0:00:08 > 0:00:11Balbirnie House in Fife has a colourful history
0:00:11 > 0:00:14stretching right back to 1777.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18It was originally built for the successful and industrious Balfour family.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21It's an architectural delight, I'm sure you'll agree,
0:00:21 > 0:00:24and a fabulous setting for today's Flog It!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52The 18th-century house near Fife
0:00:52 > 0:00:56is set in more than 400 acres of picturesque park land.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01It's quiet.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04It's calm.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08And then we arrive!
0:01:20 > 0:01:24Hundreds of people have turned up. They've even brought their pets.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26They're here to see our experts,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29to ask that all-important question, which is...
0:01:29 > 0:01:33"What's it worth?!" That's right. That's what they want to know.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35When they find out, what will they do?
0:01:35 > 0:01:39This is exactly what they're going to do - Flog It!
0:01:39 > 0:01:42And fitting right in to the classy Scottish setting
0:01:42 > 0:01:45is our classy Scottish expert, Anita Manning.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50And the man who knows a thing or two about style and flair, James Lewis.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57Anita is an auctioneer in her own right, and knows what sells well under the hammer.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00You've got good taste.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02You've got very good taste.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05James is also an auctioneer with an eye for a winning lot.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08I like that. I think that's great.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Coming up, James lets some of our sellers down gently.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18I've got a bit of bad news for you. It's been restored.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21And encourages another to become a gambling man.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26Do you want to put a reserve on it, or do you want to gamble? It's a bit of a risk!
0:02:26 > 0:02:30And I visit a splendid castle where royal visitors have relaxed
0:02:30 > 0:02:33and relished a host of stunning features.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36This whole room just permeates history.
0:02:36 > 0:02:37It's marvellous!
0:02:43 > 0:02:45Let's get straight on with the show.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Anita's on the hunt for treasure with Gladys.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55Gladys, I'm always delighted to see Beswick on Flog It.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Tell me, where did you get this little group?
0:02:58 > 0:03:01I was on a shopping trip with my mum in Aberdeen,
0:03:01 > 0:03:05and bought it in a china shop.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- So I would think maybe the early '80s, perhaps.- Yeah.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Did she go hunting, Gladys?
0:03:11 > 0:03:13No, no, we were brought up on a farm
0:03:13 > 0:03:16and she just liked farm life.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- But she never went hunting, no. - No.- No.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- Did she choose these herself? - She did. Yes, she did.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26She really liked the horse and the huntsman on the back.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- Yes.- It's always been in the cabinet
0:03:28 > 0:03:32but my mum unfortunately died six years ago this month
0:03:32 > 0:03:34so I thought we'd declutter.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38I bought it for her, so it's not quite so sentimental.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43Now, this one is a later one. This little type of group,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46the huntsman, hounds and fox,
0:03:46 > 0:03:50were originally designed in the 1930s and '40s.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55But when I looked at the backstamp on this horseman here,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58I could see that that was a later Beswick stamp.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02So this would have been made in the '80s, am I right?
0:04:02 > 0:04:05I would say that's right, Anita.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09In a group you might often have two or three huntsmen,
0:04:09 > 0:04:15a couple of packs of dogs, and maybe a couple of foxes.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- Aye.- So what we've got is quite a small hunt here.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21That's true. Just three dogs, yes.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Tell me, why do you want to sell it?
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I was thinking of buying a wee Westie puppy. A real one!
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- A real one.- I look after my sister's one Monday to Friday
0:04:31 > 0:04:35and I haven't had one of my own. If I get something for this...
0:04:35 > 0:04:36Put it towards the puppy.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- That would be a great exchange. A great exchange.- For a real one.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44But I don't know what the value of it is. It might not be very much.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45Well,
0:04:45 > 0:04:50I would put an estimate of 100 to 150.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- Would you be happy to sell it at that estimate?- Yes, I would, yes.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56I would be happy to maybe put £100.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- We'll put £100 reserve on it. - A reserve on it.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- £100 reserve on it. - I'm happy with that.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- I think it will go further. - Oh, all right, then!
0:05:04 > 0:05:06That would be exciting!
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Tally-ho, we're off! That's our first lot to go to auction.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Next up, Ivor and Joyce, who've brought in a quality item
0:05:14 > 0:05:15to show James.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- Ivor and Joyce, welcome to Flog It! - Thank you.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23You've brought along a lovely little object.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28If you were a lady of some social standing in the Edwardian period,
0:05:28 > 0:05:32this sort of bottle would have adorned your dressing table,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35containing the finest French fragrances.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37So it's not anybody would have one?
0:05:37 > 0:05:41No, this isn't an everyday scent bottle you have here.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- I knew I'd be a lady some day! - It's a lovely object.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49Is it something you've had in the family, or found at a boot sale or antiques fair?
0:05:49 > 0:05:56It belonged to my stepfather's auntie who was in service towards the end of the late 1800s.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59When she was leaving service,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- the lady of the house said she could pick a going away present.- Yes.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06So she chose the scent bottle.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- She'd earmarked it for my mother. - Lovely.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12So when my mother died, I inherited it.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14Well, she had very, very good taste.
0:06:14 > 0:06:21She picked very nicely. You often find that people who were in service
0:06:21 > 0:06:25ended up being given something that was pretty mediocre.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27It looked quite flashy,
0:06:27 > 0:06:29but really had no quality at all.
0:06:29 > 0:06:35I often say to people, "Well, that's why the people with the money kept the money!"
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- They didn't give it away. - That's true.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42But in this case, she has acquired something rather nice.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- It's not hugely valuable.- No.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46But in quality terms, it's very pretty.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50If we start with the cut crystal in the base.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52This is cut crystal, not glass.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56It's the finest lead crystal. It's a form of glass, but we call it crystal.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Just look at the quality there
0:06:58 > 0:07:02of these individually hand-cut flower heads.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05And the stylised leaves.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09And the lovely quality of decoration all the way round.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Then, you go to the cover.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15This is known as repousse work, which is embossed from one side to another.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18There's a little button on the front. If we open that...
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- It's quite tight.- There we are.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24If you look at the underside, it's the exact opposite
0:07:24 > 0:07:26of the decoration we see above.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30So, it's been hammered through, rather than cast in a mould.
0:07:30 > 0:07:36- The glass is almost certainly made in Stourbridge in England.- Right.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38It's of wonderful quality.
0:07:38 > 0:07:45It's likely to be by a factory that became known as Royal Brierley in 1919.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Royal Brierley crystal was the finest crystal,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51made in Stourbridge.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55On the cover, we've got the lion, which is the sterling standard,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57and the "i", which is the date letter,
0:07:57 > 0:08:01which means this silver was hallmarked and dated in 1904.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Have you noticed the initials there?
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- I'd noticed that, yes.- Yeah?
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- Well, it's W...- WG?- WC. - C? I thought it was a G.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- WC for William Cummings.- Oh, right?
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Very nice silversmith from the early 20th century.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19An everyday silver-topped scent bottle
0:08:19 > 0:08:22is worth 40 to £60.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Something like that.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28This one, I think, is worth three or four times that.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- I think we ought to put 100 to 150 on it.- Really?
0:08:32 > 0:08:34I think it's very pretty. And, you know,
0:08:34 > 0:08:39if it didn't make that 100 to 150, just keep it. It doesn't matter.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41I'd rather see it not sell.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- Oh, yeah.- Than see it sell for less. - Just pennies, yes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Let's put a reserve on it.- Yes.- Yes.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- £100.- Yes.- If it doesn't make that. Firm. No discretion. 90's not good enough.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- No.- If we don't get 100, take it home.- Take it home, yes.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00- That would be ideal, James. - Excellent.- Lovely. Let's take it along and see how we do!
0:09:02 > 0:09:04What a stylish bottle.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07While Anita and James are searching out their next items,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11I've got time to chat to some of those who've come along today.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15So many antiques, but it's not just about antiques.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17It's about the people that own them,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20the people behind them. It's their story.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- What have you brought in? Can I be nosey?- Yes.- What's in there?
0:09:23 > 0:09:26How long have you had that? Is that your mother's?
0:09:26 > 0:09:29No, I think I once bought it in a sale.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- Probably 50 years ago.- It's dated 1886. It's a ceremonial jug.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- I'm wondering whether it's local. - All hand-painted.- Kirkcaldy.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- It could be.- There was a pottery in Kirkcaldy. Lots of them.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Is it something you hope to sell or just getting it valued?
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- I'd sell if the price is right! - If the price is right!
0:09:47 > 0:09:51That's what they all want to know! "What's it worth?"
0:09:52 > 0:09:55That all-important question!
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Someone who also wants to know is Linda,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01who's brought in one of Flog It's favourites to show Anita.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- Linda, welcome to Flog It. - Thank you.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Tell me what we've got here.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12We've got a piece of Troika that I found in a charity shop.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Oh, I love those stories.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Did you recognise it immediately?
0:10:16 > 0:10:23No. Since I've retired, my new interest is looking for antiques and collectibles
0:10:23 > 0:10:27and there was a programme on TV about Troika
0:10:27 > 0:10:31and, believe it or not, the very next day I went into the shop
0:10:31 > 0:10:35and saw this thing and thought, "It can't be!"
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Then I looked underneath and saw it was.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- So that was a thrill! - It was, certainly.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Did you pay a lot of money for it? - Three pounds.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Well done, well done, well done.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Now, Troika. I love the Troika pottery.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55It started round about 1963 with Benny Sirota.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59They were artisans, craftsmen.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03They wanted to get away from mass-produced items.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06This one was post-'70s,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08when things changed a wee bit.
0:11:08 > 0:11:15The post-'70s Troika is not as valuable as the earlier stuff.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19They sold in Heal's, which was a very prestigious outlet.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22It was a good shop in London.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25But, in the main, the items that they sold,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29these were for the tourist trade.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33And the people that went down to St Ives in Cornwall would buy them.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35And it's absolutely wonderful
0:11:35 > 0:11:38when you speak to someone who'd been down there in the '70s
0:11:38 > 0:11:41and just bought that lamp because they loved it
0:11:41 > 0:11:43and suddenly it was worth a lot of money.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45And if we look at the bottom,
0:11:45 > 0:11:51we see the very, very distinctive mark of Troika.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55This monogram here is for Louise Jinks.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58So, we can identify each of the decorators
0:11:58 > 0:12:02and that's a great pleasure and great fun for the collectors.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03Now, when I look at that,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06I think it's a wee bit squeejee! What do you think?
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- I think so!- We don't mind that because each of these pots
0:12:11 > 0:12:14were individually made. Tell me,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16do you like Troika?
0:12:16 > 0:12:19This is the first piece that I've ever seen
0:12:19 > 0:12:21and I do like the earthy colours, yes.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25The thing is, although these were made in the '60s and '70s,
0:12:25 > 0:12:31they are in keeping with the modernist look
0:12:31 > 0:12:33of today.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36And this is one of the reasons why they are popular.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41Price on this. You paid three pounds for it. You did very well!
0:12:41 > 0:12:43This particular cylinder vase
0:12:43 > 0:12:48I would put a valuation of 30 to 50.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51I think it may go further than that, Linda.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55I hope that it does. But I find sometimes that conservative estimates really do work.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58They draw the bidder in and get the bidder excited.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03We'll put a reserve price - and I think we should keep it as a fixed reserve -
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- of £30.- That's fine.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13And Fiona has brought in something that can only thrill snuffbox
0:13:13 > 0:13:16collector, James Lewis.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Fiona, thank you so much for bringing what anybody who watches
0:13:19 > 0:13:25Flog It will know is my favourite subject, I love my snuffboxes.
0:13:25 > 0:13:32I've collected them for about ten years and I'm an absolute addict so,
0:13:32 > 0:13:34this little find here,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37is this something that you're passionate about?
0:13:37 > 0:13:39I'm afraid not.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43I know nothing about it, apart from the fact that
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- I must've picked it up in a charity shop years ago.- Charity shop!
0:13:47 > 0:13:49For next to nothing.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50I can't have paid much for it.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Charity shop!
0:13:53 > 0:13:55I hadn't even realised it was a snuffbox.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59I've never found one in a charity shop and I've been looking for years!
0:13:59 > 0:14:00Well done, you!
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- What did you think it was? - I don't know!
0:14:04 > 0:14:06I just thought it was a little box.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08So when you picked it up,
0:14:08 > 0:14:11what did you think it was made from, what sort of period did you think it was?
0:14:11 > 0:14:13I'm afraid I thought it was plastic.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15OK!
0:14:15 > 0:14:17I wondered because of the picture in it,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- whether it might have some age to it.- OK.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Well, it certainly does.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26It really is just the most beautiful quality.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31This is a snuffbox made around 1800,
0:14:31 > 0:14:361820. The lady or gentleman who was taking snuff,
0:14:36 > 0:14:41would've been around during the Napoleonic Wars,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Nelson had just been killed at Trafalgar,
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Wellington might be around, the Battle of Waterloo...
0:14:48 > 0:14:53This little box could be English or French.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58- What's this over it? Is that glass? - Glass, yeah.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00This is a very fine piece of glass.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04The socle around the outside holding the glass in place
0:15:04 > 0:15:05is probably made from gold.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Then we've got the ivory border.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10If we look inside, hold that up to the light,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13you can see that's lined in tortoiseshell.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16But - the miniature in the centre is beautiful.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Hand-painted of a beautiful young girl.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23The miniature alone would be saleable, forget the box!
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Just the miniature is a piece of art in its own right.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28I can't believe all this!
0:15:28 > 0:15:29It's lovely, it really is.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33But snuff, at the end of the day, is purely a form of tobacco taking.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38And it's always been controversial. Back in 1600, 1603,
0:15:38 > 0:15:42King James himself would say if anybody was caught taking snuff
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- in his presence, they would go to the Tower.- Oh!
