0:00:02 > 0:00:06Welcome to Flog It!, the show that values antiques and collectables
0:00:06 > 0:00:09then puts them under the hammer at auction.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13We're in the far northwest corner of Wales, in the city of Bangor.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39'The BBC has a long association with Bangor.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42'As bombs dropped on London during the Second World War,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44'BBC Light Entertainment moved here.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49'Popular radio programmes from the '40s such as It's That Man Again
0:00:49 > 0:00:55'were broadcast live from the County Theatre, now Penrhyn Hall.'
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Ladies and gentlemen, ITMA!
0:00:57 > 0:01:02'ITMA, as it was known, was listened to by up to half the population -
0:01:02 > 0:01:07'about 20 million people - the most popular comedy show on radio.
0:01:07 > 0:01:13'It provided essential relief from the horrors of the Second World War.'
0:01:15 > 0:01:19We're keeping up the tradition of providing entertainment from Bangor.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Flog It! has come to town.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29'We have a show full of surprises.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34'Pamela and Glyn bring in an item which is not what it seems.'
0:01:34 > 0:01:39I thought it was a candlestick until we looked at it.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44There's a hole in the top and a hole on the side.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47'Mark sounds confident about Derek's sextant.'
0:01:47 > 0:01:49It's a specialist collecting area.
0:01:49 > 0:01:55Anything to do with marine items are quite keenly sought after...
0:01:55 > 0:01:59'I'm excited about Alwyn's painting.'
0:01:59 > 0:02:04He's very well sought after. You're looking at about £4,000 to £6,000.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06'But is it a fake?'
0:02:06 > 0:02:09David Cox's works are highly forged.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12'Find out later what happens at auction.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18'Leading our team of valuers are Mark Stacey and Adam Partridge.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24'Mark grew up in Wales and should feel at home in Bangor.'
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- You really are a charmer. - I try to be!
0:02:29 > 0:02:31'After a lifetime in the business,
0:02:31 > 0:02:37'Adam is regarded as a safe pair of hands - well, usually.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42'Right, on to our first item, and a colourful number
0:02:42 > 0:02:46'brought in by Pamela and Glyn has Mark's attention.'
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- What a wonderful decorative object. - Thank you.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- Why have you brought it in? - We thought we might sell it.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Is it something you bought or inherited?
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- We bought it at an auction. - Where did you buy it?- Anglesey.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- That was about five years ago. - Gosh. And what did you pay for it?
0:03:07 > 0:03:10I'm afraid we can't remember.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13£20 or something?
0:03:13 > 0:03:18We have a book where we've written things down but can't find it.
0:03:18 > 0:03:25It's in your secret place. I hide something in a secret place and can't remember where.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28It's quite an interesting object.
0:03:28 > 0:03:34It was made by Minton's Art Pottery towards the end of the 19th century,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38when Minton's opened up studios to budding artists
0:03:38 > 0:03:40to produce avant-garde designs.
0:03:40 > 0:03:46This is very much modelled on the German movement called secessionism.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51You get these angular shapes and stylised designs.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Here we've got poppies with the seeds in there.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59You've got these wonderful colours, drip glazes.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03What's unusual is we see a lot of vases and jardinieres,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06but I don't come across candlesticks often.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08What is puzzling me with this
0:04:08 > 0:04:13is I thought it was a candlestick until we've looked at it.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18We realise there's a hole in the top and a hole on the side.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24It's made in the manufacture cos the glaze is dripped into it.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28The only reason I can think that's there
0:04:28 > 0:04:31is for conversion into electricity,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35to make it a little bedside lamp.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40It makes it more unusual and I love that decorative shape of it.
0:04:40 > 0:04:46When we turn it over, we can see the lovely Minton No 1.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48I'm intrigued.
0:04:48 > 0:04:56You bought it at auction. Were you going to collect things like this or was it an impulse buy?
0:04:56 > 0:05:00We were looking at things to collect and maybe sell on.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05It's difficult. You buy things that you like and then you don't stop.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11- And sometimes you've overpaid for things that you like.- Quite.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- What do you think it's worth today? - I've absolutely no idea. Have you?
0:05:16 > 0:05:19About 70 to 80, maybe?
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I would be tempted to put a bit higher on it.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26I would put an estimate of 100 to 150 on it.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28It's such a nice, unusual shape.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32I think a collector would really like this
0:05:32 > 0:05:35as an example for their collection.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40So I think we put 100 to 150 on it, with 100 discretionary reserve.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Then let's see what it makes on the day.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- Are you happy with that? - Yes. Very good.- Fine, thank you.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53'Pamela and Glyn did well to buy a quality item by a known maker.
0:05:53 > 0:06:00'It can be hard for the untrained eye to tell a genuine antique from a reproduction.
0:06:01 > 0:06:07'There's no doubting the provenance of a box brought in by Ann and Steve.'
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- Hiya, Steve. I'm Adam. - We see you on telly.
0:06:11 > 0:06:17- Do you? You watch it?- Yeah. - And whose is the box?
0:06:17 > 0:06:19It belonged to me mum.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24We've not done anything with it. It's just been in the loft.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- Where did your mum get it? - It's connected with Formby Hall.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- The big house on Merseyside?- Yeah.
0:06:31 > 0:06:38- Your mum lived at Formby Hall? - She worked there with my gran and my grandfather.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Butler, cook and maid.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44It's a sign of an age gone by.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47It is. Upstairs And Downstairs.
0:06:47 > 0:06:53- Obviously, you want to get rid of it. Do you like it, Ann?- Not really.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- I would never use it. - That's the thing.
0:06:57 > 0:07:03It's something a collector would buy because people like boxes.
0:07:03 > 0:07:10It's Victorian, made from walnut. It's a travelling vanity case.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14It's fitted with these little bottles with silver plated tops.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18With an initial on. Intertwined FJ.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23- FJ. That's, er...- Formby? - John Formby.
0:07:23 > 0:07:29- He must have given this away. - As far as I know, to me granny.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Sometimes you see them in silver mounts. They're quite valuable.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38A nice feature is that spring-loaded side drawer.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Pop! Nice quality.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43And the secret drawer comes out there.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- Doesn't look like it's been used. - Doesn't look heavily used.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51I'll shut the lid, have a look at the top.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54FJ with the mother-of-pearl on top,
0:07:54 > 0:07:59a mother-of-pearl escutcheon and the key, which is quite unusual.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- I don't think it works.- Don't you?
0:08:03 > 0:08:06It's a bit stiff but it works.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10You're a bit down on this, Ann. You don't like it, do you?
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- What do you think someone would give for it?- You're the auctioneer.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- Well...- 50?- Yeah, good.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22She didn't need me. 50 is a good prediction.
0:08:22 > 0:08:2750 to 80, I'd put estimate. And at what price would you like it back?
0:08:27 > 0:08:32- Do you want to let it go whatever it makes or...?- Not below 50.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33No.
0:08:33 > 0:08:39If it made £100 would you tell him to spend it on something specific?
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Um, I think the house needs doing up badly.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- Our bedroom needs papering.- Does it? Are you listening?- I'm listening.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- Anything else need doing?- A lot.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Let's hope it does a few quid!
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Boxes are always popular.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00I think we're pretty safe with 50 to 80.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Thanks for coming.- Thanks very much.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08'No love lost there! Ann can't wait to see the back of her box.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12'Carol and Rodney have more respect for their painting.'
0:09:12 > 0:09:17What a fantastic horsey picture. Any history to it?
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Not especially. I bought it about 45 years ago.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- In Bond Street. - What did you like about it?
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- Are you particularly into horses? - No.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Some horses don't look right in pictures.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33This one seems to look natural.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37This is very much a correct study of a horse.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42Wonderful muscular tones. The light and shade are very good.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47- Almost like a photograph of its day. - A nice background, too.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50I love that summer's day with the blue sky.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53He looks very stately there, very regal.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57It's by quite a well known artist,
0:09:57 > 0:10:02BC Norton - Benjamin Cam Norton - and dated 1866.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07He specialised in animal subjects, particularly equestrian subjects.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10This is a prime example of his work.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14You've had it for 45 years. Why have you decided to sell it?
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- Well...- Old age, probably.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Were you going to say something?
0:10:21 > 0:10:24It's sat on the bedroom wall for so many years.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- First thing we see when we get up. - You'll have to redecorate.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33Find something to go in its place. No, we take it down, sometimes.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- It's time for it to go. - Have you thought about value?
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- It's a nice painting, a Victorian painting.- Yes.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47We thought that maybe it would fetch towards 1,000.
0:10:47 > 0:10:53- We would put a valuation of 700. - I think you've hit it on the mark.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59I would be happy to put 700 to 1,000 on it with a 700 reserve.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05The market does fluctuate and artists go in and out of fashion.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10I think because of the quality, somebody's going to have a nibble.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15If we put that estimate on, who knows? We might even get to £1,000.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18This is a very pleasant subject.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22Now, Adam has spotted a nice collection brought in by Gillian.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25- Now, were these yours? - Yes, they were.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28So, they aren't that old, really.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- No, very nice of you.- I presume you didn't play with them.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35I did. I put them back in their boxes after I played with them.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Well, that's very diligent.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39I still put everything back in its box. I still do.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42A good thing, nice and neat and tidy.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46I don't have a very tidy home, but I like things inside things.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- I like things stored, you know?- Right.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- In boxes.- Yes, you like a bit of order and correctness.- I like boxes.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57I often think when I see toys in their original boxes that they didn't get played with.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01This one's the tattiest because I played with that one the most because that's a car that we had.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- Is that a Morris Marina?- No, it's a Cortina, I think. Isn't it?
0:12:04 > 0:12:09We had that at the time so I would have that one.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12So, you've got your Dinky Cortina there, you've got a McLaren there,
0:12:12 > 0:12:18the racing type, you've got your Spectrum Patrol Car which I think is quite a nice one there.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- And, of course, you've got your boxed helicopter, the Sea King helicopter.- With the lunar module.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- The Apollo module. - That dates itself, doesn't it?
0:12:26 > 0:12:29The Apollo module. And it's still got the winch.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- They're in very nice condition, aren't they?- Yes.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36So, can you give us an indication of what sort of year you got these?
0:12:36 > 0:12:38It would be in the '60s some time, I would think.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Early '60s.- That's right.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42I presume you've got no need for them now?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45No, I don't think so. I think I'm a bit old to play with them now.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- No family, so...- Where were they before you brought them down today?
0:12:49 > 0:12:53They were in storage at Mum's. They were in an old record case at Mum's.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- She'll be glad of more space. - Yeah.- They're not going to make a great deal.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00No, but they'll make more than Mum would by throwing them in the bin.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- Oh, yes.- Which is what she wants to do.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04She's a thrower.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- And you're the opposite?- Yes.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- A thrower meets a hoarder.- Yes.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- I'm going to estimate £30-£50 on the lot.- Right.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14I think we let them make their own price.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15- Yep.- Is that all right?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- Yes, that's fine. - People always like Dinkys.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- Yes.- And they always make what they should.- That's fine.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23- We'll leave it to that, then. - Lovely.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33'Just over a mile from the valuation day is the Menai suspension bridge,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36'built by Thomas Telford in the 19th century.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41'It was, at the time, the longest suspension bridge in the world.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44'Telford is considered to be "the man who built Britain".
0:13:44 > 0:13:50He revolutionised Britain's transport network, building roads,
0:13:50 > 0:13:53'canals and, most famously, bridges.
0:13:53 > 0:13:59'The bridge across the Menai Strait was his greatest achievement.'
0:13:59 > 0:14:06The Menai Strait is a stretch which Lord Nelson described as one of the most treacherous in the world.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11He said, "If you can sail these waters you can sail anywhere."
0:14:11 > 0:14:15If you wanted to sail to Dublin, you had to cross the Menai Strait.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19The Menai Strait is the treacherous stretch of water
0:14:19 > 0:14:22that separates Anglesey from Wales.
0:14:22 > 0:14:28For thousands of years, crossing it was a matter of life and death.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34This narrow stretch of tidal water is 15 miles long.
0:14:34 > 0:14:40The problem is powerful currents race in from both ends at different times,
0:14:40 > 0:14:46creating strong whirlpools and exceptionally powerful tides.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51The location of the bridge is also one of the most dangerous areas.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56Even as late as 1953, it was claiming some pretty big prizes.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59HMS Conway ran aground as it tried to pass.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02It remained on the rocks for over six years.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10About 30 foot in that direction...
0:15:10 > 0:15:14We dare not get closer cos there's a big rock down there.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18That's known as the Platters, where HMS Conway ran aground.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22And the tugs, well, they just couldn't pull her off.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Building a bridge across such dangerous waters seemed impossible.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31In 1815, one man thought he could do it - Thomas Telford.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36It was the biggest engineering project of the age.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Although Telford oversaw every detail of construction,
0:15:40 > 0:15:45not even he knew if it would stay up once it was built.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Construction on the bridge began in 1819
0:15:50 > 0:15:53and it took seven years to complete.
0:15:53 > 0:15:59When it opened in 1826, Thomas Telford was nearly 70 years old.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03But this bridge, together with the improvements to the road to London,
0:16:03 > 0:16:08meant that the journey time from Holyhead was cut down from 41 hours
0:16:08 > 0:16:10to just 27 hours.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14It also eliminated, well, the risk of drowning.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18'Almost 200 years later, the bridge is still standing.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21'As a testament to its incredible strength,
0:16:21 > 0:16:27'it's perfectly capable of handling even today's heavy traffic.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32'Civil engineer Bob Damond is a trustee of the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37'I've come to find out more about Thomas Telford's achievement.'
0:16:37 > 0:16:40You can see how strong the currents are.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45It varies across the width because of the shape and the depth.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Had there been attempts to build a bridge?
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Tacitus referred to problems the Romans had crossing the strait.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Edward I built a pontoon bridge by lashing boats together.
0:16:56 > 0:17:03- Back in the 13th century?- Yes. And the Welsh set fire to the boats at this end so that didn't work.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Various engineers had done designs
0:17:05 > 0:17:09but there hadn't been an attempt to build one
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- until Telford started the suspension bridge.- It is absolutely superb.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18A lot of people said you couldn't span that width
0:17:18 > 0:17:21without supporting it in the middle.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23The big problem was that not only
0:17:23 > 0:17:28was it by far the biggest span of a suspension bridge at that time,
0:17:28 > 0:17:32the Admiralty insisted on a 100-foot clearance above high water.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Sailing ships had tall masts.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40So they had to find a way of getting the chains across a gap of 579 feet
0:17:40 > 0:17:43and 100 feet above the water.
0:17:43 > 0:17:51They did that with ropes and pulleys and 150 men winding two capstans to lift something like 24 tons.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56The first chain they did in an hour and 37 minutes.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Which is about a 24-tons lift.
0:17:58 > 0:18:04They had to do that 16 times for the 16 chains in the original bridge.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Gosh!
0:18:06 > 0:18:11When the first chain was in, two men walked across to the other side.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16When Telford heard, he was annoyed because of the safety aspect.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20There must have been a wonderful celebration when this opened.
0:18:20 > 0:18:26It was in the middle of the night when the first coach went through.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31It was a bad night, a bit like this, and not many people hung around.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34But the next day thousands of people crossed.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39They had to pay a penny to walk across. More to take a horse.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- Some of them crossed and re-crossed. - It was so enjoyable! An experience!
0:18:47 > 0:18:53It really is, when you look at this, the work of a genius, isn't it?
0:18:53 > 0:18:57A ground-breaking bridge, and it set the mark
0:18:57 > 0:19:02of suspension bridges being the best way to cross large spans.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06'Telford made much of the Industrial Revolution possible.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09'The world around us couldn't have been built
0:19:09 > 0:19:13'were it not for the singular vision of just one man.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18'The Menai bridge still stands as Telford's crowning achievement.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27'We've got our first four items, now we're taking them to the sale,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30'which is at Rogers Jones and Co in Colwyn Bay.
0:19:30 > 0:19:36'Auctioneer David Rogers Jones isn't so sure about the horse painting.'
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Lovely little oil. Belongs to Carol and Rodney.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44Mark put a valuation of £700 to £1,000 on this horse.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- What do you think? - It is good quality.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52It's super quality. I do have a theory about this type of painting.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56When you've got a horse painting that isn't painted
0:19:56 > 0:19:59by a famous horse portraitist,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03it's a bit like a personal painting of your Aunt Edna.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- It's personal...- It's your horse.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08That's right.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Who else wants to buy a picture of your horse?
0:20:12 > 0:20:14That's what's holding me back.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19It's not a thing I'd put on my wall. It's not loose enough.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23Yes. It's going back to the personal portrait thing.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26If you liken it to a portrait of Aunt Edna,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- it's a bit "sat" and...- Lifeless.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Lifeless, yeah. A bit posed.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35My gut feeling is it might struggle.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- I see where the valuation's coming from, Paul.- The quality.- Absolutely.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44I'm just a bit worried about the narrow market.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47'We'll be keeping our fingers crossed anyway.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50'Anything can happen in the auction.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55'Also under the hammer, Pamela and Glyn's Minton candlestick holder
0:20:55 > 0:20:58'and Ann and Steve's unloved travelling box.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01'Finally, Gillian's childhood collection of Dinky toys.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03'First up, it's the box.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08'I hope the bidders don't feel the same way about it as Ann and Steve.'
0:21:08 > 0:21:13- Why are you selling the travelling box?- Well, it's been...
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- Been in the loft for years. - Flog It was in town. Bring it along?
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- Yeah.- Declutter, basically.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- We've got loads!- You've got loads up there, have you?- Yeah.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Everyone has. - The tip of the iceberg.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36AUCTIONEER: The lady's walnut travelling box.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Seven containers, white metal tops, et cetera.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Bid me. What do you say? 120?
0:21:45 > 0:21:47100?
0:21:51 > 0:21:5580? 60, I'm bid. At 60. 60 bid.
0:21:55 > 0:21:5770. 80.
0:21:57 > 0:22:0080 bid. 90. 100.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Against you, sir. 10.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05And 20. 120. 130.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10130 in the room. At £130. Is there 40?
0:22:10 > 0:22:15Everybody done at £130?
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Anybody coming in? 130 in the saleroom. Final call.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- £130 for the vanity case. A good result.- Yeah.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Well done.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31'Somebody in the saleroom liked it more than Ann and Steve.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36'Next, Carol and Rodney's painting. Are the bidders in the room?'
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Great to see you again.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43We're putting Mark's valuation of £700 to £1,000 to the test.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47It's a nice image. You got this in Bond Street 45 years ago.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52Expensive place to buy. Hopefully, we'll get your money back.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Whether or not it suits the Welsh market, we'll find out.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59I hope so. It is rather charming.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03They have got some nice paintings from a private estate, so who knows?
0:23:03 > 0:23:08Art is selling really well today. It's flying out the door.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Fingers crossed, the dealers are here. Here we go now.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13AUCTIONEER: Lot 102.
0:23:13 > 0:23:19The very nice oil on board BC Norton thoroughbred horse by a gate.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Lovely painting. Superb quality.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Bid me £1,000.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Start me at 800.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31As you say. 400 I'm bid. At £400.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36450 on the book. 500. 550? 550?
0:23:36 > 0:23:39550 bid. At 550.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43600 anywhere? At 550. 550.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Everybody done? 600.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Against us both at 600.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53650. 650. Is there level money?
0:23:53 > 0:23:55£650.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Coming in? At 650.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00I'll take 700 quickly. At 650.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05Everybody done? Final call at £650.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10What are you going to do? We leave that there, I'm sorry, at 650.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- That didn't sell.- That's all right. - One bid away.- We were.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- One of those things. - Sorry about that.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- Go back on the bedroom wall. - Another auction on another day.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26Maybe a sporting sale where there's a more horsey type...
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- An equestrian sale.- Exactly. - Newmarket.- In the shires.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35They might not be "shire" of bidding!
0:24:35 > 0:24:37'Carol and Rodney's horse didn't bolt.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41'At least that firm reserve protected it from going for less.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46'Next, Pamela and Glyn's Minton candlestick holder.'
0:24:46 > 0:24:50I've been joined by Pamela and Glyn in the nick of time.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Your lot is just about to go under the hammer.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58I like this a lot. It's got style.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03We like things from all periods and this is a distinctive pattern.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08- I've never seen a candlestick like this.- Nor have I.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- It should make £80 all day long. - But on a good day 120? 130?
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Absolutely. The decorative arts are still quite strong.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Fingers crossed, that's what we're going to get.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23It's going under the hammer right now.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29AUCTIONEER: Very nice Minton secessionist candle holder bowl.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Bid me. £100?
0:25:34 > 0:25:39Very nice piece. Classic Minton. Just what you want. 70 to start.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42£70 I'm bid. 70 on the book. 80 anywhere?
0:25:42 > 0:25:46At 70. £70. 70. Is there 80?
0:25:46 > 0:25:51At 70. 80. 80 online. 90 bid...
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- 90 bid. Come on. A bit more. - ..Everybody done? 100.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00£100. Lot 132 at £100.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06Anybody in the room? You're all out. The bid is live. £100. Ten anybody?
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Final call. Ten. 110. Another live one...
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- There's a battle on the internet. - That's good.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16..120? 120 bid.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19120. 30 now? At 120.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22All done? Anyone else coming in? 120.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Final, final call. All done now?
0:26:25 > 0:26:30We'll take that! 120 is better than 80! I hope you paid less than 120.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- Yes. Something like 60. - Oh, well done.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38Even after commission, a jolly healthy profit.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Don't forget there's commission.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Now it's Gillian's box-set toy collection.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50Boys and their toys. But in this case, it's girls. It's Gillian's!
0:26:50 > 0:26:52- And they're boxed.- Yes.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54You obviously said, "Dad, buy me some cars."
0:26:54 > 0:26:56I loved cars, yes.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58I couldn't decide whether I was a boy or a girl, I think!
0:26:58 > 0:27:01I liked boys' toys as well as girls'.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05They are very collectable, especially with the boxes, that's sometimes 30% of the value.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09- I'd always put them back in the boxes.- What a diligent girl she was.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11I used to take mine out of the box and chuck the box.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Yeah, well, I don't even know if I've got any.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16I still put things back in boxes, I'm terrible for it.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21- Look, we've pitched for around about £40-50.- 30-50 estimate.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- It might make a bit more than that.- They should do.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- What's your prediction? 60? - Yes, £60.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Hopefully a little bit more, but 60 is a good starting point.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34It depends how many toy collectors there are here, because there's not many toys here.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- No.- There's one other lot, so it won't encourage...
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- That's the danger. - Yes. It won't encourage too many collectors to come here.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- But it is online.- Yep. - And everything gets found, it seems.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Let's find out what the bidders think, shall we?
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Here we go, this is it.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54Three boxed Dinky cars. McLaren patrol car, Dinky 164.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Nice, and there's a Sea King helicopter as well.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00467, a nice selection. £100?
0:28:03 > 0:28:06100? Give me 80.
0:28:09 > 0:28:1050?
0:28:14 > 0:28:1750 I am bid at 50. 50 bid.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- At 50.- Straight in, 50, good.
0:28:19 > 0:28:2250 bid, 60 anywhere?
0:28:22 > 0:28:26At 50, 50 bid. Is there 60?
0:28:26 > 0:28:28£50 only.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Online, the bid. At £50.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Is there 60? At £50 only.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35I think that's about their money.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38I haven't got a reserve, but it's a poor price. 60 bid.
0:28:38 > 0:28:4060, have another go.
0:28:40 > 0:28:46At 60, £60. Is there 70? 70 bid. 80.
0:28:46 > 0:28:4980 bid. 80. And again now.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52£80. 90?
0:28:52 > 0:28:53- Yes.- 90 I'm bid.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56It's a little bit better.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59He's teasing the bids out of these people online.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03Level money would be nice. At £90 only.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Online. 90 is online. Can you give me 100?
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Yes. £100.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14The collectors are sitting at home, pushing a few buttons.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16I can imagine the toy collectors.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Surrounded by toys around the computer.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- £100 online.- And 10.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24110, 110 bid.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27And again?
0:29:27 > 0:29:29£110, final call.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32110.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- Gillian, happy?- I'm very happy cos I forgot I'd got them
0:29:36 > 0:29:39and I nearly didn't get them out at the valuation day.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41And we got the top end of the estimate.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45- We did, we got over, £110 was good. - Very good.- Thank you very much.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48What a fantastic result for Gillian.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Wales is known as the land of the song.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04Male voice choirs boom out across the valleys, and music is considered
0:30:04 > 0:30:06to be the cement of the Welsh identity.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10All through history music has been of huge importance to the Welsh.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20In fact, back in medieval times, music was so important
0:30:20 > 0:30:26that musicians, or bards, occupied a privileged position in Welsh society.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29They used poetry and music to celebrate victory in battle, or to
0:30:29 > 0:30:33add expression to national or religious sentiments.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35They had a high status in life.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38You could say they had a good gig because they didn't pay any
0:30:38 > 0:30:41taxes, and they were also exempt from military service.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48The Welsh bards generally played one of three instruments -
0:30:48 > 0:30:52The harp, the pipe and a third which not many people have heard of.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53It's called the crwth.
0:30:56 > 0:31:01The earliest known reference to a crwth goes back around to the 11th century.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04And that was played throughout Europe, but it survived the longest
0:31:04 > 0:31:08in Wales, going right through to the 19th century.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15However, once the versatile and more powerful fiddle came along,
0:31:15 > 0:31:17the crwth was increasingly seen as old-fashioned.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21By the end of the 18th century, nobody was playing it.
0:31:21 > 0:31:27So complete was the abandonment of the instrument, that only three are known to have survived.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31And those, thank goodness, are in various Welsh museums.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36But a resurgence of interest in traditional Welsh folk music has
0:31:36 > 0:31:42inspired a few musicians to try and unravel the mysteries of the crwth, using modern reproductions.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45And I've come to meet one of them, Cass Meurig, who released the
0:31:45 > 0:31:49world's first CD of crwth music in 2004.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Lovely. There was so much going on there, so many subtleties.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08If you weren't looking, it sounded like three or four people playing.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10It's got a lot of volume to it.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14Well, you have to be quite loud, because in the Middle Ages, you didn't have amplification.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18And they would have played for dancing as well as for listening.
0:32:18 > 0:32:19And probably accompanied singers.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23How many people are playing this today, do you think, in Wales?
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Well, there are crwth players and crwth owners.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28OK!
0:32:29 > 0:32:32There are probably at least 20 people in Wales that own a crwth.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37There are lots of people in America that own crwths, because they e-mail me quite a lot.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- It's very popular in the States? - Well, it's not popular, but there
0:32:40 > 0:32:44are a handful of nutters that are having a go at it!
0:32:44 > 0:32:48And there are probably about three of us that really take it seriously.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53Of whom, two of us do it professionally, I suppose, so not very many.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58It's a wonderful tradition. Show me how you achieve some of those sounds.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00They've actually got names, the strings, in Welsh.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04These are the crasdannau, or the sharp string.
0:33:04 > 0:33:10These are the cyweirdannau, or the key string. And these are the llorfdannau,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13or the crowd string. The one that makes the racket.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17Wow. There's a straight bridge there, unlike a violin or a cello. Why is that straight?
0:33:17 > 0:33:20So that you can play six strings at once.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- All at once?- That's the really unusual feature of the crwth.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- Just play two strings for me and then play six. Let's hear the difference.- Well, here's one.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Here's two.
0:33:31 > 0:33:32And here's all six.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Before taking up the crwth, Cass was an accomplished fiddle player,
0:33:40 > 0:33:44but it still took five hard years to master this medieval instrument.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47That's because the techniques of crwth playing, and the music,
0:33:47 > 0:33:51were not written down, but passed orally from one musician to the next.
0:33:51 > 0:33:57But one thing we can be sure about is that the repertoire for the crwth was very distinctive.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05The crwth only plays crwth music, you can't persuade it really to play anything it doesn't want to play.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09It has a certain range, it has a certain range of noises it makes.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11It has a certain range of things it's happy to do.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15So I think, as a fiddle player, that's the first thing you have to learn, forget
0:34:15 > 0:34:19all the things you would like to do on it, and learn what the crwth would like you to do.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22That's lovely. It really is.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25You can see they've used a lot of wood in the construction.
0:34:25 > 0:34:30This was all one piece of sycamore originally. And it's actually hollowed out of that one piece.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32There's quite a wastage of wood.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- Yes, there is. - Beautifully shaped at the back.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38And then a spruce belly laid on top, and a holly fingerboard.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42There's a poem in Welsh describes the crwth, and one line of it is...
0:34:42 > 0:34:44SHE SPEAKS WELSH
0:34:44 > 0:34:49..which means that its neck is like an old man that's bent forward.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50Which is a great description.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Are many people in Wales curious about this?
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Do they come up to you and talk to you about this?
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Yes. A lot of people are actually aware of the crwth.
0:34:58 > 0:35:05It's got a certain iconic status, in the same way that the harp has, in the history of Welsh music making.
0:35:05 > 0:35:11And people are still aware of the word crwth, and that it was part of Welsh history, really.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14So, a lot of people have been quite intrigued by it.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18And they're usually quite surprised by what it sounds like.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Because they look at it, I suppose, and expect it to sound a bit like a violin.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27It doesn't. It belongs to a medieval sound-world that's quite unfamiliar to people now.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29Cass, thank you for talking to me today and
0:35:29 > 0:35:32enlightening me on something which I never knew anything about.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35It's a wonderful instrument and I guess the best way to hear it
0:35:35 > 0:35:39is with your fellow musicians, who are getting ready down there.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- Do you want to join them and play us out?- Thank you.
0:35:42 > 0:35:48MUSIC PLAYS
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Hearing instruments like the crwth brings the past alive.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00And without the passion and commitment of people like Cass,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03their haunting medieval sound would be lost for ever.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18At our valuation day at Bangor University, people are still queuing, hoping to hear the
0:36:18 > 0:36:22music of the sale room and the bang of the gavel when their items go to auction.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26Cerys has brought in a delicate little necklace for Mark to look at.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Where did you get such a charming necklace?
0:36:29 > 0:36:30I inherited it from my grandmother.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33I think before that it came from my great-aunt.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- So, yes, that goes back a little while.- Quite a long time.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40A hundred years or so. Have you worn it yourself? Do you like wearing it?
0:36:40 > 0:36:43I wore it once for my wedding day. And that's about it.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47It's quite delicate, isn't it? It's not a robust piece of jewellery.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50- Because I've got long hair, it just gets tangled up.- Exactly.
0:36:50 > 0:36:51There's one thing that tells us
0:36:51 > 0:36:55immediately where it comes from and what style it comes from.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57And that's the Art Nouveau period.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01Because you've got these very naturalistic swirls here.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06And the use of the stones, the semi-precious stone of peridot, which actually is a
0:37:06 > 0:37:11charming colour, that tells us it's going to be made round about 1905.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16You've got to think, at that period, Edwardian ladies wore very fitted clothes.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20They were very slim, they were still quite corseted so the necklaces hang
0:37:20 > 0:37:24very well on these high-waisted shirts they wore.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29The other interesting thing about this colour combination, Cerys, is that green and white,
0:37:29 > 0:37:34when worn in the Edwardian period by ladies, is subliminal for the Suffragette Movement.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37They wore green-and-white and purple-and-white.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41So, it could be a hidden message in there. Votes for women.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45And it's 15-carat gold which again is a very Victorian standard of gold.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47We don't get it these days.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51We have nine then we jump immediately up to 18 carat.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55So most of these that I see are nine-carat gold which is actually quite a low grade of gold, really.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59But the 15 just makes it slightly mellower.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01So you've had it all these years.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03Why have you decided to sell it today?
0:38:03 > 0:38:04I knew Flog It! was coming to Bangor.
0:38:04 > 0:38:10- Fantastic.- I've got no-one to leave it to because there are no female relatives in the family at all.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- So I thought, well... - Bring it along, see what it's worth.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Did you have any high expectations?
0:38:15 > 0:38:19No, because I was always told it was rolled gold, it wasn't real gold at all.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Oh, so it's nice to find out it's actually 15 carat?
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Yes. I think my mother would be quite shocked because she's always told me,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28oh, it's just a piece of costume jewellery.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30It obviously does have a value.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33And I think it'll appeal to people who like the Art Nouveau
0:38:33 > 0:38:38period as much as it will to somebody who specialises in dealing in antique jewellery.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43I would probably say a sensible estimate is round about £150-200.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45- That's nice. - Would you be happy with that?
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- Very happy with that. - And we'll put the reserve on it.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51I do think we ought to reserve it rather than let it go for £50.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55At 150, with 10% discretion on the day.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- But, hopefully, we might get 200 plus.- Smashing.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- Does that please you?- Very much so. - You're happy to flog it?
0:39:01 > 0:39:05- For a piece of costume jewellery. - A piece of rolled gold jewellery.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08Well, we'll see you at the auction and let's hope it sparkles as much as it does here.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - That just goes to show,
0:39:11 > 0:39:15if you've got a piece of old costume jewellery you're not sure of,
0:39:15 > 0:39:17it might pay to get it checked out.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21Now Adam has spotted a nice collection brought in by Patricia.
0:39:21 > 0:39:26I remember a lady came in many years ago and brought in a gold thimble.
0:39:26 > 0:39:32I said, "Why are you selling it?" And she said, "I'm downsizing."
0:39:32 > 0:39:37- Don't tell me you're downsizing.- No. - You'd have to be moving to Lilliput!
0:39:37 > 0:39:40So, firstly, where did you get them from?
0:39:40 > 0:39:46- From my aunt, who was a seamstress. - That explains the quantity.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Do you know much about your aunt?
0:39:48 > 0:39:53Yes. We all lived together, my family, for years and years.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58- Did you pick up any skills in that department?- Unfortunately not.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- You've never had occasion to use these?- No.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04I've divided them a little bit.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07People are probably wondering what this is.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12This one here is an advertising thimble for Dr Lovelace's soap.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17- "Use Dr Lovelace's soap." Have you heard of Dr Lovelace's soap?- No.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21Here we have a Victorian bar of soap, the real soap.
0:40:21 > 0:40:26- And it still smells. - Still smells like coal tar.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30We won't be including that in the auction. You can take that home.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32An advertising one.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37Four of these ones we'd call white metal. They're not stamped silver.
0:40:37 > 0:40:43The silver ones here. Not the best material. It's too soft.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46A man called Charles Horner invented a method
0:40:46 > 0:40:50where he made a steel thimble and coated it in silver.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54You could still have the posh silver thimble!
0:40:54 > 0:40:57One of these is by Charles Horner.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00He was a famous hat pin maker.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05His thimbles are slightly more collected. I think it's that one.
0:41:05 > 0:41:11A Chester hallmark as well. That's probably your most collectable.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16Apart from this little one which is delightful in its own little case,
0:41:16 > 0:41:20velvet covered embroidered case, and what a pretty thimble!
0:41:20 > 0:41:25It's Continental silver. All that enamelling round the side.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30Sadly, enamelling's very vulnerable and you've got a little chip.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35I would think, value wise, these are about £10 each.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39- Really?- So that's 40 there.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43Then maybe another 20 for all of those.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- £60 to £100.- Sounds good.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- Put a reserve at 60?- Yes. - Fix it at 60, I think.
0:41:49 > 0:41:55- Hopefully, we'll have a good result. - Definitely flog it!- Excellent.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58'Patricia's thimbles should sell well.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03'A painting I spotted brought in by Alwyn may not sell at all.'
0:42:03 > 0:42:08It's a pleasure to meet you. Alwyn Jones, you've got to be Welsh.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- Yes.- What part of Wales are you from?- From Anglesey.
0:42:11 > 0:42:17From the village with a very long name of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgoge ychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
0:42:17 > 0:42:23I have been there. I think you live in the most wonderful part of the world.
0:42:23 > 0:42:29- So, how did you come by this? - It was given to me ten years ago.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33By a friend who had lost her mother.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37Unfortunately, my wife is not very keen on it.
0:42:37 > 0:42:43So we decided to maybe sell it and buy another painting we both like.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48- Have you researched David Cox?- My wife looked it up on the internet.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52She found that he's done many paintings of Highland scenes
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and some in north Wales.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58David Cox is a renowned English landscape artist.
0:42:58 > 0:43:05He was born in Birmingham in 1783, I think, off the top of my head, and died in 1859.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07This is a Scottish Highland scene.
0:43:07 > 0:43:12I've done some comparables, looked him up on our art index guides,
0:43:12 > 0:43:16what works have sold for in this medium on paper this size.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18He's very well sought after.
0:43:18 > 0:43:23You're looking in the region of £4,000 to £6,000.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26Looking at this image, I don't think,
0:43:26 > 0:43:33speaking from my heart, I don't think...it's that good
0:43:33 > 0:43:35if it's by David Cox.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38- I see. Yeah. - I have seen some of his works.
0:43:38 > 0:43:43For me, the photographic representation is a lot better
0:43:43 > 0:43:46- than what's going on here.- I see.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50This is a tad too loose for him.
0:43:50 > 0:43:55My gut feeling tells me it's a copy.
0:43:55 > 0:44:01- OK.- What you probably don't know is David Cox works are highly forged.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05It's really difficult to tell if this is a copy.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09We can put this into auction with a guide of £3,000 to £4,000,
0:44:09 > 0:44:12if it is David Cox, because there is some foxing.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16- There is some damage. If it's a copy...- Yeah.
0:44:16 > 0:44:20- Much less.- £200 to £300.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22Yeah.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24OK.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26Um... Well...
0:44:26 > 0:44:30- If it's £200 to £300, I'd keep it. - Course you would.
0:44:30 > 0:44:36The best thing to do here is get a second opinion from the auctioneer.
0:44:36 > 0:44:40They can do a lot of research, have some picture specialists come in.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44We'll let the auctioneer decide this.
0:44:44 > 0:44:51My gut feeling is it's not right but I want it to be right for you, you want £3,000 to £4,000.
0:44:51 > 0:44:56- If possible.- We'll put it into auction with what you think it is.
0:44:56 > 0:45:00We'll let the auctioneer say it might be a copy.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02In which case, you can withdraw it.
0:45:02 > 0:45:08- We'll let him do the hard work.- OK. - I'm sorry if I've let you down.- No!
0:45:08 > 0:45:13'The auction will be the place we'll find out the true value.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15'More of that later.
0:45:17 > 0:45:23'Next, Derek's brought in an early example of satellite navigation.'
0:45:23 > 0:45:27We've got a wonderful precision engineered piece of equipment here.
0:45:27 > 0:45:32- Give us a bit of the background. - The instrument, which is a sextant,
0:45:32 > 0:45:37was given to me 50 years ago by an old sea captain from Anglesey.
0:45:37 > 0:45:43- Oh.- He used it all his working life, but now GPS superseded sextants!
0:45:43 > 0:45:48Press a button, it tells you where you are so it's of no practical use.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51It's just in the back of the cupboard.
0:45:51 > 0:45:55Those GPS systems are nothing as beautiful as this.
0:45:55 > 0:45:59- Talk us through how it works. - To find out where you are, latitude,
0:45:59 > 0:46:04you look through any of these telescopes, depending on conditions,
0:46:04 > 0:46:06which fits in there.
0:46:06 > 0:46:10You sight on the sun and you sight on the horizon.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13You adjust this lever here,
0:46:13 > 0:46:16so the sun is in the mirror,
0:46:16 > 0:46:20and it brings the sun down so it's just touching the horizon.
0:46:20 > 0:46:25If you do it at midday, by a series of calculations, you can work out
0:46:25 > 0:46:30- how far you are between the North and South Pole.- Good Lord!
0:46:30 > 0:46:34- How old do you think it is? - I would say 1850, 1860.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37I think it might even be a bit earlier,
0:46:37 > 0:46:41with that turned mahogany handle, which has that lovely texture.
0:46:41 > 0:46:45Hundreds of people with greasy hands being on it
0:46:45 > 0:46:48has given it a lovely mellow colour.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52We've got a maker's name, James Morton, Sunderland & South Shields.
0:46:52 > 0:46:59Nice to have a maker's name. I can't find any record of James Morton.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02Anything from London tends to be more valuable.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05Or the bigger cities. So you've had it at home.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09- You haven't used it? - I haven't used it at all.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Why have you decided to sell it?
0:47:12 > 0:47:17It would be nice if it could go to somebody who appreciated it.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20It's a very specialist collecting area.
0:47:20 > 0:47:25Anything to do with marine items are quite keenly sought after.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28This is actually a very nice piece.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31- This is in very good condition.- Yes.
0:47:31 > 0:47:36It's perfect auction room condition. You haven't over-cleaned it.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39It's got a lot of nice feelings about it.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42We've got to think about an estimate.
0:47:42 > 0:47:46- Yes.- Now, my feeling is around 200 to 300.
0:47:46 > 0:47:51- What's your feeling?- I wouldn't like to see it go for less than 300.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53It's not impossible.
0:47:53 > 0:47:57I think if it's catalogued properly, two or three people
0:47:57 > 0:48:01need to raise their hands a couple of times and we'll get up there.
0:48:01 > 0:48:08- So I'm willing to give it a try. An estimate of 300 to 400, a reserve at 300.- That would be fair.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11- A fixed reserve at 300. - On your head be it.
0:48:11 > 0:48:15If I don't get 300 I get the sextant back.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18That's our last set of items ready to take off to auction.
0:48:18 > 0:48:20Here's what is going under the hammer.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24Patricia's collection of thimbles and Derek's quality sextant.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27The lovely painting I spotted.
0:48:28 > 0:48:32And finally, the beautiful gold necklace Cerys thought was
0:48:32 > 0:48:34a piece of costume jewellery.
0:48:34 > 0:48:37And it is Cerys' necklace which is first under the hammer.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42This has been in the family for about three generations?
0:48:42 > 0:48:45- A long time. - A long, long, long time?!
0:48:45 > 0:48:48- Why are you selling this? - Well, I've got no-one to leave it to.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50I'm the last of the female line of our family.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53There's only boys, and they don't want it.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55It's very dressy, very.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57And so nice, being 15 carats.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00I wore it when I got married, something old. It's had its day.
0:49:00 > 0:49:01That's nice. Something special.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04We've got £150 to 200 on this.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07Let's hope we get the top end. It's going under the hammer now.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10Very, very nice, 15-carat gold,
0:49:10 > 0:49:14Art Nouveau peridot and sea-pearl scroll pendant
0:49:14 > 0:49:17with a fine, fine necklace.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20376, bid me 150.
0:49:21 > 0:49:27150. 120 I am bid. 120. Lot 376.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31- 120. 30, 40, 50, 60.- We've sold it.
0:49:31 > 0:49:3470, 80.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38- They love it, they love it. - My bid, 190. 190 in the room.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40At 190.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43Final call at 190. 200 I'll take.
0:49:43 > 0:49:49190. Everybody done at £190? Anybody else coming in?
0:49:49 > 0:49:52At £190.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54All done at 190.
0:49:56 > 0:49:57- £190!- That's a result, isn't it?!
0:49:57 > 0:50:00Very good. You've got to be happy with that?
0:50:00 > 0:50:01I am very pleased with it.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04- Top end of the estimate.- Yep. - What a fabulous result.
0:50:04 > 0:50:06A spot-on valuation by our expert.
0:50:06 > 0:50:08They say small is beautiful.
0:50:08 > 0:50:12Let's see if small is worth a lot of money!
0:50:12 > 0:50:19We're joined by Patricia and we've got 11 thimbles going under the hammer with a value of £60 to £100.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21I'd love to get that top end.
0:50:21 > 0:50:26I know you like your small things. Why are you selling the thimbles?
0:50:26 > 0:50:33They belonged to my aunt and they've been in a tiny drawer in a tiny cupboard. Nobody sees them.
0:50:33 > 0:50:40- I put you down as having a vitrine with all your little silver things. - I do have lots of things on show.
0:50:40 > 0:50:45- But you've decided you want to sell the thimbles.- Yes.
0:50:45 > 0:50:49Adam, you put £60 to £100 on them. A great valuation.
0:50:49 > 0:50:55- I'd like to see the top end.- £5 or £10 each isn't much.- Nothing! No.
0:50:55 > 0:50:59I just hope... There's a lot of ladies here.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03I find there's a lot of interest in sewing collectables.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06Needle cases, thimbles, small silvers.
0:51:06 > 0:51:13Investing in your social history, a nice talking point to have on display rather than in the drawer!
0:51:13 > 0:51:17- Good luck.- Hidden away. - It's going under the hammer.
0:51:17 > 0:51:22AUCTIONEER: Lovely little lot here, lot 364.
0:51:22 > 0:51:27No fewer than 11 silver and other sewing thimbles.
0:51:27 > 0:51:31There's one in a leather case and one in a fabric case.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33Lovely little parcel. £80?
0:51:33 > 0:51:38Silver thimbles. Come on. I usually sell these at 15 each...
0:51:38 > 0:51:41It's all down to the bidders in the room.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44I'm bid at 50. 50 bid, lot 364.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47At 50. 50 bid. 60 anybody?
0:51:47 > 0:51:50- At 50. 60... - Got 60.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53..70. £70. Out right at the back, sir?
0:51:53 > 0:51:57Five if it helps you. At 70. 70 bid.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00£70 only.
0:52:00 > 0:52:03Five at the back, if you like.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06Five I'll take. Everybody done? At £70.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08Five if you wish. 75.
0:52:08 > 0:52:1175. 80. 80 I'm bid...
0:52:11 > 0:52:13Fresh legs! Someone's just come in.
0:52:13 > 0:52:18..At £80 only. Everybody done? Final call at 80.
0:52:19 > 0:52:23- That's a sold sound. Well done, Adam.- Mid estimate.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27- Happy.- Happy with that? - Yes. Very happy.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31'A great result for Patricia, and now it's Derek's turn.
0:52:31 > 0:52:36'His sextant is in mint condition. I hope the right people are here.'
0:52:36 > 0:52:41I've been joined by Derek and the next item is this wonderful sextant.
0:52:41 > 0:52:45You'd expect to see it here in Colwyn Bay, right by the sea.
0:52:45 > 0:52:51Maritime memorabilia does fetch good money. We're in the right place.
0:52:51 > 0:52:54We're looking for £300 to £400, by our expert Mark.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58- Why are you selling it? - It's been superseded by GPS!
0:52:58 > 0:53:00I suppose it has, in a way!
0:53:00 > 0:53:04It might as well go to somebody who'll appreciate it.
0:53:04 > 0:53:09- I love the engineering quality. - So do I.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14AUCTIONEER: 447, the ship's sextant
0:53:14 > 0:53:18by James Morton, Sunderland & South Shields.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22Cased. Bid me. Start me at 350.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25300?
0:53:25 > 0:53:31The cased sextant by a Sunderland & South Shields maker. Bid me.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34250?
0:53:34 > 0:53:38I'm bid at 150. 150 bid.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40At 150. 180? 180 bid.
0:53:40 > 0:53:45- 200? 200 bid... - We're climbing. A little bit more.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48..240. Is there 60? At 240.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50240 bid. Everybody done?
0:53:50 > 0:53:53260. 280?
0:53:53 > 0:53:57280 bid. 280. 280. And again now.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00At 280. 300. 300 bid.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03- And again... - Getting there.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06..How many on there? At £300.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09Online at £300. Everybody done?
0:54:09 > 0:54:13All finished? At £300 and going.
0:54:14 > 0:54:18- That was close. - I thought we'd sink without trace.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21- Well done.- We came back.- £300.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25'What a relief. It looks like quality shone through.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31'Auctioneer David Rogers Jones has looked at Alwyn's painting,
0:54:31 > 0:54:36'which may or may not be genuine, and he's got some interesting news.'
0:54:36 > 0:54:41If it was an early piece of oak, I'd be really confident!
0:54:41 > 0:54:43I just don't know.
0:54:43 > 0:54:48I think, Paul, that it's got many of David Cox senior's attributes.
0:54:48 > 0:54:53- OK.- The figures and the animals smack Cox for me.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55What about the sky?
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Well, yeah. One always looks for "Cox clouds".
0:54:58 > 0:55:02- But it isn't in the best condition. - No. It's got foxing.
0:55:02 > 0:55:07A lot of foxing and, I think, if you eliminated the foxing,
0:55:07 > 0:55:10I think, probably, the clouds would come out.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14- What was your gut feeling? - That it was OK.- Good.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17I like the figures. I like the animals.
0:55:17 > 0:55:22It has the Cox windswept feel that his paintings have.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24My gut feeling was it may be a fake.
0:55:24 > 0:55:29It's disappointing to tell the owner and now it's the real McCoy,
0:55:29 > 0:55:31will this do £3,000 to £4,000?
0:55:31 > 0:55:37The people we've sent images to are good in the field of Cox.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40- Yeah. - And they seem to be fairly happy.
0:55:40 > 0:55:45- They're interested?- I think they're interested so I'm fairly hopeful.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48Now it's time for the moment of truth.
0:55:48 > 0:55:53Will Alwyn's painting sink or swim? It's up to the bidders to decide.
0:55:53 > 0:55:58I had a chat with the auctioneer before the sale. He said it's right.
0:55:58 > 0:56:02- Good. I'm pleased.- I'm pleased it's that way, not the other way.
0:56:02 > 0:56:08I'm so pleased I didn't say, "Yes! His works sell for thousands!"
0:56:08 > 0:56:12And get here on the day and find out it's a copy.
0:56:12 > 0:56:16So that's good news. We've still got £3,000 to £4,000.
0:56:16 > 0:56:21He agreed with the valuation, because of the foxing.
0:56:21 > 0:56:25It's now down to this lot. Let's find out what happens.
0:56:25 > 0:56:29AUCTIONEER: David Cox. Expansive landscape.
0:56:29 > 0:56:35Five Scottish figures, two on horseback, tending a herd of cattle.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38Well signed and I think it's got the features of David Cox.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41The men, the animals, it's got the lot.
0:56:41 > 0:56:45OK, there's a bit of restoration to be done.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47That can be done easily.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51You've got a really good painting and it's a good big'un! Bid me.
0:56:51 > 0:56:55Two and a half thou to start?
0:56:55 > 0:56:582,500?
0:56:58 > 0:57:012,000?
0:57:01 > 0:57:031,800 I'm bid. At £1,800.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06- At £1,800... - We're in.
0:57:06 > 0:57:11..at 1,800. £2,000.
0:57:11 > 0:57:132,200. 2,200.
0:57:13 > 0:57:152,400. 2,400...
0:57:15 > 0:57:19We've got a phone bid. This is great.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22..2,600.
0:57:22 > 0:57:252,800.
0:57:25 > 0:57:29£2,800, David Cox. Are you coming in, Mike?
0:57:29 > 0:57:31£2,800.
0:57:31 > 0:57:37Bid's here on the telephone. At £2,800.
0:57:37 > 0:57:423,000, I'd like. I'll open the gate at 2,900, if you want to.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45£2,800 final call.
0:57:46 > 0:57:49On the telephone. Everybody done?
0:57:49 > 0:57:51£2,800 all done?
0:57:51 > 0:57:56He's sold it. £2,800. That's fabulous!
0:57:56 > 0:58:00- It is.- Congratulations. - Really pleased. Thank you.
0:58:00 > 0:58:04'The auctioneer used discretion and sold for just under the reserve.
0:58:04 > 0:58:08'Alwyn is over the moon.'
0:58:08 > 0:58:14I told you there would be one or two surprises! Sadly, we've run out of time in Colwyn Bay.
0:58:14 > 0:58:20There'll be many more surprises to come on Flog It but, for now, cheerio.