, but we use them properly.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05They deliver in the town as they used to pull the canal boats along and things like that,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09so they're actually put to proper use, they're not just for show.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10Well, they're fantastic.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14I'm gonna take them out later, join the lads for a delivery.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Great, I hope you have a good day.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Thank you very much for talking to me.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24Barry Petherick has been looking after the Wadworth dray horses for 20 years,
0:25:24 > 0:25:26and he'll be showing me the ropes today.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33Gosh, he's gorgeous! He's beautiful, look at the size of him.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- What is he, 19 hands?- He's 18-1.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Cor, that's big, isn't it? How old is he?
0:25:37 > 0:25:38He's six years old.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Oh, he's got a lovely temperament, hasn't he? Give us a kiss!
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Oh, gosh! Right, I want to help, Barry, what can I do?
0:25:45 > 0:25:47As long as it's not mucking out.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50We've got a few barrels to shift.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- You can give us a hand with that if you like.- Right, OK.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05Each horse weighs approximately a tonne, and a team can pull up to two tonnes of weight.
0:26:05 > 0:26:06Now, that's real horsepower.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Ready, Barry?
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Tom, Max, walk on.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Well, here we are at the Castle.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36- This is a convenient bit of courtyard, Barry.- It is, yeah.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Do these horses always work in the same team, or do you swap them over?
0:26:39 > 0:26:43We do swap them different pairs, but we find which ones go better together.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45So you try and keep them together.
0:26:45 > 0:26:51And also these two opened the show this year as a pair, so we work them as a pair as well.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53What sort of reaction do you get?
0:26:53 > 0:26:56We haven't met many people today, cos it's too busy.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59There's always a lot of interest, especially with people that haven't seen them before.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Local people see it every day,
0:27:02 > 0:27:07but you get people on holiday or new to the area, they can't believe that we're still delivering with horses.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12You two must be familiar faces around the town, "There's Barry and Martin, wahey!"
0:27:12 > 0:27:17Oh, well, look, this is our first drop, the Castle, so are we getting the metal ones off or the oak ones?
0:27:17 > 0:27:19We'll get the metal ones off now, yeah.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Are you all ready?
0:27:34 > 0:27:35This is empties coming out now.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43Weather permitting, the horses deliver to pubs within a two-mile radius
0:27:43 > 0:27:48every morning, five days a week, and they are given a two-week holiday every summer.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Now, that's a sight I'd really love to see,
0:27:50 > 0:27:54but right now we've still got work to do.
0:27:54 > 0:27:55It's the last drop of the day.
0:28:08 > 0:28:09Barry?
0:28:09 > 0:28:11It's a good job it's not this size, isn't it?
0:28:11 > 0:28:14It is, Paul. It wouldn't do my back a lot of good, I don't think.
0:28:16 > 0:28:21There's your last one, Barry. And I'm going to leave you and say goodbye now, shake your hand.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Many thanks to you and Martin for letting me join you on your round.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- You're welcome. - It's been a real thrill.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30I've actually delivered beer to a boozer in Devizes.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34Well, one or two boozers, but I must thank Max and Tom,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37these magnificent shire horses doing what they do best.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40That's what they're bred for, and it's a tradition that's kept
0:28:40 > 0:28:45well and truly alive here in Devizes, and long may it last.
0:28:56 > 0:29:03We've already managed to find some great items at our valuation day in Melksham, but can we do any better?
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Philip's hoping so with this painting.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Kathy, how are you? Are you well?
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- I'm well, thank you.- Excellent, excellent. So is this your painting?
0:29:11 > 0:29:13- No, it belongs to my mother. - And Mum doesn't want it any more?
0:29:13 > 0:29:18No, she's downsizing with stuff in the house, so she thought she'd...
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- She thought she'd flog it! - She thought she would.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22Right. And it's not your cup of tea?
0:29:22 > 0:29:24I do like it, but I don't think I've got room for it.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26And has it been in the family long?
0:29:26 > 0:29:32No, she bought it about 18 years ago from a local charity shop because she liked it.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35That's the best way to buy anything, isn't it?
