0:00:02 > 0:00:08Today we're in Northern Ireland, just a few miles in from the dramatic coastline of County Antrim.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12We're here to enjoy the magnificent scenery and the antiques.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:38 > 0:00:42Talking of beautiful scenery, we've all heard of the Giant's Causeway,
0:00:42 > 0:00:48but it's amazing to think that when it was first discovered in the late 17th century, there was a split
0:00:48 > 0:00:53over whether it was created by man, nature or a big giant!
0:00:53 > 0:00:58There's no disputing it is a stunning, beautiful sight.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Later, I'll explore the myths and the facts.
0:01:07 > 0:01:13So many people have arrived today that we've filled up Lissanoure Castle's barn.
0:01:13 > 0:01:20We have a giant-sized task on our hands. Hundreds of people have been waiting patiently
0:01:20 > 0:01:23so let's get started.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29The first thing I have to do is introduce you to our experts.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33We have Catherine Southon, who started in galleries
0:01:33 > 0:01:38but moved on to a speciality in scientific and maritime objects.
0:01:38 > 0:01:44And joining her we have Will Axon, an auctioneer and valuer in Yorkshire and Rutland.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50Will is a bit of a hoarder, but judging by what's come in, I don't think he's alone!
0:01:50 > 0:01:55Coming up on today's show: I find an eye-popping treasure.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57My eyes went boom when I saw this!
0:01:57 > 0:02:02- So does Catherine.- It's one of the best pieces I've seen on Flog It!
0:02:02 > 0:02:04And I find a piece of magic.
0:02:04 > 0:02:10Legend has it that if you wriggle three times while sitting in this chair
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and make a wish, it'll come true.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Lissanoure Castle's barn in County Antrim is filling up
0:02:17 > 0:02:19and I think it'll take us a while
0:02:19 > 0:02:21to get through everyone.
0:02:21 > 0:02:27Catherine Southon is our first expert to the tables. Let's take a look at what she's spotted.
0:02:27 > 0:02:33Peter, it's lovely to see a nice early piece of silver here. Do you know much about this?
0:02:33 > 0:02:39I got it at a house clearance in County Sligo about 13 years ago.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Including commission it was £146.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45OK, so what drew you to this?
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- It was just very attractive. I liked the raised work on it.- Yeah.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54It is very nice. I'll tell you something rather interesting.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59If you turn this over, you can see it's quite early,
0:02:59 > 0:03:0118th century, the little cup here.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05We can see here that it's made in Newcastle.
0:03:05 > 0:03:12There's the Newcastle marker. And the date letter there tells us it's 1760.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17When you look at silver of this period, a lot of cups were plain.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21This decoration here was done much later.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25What actually drew you to this, the decoration over here,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29is something much later, probably Victorian in date.
0:03:29 > 0:03:36We'd usually be looking at quite a plain cup for 18th-century silver.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41What I like is we've got initials here, the maker's initials.
0:03:41 > 0:03:48That's John Langland. It's really nice to identify it and know who it is made by.
0:03:48 > 0:03:54- And it hasn't been polished away! - Absolutely. The marks are nice and crisp, which is wonderful.
0:03:54 > 0:04:00You were attracted by the decoration. Do you have it on display in a cabinet?
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Not in a cabinet, on a table.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09- Right.- My wife collects perfume bottles.- Oh, lovely.- It's among those. Some have silver tops.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- It probably complemented them nicely.- Yeah.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- You say you paid £146 for it.- Yes. - You'd like to see a little return.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- Why are you selling it? - I need the money!
0:04:21 > 0:04:28Fair enough. Need I say more? I think today you could easily get £200-£250 on that.
0:04:28 > 0:04:35- How does that sound?- OK. - Perhaps we should put a reserve on of £180?- Yes, that'll be fine.
0:04:35 > 0:04:43- And we'll take it to auction.- Yes. - The only thing letting it down is the Victorian decoration.
0:04:43 > 0:04:49- Which drew me to it!- That's unusual. It's something you picked up on.
0:04:49 > 0:04:55If this didn't have the decoration, you'd probably be looking more at £300, £350, something like that.
0:04:55 > 0:05:02But hopefully more people at the auction will have the same idea and they'll like this decoration.
0:05:02 > 0:05:09- I hope it does well for you. - Thank you.- And let's hope it gets you a little bit of a profit.
0:05:10 > 0:05:18That's a quality item to start the show and now we go from silver to a bit of gold with Will and Ian.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26Ian, thanks for coming today. I could see you in your waistcoat with this in your watch pocket.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- Does this watch ever see the light of day?- No, I've never used it.
0:05:31 > 0:05:38- It doesn't see the light of day at all.- It lives in a drawer? - This is a very rare outing for it.
0:05:38 > 0:05:44- Is it something you inherited? You wouldn't buy something you didn't use.- It's been inherited.
0:05:44 > 0:05:51- It was my grandfather's. - Those were the days when they really did use the old pocket watch.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55A well-to-do grandfather. He's got a gold-cased pocket watch.
0:05:55 > 0:06:02Not very good for telling the time when you can't see the dial. Do you know what we call these?
0:06:02 > 0:06:08- Em, the hunter?- You're right. The full hunter. You've got that and the half hunter.
0:06:08 > 0:06:14- Half hunters have the small, glazed aperture on the middle so you can still see the hands.- OK.
0:06:14 > 0:06:20The full hunter is as we have here. Two hinged covers on each side to stop the glass getting broken
0:06:20 > 0:06:23when you're out hunting.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27We can see a good, nice, clean dial which is what we like.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32Crisp, clear numbers. No real damage on that enamel dial.
0:06:32 > 0:06:38Once they're damaged, they're very difficult to fix. And the maker is Waltham, USA.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42Waltham are an American manufacturer of clocks.
0:06:42 > 0:06:49They produced a wide range of clocks and watches. I noticed on the back of the case you've got the mark
0:06:49 > 0:06:52saying it's a Dennison case.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57So the movement's American, then it was put in a gold case in this country,
0:06:57 > 0:07:03hence the English hallmarks. Value-wise, the fact that it is gold-case comes into it.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Say I say it's worth £100, £150, what do you think?
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- Yeah! Sounds all right. - Sounds all right?- Yeah.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16I think we should put it in at that level. If we say £100-£150,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20I'm hoping for 150 or a bit more, just for the weight of gold in it.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24Let's reserve it at that £100. It's daft to let it go for less.
0:07:24 > 0:07:30And hopefully you'll get 150 or more. What will you do with it?
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- I'm sure my wife's already decided! - Oh, dear. It's like that, is it?
0:07:35 > 0:07:40- Well, go home and tell her I said it was worth 20 quid.- Good idea!
0:07:40 > 0:07:44Nice plan there, Will. Let's hope it does make more than £20.
0:07:44 > 0:07:51Next up, it looks like Christine has brought in something right up Catherine's street.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55As soon as I saw this name Betts, I pounced on you in the queue!
0:07:55 > 0:07:58It's fantastic.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Betts is known for making portable globes.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06That's exactly what this is. I'll let you open this up.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10I find if you press it down at this end, it's easier.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13I can't push it up.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15There we go.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20What a spectacular piece. Also known as the umbrella globe.
0:08:20 > 0:08:26Obviously you can appreciate these are very fragile and often get torn.
0:08:26 > 0:08:33- This looks to be in immaculate condition.- It's very rarely opened. It's kept in the box at home.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38That's another thing. To have its original tube is something you don't hear of.
0:08:38 > 0:08:44- Where did you get it?- My mother and father had it in Scotland when they went to auctions in Ayr.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49- I inherited it. - They clearly had a fantastic eye.
0:08:49 > 0:08:56This is one of the best pieces I've seen on Flog It! It's wonderful as I'm passionate about globes.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00I'm so interested in it. On here is the cartouche.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04We've got the name Betts. "Betts's Portable Terrestrial Globe.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08"Compiled from the latest and best authorities."
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Betts produced these globes for quite a period.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16This one probably dates to early 20th century.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21Someone has written in pencil there "pre-war". Was that your dad?
0:09:21 > 0:09:23I don't know. Could have been.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- It's not something you're interested in?- It doesn't get looked at
0:09:27 > 0:09:33and I'd rather somebody else could enjoy it. I thought it had belonged to a school.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38Or perhaps a gentleman travelling on a ship around the world.
0:09:38 > 0:09:46As a travelling instrument, it's something he could get out and perhaps track his journey.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- Do you have any idea of price on it? - Not really, no.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54I would like to say that we could easily get £400-£500.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59I think perhaps we should put a reserve on of about 350.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- OK.- But I think maybe £400-£500 at auction.
0:10:03 > 0:10:12- It's a superb piece and any day that should make £350 at least.- That's great.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17- Are you sad to see it go? - Yes, I am sad in a way but my dad would be so pleased
0:10:17 > 0:10:20that other people were interested.
0:10:20 > 0:10:26- And I'm sure it'll go to a good home.- Yes.- A lot of people will get excited.- Hope so!
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- I'm excited, anyway! Let's hope it makes top end. Thank you, Christine.- Thank you.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35There's certainly enthusiasm a-plenty for the globe.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37We'll see how it does a little later.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Next up, I spy something else sweet.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46- That looks absolutely fabulous. What do you recommend?- Meringues. I made them.- Did you?
0:10:46 > 0:10:52- Bless you. How much do they cost? - £1.50.- I'll get someone to pay you a bit later! I haven't any money!
0:10:52 > 0:10:59I bet they all say that! Got to keep your energy up. Look at the size of the queue here.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04It's going to be a long day. We should let our experts get on with it while I have a bite of this.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16How embarrassing! Thankfully, Will is taking things seriously.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Frank, you look like a man who likes to wear a bit of bling.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- Is this your personal sovereign ring and coin?- No.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- Where does this come from? - I got that one there
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- about 20 years ago.- Right.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- And that one there belongs to my wife.- Does it?- Yes.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39And she no longer wears it.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44- Does she know you've got it?- Yes. - I hope so or we're both in trouble!
0:11:44 > 0:11:52Now I suppose two years ago a sovereign was worth maybe £70-£80.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- That sort of level.- Yeah. - Nowadays, it's probably £120-£150,
0:11:57 > 0:12:02just for the single full sovereign. That's a sort of indication
0:12:02 > 0:12:07- of how much the price of gold has gone up.- Yeah.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- So up to £120, £150 for the full sovereign.- Yes.
0:12:12 > 0:12:18The half sovereign, while it's been mounted in a ring, I've had a look at the mount.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23If it's been soldered in, then that does devalue them.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Coin collectors can't get them out of the ring crisply.
0:12:27 > 0:12:34But I'm pretty sure that's been mounted in a way that could come out again, so that's good.
0:12:34 > 0:12:40In our saleroom, the buyers start at one end of the cabinets, they weigh everything,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43they know exactly what they'll pay for these.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49So it's easy for us because this type of thing always makes its money at sales.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54What I would say is can we put it in at an estimate of £150-£250
0:12:54 > 0:12:57with a fixed reserve at £150?
0:12:57 > 0:13:01So we'd be looking at 150 upwards. What do you feel to that?
0:13:02 > 0:13:08- Do you have to phone the wife? - Well, you said £150-£250. - That's right.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12So what about putting a reserve of 200 on?
0:13:12 > 0:13:18If I put the reserve at 200 - it might make 200 - I'd need to put the estimate at 200-300.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22The reserve can't be higher than the bottom estimate, by law.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26If you say 200, let's compromise, meet each other halfway
0:13:26 > 0:13:31and I'll say 200 with 10% discretion for the auctioneer.
0:13:31 > 0:13:37- Worst-case scenario, he'd sell at 180.- OK.- Yes?- That's OK.
0:13:37 > 0:13:43Let's go for £200-£300, then, as an estimate with the reserve at £200 with discretion.
0:13:43 > 0:13:49I still think at 180 they should make that. If they get to 200, great.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- And the wife will be happy. - She'll be happy.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Right now I'm going to give you a lesson in some local history.
0:14:05 > 0:14:12The dramatic coast of County Antrim is famously known for the Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage Site.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17But there's more history here than you might realise.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21The Causeway School has been here since it was erected in 1914.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25It was built in memory of a wealthy local man, Lord Edward Macnaghten.
0:14:25 > 0:14:31His family were dedicated to the area and thought it needed a bigger and more progressive school.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35But this was to be no ordinary building.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44In fact, famous architect Clough Williams-Ellis, the man behind the village of Portmeirion,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47was commissioned to design it.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51The famous artistic influences didn't stop there.
0:14:51 > 0:14:57The Macnaghten family were friends with artist Rosamund Praeger.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01The school is lucky enough to house five works by Praeger.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06There's some sculpture, including a panel of Lord Macnaghten,
0:15:06 > 0:15:11and drawings for a series of artworks based on Gaelic legend.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16'The school was closed in 1962 and was unfortunately left to deteriorate
0:15:16 > 0:15:20'until 1987 when it was reopened as a museum.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25'Fortunately, it's been restored to its former glory and now used
0:15:25 > 0:15:30'to teach classes from Northern Irish primary schools about how they would have been taught last century.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35'Ann, or Miss Kilpatrick, has agreed to give me a lesson.'
0:15:35 > 0:15:42- Ann, it's wonderful to meet you. You're obviously head teacher here? - Sometimes you would think so, yes.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45But Daniel McConaghy was the first headmaster here.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50This school was called the Lord Edward Macnaghten Memorial School
0:15:50 > 0:15:55and it was created to give children here at the Causeway the very best education.
0:15:55 > 0:16:01Children had to walk for miles to come to school, very often in their bare feet.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- Not everyone had a pair of shoes. - No, life was tough.- It was indeed.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- Hopefully, the kids today appreciate how lucky they are.- Exactly.
0:16:09 > 0:16:16But I bet they get frightened when they first clap eyes on this and they see the canes here.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Yes, they're always worried about the canes.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24'Of course, things would have been very different back then.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28'There would have been around 50 pupils of varying ages per room
0:16:28 > 0:16:34'with some of the older ones instructing the younger children to help out the teacher.'
0:16:34 > 0:16:40I can see many items here today that will remind the viewers at home of their own schooldays.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Lots of memories here.- Yes.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- What are we looking at here? - This is the punishment book.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51The "crime" and the punishment was noted down.
0:16:51 > 0:16:57- Shall I read a couple out?- Yes. - "Throwing bread while the principal was absent for a few minutes."
0:16:57 > 0:17:01He got two slaps with the cane. How about that?
0:17:01 > 0:17:07There's a girl there. She threw a stone and it cut another girl on the forehead in the playground.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09She got two slaps, one on each hand.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Throwing a snowball in school - two slaps and the cane!
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Lots for throwing things, really.
0:17:17 > 0:17:24Nothing's changed. Kids are still throwing their pens and rubbers, maybe not bread, at each other.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Lots of toys around. Children were various ages.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Yes, they were here from when they were four until they were 14.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- That's a big age group.- It is.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40- How many children would have been here?- Initially, there would have been about 100 children.- Gosh!
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- There really wasn't enough room for everyone to sit down. - Go on. Give it a go.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50That's cute, that, isn't it?
0:17:50 > 0:17:56'Of course, these methods of teaching are a lot different from those in modern schools today.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00'That's not to say that going back to basics would be a bad idea.'
0:18:00 > 0:18:03So are we standing in the right position?
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Yes, our toes have to be exactly at the studs to toe the line.
0:18:07 > 0:18:14- Why are there studs on the floor? - Because children had to come here to stand for a standing lesson.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- Because there weren't enough seats? - That's right.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21They had to toe the line and stand up very straight, hands by their sides.
0:18:21 > 0:18:28- Do you think that's where the phrase "toeing the line" came from? - Yes, I think it is.- Fascinating.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33I love the floor. This is pitch pine and it really has stood the test of time.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37It's full of character, lots of ink stains.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43You see where it's worn all around the knots? They're impervious to wear as they're full of resin.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- Now, when you walk on it, you can feel the knots. It's quite uncomfortable.- Yes, under your feet.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52But that's its life, that's its character.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55It's beautiful.
0:19:02 > 0:19:09- There's ink everywhere, isn't there? - Yes.- They must have been chucking it around. Lots of blotting paper.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- What's this? - This is the window here.
0:19:12 > 0:19:18You'd put this on your page and you would use your dip pen and ink
0:19:18 > 0:19:20to copy exactly what you see.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25This would have been a really important lesson back in Victorian times.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- Do you know what they say? The pen is mightier than the sword.- Yes.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- To be able to read and write is a real gift.- It certainly is.
0:19:34 > 0:19:41Can I have a go at copying some of that and see how difficult or easy it is with these old nibbed pens?
0:19:41 > 0:19:45You'll find there's even more ink going over the floor and the desks.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- You'll be better at the teacher's table.- Can I sit here?- Of course.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Do you know something? I feel quite important here. It's really nice.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Oh, dear, look! You've got something prepared for me.
0:19:57 > 0:20:03I've only just picked the nib pen up. I haven't started and it's already all over my fingers.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08That's not a good sign, is it? And Ann's just walked off laughing!
0:20:08 > 0:20:09Here goes...
0:20:18 > 0:20:24My father was a schoolteacher and I used to watch him work quite a lot when I was a little boy...
0:20:24 > 0:20:26writing away.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44That's it. I've given it my best shot. I'm already covered in ink.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49I've thoroughly enjoyed my lesson here and soaking up the atmosphere.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53It's reminded me of one of my first schools many, many years ago.
0:20:53 > 0:21:00And I'm just going to pick my little window off and leave it here with you to look at.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10And now for my favourite part of the show.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14Let's head straight to the auction and see what the bidders think.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16So we're selling
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Peter's decorative silver cup,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Ian's nine-carat gold pocket watch,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Frank's sovereign ring and coin,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29and Christine's antique pop-up globe.
0:21:30 > 0:21:37Let's see what the market's like at McAfee Auctions in nearby Ballycastle.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43This is what I like to see - a jam-packed auction room. I hope they bid on our lots.
0:21:43 > 0:21:49Before the sale started, I had a quick word with today's auctioneer Gerry
0:21:49 > 0:21:52and this is what he said.
0:21:52 > 0:21:58Catherine fell in love with this and we've got a value of £400-£500.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03Now my gut feeling is it's worth every penny of that,
0:22:03 > 0:22:09but to get to that figure, I personally would pitch this at £200-£300.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13It's a lovely thing and great to have the cover.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17I haven't sold one before, so I'm somewhat blind.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20I think it's punchy at £400-£500.
0:22:20 > 0:22:26- It may do OK. There have been inquiries.- Good.- One English call. Not sure if they'll be on the phone.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29But I'm not overly hopeful.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- It's a cracking thing.- Lovely. - The condition is superb.
0:22:33 > 0:22:40I think because of its rarity and its condition, it should go.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45Fingers crossed, it might get away, but just a wee bit cautious.
0:22:45 > 0:22:52Hopefully we'll find some worldwide bidders here, Gerry, and this could just go out of orbit. Keep watching.
0:22:52 > 0:23:00Well, I've got high hopes for it, but there's only one way to find out. It's first under the hammer.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06We're looking at £400-£500, with its original case. Beautiful.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08We've got a reserve of £350.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- It's one of the nicest things I've seen.- I'm sorry to see it go.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17It was my dad's and I'm sorry he wasn't here to share this today.
0:23:17 > 0:23:23- He would have loved it.- Let's hope the people recognise the quality and want to own this.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25It's a rare gem.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Lot 440 is the Betts patent portable globe.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32In excellent condition.
0:23:32 > 0:23:38- And it has its original tube. - Come on.- Also in that condition.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40£400 for it?
0:23:40 > 0:23:42350?
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Starting me at £200. £200 now for the portable globe.
0:23:46 > 0:23:53- At £200 for the portable globe. - Oh, come on. This is such a fantastic piece.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56At £200, the portable globe now. At £200.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59£200. 220. 240.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Portable globe at 240. 260.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05At 260. 280. At 280 now.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08At 280.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13You've got £300. The portable globe now at £300.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15320. At 320.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17At £320.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- 330.- One bid away.- At 330.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23At 330 for the portable globe.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Last call before we leave it.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31At £330. Sorry, I'll have to leave that. The owner hoped for more.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35It was close. We were literally one bid away. If he'd used discretion
0:24:35 > 0:24:39at 340 or so. We'd a fixed reserve at 350.
0:24:39 > 0:24:45- But I really didn't want to sell it for nothing because it is a really fine, fine piece.- Yes.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- And such sentimental value as well. - Maybe it's meant to be.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- And you've to hang on to it.- Yeah.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57Well, that's a shame, but Christine does seem happy to keep it for now.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00Next up is the gold pocket watch.
0:25:00 > 0:25:06A favourite of mine, but owner Ian couldn't make it to the auction, so it's just Will and me.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- I like this. I like this a lot. Watches are good value.- Exactly.
0:25:12 > 0:25:18Certainly when they're gold-case, they've got value in the case. I'm sure someone will fancy it.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22A dressy thing. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27Lot number 620 is the gold gent's hunter pocket watch.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Waltham of USA. An American watch.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33Perfect working order. What do we get for that?
0:25:33 > 0:25:37150 for it? 150? 130?
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- Come on, come on.- 120?
0:25:40 > 0:25:42£100? £100 for it?
0:25:42 > 0:25:47£60 bid. £70 here. £80 here.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52- £90 here.- Creeping up. - £100. 110. 120.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55130. 140.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00140 beside me. A lovely pocket watch there.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03£140. At 150. New one in at 150.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05160.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09160. 170. Beside me at £180.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14I am selling it now at 180. All out and selling at £180.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- 180, yes!- Pleased with that. - That's a very good result.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23- We'll have to tell Ian now. - Give him the good news.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Above estimate. That's a good result.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Now it's time to see how Frank's sovereigns fare.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32They've been split into two lots, the coin going first.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36Let's put the gold under the hammer. We've just been joined by Frank.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40We've got the half sovereign and the full sovereign first.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43It's a good time to sell gold.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48We have a very good gold sovereign.
0:26:48 > 0:26:531876. In a presentation box. A very nice gold sovereign.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56150 for the gold sovereign? 150?
0:26:56 > 0:26:59125? Start it off at £100.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- At £100. - Got to be worth more than that.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05105. 110.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08115. Bid left at 120.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10125. With me at 130.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13130 for the gold sovereign. 130.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19135 beats me. At 135. At 135 for the sovereign.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- Should be more than this. - Sovereign at 140.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26145. 150.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29155. 160. 160 here.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31165.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36170. Here now at 170. Selling it now at £170.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38175. 180.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Sovereign there at £180.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- I'm selling this at £180. - That's a good result.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49Right. Let's see what the next one does.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54A lovely gold half sovereign. Well set in a gent's ring.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56£100 to start me for this one?
0:27:56 > 0:28:01Play it the hard way. 50 I'm getting. 60. 70.
0:28:01 > 0:28:0580. £80 now. At £80 now. 90. 100.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- They're keen.- 110. 120. 130 beside me.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13At 130. Selling the ring now at 130.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- At 130. 140. - This is great. This is great.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21Selling the ring at £150. All out?
0:28:21 > 0:28:26What a good result! Great result. Top money. That's top gold prices.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- You've got to be happy.- Yes, I am.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- Well done, Frank.- Are you going to treat the wife now?- I will.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36- Good.- Treat myself, too.- Good.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39A great result for Frank and his wife.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Now Peter's silver cup.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- Why are you selling it, Peter? - I really don't know!
0:28:48 > 0:28:54- Have you thought about it? - I thought I might be able to use the money for something else.- OK.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59Hopefully we'll get £200-£250. That's what Catherine's hoping for.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- Fingers crossed.- Thanks.- This is it.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06Now we have a very good silver tankard.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Newcastle, 1760.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13Fantastic silver tankard. 250 for it?
0:29:13 > 0:29:19A couple of hundred pounds for it? A very good silver tankard.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Newcastle, 1760. An early one.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26£100 to start me. At £100. £100 beside me now.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28At 100. And 10.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32- 120. 130. 140. - (Come on.)- 150.
0:29:32 > 0:29:38160. 170. 180. Beside me now at 180.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42The tankard now at 180. At 180 beside me. 180.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45We'd like slightly more now. Bidding's at 180.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50The bid's beside me at £180. Selling at 180.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55- 180.- That's the reserve.- Right on the reserve. Well, we did it.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57- We did it. Just.- Just.- Just.
0:29:57 > 0:30:03- That was close. It was exciting. Up and up and up. It just stopped and that's it. OK?- Yeah.
0:30:03 > 0:30:09- We did our best. It's gone and it's sold.- Thank you, Peter.- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:30:09 > 0:30:16Someone got a good deal for such a decorative piece, but at least it made the reserve.
0:30:16 > 0:30:21So far, so good. You've just seen our first few lots going.
0:30:21 > 0:30:28We are coming back here later, so don't go away. There's going to be one or two big surprises.
0:30:28 > 0:30:33While we're filming in the area, I took the opportunity to explore
0:30:33 > 0:30:37one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world. Look at this.
0:30:45 > 0:30:51County Antrim in Northern Ireland, home to one of the most dramatic and luscious coastlines in the world,
0:30:51 > 0:30:53known as the Causeway Coast.
0:30:56 > 0:31:02It's here at the top of the cliff that I start my journey to see the wonder of the Giant's Causeway.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06It's a World Heritage Site, visited by half a million people a year.
0:31:06 > 0:31:12It's the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, but was it created by nature or legend?
0:31:12 > 0:31:15That's what I'm here to find out.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20The discovery of the causeway was reported to the wider world in 1694.
0:31:20 > 0:31:26Such a dramatic sight of the rock columns jutting into the sea caused much discussion
0:31:26 > 0:31:32as to whether it had been created by nature, man or a local giant.
0:31:34 > 0:31:41It gained notoriety as word spread and after an artist, Susanna Drury, painted it in watercolours.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45The causeway soon became a tourist attraction.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50Commercial opportunities opened up for many people. All along the path,
0:31:50 > 0:31:56there were stalls selling home-made souvenirs and refreshments for all the travellers.
0:31:56 > 0:32:02One lady even set up her little shop by a well, selling the water but with free whiskey,
0:32:02 > 0:32:06using a loophole in the law to get away without charging for alcohol.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16So what did they come to see? Well, looking at the Grand Causeway,
0:32:16 > 0:32:23a spectacular sight, a series of basalt columns, some 40,000 of them.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26It really is quite breathtaking.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34The majority of the columns are hexagonal in shape,
0:32:34 > 0:32:38but there are many five, seven and eight-sided versions.
0:32:38 > 0:32:45It's so understandable to see why many people thought that this could have been created by ancient workers
0:32:45 > 0:32:49in a brick-like fashion. Or single-handedly by one giant.
0:32:49 > 0:32:55But the legend of the giant allegedly responsible for the creation of it
0:32:55 > 0:32:58is a story in itself, so we'd better start there.
0:32:58 > 0:33:06The legend begins many years ago when Finn McCool and his warriors heard that a giant,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Benandonner, from Scotland, was up for a fight.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13Finn and his rival started throwing rocks at each other in the sea,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16creating the causeway we see today!
0:33:18 > 0:33:22When the Scottish giant arrived, Finn ran to his wife to seek some advice.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26She suggested that he dressed as a baby and lay in the cradle
0:33:26 > 0:33:33so when Benandonner saw the size of Finn's baby, he thought his dad must be absolutely massive.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38So he beat a hasty retreat back to Scotland, tearing up the causeway.
0:33:43 > 0:33:49There are many versions of this legend and many other stories featuring Finn McCool.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53He remains today an important figure in history.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57But if we're talking giants, how big are we talking?
0:33:57 > 0:34:04This rock is reputedly the giant's boot, kicked off by Finn or Benandonner when he ran home.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08Apparently, it works out at a size 93.5.
0:34:08 > 0:34:15Compare that to my size 9.5 and you get an idea of just how huge he was.
0:34:16 > 0:34:22And there is a lot of other evidence littered throughout the coast supporting the McCool legend.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26In the first bay, we see Finn's trusty steed,
0:34:26 > 0:34:30a camel so tired from his journey that he's still sitting.
0:34:30 > 0:34:36And over on the far bay are the chimneys of his house and his organ,
0:34:36 > 0:34:39but another bit of magic has captured my imagination.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43I've perched in this natural seat, the Wishing Chair.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46It's right in the middle of the causeway.
0:34:46 > 0:34:52Legend has it that if you wriggle three times while sitting in this chair, and make a wish,
0:34:52 > 0:34:56it's bound to come true. So let's give it a go.
0:34:56 > 0:35:03There we are. I'm not going to tell you what I wished for, but this chair is jolly comfortable.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08In fact, it's so well worn, it's perfect.
0:35:08 > 0:35:14But I can't come here today and not talk about the likelihood that the causeway was, in fact,
0:35:14 > 0:35:22a natural geological event. Volcanic movement millions of years ago forced lava above ground
0:35:22 > 0:35:26and when it cooled down it shrank and cracked to form this pattern.
0:35:26 > 0:35:32I can see why many people thought this was man-made. These columns seem to float out of the ground
0:35:32 > 0:35:37and appear regular in shape and size and in brick-like fashion.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42Just look at that. But there are other causeways around the world,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46including one in Staffa, home to the Scottish giant Benandonner,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50thus perpetuating the myth of the causeway.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04Whatever the reasons behind the Giant's Causeway, whichever you choose to believe,
0:36:04 > 0:36:09this has to be one of the most dramatic sights in the world
0:36:09 > 0:36:14and, for me, this part of the causeway is like taking a walk with the ancient Irish spirits.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18There's a unique combination of majesty and sheer beauty.
0:36:24 > 0:36:30Our valuation day is at Lissanoure Castle in County Antrim and there's plenty more to explore.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34Coming up: it's a large bird that catches my attentions.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39The biggest I have seen if it is what I think it is.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Will turns make-up artist.
0:36:41 > 0:36:46Do you not powder your nose with it or sit it on a dressing table?
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Catherine's instincts kick in.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52I love this platinum and diamond combination.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56And there's a mystery behind a pair of candelabras.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00How does glass from mid-Europe come to be in Northern Ireland?
0:37:01 > 0:37:06First up is Will, who is talking to Janet about her compact.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09You've brought a bit of the Middle East.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12What can you tell me about this box?
0:37:12 > 0:37:16My father had it made for my mother back in 1941
0:37:16 > 0:37:20when he was in India. It's made from Indian silver rupees.
0:37:20 > 0:37:27- Right.- He gave the craftsman 200. The craftsman kept 100 as his fee
0:37:27 > 0:37:34and the other 100 was melted down and he used a foot-operated lathe to scoop out the inside
0:37:34 > 0:37:41and he then engraved the top to make it into a compact. The whole thing cost £7 and 10 shillings.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- In old money. - OK, good value.- Good value.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48What really caught my eye when you brought it out
0:37:48 > 0:37:54- was this decoration on the cover. We've got this Middle Eastern boat...- That's right.
0:37:54 > 0:38:00..within this nice florally-engraved border, which again made me curious.
0:38:00 > 0:38:06Let's have a look inside. We're both cheating a bit - there's a nice type note inside
0:38:06 > 0:38:12that tells us when it was made, where, and what it was made of.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16I like the little bit that says any of the shavings from it
0:38:16 > 0:38:23were literally his little profit. He probably swept them all up and put them in his Christmas fund!
0:38:23 > 0:38:27I've had a close look. As is often with Middle Eastern silver,
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- it's not marked at all.- No. - So we have to be a little careful.
0:38:31 > 0:38:38- We'll have to catalogue it as white metal. So your father commissioned it for your mother.- That's right.
0:38:38 > 0:38:44- Do you not powder your nose with it or have any dressing table to sit it on?- No.
0:38:44 > 0:38:50- It's in a drawer in my jewellery box. It's never seen. - We hear that a lot.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54- I don't think it will be hugely valuable.- No.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58But it's interesting. It's just a little bit different.
0:38:58 > 0:39:05I mean it's obviously going to be worth £7.50. He'll get his money back, or you will.
0:39:05 > 0:39:11- I'm going to say to you it's going to be worth around £40. - Right. That's fine.- If it's OK,
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- I'll put the estimate at £30-£50. - Right.- OK?
0:39:15 > 0:39:20I'm pretty known for asking people not to put reserves on things.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24If you want to sell it, let it sell. How do you feel?
0:39:24 > 0:39:31- I think we'll let it go.- So we'll put the estimate at £30-£50, we'll live dangerously without a reserve
0:39:31 > 0:39:37- and I'm confident that on the day it's going to find a new home. - Well, I hope so.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- I'll see you at the sale.- Thank you.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43That's an interesting item.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Next up, Catherine is at the table with Martin and Elaine.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49What a piece of Belleek this is. Absolutely beautiful.
0:39:49 > 0:39:55We have a bonbon dish that was probably originally one of a pair.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- Where did this come from? - My mum's house.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02She's passed away now three years ago.
0:40:02 > 0:40:08She used to frequent all the charity shops, so she must have picked it up in later life.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Let's turn it over because your mother had quite a good eye.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16We can see here the mark on the bottom, the Belleek mark.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19It's from the first period. It was the early stamp.
0:40:19 > 0:40:25The reason we know that is it's the black stamp and it just says the name "Belleek".
0:40:25 > 0:40:29- Later on, they added "County Fermanagh". Is that right?- Yes.
0:40:29 > 0:40:35Later on, they also said "made in Ireland", but this is the early stamp with just "Belleek" on it.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40This stamp was used from 1863 to 1890,
0:40:40 > 0:40:47but I think that this piece probably dates from more towards 1888, 1890, that sort of date.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50But I just love the delicate colour here,
0:40:50 > 0:40:56this wonderful pink that we can see here, the highlighted pink on the coral and the shells.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01And also the way that we've got the nice, delicate pink around the outside.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06Why do you want to sell this? Does it not sit nicely in your home?
0:41:06 > 0:41:12- The fear is of it getting broken. And I have two older brothers. We can't share it as it sits.- No.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16I think the best way is for us to sell it and share the money
0:41:16 > 0:41:20and buy something, then we can have something each.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Elaine, you really don't like this. I can tell.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26I'm getting the vibe.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32- It's lovely, but it just doesn't fit in with our house. - It doesn't fit in your house?- No.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- You've got children, have you? - Yeah, and a dog.- And a dog?
0:41:36 > 0:41:40It's definitely no place for a dog. It's far too delicate, isn't it?
0:41:40 > 0:41:44Belleek used to fetch rather high prices.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47I think the prices are slightly lower now.
0:41:47 > 0:41:53A lovely piece like this, I would say at auction would probably fetch between about £70 to £90.
0:41:53 > 0:41:58- How does that sound? - I don't know the value of it, but hopefully somebody can...
0:41:58 > 0:42:03Well, £70 to £90, I think, and let's put a reserve on of £70.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07And I hope that it really does do the top end of that
0:42:07 > 0:42:11because it is a nice piece, a nice, early piece, nice colour.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15I think the thing to do is send it off to auction
0:42:15 > 0:42:18and let's hope we attract lots of other Belleek collectors
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- who have one bonbon dish and want another.- And need the pair.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27Now I've headed out to the courtyard to talk to Caroline.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Tell me about this bronze.
0:42:29 > 0:42:35It's been in my family from the beginning of the 20th century.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39It belonged to my great-grandfather who lived in Sutton.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43And it's been passed down through the family to me.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48- In the family all that time. - Yes, I remember it as a child. - Where do you have it at home?
0:42:48 > 0:42:55- Sitting on the fireplace. - I hoped you'd say that. These look best on the hearth.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00- It really is a large bird, isn't it? - Yes.- The biggest I have seen...
0:43:00 > 0:43:04if it is what I think it is. Can I tell you?
0:43:04 > 0:43:10Let's turn it upside down. I'm looking for a maker's mark. There - a B inside a vase.
0:43:10 > 0:43:17- Can you see that?- Yes. What does that mean?- That means it's made by Franz Bergman.
0:43:17 > 0:43:24- And this is the real McCoy. This is an Austrian, cold-painted bronze.- Well.
0:43:24 > 0:43:32The Bergmans were an Austrian family working in practice from around 1861 to 1936,
0:43:32 > 0:43:37just before the start of WWII. The family specialised in small animals.
0:43:37 > 0:43:42And some figures, but mainly animals. They loved animals.
0:43:42 > 0:43:46And they could model animals almost life-like,
0:43:46 > 0:43:51like this one is, in wax. That's how they worked that.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55Then a mould is taken from the wax and cast in the bronze.
0:43:55 > 0:44:01- It's the best way of reproducing images like this.- Very interesting.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05Then they're painted when the bronze is cold, with life-like colours.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09This bird, this cock pheasant, has been repainted at some stage.
0:44:09 > 0:44:16Just here, the plumes on the breast. You can see that it doesn't have the consistent wear
0:44:16 > 0:44:18that the rest of the bird has.
0:44:18 > 0:44:23It's got so much expression. So much expression.
0:44:23 > 0:44:24Now...
0:44:24 > 0:44:27the good news is it's worth a lot of money.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30So I'm very impressed, very excited.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- So am I!- I'm quite scared to put a valuation on this!
0:44:34 > 0:44:38Because you know, obviously, size is very important.
0:44:38 > 0:44:43The smaller ones are worth £300-£500 and this has got to be worth XYZ.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- Double? Treble? Quadruple? - Keep going!
0:44:49 > 0:44:52My gut feeling says £1,000-£2,000.
0:44:52 > 0:44:53Wow.
0:44:54 > 0:45:01- If we put it into auction with a valuation of, say, £1,000-£1,500.- Mm-hm.
0:45:01 > 0:45:07- And put a reserve on at £1,000?- Yes. - I look forward to seeing you in the auction room
0:45:07 > 0:45:10and hopefully it will fly away!
0:45:11 > 0:45:16I do have high hopes for that colourful pheasant. Back inside,
0:45:16 > 0:45:21- Catherine's talking to Isobel about her brooch.- Thank you for bringing
0:45:21 > 0:45:23your beautiful diamond and platinum brooch.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26It's not conventional with a pin on the back.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30I'm guessing you take this off
0:45:30 > 0:45:33and then probably pin this into your lapel
0:45:33 > 0:45:36and then put the arrowhead...
0:45:38 > 0:45:41..back on like that. A really lovely item.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44It probably dates to about 1920s.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48This lovely feathered effect at the back,
0:45:48 > 0:45:50you can see each one is inset
0:45:50 > 0:45:54with a rose-cut diamond. And then again at the top.
0:45:54 > 0:45:59A rose-cut diamond on the arrowhead. Where did you get this from?
0:45:59 > 0:46:06From my sister. It was a gift from her husband many years ago from an antique shop.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- And did she wear it?- She did, yes.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13- And did she give it to you?- Yes. - It's passed on to you.
0:46:13 > 0:46:17- Do you ever wear it?- No. I've never worn it.- Never?- No.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21- It's been in a box for 30 years. - Right.
0:46:21 > 0:46:26When your sister wore it, did she wear it to glamorous occasions?
0:46:26 > 0:46:29Yeah, well, social functions and church.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33- Do you have any idea of how much it's worth?- No idea.
0:46:33 > 0:46:38- I think it's worth about £80-£120 at auction.- Right, right.
0:46:38 > 0:46:44- At least. I would like to see it making about £150, maybe towards £200.- Right.
0:46:44 > 0:46:50But I think if you put an estimate on of £80-£120, and then attract the buyers,
0:46:50 > 0:46:55what is great about it is it's not your conventional brooch.
0:46:55 > 0:47:02It is unusual, it's 1920s as well. And I just love this platinum and diamond combination.
0:47:02 > 0:47:07- And the fact that it is a nice arrow shape.- Yeah, very original.
0:47:07 > 0:47:12- It is original. Would you be sorry to see this go?- Not particularly.
0:47:12 > 0:47:18I have no sentimental value of it. It's been in a box in a drawer for years and years.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21You never even look at it.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24I think then it is time to move on.
0:47:24 > 0:47:31- Let somebody else have the pleasure. - Absolutely. And it's the sort of object that should do very well.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33It's not conventional
0:47:33 > 0:47:36and it is classic and very elegant.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39- Thank you for bringing it along. - Thank you.
0:47:39 > 0:47:45The arrow brooch might just hit the mark with bidders, but for now Will is with Mary
0:47:45 > 0:47:53- and her dramatic candelabras. - How does glass from mid-Europe come to be in Northern Ireland?
0:47:53 > 0:47:58I couldn't tell you! They happen to be in the house and were left to me.
0:47:58 > 0:48:04- It was part of the furniture. - So you've been left a house and its contents?- Yes.
0:48:04 > 0:48:10- And that was part of it. - And they don't tickle your fancy?
0:48:10 > 0:48:15- They don't go with my decor. - Well, they're very much of their time.
0:48:15 > 0:48:2019th century, European, Bohemian to be precise, glass.
0:48:20 > 0:48:27Very much of that period where a lot of it was candlelight, natural light and gaslight.
0:48:27 > 0:48:31Hence these lustres hanging down from these coloured-glass vases.
0:48:31 > 0:48:36This sort of lead crystal was very good at reflecting light
0:48:36 > 0:48:40I said Bohemia. They were well known for this coloured glass.
0:48:40 > 0:48:44Flashed or paste. You have two layers.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48You've got the red glass and the white glass, milk glass.
0:48:48 > 0:48:53They carve away the outer layers to expose the red underneath.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56It was a cheap method to produce multicoloured glass,
0:48:56 > 0:49:01which fitted in with Bohemia creating this commercial glassware.
0:49:01 > 0:49:07And then decorated, quite beautifully, with little roses and white flowers and this gilding.
0:49:07 > 0:49:12Now there are some issues. One of them is kind of complete.
0:49:12 > 0:49:17The other one, the lustres are loose, missing, broken.
0:49:17 > 0:49:22That's a shame. Collectors are fussy. We've got condition, wear,
0:49:22 > 0:49:28we've got a little bit of loss to the gilding, so I have to be pretty mean on how I estimate.
0:49:28 > 0:49:32I'm going to say you might get up to £100 for the two.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35- How does that sound?- It's OK.
0:49:35 > 0:49:39Let's put them in at £50-£100. A nice, wide estimate, keep it open.
0:49:39 > 0:49:45- And let's reserve them at £30. Shall we fix them at 30?- Yes.
0:49:45 > 0:49:49Otherwise you pay the commission and have nothing left.
0:49:49 > 0:49:53So we're agreed, Mary? £50-£100. Keep it quite loose.
0:49:53 > 0:50:00- It's a shame they weren't perfect or that would have been a nice little inheritance there!- True!
0:50:00 > 0:50:03- I look forward to seeing you. - Thank you.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06Hopefully that low estimate will encourage bidders
0:50:06 > 0:50:09so Mary has some success with selling them.
0:50:09 > 0:50:13What a superb turnout to our valuation day!
0:50:13 > 0:50:17It's time to take our final items to Ballycastle
0:50:17 > 0:50:20to the auction room to see whether there are any surprises in store.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24We've got Janet's silver compact,
0:50:24 > 0:50:26the Belleek bonbon dish,
0:50:26 > 0:50:30Isobel's diamond and platinum arrow brooch,
0:50:30 > 0:50:33Mary's colourful candelabras,
0:50:33 > 0:50:36and Caroline's exquisite bronze pheasant.
0:50:36 > 0:50:41Standard seller's commission here is 15% plus VAT,
0:50:41 > 0:50:45something you need to consider when selling items at auction.
0:50:45 > 0:50:48First up is Mary.
0:50:48 > 0:50:54- All the money's going towards your daughter's holidays. How much have you so far?- Not very much!
0:50:54 > 0:51:00- Well, this will be a good start. - I hope so.- Fingers crossed. Good luck, Mary.
0:51:00 > 0:51:05- Going under the hammer now. - A couple of drop lustres here.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08Gilt and ruby lustres. £100?
0:51:08 > 0:51:11£100 for the lustres?
0:51:11 > 0:51:1390? 80? £50.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15- We're in.- £50 bid.
0:51:15 > 0:51:1855. 60 bid.
0:51:18 > 0:51:2165. £70. 75.
0:51:21 > 0:51:2580. 5. 90.
0:51:25 > 0:51:285. 100. And 5.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30110.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33120. 130.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36It's here at £130.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40Beside me at 130. I'm selling the pair at £130.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42Yes!
0:51:42 > 0:51:46£130. They loved them. That's a good result
0:51:46 > 0:51:51- and a good start to that holiday fund.- It certainly is.
0:51:52 > 0:51:56A good result and great news for Mary to pass on to her daughter.
0:51:56 > 0:52:01Meanwhile, Isobel's jewelled arrow brooch is up next.
0:52:01 > 0:52:07Isobel can't be with us today. We have another gorgeous lady, Catherine Southon. £80-£120.
0:52:07 > 0:52:13- Yes. I mean, brooches generally are quite hard to sell at auction. - They're not fashionable.
0:52:13 > 0:52:19- But this is quite elegant. I think it could do all right. - OK, good luck.
0:52:19 > 0:52:25Good luck to Isobel. We've got to get past the £80. Going under the hammer right now.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28Lot number 658.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31A platinum and diamond brooch.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33I can start this off at £50 and £60.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37A lovely wee platinum and diamond brooch at £60.
0:52:37 > 0:52:41- We want more than that. - 65.- A bit more interest, please.
0:52:41 > 0:52:4465 in the room. With me at £70.
0:52:44 > 0:52:4675 in the room.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48The bid is with me at £80.
0:52:48 > 0:52:51£80 with me.
0:52:51 > 0:52:54I'm going to sell it now at £80. If we're all out.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57Selling it at £80. All done.
0:52:57 > 0:53:03- He sold it.- We must tell Isobel. - We'd have liked more, but she'll be happy.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07That just shows how important it is to have a reserve.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10Janet's taken that warning to heart.
0:53:10 > 0:53:17- Who's had a change of plan?- Me! - We now have a new reserve which is at your highest end.
0:53:17 > 0:53:23- Really?- Why did you change your mind?- It's got a lot of sentimental value
0:53:23 > 0:53:28and I suddenly thought, "If my sisters find out, I'm dead!"
0:53:28 > 0:53:31- It's a nice thing.- I know it is.
0:53:31 > 0:53:37- I'm regretting it now. - Oh, it's a bit late now! You should have withdrawn it!
0:53:37 > 0:53:39What do the bidders think?
0:53:39 > 0:53:41Who'll give me £100 for this one?
0:53:41 > 0:53:44100? 90? 80?
0:53:44 > 0:53:47£50 for this silver engraved compact?
0:53:47 > 0:53:51£35 bid. £40. For the silver compact.
0:53:51 > 0:53:54- That's it, Gerry. Get it up. - £35 bid there.
0:53:54 > 0:53:59Give it another call at £35. Sorry, have to leave that one.
0:53:59 > 0:54:04- I'm pleased for Janet!- She's more delighted than if it had sold!
0:54:04 > 0:54:08- Yes, I am! - Keep the customer satisfied.
0:54:08 > 0:54:12We don't mind at all, especially now it's staying in the family.
0:54:12 > 0:54:19We're selling the Belleek shell dish next and the whole family has turned up to see it go.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22It's great to see you. Is this your first auction room?
0:54:22 > 0:54:26Isn't it exciting? Lots of energy, lots of antiques and lots of people!
0:54:26 > 0:54:30We couldn't come to Northern Ireland without having a bit of Belleek.
0:54:30 > 0:54:34It's just about to go under the hammer, so let's see what happens.
0:54:35 > 0:54:40Lot number 602 is the first period Belleek shell dish,
0:54:40 > 0:54:43a lovely piece of Belleek.
0:54:43 > 0:54:47£100 for the first period piece of Belleek?
0:54:47 > 0:54:50£50 bid. The first period Belleek at £50.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52£50 bid now. At £50. 55.
0:54:52 > 0:54:54- Come on.- £60.
0:54:54 > 0:54:5665. £70.
0:54:56 > 0:54:5975. £80 at the back.
0:54:59 > 0:55:0385 in front. £90. At the back at £90.
0:55:03 > 0:55:0595. You've got it at 95.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07£100. 105.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10110. 115.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14- Oh, brilliant.- 120. The first period now at 125.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20130...
0:55:20 > 0:55:22135. 140.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24145.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27150. 155.
0:55:27 > 0:55:29Here now at 155.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32A nice piece of Belleek now at 155.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35I'm going to sell it here at 155.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38We're both out here at 155 and I'm selling...
0:55:38 > 0:55:41- Yes!- Great. Quality, quality, quality.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44That first period gets it away at the top end.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48Are you happy? That was a big result for your first auction.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52Hopefully, you'll do a bit of buying and selling when you're older!
0:55:52 > 0:55:57Well over estimate and that's a good result for Lewis's first auction experience.
0:55:59 > 0:56:05This is what I've been waiting for. That Bergman bronze. It belongs to Caroline and David.
0:56:05 > 0:56:10- Thank you so much for bringing it. We didn't see you on the day.- No.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14- But you were there.- I was. - Looking at the other antiques.
0:56:14 > 0:56:20I had a chat to the auctioneer. He said there has been interest and a couple of phone bids.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24He's hoping he's got a couple of locals that collect bronzes.
0:56:24 > 0:56:29They've been musing over this, saying, "I might go for this."
0:56:29 > 0:56:36- So hopefully it'll stay locally. - That would be nice.- But you don't really care! It's about the price!
0:56:37 > 0:56:40The more competition, the better.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44A cold-painted bronze figurine of a pheasant.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47By Franz Bergman.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49Start it with me at 700. 750.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52£800. With me at £800.
0:56:52 > 0:56:53850.
0:56:53 > 0:56:57850 on the phone. 900.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00950 on the phone. At 950.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03The bronze is at 950.
0:57:03 > 0:57:05- Round it up.- 1,050.
0:57:05 > 0:57:07£1,100.
0:57:07 > 0:57:101,150. £1,200.
0:57:10 > 0:57:141,250. On the phone at 1,250.
0:57:14 > 0:57:181,250 on the phone. 1,300. 1,350 on the phone.
0:57:18 > 0:57:22On the phone at 1,350. 1,400.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25- This is more like it! Isn't it?- Yeah.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28On the phone at £1,450.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31A superb bronze at £1,450.
0:57:33 > 0:57:37- I am going to sell it. At 1,500.- Brilliant.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40£1,500. 1,550. At 1,550.
0:57:40 > 0:57:43On the phone at £1,550.
0:57:43 > 0:57:49- Yes! Hammer's gone down. £1,550. Happy?- Fantastic, yes.
0:57:49 > 0:57:53- Thank you so much for bringing it in.- Thank YOU.- Real quality.
0:57:53 > 0:57:57What'll you do with all that money? Remember, there's commission to pay.
0:57:57 > 0:58:03We've had a tough couple of years with illness in the family, so we'll treat ourselves to a holiday.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05- Wonderful. Enjoy it.- We will.
0:58:05 > 0:58:11Just fabulous. I was on the money and that's it for our Flog It items today.
0:58:12 > 0:58:18We've had a fabulous time here. A few hits and a few misses, but that's auctions for you.
0:58:18 > 0:58:24The highlight for me had to be the big smile on Janet's face when we failed to sell her compact!
0:58:24 > 0:58:29It takes all sorts to make a great show. Hope you enjoyed it.