0:15:46 > 0:15:48100 years later, Queen Anne,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51she was patron of the British Snuff-Taking Association. So,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54where's it been for the last few years?
0:15:54 > 0:15:56It just sits on my dressing table.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Use it for earrings or anything?
0:15:58 > 0:16:01No, in fact until today I'd never opened it.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- Really?!- Because it was very stiff.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05What do you think it's worth?
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Well, I wondered, would it be about 40?
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Would you sell it to me for 40?
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- I would, yeah.- You shouldn't.- Oh!
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- How about 80? - That would be even better.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- How about 100?- Oh! My goodness, it can't be worth all that?!
0:16:21 > 0:16:24I think 100 is a minimum.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- I really do.- Goodness.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- I think that 120, 180, something like that.- Goodness.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35I think it's a really lovely, pretty little box.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- I'm just gobsmacked.- Aw.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Thank you for bringing it in. It's a lovely thing to see.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43And Fiona thought it wasn't worth anything.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47It just goes to show it's always worth getting a valuation.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56I'm here on stage ready for today's performance.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00And the venue for all the bright lights is the Carnegie Hall,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02world famous all over for its musical events.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04I know what you're thinking,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07he's gone to New York! No, I haven't.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10This is the Carnegie Hall here in Dunfermline.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It shares the same name because it's the same benefactor
0:17:13 > 0:17:15and founder behind both halls,
0:17:15 > 0:17:19Mr Andrew Carnegie, Scotland's most generous multimillionaire.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22And I'm here to tell you all about him.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Before I explore Carnegie's Scottish background let me
0:17:27 > 0:17:30introduce you to his story.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Andrew Carnegie was born in Dunfermline to kind
0:17:32 > 0:17:34and hardworking parents.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39It was through his family he learned morals,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43respect and what could be achieved through sheer hard work.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48When he was 12, work dried up for his weaver father.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52The family sold up and borrowed enough money to emigrate to America.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59From the moment they arrived, Andrew worked hard to support his family.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00He started as a bobbin turner
0:18:00 > 0:18:03in a factory, but quickly got promoted,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05seizing opportunities when he could.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11His quick thinking and ambition meant he was a natural entrepreneur.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Through later investment and businesses,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16he became a multimillionaire.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24Andrew's generosity with his hard-earned cash spread worldwide.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27But it was the donations to his beloved homeland of Scotland that
0:18:27 > 0:18:30has brought me here to his boyhood town of Dunfermline.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Carnegie's story of wealth and success
0:18:42 > 0:18:45starts right here from humble beginnings.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47This is Moodie Street in Dunfermline.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49This is the house he was born in.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52His father worked downstairs all day long while Andrew and his family
0:18:52 > 0:18:56lived upstairs, they ate and slept up there and entertained
0:18:56 > 0:18:58and educated themselves up there.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59This is so integral to the story,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02this is how Andrew's parents led by example
0:19:02 > 0:19:04so he could succeed in a dignified manner.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Andrew's father was a damask weaver.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20It was a very skilled trade which meant he worked all hours
0:19:20 > 0:19:23while his wife wound bobbins on upstairs, singing to a young Andrew
0:19:23 > 0:19:26and perhaps that's where he got his love of music.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29When work started to dry up, his mother Margaret set up
0:19:29 > 0:19:33a little shop repairing shoes and doing odd jobs for people,
0:19:33 > 0:19:37but whatever sacrifices they had to make, Andrew never went without.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40He was always smartly turned out in a white starched colour.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47It was his parents' work ethic that inspired Andrew to improve himself.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50After moving to the States, his mother again showed her
0:19:50 > 0:19:52resourcefulness and did whatever
0:19:52 > 0:19:54she could to keep her family going.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00It was Margaret Carnegie who lent her son the huge
0:20:00 > 0:20:03sum of 600 by mortgaging her house in Pittsburgh
0:20:03 > 0:20:07so he could buy shares in Adams Express.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10It was a bold move, which lead him on the path to success,
0:20:10 > 0:20:12becoming a steel tycoon.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18So that savvy mind and family support meant that by the time
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Andrew was 33, he had assets worth 400,000.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25By the time he retired at the age of 65, he was worth a
0:20:25 > 0:20:29staggering 400 million. That is a great deal of money.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32He wanted to distribute his wealth to deserving causes.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36He devoted a lot of time to philanthropy as well as business.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38So, what do you buy somebody for their birthday,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40somebody that has everything!
0:20:40 > 0:20:42His wife Louise, for his 60th birthday,
0:20:42 > 0:20:46bought him this very house, his birthplace.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50Today, it's run as a tribute to him and the worthy causes he funded.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01I met Lorna Owers, the curator at the Carnegie Birthplace Museum
0:21:01 > 0:21:05so I could find out more about Carnegie, the man.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09I gather he didn't have much education.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13He started school at the age of 8. So what happened before?
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Well, school was optional so you could choose when you went
0:21:16 > 0:21:18and you paid one penny a week to go,
0:21:18 > 0:21:22so it was quite an outlay for a family at that time.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Before that, anything he learned was from his family.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29I gather, in America, he came across a makeshift library.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32That's right. Colonel Anderson had his own private library.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Andrew gained access to that. As a working boy, he allowed them
0:21:36 > 0:21:38to borrow books on a Saturday.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- And return them the following Saturday.- Hundreds of books?
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- Yeah, he had 400. - Do you think that inspired him
0:21:44 > 0:21:48later on in life to donate many libraries around the world?
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Yes. He really wanted everyone else to benefit from the same
0:21:51 > 0:21:54sort of education that he had and wanted them
0:21:54 > 0:21:57to have access to books the way he had.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00He was inspired by all things new and inventive.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03He regarded knowledge and inspiration as a treasure.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07Imagine what it must've been like for a teenage boy from
0:22:07 > 0:22:11Dunfermline to end up in a rapidly developing city like Pittsburgh.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13With the arrival of things like the railroad and the theatre -
0:22:13 > 0:22:15things he'd never seen before.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20- It's the great man himself.- Yes.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23What age was he when that portrait was taken?
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- About 70.- Was he?!- Yes.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28He lived to be what?
0:22:28 > 0:22:3083, that's right.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32He's got a twinkle in his eyes.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35He definitely has. Yes, he was quite a character.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- Did he miss Scotland much?- I think he did. He came back several times.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43He owned Skibo Castle as a holiday home.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Otherwise, he gave buildings
0:22:46 > 0:22:51so he gave the town the Carnegie Hall, the library,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54the swimming baths, and, of course, Pittencrieff Park.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Carnegie vowed that if he got the opportunity
0:22:57 > 0:23:01he would buy the park and give it to the town, which he did.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- It gave him great satisfaction. - I bet it did.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Lorna, thank you so much for taking time out to talk to me.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Pleasure.- It's been fascinating.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11What a wonderful story, such an inspiration to everybody.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Well, I think the city is very lucky to have so many fabulous
0:23:17 > 0:23:21buildings donated to it by such a famous past resident.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24For me, it sounds like Dunfermline gave something to
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Carnegie in those formative years, it forged the tenacity and the pride
0:23:28 > 0:23:33in him to succeed later in life as a truly phenomenal businessman.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36It's a true tale of triumph against all odds.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45And now for my favourite part of the show - let's head to the auction.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48But first, a quick reminder of what we're taking with us.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50James was a big fan of Fiona's snuffbox,
0:23:50 > 0:23:52but she didn't know much about it.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Now she knows it's worth something,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57will Fiona be tempted to keep it?
0:23:58 > 0:24:02We're going to sell the charming Beswick hunting figures
0:24:02 > 0:24:03brought along by Gladys.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Ivor and Joyce's elegant scent bottle.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10And Linda's cylindrical Troika vase.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17We're taking our items to auction in Rosewell, south of Edinburgh.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21There will be commission to pay, and it varies between auction houses.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Here, the sellers and buyers pay 15% plus VAT.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Right. Now I'm feeling nervous.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Here we are, where our valuations will be put to the test.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35We have three auctioneers on the rostrum, so it'll be a really busy day.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37One of them is Sybelle Thomson.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39I had a quick chat to her before
0:24:39 > 0:24:42the sale to see what she had to say about one or two of our items.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Let's take a look.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47We've got some Beswick for you. It's a hunting group.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51They were bought on a shopping spree in Aberdeen in the '80s.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53They're very nice. Very collectable.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58The huntsman particularly. This model relates back to the 1930s.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02One problem with it is it's missing two of its hounds.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- Right.- They normally have five hounds.- I didn't know that.- Yes.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08But I still think it'll do very well.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11You have to be so careful when you're looking at Beswick horses
0:25:11 > 0:25:13because sometimes the feet can be in
0:25:13 > 0:25:16the wrong position, or the tail stuck to the wrong leg
0:25:16 > 0:25:20or a different colourway, or the same colour on the horse,
0:25:20 > 0:25:24but the neck's turned a different way. And that puts the value up.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28- Absolutely.- Why?- The slightest variation. The collectors look at
0:25:28 > 0:25:30which way the huntsman's looking.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34If he was looking the other way, he'd be worth less than he is.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38- You've really got to know your stuff with Beswick.- Absolutely.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41This could be valued at 150 to 200,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44but if one of those details was slightly different,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46and it's rare, it could be 600 or £700.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51Get him in a different shade of red coat and you're at 500 to £600.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- Gosh! We won't get that, will we, later?- Unfortunately not.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02We'll see how the Beswick does later. First, Linda and Anita and the Troika vase.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09It's wonderful to have a piece of Cornwall up here in Scotland!
0:26:09 > 0:26:12No, it's not me, it's a bit of Troika and it belongs to Linda.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- Hello.- Hello.- Thanks for coming in.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- Where did you get this? - I found it in a charity shop.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- In Cornwall?- No, in Fife.- Right. OK.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23It's a good little thing and I know
0:26:23 > 0:26:27we've got to find a buyer at 30 to 50, that's what you put on it.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31Quite conservative again. It's not one that will fly.
0:26:31 > 0:26:37- It's a later one, but it's still Troika. Still has that magic name. - Let's see what the bidders think.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42This is a nice Troika brown, straight-sided vase.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Who'd like to start me at £50 for it?
0:26:45 > 0:26:4650? 30?
0:26:47 > 0:26:5030 bid everywhere. 35. 40.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Five. 50.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54Five? 55.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Lady beside me, 55.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00- £55.- Anybody else going on? At £55.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Great result.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- Top end.- Good, good.- Good.- Happy? - Yes, very.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06That's a good return on three quid!
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Are you going to go back up there to the shop?
0:27:09 > 0:27:11I'll be giving some of the money to
0:27:11 > 0:27:15the charity shop, and some's going to my daughter's wedding fund.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- So...- First wedding in the family?
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- Yes.- Ooh, big day.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- Expensive day!- What's her name?
0:27:22 > 0:27:26- Gillian.- Gillian, congratulations and good luck for the future.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Next up we've got Fiona's snuffbox.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Putting it under the hammer is auctioneer Gavin.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36A pretty watercolour on the front.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Tortoiseshell interior, it's got everything going for it.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41And the price - around £100-£180.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44And you picked it up for next to nothing.
0:27:44 > 0:27:45- How much?- I can't remember.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47It was so insignificant really.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51We just need a few gents now that can splash out on a lovely snuffbox.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Wish I could buy it.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- We're not allowed to, are we?- No.
0:27:57 > 0:28:02A 19th century circular patch box, an ebony mount. 200.
0:28:02 > 0:28:03100, £50.
0:28:03 > 0:28:0450 bid, 50.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08In the room at 50, 5,
0:28:08 > 0:28:0960, 5,
0:28:09 > 0:28:1170.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- 5, 80.- This is good, Fiona.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- It's really good.- Not yet, it's not.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18No, it's not, we need a lot more, hang on!
0:28:18 > 0:28:21All done at 100?
0:28:23 > 0:28:25110. 120.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27130. 140.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29150.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- That's good.- Standing at 150.
0:28:32 > 0:28:33All done at 150.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- Spot on, well done.- Great.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- Thank you very much.- What are you going to do with that?
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- Well, I'm going to give it to the Pakistan flood relief.- Are you?
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- That's really sweet of you. Well done. Well done.- Thank you.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49I think James would've snapped up the snuffbox for himself, given the chance.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Next up, it's Ivor and Joyce
0:28:52 > 0:28:54and their glass scent bottle.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57It's got everything going for it.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- Even the price, James. I think it's a goer.- Yes.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- It's a great quality example. - It's about to go under the hammer.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08We're after around £150. Let's see what the bidders think.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13The Stourbridge-style silver-mounted scent bottle.
0:29:13 > 0:29:18Lots of interest in this. I may start it at 50. 50 bid. 50 bid.
0:29:18 > 0:29:2150 bid. 55. 60. Five.
0:29:21 > 0:29:2370. Five. 80.
0:29:23 > 0:29:24Five. 90.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Five. 100.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29£100. On my right at 100.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33Anyone going on? At £100.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- Quality always sells. - Yes, it does.- It does.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Good start to our holidays. We're driving away now.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- Are you?- Where are you off to?
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- We're driving down to Dover and going on a Med cruise. - That's a long drive!
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- We'll stop overnight. - It's not too bad.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- That'll cover the petrol money. - It will.- Or some sherbets!
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Sherbets!
0:29:56 > 0:30:00That will add a boost to Ivor and Joyce's holiday fund. Great.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Now, it's Gladys and the hunting figures.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08I wonder if the missing hounds will affect the price?
0:30:08 > 0:30:10It's Gladys's first auction, isn't it?
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- It is.- Are you nervous? - Very nervous.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18- What happened when you saw all these people?- I couldn't imagine so many people.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20This is a country auction.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24We have lots of hunting round about.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26Hopefully, there'll be some riders in here.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- I think there'll be some interest. - Here's hoping.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32We'll find out right now. Here we go.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36A very nice Beswick hunting group
0:30:36 > 0:30:39comprising the huntsman with three hounds and a fox.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42I have four bids on it. I'll start it at £100
0:30:42 > 0:30:44and selling. 100. 110.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47120. 130. 140. 150.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- My goodness!- 160. 170. - Oh, my goodness!- 170.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Anybody else? 170. 180.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55190.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- 200.- They love it. They love it!
0:30:57 > 0:31:00220. 240.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05260. 260, right at the back.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07At £260.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13260! That galloped away, didn't it?
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- That surprised us!- That surprised me after the estimate.
0:31:16 > 0:31:17I thought I'd get £100.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- Did you enjoy that?- I did! - Was your heart pounding?- It was!
0:31:27 > 0:31:31That's our first visit to the auction today. We'll come back later.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36So don't go away because I can guarantee one really big surprise.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41While we were here filming, I had the chance to explore a wonderful Scottish castle.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45It really is an architectural delight. Take a look at this.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02It was in 1458 that James, the second king of Scots,
0:32:02 > 0:32:06decreed the village of Falkland to be a royal borough.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14This fairytale-like building with all its towers and turrets
0:32:14 > 0:32:16in the old kingdom of Fife, is Falkland Palace.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18But it's not just any old royal court.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21It's known as the pleasure palace
0:32:21 > 0:32:24and it's that reputation that I've come to explore.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36The palace itself was mainly developed in the 1500s by King James IV
0:32:36 > 0:32:41and his successor, James V, with changes made by later keepers of the castle.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50The palace was a place of peace, a retreat,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54somewhere where the kings, the queens and their guests could relax
0:32:54 > 0:32:57away from the politics and duties of their position.
0:32:57 > 0:33:03Of course, the best sanctuary for reflection, if you were a monarch, was the church.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08This wonderful chapel was created in the early 1500s by King James IV.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11It was later consecrated by James V
0:33:11 > 0:33:16and Richard Stewart, the master craftsman who created all that wonderful work at Holyroodhouse
0:33:16 > 0:33:20was commissioned to do this oak-panelled ceiling.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Just look at this wonderful work.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26He really was a master craftsman, working at the top of his genre.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29No wonder he was in demand throughout his lifetime.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32It's marvellous.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44This whole room just permeates history.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47If I can point out some of the detail in the panels up here,
0:33:47 > 0:33:52this was originally done in the early 1600s, 1630 to 1640,
0:33:52 > 0:33:54the reign of Charles I. You can see
0:33:54 > 0:33:59it's starting to fade. But here, the panel on the left-hand side
0:33:59 > 0:34:00has been restored.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04Wonderful bright chromatic hues of reds and deep blues
0:34:04 > 0:34:08so the whole ceiling would have been like this, picked out with gold leaf.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10The whole place would just come alive.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18This chapel was a peaceful haven for prayer and meditation,
0:34:18 > 0:34:22often through periods of political and religious unrest.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31Despite the palace's location on the edge of a town, you feel royal visitors were left alone here.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36There's a suggestion that the name Falkland means "hidden place".
0:34:38 > 0:34:41You can imagine Mary, Queen of Scots, a regular visitor here,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43taking time to wander around the palace,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46admiring the decoration and the views.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59It wasn't just the historical guests who found Falkland so relaxing.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04More recent keepers of the castle have used this room as a library and a study.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08This was renovated in the late 19th century. It's a bit of a contrast
0:35:08 > 0:35:12to the rest of the palace with its pine-clad painted stencilled walls,
0:35:12 > 0:35:16its high vaulted ceiling and its wonderful trompe l'oeil window.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Look at that. That's all hand-painted on there.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Trompe l'oeil means trick of the eye, an illusion.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26But it marries up with the window on the other side.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29It creates a film set atmosphere. Nevertheless,
0:35:29 > 0:35:33it's still a wonderful place to relax and read in.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35The whole room really does embrace you.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42But it's not just the comfort of indoors that appealed to visitors.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44It was the activities available outside
0:35:44 > 0:35:46that made Falkland a destination.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53The gorgeous grounds stretch out to a magnificent seven acres including an old orchard.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57This must have been the perfect place for a constitutional walk
0:35:57 > 0:36:00to ponder those important issues of the day.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02Especially somebody like Mary, Queen of Scots.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06She had a lot to think about with all the plots against her.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09She was distracted with falconry and hunting, and her father, James V,
0:36:09 > 0:36:13he even had dog handlers, falconers and horse grooms on hand
0:36:13 > 0:36:15to enjoy the great outdoors.
0:36:16 > 0:36:22You get the sense that a lot of money from the courtly coffers was spent on these leisure pursuits
0:36:22 > 0:36:25for both the royals and the visiting courtiers to enjoy.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35Well, it has literally just started to pour down
0:36:35 > 0:36:37so I'll put an umbrella up.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Apart from the more genteel activities,
0:36:39 > 0:36:44if you really wanted to work up a sweat you could take part in a mini Wimbledon
0:36:44 > 0:36:46and the weather's just right for it!
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Come inside and I'll show you what I mean.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52This is what the court looks like today.
0:36:52 > 0:36:58But yesterday, when our cameras visited it, it was a very different scene.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03This is a real royal tennis court and one of the oldest of its kind in Britain.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07It was built in 1539 at the request of James V.
0:37:08 > 0:37:13Real tennis can be described as a mix of squash and lawn tennis.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18Today, the Falkland Palace real tennis club play here regularly
0:37:18 > 0:37:22on the very courts where once a young Mary, Queen of Scots enjoyed the game.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29She was so keen on the sport, she even shocked courtiers by abandoning her restricting gowns
0:37:29 > 0:37:32in favour of breeches when she played!
0:37:35 > 0:37:38Hearing all of that must have surprised you somewhat.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41But even kings and queens need time off,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44especially after adding and improving the building.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47I don't think there can be a better place to unwind
0:37:47 > 0:37:50than the beautiful and charming Falkland Palace.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01The sun is still shining at Balbirnie House.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Let's join everybody and see what other surprises we can find.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Enjoying the sunshine is our expert James, who is with Bob,
0:38:12 > 0:38:14who's brought in something small and shiny.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Bob, imagine yourself back in the 1930s.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23Flapper dresses and the Charleston and all those wonderful romantic times.
0:38:23 > 0:38:29At the same time, the future king of England, Edward, was serenading Wallis Simpson.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32And where did he take her to buy all those fine jewels?
0:38:32 > 0:38:38To Asprey's. That is the place that this little match holder started life.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40How did it come into your family?
0:38:40 > 0:38:49I got it from a great aunt who was employed as a nurse companion to Sir Holford Redditch
0:38:49 > 0:38:51who owned Portland Cement Company
0:38:51 > 0:38:54and lived down in the Rugby area.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59I believe he used to fly out to Geneva to get his cigars!
0:38:59 > 0:39:05Because he liked the Cuban cigars, he wouldn't use a lighter.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07He always used matches.
0:39:07 > 0:39:13- He had this made so that he could carry books of matches with him. - Lovely.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16If you are a very, very big cigar smoker,
0:39:16 > 0:39:21a lighter, a petrol or fuel lighter, is something you don't go anywhere near.
0:39:21 > 0:39:22Even friends of mine today
0:39:22 > 0:39:25that smoke cigars still use matches and not a lighter.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29The thing about this is all about quality of design.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34There are no buttons to press that ruin the outside edges of the form.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37There are no hinges protruding out of the edge.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41This is such a simple design. It's engine-turned in bands, classic 1930s.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46The initials, H.W.L.R, which relate to the owner,
0:39:46 > 0:39:50are very nicely done in a very stylish Art Deco manner.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53All we do is leave that on the hand,
0:39:53 > 0:39:54push, and there it goes.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58It's still got such life in it. It's as crisp as the day it was made.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03Inside, there we have the wonderful name, Asprey's of London.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05375, for nine carat gold.
0:40:05 > 0:40:11Nine carat gold. It's unusual, really, because nine carat is the lowest grade of gold.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14But the reason they only used nine carat for this
0:40:14 > 0:40:18is because if that was in a waistcoat pocket, it would have constant wear
0:40:18 > 0:40:22and they don't want this engine turning wearing flat.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26Because that's what gives you the grip to be able to open it.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28So nine carat for a very good reason.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31But that is lovely. Value?
0:40:31 > 0:40:36- What do you think? - I really don't have any idea.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37I don't know the price of gold.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40I know it's high, but I don't know the price.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42I think you'll do very well with it.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46I think it's worth somewhere between 350 and £450.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- Lovely.- It's a good thing.- Yeah.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52With gold, you really don't need a reserve.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Because you will have ten or 15 bids
0:40:55 > 0:40:58all within two or three pounds of each other,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01who'll be leaving their bids based on the gold value.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03But you should also get those people
0:41:03 > 0:41:07who feel it's a wonderful object in its own right.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10You might actually get above the scrap value of the gold.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12It's a difficult thing now.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Do you want to put a reserve on it, or will you gamble?
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- I'll just have a gamble.- Sure?
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- Yes.- Let's give it a go. It's a bit of a risk, but we'll see.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27Let's hope that gamble will pay off. It's definitely got age and style about it.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33- What have you got here?- A stone hammer.- From the Bronze Age!
0:41:33 > 0:41:34These were my ancestors'.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- How old are you?- 93. - Are you, really?
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- I'm one of the antiques here! - You are, definitely.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45One of the oldest items here apart from your Bronze Age hammer!
0:41:46 > 0:41:52Next, it's Anita and Barbara, who's brought along something to write home about!
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Barbara, how charming these postcards are!
0:41:55 > 0:41:59Little postcards by Mabel Lucie Attwell.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- Tell me where you got them. - Mum collected them during the war. She was a nurse in London.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08My father was away in the forces so she collected them.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10It amused them and brightened their days.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Do you remember these as a child?
0:42:12 > 0:42:17No, I didn't know anything about them until my mother moved into care recently.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20We've emptied her house and I found these amongst her things.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23I asked her if she wanted them and she said no.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Did you have a wee look through them yourself?
0:42:26 > 0:42:32- I did. I like them very much. - They brought a smile to your face and to my face.
0:42:32 > 0:42:39Mabel Lucie Attwell was one of the most prolific designers of postcards.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42She was an illustrator for children's books.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45It's the little cute chubby child.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49- I think these images were based on her daughter, Peggy.- Oh.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54They're instantly recognisable and they're very, very sweet.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58She died, I think, in about 1963
0:42:58 > 0:43:00and she was very, very prolific.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03So, these postcards are not rare.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07You have in the region of 40. Have you counted them?
0:43:07 > 0:43:09- 48 altogether.- 48 altogether.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11What's your favourite one?
0:43:11 > 0:43:15My favourite one is less bright than most of them.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17I like the softer colours.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20Nice subtle colours there. She's saying,
0:43:20 > 0:43:22"Hello" this wee fairy.
0:43:23 > 0:43:25Lovely. Shall we put them to auction?
0:43:25 > 0:43:27- Yes, please.- OK.
0:43:27 > 0:43:30One thing worries me about postcards.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33When they are stuck into a book,
0:43:33 > 0:43:38- it makes them a wee bitty less desirable for the collectors.- Yes.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42- The collectors like them pure. - Pristine.
0:43:42 > 0:43:47They like them in good condition, but these are mainly in good condition.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49I would like to put them into auction -
0:43:49 > 0:43:51and they will be well fancied -
0:43:51 > 0:43:55I would put an estimate of say, 100 to £200.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59- Good.- We'll let the collectors make up their own minds
0:43:59 > 0:44:05whether they want to try to get them off the backing or not.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09100 to £200, with a reserve of £80.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13- Sounds good.- Are you happy with that?- Yes, thank you.- Excellent.
0:44:13 > 0:44:17What a great collection. There are lots of postcard collectors out there.
0:44:17 > 0:44:22Now, it's Jim and Betty, who've brought along some china for James to look at.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26Jim, Betty, welcome.
0:44:26 > 0:44:27Thank you so much
0:44:27 > 0:44:30for bringing this trinket dish along.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32When the British weather is like this
0:44:32 > 0:44:34there is absolutely no wonder
0:44:34 > 0:44:39why artists such as William Moorcroft were so inspired by what they saw.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42It's days like this, countryside like this,
0:44:42 > 0:44:46that inspired designs like this in Moorcroft.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49You must know a bit about it if you watch Flog It.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52I think it might be 1930s.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56Absolutely spot on. Do you know the name of the pattern?
0:44:56 > 0:45:00- Not really.- Testing!- Mushroom or...?
0:45:00 > 0:45:02No, Mushroom is Claremont.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- This is Hazeldene.- Oh, yes. - It's very similar.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09William Moorcroft started his artistic career in ceramics in the 1890s.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11He worked for Macintyre
0:45:11 > 0:45:15and he eventually set up Moorcroft in 1913.
0:45:15 > 0:45:19The things that characterised Moorcroft are what we call tube lining,
0:45:19 > 0:45:23which is this decoration that outlines the whole design.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26It's a little bit like piping icing on a cake.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30He also was inspired by different glazes.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32And this is almost a flambe,
0:45:32 > 0:45:36a flamey, reddy colour glaze,
0:45:36 > 0:45:38high-fired at a very high temperature.
0:45:38 > 0:45:44It's a design that came around in around 1932, '33,
0:45:44 > 0:45:46and it was very, very popular.
0:45:46 > 0:45:51You see great big vases made in Hazeldene. You also see trinket trays like this.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54If we turn it over,
0:45:54 > 0:45:58we've got "Made in England", which tells you it's made after 1925.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01"Potter to HM The Queen".
0:46:01 > 0:46:02That's Queen Mary.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05And the W Moorcroft facsimile signature there.
0:46:05 > 0:46:10So, a little dish that is very sought after at auction.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14I love this Hazeldene pattern, especially with the sunset red ground to it.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23I've got a bit of bad news for you.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25It's been restored at some stage.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it has been done.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36It looks like 15 to 20-year-old restoration. It's starting to show through.
0:46:36 > 0:46:40When restoration is done when it's brand new, it's difficult to tell.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43- Is it a family piece?- No. - Where did you find it?
0:46:43 > 0:46:48- Where did we pick that up, Jim?- In a- car-boot sale. A car-boot sale?!
0:46:48 > 0:46:50- No!- Yes.- Quite local.
0:46:50 > 0:46:55You'd think everybody would know Moorcroft by now. How long ago?
0:46:55 > 0:46:59- Maybe eight years.- OK.- It's a bit longer than that, but...
0:46:59 > 0:47:02- How much did you pay for it? - Two pounds.- Two pounds.
0:47:02 > 0:47:06Well, for two pounds, it's still a great buy for two pounds.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10If it had been perfect,
0:47:10 > 0:47:15your two pounds would have transformed into £200.
0:47:15 > 0:47:19With the restoration, you've still made a really good investment.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22I still think it'll make 60 to 100.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24- Splendid.- That's all right.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27- Still all right, isn't it? - More than I thought initially.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29It's just a wee dish!
0:47:29 > 0:47:32Well, it is a wee dish, but it's a great wee dish!
0:47:32 > 0:47:36- £60 reserve. Happy with that? - Yes, fine.- Yes.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39£60 reserve. 60 to 100. Let's see what happens.
0:47:39 > 0:47:45Next up, let's see what piece of mystic magic Wilma and Kendall have brought along to show Anita.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48What a great wee object.
0:47:48 > 0:47:53It's a chap on a flying carpet and he's made of bronze.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56Can you tell me where did you get him?
0:47:56 > 0:47:58Well, he actually belongs to my mother
0:47:58 > 0:48:00and she got him from her mother
0:48:00 > 0:48:06who was actually a housekeeper to a big house in Cupar, outside Cupar.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09It belonged to a Mrs Wilson from the Pilkington family.
0:48:09 > 0:48:13And she used to just change all the stuff in her house
0:48:13 > 0:48:15and would offer my gran anything
0:48:15 > 0:48:19because if not, it was either going to charity or going in the bin.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22That was very generous and I'm glad this didn't go in the bin.
0:48:22 > 0:48:28- Kendall, tell me, do you like it? - Yes.- So, do you have it on display?
0:48:28 > 0:48:32No. He's sat for a while on a hall table at my mum's
0:48:32 > 0:48:35and we used him just to keep... a bit of a piece of paper down.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38And he's been used as a paperweight now and again,
0:48:38 > 0:48:43but he disappeared months ago when she was changing her rooms round.
0:48:43 > 0:48:44Maybe it flew out of the window.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48I think so because when I went to look for him today,
0:48:48 > 0:48:51he just seemed to have appeared by magic on the dining room table.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54- He flew back in again.- He was just sitting there with his back to us.
0:48:54 > 0:48:59Let's look at him. He is a charming little bronze. He's made of bronze.
0:48:59 > 0:49:03And probably made in Austria.
0:49:03 > 0:49:07I've had a look and I haven't been able to find any maker's name
0:49:07 > 0:49:10or cast mark on this little creature.
0:49:10 > 0:49:17But it looks very much in the style of Lorenzo, who came from Austria.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21Now, the colour in this would have been painted
0:49:21 > 0:49:23while the bronze was cold.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25And there's a particular look,
0:49:25 > 0:49:29we call it an Austrian cold-painted bronze.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32And Lorenzo often did little animal figures,
0:49:32 > 0:49:36but he was also interested in Eastern subjects.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40And we are seeing this reflected in this character here.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43He's an eastern gentleman.
0:49:43 > 0:49:48He's sitting on a magic carpet and he's counting his money.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50But one of the charming things, one of the things
0:49:50 > 0:49:58I most like about this, is the rumple in the edge of that carpet.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01- Isn't that an intriguing and charming detail?- Yes.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05I like this very much, I think it's very sweet.
0:50:05 > 0:50:08I would like to put him into auction with an estimate of,
0:50:08 > 0:50:11- say, £100-£200.- Oh, really?
0:50:11 > 0:50:14Uh-huh, I think he's a smashing wee figure.
0:50:14 > 0:50:17I would love to have found a maker's name.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19That would have made the difference.
0:50:19 > 0:50:25But we can put him in at £100-£200 with a reserve of, say, £80.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27- Would you be happy with that, Kendall?- Yes.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30Well, it really is a matter of going to the auction now.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33I know you'll be back at school then,
0:50:33 > 0:50:36- so Kendall won't be there, but your mum will be there.- Yes.
0:50:36 > 0:50:40And if it's OK, I'd like to bring my mum along as well.
0:50:40 > 0:50:41You know, the owner of the little man.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44Well, that would be absolutely marvellous
0:50:44 > 0:50:46and I hope this little guy takes a flyer.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48Hopefully, thank you.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55Well, we've now found our last lot so it's time to say a fond farewell
0:50:55 > 0:50:58to the magnificent Balbirnie House in the heart of Fife.
0:50:58 > 0:51:03It's time for a bit more auction action. Let's get straight over to the sale room.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05And here's what we're selling.
0:51:05 > 0:51:09Bob's elegant match holder, being offered without a reserve.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12Wilma's magic carpet cold-painted bronze figure.
0:51:12 > 0:51:16It hasn't got a maker's mark, but Anita still has high hopes for it.
0:51:16 > 0:51:20The endearing postcard collection which belonged to Barbara's mother.
0:51:20 > 0:51:25And finally, Jim and Betty's two-pound restored Moorcroft dish.
0:51:37 > 0:51:41Bob's match holder is up first. Gavin Taverndale is on the rostrum.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47A lovely thing. Proper quality. It's a good time to sell precious metal.
0:51:47 > 0:51:51- This is engine-turned. It says everything.- It's a lovely quality piece.
0:51:51 > 0:51:56If it makes lower end estimate, I'll have my head in my hands, cos it'll be melted down at that.
0:51:56 > 0:52:00I had a chat to Sybelle on the auction preview day.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02- She agreed with the valuation. - Great.
0:52:02 > 0:52:06- Fingers crossed we'll get the top end. Plus a bit more.- Hope so!
0:52:06 > 0:52:10We'll find out. Let's see what the bidders think.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15Asprey's of London. Nine-carat gold engine-turned match holder.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18500? 300? 200 to make a start.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21200 bid. 220.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23240. 260.
0:52:23 > 0:52:24280.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26300. 320.
0:52:26 > 0:52:29340. 360. 380.
0:52:32 > 0:52:33400.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35400. 400.
0:52:35 > 0:52:37Selling at 400. All done at 400?
0:52:39 > 0:52:42At £400. 400.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45Good price. You were right. Spot on. Well done, James. £400.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47- Happy?- Yes.- Big smile!
0:52:47 > 0:52:49Big smiles.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52There is commission to pay, 15% plus VAT.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55But it's spending money. Will you reinvest in antiques?
0:52:55 > 0:52:58A new set of golf clubs!
0:52:59 > 0:53:00At least it keeps you fit!
0:53:01 > 0:53:05Phew! No reserve. That was a good result!
0:53:05 > 0:53:07Bob's happy with that.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10Next, it's the nostalgic postcard collection
0:53:10 > 0:53:13which was brought to valuation day by Barbara
0:53:13 > 0:53:14on behalf of her mother.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17Our auctioneer is William Smith.
0:53:20 > 0:53:25It's been about four weeks since we saw you and you've had some really bad news. Terribly bad.
0:53:25 > 0:53:29They're my mum's postcards and sadly she's just passed away.
0:53:29 > 0:53:36- I'm so sorry.- It is sad, but we're going to buy some trees in her memory with what we make today.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39That's so nice. Plant something up and think of her.
0:53:39 > 0:53:41- Thank you so much for being here today.- Thank you.
0:53:41 > 0:53:45Gosh. Can't really say anything, can we?
0:53:45 > 0:53:47I think we'll let the bidders decide, really.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51- Let's hope we get lots of money. Plant something and watch it grow. - Yes.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56The collection of Mabel Lucie Attwell postcards.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58A nice album of postcards.
0:53:58 > 0:54:00A collectable lot here. £100 for them?
0:54:02 > 0:54:04£50 for them?
0:54:06 > 0:54:0850 I'm bid. 60. 70.
0:54:08 > 0:54:1080 in the corner.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13- Any advance on 80?- That's the reserve.- All done at 80 for the lot?
0:54:13 > 0:54:15At 80.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18- At £80.- Selling. That's OK, isn't it?
0:54:18 > 0:54:21You'll be able to buy a few fruit trees with that maybe.
0:54:21 > 0:54:26Something that produces something each year. Oh, bless you. Bless you.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29- Thank you.- Was your mum a big Flog It fan?- Yes, she was.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31Of course!
0:54:33 > 0:54:37I'm so glad Barbara was able to be with us for the auction.
0:54:40 > 0:54:45Next up, Wilma and her mother Mary's cold-painted bronze.
0:54:45 > 0:54:46Good luck.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49Oh, my word, I think we're going to be in for a surprise here.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52We are looking for £100-£200 for the Austrian cold-painted bronze.
0:54:52 > 0:54:56It's a little rug seller, a man sitting on a rug selling Persian rug.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58It's absolutely delightful.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00I love the little nicks in the rug where it tucks around.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04- And he's counting his money. - Lots of it, lots of it.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07And I think you are going to go home with lots of money as well.
0:55:07 > 0:55:08Hopefully.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13We could easily double the top end of the estimate.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15- I'd love to see that. - We could even triple it,
0:55:15 > 0:55:17you never know what's going to happen at an auction, do you?
0:55:17 > 0:55:20This is so exciting. It's going under the hammer right now
0:55:20 > 0:55:23and I think this is a classic a lot. Let's see go.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27The Vienna cold-painted bronze of the rug seller.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30£50 for this? 50, 30.
0:55:30 > 0:55:3330 bid. 35. 40. 45.
0:55:33 > 0:55:38- That's low.- 55, 60. 65. 70. 75. 80.
0:55:38 > 0:55:42- 85. 90. 95.- There's a phone bid. - 100.- Good.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45110. 120. 130.
0:55:45 > 0:55:50140. 140 right at the back. 150. 160.
0:55:50 > 0:55:55160, do you want in now, sir? 170. 180.
0:55:55 > 0:56:00- 190. 190. Any advance on 190? - Yes, there's a phone line.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04200 on the phone. Against you at 200.
0:56:04 > 0:56:05210.
0:56:07 > 0:56:08220.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10220.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14On the telephone at £220.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18- Yes, brilliant! I'm ever so pleased. Happy?- Great.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20Much more than I expected.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23- The wee man has gone.- She can't believe it.- The wee man has gone.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26- The wee man has gone. - He has gone, hasn't he?
0:56:26 > 0:56:30Well, what a result for a bronze masquerading as a paperweight.
0:56:30 > 0:56:32Now, last up it's Jim and Betty
0:56:32 > 0:56:33and their bargain boot find.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38These two have been collecting since 1963
0:56:38 > 0:56:39and now it's time to declutter.
0:56:39 > 0:56:43Everything's got to go and we're starting with the Moorcroft,
0:56:43 > 0:56:44a wonderful trinket tray.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47- There was a bit of damage, James? - A bit of restoration.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51Good pattern. Without the restoration, a lot more.
0:56:51 > 0:56:54It's going under the hammer right now.
0:56:55 > 0:56:59The very nice Moorcroft flambe design circular pin tray.
0:56:59 > 0:57:01I have two very close bids.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05And I may start it at £210.
0:57:05 > 0:57:07- 210.- Straight in!- 210. 210.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09210. 220.
0:57:11 > 0:57:13240.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15260. 280.
0:57:15 > 0:57:17300.
0:57:17 > 0:57:18320.
0:57:20 > 0:57:2120 against you.
0:57:25 > 0:57:26340.
0:57:27 > 0:57:29360.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31360?
0:57:31 > 0:57:32380.
0:57:32 > 0:57:34400.
0:57:35 > 0:57:37420.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40440.
0:57:43 > 0:57:49- 440. Anyone else want in? At £440.- £440, Betty!
0:57:49 > 0:57:51At £440.
0:57:51 > 0:57:54- Well done, James. - Who'd have believed that?
0:57:54 > 0:57:57£440!
0:57:57 > 0:57:59We keep saying it's a rollercoaster ride of emotions
0:57:59 > 0:58:01here in the auction room, don't we?
0:58:01 > 0:58:05You don't know what's going to happen. It's not an exact science.
0:58:05 > 0:58:09- Damaged, yes, it was. - But restored very well.
0:58:09 > 0:58:14I think there are two or three people there that haven't spotted the restoration.
0:58:14 > 0:58:18- I told you there'd be a surprise. I hope you've enjoyed it. - Glad it was us!
0:58:18 > 0:58:21We've enjoyed being here. Thanks for bringing it in.
0:58:21 > 0:58:24Join us again for more surprises on Flog It!
0:58:24 > 0:58:27It's time to say goodbye until the next time.