0:29:35 > 0:29:38I looked up Alfred Ward earlier.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42I found out very little about this artist, other than that he was a Royal Academy artist.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- But I really, really... I like that a lot.- Mmm.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51Interestingly, 1900, 1920 period is quite in vogue at the moment.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56One of the things that I really like about it, you've got the vibrancy of these flowers here,
0:29:56 > 0:30:03which sort of reflect with this mass of green, and the dark storm clouds coming beyond.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05I just think it's quite sweet.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08I think at auction,
0:30:08 > 0:30:13we could perhaps put a £200 to £400 estimate on it.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17I think we ought to reserve it at £150. Would you be happy with that?
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Or more importantly, would Mum be happy with that?
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- She'd be happy with that. - Now, she bought this 18 years ago?
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- Yes.- What did she pay for it?
0:30:25 > 0:30:29£150.
0:30:29 > 0:30:35So, 18 years later, she's going to let me sell it for what she paid for it?
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- Yes.- I think that's good, that demonstrates the real value of antiques.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Your mum has had 18 years of pleasure out of looking at this.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47If she can sell it and get her money back, ownership has cost her nothing.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- Is Mum coming to the auction? - Hopefully she will.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- So you and Mum will be there? - Yes, and I think she'll be with me.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55No pressure there, then. I hope it sells!
0:31:04 > 0:31:06- Pat.- Yes, David.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08Are you a local girl?
0:31:08 > 0:31:13I do live locally, but I was actually born in Birmingham.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16And does this come from Birmingham as well?
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Is this part of your family inheritance?
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Well, it was actually my mother's.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26She actually kept a pub in a place called Bishop's Castle in Shropshire.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30There were two brothers that came to the pub.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34The one brother passed away, and the other one went into a home.
0:31:34 > 0:31:40There were several items that they actually left for my mum, and this was one of them.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43This was a lovely gift. Do you not rate it?
0:31:43 > 0:31:47- I don't very much. It's, I think, a little bit dull.- A little bit dull?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50I know you're going to disagree with that.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53I'd say this is absolutely brilliant.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- It's like a jewel.- You think so?
0:31:55 > 0:31:59And I love this lustre decoration, which was perfected by Wedgwood.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01This is a Wedgwood piece.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05If you think in terms of the Fairyland lustre, which is the very expensive Lustre
0:32:05 > 0:32:09with little goblins and fairies all over it, this is in the same tradition
0:32:09 > 0:32:12but this is in the Chinese manner.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14First of all, it glimmers.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16It shimmers.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20One expects that with anything exotic or Oriental.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24We have this lovely dragon that's inside, this curling dragon,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27based, of course, on Chinese designs.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32The whole piece, I think, hangs together beautifully.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37We have these lovely little sponge decorations of gilt,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40which emphasize the gilt surround, and the actual dragon.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44And the very fact that the dragon is not drawn in detail, it's almost
0:32:44 > 0:32:49- in shadowy form, it's emerging from that sort of shimmering.- Flows.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52You want to sell this. What are we going to get for it at auction?
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Lots of money!
0:32:54 > 0:32:55I wish I could say lots of money.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59We're looking at this piece as a decorative item of lustreware,
0:32:59 > 0:33:03and I'd think at auction, and I'm going to give you
0:33:03 > 0:33:09a wide margin, I'm going to think in terms of around £80 to £150.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13- I think we should reserve it. Would you like that?- Yes, definitely.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- Let's reserve it at £80, fixed.- OK.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20I'd hate to see it go below.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23No, I wouldn't like it to go below that, either.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25I'm sure there's going to be somebody at that auction
0:33:25 > 0:33:29that's keen on ceramics and lustre decoration as much as I am.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- I'm just going to watch that go sky-high.- Thank you very much.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- How are you?- I'm fine, thank you.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47- Is this a childhood memory? - The memory is, the game's not.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- Is it not?- No, I had a version when I was a child,
0:33:50 > 0:33:55- went to a car-boot sale, saw this one for sale for £2, and snapped it up.- £2? Why did you buy it?
0:33:55 > 0:33:59Purely nostalgia. I remembered the game from when I was small.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01- It reminded you of your youth?- Yeah.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06- So, how old is it, do you think? - I think it's post Second World War.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- How do you know that?- Because this version's got metal horses.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14The version I had in the first game had plastic horses.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19So we looked on the web and saw that there are those two versions and also a version with paper horses.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Who's the expert here, you or me?
0:34:21 > 0:34:26I've no idea about its value. I suspect it's worth more than £2.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29- Why?- Because that's all I paid for it.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- You don't think it might be a faller at the first fence?- Could be.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Well, I think it's a bit of fun.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40It's by Waddingtons and Totopoly clearly was a successor to Monopoly.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45We've got rules. The thing that got me when I was a kid, you'd open this at Christmas or your birthday...
0:34:45 > 0:34:49- It was so complicated. - Did you really want to start reading all this stuff?
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Well, we started it, and then we just made up our own version.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57- Really?- Yeah, and I think that's probably why this version's in quite good condition.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- Too complex for kids.- Yes.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01That's a good game, isn't it? Too Complex For Kids.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05So, you went to a car-boot sale?
0:35:05 > 0:35:08You bought it for £2.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- That's right. - How much do think it's worth now?
0:35:11 > 0:35:13I think about £20.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17I think, what we've got to do is go to an auction,
0:35:17 > 0:35:23- and we got to put a reserve on it of...£10.- That sounds fair.
0:35:23 > 0:35:30I think if you're really, really lucky...you might get £30 for it.
0:35:30 > 0:35:38- Great.- But if you come in at 100-1 with a red hot winner, you might get 50 quid.- I'll be amazed.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- Are you happy with that?- Absolutely.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44- Good girl. Let's get it sold! - Wonderful. Thank you.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56Jo, think you so much for bringing in three lovely wine bottles from the 18th century.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58I think we've got the oldest things here today in the room.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- Really?- Yes.- I'm surprised.
0:36:01 > 0:36:02Something for the purists.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05So, tell me. How did you come across these?
0:36:05 > 0:36:08They're part of my late husband's collection.
0:36:08 > 0:36:15It was started by a friend of his called Bob Gee, who worked on the dredgers on the Avon River.
0:36:15 > 0:36:21He sold part of his collection to my husband in the early 1970s.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24And then your husband started collecting from there on?
0:36:24 > 0:36:28Either from the river, or digging up middens,
0:36:28 > 0:36:31old rubbish tips.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34It makes sense that they're dredged up from the river. I tell you why,
0:36:34 > 0:36:40because most inns and taverns would have been situated
0:36:40 > 0:36:43along canals and rivers.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47It was really the only means of transport, getting goods from A to B.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- Makes sense.- And of course,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51you're sitting there at the tavern with the river in front of you.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56If you do if a few of those, you tend to chuck it in the river.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58And it gets preserved in the mud.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02I love them. I love the onion glass shape, typical. That's why they're called onion glass.
0:37:02 > 0:37:08And that's all hand blown through a big metal rod.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11There's a lot of discolouring from iron and silt.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16It's obviously been lying in water, but doesn't it look beautiful?
0:37:16 > 0:37:19I love the fact that it's lopsided.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23You could never make these even, because they're all hand-made.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25This one is of bell form.
0:37:25 > 0:37:30That's an interesting shape as well. Typical of the 18th century.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Again, lots of discolouring, which I quite like.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36There is a fair bit of damage at the top of the neck.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38This one,
0:37:38 > 0:37:43again this is early 18th century, and this one has its own seal.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47That's something to look out for on any onion glass wine bottle.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51The seal will put more value on it.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Especially if it's got a date.
0:37:53 > 0:38:00This is definitely 18th century, but let's say if it had a date of 1785 or something,
0:38:00 > 0:38:02that one bottle
0:38:02 > 0:38:04would be worth around £600 to £800.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- Oh, right.- So, it's a shame it doesn't have the date.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09But it's stunning, that one.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12I think that's a £200 bottle alone.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16I would be happy to group them all together.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20I know they'll do £300. I know that.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23But in order to get that,
0:38:23 > 0:38:29I'd like to put them into auction with a value of £250 to £350.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32And a reserve at £250. I don't know how you feel about that.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36I think I'd prefer it if the reserve was a little higher, say £300.
0:38:36 > 0:38:37Would that work?
0:38:37 > 0:38:42OK, let's put a fixed reserve on them then at £300, OK?
0:38:42 > 0:38:45And hopefully, they'll do £100 more than that.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- That'll be nice. - That would be nice, wouldn't it?
0:38:47 > 0:38:49The top end of 300.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58Jean, of all the silver items that have come through the door today,
0:38:58 > 0:39:03these are the most exciting.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- And why on earth do you want to part with them?- They're my brother's.
0:39:07 > 0:39:08And he doesn't like them?
0:39:08 > 0:39:10No. He doesn't want them.
0:39:10 > 0:39:15These are by one of the most famous makers of the 20th century.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19- Good grief.- Georg Jensen,
0:39:19 > 0:39:21silversmith, and these were
0:39:21 > 0:39:25sold from his New Bond Street address in London.
0:39:25 > 0:39:31- The design is called Cactus.- Cactus. - Because when you look at this design
0:39:31 > 0:39:36it looks like a cactus plant, you know, one of the succulents,
0:39:36 > 0:39:42and the actual silversmith that produced these is Gundorph Albertus,
0:39:42 > 0:39:47and he produced these around about 1932.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48Think in terms of the period.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52These are all part and parcel of that exciting
0:39:52 > 0:39:58movement between the two world wars, which we call the art deco.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- The value of these, have you any idea?- Not a clue. Not a clue.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Because I don't think they've ever been used.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08I don't think they have either. I've never known them be used.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11There's no wear or tear or scratches or anything,
0:40:11 > 0:40:14they're in perfect condition. And this does help
0:40:14 > 0:40:15with regard to the price.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Plus it's got its original box.
0:40:17 > 0:40:23- Mmm-hmm.- Now I would like to see them do £120 to £150.- Mmm-hmm.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27If not a wee bit more because they are Georg Jensen.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29We need to put a reserve on these.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34- Uh-huh.- And I'm going to suggest the reserve is round about £100.- Right.
0:40:34 > 0:40:35- Fixed.- Fine, yeah.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38Now, you're selling these on behalf of your brother.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- Yes.- Will he agree to that figure?
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Yes, I have rung him actually.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45- He just wants to get rid of them does he?- Yeah, yes, yes, yeah.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48What's he going to do with £100?
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Give half to me, I hope.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Yes, you've been waiting some time haven't you?
0:40:53 > 0:40:55I'm just wondering if he had them as a christening present.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- When was he born?- 33.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00How interesting. So that adds a certain...
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- Yeah.- ..poignancy to that doesn't it?
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- That's right, yeah.- Yes. And do you think you still want to sell them?
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- We shall do our very best for them. - OK. Thank you very much.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16That's the last of our valuations. We've had a great turnout and some cracking items.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Hopefully, everyone is leaving with a smile on their face.
0:41:25 > 0:41:33This is Hartham Park, a charming Georgian mansion just 10 miles from Melksham.
0:41:33 > 0:41:38Hartham Park is something both intriguing and out of the ordinary.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43Lurking amongst this Georgian grandeur is a precious piece of Edwardian England.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47An enigmatic structure with a fascinating history.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Here it is, just look at that.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06It's perched perfectly on the rise so it dominates the whole estate.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09It was built in 1904.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13It was all the rage at the time but now it stands defiantly
0:42:13 > 0:42:18as the oldest remaining building of its kind in the world.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30It's constructed primarily of wood and its shape and size is dictated
0:42:30 > 0:42:33by the measurements of artillery targets.
0:42:33 > 0:42:40It was used for a popular recreational pursuit during the Edwardian period. Let's take a look.
0:42:54 > 0:43:00It's a sticke court. Sticke is a form of indoor tennis,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03not unlike the historic real tennis.
0:43:03 > 0:43:09It draws its influences from a number of different racquet sports played during the 19th century.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14It was popular both here and abroad right up until the First World War.
0:43:14 > 0:43:21Now, sadly, the court here at Hartham is only one of two remaining active sticke courts in the world.
0:43:29 > 0:43:35Alan Bosley is the honorary secretary of the club that still play regularly at the court.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38Alan, what a remarkable court.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40It's a wonderful building.
0:43:40 > 0:43:45- It's very austere, but I like that - it's quite evocative. - I think it's wonderfully Edwardian.
0:43:45 > 0:43:50It creates that impression that you've been playing the game for the last 100 years.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52It's the simplicity of the place.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55How did you get involved with the sport and this particular building?
0:43:55 > 0:43:59Well, this building sits at the back of a business park
0:43:59 > 0:44:03that I came to join leaving London 10 years ago.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08To discover this in the grounds of the house was quite extraordinary.
0:44:08 > 0:44:14At first you look through the windows and...just mesmerised by the inside.
0:44:14 > 0:44:19Eventually found that there were a very small number of players who kept this place going.
0:44:19 > 0:44:25- So it wasn't run down so much, it was still going.- It was still going but it was in a dreadful state.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28A lot of remedial work has been done on the building.
0:44:28 > 0:44:31The whole roof has been replaced.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34And over 100 years - it's a completely wooden structure -
0:44:34 > 0:44:37it's obviously going to decay but it's in a fantastic state now.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39Tell me a little bit about the game itself.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43It goes back to the beginnings of lawn tennis.
0:44:43 > 0:44:50Lawn tennis was originally known as sphairistike, that was the name it was patented under in 1874.
0:44:50 > 0:44:57- The end bit has stuck to this game. It's now known as sticke tennis. - Sticke tennis.- From sphairistike.
0:44:57 > 0:45:02Instead of playing on a court, as lawn tennis is, this was enclosed in a box.
0:45:02 > 0:45:08- It creates a fantastic game.- What about the military?- It started...
0:45:08 > 0:45:12the very first originators of the game were the military
0:45:12 > 0:45:16and it was played at Shoeburyness, a gunnery range in Essex.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19They built the courts out of artillery targets.
0:45:19 > 0:45:26- 999 artillery targets and played within that.- So that's the footprint for this size court, is it?
0:45:26 > 0:45:28It's pretty much the same.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31How many are left, do you know?
0:45:31 > 0:45:33We know exactly how many are left that are playable.
0:45:33 > 0:45:39- Right, how many's that?- Two in this country, one here at Hartham and the other at Knightshayes in Devon.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43There is one court that is still playable
0:45:43 > 0:45:48at the Rashtrapati Nivas which is in Shimla in the Himalayan foothills.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51Do you have to be a good tennis player...?
0:45:51 > 0:45:56No, in fact, it's often a disadvantage because it confuses people.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00You're playing off so many different planes that it's just a very, very different game.
0:46:00 > 0:46:08Although you've got the hand-eye co-ordination and can play with a racquet, it's a surprising game.
0:46:08 > 0:46:09- Why don't we show you?- OK.
0:46:14 > 0:46:21Hartham sticke court is a fabulous building, a window to a bygone age and a vivid memory of times past.
0:46:21 > 0:46:25It was conceived and built by one of the estate's more infamous
0:46:25 > 0:46:31and colourful owners, a gentleman that delights in the name Sir John Poynder Dickson-Poynder.
0:46:31 > 0:46:37He was just one of many influential people to build a court on their own estate
0:46:37 > 0:46:40as the game was readily adopted by the landed gentry.
0:46:40 > 0:46:48At the time, a charming description praises the game for providing a level of pleasant tiredness.
0:46:51 > 0:46:57- Describe the court the way it's marked out. - Well, there's a serving box
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- which you can see marked out in front of you there.- This big one?
0:47:01 > 0:47:04Yeah. And there's a corresponding serving box at the other end.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08Every serve has to be served from within that box and has to hit the penthouse roof.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12- By the penthouse, you mean that 45 degree lean-to?- That's the one.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16- So you've got to serve off of that? - Yes.- OK. That is quite tricky.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19Well, it makes it difficult because the game slows down.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22The instant that you start hitting that, it slows down.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- You've got to wait for the ball to roll and then drop.- Absolutely.
0:47:26 > 0:47:31Because you're dealing not just with going up and down - you're using the walls as well -
0:47:31 > 0:47:35the aim is to try and confuse your opponent. It's an evil game played well.
0:47:35 > 0:47:40- Rallies last so much longer.- Do they? - You can have a 30- or 40-shot rally.
0:47:40 > 0:47:46We haven't reached squash proportions yet but you can certainly have rallies that go 30 or 40 shots
0:47:46 > 0:47:51- because it's so much harder to get the ball out of play.- Yes.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55Let's have a look at the ball, it's very soft and spongy.
0:47:55 > 0:47:59It's a standard sized tennis ball but it is slightly softer than the normal ones.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02- That's not a high impact ball. - It's not a high impact ball.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04- You couldn't really whack that.- No.
0:48:04 > 0:48:05You're relying on a lot of spin.
0:48:05 > 0:48:11- Absolutely! We have had people playing with a power ball and the results were disastrous.- I bet!
0:48:11 > 0:48:18- Is membership strong? Is it picking up more interest?- As more people play the game and discover it,
0:48:18 > 0:48:21there are more people who want to play on a regular basis.
0:48:21 > 0:48:26One of the things we want to make sure is that this court is well used.
0:48:26 > 0:48:31Not just because of its rarity, but it's such a great fun game.
0:48:31 > 0:48:35Brilliant. Thank you so much for introducing me to sticke tennis.
0:48:35 > 0:48:39I'd never heard of it before. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be one of your new members!
0:48:39 > 0:48:43It's been a pleasure meeting you and showing you a very rare game.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Now it's time to head to the auction room.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00We know from earlier that the bidders of Devizes
0:49:00 > 0:49:03are keen to invest their money in precious metals.
0:49:03 > 0:49:08You know something, Nancy, I make that a grand total of £562.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10Wonderful!
0:49:10 > 0:49:14But will they feel the same about our next lot of offerings?
0:49:14 > 0:49:18This Wedgwood bowl lacks a lustre for Pat.
0:49:18 > 0:49:22- I think it's a little bit dull. - That's the complete opposite, I'd say this is like a jewel.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25So, will the bidders agree with David?
0:49:25 > 0:49:31It's just amazing to think that these bottles had that have spent a century at the bottom of a canal.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33I think that's a £200 bottle alone.
0:49:33 > 0:49:37Philip hedged his bets on Gill's Totopoly board game.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40If you come in at 100-1, you might get 50 quid.
0:49:40 > 0:49:45This collection of Georg Jensen silver spoons were given to Jean's brother for his Christening.
0:49:45 > 0:49:48Now they want to scoop up some cash and split the earnings.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51Philip is feeling the heat with Cathy's painting.
0:49:51 > 0:49:57- So, you and Mum will be there? - Yes, and I think she'll be with me. - No pressure, then. I hope it sells!
0:49:57 > 0:50:01Time to put him and everyone else out of their misery.
0:50:01 > 0:50:03I like this next lot.
0:50:03 > 0:50:07For all of you fine art lovers, this is for you. It's Alfred Ward.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09- Correct.- And it is an oil on board.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11That kind of rhymes, doesn't it?
0:50:11 > 0:50:12But it's quality, it really is.
0:50:12 > 0:50:17- It's Mum's, and she got this in a charity shop.- About 18 years ago.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19Why is she selling this?
0:50:19 > 0:50:23She wants to downsize trinkets, and some of the things she's got in the house.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26- It's not that big, you know! - I know, it's quite small.
0:50:26 > 0:50:33I think it's a lovely little picture and it'll suit any bedroom wall or hallway. It's the right size to sell.
0:50:33 > 0:50:35It's got something going for it.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37I think it's great technique.
0:50:37 > 0:50:42- I wish it had more in terms of composition - it would have made a lot of money.- Foreground interest?
0:50:42 > 0:50:45It still might do very well, because it's technically very good.
0:50:45 > 0:50:48We're looking at £200 to £400?
0:50:48 > 0:50:55- Yes.- It should do that. It should do that, for an original piece. - It would be good if it did.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57Fingers crossed, it's going under the hammer right now.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01509, Alfred Ward, the British School.
0:51:01 > 0:51:06Early 20th century, oil on board, a wood with flowering shrubs. A lovely, decorative painting.
0:51:06 > 0:51:12I'd hope for somewhere in the region of £300 for this lot. 2?
0:51:12 > 0:51:14150? 100?
0:51:14 > 0:51:20110, 120, 130. 140, 140?
0:51:20 > 0:51:26We're not quite close enough to the reserve on this one. £150 anywhere?
0:51:26 > 0:51:29- Yes? Thank you, very much. £150. - Sold it.- Skin of our teeth, mind.
0:51:29 > 0:51:31160 anywhere else?
0:51:31 > 0:51:35£150, yes? No?
0:51:35 > 0:51:36Gosh, just!
0:51:36 > 0:51:38Skin of the teeth, wasn't it?
0:51:38 > 0:51:43- Well, at least it sold, that's the good thing.- Thank goodness.
0:51:53 > 0:51:55We're going to stir things up right now, Jean.
0:51:55 > 0:51:57We've got your silver spoons all boxed up.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00- I'm hopeful.- They were your brother's christening present.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02Yes. My brother lives with us, yeah.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04- He wants me to...- Flog 'em.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06- Flog 'em. - Because he needs the money.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09- Yeah.- Well, hopefully we'll get the top end of David's estimate plus
0:52:09 > 0:52:12a little bit more. Because silver is the thing to invest in right now.
0:52:12 > 0:52:17- It's making good money.- Particularly leading 20th century artists
0:52:17 > 0:52:22and designers. Georg Jensen. If somebody asks you the major designer
0:52:22 > 0:52:24of silver during the 1930s, 40s,
0:52:24 > 0:52:28you'd immediately think of Georg Jensen.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30- Yes.- Such a definitive style.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32Coffee spoons, a case set.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36I think these are absolutely beautiful, the design is lovely.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38One will start me then. One I do.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41- One I've got. 110.- Good.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43120, 130, 140...
0:52:43 > 0:52:46It's the name, it's the name, isn't it?
0:52:46 > 0:52:48170, 180,
0:52:48 > 0:52:52190, 200.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55I'll take 195, it's 190 with me.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58At 190. At 190. Is there 195?
0:52:58 > 0:53:01At £190,
0:53:01 > 0:53:03all done?
0:53:03 > 0:53:05- Yes.- Lovely.
0:53:05 > 0:53:07Quality always stands.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09- Yes.- Oh, that was good.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11Yes. Very pleased.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14- You must be ever so happy with that. - Yes. I think he will be.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17I bet he will be. Is he getting all the money...
0:53:17 > 0:53:19- Oh, no.- Or will you get a little bit for doing the work?
0:53:19 > 0:53:22- I'll get a bit of it. I think we'll split it in half.- Will you?- Yes.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25- That's very generous of him. - He lives with us anyway so...- OK.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35Gill - your Totopoly game.
0:53:35 > 0:53:39- Philip, you put £20 to £40 on it. - It'll race away. - What do you do for a living?
0:53:39 > 0:53:41I'm a tax inspector.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44- Oh!- Sorry!
0:53:44 > 0:53:46Someone's got to be.
0:53:46 > 0:53:51All our work is done by cheque, we get paid by invoice...
0:53:51 > 0:53:56168 - very interesting game of Totopoly.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00The horse racing version of Monopoly. A really nice item...
0:54:00 > 0:54:02Give me £30 for it.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04£30 anywhere? Start me at a tenner.
0:54:04 > 0:54:08It's not where we start it's where we finish. £10 anywhere?
0:54:08 > 0:54:11- Thank you very much, 15. - Yes.- 20, 25?
0:54:11 > 0:54:18£20 to my right. Fair warning, the lot is being sold for £20...
0:54:18 > 0:54:21You were right, Philip, weren't you?
0:54:21 > 0:54:24No capital gains liability on that!
0:54:29 > 0:54:32Top name, Wedgwood. Bit of Lustre.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35It's a great name, Pat!
0:54:35 > 0:54:37I think we'll sell this. This came from a pub, didn't it?
0:54:37 > 0:54:40- My mum's pub, yeah. - Why are you flogging it?
0:54:40 > 0:54:42I've never really liked it.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45It wasn't in the cupboard, it was out, but...
0:54:45 > 0:54:47On display but fallen out of favour.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50David said if it had had fairies in it, it would have been...
0:54:50 > 0:54:54- Fairies or goblins. - Then we're talking big bucks. - But not dragons!
0:54:54 > 0:54:58But you never know, the Welsh might buy it.
0:54:58 > 0:55:03I think the whole thing smacks of quality.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06I hope there are people in this room that appreciate it.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09We're going to find out right now. Good luck, Pat.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12On to the Dragon Lustre bowl.
0:55:12 > 0:55:16I'd have liked you to give me fairy lustre, but I'll make do with dragon at a push.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19150? 100, to start me?
0:55:19 > 0:55:24100, 110, 120, 130...
0:55:24 > 0:55:25140, with me.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27150?
0:55:27 > 0:55:31At 140, 140 with me. Is there 150?
0:55:31 > 0:55:37I shan't dwell on it? At 140, at £140... 150, she's back.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40160, 170?
0:55:40 > 0:55:44At 160? At £160, am I all done?
0:55:44 > 0:55:47- At £160.- I'm very pleased with that.
0:55:47 > 0:55:51- So am I.- You were a bit pessimistic.
0:55:51 > 0:55:53Good news, isn't it?
0:55:53 > 0:55:56- It is, it's very good. - What are you going to do with that?
0:55:56 > 0:56:01That's hopefully going to pay for... My husband and I are off to Australia next week,
0:56:01 > 0:56:05for six weeks, so it'll pay for us to walk the Sydney Bridge.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09- How lovely!- The trip of a lifetime.
0:56:09 > 0:56:12- Do you go there often? - No, first time.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14- Enjoy it, won't you?- Hope to.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25Now, for my favourite lot of the whole sale.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28I fell in love with these, Joe's 18th century wine bottles.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31We've got three of them, two onion glass, one mallet shape.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34Beautiful, beautiful.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36Thank goodness Alan has decided to keep them in a group.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38We're selling them as a group.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41We've got £300 to £400 on them, with a fixed reserve at £300.
0:56:41 > 0:56:44We've had lots of interest.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47223, very rare bottles.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50Start me somewhere around about...
0:56:50 > 0:56:52Let's have 600 quid.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56600? Five? Four?
0:56:56 > 0:56:58Four, I'm in.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00That's good, 400.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03450. Five, with me. 50?
0:57:03 > 0:57:06Six? 50. Seven?
0:57:06 > 0:57:0850. Eight?
0:57:10 > 0:57:14Eight, off the book. In the room now at eight. 850?
0:57:14 > 0:57:16Nine. 50?
0:57:16 > 0:57:19- 1,000, 11.- I'm tingling. Are you?
0:57:19 > 0:57:22- Mmm.- 12, 13, 14.
0:57:22 > 0:57:2515, 15 on the telephone?
0:57:25 > 0:57:3016? 16, 17?
0:57:30 > 0:57:331,700, 18?
0:57:33 > 0:57:36At 1,700 on the phone.
0:57:36 > 0:57:38Ladies and gentlemen, in the room?
0:57:38 > 0:57:42Anywhere else at 1,800? Am I going?
0:57:42 > 0:57:44Gosh!
0:57:44 > 0:57:47Fantastic! I'm ever so pleased for you.
0:57:47 > 0:57:51£1,700. Obviously, there's commission to pay.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56My husband would have been delighted.
0:57:56 > 0:57:59He had a great eye. What are you going to put the money towards?
0:57:59 > 0:58:04It's going to Portland Bird Observatory, where he was the secretary for 20 years.
0:58:10 > 0:58:12That's it, it's all over for our owners.
0:58:12 > 0:58:14We've had a great day here in Devizes.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17We sold everything, so all credit to our experts.
0:58:17 > 0:58:20If you've got any antiques and collectibles you want to flog, we want to see you.
0:58:20 > 0:58:24You can find details in your local press, because we'll be coming to your town very soon.
0:58:24 > 0:58:28Until next time, from Devizes, cheerio.
0:58:48 > 0:58:52Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd