0:00:06 > 0:00:10Ice creams, miles of sandy beach and, of course, a pier!
0:00:10 > 0:00:14The perfect recipe for traditional British antiques spotting.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Welcome to Flog It! from Clacton-on-Sea.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43'Clacton's pier was constructed in 1871
0:00:43 > 0:00:47'and it now reaches over 1,000 feet into the sea.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49'It's survived a fire and storms
0:00:49 > 0:00:55'and helped this Essex seaside resort become the attraction it is today.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57'And like most seaside resorts,
0:00:57 > 0:01:02'Clacton has a history of glitz, glamour and showbiz.'
0:01:02 > 0:01:06We've set up in the heart town, at the Princes Theatre.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08It looks like word has got out
0:01:08 > 0:01:11that Flog It! is in town - look at this massive queue!
0:01:11 > 0:01:14I can't wait to see what's in all these bags and boxes.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19- APPLAUSE - And later on in the show, we're dipping into the world of variety
0:01:19 > 0:01:21here at Clacton's oldest theatre.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26This stage has provided a springboard for many well-known British entertainers.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29First, helping me sort through all the bags and boxes
0:01:29 > 0:01:33are today's experts, Elizabeth Talbot and Will Axon,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35looking for today's star attractions.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Will has found an item to put a smile on his face.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Heather, thanks for coming along.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- I love this! The wacky world of Victorian majolica.- Yes.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49You knew what it was. How have you come by it?
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- Is it something you collect or have bought?- It was my grandmother's.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57And then my mother had it, and then me.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01So it's come through the family. No-one to pass it on to?
0:02:01 > 0:02:05I've got two sons and a daughter and they're not really interested.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07We hear that a lot in this business.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11It gets to a certain point and then no-one's interested in it.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Do you know what it is, what it should be used for?
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- Only recently. It's a spoon warmer. - You're right.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22That's exactly what it is.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27Fill it with hot water, put the spoons in, warms the spoons.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31I knew it was majolica as soon as I saw it across the room.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34You've got these wonderful bold colours.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37This nice turquoise, the green, the blue -
0:02:37 > 0:02:39real deep, rich colours.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Typical of the majolica palette.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45They tend to be by a chap called George Jones.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48He was one of three big majolica producers.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51You had Minton's, Wedgwood and George Jones.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- Minton and Wedgwood, I'm sure you've heard of.- Yes.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56George Jones, interesting this,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59probably why you haven't heard of him -
0:02:59 > 0:03:01all he did was make majolica.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06So when the fashion for this waned at the end of the 19th century,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09we turned into the 20th century, he had nothing to fall back on.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14As soon as people stopped buying it, he went out of business.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18I've had a close look over it and, generally, it's in good condition.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22But there is a hairline crack. It's not the end of the world.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26It kind of gets disguised in with the crazing you get on the glaze.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29It goes through to the other side,
0:03:29 > 0:03:34so that would be classed as a crack rather than a hairline glaze flaw.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- That's going to have to be taken into consideration when we come to value.- Yeah.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Have you come with a figure in your mind today?
0:03:42 > 0:03:46It's only because I took it to the Antiques Roadshow
0:03:46 > 0:03:50and they said about £200, but that was over ten years ago.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53You've stolen my thunder now!
0:03:53 > 0:03:57That's exactly where I was going to come in, at 200 to 300.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02I sold a few bits in the last antiques sale, which we estimated cautiously
0:04:02 > 0:04:04and they made a lot of money.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08You had Americans bidding, as well as English collectors and dealers.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11I'm going to be cautious and stick to my guns.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15While it hasn't appreciated much from your last valuation,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- I'm going to say 200 to 300. Would you be happy with that?- Yes.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- Georgina, I love this tea service. - Oh, thank you.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- I feel like we should pour ourselves a refreshing cup of tea.- Oh, yeah.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39What can you tell me about this set?
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- It's obviously a silver tea set. - Yes. It belonged to my husband.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- It belonged to his father.- Right.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- I don't know where he...- So it might have been family via him, then?
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- Through the family.- That's right. - They're Victorian pieces.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- They will pre-date your husband's father by some way.- Yes.
0:05:01 > 0:05:07Interestingly, the teapot and milk jug are London 1844,
0:05:07 > 0:05:12but the sugar bowl is dated London 1850.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16If you look closely and compare them, there are subtle differences.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20Well, I've always thought it was over-sized.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23I'm not too fretful about the over-sizing.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27The Victorians did like their sugar and it often came in large bowls.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30It's more a question of the design.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34Whereas these two are floral between the vacant cartouches,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37this one has more of a crest in the middle.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42I can see what you mean, but I never noticed it
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- until your expert eye pointed it out.- There you go! Live and learn!
0:05:46 > 0:05:50Interestingly, this melon-fluted shape with a baluster outline
0:05:50 > 0:05:54reflects the William IV period, which just preceded Victoria.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57There's a transition into the Victorian era.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59The Victorians threw everything else at it.
0:05:59 > 0:06:05They threw the floral design and all the lavishness of it.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08The Victorians loved more, rather than less.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13All in all... Well, you tell me. What do you think it might fetch?
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- 375.- Oh, my goodness! We'd better make a note of that to see how...!
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- GEORGINA LAUGHS - I like decisive suggestions!
0:06:22 > 0:06:26I think, given the weight alone, it should make £300.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30I would hope it should make somewhere between £300 and £450.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- You're quite in the middle there. - Yeah.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Between us, we should have success.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- We put on a £300 reserve?- Yes. - You comfy with that?- Yes.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43It's a lovely set. Thank you for bringing it in.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Do attend the auction. You can buy it!
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- I SHALL be at the auction, but I cannot buy it!- No. I know!
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- But someone will, I'm sure. Thank you for bringing it in.- Thank you.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- Corina, Sue, welcome to Flog It! - Hello.- Hello.- You're sisters?
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- No!- Tell me I'm right! Mother and daughter?- Yes.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06You're looking great on it, both of you.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10You've brought in... We're hidden behind these
0:07:10 > 0:07:13because neither of us are gifted in the height department.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15..a pair of corner chairs.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- Yes.- Sue, are these pieces that you've inherited through the family?
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- No. A friend gave them to me. - Very nice friend. Yes.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27You've had them on display in the house? Do you use them?
0:07:27 > 0:07:31They were in my conservatory, but they didn't look quite right.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- So...- Don't tell me they're in the loft.- In the loft.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39The number of times we hear that on this show. "They're in the loft!"
0:07:39 > 0:07:43At least you've held on to them and haven't chucked them in the skip.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- Corina, you're not tempted?- No. - They don't do anything for you?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- I'm afraid not. They've got to go. - They've got to go.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- So we've got to flog 'em.- Yes. - Well, I like them.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Because, they're "a pair of".
0:07:56 > 0:08:00Anything that comes in pairs tends to be well-received
0:08:00 > 0:08:02in the auctions.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06And another thing, this shape of them, this corner chair,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09it really harks back to the earliest chairs they used to make
0:08:09 > 0:08:12in the late 17th century, mid 17th century.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15They used to call them "throne chairs".
0:08:15 > 0:08:18"Throne" being another word for "turned".
0:08:18 > 0:08:22These spindles and the top rail, all this is done by turning.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27So they hark back to the late 17th century. They're not that old.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30They're going to be late Victorian.
0:08:30 > 0:08:351890s. Maybe into the 1900s perhaps. Late Victorian, early Edwardian.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38They look, to me, as if they're made in beech wood,
0:08:38 > 0:08:43which is a reasonable wood. It's not Premier league!
0:08:43 > 0:08:47It's not Jewson's league either. It's second division, shall we say?
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- Value wise, they're not going to be hugely valuable.- OK.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53I would say, let's put these in at an auction
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- with an estimate of 100 to 150. - That's all right.- Yes.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00£100 in your pocket. Hopefully, a bit more.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04What about reserve? Are you going to want them back if they don't sell?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06What do you think?
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- What do you...?- What do you think? What do I think?
0:09:09 > 0:09:14I'm always a bit cheeky on reserves. I like to go in without reserve.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17But they're not mine. Let's protect them at £180.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- What about 100?- He's valued them at 100.- Do you think 100?
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- With discretion?- Yes. - So, 90. Meet me halfway.- Yes. OK.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30- What do you reckon, Corina?- Yeah. Fine.- £100 discretionary reserve.
0:09:30 > 0:09:36At £90, they'll go. And if they don't reach that, they'll be in the boot of your car back to Clacton.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Claudia, Mary, it's good to see you. That's Grandma, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- Is this yours, Claudia? - It's my nan's and my granddad's.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- This dog needs a new home, then. - Yeah.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00It does. It's been in the family for a while now.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02But my nan and granddad have just moved.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04They're going to sell a few things
0:10:04 > 0:10:07and split the money with the grandchildren.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- You get to benefit?- Yeah.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14- It was yours, Mary? You had a paint shop?- Yes. Wallpaper and decorating.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- What a lovely little business. Was that based in Clacton? - In Old Road, Clacton.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Is it still in the family? Are you going to take over, Claudia?- No.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- The business isn't there any more. - What happened to the business?
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- You sold it?- Yes. - And now it's a block of flats.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- It's a block of flats?- Yes.- Aw!
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- Nevertheless, you managed to hang on to this.- Yes.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- You know it's made by Beswick.- Yes.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43There's a registration mark underneath, just there.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46These were first issued in 1964.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49They stopped issuing them in 1970.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53So it was a short spell of time that Beswick were making them.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57A few times, we've had these and they've been full of cement.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02The shop owners have filled this hole with sand and cement.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06It's left to set so it weighs an absolute ton.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10And they've used this little dog as a door stop for the shop.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- We've also seen little holes cut in here.- We saw that one.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19Where the little paint tin's been used as a money box.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24This is in perfect, perfect condition. All credit to you, Mary.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- Thank you. - For looking after this little dog.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33There are a lot of fakes on the market now.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Because these peaked at around £300
0:11:36 > 0:11:40four or five years ago, a lot of fakes have been reproduced.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Which has now devalued the good ones.- Oh!
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Even though this one is in perfect condition, I'd say mint condition,
0:11:47 > 0:11:53we might struggle to get that £300 today, purely because of the fakes.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56So, if you're willing to sell this,
0:11:56 > 0:12:01we could put it into auction with a value of £180 to £280.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- Wow.- And hope for that top end. That sounds good, doesn't it?
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- Very good.- Sounds good. - Happy?- Very.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11What would you spend your half of the money on?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Well, a fifth!- A fifth? - MARY LAUGHS
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Oh, crikey! We need £500 for this dog!
0:12:31 > 0:12:34A camel in Clacton is a comparatively rare sight, Paul.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Tell me your story behind it. - Well, a long story, really.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43I started off getting involved in antiques about 20 years ago.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45A friend introduced me to the subject.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49I've been going to boot sales, antique fairs,
0:12:49 > 0:12:53auctions on and off for the last 20 years.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57This one, I picked up about two years ago at auction in Brentwood.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01I was taken by the size of it and the fact that it's a bit quirky.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06I'm quite a quirky person and I was taken to it instantly.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09It's by the Royal Dux factory,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13which was founded in Dux in Czechoslovakia in 1860.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17They do favour Arabian and desert type subjects.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20In their heyday, during the late 19th century,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22they were very, very influenced, and influential,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25within the Art Nouveau period.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29They did some very romantic stylised figural groups,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32particularly shepherds and shepherdesses in artful poses.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37They were large because they were intended to be statuettes,
0:13:37 > 0:13:42the equivalent, almost, of painted marble statues, the bigger figures.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46You do find smaller ones, more elegant ones,
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Royal Worcester or Doulton size figures, but most are quite large size.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52In the 19th and early 20th century
0:13:52 > 0:13:56a lot of their figures were brighter, more colourful.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58They used a lot of browns and greens.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02This one is later. It comes further into the 20th century.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04It retains all the elements
0:14:04 > 0:14:07of the large figures that they were making several decades earlier.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- It looks to be in good condition. - I've not seen any damage.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15I've had a really good look over it. It looks to be in perfect condition.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- So you bought it at auction. What did you pay for it?- I paid £200.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Well, you get a lot for your money at £200.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26It probably will be a little steep
0:14:26 > 0:14:29for where the market would support it at the moment.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33A more realistic estimate is £120 to £160, I'd have said.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36I expected it to have gone down.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Obviously, if you get two bidders buying, it may reach the 200.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45You're obviously a realist and know the marketplace well enough to understand that.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48A lot of people, that's where they fall short.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- Making a profit is nice, but it's not always possible.- Well, who knows?
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Good condition, quality piece, well-known factory. All the elements of a good day.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- Let's go and flog it. - Fingers crossed.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05'The port of Harwich on the Essex coast is a bustling trade centre
0:15:05 > 0:15:09'with passenger ships and container vessels coming and going.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15'But 200 years ago, this was a vital part of England's defences against invasion.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18'Proof of that importance is a little-known gem,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22'hidden close to the town's harbour entrance.'
0:15:22 > 0:15:24FANFARE
0:15:37 > 0:15:39This is it - Harwich Redoubt Fort,
0:15:39 > 0:15:43built to defend Britain from Napoleon's invading army.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47You can see it's such a solid fortress!
0:15:52 > 0:15:55'When work started on the fort in 1808,
0:15:55 > 0:15:59'there was a perceived threat that Napoleon might invade at any time.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05'So Harwich Redoubt was one of four redoubt forts
0:16:05 > 0:16:08'built along the east coast of England.'
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Each was manned with 250 soldiers.
0:16:11 > 0:16:17The idea was, traditionally, it was built to be undefeatable, to withstand any attack.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21The fort was made circular, so it had a 360-degree defence
0:16:21 > 0:16:26against any attack from land and sea, as well as squatting low,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29to make it a very difficult target.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32There's a wonderful feeling of security down here.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34All the bricks were made locally.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Thank goodness they didn't have far to travel cos there's millions!
0:16:38 > 0:16:42The thickness of the walls is so deep - look at that!
0:16:42 > 0:16:47Considering this was built so rapidly, the attention to detail is second to none.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52Look at these wonderful brick lintels over all of the windows.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55That's aptly called the "soldier course".
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Then the fort had this - a six-metre wide dry moat to protect it
0:16:59 > 0:17:02from invading armies on foot.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Imagine, once you're down here, it would be virtually impossible
0:17:05 > 0:17:08to scale these massive high walls.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12The only way in would be by working drawbridge.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17All of these design features made the fort a formidable defence.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26But all that preparation was for nothing.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29By the time the fort was finished in 1810,
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Napoleon's attention had turned elsewhere
0:17:31 > 0:17:34and the feared invasion never happened.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37However, despite the lack of frontline action,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41the fort was manned by an army of 200 to 300 soldiers
0:17:41 > 0:17:43that were billeted here
0:17:43 > 0:17:45and ate and slept here.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49A century later, in the First World War, the fort was used as a lookout.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51When peace came in 1918,
0:17:51 > 0:17:56Harwich Redoubt had still seen no frontline action.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02In all that time, in over a century of military service,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05not a single shot was fired in anger from these walls.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10In the 1920s, the fort was abandoned and left to fall into disrepair.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15Houses were built nearby and land was given over to allotments.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19The fortified embankments became lost in the landscape,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22but one man who remembers this fort as a little boy
0:18:22 > 0:18:28is Bernie Sadler, from the Harwich Society which rescued the fort.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- Good to meet you, Bernie, on a rather breezy day.- Very breezy.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- When was the first time you discovered the fort? - As a small boy, just after the war.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39I used to play round here.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43This was part of our adventure playground.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- It must have been exciting. - It was, but fairly inaccessible.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51It was in such a state, particularly dumping.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Most of the staircases, there was no access,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57but it was an exciting place as a young lad.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- Did it feel like a special place? - Even in those days. Yes.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03One knew there was something special about it.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Not only because of the size, but because of the construction.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10What could have happened here if it hadn't been restored?
0:19:10 > 0:19:13We'd already seen the lower parts,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16we'd already seen those developed during the 1930s.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20The concern was that the allotments would be taken for housing as well,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23and this would be demolished.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28But it was "discovered" by the Society in the late '60s.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31It was very quickly listed.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34It wasn't even a listed building until 1969.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Then the Harwich Society started its renovation work.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49'From 1969 until the present day, the people of the Harwich Society
0:19:49 > 0:19:52'have worked tirelessly to save the fort.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56'The volunteers cleared the rubble and in doing so,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59'they unearthed an original cannon.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02'They have shored up the structure of the fort
0:20:02 > 0:20:06'and have turned the lower rooms into a museum.'
0:20:06 > 0:20:09What does the future hold now?
0:20:09 > 0:20:13Well, we're glad that we've got the structure stabilised now.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Even that's a continuing process.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19We have chaps working up here every Sunday throughout the year.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21All done on a voluntary basis.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24There's also a lot of space up here
0:20:24 > 0:20:27so we do need to fill the various rooms,
0:20:27 > 0:20:29particularly downstairs,
0:20:29 > 0:20:31with various artefacts.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- I expect the local community are really proud of this.- Oh, yes.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41Of all the ancient monuments in the town, this is certainly the largest and one of the most attractive.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46Your people, when they came up here this morning, it almost took their breath away.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51'It is amazing what can be done when a group of volunteers work together.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55'Thanks to the Harwich Society, the fort continues to stand
0:20:55 > 0:20:59'as an important monument to England's military history.'
0:21:05 > 0:21:09Everybody's working so hard. Our valuations are well under way.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12We've found our first items to take off to auction.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15While we make our way over there,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18we'll leave you with a recap of the items going under the hammer.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21'Paul's Royal Dux camel has outgrown his flat.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25'After two years together, he's ready to let go of the reins.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29'Sue and daughter Corina might have banished these chairs to the loft,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32'but Will's interest has upped their expectations.'
0:21:32 > 0:21:38- Do you think 100?- With discretion? - Yes.- 90, meet me halfway.- Yes, OK.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42'With the price fixed, the corner chairs are heading to auction.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46'I love the Beswick sheepdog brought in by Mary and Claudia.
0:21:46 > 0:21:52'I gave it a broad estimate of 180 to 280. This should get it away.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53'Joining the Beswick dog
0:21:53 > 0:21:57'is Heather's inherited majolica spoon warmer,
0:21:57 > 0:22:01'which is one of the most unusual items of the day.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04'And finally, Georgina's Victorian silver tea set.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08'It may be a mix 'n' match, but Elizabeth loved the detailing
0:22:08 > 0:22:10'and is confident the bidders will, too.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19We've travelled inland to Reeman & Dansie auction rooms
0:22:19 > 0:22:21on the outskirts of Colchester,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23the old Roman capital of Britain.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28The car park's full, which means there's going to be a lot of bidders inside.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32And it looks like somebody's got an eye for quality.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36'In charge of this arena is our auctioneer, James Grinter,
0:22:36 > 0:22:38'who's almost ready to sell our first lot.'
0:22:42 > 0:22:46At the centre of the action is this gorgeous table centrepiece.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48It's the Royal Dux, the figures with camel.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52It belongs to Paul. I know you're a bit of a buyer and a seller.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55I like to make a bit of money, if I can.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59Hopefully, we'll get your money back today. Elizabeth put 120 to 160 on it.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- How much did you pay for it?- £200. - Not long ago.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Two years ago. I bought it on a whim. I really liked it.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08It's pretty big. It's impressive.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12That's what you want for a centrepiece, something that's "Wow!"
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Hopefully, the quality will get it away.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17At the top end? We're going to find out.
0:23:17 > 0:23:23The impressive Royal Dux porcelain camel table centre with Arab rider.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- £100 start me. £100 I have. - Yes. Come on!
0:23:27 > 0:23:32110? £100 is bid. Your bid, madam. £100.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Any advance? 110 down here. 120.
0:23:35 > 0:23:41130. At £130 down here now at £130. Are you all done?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- 130 it is. - Mid estimate.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- Fair enough.- Sorry about that.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- That's fine.- Are you going to reinvest the money into antiques?
0:23:51 > 0:23:55I collect Poole Pottery so I'm hoping to buy one or two pieces.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- Fingers crossed.- Early Poole?- 1920s. - Ah, good period.- Nice designs, yeah.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- You'll pick up something for £120. - Yeah.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Sue and Corina, it's great to see you again.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- You both look absolutely stunning. - Thank you.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Your corner chairs are about to go under the hammer.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18£100 to £150 riding on this.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Will, plenty of dealers here and there's lots of good kit.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- Hopefully, they will get snapped up. - They're nice. They're small.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28They're easily accommodated. We love a pair.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32I'm sure there's going to be someone here who'll fall in love with these.
0:24:32 > 0:24:38Number 557 is the pair of Edwardian corner chairs. £80 for these?
0:24:38 > 0:24:4180? 60? 60's bid. At 60.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43- Come on. - Where's 65?
0:24:43 > 0:24:48At £60 is bid only. £60. Is there 65 anywhere? No?
0:24:48 > 0:24:51At £60 only. Are you all done?
0:24:51 > 0:24:54No. Hammer's gone down. He didn't sell them.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- Oh, no! - They'll have to go back in the loft.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01- No, they're not going back in the loft!- No, they won't.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05- What a shame. There is another auction room on another day.- OK.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- I'm just sorry it wasn't your day today.- That's all right.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16It's my turn to be the expert. The Dulux sheepdog made by Beswick going under the hammer.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20It belongs to Mary. Unfortunately, we don't have Claudia with us today.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25- Let's say hello to her, anyway. - Yes. Thank you.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- I put 180 to 280 on this. Let's hope we can break that top end.- Yes.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32It's going under the hammer now.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37Number 100 is the Beswick Dulux dog, the advertising figure there.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40I start the bidding with me at £260.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- Lovely. - With me now at 260. At 260 with me.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44270. 280.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46290. 300.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49At £300 with me now. At 300.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52At 320. 340. 340. With me.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57On the book at £340. All done, now, at 340? All done?
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- Yes!- Very good.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05- Well done.- That's going to be split between five grandchildren?
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- What are their names? Is Claudia the oldest?- No.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- Jonathan.- OK.- Chloe, Ellie.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Oh, I've forgotten Claudia in the middle! And Evie.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Evie's 11 months. All lovely names. Wish them all well, won't you?
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Have fun. Get them together and spend the money.- Yes.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30It's that time of day when you're thinking about a cup of tea.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Don't rush to put the kettle on.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36We are selling Georgina's silver tea set. Why are we selling this?
0:26:36 > 0:26:38There's a lot of silver. It's worth a lot of money.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43- I've had my pleasure out of it and I need a new bathroom.- OK.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47- How much money have you got saved up?- Towards the bathroom? 4,000.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- 4,000?- Yes.- This is going to be a posh bathroom!
0:26:51 > 0:26:55The shower is over £700. It's a steam shower.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- It's got a radio in.- Ooh!
0:26:58 > 0:27:02It's a two-bedroom bungalow but, boy, is that going to be a good shower?
0:27:02 > 0:27:08Number 186 is the Victorian silver teapot and two items with it.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12I have three commissions with me and I start the bidding at...
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- £360 with me. 360. - Fantastic.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17At £360 with me. 380.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20400. 420.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22440. 460.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25480. 500. £500 over here now.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28500. 520. 540.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30560. 580.
0:27:30 > 0:27:36At £580. On my left at £580. Are you all done?
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- Excellent. Well done.- Fantastic!
0:27:40 > 0:27:44That's gone a long way towards that walk-in shower.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- Two-thirds.- Instead of the radio, you could get a TV put in there.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- Stop being silly, Paul. - You could watch Paul!
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Going under the hammer, we've got some majolica,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06one of the top names to be reckoned with, and it belongs to Heather.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10It's that wonderful egg-shaped spoon warmer. I absolutely love it.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14It's so typical of the period. Lovely bright colours.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- We're looking at 200 to 300, Will. - That's right.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21You either love it or hate it, majolica - wacky shapes, bright colours.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25I'm hoping someone here loves it as much as I do.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Why have you decided to sell this now, Heather?
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Because I'm getting older and I don't know who to leave it to.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Ooh! You're not! I think it's a bit of fun, actually.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40Number 81 is the Victorian majolica spoon warmer in the form of an egg.
0:28:40 > 0:28:45Quite a lot of interest in this lot. I start the bidding with me...
0:28:45 > 0:28:49- at £300. 320. 340. - Straight in at the top end.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54At 340 with me now. At 340. With me at £340.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57360 on the internet. 380.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- At 380 on the internet. 400 on the internet.- 420...
0:29:01 > 0:29:04The internet comes into its own - overseas buyers.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- At 460.- 480.- 480.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- Five.- 500. At £500 on the internet.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- 520 with me on the book. - They love this.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16540. 560. 560 back with me on the book.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- 580.- 580. 600...
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Must be quite a rare piece.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25..620. 640. At 640 with me on the book.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29660. I'm out. At £660 on the internet.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32At 660, are you...
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- Yes! One more.- Internet bidders bidding against each other.
0:29:35 > 0:29:41..£700 on the internet now. At £700. At £700. I'm going to sell it.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- Are you all done? That's £700. - £700!
0:29:45 > 0:29:49The hammer's gone down. And we were worried about that hairline crack!
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- Heather! £700! - Yes. That's wonderful.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57- Unbelievable! Bet you never dreamed of that sort of money.- No. I didn't.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Great result. Brilliant. I'm really pleased for you.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- I'd have been happy to get 200. - I thought you'd get the top end.
0:30:04 > 0:30:10The Americans had stopped buying this a couple of years ago, but maybe they're starting to buy back.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14It seems to be the trend. Majolica is making good money again.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17You saw it here first! If you've got anything like that, bring it along.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21We'd love to see you. All I can say is enjoy the spending!
0:30:21 > 0:30:25There is commission to pay. What will you put the money towards?
0:30:25 > 0:30:29I was going to put it to bills, but I might treat myself to something.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33Pay a few bills and treat yourself. Thank you so much for coming in.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37'What a great result! And coming up...
0:30:37 > 0:30:42'Jacqueline was not impressed to find out her plastic box is ivory.'
0:30:42 > 0:30:45I honestly thought it was plastic.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48When I bought it, all I was looking for was a jewellery box.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50'Until she gets to the auction.'
0:30:50 > 0:30:54I don't believe this. I honestly don't believe this!
0:30:54 > 0:30:59'Before all of that, it's showtime at the oldest venue in town.'
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Welcome to the West Cliff Theatre,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11home for over 80 years to the variety show.
0:31:11 > 0:31:18The curtain is about to rise so I'm going to get myself ready for a very special performance.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20'By day, Bill Graham was a civil servant.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23'By night, he was a talented performer.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26'In 1894, he gathered some friends together
0:31:26 > 0:31:30'and they started giving open-air concerts on a piece of wasteland.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34'The first permanent theatre, the West Cliff Gardens Theatre,
0:31:34 > 0:31:38'was established on this site in 1898.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43'Open to the elements initially, it developed in stages as a marquee,
0:31:43 > 0:31:48'a timber building and finally to its current design in 1928.'
0:31:57 > 0:32:00FLOURISH OF VIOLINS
0:32:02 > 0:32:05And now, ladies and gentlemen,
0:32:05 > 0:32:07at enormous expense,
0:32:07 > 0:32:11stars of stage, screen and the local JobCentre,
0:32:11 > 0:32:16for one night only, Bob and Reg - the Young Brothers!
0:32:16 > 0:32:18PIANO INTRODUCTION
0:32:21 > 0:32:26# Oh, I'd give the world to start all over
0:32:26 > 0:32:30# Back in the old routine APPLAUSE
0:32:30 > 0:32:34# To live my life in fields of clover
0:32:34 > 0:32:37# Back in the old routine... #
0:32:37 > 0:32:40'Bob and Reg Young have come from a long tradition of acts
0:32:40 > 0:32:45'that have developed the variety show from its beginnings on the Victorian stage.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48'It's a collection of musical and comedy performances
0:32:48 > 0:32:51'knitted together by a compere or host.'
0:32:51 > 0:32:54# ..all calling "encore" We'll walk in a wonderful glow
0:32:54 > 0:32:59# Oh, gee, the joy to be there pluggin'
0:32:59 > 0:33:02# Back in the old routine
0:33:02 > 0:33:04# You're up, you're down
0:33:04 > 0:33:06# You're in there sluggin'
0:33:06 > 0:33:10# Back in the old routine Oh...! #
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Tell me a bit about your career.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19- Well, we've been performing 59 years this year, Robert.- Yeah.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22We're getting on a bit now. We started in 1950.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25We started in the young people's club.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30We thought we'd go in the drama group but it didn't turn out that way, did it, Bob?
0:33:30 > 0:33:33It certainly didn't, because two chaps arrived,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36who were obviously ex variety performers,
0:33:36 > 0:33:40and instead of a drama group, we found ourselves in a concert party.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45He picked out his "talent" from our members at the club
0:33:45 > 0:33:50and there was no talent at all, which was rather difficult for him.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53He had a couple of singers and he said, "That's a start.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57"We could do some chorus work." Then he said, "We want some comedy."
0:33:57 > 0:34:01- And he looked at us.- He said, "You and you will be the comedians."
0:34:01 > 0:34:04We said, "We haven't done anything like this before."
0:34:04 > 0:34:08"Don't worry. I'm writing a script for you."
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- ALL LAUGH - Which he did.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Straight in at the deep end. You must know all the old gags.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- Please!- Oh, yes.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20Actually, we are now older, Paul, than some of the gags!
0:34:20 > 0:34:25- Between you and I.- Yeah.- I've got a little bit of trouble downstairs.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- Downstairs?- Yeah.- How can that be?
0:34:28 > 0:34:32- You live in a bungalow.- No! - LAUGHTER
0:34:32 > 0:34:37People say, "It looks as though you're making it up as you go along." I wish that were true.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42We spend hours rehearsing. Like all comics, it's timing, isn't it?
0:34:42 > 0:34:46Course it is. And you've both got great timing.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49When we first started doing professional work,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52at the Savoy Theatre in Clacton...
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- Big gig!- Oh, it was a biggy! And Max Miller,
0:34:55 > 0:35:00the famous variety star of the music hall, came down for one week.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02He was supposed to be the man
0:35:02 > 0:35:06that you used to look at and say, "It's the timing."
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- He said, "I'm going to ask you a leading question."- Leading question. - A leading question.
0:35:10 > 0:35:17- "I want you to answer this truthfully. Have you passed water lately?"- Had you?
0:35:17 > 0:35:20I had to admit I walked along the river bank
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- on the way to the surgery. - LAUGHTER
0:35:22 > 0:35:26'It's also wonderful to think of the wonderful performers'
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- that have been on this stage.- Yeah.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32- Tommy Trinder was one. - Oh, Tommy Trinder.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34Don Maclean.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- Oh, Jimmy Cricket.- Roy Hudd.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41They all say, "It's wonderful. The acoustics are great."
0:35:41 > 0:35:43It's a wonderful little theatre.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47It's like, really, performing in somebody's front room.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50When I went to see the doctor, you know what he's like.
0:35:50 > 0:35:57He said, "What's the matter this time?" I said, "I've got a touch of the old lumbago again."
0:35:57 > 0:36:02He said, "Go and stand by the window and stick your tongue out."
0:36:02 > 0:36:05I went and stood by the window, stuck me tongue out.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09"Why am I doing this?" I said. "Does it help the lumbago?"
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- He said, "No, I've had a row with the bloke over the road."- Oh!
0:36:13 > 0:36:15We'd better go home now.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
0:36:21 > 0:36:24'The theatre is now managed by a charitable trust.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28'There's an army of volunteers but only one employee, Mike Bareham,
0:36:28 > 0:36:32'who's also very passionate about this theatre.'
0:36:32 > 0:36:36- Why is the theatre so special? - It was built as a variety theatre,
0:36:36 > 0:36:38seaside variety theatre,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41and that's what it's remained, right the way through its history.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- Besides, it has got a special feel. - There IS a nice feel in here.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49You can imagine when it's packed there's a wonderful atmosphere.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Let's talk about the future. What does that hold for the theatre?
0:36:53 > 0:36:56I think we look to the future very optimistically.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59We have a very strong following in Clacton
0:36:59 > 0:37:02and the surrounding areas.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05The thing that worries me most of all would be
0:37:05 > 0:37:09where are the big names of tomorrow coming from?
0:37:09 > 0:37:12There are no longer the holiday camps.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15We don't have the variety shows on TV that we used to have,
0:37:15 > 0:37:21which were the proving ground for so many of the stars of stage, so that is a worry.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26I believe there is a bit of bad news because this year, there is no summer season.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30This year, it was just not possible for us to stage a summer season.
0:37:30 > 0:37:36So we're, basically, working away to see what we can possibly do next year.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39One of the things we have to face now
0:37:39 > 0:37:45is that seaside resorts do not draw the sort of crowds they used to.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48- We have put entertainment on every week, mind you.- That's good.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52Oh, yes. We haven't closed our doors. Far from it.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54PIANO PLAYS
0:38:01 > 0:38:05# Gee, the joy to be there pluggin'
0:38:05 > 0:38:08# Back in the old routine
0:38:08 > 0:38:10# You're up, you're down
0:38:10 > 0:38:13# You're in there sluggin'
0:38:13 > 0:38:17# Back in the old routine, oh!
0:38:17 > 0:38:24# Give me the jazz, the razzamatazz and we'll tread on heaven's scene
0:38:25 > 0:38:28# Back in the old routine
0:38:29 > 0:38:32# That's where the corn is green
0:38:33 > 0:38:42# Back in the old routine. #
0:38:42 > 0:38:44APPLAUSE
0:38:55 > 0:38:59'There's still plenty of entertainment at the Princes Theatre.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03'Will has found some diamonds to put in the spotlight.'
0:39:04 > 0:39:07Jan, you've brought in a rather showy watch!
0:39:07 > 0:39:12- Yes.- Is this something that you've worn and had enough of
0:39:12 > 0:39:14or have you inherited it?
0:39:14 > 0:39:18No, I inherited it from my mother's jewellery
0:39:18 > 0:39:20about ten years ago.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24It's been in my drawer ever since, I'm afraid.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27It's very pretty, but hasn't been worn.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32- It's unlikely to be worn.- Do you remember your mother wearing it?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35No, I don't remember her wearing it at all.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- So it hasn't got a lot of sentimental value.- It hasn't.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41No. To be honest, it hasn't. No.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45There's not a lot to say about it. It really is what it is.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50It's an Art Deco cocktail watch, diamond-set. They ARE diamonds.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- Yes.- It's on platinum, which is nice also. Good quality.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56But the trouble with these is,
0:39:56 > 0:40:00you're selling it for the very reason people don't buy them.
0:40:00 > 0:40:05- Yes.- They're hard things to wear. They're not terribly commercial.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- Not something you'd wear every day. - Well, some people might.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- But not in my circles! Now... - JAN LAUGHS
0:40:12 > 0:40:15The other problem that we come up against when we see these...
0:40:15 > 0:40:19They get brought into valuation days at work and at Flog It.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24We see a fair amount of them cos they were fashionable at one stage.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28People often think they're worth a lot more than they actually are.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33- Yes.- Usually, because they see diamonds, platinum.- Exactly.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35- Pound notes!- Exactly.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39It's a little bit tricky. We have to try and talk people down.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Have you got any idea? Did you have a figure in mind?
0:40:42 > 0:40:44"I'm not going to let it go for less"?
0:40:44 > 0:40:48Well, I thought it would be a four figure, but I've...
0:40:48 > 0:40:54Realistically looking at it, I realise it probably won't be a four figure. A three figure.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Let's go for three figures. Two figures would be cheap!
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- So let's go for three figures.- Yes.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04I've seen these sell. We do see them in the saleroom quite often.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08Not so good quality ones can make a couple of hundred.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11The better quality ones can make 400 or 500.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15It's that sort of price bracket. What I'm going to suggest is...
0:41:15 > 0:41:19I think it's better than a £200-er. I don't think it's a £1,000-er.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- I hope I'm wrong on the day. - That would be nice.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27I suggest an estimate of £300 to £400. How do you feel about that?
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Yes, I'd be happy to go along with that.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33I'm not going to try and force you into it.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- Like you say, it sits in a drawer. What does it do there? Nothing.- No.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40It's got no real sentimental value to you.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42As long as you're happy,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45let's put it in £300 to £400, reserve it at 300.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Can we give the auctioneer discretion, just in case?
0:41:48 > 0:41:52- Yes. Why not?- Once you've decided to sell...- It's got to go.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56You should go for it. Hopefully, it'll make a little bit more.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Are you going to reinvest it in a piece of jewellery perhaps?
0:41:59 > 0:42:03Probably not, no. I might split it between my son and daughter
0:42:03 > 0:42:06and they can treat the family to a day out.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- Are they aware of this treat? - No. They don't know I'm here.
0:42:10 > 0:42:16- Are you going to leave it as a surprise?- My husband won't be able to not tell them.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- Blame the husband! He let the cat out the bag.- Exactly.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21It's been a pleasure meeting you.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25Let's hope we can get as much money to hand out as we can.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- That'd be great.- See you at the auction.- Thanks very much.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40- Alastair, you've made my day! - That's good.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I've seen a lot of Black Forest carving.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46We've seen a lot on Flog It! but I think...
0:42:46 > 0:42:48this has got to be the best I've seen.
0:42:48 > 0:42:53That's for sure. And the biggest! How did you come across this?
0:42:53 > 0:42:57The earliest recollection is when I went to my grandmother's house.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- I was about five or six.- You were about that high?- This high.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03The bear used to come up and stare me in the face!
0:43:03 > 0:43:06I was quite frightened sometimes.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09That's my earliest recollection. It's been in the family a long time.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14- Did they use this as a stick stand? - It was an umbrella stand.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18My mother inherited it and now she's given it to me.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- I don't know how old it is. - It's quite old. Late Victorian.- OK.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26And it is absolutely gorgeous. It's got its original glass eyes.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29It's chip-carved, as you can see.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- I love chip-carving. - This is hand-carved?- Yes.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36- With a tiny little gouge. This was one great lump of beech.- Wow.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40He'd have been working on this for days on end.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44The problem is, wood dries out.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48If it's not seasoned properly and you put it inside next to radiators,
0:43:48 > 0:43:52- it splits.- That's what's caused it? - That's what's happening.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54- I love Mr Bear.- I do as well.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57And you can see the colour.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01You can see where everyone's walked past him and stroked him.
0:44:01 > 0:44:06I think he's got the potential to do an awful lot of money.
0:44:06 > 0:44:10Had you any figure in mind? What do you think he's worth?
0:44:10 > 0:44:13Well, I'd like to get about £1,000 for him, I think.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16I thought, before you said you wanted £1,000,
0:44:16 > 0:44:20I'd put this into auction with a valuation of £1,000 to £2,000.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23- Because you want to go home with £1,000...- Be nice.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26There's commission to pay, so let's call the valuation £1,100.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29Fixed reserve. 1,100 to 1,900.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32Instead of 1,000 to 2,000, 1,100 to 1,900.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34If I could get 1,000 for him, I'd be very happy.
0:44:39 > 0:44:44Barbara, your vase caught my eye. What can you tell me about it?
0:44:44 > 0:44:49I work at the St Helena Hospice shop in Clacton.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53When I turned up for work on a Tuesday morning, as I always do,
0:44:53 > 0:44:58it was sitting on the shelf and I thought it was very beautiful.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01I thought I'd bring it along to see what it's worth
0:45:01 > 0:45:03and if you can tell us anything about it.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07I noticed that at the bottom, on the foot rim,
0:45:07 > 0:45:09is the mark for WMF,
0:45:09 > 0:45:14which is a foundry established in Germany in 1880.
0:45:14 > 0:45:20They specialised in pewter ware, silver and silver-plated items.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23This is a piece of silver-plated ware.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27They were very design-orientated,
0:45:27 > 0:45:30specifically for the Art Nouveau market of the period,
0:45:30 > 0:45:34which lasted from the late 19th century into the early 20th century.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39They made metal, which is obviously very solid, into such a fluid,
0:45:39 > 0:45:41decorative form.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44The sinuous handles flow from the top down, baluster shape body,
0:45:44 > 0:45:49incorporating these lovely poppies, is so evocative of that period.
0:45:49 > 0:45:51It's a lovely example.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54I do think, from looking inside,
0:45:54 > 0:45:57being hollow all the way through and with no bottom to it,
0:45:57 > 0:46:01I think it probably had some form of liner at some point.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05- Right.- But in general terms, it's in very good condition.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09- Have you, in the shop, been wondering what the vase might be worth?- Yes.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11Have you had any thoughts?
0:46:11 > 0:46:16Well, the chap did say that because it doesn't have its liner,
0:46:16 > 0:46:19he thought around about £25 is realistic.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23I, personally, thought it was worth a little bit more than that.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26- It's just something that I like. - It appeals to you?- Yes.
0:46:26 > 0:46:31I think that a realistic pre-auction estimate would be £30 to £50.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34I side with you. I think it's slightly higher than £25.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38- Would you like a reserve on? - I think for £30.
0:46:38 > 0:46:42We'll put £30 reserve on, but would you allow auctioneer's discretion?
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- Yes.- We'll have £30 discretion. £30 to £50 estimate.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49And we'll take it to auction.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53- You can go back to the shop and tell them the good news!- Straight away.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- Excellent. Thank you for bringing it in.- You're welcome.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10- Jackie, thank you for coming in to Flog It!- That's all right.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13And bringing along your item today.
0:47:13 > 0:47:18Now, from the outside, I can do a bit of guessing as to what this is.
0:47:18 > 0:47:23I would suspect that it's made of ivory, from where I'm sitting.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27I haven't had a look inside, so it could be a jewellery box?
0:47:27 > 0:47:29A little trinket box? Maybe even a tea caddy.
0:47:29 > 0:47:35Let me just have a look inside, so I can make a decision from that.
0:47:35 > 0:47:40Looking at the interior, nicely lined in this felt,
0:47:40 > 0:47:44I would say that's a jewellery box. Is that what it's used as at home?
0:47:44 > 0:47:48That's what I bought it as, to use as a jewellery box.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52- That's what I've been using it as up until today.- So you do use it.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55- I did use it, yes.- You did use it. Not any more.- No.
0:47:55 > 0:47:59- What was the reason for that? - Well, I thought...
0:47:59 > 0:48:02I didn't realise it was ivory. I thought it was plastic.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05My husband thought it was ivory, and a friend of ours.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08Does that put you off a little bit?
0:48:08 > 0:48:13I've never owned anything in ivory so I wouldn't know, really.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16It's an interesting area in the auction world.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19You have to be SO careful as to dating these pieces.
0:48:19 > 0:48:23The cut-off date is 1947.
0:48:23 > 0:48:28- Right.- So anything pre-1947 is OK to sell.- Oh, I see.
0:48:28 > 0:48:33Anything after 1947, you have to have a licence to sell it.
0:48:33 > 0:48:38Generally, most places will say, "No, we're not selling that."
0:48:38 > 0:48:42Looking at this trinket box...
0:48:42 > 0:48:47These Chinese - what we would call Chinoiserie - panels,
0:48:47 > 0:48:52just Chinese figures amongst pagodas in a Chinese garden.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55I would suggest it's come out of Canton.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Canton-carved ivory.
0:48:57 > 0:49:01Around that late 19th century, turn of the century,
0:49:01 > 0:49:03which is when I think this dates from,
0:49:03 > 0:49:08there was a lot of export ivory carvings from Canton.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10So now you know it's ivory.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14- You thought it was plastic. - I honestly thought it was plastic.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18When I bought it, all I was looking for was a jewellery box.
0:49:18 > 0:49:22Now you're giving me clues and I don't think you probably paid
0:49:22 > 0:49:25the sort of money that you'd pay for an ivory box.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29- Come clean with me. What have you paid for it?- £1.
0:49:29 > 0:49:31You're s...
0:49:31 > 0:49:35- It never happens to me.- I honestly bought it as a plastic box.
0:49:35 > 0:49:38- And where did you buy it from? - A boot sale.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41The boot sales are pretty handy down here in Clacton.
0:49:41 > 0:49:45I would estimate this, maybe a little conservatively,
0:49:45 > 0:49:48it could make a bit more, at £100 to £200.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52Are you happy with that sort of investment for £1?
0:49:52 > 0:49:57- Who wouldn't be?- We'll reserve it at £100, with discretion, 10%.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01Let's just hope it gets away on the day. I'm sure it will.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04Whatever happens, you're going home with a profit, aren't you?
0:50:04 > 0:50:07- Yes.- For £1 shell-out you've done well.- Can't go wrong.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10- I'll see you there. - Thank you very much.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13'Now it's time to take our final trip to the auction.
0:50:13 > 0:50:16'Here's a reminder of what we're pinning our hopes on.
0:50:16 > 0:50:20'Jan inherited this Art Deco diamond cocktail watch from her mother,
0:50:20 > 0:50:22'who never wore it.
0:50:22 > 0:50:26'Jan's followed suit but hopes that some bidders will want to wear it.
0:50:26 > 0:50:31'I just loved Alastair's inherited Black Forest umbrella stand.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34'Let's hope the bidders will feel the same.
0:50:34 > 0:50:39'Elizabeth valued this WMF vase at £30 to £50.
0:50:39 > 0:50:41'We're all hoping for the top end,
0:50:41 > 0:50:45'as the funds raised are going to the hospice where Barbara works.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47'And finally the ivory jewellery box
0:50:47 > 0:50:50'that Jacqueline thought was plastic.'
0:50:50 > 0:50:53- Come clean with me. What have you paid for it?- £1.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55'Ivory is not her thing,
0:50:55 > 0:50:59'but Will thinks this piece should set the auction alight.
0:50:59 > 0:51:05'Before it goes under the hammer, let's catch up with the auctioneer and get his expert opinion.'
0:51:05 > 0:51:09Gorgeous little ivory jewellery box. It belongs to Jacqueline.
0:51:09 > 0:51:11A wonderful fitted interior as well.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14- £100 to £200. - I think it's going to do very well.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16The Chinese market is very strong.
0:51:16 > 0:51:21They're buying back a lot of their works of art, particularly ivory.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24They've gone up a lot in the last two years.
0:51:24 > 0:51:29- What will it do?- Hopefully, it's going to do at least £200 to £300.
0:51:29 > 0:51:32- That's fantastic. - So, I think it'll be all right.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36You're not giving much away. You've got this grin that says, "300 plus!"
0:51:36 > 0:51:41- Can I tell you what she paid for it? - Please do.- £1.- That much?
0:51:41 > 0:51:44- She thought it was plastic. - BOTH LAUGH
0:51:44 > 0:51:48- I think she'll be very happy. - Especially if it excedes 300.
0:51:48 > 0:51:52- We'll see.- Well, it's down to you. - Right. No pressure(!)
0:51:52 > 0:51:57- Time to get on the rostrum and weave your magic. I look forward to watching it.- I'll do my best.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15If you love the combination of platinum and diamonds, you'll love this next item.
0:52:15 > 0:52:19It belongs to Jan and it's that gorgeous cocktail watch. I love it.
0:52:19 > 0:52:23Good Art Deco piece. £300 to £400.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27- Not a lot of money for the quality. - No. I'm hoping it'll go higher.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30Oh, so do we. Even Will is, our expert.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33- Did you ever wear this?- No.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37- Bit too dressy?- It was in my mum's jewellery that was left to me.
0:52:37 > 0:52:42- I never had the occasion to wear it. - Ah, beautiful!- It's good quality.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44The trouble, like I said to you,
0:52:44 > 0:52:48with these is that people think they're worth more than they are.
0:52:48 > 0:52:54Doesn't stop it making more, if a couple of people fall in love with it, but we put the value sensible.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58- With the platinum and the number of stones, it seems good value.- Yeah.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02Number 326 is the 1930s lady's platinum and diamond cocktail watch.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05I have two commissions with me.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09I start the bidding at £320 with me.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11- That's a start. - 340. 360.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14380. 400. 420.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17I'm out. 420 in the room now. At 420.
0:53:17 > 0:53:22Do I hear 440? At £420, are you all done?
0:53:22 > 0:53:25What are you going to put the money towards?
0:53:25 > 0:53:28I've got a son and a daughter, Gina and Simon.
0:53:28 > 0:53:32- They'll have a day out, hopefully, with the family.- Brilliant.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39Barbara, the time has come.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43We're about to put that gorgeous WMF Art Nouveau vase under the hammer.
0:53:43 > 0:53:49I'm a big fan of that Art Nouveau style, with naturalistic handles.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53This suits the shape of the vase itself, so it's a nice piece.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56Not too big. Suits it very well. We'll see.
0:53:56 > 0:54:01Number 278 is the early 20th-century WMF silver-plated vase.
0:54:01 > 0:54:07I have two commissions with me. I start the bidding at £60. At 65?
0:54:07 > 0:54:1065. 70. 75. 80.
0:54:10 > 0:54:1285. 90. 95.
0:54:12 > 0:54:17100. At £100 at the back now. 110 another place. Against you.
0:54:17 > 0:54:22At 110. 120. 130. The lady's bid, now, at £130.
0:54:22 > 0:54:27140 on the internet. It's against you. 140. 150.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31150 is bid. 160. 170 is bid here. At 170.
0:54:31 > 0:54:35At 170 is bid here now. 180? 180.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37At 180 is bid. Are you sure?
0:54:37 > 0:54:41At £180 are you all done?
0:54:41 > 0:54:44- How about that?- That's wonderful.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47LAUGHS: Pleased for the shop.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51Well spotted for you, though. You'd have let it go to somebody else.
0:54:51 > 0:54:55Well, that's the point, yes. That was the point.
0:54:55 > 0:54:57Brilliant. Thank you very much.
0:55:03 > 0:55:07My turn to be the expert and I fell in love with this Black Forest bear.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11He's big. He's beautiful, but he is damaged, so it'll hold it back.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15- I've just been joined by Alastair, Big Bear's owner. - Yes. Big Bear's owner!
0:55:15 > 0:55:20At the valuation day, you said you didn't want this to go below £1,100.
0:55:20 > 0:55:25- Yeah.- We've got commission to pay and you wanted 1,000.- That's right.
0:55:25 > 0:55:31You've had a change of heart and you want it to go, so we've dropped the reserve to 800.
0:55:31 > 0:55:37Which is sensible, but I still feel it stands a chance of doing what we suggested.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41The late 19th-century Black Forest bear umbrella stand.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44A very handsome stand. What do you say to start me?
0:55:44 > 0:55:51£600, start me. 600 I have. £600 now. At 600. 620?
0:55:51 > 0:55:54At £600 now. 620 anywhere?
0:55:54 > 0:55:57- At £600. Any advance? - It's sticking.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00All done now at £600? All done?
0:56:00 > 0:56:03I'm sorry, that lot didn't sell.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05I didn't think it would.
0:56:05 > 0:56:10- Didn't make any difference, did it? - I had this awful feeling it wasn't going to sell.
0:56:10 > 0:56:15- Why?- I don't know. I just had a gut feeling when I woke up this morning.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18I don't understand that. That was quality.
0:56:18 > 0:56:25It was a bit damaged, but there's enough in it for somebody to make it work, give them some profit.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28- It's their loss.- Yeah, exactly. Big Bear's going home with you.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32- Yeah. - It's not meant to be parted.- No!
0:56:40 > 0:56:43This next item came from a car boot sale and it cost £1.
0:56:43 > 0:56:47It belongs to Jacqueline and it's this lovely ivory jewellery box,
0:56:47 > 0:56:49- and you thought...- It was plastic.
0:56:49 > 0:56:53I expect the person that sold it thought it was plastic.
0:56:53 > 0:56:57I take it they did. They wouldn't have sold it as cheap as that. No.
0:56:57 > 0:57:01It's going to attract a lot of buyers, especially from the Orient.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05I had a chat to the auctioneer, James, before the sale started.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08- YOU know what he said. - Tell us, Paul.
0:57:08 > 0:57:13- Could fly away. There's been a lot of interest. - That's what he said?- Yeah.
0:57:13 > 0:57:18Number 491 is the good quality 19th-century Cantonese ivory casket.
0:57:18 > 0:57:22- I have four commissions on my book. - Four!
0:57:22 > 0:57:24I start the bidding at £500.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27At £500 with me now. 520.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30540. 560. 580.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33600. 620. 640.
0:57:33 > 0:57:35At 640 with Ian now. 640...
0:57:35 > 0:57:39- What's going through your mind? - I don't know.
0:57:39 > 0:57:41I didn't think it'd sell.
0:57:41 > 0:57:43..720. 740.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46760. 780.
0:57:46 > 0:57:51- £780 is bid now. 780. - I don't believe this.
0:57:51 > 0:57:55At £780. I'm going to sell it. All done, now, at 780?
0:57:55 > 0:57:59£780! That was bought for just one quid at a car boot.
0:57:59 > 0:58:01It is out there!
0:58:01 > 0:58:05Jacqueline, that's a lot of money. What are you going to do with that?
0:58:05 > 0:58:12Well, I expected 100, cos we're going to France in November to see my mother-in-law. She's 92.
0:58:12 > 0:58:15- Wow.- I thought it would be nice... - Is she living in France?- Yeah.
0:58:15 > 0:58:19She's had to live with her daughter, so we go over twice a year.
0:58:19 > 0:58:23- And...- That's going to pay for the trip!- Oh, my goodness!
0:58:23 > 0:58:27- Spending money as well! - Spend, spend, spend!- France is good!
0:58:27 > 0:58:32Thank you so much for bringing it and giving everybody the most wonderful surprise.
0:58:32 > 0:58:35If you've got anything like that, Will and I want to see it.
0:58:35 > 0:58:38Until next time, from Colchester, it's cheerio.
0:58:49 > 0:58:52Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:52 > 0:58:55E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk