0:00:04 > 0:00:06This marketplace dates back to the 13th century
0:00:06 > 0:00:08and it's in the heart of a town
0:00:08 > 0:00:11with its roots deep in the lace-making industry.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Welcome to "Flog It!" from Loughborough.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37In the middle of Loughborough's marketplace stands the Fearon Fountain.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41It marks the spot where Archdeacon Fearon brought the first pipe water
0:00:41 > 0:00:43to Loughborough town centre in the 19th century.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Today it's a common meeting place.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48And look who I've spotted.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Today's experts Elizabeth Talbot and Adam Partridge.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- Well, I tell you what. I am running a bit late.- Yes.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- Ooh!- Come on, Paul. We've got valuing to do.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Later in the show I'll be finding out how a train journey to Loughborough
0:01:03 > 0:01:08organised by a local man, Thomas Cook, started the travel company we know today.
0:01:08 > 0:01:14I wonder if any of this crowd have travelled in by train to today's venue, Loughborough Town Hall,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17where all the action will soon be taking place.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Well, the room is filling up.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Most people are safely seated inside and raring to go.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27And I think Elizabeth has already spotted something. Let's take a closer look.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- Andrew.- Hello.- What a magnificent item you've brought here.- Thank you. - Do tell me about it.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40My father and his partner ran a jeweller's/clock, watch-repair shop
0:01:40 > 0:01:45and one day while I was a teenager, it just appeared on the mantelpiece.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- Oh, right, like these things do. - That's right, yes.
0:01:48 > 0:01:55And it stayed there ever since until he passed away, when my mother passed it on to me.
0:01:55 > 0:02:01- Right.- And I'm afraid it's been stuck on top of a wardrobe gathering dust since then.- Right, OK.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05So your mother didn't like it or did she think that you'd appreciate inheriting it?
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- I think so, yes.- But you didn't like it.- No, no.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- So it's lived its life hidden away since then.- That's right, gathering dust.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16I think the fact that it's been kept out of the polishes and dusting
0:02:16 > 0:02:19and hands of anybody doing housework
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- means that actually it's retained its freshness and its crispness.- Yes.
0:02:22 > 0:02:28The detail on the panels and on the clock have not been worn.
0:02:28 > 0:02:34The gilding and the burnishing has not been worn so it looks today as it probably would have done, or close to
0:02:34 > 0:02:40when it was first manufactured, and that, I think, will have been in the very early-20th century.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41Yes.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44On the face it says that it's an English case,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48which in itself kind of is surprising but English case and a German movement.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53Now, if we start with the movement itself, it's actually a very basic clock movement.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- It tells the time but it also strikes, so it is a clock rather than a timepiece.- Yes.
0:02:58 > 0:03:06Horologically there is very little intrigue in that, so the value of it is in the condition and the style.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- Yes.- It's also rather nice.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12This is called a garniture, when you have more than one piece. You've got the the matching vases.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15And it's nice that they've remained together.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21The clock and the vases are fundamentally made of brass and then they have introduced panels
0:03:21 > 0:03:28of base metal which have been cast to take the very fine details of the animals and these fascinating hunting
0:03:28 > 0:03:32subjects and themes, which take you apparently around the world as far as Africa.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37But are then combined with a very sort of North African-Islamic...
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- ..Eastern look.- That's right, yes.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42It's a very interesting cross-section.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48So therefore we have a piece which is not to everybody's taste but is very dramatic.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53It's not important as a clock but it is a very stylish and good furnishing piece
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- and I think that's where the market will receive it in terms of what we have here.- Yes.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04- I think on a fairly average day it should do £400-£600 without really trying.- Good grief!
0:04:04 > 0:04:08I would recommend an estimate in that sort of region.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- Now, would you be happy at that sort of level?- Yes, yes.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16And if we obviously put a reserve on, certainly at 400
0:04:16 > 0:04:22so that if the worst thing happens and nobody bids, you've still got your desirable clock garniture left.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25But I think that's fair and I think in this current market,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29then it gives a fair chance to tempt people to bid and then we'll see how we do.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- OK, that's wonderful. - Yes?- Yeah, that's wonderful.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Excellent.- Thank you. - Thank you for bringing it in.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Good afternoon, Brenda.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- Hello.- How are you today? - I'm fine, thank you.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47Now, what's a lady doing with trains? It's normally associated with a boy's hobby.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50It belongs to my husband's father.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- So they've been in the family a while?- We found it 10 years ago
0:04:54 > 0:04:58when we cleared the house out and so we didn't know it was there really.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- Oh, really? So your husband didn't even know about it?- No.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- Was it tucked away somewhere? - In the attic.- Was it?
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- Yes, it was.- So it was an attic find.- Yes.- Excellent.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Well, I'm sure these original boxes have helped to preserve it.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13And what a nice example, really.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17It's by the Bowman firm from Dereham in Norfolk.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23Obviously it says that on the lid and on the sides of the boxes, so no great prizes for that.
0:05:23 > 0:05:30But Bowman was run by a chap called, I think, Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins and it was established in the mid-1920s
0:05:30 > 0:05:37and they made trains throughout the '20s and '30s, and I think they went out of business in about 1935.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40They made trains that were described as durable.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Apparently they even worked in the garden.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48And very robust and efficient. But some people were quite unkind and said they were quite ugly.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49Oh, right. Yes.
0:05:49 > 0:05:55This one is the steam loco model 234 and that's the tender model 250.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57They've obviously been used.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- You've got signs of use there... - Yes.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05- With some smoke damage or marks there because it's a real live thing, isn't it?- Yes.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10They are growing in popularity. They were a bit sniffed upon by train collectors
0:06:10 > 0:06:14who were going for the more glamorous manufacturers.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17But I think Bowman models have got better in recent years.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20What's your impression of the value? Any idea?
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Well, apart from this man offering £200 unseen...
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Oh, you've had an offer?
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Well, 10 years ago when we first had it.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31We thought it must be worth more.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36- Yeah, well that probably was quite a good offer, actually.- Yes.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Because that was the sort of figure I was thinking of when you took them out earlier.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43So my suggestion would be to put an estimate of £200-£300 on them...
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- Yes.- And a reserve of 200 so that they don't make any less.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Well, I thought about 250 reserve.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55Right, if we put 250 we have to up the estimate, which may scare people off.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59It may not but my recommendation would be £200-£300.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- It's up to you, really.- Well, I'll go with your recommendation.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07£200. I don't want you disappointed but if we put 200 at the very least.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- Least, yes.- And then let's hope it goes to make the 250 or the 300 that we're really hoping to get.
0:07:11 > 0:07:18- Yes, yes.- As I say, the market for Bowman models has improved, so let's hope that it'll do that.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26What we love to see on "Flog It!" is things of regional interest.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31Local interest that sparks an awful lot of civic pride and we're in Loughborough,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35we're in the marketplace and, I tell you what, it doesn't get any better than this.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Look at that. It's the Labour Exchange sign
0:07:38 > 0:07:42which hung in the marketplace over 100 years ago.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- It's a wonderful enamelled sign and it belongs to John here. Hi.- Hi.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51If you put this into auction now, with the local interest in a local auction room,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53you've got to be looking at £200-£300.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55That's very nice to hear.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- Look after it.- I certainly will. - And thank you for bringing it in. - Thank you.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Well welcome, Gillian and welcome, James.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- Thank you.- Thank you. - Two generations of the same family.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- Exactly, yes.- Bringing what I think are very exciting items.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Tell me all about your glass.
0:08:13 > 0:08:21- Well, it was when we used to go out for the day, my husband and I. - Right.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- And we thought we'd treat ourselves to a little bit of something.- Right.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25We did.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29We went to London and we bought a piece of glass and then
0:08:29 > 0:08:32when we went to another town we bought another piece.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Now, did you buy them knowing what they were? Do you know...?
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- Not at the time I bought them.- OK.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40But you've seen them, perhaps pieces on "Flog It!"
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- Some, yes.- James, do you like this?
0:08:43 > 0:08:47I like the orange one because it's really bright and I like bright things.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Yes? OK.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51So, why are you wanting to sell them?
0:08:51 > 0:08:56I need to pay for my skating boots and to go abroad.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58So you're a skater?
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- Yes. Ice skate.- Are you nationally known, internationally?
0:09:02 > 0:09:03Do you compete?
0:09:03 > 0:09:09- At the moment I'm second in the country.- Congratulations. I've never met a real ice skater.
0:09:09 > 0:09:16- Congratulations. So second in the country and with aspirations to do bigger and better things?- Definitely.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Well, I'll tell you that these are by the Whitefriars glass factory,
0:09:20 > 0:09:23which is now looked upon as one of the leading lights
0:09:23 > 0:09:26in terms of designer glass in the mid-20th century.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30These two pieces were designed by Geoffrey Baxter.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35You have probably one of the most famous shapes which is called the drunken bricklayer shape.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38And this in the pewter colour.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40It's part of the mould-blown series.
0:09:40 > 0:09:47In fact, both of them are. And the tangerine one is commonly referred to as the television-shaped vase.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51And in both cases, I've seen them both in different colours
0:09:51 > 0:09:55and in different sizes and the bricklayer actually can be made, can be quite a large example.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Do you have them out and about still do you?- Oh, yes.- Excellent.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02So they'll leave a big hole if you part with them.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- Well, they will, but I can move the glass a bit further along.- OK.
0:10:06 > 0:10:12- They're in good condition, so you've obviously looked after them over the years, which is superb.- Oh, yes.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15In terms of value, I quite confidently believe
0:10:15 > 0:10:17that they should fetch £100-£150 each.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- Wonderful.- So if we look at a combined minimum of £200
0:10:21 > 0:10:24so that they don't sell for less than that
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- and we will see how we do on the day. - That's lovely.- Wonderful.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- I'm Adam.- Yes.- And you're Pat?
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Yes.- Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:10:37 > 0:10:40So you've bought in this very pretty Shelley set here.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- What can you tell me about it? - Well, not much, really.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- I was given it just over 20 years ago by a late auntie-in-law.- Right.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- And after she gave it me, I just put it in a cabinet and it's been there ever since.- Have you ever used it?
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- Never.- Do you know, these are quite fun to use. Shall I tell you why?
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Cause you drink out of it and it runs down the side of your face.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- Yeah.- They're very pretty.- Yes.- But they're quite an impractical shape.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- As with many people, they haven't got the full set.- No.
0:11:10 > 0:11:16You've got five cups and saucers, but you've got the six tea-plates
0:11:16 > 0:11:20and you've got the bread-and-butter plate and you've got the two pots.
0:11:20 > 0:11:26- Yes.- The pattern is number 11607.- Yes.
0:11:26 > 0:11:32- That's called the My Garden pattern and you can see they're decorated with a garden scene.- Yes.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34So the pattern's called My Garden.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39The shape is called the Queen Anne shape with that octagonal-fluted shape.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43And it's typically 1930s in its dates.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46So, there we are. We've got it. A 1930s Shelley tea service,
0:11:46 > 0:11:50part tea service, in the My Garden pattern. Why are you selling it?
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Well, I don't need it any more.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57I've loved it but now I thought it was time to go.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Time to go.- Yes.- So you do like it?
0:11:59 > 0:12:03I've always liked it but what with the grandchildren...
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- OK, so it might end up as fragments if you're not careful?- Yes.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Any idea of the value?- Well, no, I've never had it valued at all.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16- No.- I only mentioned it once to an antique dealer and he said it was worth £20.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Ooh! I'd like to meet him, give him a piece of my mind.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25- And he says, use it. - It's worth a lot more, well, a good deal more than that.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Because it's a part set I'm going to be a bit cautious
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- but I'd put 100-150 on it. - Yes. That's about right.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34I'd expect it to make that, if not a bit more.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36So, are you happy with that?
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- Yes.- Excellent. Bottom line of £80.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- Yes.- Estimate, 100 to 150.- Yes.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Put in the auction, see how it goes.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- And I reckon it'll make it and hopefully a bit more.- Yes.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51We've still got lots of people to see but we've found our first gems
0:12:51 > 0:12:56to take off to Gilding's auction house just down the road in Market Harborough.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Our experts' valuations are just about to be put to the test
0:13:00 > 0:13:04under the watchful eye of auctioneer Mark Gilding on the rostrum behind me.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07But before that, here's a quick reminder of what we're selling.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Elizabeth had a lot of time for Andrew's garniture set
0:13:10 > 0:13:16that came from his dad's shop, and valued it between £400 and £600.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21But will the bidders agree with her and will they also be tempted by Brenda's boys' toys?
0:13:21 > 0:13:27This 1920s train set is steaming into the auction with an estimate of £200-£300.
0:13:28 > 0:13:34While valuing Gillian's Whitefriars glass, Elizabeth got a bit star-struck.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36At the moment, I'm second in the country.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40Congratulations. I've never met a real ice skater. Congratulations.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Well, now you have, Elizabeth.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47And any money raised will help grandson James keep winning his ice-skating trophies.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52And finally, it's not a full set but Adam is still hoping for £100-£150
0:13:52 > 0:13:59for Pat's Shelley tea set but it's a pretty pattern, so I wonder if he's slightly underestimated his china?
0:14:01 > 0:14:02Well, we'll soon find out
0:14:02 > 0:14:05because these items are about to go under the hammer.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12I've been looking forward to this. I love Geoffrey Baxter.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14I love Whitefriars. We've got two items here.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18£200-£300 and all the money's going towards ice-skating equipment.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- Hopefully we can get the top end. - I'm hoping so.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Geoffrey Baxter is a great designer, good name to look out for.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28And they are classics. Depends if the colour ways are right.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32If the collector's already got these, they might not want them but they might want to make up a set.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Absolutely, yes.- Here we go. Let's find out what they make.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Two Whitefriars in lot 160 then.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42And bidding starts here with me at £160. 160 I'm bid.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- 240.- The flurry!- 240 bid right at the back there. 250. New bidding?
0:14:50 > 0:14:55260, 270, 270 right in the middle. 280, new bidding on the telephone.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Oh, there's another one. Telephone. - 290 now. £300. At 300.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00320. 320, bid at 320.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I'll take 40 if you like. 340.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07The telephone's in there at 340. All out in the room at 340 and selling.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- £340. - We should be waving a national flag.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14James, I hope you enjoyed watching that.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Unfortunately poor old James is at school today because he couldn't get the day off, could he?
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- He's not allowed. - How much were the boots?
0:15:21 > 0:15:23500.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- Do they have to be specially made? - Yes.
0:15:27 > 0:15:28We wish him luck.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30James, win us a medal.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Right, next we've got a live spirit-powered locomotive
0:15:39 > 0:15:43in the original box made by Bowman's and it belongs to Brenda.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46I hope we're on the right track, Adam, £200-£300.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- Full steam ahead.- Ooh!
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Why are you selling this?
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- I just don't collect trains.- Time to let it go. It's in good company.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Over there, there are a lot of locomotives.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59There's more than one!
0:15:59 > 0:16:01That's always good news.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05They may not come for just the one, but if there's a whole load, they should be all right.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- I think we'll be all right.- Good.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Here we go. Let's enjoy the ride.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Bowman steam locomotive and a tender,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17both of them in the original wooden cases. 170. 170 bid here. 170.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22170, 180, 190. I'll take 200.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26200 on the telephone, 210.
0:16:26 > 0:16:27210. New bidding at 210.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29210 now, 210.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Telephone at 210. Selling away at £210.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35That was good. We did it.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39It was touch and go for a minute but we got there in the end.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43There's commission to pay here. What are you putting your money towards?
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Probably a holiday.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Where do you fancy?
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- We're going to Ireland.- Lovely.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- Will you go there on the train? - SHE LAUGHS
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Andrew is about to put the heirlooms under the hammer.
0:17:01 > 0:17:07We've got a lovely mantel clock, a matching pair of vases and the clock strikes on a gong.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09We've got £400-£600.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13It's a real looker. It's unusual, but it's a decorative piece as well.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Will you be pleased to see the back of this?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Definitely. It'll free up a bit more space on top of the wardrobe.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20We'll find out what the bidders think.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Early 20th-century garniture with a mantel clock.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27More bidding with me here. £240 I'm bid.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31240, 260, 280.
0:17:31 > 0:17:38280, with me at 280. 300, 320, 340, 360.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41380 on the telephone.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45And selling at £380.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Yes, £380. I know we had a fixed reserve of 400,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52but I think the auctioneer is going to make the difference
0:17:52 > 0:17:53of the £20 up to you.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56He's not going to let it go for £20.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- You'll be pleased with that. - Yes.- Elizabeth will be disappointed.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05I am, I thought it would make more than that because it's a real good quality, unusual piece.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- Nonetheless, happy new home.- Yes.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- It won't be stuck on that wardrobe any more.- It's gone.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Next up, it's time for tea. Don't run out to the kitchen.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23It's time to put the Shelley tea set under the hammer. It belongs to Pat here.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24Great to see you.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28We've had some good results on Shelley before. 150, Adam?
0:18:28 > 0:18:29100, 150.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35And you're going to treat the grandchildren.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- Guess how many grandchildren there are?- Three.
0:18:39 > 0:18:45Ten. You've enjoyed this tea set for 20 years. Yes. It's time to let go.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47Shelley is always popular.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51The highest percentage of bone in any bone china. Did you know that?
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- No, I didn't know that. - 52% bone I believe.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57Let's hope all the bidders know that as well. It's going under the hammer now
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Lovely decoration on this one.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Look at all of these commissions.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06180, 220, £240.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08This is good.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- What you think?- 280, at 280, I'm in. 300, I'm out.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16300, I'm out. 300 on the telephone.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21I'll take 20. New bidding at 320.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24320 telephone. Internet's out as well at 320.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Selling away now... 340 on the internet.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- Oh, that's a good price now. - That's very good.- 340.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33350. At 350 on the telephone.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36They know there's a lot of bone in the china!
0:19:36 > 0:19:42350. Telephone at 350. Selling at £350.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46Yes! £350.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Shelley is always a little winner.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50If you've got something like that, look after it
0:19:50 > 0:19:53or bring it to us because we want to see it and flog it for you.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57I think that's a minibus down to the seaside for all 10 kids.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05After the drama of the auction I think I need a break and I'm not the only one.
0:20:05 > 0:20:11Last year, we made 50 million trips abroad to discover different parts of the world.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14But did you know this is largely due to one man?
0:20:14 > 0:20:19A Bible salesman born at the beginning of the 19th century.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20CHORAL SINGING
0:20:27 > 0:20:33On 9th June 1841, one man set out on a 15-mile walk to Leicester to attend a meeting.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37He had a brainwave, a brilliant idea because he had to do this again
0:20:37 > 0:20:39and there were a lot of people involved.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41He thought, "Why don't I charter a train?"
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Little did he know that that trip would launch a brand-new type
0:20:45 > 0:20:51of company that would change the way Britons saw the world, and his name was Thomas Cook.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Today the travel company that started from these humble
0:20:54 > 0:20:59beginnings here in Leicestershire is now one of the UK's largest.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04To find out how Thomas Cook went from organising one little excursion
0:21:04 > 0:21:10to planning package holidays all over the globe, I've come to talk to company archivist Paul Smith.
0:21:10 > 0:21:16Where better than the Great Central Railway in Loughborough, close to where our story starts.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22Thomas Cook had assistants ready to assist at all stations around the world.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25I've just spotted mine.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Hello, Paul. Pleased to meet you.
0:21:27 > 0:21:28I love the uniform.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- Thank you.- Thomas Cook and Sons Ltd.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32- Absolutely.- When does this date to?
0:21:32 > 0:21:35This particular uniform dates from about 1930.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Tell me a little bit about Thomas Cook.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43What was his desire to help open the world to the working classes?
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Thomas Cook was very working-class himself.
0:21:46 > 0:21:52He was the son of a labourer and the grandson of a Baptist preacher.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56His father died when Thomas was only three.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59His mother remarried and his stepfather died when he was only 10.
0:21:59 > 0:22:06- Gosh.- Thomas at that point was taken out of school and he was the main breadwinner for the family.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09He had a lot on his shoulders at such a young age.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12He originally worked as a gardener's boy and at the age of 14
0:22:12 > 0:22:19- he was apprenticed to his uncle as a wood turner and cabinet maker. - Interesting.
0:22:19 > 0:22:26Really it was the religious side to his upbringing which was more important.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30At the age of 20 he went off and became an itinerant Baptist preacher.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34He covered more than 2,000 miles on foot, travelling round the villages
0:22:34 > 0:22:39of Leicestershire, Rutland and as far as Stamford
0:22:39 > 0:22:43just promoting the Bible, encouraging people to set up Sunday schools, that sort of thing.
0:22:43 > 0:22:49It was on one of these tours in the village of Barrowden in Rutland that he met his wife-to-be.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53Tell me about that life-changing trip, that walk to Leicester.
0:22:53 > 0:23:00Basically Thomas had the idea to use these new-fangled trains to promote temperance,
0:23:00 > 0:23:02to promote social improvement as he saw it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06He believed that all problems in Victorian England were down to alcohol.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Anything that he could do to encourage people
0:23:08 > 0:23:12to explore the world, do something different, would improve society.
0:23:12 > 0:23:18So his idea essentially was to charter a train to take people to a temperance meeting.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- And that was successful in itself? - Yes, it was. About 500 people went on that first trip.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25They paid a shilling, travelled in open carriages
0:23:25 > 0:23:27and there were two newspaper reports on the trip.
0:23:27 > 0:23:35So 500 people became the first to experience a Thomas Cook excursion, but Cook didn't stop there.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38He arranged a succession of trips allowing thousands of people
0:23:38 > 0:23:43to experience rail travel for the first time around the UK.
0:23:43 > 0:23:49On moving to Leicester in 1841 Cook began printing his first small leaflets to accompany his tours.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Along with letters and timetables, these survive today.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56What was Thomas Cook's first commercial venture?
0:23:56 > 0:23:59His first commercial venture, believe it or not,
0:23:59 > 0:24:03was a trip to Liverpool which took place in the summer of 1845.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- He produced a little handbook. - A little guide.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11This is his very first travel-related publication.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16This was a far more adventurous trip than anything he had planned before.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Not only did it involve an overnight stay,
0:24:19 > 0:24:24but also it involved negotiations with three different railway companies.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Linking them together.
0:24:26 > 0:24:33In the back of this handbook he gives a list of hotels within Liverpool where people can stay.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36Like a tourist guide. How many people were on the train?
0:24:36 > 0:24:38He caused a sensation in Leicester.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42He managed to sell 1,200 tickets initially.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44That's a big train!
0:24:44 > 0:24:49That didn't satisfy demand and he had to organise a second trip,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52two weeks later, for a further 800 people.
0:24:52 > 0:24:552,000 people from Leicester went to Liverpool.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00I guess with all this success in mind, he would soon be ready to cross the Channel.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Well, he was. By the end of the 1840s, Thomas had been to Ireland
0:25:05 > 0:25:08and his tickets covered the British Isles, more or less.
0:25:08 > 0:25:15And he was contemplating trips to places in Europe, to America, to the Holy Land.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19So, where would Cook decide to go for his first venture off the mainland?
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Well, the Paris Exhibition of 1855 beckoned.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28But simply organising a trip direct to Paris was far too easy for Thomas Cook.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34He then decided to organise a grand circular tour.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36It would make sense, wouldn't it?
0:25:36 > 0:25:41Absolutely. Which encompassed a trip to Brussels, a river trip down the Rhine,
0:25:41 > 0:25:47visits to Heidelberg, Baden Baden and Strasbourg, and finally to Paris. So, a circular tour.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51His original intention was just to sell a travel ticket
0:25:51 > 0:25:56but so many people were asking him about accommodation,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59about foreign exchange, what do they do,
0:25:59 > 0:26:04how do they cope, so he offered to organise all of their accommodation for them for a five pound note.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09- So this really was the birth of the package holiday right here?- It was.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12You've got accommodation, food and travel all paid for in advance.
0:26:12 > 0:26:18In 1872, Thomas Cook was the first to lead a commercial trip around the world.
0:26:18 > 0:26:24He was absent for 222 days in total and wrote lots of letters as he travelled.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27He wrote a series of letters to the Times and other newspapers
0:26:27 > 0:26:29which he published, on his return, in a little book.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33He also wrote every Sunday to his wife.
0:26:33 > 0:26:34We have one of those on display.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38- That is Thomas's own handwriting.- How charming.- It is. They're wonderful.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48By the time Thomas Cook returned from his globe-trotting,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51his son sat firmly in the company's driving seat.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56He built an impressive head office in London and was ready to move the company forward.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01Thomas Cook continued to travel the globe by sea, rail and foot
0:27:01 > 0:27:05right up until retirement, in 1878, at the age of 70.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09But what he's left us with is a name, 130 years later,
0:27:09 > 0:27:14that still conjures up images of sun, sea and sightseeing.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23Back in the town hall, Elizabeth has been confronted with a strange item made out of bones.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28Well, we do say, we are happy to value most things on show.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34So, Janet, how did you acquire this set?
0:27:34 > 0:27:38Well, I had it from a friend about 17 years ago.
0:27:38 > 0:27:45And unfortunately she passed away just recently, at 98.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48So you're looking to possibly find a new home for it?
0:27:48 > 0:27:50- Is that your intention?- Yes, I am.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Because it's such a beautiful thing.
0:27:53 > 0:28:00It's delicate, and it's something so new and so different that I think that it deserves to have more show.
0:28:00 > 0:28:07You're quite right. A very unusual set made of principally wishbones, chicken wishbones
0:28:07 > 0:28:11and other little bones that have been stained to imitate mahogany.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14This has been upholstered by a skilful needlewoman.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19It has created a late-Victorian Edwardian parlour suite which copies
0:28:19 > 0:28:24the furniture that was very popular in the late 19th, early 20th century.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27It's a magical little set.
0:28:27 > 0:28:33- As a novelty, it's a one-off, and a lot of love and attention's gone into it, hasn't it?- It has, too.
0:28:33 > 0:28:38It's almost suitable for a museum of childhood. It's that kind of calibre.
0:28:38 > 0:28:45It's not the finest child's toy from the period, it never has been, but that's what's charming about it,
0:28:45 > 0:28:50the fact that it has survived for a century, as well as it has, is a credit to the original maker.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52It is, isn't it? It's lovely.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Almost like a folk art collector would be interested in this.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58If I said £20-£30, would that surprise you?
0:28:58 > 0:29:04- Erm...- Disappoint you? - Yeah.- How about 40-60?
0:29:04 > 0:29:10- Mmm.- Still disappointed?- Well... - I think it should fetch 60.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12It should fetch a minimum of 60.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- It might do 60-80.- Yes.
0:29:15 > 0:29:21It might, because it's so quirky, be worth more than that, but I think to be realistic,
0:29:21 > 0:29:26to be fair to you and your friend, to price it so that we can encourage
0:29:26 > 0:29:31serious people who would give it a good home, we need to pitch it at a level they feel they could afford.
0:29:31 > 0:29:36So I think we should enter this for auction at an estimate of £60-£80.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40We'll put a reserve of £60 on it so you can rest assured that it has a safety net.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45Fingers crossed, and pull a wishbone it should make more for you. Is that all right?
0:29:45 > 0:29:48That's lovely, thank you very much. Thank you.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56Sue, you've got three very interesting pieces of silver
0:29:56 > 0:29:58that span quite a period of time.
0:29:58 > 0:30:03Can you tell me how you came to own them and what's the story behind them?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06They came through my family
0:30:06 > 0:30:13and my aunt actually took them on to a TV programme almost 50 years ago.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Really? What was the TV programme?
0:30:15 > 0:30:17- Lunchbox.- Lunchbox.
0:30:17 > 0:30:24They have been in the family, but now they just sit there
0:30:24 > 0:30:26and I just thought that, after 50 years,
0:30:26 > 0:30:28they might still be of interest.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31So, what you're saying is, these have been on telly before?
0:30:31 > 0:30:33- Yes.- 50 years ago?
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- Almost, almost.- So there's a chance that most people won't remember them?
0:30:37 > 0:30:42- Maybe! - Those that do may be of an age that they may not remember them anyway.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47You've got three pieces there, the earliest one being this one,
0:30:47 > 0:30:54this little Queen Anne silver box with the profile portrait of Queen Anne on the top.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Of course Queen Anne was on the throne at the beginning of the 18th century.
0:30:58 > 0:31:05Chronologically, the next one is this one here, the Georgian cream jug,
0:31:05 > 0:31:09which is London hallmark there, 1771.
0:31:09 > 0:31:151771. So there we go. That one's been around a bit as well. And this one...
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- I don't know actually where it came from.- Wouldn't it be nice?
0:31:18 > 0:31:21All these things tell a story. And you never know.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26This one of course, it sounds funny to say it, but the most modern one.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30It's still a Georgian piece of silver, a Georgian vinaigrette
0:31:30 > 0:31:34by a well-known vinaigrette maker, Thomas Shaw.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36His initials are in there, Thomas Shaw of Birmingham.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39So, we'll just have a quick examine of that vinaigrette.
0:31:39 > 0:31:45This is a silver gilt grille here and underneath that, if we just remove it for a minute, is the original sponge.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- Does it still smell? - Sometimes. Sometimes they still do,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52but I can't get much out of that.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55And of course this would be carried around by a lady
0:31:55 > 0:32:00to freshen up, or if she didn't like the smell of the streets, because the streets used to stink.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03And of course she'd just open it up and have a little whiff.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06That's very nice, in the form of a little satchel.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Cute little item there. Down to the value.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12It would be irresponsible to sell them as three,
0:32:12 > 0:32:16because you have got different appeals to collectors for each one.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Firstly, the vinaigrette, easy to value.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23I would put £60-£80 on that and a reserve of £50. So it doesn't go for less.
0:32:23 > 0:32:29And that will make £60, £80, even £100 on a good day.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33This one I reckon should make £100-£150.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37And I put a reserve of about £90 on that one to stop that one from under-selling.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40This one I'd like to look into further.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43We haven't had a chance to properly find out about that one,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47so I don't want to go and quote something that isn't accurate.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Either we do a bit of research, or we ask the auction house to come up
0:32:51 > 0:32:54with an estimate on that one, tell us before the show
0:32:54 > 0:32:56and see what you think. Is that OK with you?
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- That's fine. That's fine.- Let's see what happens at the auction.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Whatever happens, you'll get a few hundred.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06- Oh, that's lovely. - Thank you very much. Good being part of the programme.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Pat, we see a lot of Moorcroft on the show
0:33:13 > 0:33:18but I think this is possibly one of the best pieces I've ever seen.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22It's not like your usual iris or pomegranate or things like that.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25This is beautiful.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Tell me a little bit about its history.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32Well, I believe my father bought it for my mother as a present.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36It's always been in the family.
0:33:36 > 0:33:41And it's always been well used by my mother.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43She always had flowers in it.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45How lovely.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47What can I say about this?
0:33:47 > 0:33:50This is William Moorcroft, it's a very early piece.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54It is a wonderful example of their slipware, it really is.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56But isn't it stunning?
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- Look at the colour. - Colours are gorgeous. - You can tell it's an early one.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03You can see there, the markings.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06They were highly associated with the MacIntyre factory
0:34:06 > 0:34:10up until the early 1900s, when they broke away from them.
0:34:10 > 0:34:15You're right that it has been used because somebody,
0:34:15 > 0:34:19who put the chip on it? Do you know?
0:34:19 > 0:34:24- Yes, my mother.- And it's been coloured in, hasn't it? - Yes, she's painted it with ink.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Moonlit-blue fetches a great deal of money.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- It's one of the most sought-after patterns.- Is it really?- Yes.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35I think we've only had one or two other examples on the show before, and nothing of this size.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38If I said to you I've just looked on the computer
0:34:38 > 0:34:42and done some research on
0:34:42 > 0:34:45this particular size, this particular vase, in moonlit blue,
0:34:45 > 0:34:51in perfect condition, has sold recently in auction for £3,000.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Uh! No! That's incredible.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57It's a lot of money, isn't it?
0:34:57 > 0:35:00The downside is the chip.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03It's very hard to value this. The chip can get sorted out.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06It's not a big deal, but it's always going to be not perfect,
0:35:06 > 0:35:11it's always going to have restoration, and it's never going to reach another £3,000 mark.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Could I put this in with a reserve,
0:35:13 > 0:35:18a price guide of something like £500-£700?
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Yes, I'd be happy with that.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Let the auctioneer use a bit of discretion at £500.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- Right.- Would you be happy with that? - Very happy.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- Are you sure?- Positive.
0:35:29 > 0:35:35If we catch them at £500, hopefully three or four people in the room will bid it up to £1,000.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43It's worth trying if you're prepared to let it go at £500.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Watch it fly away.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48That's it. We've got our last items to take to auction.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51And here's a reminder of what's going under the hammer.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55If anyone's wishing they had a set of furniture made from chicken bones,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Janet's selling one with an estimate of £60-£80.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06Then there's Sue's family silver. It was first on TV 50 years ago
0:36:06 > 0:36:09and Adam's hoping that splitting them into three lots
0:36:09 > 0:36:10would get them sold.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14And finally... Pat, we see a lot of Moorcroft on the show
0:36:14 > 0:36:20- but I think this is possibly one of the best pieces I've ever seen. - Really?
0:36:20 > 0:36:23It's fresh to the market having always been in Pat's family.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25So, how will the bidders react?
0:36:25 > 0:36:32Let's find out, because it's time to see these items make their debut in the auction room.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35Next up we've got a lot of silver going under the hammer.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38Split into three lots, it belongs to Sue and the first lot,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41I know Adam's doing our valuations but you said, let the auctioneer
0:36:41 > 0:36:47do a little bit of work on this, see what value he can put on it and here, we've got £60-£80.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49It's a patch box.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54- Queen Anne silver unhallmarked patch box.- He's catalogued it as white metal which is understandable.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58- Yes.- This is the first of the three lots going under the hammer right now.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Let's see what this does. Good luck, Sue.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- Thank you.- Early-18th century white metal pillbox and cover.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Bidding starts at £40. £50? £60?
0:37:08 > 0:37:1360, all out at £60? With me, on commission, 5, 70?
0:37:13 > 0:37:145, 80, now, at 80.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Commissions in at £80, I'll take 5.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19At 85, £90? Are you bidding?
0:37:19 > 0:37:2295, 100? 100.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25I'll take 10, if you like. Still on commission.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Selling away now on commission at £100...
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Brilliant! Great start.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33That's the first one down and here's the second.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Cream jug with a sea-scrolled handle.
0:37:35 > 0:37:43Bids start here, £65, 65, I'm bid, 75, 85, 95, 100,
0:37:43 > 0:37:45behind me now at 100, at £100,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49it will sell now in the room and away at £100.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Good result, that's OK, isn't it? - Yep.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54One more to go, and that's the vinaigrette.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- Two out of three!- Ain't bad!
0:37:57 > 0:37:59William IV silver vinaigrette,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Thomas Smith, the date mark is worn, possibly 1834.
0:38:02 > 0:38:07Lots of bids here, £50 I'm bid, £60, £70.
0:38:07 > 0:38:1170 I'm bid, 70, it will sell.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13On the way, selling now at £70.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16£70 - yes! £270.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18That's very, very good. Isn't it?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20What are you going to put the money towards?
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Don't forget, there's 15% commission.
0:38:22 > 0:38:27- We'll have a good day out for the family.- Will you?- Yes, a meal.
0:38:27 > 0:38:32- Silver dealers were here.- £70, just about the right money.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- Mid-estimate.- I like that. I love it when that happens.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40I love this next item.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42It puts a smile on my face. A bit of folk art.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46It's a little bit quirky, it's a miniature set of tables and chairs
0:38:46 > 0:38:49made out of chicken bones and stained to look like mahogany.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51They belong to Janet here who's looked after them.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54I think they are so funny.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55Why are you selling them?
0:38:55 > 0:39:00I'm selling them because I think lots of other people want to be able to look at them.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02It's an amusing piece.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06It's not of huge value, but as I say, social times gone by.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11This is what antiques are all about. Those kind of things are so hard to value, they really are.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13There's no book price.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17This is something that puts a smile on your face, that's hard to value.
0:39:17 > 0:39:23- Isn't it? You've got a great smile as well, so hopefully we'll keep you smiling.- Thank you very much.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- When we make lots of money! - Lovely.- Here we go.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Six-part suite of doll's furniture.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32An unusual lot, this one, the bidding starts at £45. 45, I'm bid.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35A bit of novelty here at 45, 55.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37£60 bid, at 60 in the room,
0:39:37 > 0:39:39£60 a commissioned bid, I'll take 5 if you like.
0:39:39 > 0:39:4260, right at the back, and I will sell now.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47£60 in the room and away at £60.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48They've gone within estimate.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- We valued it at £60.- We did, yes.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54I think they bought it because they like it.
0:39:54 > 0:39:55- You wouldn't buy it otherwise.- No.
0:39:55 > 0:40:02Hopefully, they're going to make their own little room sets up and backdrops and things like that.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03You're quite enthusiastic.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07I love things like this, I just love things like this.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09The quirkier the better.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Wonderful, yeah.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14And it needs to be shown about more, doesn't it?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17People need to be able to use it and look at it.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19And thanks to you, you've looked after it,
0:40:19 > 0:40:23so we've all been able to appreciate it and enjoy something quirky.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Which you will probably not ever see again on "Flog It!"
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Next is that beautiful Moorcroft vase, but before we put my valuation
0:40:30 > 0:40:35to the test, here's what the auctioneer had to say about it.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38Patricia's Moorcroft moonlit-blue vase.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41It's absolutely stunning, isn't it? Caught my eye, anyway.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- Yes, I can see why.- I've given this a value of £500-£700.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50I did tell her, if it was in mint condition, £2,000-£3,000.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Sure, yes, I agree with that.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57Since the valuation day, Patricia has removed the flexibility from the reserve.
0:40:57 > 0:41:04We've now got a fixed reserve to work to but I don't think that should be a problem. It should do well.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Right, my turn to be the expert now.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Moorcroft, moonlit blue, it's the most beautiful vase.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18It's got a little chip on it, it belongs to Pat here, but not for much longer.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22We put £500-£700 on this, with a bit of discretion. I know that it's now changed to fixed.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25I don't blame you. Had a chat to the auctioneer.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30He said there's been some interest and he agrees with the valuation.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35Fingers crossed, we both said, on a good day, it's going to do four figures.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Now, Patricia, we are going to find out. Here we go.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42Moorcroft moonlit-blue baluster vase.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45Starting the bidding at £380.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49380 I'm bid. 400, 420, 440, 450,
0:41:49 > 0:41:54460, 480, 500, bid at 500? 520.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59540, 560. 580. 600. 650...
0:41:59 > 0:42:01Got a few phones booked on this.
0:42:01 > 0:42:02- How many?- Three.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07I can see them. Unless they're talking to friends at home...
0:42:07 > 0:42:12At 700, 750, new bidding.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17Telephone 2 at 750, £800. 850, I'm bid.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22950, £900? 950.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24We're gonna get those four figures.
0:42:24 > 0:42:30- £1,000. £1,100 bid, £1,200. - I can't believe it!
0:42:30 > 0:42:341,200 bid, on the telephone, 1,200.
0:42:34 > 0:42:361,300, new bidding, at 1,300.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39Telephone 3 at £1,300.
0:42:39 > 0:42:40At 1,300, any more?
0:42:40 > 0:42:441,300, and selling at 1,300.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48- Wow!- Settle for that, won't we? £1,300.- Excellent.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50What will you put the money towards?
0:42:50 > 0:42:54I'd like to buy another piece of Moorcroft. Would you really?
0:42:54 > 0:42:57- A small piece.- Fantastic.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59This is what we love to see.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03Reinvesting back in the trade - that's what it's all about, making people happy.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05Enjoy it, Patricia. It's been great.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07We've loved making the show here today.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09Join us again for more surprises on "Flog It!"
0:43:09 > 0:43:12From Market Harborough, it's cheerio.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15For more information about "Flog It!",
0:43:15 > 0:43:20including how the programme was made, visit the website at bbc.co.uk
0:43:31 > 0:43:34Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:34 > 0:43:37E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk