0:00:07 > 0:00:10A 14th century dungeon, several portcullises,
0:00:10 > 0:00:12not to mention a magnificent building
0:00:12 > 0:00:17with a dramatic grand hall, a pretty splendid location, you'd have to agree.
0:00:17 > 0:00:22Well, today the gorgeous, the splendid Warwick Castle is playing host to Flog It!
0:00:48 > 0:00:49It's not just this historic venue
0:00:49 > 0:00:53this massive crowd have turned up to see on this lovely summer's day,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56it's our experts - the gorgeous Anita Manning, Thomas Plant
0:00:56 > 0:00:58and myself, who will be doing all the valuing.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02We'll be dipping into these boxes, looking for the best items to take off to auction.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07Somebody here today is going home with a lot of money. Stay tuned and you'll find out,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10but right now, let's get on with the show, let's Flog It!
0:01:10 > 0:01:14And leading today's team of valuers in finding the treasures packed away in all the bags and boxes
0:01:14 > 0:01:18are today's experts, Anita Manning and Thomas Plant,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21who are already meeting the Flog It! fans.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28These are collectible now, AND you've kept them in good condition.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- Did you pay a lot for it, 40 years ago?- I can't remember, dear.
0:01:33 > 0:01:34'Coming up...'
0:01:34 > 0:01:38All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43And the main players on the Flog It! stage are going absolutely animal-crackers.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46A menagerie of beasts.
0:01:46 > 0:01:47Thomas!
0:01:47 > 0:01:50'And they're getting hot under the collar.'
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Love's thermometer - and it's hot!
0:01:53 > 0:01:59And I take a sneaky peek behind the scenes of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03I bet one or two antiques have slipped through the net.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09It's time to get on with the show, get everybody inside the courtyard
0:02:09 > 0:02:11so they can ask that all-important question...
0:02:11 > 0:02:13ALL: What's it worth?
0:02:31 > 0:02:35Well, I think we are going to be in for a marvellous day here at Warwick Castle.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40The sun is shining, there are smiles on everybody's faces, everybody's now safely seated in the courtyard
0:02:40 > 0:02:43and it looks like Anita Manning is our first expert to the tables.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Let's take a wee peek at what Anita is looking at.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Penny's brought in a funky jug to show Anita.
0:02:50 > 0:02:56Penny, this is a delightful stoneware jug. Where did you get it?
0:02:56 > 0:03:01Well, I believe it belonged to my great-grandmother, my gran's mum.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03And that's about as much as I know about it.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05And does it belong to you?
0:03:05 > 0:03:11Well, my mum very kindly has given it to me so that I can raise money for the Cats Protection League,
0:03:11 > 0:03:13because I've just started fostering cats.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16So all funds will go to a good cause.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- Yeah.- OK, do you know anything about it?
0:03:19 > 0:03:23I know nothing about it.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26Well, it's a lovely piece of Royal Doulton.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31And we often associate Doulton with a porcelain body.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33This is a stoneware body,
0:03:33 > 0:03:40and they made this type of wares between about 1880 and 1910, 1915.
0:03:40 > 0:03:46And I like this slightly modern style of decoration.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49If we look at the back stamp,
0:03:49 > 0:03:55we can see the initials and the monogram for Frank A Butler.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00Now, he was one of Doulton's most prestigious decorators.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05He worked for them for over 40 years, over a long period of time,
0:04:05 > 0:04:11and this is certainly one of the decorators that the Doulton collectors will like.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15The shape is very pleasing, it's very sympathetic.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19The decoration is simple, it appeals to modern tastes.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22I would put an estimate
0:04:22 > 0:04:27on this jug of between £50 and £80.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Penny, would you be happy to sell it at that price?
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Yes, I think that's fine. That buys a lot of cat litter.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Well, I'm delighted at that, hopefully it'll do very well.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- Brilliant.- Feed a lot of kittens.- Absolutely.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Toy man Thomas has been overwhelmed by Terry's menagerie of animals.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58So, Terry,
0:04:58 > 0:04:59are these your toys?
0:04:59 > 0:05:03They are. I used to play with them quite a lot when I was small,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06way back in the '40s, as you can probably see by looking at them.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10I used to love setting them up and moving them around.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13I can remember wishing that they could move, actually.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- Really?- Yes. I did quite enjoy them.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23- We've got a sort of mixture of animals. A menagerie of beasts.- Indeed.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27So, you've got two sets, you've got the domestic, farmyard,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31and then we've got the zoo, or the exotic, but by different makers,
0:05:31 > 0:05:37which is interesting. Most of these figures are marked on the base.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Here we've got "Made in England" and we've got "Britains" -
0:05:41 > 0:05:45paint's a bit smudged, but "Britains Ltd" is on there.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47You can start the B there.
0:05:47 > 0:05:54But these ones here are marked John Hill and Co.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56He used to work for Britains, and obviously thought,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58"I can do this myself."
0:05:58 > 0:06:02His work is quite good, because this is premier-division,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06this is sort of what we'd call Manchester United
0:06:06 > 0:06:11of making figures. And then this is sort of probably a bit less,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14but going for the cup as well.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Very nice collection, quite clean and good condition.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Well done, you, for looking after them. I like the geese.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23When you go into a field of geese and they attack you like that,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26they put their little necks out and they hiss at you.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28I like these, actually, the little cygnets
0:06:28 > 0:06:31that go with the swan. Something different again.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33I mean, they're so tiny,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- I'm amazed they're still there, actually.- Absolutely.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41You know, if they are of any value to anyone, I would like them to go.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Absolutely, we are not talking mega money.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- No.- As a collection, I think that
0:06:48 > 0:06:51we're looking at between £60 and £80.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53I would put the reserve at £50.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55That's fine - I'm very happy with that.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- I look forward to seeing you at the auction.- I look forward to it.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Next up, Debra has brought along a stunning set of silver.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Deborah, welcome to Flog It!
0:07:06 > 0:07:08And thank you so much
0:07:08 > 0:07:12for bringing this lovely little boxed set of salts along
0:07:12 > 0:07:14for us to look at.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- Tell me, where did you get them? - They were my aunt's.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20She very sadly died last year
0:07:20 > 0:07:25and it wasn't quite the right time to sell them straightaway.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29I don't have any use for them, because my table isn't that long!
0:07:29 > 0:07:32But they are beautiful and I shall be sad to see them go.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36These would have been used in grander times with grander tables
0:07:36 > 0:07:38and lots and lots of guests.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41You'd have had the long Victorian table
0:07:41 > 0:07:45and these little salt pots would have been distributed
0:07:45 > 0:07:47along the length of the table.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51What I like about this is the condition.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53The condition is absolutely wonderful.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56And the set is complete.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02If we pick up one and we look at it, we have embossed work,
0:08:02 > 0:08:04which is fresh,
0:08:04 > 0:08:07we have our hallmark
0:08:07 > 0:08:10and they are dated for 1883.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13It's a London hallmark, so it's quality.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15We have a quality piece of kit.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17If we look at the inside,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20we see that the interior has been gilded
0:08:20 > 0:08:22and, again, that's very fresh.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- I doubt, Deborah, if these have ever been used.- Mm.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28I doubt if they've ever been used.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30They're over 100 years old.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33And the other exciting thing
0:08:33 > 0:08:37is that we have all the little salt spoons matching,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39and they are all there.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41None missing at all.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45They are in this delightful box, the original box,
0:08:45 > 0:08:49this has kept them in good condition and fresh.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- This is your wee girl here, isn't it?- Yes, I'm Beth.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Tell me what you think about these.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56I think they're gorgeous, it's a shame we can't have them
0:08:56 > 0:08:59in our house. We'd love to keep them, they're beautiful.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00They'll definitely be good
0:09:00 > 0:09:03for someone that wants to have a better use for them
0:09:03 > 0:09:04and can use them in their house.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08Uh-huh. OK - we can put them into auction.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11The estimate I would put on them would be £200-£300.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15I think they deserve surely 200,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18and they may go beyond that.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Are you happy, Deborah, with that estimate
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- and would you be happy to sell them at that price?- Yes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29And, as usual, I'm scouring the queue
0:09:29 > 0:09:30to find something to catch my eye.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Because art is so subjective,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36it's so arbitrary...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39what I like, you may not like.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- You're wrong.- I'm wrong.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43I thought it was Lalique.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45They self-lubricate all the time.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Oh, well, moving on.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48- Can you play?- No.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52- Hi, what's your name?- Jo.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Hi, Jo, you're very young to be into antiques.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Yes.- Do you like antiques? - No, I'm here for my mum.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Do you know, I kind of guessed that!
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- So, what's your mum sent you out for?- They're teapots, two teapots.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Are they? And she wants to sell them?
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- Yes.- Can I have a peep?- Yes.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Can I have a look?
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Oh, I know what they are, they're barge ware, aren't they?
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Have they got a teapot on the lid?
0:10:16 > 0:10:20I don't think so. That one hasn't.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Let's have a look.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Yes, they do, look at that.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26See? You didn't even know what you'd brought in, did you?
0:10:26 > 0:10:30You'd not even bothered looking, had you? Have you not seen this before?
0:10:30 > 0:10:36- I have in my grandad's house, that's where they're from.- Oh, are they? - Yes.- And now they're your mother's?
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- Poppa passed away so we are trying to sell all the stuff in the house.- Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.- That's OK.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- So, this really is your inheritance, really, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- But Mum doesn't like them? - No, they're not the prettiest of things, we don't think.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49But they are highly sought-after,
0:10:49 > 0:10:53especially the ones with a teapot on them, like that, look at that.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Unfortunately there's a little bit of damage to the lid on this one,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00it has been extensively repaired just here and here.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03That will hold the collectors back.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07It's also had some restoration around the rim of the larger teapot.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10It is such a shame. Let's have a closer look anyway.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12It's known, really, as barge ware,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15because people that lived on narrowboats
0:11:15 > 0:11:17love to collect this kind of thing,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19it just goes with the whole image, it goes with the look.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24Let's have a look at the other one before I go on any further.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- Are you a student? - Yes, I'm at Exeter University.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Are you, do you like it down in Exeter, the West Country?
0:11:29 > 0:11:30- I do, love it.- Oh, this is nice.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It doesn't have another teapot on the lid,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34but I'll tell you what it does have.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37That's what I was looking for - a date.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42It mentions here, "Florence Skirrow, God bless our home, 1910."
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Well, I think these are terrific
0:11:44 > 0:11:48and this one's even got its little saucer to sit on. Look at that.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Isn't that great, its own coaster.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53I think they're lovely.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I'd be inclined to put them in as two separate lots.
0:11:55 > 0:12:01- This one, we can definitely put £250 to £350 on as a valuation.- OK.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06This one, the larger one, which is the more sought-after one,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08because it's got the teapot on a teapot,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12if I show you it and display it like this.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14I think it's absolutely divine,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17but unfortunately it's had some extensive renovation.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22I'd be inclined to put this into auction with a valuation of £180
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- to £250.- OK.- OK, with a reserve of £180.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Will you make it to the auction room?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- Definitely.- Have you been to an auction before?- No.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Oh, boy, have you got some excitement to experience.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Oh, I can't wait for it. See you there.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Next up, Thomas is at the tables with Joanne and her coins.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45Tell me about them - how have you got hold of them?
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- I just got them off a well-known Internet auction site.- Did you?
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- Yes, I did.- Why did you buy them?
0:12:51 > 0:12:55I do like collecting coins, I collect lots of things
0:12:55 > 0:12:57and I've got lots of things all around the house,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00so they were just something that I collected.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03I mean, they're definitely commemorative medallions
0:13:03 > 0:13:05for the three Kings,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08which happened quite quickly in the 1930s.
0:13:08 > 0:13:14You've got George V and Queen Mary and the Silver Jubilee for 1935
0:13:14 > 0:13:16and then, obviously, in 1937,
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Edward VIII became King. - That's right.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23The reason we've got the description on the reverse is
0:13:23 > 0:13:25because he abdicated soon after.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27He wasn't quite interested in becoming King,
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- he'd rather marry his fiancee - girlfriend at the time.- Yeah.
0:13:32 > 0:13:33We all know that story.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Of course, we have George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39who then came to the throne in 1937 -
0:13:39 > 0:13:42what a time to come to the throne - in two years, we were at war.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47What an interesting, amazing, if not extremely stressful time.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51So these are a nice group, a well-presented group.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Because they are silver
0:13:53 > 0:13:56we can see that with the hallmarks.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Did you pay a lot for them on this well-known Internet auction site?
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- I paid about £30.- Did you? I think you've done rather well.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- That's good!- You might see a small profit of £10.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- I think we can put them in at 40 to 60.- Yeah.- How does that grab you?
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- That's fine.- I really think you could get a result there.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17I'm intrigued about you on the internet -
0:14:17 > 0:14:20are you always on the Internet buying things?
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- I am - my husband goes mad at me. - Really?- Yes, he does.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- So have you ever been to a real, live auction?- No.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- So you're an auction virgin.- Yes! It's much more exciting. Is it?
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Oh, yes! Much more exciting.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- I'm really look forward to you having a great experience. - Lovely, thank you.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47What can be more beautiful than a garden on a summer's day?
0:14:47 > 0:14:49And this one is right in the heart of England.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Hidcote Manor in Gloucestershire is a charming, delightful house,
0:14:56 > 0:14:58it's so quintessentially English,
0:14:58 > 0:15:02but its real merits lie beyond these gates. Because, without doubt,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05it has one of the most outstanding gardens in England.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07It was created in the early part of the 20th century
0:15:07 > 0:15:10and it's the first-ever garden to be taken on
0:15:10 > 0:15:14for its horticultural merits by the National Trust back in 1948.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28The garden, which is Arts and Crafts in style,
0:15:28 > 0:15:30was the lifelong work of Lawrence Johnston.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33His mother, the formidable Gertrude Winthrop,
0:15:33 > 0:15:37a wealthy, twice-widowed American, bought Hidcote in 1907.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47It came with a hamlet of cottages, but no garden to speak of -
0:15:47 > 0:15:50just a collection of rose beds and a huge cedar of Lebanon.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57So, what is an Arts and Crafts style garden? Good question!
0:15:57 > 0:15:58It's the Edwardians turning their backs
0:15:58 > 0:16:01on what they considered to be Victorian conformity.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02Let's say rows and rows
0:16:02 > 0:16:07of regimented, gaudy bedding plants, which was all the rage at the time.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Lawrence Johnston described Hidcote
0:16:10 > 0:16:12as "a wild garden within a formal setting".
0:16:12 > 0:16:15It was a romantic vision, an artistic vision,
0:16:15 > 0:16:16and he certainly got that right,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18with the use of old-fashioned flowers
0:16:18 > 0:16:21and traditional garden crafts such as topiary.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24That, with a combination of natural materials,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26like the stone I'm walking on,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28and wood, left in the round for all the arbours,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30created a cottage-like atmosphere,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33one that harked back to the preindustrial world.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Lawrence was a man of 36 when they arrived here.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43He'd already been off to fight in the Boer War
0:16:43 > 0:16:46and had become a naturalised British citizen,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48in love with his adopted English Heritage.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51In the seven years he and his mother lived here
0:16:51 > 0:16:53before the start of the First World War,
0:16:53 > 0:16:55most of the garden was close to the house.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57It took many years for it to grow to its current size,
0:16:57 > 0:17:01spreading slowly out into the surrounding countryside.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03This is his starting point.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07The garden is divided up into rooms which extend out from the house.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09This is key to the Arts and Crafts idea.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Many gardens are divided up with walls,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15but here, they're divided with beautiful box and yew wood hedges.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34This area is now known as The White Garden,
0:17:34 > 0:17:38and when you look around and take it all in, it's absolutely stunning.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40It's subtle, it's clever,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43and I wasn't surprised to find out that Lawrence was a keen painter.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47It shows the eye of a true artist - just look at it!
0:17:53 > 0:17:54And another great thing
0:17:54 > 0:17:57about having different themed rooms within the garden
0:17:57 > 0:18:01is there's many inviting doorways for you to walk through.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12There are 28 garden rooms here at Hidcote.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14The closer they are to the house, the more formal they are,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17and then gradually, the further away they get,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20they start giving way to nature and wilderness.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28It's a highly creative, personal statement.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32The great thing is, it's all on a wonderfully human scale.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Walking around the garden, Lawrence constantly surprises.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Some rooms are bursting full of plants,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42others are left quite sparse,
0:18:42 > 0:18:46and it's these contrasts that make it so incredibly exciting.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Gardens like this just don't happen overnight.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05Lawrence worked on the design for well over 23 years
0:19:05 > 0:19:07and he created this room, the one I'm in now,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10upon his return from fighting in the First World War.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15Nobody knows for sure why there are 22 English yew pillars here.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Maybe it's no coincidence that there were 22 fellow officers
0:19:18 > 0:19:20in his regiment.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38And in total contrast, you've got the Rose Walk.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40This is absolutely stunning.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41In fact, it's breathtaking,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43especially on a gorgeous day like this.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Looking at these wonderful, deep beds,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48you can see splashes of colour everywhere.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49That's the eye of an artist.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51It's like his palette board,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54but it's also the eye of a very keen plantsman.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Many of the examples you see here
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Lawrence gathered on his plant-hunting trips
0:19:59 > 0:20:03to far-flung places such as South Africa, China and Turkey.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14It was for this, and his contribution to horticulture,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16that in 1947 he was given the highest accolade
0:20:16 > 0:20:19of the Royal Horticultural Society -
0:20:19 > 0:20:20a gold Veitch Memorial Medal.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Not only had he introduced many new plants,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30but he'd created one of the most influential gardens of his time.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Well, here we have it - this rock bank is a reconstruction
0:20:35 > 0:20:37of what Lawrence would have come across
0:20:37 > 0:20:39on one of his plant-hunting expeditions
0:20:39 > 0:20:41and I absolutely love this part of the garden.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Because, here, it blends in effortlessly
0:20:44 > 0:20:46with the Gloucestershire countryside.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48A classic end to an Arts and Crafts garden.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Well, we are now halfway through our day,
0:20:58 > 0:21:00so it's time to up the tempo.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02This is my favourite part of the programme.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Anything can happen in a sale room.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06You've heard what our experts have had to say,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08you've probably got your own opinions,
0:21:08 > 0:21:10and so have this big crowd here.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13We are halfway through the day, you know what that means. Where are we going?
0:21:13 > 0:21:15ALL: Off to auction!
0:21:15 > 0:21:16Let's do it.
0:21:18 > 0:21:24So, we're selling Penny's Royal Doulton jug with the added bonus of a renowned decorator's back stamp.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30It's animal magic with Terry's lot of toys from the farm and from the jungle.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35Joanne's silver medallions, which she bought off the internet.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39And Deborah's barely used silver salt-pot set.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43And it's teapot time with Jo and the two lovely barge ware examples,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46but will the restoration just put the bidders off?
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Well, you've just seen the items
0:21:51 > 0:21:53our experts have picked out at the valuation day.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55I think there could be one or two surprises there.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58And this is where we're putting those valuations to the test.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00This very building - Bigwood Auctioneers and Valuers
0:22:00 > 0:22:02in Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Let's go inside and catch up with our owners,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07because I know they're feeling really nervous right now.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10The auction room is looking busy, which is always a good sign,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13and we have two auctioneers selling our lots today - Stephen Kay,
0:22:13 > 0:22:16and Christopher Ironmonger is first on the rostrum,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19and he'll be selling Joanne's medallions.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23Daughter Jodie has joined her for their first-ever auction experience.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27It's good to catch up with you both, Joanna and Jodie.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30You look fabulous, by the way. I love all of this!
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- You're testing the market for the first time, aren't you? - That's right.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Because you've got these commemoratives coins
0:22:36 > 0:22:38in auction not so long ago,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41and now you're going to sell them and see if you can make a profit.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- Yes, it's a tall order. - It is, isn't it?
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- We'll have to wait and see what happens.- Hopefully!
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- Were you happy with the valuation Thomas gave you?- Yes, I was.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- What did you pay for them, with commission?- It was about £30.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58So you need to make above that to make this work.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02The George VI silver medallions
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- and I can start the bidding at 40 on my book, at 45.- Straight in.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09At £40, I'm going to sell them here, 40, if you want, five.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13At £40, I thought we'd do better than this. £40, are we done?
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Do you want five? 45. I've got 50. Five, madam?
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- 55. I've got 60, now. Five? 60 with me at 60, all done at 60.- £60.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22The hammer's gone down. That's good.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- Yes, that's lovely.- You just need to do that about 20 times!
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- Then you're in the money, definitely!- That's brilliant.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33Auctioneer Stephen Kay is on the podium to sell the teapots,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36and mum Anna has joined Jo to see how they do.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Joanna is standing right next to me with mum Anna.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45You didn't know, did you, that Joanna got picked to be on TV?
0:23:45 > 0:23:51- No.- So, you went home and obviously said to Mum, "The teapots have gone." What was your reaction?
0:23:51 > 0:23:54It was just nice to think they were of some interest to somebody,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56they've sat on the windowsill for a long time.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00The auctioneer has had a chat with you and reduced the estimate, not the estimate,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03he hasn't reduced it, it's still printed in the catalogue,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06but he's reduced the reserve, he's taken the reserve right down.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07- So, you're happy with that.- Yeah.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- Yeah.- Well, fingers crossed, anyway.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Hopefully Mum will treat you, buy you a pair of shoes or something.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16I don't think we'll get the money!
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Oh, please, maybe I have over-quoted.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22I don't know, but I particularly love them, I love barge ware and I love that treacle glaze.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25I think they're great. A good bit of social history.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30That first lot I really like, Florence Skirrow, that should do well. I'll be shocked if it doesn't.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32And it's going under the hammer right now.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37The barge-ware teapot with the matching stand.
0:24:39 > 0:24:44I've not got any bids, would somebody like to start me at £30...
0:24:44 > 0:24:4730 I've got... I'll take two from anybody else. 32. 35.
0:24:47 > 0:24:5037. At 35, I've got here.
0:24:50 > 0:24:5137, 40...and five.
0:24:51 > 0:24:5550...and five. And 60.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58And five. And 70...and five.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59and 80 and five...
0:24:59 > 0:25:04No? Nobody interested? 80 I've got here, I'll take five...
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Come on - a bit more.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08All done at £80.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12Well, it's gone - it's better than £35, isn't it?
0:25:12 > 0:25:14OK, here's the next one.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19Another barge-ware teapot.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21How about £30 for this?
0:25:21 > 0:25:2530, I've got. 32. 35. 37.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29At 35, I've got here. 37. 40.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31and five, and 50, and five...
0:25:31 > 0:25:34and 60, and five.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38And 70. 65 seated, anyone else?
0:25:38 > 0:25:40No?
0:25:40 > 0:25:42All done at 65.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44It's gone £65, are you happy?
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- Yes, yes.- That is a pair of shoes, isn't it?
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- Not for Joanna.- Oh, isn't it?
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Has she got expensive tastes? - She's got very expensive taste!
0:25:54 > 0:25:57We'll have to find some more beautiful gems to bring in.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00It's a shame the teapots didn't do better,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03but that damage - well, it just must have put some people off.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Now, let's see how Deborah and Beth's silver fares.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- Now, the money is going towards a holiday.- Yes, it is.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Do we know where the holiday is? Have you talked about it yet?
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Yes, we booked it very last-minute this week,
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- we're going to Menorca on Sunday. - Just the two of you?
0:26:18 > 0:26:21No, my mother and sister Lucinda, as well.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23And this is all in memory of Auntie...?
0:26:23 > 0:26:28- Auntie Jean, yes. My father's twin sister who sadly died last year.- OK.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Well, fingers crossed.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32You look like you don't need a lot of sunshine,
0:26:32 > 0:26:34your complexions are beautiful!
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- Thank you!- Here we go, it's going under the hammer now.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41That lovely boxed cruet, 1883.
0:26:41 > 0:26:42Showing here.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46I haven't got any bids to start me, but somebody start me at £100.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49100 I've got. 110. 120? 130.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51140. 150. 160.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54170. 180.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56190. 200.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59190 I've got, anybody else?
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Are we all done at £190?
0:27:01 > 0:27:04210. 200 I have in the aisle.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Anybody give me 210?
0:27:06 > 0:27:08At £200, are we all done?
0:27:08 > 0:27:11It's gone. Gosh, the hammer went down really quickly -
0:27:11 > 0:27:13"all done", boom!
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- Excellent, excellent. - Happy, everybody?- Yes, thank you.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- Enjoy the holiday, won't you? - Thank you very much.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26Onwards and upwards, let's turn our attention to Terry's herd of animals.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31And going under the hammer right now we've got a wonderful collection of animals belonging to Terry,
0:27:31 > 0:27:33with a valuation of £60 to £80.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- Happy with that, weren't you? - I am very happy with it.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37Well played-with, lots of memories.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42- Indeed they are.- I've got to say, I admire you, because you've hung on to them for such a long time.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Well, I have to say it was my mother who hung on to them,
0:27:45 > 0:27:47they were up in her attic, actually.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52My mum's done that to some of my toys. Whenever I go down and visit her, I see my toys dotted about.
0:27:52 > 0:27:57- I try and go back with them because I want to have those, but she won't let me have them.- I have none left.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- Oh, Thomas.- Is it like a stab?
0:28:00 > 0:28:02No, I do I have one, I have a robot.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07And do you know what, Thomas has his own auction room specialising in toy sales.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Yeah, but I'm an auctioneer and a toy expert.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13So, you like to sell everything and get rid of everything.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17I take the mantra from my grandmother -
0:28:17 > 0:28:21if you haven't looked at it in a year, move it on.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26You came to the right man for the valuation, because Thomas thinks they will do quite well.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28I hope he's right, because I tell you,
0:28:28 > 0:28:30my wife does not want them back.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34Thomas, we are putting Tommy under pressure. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36It's going under the hammer now.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41The assortment of Britains and other farm animals, figures,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43die-cast, all unboxed but, nevertheless,
0:28:43 > 0:28:47very collectable indeed, these figures there, very interesting.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Who's got 50 for these, the Britains, lead animals, etc?
0:28:52 > 0:28:56Come on, they ought to be 50... 30 I'm bid, all right. 35...
0:28:56 > 0:29:0040. 45. 50. 55. 60. 65.
0:29:00 > 0:29:0360 standing here, and I'm going to sell it.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06£60, the bid's here at 60. Do I hear 5...?
0:29:06 > 0:29:09All sure, at £60.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Sold, £60.
0:29:12 > 0:29:13Done.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Job done.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Really pleased with that.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19- The wife will be pleased. - Yes, she will, actually.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22You can treat her with a meal, can't you?
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- Yes, I suppose so.- Just, with the money after commission.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Celebrate.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31I hope those toys end up getting played with in their new home.
0:29:31 > 0:29:36The Royal Doulton jug is under the hammer now and Penny's waiting in the wings to find out the result.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41If you like salt glaze, you will love this next lot.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45It's an early bit of Royal Doulton, late Victorian. It belongs to Penny,
0:29:45 > 0:29:47who's just joined me. I love what you're wearing.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- Thank you, I made it. - Did you make it, really?- I did.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55- What do you do for a living, then? You obviously make clothes. - No, I don't, no, I'm a librarian.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59Really? Could be the new Stella McCartney. Here we go.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04The Frank Butler stoneware carafe.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Interesting piece, very pretty.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12I have a number of bids here on the book and I can start at £100...
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Oh, yes.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- Yes, straight in. - I have 100. 110
0:30:17 > 0:30:19and I'm out. Anybody give me 120?
0:30:19 > 0:30:23I have 110 with the gentleman standing, anyone else?
0:30:23 > 0:30:25No?
0:30:25 > 0:30:27All done at £110.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30It's gone down, in and out, straightaway.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- Blink and you'll miss that one. - Good result.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37That was, because it was as you said, it was "a wee bit cheap".
0:30:37 > 0:30:39It was a very good result.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- Are you happy?- Yes!
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Well, our first items have sold,
0:30:45 > 0:30:48but come with me to discover some more magic
0:30:48 > 0:30:50happening elsewhere in Stratford.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Well, when it comes to the Royal Shakespeare Company,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32they take their stage preparations very seriously indeed.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35They create whole new worlds for their audiences to enjoy,
0:31:35 > 0:31:37in all of their sensational theatres,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40just like this one here at Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42But if it's anything like television,
0:31:42 > 0:31:43it's not all glamour -
0:31:43 > 0:31:47there's a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52Just outside the bustling town of Stratford-upon-Avon
0:31:52 > 0:31:55lies one of the entertainment industry's best-kept secrets,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58the RSC's warehouse.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Preparation for a new play at one of the company's theatres
0:32:02 > 0:32:04can start up to one year in advance,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06often while other performances are still going on.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09And it all starts here, in this room,
0:32:09 > 0:32:13with a meeting between the designer and the director.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Discussions lead to a scaled-down architectural model,
0:32:17 > 0:32:18just like this one here,
0:32:18 > 0:32:22which was made for a production of Anthony and Cleopatra.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25This is the first link in the design chain.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28From here it goes on to the scenic workshop.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33There's a new challenge happening right now,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36because the plays at Stratford have a thrust stage.
0:32:36 > 0:32:37This means part of the stage
0:32:37 > 0:32:39actually projects right out into the audience,
0:32:39 > 0:32:43so they can get a three-dimensional experience from the whole thing.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47It is very exciting, so there's lots of technical challenges.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52Not only do they have to construct the set so it looks absolutely fabulous and realistic,
0:32:52 > 0:32:56but also it has to be made in a way where it can be broken down really quickly
0:32:56 > 0:32:58to take to other theatres around the country.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06With over 5,000 square metres of space,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10the warehouse is where the director's imagination
0:33:10 > 0:33:14and vision of a performance starts to come alive.
0:33:14 > 0:33:20The painters often have an artistic background and work with all manner of techniques and materials.
0:33:20 > 0:33:21I'd love to work here.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27But despite the excitement of this exclusive behind-the-scenes peek,
0:33:27 > 0:33:31the best is yet to come - it's right up those stairs, the props department.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36There are over two floors here,
0:33:36 > 0:33:41absolutely jam-packed full of things from floor to ceiling.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Stuffed bears, false fruit, chairs, beds and even things like this -
0:33:45 > 0:33:48leather-bound volumes which you think look really heavy,
0:33:48 > 0:33:53but look at that, there's absolutely nothing in them, not even any pages.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56There's well over 4,000 different items here
0:33:56 > 0:34:00all waiting to be recycled for another production.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10They've got absolutely everything. I'm like a kid in a sweet shop.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14False flowers, tea caddies, hundreds of walking canes,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17a little natural-history unit here,
0:34:17 > 0:34:19jewellery, swords, and look at this -
0:34:19 > 0:34:22rows and rows of really cheap bits of pewter,
0:34:22 > 0:34:26silver plate, goblets and tankards which the actors would use on stage.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29Maybe they'd be in a tavern and get a bit merry
0:34:29 > 0:34:30and they'd throw these around.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33So, obviously you can't use a real genuine antique.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Some of these were even made on site.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Makes sense to use something like that.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44But I bet one or two antiques have slipped through the net in here.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Well, you could quite easily get lost in here.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02I seem to be going round in circles.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Take these chairs, for instance, made by the props department
0:35:05 > 0:35:08back in 2008 for a performance of Hamlet.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11David Tennant and Patrick Stewart sat on these chairs.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Well, some famous bums did, anyway!
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Now, look at this aisle.
0:35:22 > 0:35:23That reminds me of an auction room,
0:35:23 > 0:35:27different chairs of different periods throughout the ages,
0:35:27 > 0:35:29all shapes and sizes, neatly stacked.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31Just look at this one.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35This, to me, at first sight, looks like a Cromwellian wainscot chair,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38something from the late 17th century, made of heavy oak,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41very understated, typical of the period.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43You go to lift it up and it's feather-light.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47This is in fact made of a soft wood, a pine that's been heavily stained
0:35:47 > 0:35:50to look like that heavy bog oak.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53That's the skill of the craftsmen in the props department.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56They've studied reference books and the real item
0:35:56 > 0:35:58to get an almost exact likeness.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Well, everything's just vying for my attention at once.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04I don't know where to go. I think I'm going to go that way.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13There are obviously a fair few stories
0:36:13 > 0:36:16behind some of these remarkable items.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21So, to find out more, I had to meet up with
0:36:21 > 0:36:24head of the property shop, John Evans.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- So, how long have you been here now? - 40 years.- 40 years?!- 40 years.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32- Man and boy, then.- Man and boy.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35Crikey, wow. You've got some examples there.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38We have indeed. There's various things here.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42That's a marotte from King Lear from a few years back.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45And he sort of did his jokey bit
0:36:45 > 0:36:49by the operation in the handle down there.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52That was David Bradley's King Lear. I forget who the fool was.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Obviously, our friend Yorick, obviously.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59You are obviously working on something, this is work in progress.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02This is a box, so what's going to happen here?
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Eventually, when the inside is revealed,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08which we haven't got there at the moment, there is a tray of oysters
0:37:08 > 0:37:10which are actually set down there.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- That's nice, sprung-loaded.- Yeah.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- And then that comes up.- And I guess all this will be plush velvet?
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- This is nice red velvet. - So, when the lights hit that,
0:37:19 > 0:37:21and you see those oysters coming up
0:37:21 > 0:37:23and a bit of smoke everywhere, it's like magic.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26We hope so, we hope so.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30What's the big volume, that leather-bound...
0:37:30 > 0:37:33If you just want to walk round there and help me carry it...
0:37:33 > 0:37:35HE STRAINS
0:37:35 > 0:37:37THEY LAUGH
0:37:37 > 0:37:39It's very light, by the way.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- This was made for... - Did you make this?
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Love's Labour's Lost. This one I did.
0:37:43 > 0:37:49One actor brought it on stage like so, and then out came
0:37:49 > 0:37:52his ukulele to play his song.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54How lovely.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56Nice prop. Nice prop.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59It looks massively heavy.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03That's the best ukulele case I think I've ever come across!
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Have you ever been on stage?
0:38:08 > 0:38:10No, I think I prefer to be here.
0:38:10 > 0:38:16- Chicken!- As an old friend and colleague said, "We don't do fame."
0:38:24 > 0:38:27So, although it looks like an ordinary warehouse from the front,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30there is in fact a whole theatre industry going on
0:38:30 > 0:38:32behind this huge great big roller door
0:38:32 > 0:38:37with artists, designers and crafts people working tirelessly and enthusiastically
0:38:37 > 0:38:40with a shared vision of getting a production through to performance.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42It's a real team effort going on in there
0:38:42 > 0:38:47and it's about time the artists behind the scenes took a bow.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56Back at the historic Warwick Castle on a glorious sunny summer's day,
0:38:56 > 0:39:00there are still hundreds of people to meet and items to value.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08Somebody here today will get an awful lot of money.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11I don't know who it is, it might be you, it might be you.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Look, there's a spare seat here, it could be me!
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Sue and Colin are with Thomas with a rather obscure item.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Can you guess what it is?
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- So, Sue, Colin.- Hello.- Hello.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28What have you brought me today?
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Something a little unusual, I think.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33It's something that way back in the early '60s
0:39:33 > 0:39:36was brought into my father's small company
0:39:36 > 0:39:39back in the Birmingham jewellery quarter.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- Your father was a jeweller?- No.
0:39:41 > 0:39:42He was a scrap-metal merchant.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45They'd call it recycling these days, I imagine.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48It was such a lovely item and it actually worked.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51He knew it was from an old vehicle and he thought, I'll keep that.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53I won't break that up.
0:39:53 > 0:39:59This obviously is a tyre pump, made out of brass.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01It still works, wooden handle.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06- I suggest it's probably... Could be '40s, '50s.- Maybe earlier.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Maybe earlier, it may be pre-war, probably.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12The numbering, it's got to be British-made.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- Yes, I would think so. - I think if you've got a classic car, this is just the kind of item
0:40:16 > 0:40:20I would have thought that one would want in a restored garage.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23I mean, it's not going to be worth megabucks.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25I think you're looking at £40, £50.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28- That sounds very reasonable. - I think that's sensible.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- Buy something nice for my old dad. - Is he still with us?
0:40:31 > 0:40:36He is actually, but he's in the latter stages of Alzheimer's, so he's in a nursing home now.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- We'll buy him something nice. - He won't remember this then.- No.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42So, you guys, how long have you been married?
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- 37 years.- Wow. This was your closest valuation day.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- Yes, it was.- Any other reason why you came here?
0:40:49 > 0:40:52We love Warwick Castle.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54- And I was queen once.- Queen?!
0:40:54 > 0:40:57I was queen of Warwick Castle for one day.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00What happens there when you're queen?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Well, what happened was that I was playing Guinevere
0:41:03 > 0:41:07in a National Youth Theatre production of Camelot,
0:41:07 > 0:41:11and the Earl of Warwick invited us along to come to the carnival day.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15I got to be paraded through the streets,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18had a banquet in my honour and I got to give favours out to the jousts.
0:41:18 > 0:41:23- I was the queen who gave out the favours.- Were you together then?
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- No.- This was before she knew me.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27About a year before I met him.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- Pre C, pre Colin. - I guess I would have been her knight in shining armour.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- He came along the next year. - On a white stallion!
0:41:34 > 0:41:36He came along the next year.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39But it was a thrilling day for me, as you can imagine.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43And I can always think I was queen of Warwick for one day.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46It's a wonderful story, thank you for sharing it with us.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47Thank you.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59Isn't that tiny? That's a hand-hammered silver penny.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01That dates back to the reign of Edward III.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05We're looking at about 1329, 1330.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08It's wonderful. It was dug up in somebody's back garden.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12They don't want to sell it, I don't blame them.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14It's worth about £30 to £40.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18I tell you what, this little coin is older
0:42:18 > 0:42:20than that tower.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22That's so rare.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39Sisters Jenny and Jane have got some postcard albums to show Anita.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43Welcome to Flog It!, and thank you so much
0:42:43 > 0:42:47for bringing this wonderful collection of postcards
0:42:47 > 0:42:51for us to look at today. Can you tell me, where did you get them?
0:42:51 > 0:42:53They belonged to my husband.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57I'd been married for two years,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00and he inherited them from his mum and dad.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03They are wonderful to look through.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05You've got half a dozen albums.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07We have different subjects.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10Of course, the heyday of postcards
0:43:10 > 0:43:14was between 1880 and the First World War.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17It was the time when people were travelling,
0:43:17 > 0:43:22the train was there, and we have one which describes that feeling here.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25We have trains and boats and telephone.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28These were areas of modernity,
0:43:28 > 0:43:30and people would go away for their holiday
0:43:30 > 0:43:33and send a photograph and so on.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Have you enjoyed them, Jenny?
0:43:35 > 0:43:38I've absolutely thoroughly enjoyed looking through them.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40You know, I've only had them for a short time.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43You look, then put them away and get them out
0:43:43 > 0:43:45and you see something different every time.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48What I love is the variety here.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52Now, I love this one here. I've looked on the back here
0:43:52 > 0:43:56and it has been sent by a young girl to her boyfriend.
0:43:56 > 0:44:03And...it's a wee bit suggestive. Love's thermometer - and it's hot!
0:44:03 > 0:44:04THEY LAUGH
0:44:04 > 0:44:07It's a very gentle illustration here.
0:44:07 > 0:44:12But, um... She's hoping that his temperature will be raised
0:44:12 > 0:44:15by receiving this postcard.
0:44:15 > 0:44:20This one here is another interesting one. This is a First World War one,
0:44:20 > 0:44:24which is lovely with the different flags here and embroidery.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27And we have humorous ones, of course.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31These are great fun, and we have these pretty girls.
0:44:31 > 0:44:36So, what you have is a wide selection of postcards,
0:44:36 > 0:44:41and it would be a joy for any collector to buy these.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44Price-wise?
0:44:44 > 0:44:47- About £300, £200 to £300. - Yep, uh-huh.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50I think you're quite good at this.
0:44:50 > 0:44:54- Perhaps I could join the show. - You can join the show!
0:44:54 > 0:44:58Let's make the estimate wide.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01We'll put them in at £200 to £400.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04A reserve price of £200 on them,
0:45:04 > 0:45:07- and I'll be there to hold both of your hands.- Oh, well, I'm glad!
0:45:09 > 0:45:12But roll up, roll up, because the circus has come to town.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14Fran's brought along a silent clown.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21Isn't that just fun? I think
0:45:21 > 0:45:24that deserves a round of applause.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26I don't know what he was playing, but it was very good!
0:45:26 > 0:45:29Fran, wonderful little toy, and it's still working.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31That's the best thing about it.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34- Where did you get it from?- It belonged to an aunt of my husband's.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37I think originally it was her husband's,
0:45:37 > 0:45:39- because he played the violin.- Really?
0:45:39 > 0:45:41- So it was more of a comical take on him.- It was.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44Schuco dates back to 1921, it was made in Germany.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47The factory was bombed during the war,
0:45:47 > 0:45:50but then it was rebuilt and they had a massive market to the States,
0:45:50 > 0:45:53and this was built for the export market.
0:45:53 > 0:45:55This isn't particularly early.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57This isn't the early 1920s one,
0:45:57 > 0:45:59- this is a 1950s one.- Really?
0:45:59 > 0:46:02Yeah. That's why it's in very, very good condition.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04The colours are very good, the felt's very good.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07- I want to sell it while it's working. - I don't blame you, in a way.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09We've had the Schuco monkeys on the show before,
0:46:09 > 0:46:11and they've done really well.
0:46:11 > 0:46:12In good condition and boxed,
0:46:12 > 0:46:17this Schuco clown should do around about £120-£180.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19Gosh, even with the state of the box?
0:46:19 > 0:46:22But the box? It's not very good.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24So...I suggest we put it into auction
0:46:24 > 0:46:27with a valuation of £60-£120.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- More than I thought it was worth. - If that's all right with you.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33It's quite interesting that you say that was bought as a joke
0:46:33 > 0:46:35for your husband's uncle, because he played the violin.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39Somebody went out and thought, I'll buy that because that will put a smile on his face.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42I played the drums, and everywhere my relations went,
0:46:42 > 0:46:45they always went and bought a battery-operated monkey
0:46:45 > 0:46:46playing the drums or something,
0:46:46 > 0:46:49because they thought it would be funny. But it wasn't, really!
0:46:57 > 0:47:00At Thomas's table, there are some really surprising items
0:47:00 > 0:47:02brought in by Vivian and Lorna.
0:47:02 > 0:47:07Vivian, Lorna, thank you very much for coming
0:47:07 > 0:47:11and bringing along these fantastic bits of tribal.
0:47:11 > 0:47:15Now, both of you don't sound like you're from this part of the world.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- No.- We're from Wales originally.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19I guessed you were from...
0:47:19 > 0:47:23- And South Wales at that, not North Wales.- I also guessed that as well!
0:47:23 > 0:47:28I want to know, you've brought along these bits of tribal works of art.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31How did you get them into your possession?
0:47:31 > 0:47:36I was a missionary in Africa, in the Congo.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39- What was it like?- A bit scary.
0:47:39 > 0:47:44There were attempted coups during the time that I was there.
0:47:44 > 0:47:49And, um... Yes, you know, it could be a bit difficult.
0:47:49 > 0:47:51So, tell me about these items here.
0:47:51 > 0:47:58This is one which is a tribal sword.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02I was given this after I had taken a conference there. That's that one.
0:48:02 > 0:48:06- Fascinating. That's that one.- And this one here is a ceremonial piece.
0:48:06 > 0:48:11Yes, this a ceremonial machete.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13When a young man is getting married,
0:48:13 > 0:48:18his family have to give a dowry to the bride's family.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21But always, traditionally,
0:48:21 > 0:48:27this ceremonial machete would be part of the bride price.
0:48:27 > 0:48:32Brilliant. This, this next item, I love this, I love the noise.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34The rain stick, used by
0:48:34 > 0:48:40the witch doctor to pray for rain.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42Absolutely. In this country,
0:48:42 > 0:48:45especially in the principality where you're from...
0:48:45 > 0:48:47- We don't need it! - You don't worry about it!
0:48:47 > 0:48:50And certainly we don't have to wish for rain,
0:48:50 > 0:48:53today we don't want rain, it's fantastic.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56And the next item, which is obviously the most decorative,
0:48:56 > 0:48:58is a staff, is that correct?
0:48:58 > 0:49:05Yes, it's a staff, it's a chief's staff from a tribe just near Zaire.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08This piece here, the staff, and the sword,
0:49:08 > 0:49:10I think these two are the most valuable.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14And then the next in line is the ceremonial wedding gift,
0:49:14 > 0:49:16and then the rainmaker.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20The rainmaker's terribly commercial because of the design,
0:49:20 > 0:49:23the pattern, somebody would like to have it as an objet.
0:49:23 > 0:49:29I have no idea of what they would be worth. None at all.
0:49:29 > 0:49:34I think a wide estimate of £200 to £400. They could do a lot better.
0:49:34 > 0:49:39I'm no tribal specialist, but I've seen this do extremely well.
0:49:39 > 0:49:41Yeah, so have we, watching the programme.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44If we could edge that sort of top estimate,
0:49:44 > 0:49:46what's going to happen with the money?
0:49:46 > 0:49:49This will go towards a holiday, somewhere.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52- A good holiday.- A good holiday.
0:49:52 > 0:49:57- Brilliant.- Mind, there's always more jewellery, isn't there?- Yeah!
0:50:03 > 0:50:06We've found some real gems, so let's find out what the bidders think.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09We're making our way to the auction room.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11Here's a quick rundown, just to jog your memory,
0:50:11 > 0:50:14of all the items that are going under the hammer.
0:50:14 > 0:50:19And this is what we've got. Colin and ex-queen of Warwick Castle, Sue,
0:50:19 > 0:50:21who are taking a chance on an inflatable valuation
0:50:21 > 0:50:22with their old pump.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28Fran's silent clown, complete with slightly tatty box.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32Jenny's set of postcards is extensive and is bound to appeal
0:50:32 > 0:50:35to specialist collectors at the auction room.
0:50:35 > 0:50:40And the tribal items brought in by Vivian and Lorna are going to be an unusual lot at the sale.
0:50:40 > 0:50:41I really hope they do well.
0:50:43 > 0:50:46This is where we're putting our valuations to the test,
0:50:46 > 0:50:49Bigwood Auctioneers and Valuers in Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52Don't go away, somebody's going home with a lot of money.
0:50:52 > 0:50:54Stay tuned to find out.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57I think we're ready to see the pump rise to the challenge
0:50:57 > 0:51:00as it's about to go under the hammer.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03Good to see you, Sue and Colin.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06I've got to say, I'm quite excited about this stirrup pump.
0:51:06 > 0:51:10I know it's an old bygone, it really is, and belongs in a rural museum.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13I think the whole country had these at one stage.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15I can remember being a little lad
0:51:15 > 0:51:18playing with one my dad had in the garage.
0:51:18 > 0:51:20He said, "Here you are, polish it up,"
0:51:20 > 0:51:23and I spent hours polishing all the brass up on it.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26We used to play with it as well. Lots of childhood memories for me.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29Did you get any pocket money for polishing it?
0:51:29 > 0:51:30I can't remember, to tell the truth.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33I know my dad was really generous.
0:51:33 > 0:51:37It can't be that long ago, because you're so young!
0:51:37 > 0:51:40- Believe me, it was a good... - Sounds like the plot to a pantomime!
0:51:40 > 0:51:43..a good 40-odd years ago.
0:51:43 > 0:51:45Anyway, we're going to find out what the bidders think.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48Let's hope we get an inflated price.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54The probably '40s, '50s, British hand-operated car tyre pump,
0:51:54 > 0:51:56T-shaped one there.
0:51:56 > 0:52:02Very handy to carry one of these in your car, and it's a curio as well.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04Got a nice old vintage car, just what you need.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07£30 to get me going.
0:52:07 > 0:52:0920 I'm bid, and five, is it?
0:52:09 > 0:52:10All right, 22...
0:52:10 > 0:52:12£22, only at 22.
0:52:12 > 0:52:16You think you're invincible and won't have a puncture! At £22.
0:52:16 > 0:52:17- 24 now. At 24.- Come on...
0:52:17 > 0:52:2026. 28. Perhaps I'm convincing you.
0:52:20 > 0:52:26£26. 28, is it? Two, surely. At £26. Try 28, 28...?
0:52:26 > 0:52:31All sure, £26 only, at £26, are we done?
0:52:31 > 0:52:34- Didn't sell.- Ah, never mind.
0:52:34 > 0:52:38- Close, but I think it's worth keeping.- We will.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40Do you have a classic car?
0:52:40 > 0:52:41- No.- Vintage car?
0:52:41 > 0:52:44- No.- Well, I tell you what, that is a good starting point.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46You've got to start somewhere.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48The first piece!
0:52:49 > 0:52:54Well, they might have to borrow the classic car for the time being.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58Now, let's move onto the postcard albums, and Jenny and Jane are here
0:52:58 > 0:53:01to see their wonderful pieces of history go under the hammer.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07Jenny and Jane, good luck. You've obviously watched Flog It before.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09You've brought your album collection along,
0:53:09 > 0:53:11full of wonderful postcards.
0:53:11 > 0:53:13It is the social history that sells well.
0:53:13 > 0:53:15Beautifully presented, as well.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17- We've got over 500. - Did you have any favourites?
0:53:17 > 0:53:20- I like the valentines.- OK.
0:53:20 > 0:53:21But we have a great variety.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23- You're a romantic.- Of course.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25You were waiting for that.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28I was a bit slow.
0:53:28 > 0:53:30That's not like you!
0:53:31 > 0:53:35No, they're great, they really are, lots of memories there for somebody.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37- Yes, I hope so.- Yeah, good luck.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40I think they'll go to a collector. Here we go.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46This is a collection of seven modern vinyl albums containing
0:53:46 > 0:53:50a vast number of early and mid 20th century postcards.
0:53:50 > 0:53:57There's about 510 cards in all, so it's a collection and a half.
0:53:57 > 0:54:03- Multiple bids, I can start here at £340 on the book.- Straight in.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06340. Is it 360? At 340.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09With me on the book, 360, do I hear?
0:54:09 > 0:54:13360? 360.
0:54:13 > 0:54:14380... 400?
0:54:16 > 0:54:20£400. 420... 440?
0:54:20 > 0:54:25440. I'm cleared, it's with that phone.
0:54:25 > 0:54:29Do I hear 460 now? Now at 440 on the telephone.
0:54:29 > 0:54:30440.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32Are we sure we're finished?
0:54:32 > 0:54:34All done at £440.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36- Yes!- Good result.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38- Brilliant. - Got to be happy with that.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40Are you going halves on the money?
0:54:40 > 0:54:43- Well, I'm treating her to a holiday. - Lovely, where are you going?
0:54:43 > 0:54:45Hopefully Malta for Christmas.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48Oh, lovely. I've been there, it's nice.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51Fantastic, over the top end of the estimate for the postcards.
0:54:51 > 0:54:57And now, I can't even get serious! We're sending in the clowns next.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59Right, it is now my turn to be the expert,
0:54:59 > 0:55:02and I hope it's not going to end up like this.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06Tears of sorrow. You know what it is, I've just been joined by Fran,
0:55:06 > 0:55:09and we've got that little tiny clockwork toy, playing the violin.
0:55:09 > 0:55:10Love it to bits.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14OK, the box isn't in brilliant condition, but it is a box of sorts!
0:55:14 > 0:55:16We've got a fixed reserve of £60
0:55:16 > 0:55:19- because you don't want to sell it for any less than that.- No.
0:55:19 > 0:55:23- Happy with all of that? - Yes, thank you.- Excited by all this?
0:55:23 > 0:55:27- Excited, yes! - Let's hope it flies away, shall we?
0:55:27 > 0:55:29We're going to find out now.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33That brings us on to the collectable toy,
0:55:33 > 0:55:371950s Schuco soloist clown violin player.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41Little blue felt hat, red pants, etc.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43- Had a lot of fun with this, didn't we?- Yes, we did.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45So who's going to give me,
0:55:45 > 0:55:48I don't know, a Schuco item, £50 to get me going?
0:55:48 > 0:55:5350? 40 to start me, then. 40 I've got, at 40 and five.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56At £40, five, 50, five, 60...
0:55:56 > 0:55:57Yes, we sold it - it's gone.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00Down here at 60, and make no mistake, it will go.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04At £60, five if you want to carry on. At £60,
0:56:04 > 0:56:07are we all finished at 60?
0:56:07 > 0:56:11- It's gone. That's good, isn't it? - Very good.- £60, I'm happy with that.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14- Thank you.- Just on the reserve.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17- Well, you can treat yourself now, can't you?- Yes!
0:56:17 > 0:56:20A day out at Warwick Castle! With lunch!
0:56:20 > 0:56:24We're taking our grandchildren away, so that'll buy the ice creams!
0:56:24 > 0:56:27- Where are you taking them? - We're going to Torquay.- Oh, are you?
0:56:27 > 0:56:30- Yes, your neck of the woods. - On the old Riviera.
0:56:30 > 0:56:32Well, the sale of the clown
0:56:32 > 0:56:34certainly put a smile on Fran's face.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37And now for our final lot in the programme.
0:56:37 > 0:56:41It's the tribal items, and I've got my fingers crossed.
0:56:41 > 0:56:45Good luck, Vivian and Lorna, and I love what you are wearing.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47- Oh, thank you! - We have the tribal items
0:56:47 > 0:56:52which Vivian got in the Congo when you were working as a missionary. This is a minefield to value.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56Thomas, our expert, has put £200 to £400 on this, but as you know,
0:56:56 > 0:56:59- it could do anything. - Paul, this is a guestimate.
0:56:59 > 0:57:01- It's a guestimate. - We are going to be shocked.
0:57:01 > 0:57:02Thomas is a brave man.
0:57:02 > 0:57:06I hope we are, Lorna, I hope we're all shocked.
0:57:06 > 0:57:08We're not optimistic at all.
0:57:08 > 0:57:09Got to be positive, haven't we?
0:57:09 > 0:57:12The cup's always half full, not half empty.
0:57:12 > 0:57:15Let's find out what the bidders think. Here it is.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18There's a rain stick, chief's staff,
0:57:18 > 0:57:20sword with a monkey-skin handle
0:57:20 > 0:57:23and ceremonial tribal machete, all sort of things.
0:57:23 > 0:57:25I've got multiple bids on the book.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28I can start the bidding on the book, £200 on the book, at £200.
0:57:28 > 0:57:30- Good, straight in.- At 200...
0:57:30 > 0:57:37with me, 20? 210 he says, cautiously. 220. 230.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40He's got a commission bid, he keeps looking down.
0:57:40 > 0:57:42On the book at 240...
0:57:42 > 0:57:46All sure? If there's no further advance,
0:57:46 > 0:57:48are you all finished and done?
0:57:48 > 0:57:50That's good.
0:57:50 > 0:57:53- £240.- I can't believe it.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56Nothing to do with me, that was a guestimate.
0:57:56 > 0:58:00Paul, thank you, because we wouldn't have sold it without Flog It!, you and Thomas.
0:58:00 > 0:58:02That's what we're here to do.
0:58:02 > 0:58:06- Thank you, Thomas.- And if you've got anything you'd like to sell,
0:58:06 > 0:58:07we would love to see you.
0:58:07 > 0:58:11Now, you can find the details of upcoming dates and venues
0:58:11 > 0:58:14on our BBC website, just log onto bbc.co.uk/flogit
0:58:14 > 0:58:16and all the information will be there.
0:58:16 > 0:58:20Or check the details in your local press, because we are coming somewhere near you soon.
0:58:20 > 0:58:23Bring your antiques along, we want them.