Todmorden 26 Flog It!

Today's show comes from the heart of the Pennines.

In that valley, just down there, is our destination. Todmorden.

Welcome to Flog It!

Todmorden Town Hall is our venue for today's show.

Apparently, the building used to lie in both Yorkshire

and Lancashire until 1888 when the boundaries moved.

There's plenty of space inside for our Flog It fans who were all patiently waiting outside.

Come on, follow me.

Hundreds of people queuing up to meet our experts Adam Partridge and Catherine Southon,

hoping they are going to be one of the lucky ones to go through

to the auction and go home with lots of money.

They've all come here to ask that all important question, which is, "What's it worth?"

When you find out, what are you going to do?

Flog it!

Adam and Catherine are both outside scouring the crowds' unwanted items

hoping to find some treasures and hear the stories behind them.

However, Adam's not a fan of the Yorkshire weather.

I didn't stop when I got here, I got soaked.

Never mind. It runs off the bald head easier.

-And Catherine's shocked by what she is being shown.

-I don't like that!

I thought you were going to show me a nice piece of pottery.

Don't worry, once they get warm inside they'll soon cheer up.

With so many lovely people streaming in to be seen with their items,

it can only be a good day.

Coming up later in the show.

All bets are off when Adam and I jockey in on Catherine's valuation.

Go on, then. Good start.

Adams starts a cabaret around the valuation table.

# Little brown jug, little brown jug Little brown jug, do I love thee? #

And up on the Pennines, things are not what they seem.

Right, everybody is now safely seated inside.

We're unravelling all the bags and boxes and bubble-wrap and hopefully

someone's going home with a lot of money. It could be you two.

It could even be you. It looks like Adam Partridge is our first expert to choose his first item.

Let's take a closer look at what he's found.

It's a bit of local history and a heavy piece of iron which Stephen has brought in to show Adam.

Where's your plaque come from?

It was my mum's. She worked in the cotton industry in Bolton and I believe her mum before her did that.

-I believe it's probably connected to that.

-I think you're right.

It's a very nice to see something like this in this region because this region is famous for textiles.

I believe so, yes.

It's such an unusual object and I didn't really know anything about it.

I remember it as a kid and I thought I would bring it

along today to see if I could find out a bit more about it.

Do you have it on display at home?

To be fair, no.

It gathers dust and it's a shame.

-It is.

-It is quite old and it might bring pleasure to someone else.

It is a Victorian cast-iron plaque, God Speed The Loom.

It is quite nice.

There is a loom on there.

-It's nicely done.

-Yes. It's quite a nice bit.

Cast-iron plaque, this was put on the entrance to the mills.

I believe so, it was put on the entrance to the mill so that when

the workers came into the factory they saw that and they did their job.

It would inspire them to work harder.

I think that was the idea.

-Do you think that would work nowadays?

-Probably not.

I believe most of the cotton mills have gone anyway, haven't they?

If we spin it around there, we've got the Victorian registration mark on there.

All of these can be worked out to tally when it was produced.

-It is really unusual, isn't it?

-It is.

We did our research before and I'm not going to pretend to read it.

2nd August 1883.

-That's quite good, isn't it?

-I'm told that is these numbers.

I didn't realise it was that old, to be honest.

It's a nice piece, isn't it?

Nice, good Victorian cast-iron plaque.

Are you sure you want to sell it? Now you've talked about it.

Again, I've got a few things from my mum and dad but certain items are more sentimental than others.

Like I said, I'm restoring a 1964 Morris Minor Traveller which is a half-timbered car.

It might go towards a little bit to restoring that.

Good. I would put an estimate, 20 to 40.

A reserve of £20 and hopefully it'll make 40 or 50 quid.

If anywhere is a good area to sell it, this has to be it.

Yes, if it brings enjoyment to someone else, so be it.

I do like that plaque. It's nice to see something local.

Catherine's spotted a lovely piece of vintage entertainment brought in by Lorna.

Lorna, we do like a little bit of fun at Flog It.

-This is certainly a nice little bit of fun in a box.

-Absolutely.

We've got a racing game here.

"Ascot, the new racing game"

by Jaques.

Jaques, as you may know, are a very famous maker of games.

Still making games today, I believe.

Making croquet games, carpet bowls, that sort of thing.

This was probably made from about 1900, so it's late-Victorian in date.

If we open this up here,

we can see these lovely, little painted lead figures.

The jockeys mounted on the horses as part of the racing game.

I'm guessing what would happen here is you turn the handle, pull

-these all out and extend them all, and turn the handle and then each time you get a different one.

-Yes.

Depending on how the string unravels.

Where did you get it from?

We bought it from auction, my dad and myself, a couple of years ago.

We like anything quirky and this caught our eye.

A lady after my own heart, that's wonderful.

And you were attracted to this?

Yes, simply because of its age and it looks in good condition for its age. It was a bargain.

When you say it was a bargain, how much did you pay for it?

-£18.

-80?

-18.

-That's very good.

-We thought that was quite good.

-Absolutely.

The thing that concerns me is that when you look at the figures,

these lead figures here, these would have been...

-As you can see, they've been painted and they have got the original paint on them, which is nice.

-Yes.

There is quite a lot of the paint missing.

-It has been chipped which is a real shame and that will detract from the value.

-OK.

-Nevertheless, I still think they're worth more than the £18 that you paid for them.

-Good.

I would suggest putting them in an auction with an estimate of £40 to £60.

-Right.

-And a £30 reserve.

-Right.

-Would you be happy to sell at that?

-Yes.

-That would be fine.

-It only gives you a little bit of profit on your £18 but,

nevertheless, I really think at that estimate, £40 to £60, it should attract quite a lot of interest.

-I hope that it does take off.

-Right, brilliant.

I've just got to have a go at this because it's such a great piece of fun.

-If we just pull all these out.

-Yeah.

I think we need to get a few volunteers together. There we are.

They're ready for the off.

We can have a bit of fun with this, I think.

-What do you think?

-Any bets on?

This is my baby.

I saw this in the queue earlier, didn't I?

I said to one of our experts about this.

I said, when I looked at these horses, I think this one stands a chance of winning. Do you know why?

-No.

-Because his front feet have been bent up by somebody quite crafty so it acts as a sledge.

-There's no friction!

-Oh, yes.

That's my horse. That's my horse!

Catherine's already had her pick, hasn't she?

On that basis I'll go with this one.

OK. Who's going to wind?

-I'll wind.

-Then you're impartial then, aren't you?

-Yes, exactly.

What do we get if we win, by the way?

We'll work that one out.

Come on then.

Good start.

-Come on.

-It's all over. Yes!

Yay!

That was rigged, wasn't it. That was rigged.

No, it wasn't!

Best-of-three? No. Time to move on.

I've been busy having a browse and it's an ocean liner owned by Tony that's caught my eye.

Tony, you lucky, lucky man.

This is as good as it gets, I think for Triang boats, the large gauge.

You must have been a spoilt young boy. Who bought you this?

-My grandmother.

-How old were you?

About ten.

Look at it, I love the colours, I love that paintwork.

It's lovely injection-moulded plastic.

That runs with an electric motor, it's battery-powered, isn't it?

-That's right.

-Look at this, you've got the original box as well.

30% of the value is in the packaging, did you know that?

-I didn't.

-Yes, the collectors will love this.

Is it something you're thinking of selling then?

I was thinking, yes.

So, you didn't obviously play with it that much, did you?

Not a lot. The odd paddling pool.

In the bath?

Mind you, not much room in the bath, is there, unless you had a massive one.

Well, let's have a quick look, let's give it the once over.

-That should open there, shouldn't it?

-Yes.

Underneath the funnel.

That's where the batteries go.

It looks pretty good to me.

It really does.

Well, I think, these normally fetch around £100 to £120

but just to be safe if you want to put this into the sale,

we could put it in with a value of £80 to £120, with a reserve at £80.

-Yes.

-Are you happy with that?

-Oh, yes.

-Judith, what do you think?

-Time for it to go.

-Time for it to go.

-It looks like it, doesn't it?

-Oh, yes.

Adam has spotted a rather modern item brought in by Catherine.

-Now, you've brought a sheep.

-No, he's a ram.

He's a ram. How did you get him?

-Car boot.

-Car boot. OK.

Tell us a bit more.

He was bought as a joke for my daughter.

Since she was little, she's collected sheep.

-You daughter collects sheep?

-She collects sheep.

-How old's your daughter?

-She's 16.

So you've got... How many sheep has she got, roughly?

She's got about 250 of varying sizes,

from tiny little ones up to huge humongous things.

We're not allowed to eat lamb in our house, that's how bad

she is into her sheep.

-He was laid on the stall, laid down like that.

-Like a dead ram.

So I picked him up, I said, "How much is it?" She said, "50p."

Gave her the 50p, I thought that will be a good joke for her.

Put it in my bag, got back to the car with my husband,

and he said, "He's Steiff."

So if she'd have laid it that way round...

She'd have probably got a lot more for him,

but he was my bargain of the day.

You presented it to your daughter who collected sheep and she was delighted?

And she hates him. She hates him with a vengeance.

What's the matter with him?

Because he's a ram and not a sheep.

Well, for 100 years now, Steiff has been the leading name

and the most famous name in teddy bears, and consequently

later years in all sorts of stuffed toys and novelties.

This one isn't of great age but it's got that great Steiff pedigree.

He's lovely, very nicely made, lovely quality.

You've not dropped on fortunes but you've certainly dropped on a profit.

And I mean, we always watch this programme so it's like

-you learn so much.

-So you can tell me what it's worth.

-I don't know.

-Go on, let's have a prediction off you.

-£20.

-£20, good idea.

I was going to say put 20-40. Do you reckon?

No reserve? Let him go?

Let him go, yeah.

If he's cost 50p...

50p is nothing.

I know it's not a lot of money but are you going to keep it?

It's going to more sheep, yes.

I've popped over the border from Yorkshire to Lancashire

to a place called Padiham, to show you a true architectural delight.

And that's all down to one family who lived here

for 400 years. And believe me, it's quite a house.

Welcome to Gawthorpe Hall.

The original structure, hiding underneath the house we see now, was square.

It was built way back in the 14th century as a Peel tower

and used as a lookout.

The tower and land were inherited by a wealthy man

called Sir Richard Shuttleworth, back in 1596,

and he set about the radical transformation of the initial

medieval tower into this very impressive Elizabethan mansion.

Sadly, he didn't live to see the build begin.

Shuttleworth is believed to have enlisted the help of an influential

architect called Robert Smythson,

the man behind other great country houses -

Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire

and Longleat House in Wiltshire.

Here at Gawthorpe, it's likely he made the most

of locally sourced materials.

The wood in the panelling almost certainly

came from the nearby Mitten Wood, and much of the stone from a nearby quarry.

The original Gawthorpe Hall took about five years to build,

and it's as immaculate on the outside as it is on the inside,

and that's down to generations of Shuttleworths who lived here.

What you've got to remember about these big ancestral piles is

they don't always look like they would have done originally.

That's because each later generation of the family

would have liked to have updated the property while they lived here,

and, of course, add their mark.

All through the life of this magnificent house,

markers have been left to remember the family who owned it.

These carved figures are of the original Sir Richard Shuttleworth,

who commissioned the house, and his wife.

There are family monograms all over the place.

By 1850, the house was in need of repair and general updating,

so its then owner, Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth,

commissioned another illustrious architect to transform

this house back to its former Elizabethan glory,

and such a well-to-do family could only call upon the best.

The architect he commissioned was also responsible for designing the Houses of Parliament.

Sir Charles Barry was one of the best practitioners of

the Victorian fashion for designing in a more historic style.

His most famous work was arguably the Palace of Westminster in London,

but up north, you can see more of his work near Gawthorpe

at Halifax Town Hall.

Barry used some very clever and quirky design innovations here at Gawthorpe.

Take, for instance, this magnificent fireplace. Now, normally,

there should be a chimney breast above it with a flue,

so it would draw all the smoke off the fire so it doesn't fill the room.

But look,

he's put this wonderful, great, big window up there.

What he's cleverly done is angled the flue,

so it runs underneath the window and then up parallel

with the window, so it still does the same practical job

of drawing the smoke out the room, but he's introduced

badly needed extra light into this room, because it is

rather dark due to the wonderful Elizabethan oak panelling.

And look at this - another clever way of letting extra light

into the room. Barry designed this Renaissance-style wooden screen

instead of having a solid wall or a door put here.

He travelled Europe when he was in his 20s for a few years,

and he picked up many ideas which later influenced designs like this.

Very clever.

This is also a good place to see examples of the work of architect

and designer Augustus Pugin.

Pugin designed this fabulous cast-iron gothic fireplace,

which stands there looking so important, and also

this magnificent centre table, which was made of burr walnut,

and the base is of solid oak.

These are very good examples of Pugin's interior design work,

but if you look closely, look at the attention to detail.

He's had the Lancashire Rose inlaid around the border

amongst all this foliate work, and all that's been done

with a handcut veneer.

Fine, fine craftsmanship.

If only the walls could talk, there's so much history

here in this room, and it would have played host to many an interesting guest.

Sir Charles Barry also made changes to the staircase,

adding stone arches and giving it a fashionably gothic feel.

Well, fashionable for Victorian times.

The last of the family to live here was Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth.

She was accomplished at needlework.

Gawthorpe boasts a large collection of textiles, thanks to her.

What I want to show you is this, an example of her work,

this fabulous embroidery used to decorate the bed.

It's titled The Tree Of Life,

and apparently she made it for her father, and it took her ten years

to accomplish. Now that's dedication and love.

What I find so fascinating about this house is, well, obviously,

it's a place of historical interest, but it feels like a family home!

Not a museum, and that's down to the family who have loved it

and cared for it.

Over the years, they've added their innovations

but kept true to the original Elizabethan design,

and to tell you the truth, it's the first time today

I'd ever heard of it, so I feel like I've discovered a bit

of our hidden heritage. Gawthorpe ticks all the boxes for me -

it's well worth the visit.

And now for my favourite part of the show, let's head to the auction,

but first here's a quick reminder of what we're taking with us.

Adam was charmed by Stephen's Victorian cast-iron plaque.

It's a low estimate but it would be a lovely thing to own.

Lorna's racing game is in a mahogany box,

it looks good and it's great fun, too.

Will it fall short at the auction room?

Catherine's unwanted Steiff ram surely has to attract bidders,

as it has no reserve!

Tony's model ocean liner comes complete with box.

That must appeal, surely, to all the collectors and toy fans.

For the sale, we're heading east to a beautiful bit of countryside.

This is where we're putting all of our owners' antiques

under the hammer, the Calder Valley auction room. On the rostrum,

the man with all the local knowledge, Ian Peace.

Hopefully it's a full house and we get some great results.

Fingers crossed.

There seems to be a fair few people browsing

so fingers are staying crossed for our items.

Remember, if you're buying or selling at auction

you have to pay the auctioneer's commission.

This applies to buyers and sellers. Here today it's 15% plus VAT

but it does vary from auction room to auction room so check the details in the catalogue.

It's printed there, because you've got to factor that cost in to the hammer price.

But first we're selling Stephen's plaque.

Remember, any profit he makes is going to his beloved Morris Minor.

-This was Mother's, wasn't it?

-It was.

She used to work in a cotton mill all her life. It's an interesting object.

I've got a lot of stuff from my mum's and dad's and you can't keep it all.

-No.

-So maybe someone else can get pleasure from it.

Well, we're in the right place to sell this.

Let's just hope someone wants to invest in a little bit of their own heritage from the neighbourhood.

That's what it's all about. It's not a lot of money, is it?

-£20 to £40.

-God speed the bidding.

Exactly! Let's find out what they think, shall we?

The Victorian cast-iron circular wall plaque, "God speed the loom".

Right, what am I bid for that lot there?

Start me at 15.

£15 I'm bid.

-Yes, we're in!

-At 20, sir. 20.

25? 25, 30.

35. 40.

At £40, anybody else now?

£40. 45.

Lady at the back at £45.

-Happy with that?

-Quite good.

At £45, then. We're going...

You're in at 50? Right, £50. At 50.

Anybody else now? £50?

Front row at £50.

All finished at 50?

Excellent. £50. Top end.

Well done, Adam. And £50 will come in very handy.

Most definitely. Two wing mirrors for my car.

Excellent. Let me shake your gigantic hand.

Thank you. Thanks, Paul.

What a great project, and I'm glad that Stephen made some money to fund it.

Tony's up next, with that model ocean liner.

Let's hope this does cruise away and doesn't sink.

We've got £80-£120 on this. Are you here alone today?

No, I've brought Judith along.

-Judith, OK, is she over there?

-Yes. She's over on the far side.

What did she think of this model, when you got it out of the loft after so many years?

"Oh, I'm glad to see that go."

-Definitely.

-Yeah?

-Yes.

-"And get back up there and clear the rest out."

Right, "Where's the rest of the stuff?" Yeah.

Now then. Boxed Triang model of the RMS Orcades ocean liner.

Right, I'm opening this at £50.

At £50, at 50...at 50.

At 60. At 70. At £70.

At 80, do I see? At £70, at £70.

Are we all finished at £70? No?

At £70, not quite there.

One further bid? At £70?

All finished for £70, then?

£10 short.

-Close.

-Close.

-Close.

-Close.

Do you want us to try and find the underbidder to sell it at 70?

Yes, that would be fine.

We could try. We could have a word with Ian after the sale, couldn't we?

Because that was so close, it's a shame to lose that for £10.

You know, let somebody who wants it...

-Sorry about that.

-No worries.

-I'm happy.

-Oh, gosh. Oh, dear.

Well, Tony kept hold of the boat, and it's going into the next sale.

Fingers crossed.

The Steiff ram is up next, and owner Catherine and daughter Hannah

are after funds for some real sheep, rather than the toy variety.

And I know you're into sheep, you've got a little...

No, it's not me that's into sheep, it's her!

Hannah's the sheep girl.

Ah!

So Mum bought this for you, and this is great because it only cost 50p.

So it is classic recycling. It doesn't get greener than antiques

because they keep going around and around.

So what's the money going towards then, if you don't...?

-More sheep.

-More sheep.

-You didn't want a ram because all yours are ewes, are they?

-Yes.

Can't throw a ram in amongst all those ewes, cause mayhem.

It would be, wouldn't it? Good luck.

Let's find out what the bidders think,

it's going under the hammer right now.

Large Steiff soft toy ram in cream and beige,

right there it's being shown.

It's got the yellow label and the ear stud, 391 is the lot,

what am I starting at, 30?

Open me at £20, 20 I'm bid.

And 5 anywhere? At 20.

Any further bids at £20?

Let's have another one.

30, sir? 30, 35.

40, 45.

At 45 front row, £50.

At 50 in that corner, anybody else now?

At £50, selling for £50 then, first and last time in the corner.

-It's yours.

-Excellent.

As Adam just said, 50p becomes £50.

You see, these are all out there,

you've just got to get there early to the charity shops and car boots

and little fairs to pick up these bargains. Well spotted, Mum.

-Two real sheep for that.

-Hopefully!

Two sheep on the shopping list - now I've heard it all!

Lorna's horse racing game is waiting in the wings. It's up now.

Have you done much of this? Buying and selling?

Only a little bit. It's a bit of fun, really.

But once you start you can't stop.

Will you reinvest the money again at auction?

Possibly some of it.

-I've got plans for the other for my dog-walking friends, I'm going to buy them all a drink.

-Oh, are you?

They've supported me from the start, they've backed me.

-Your dog-walking friends? So you're a dog lover?

-Yes.

Gets your attention, doesn't it, every time?

It does. I like me doggies, I like my dogs.

-I really do.

-We liked our horses on the day, though.

We did very well. Well, I did well.

-You did, actually, you won, didn't you?

-I did.

Do you know, somehow I think that was fixed, looking back at that.

Bad loser, Paul.

Well, it was a bit suspicious how I fell at the first, wasn't it?

No, no, no, it was your choice, your horse.

Anyway, let's find out what the bidders think, shall we?

It's odds-on to do a little bit more than top end.

Edwardian mahogany cased game, "Ascot".

It's got this lovely box there, with the pictorial label on top.

What am I bid? All the lead pieces inside there.

30? 20 I have here to start. £20.

25, 25 and 30 do I see?

30, sir. 30. 35? 35, 40?

£40. 45? 45 and 50. 55.

At £55.

At £55, any further bids?

And 60, 60. 65? 65, 70.

-75.

-This is more like it.

85?

£85.

90.

£90 I'm bid.

-That's great.

-Well done!

-Yeah.

£90, are you all done at 90?

We're going.

Yes, well done. £90. Well done, you.

-Fantastic.

-I'm really pleased with that.

-Happy?

-Yes. Very happy.

-How many dog-walking friends have you got, then?

-A whole bunch.

-Have you?

Oh, dear. Teas all round, then, is it?

Yes, absolutely.

Champagne I think now. Definitely.

Definitely a champagne finish for Lorna.

Well, there you are, that concludes our first visit to the auction room today.

We are coming back here later on in the show, so don't go

away, because there could be one or two big surprises.

Now, while I was up here filming in the area, I took the opportunity to

go and explore some contemporary art on the landscape.

It sounds fascinating, doesn't it?

Take a look at this.

You might think the magnificent landscape of the Pennines in the north-west of England

is a surprising place to find sculpture, but it's a trend that goes back hundreds of years.

Follies became very popular during the 18th and 19th centuries.

They were described as romantic, or foolish, and rich people built them.

OK, they did look fabulous, but there was no real sense of purpose.

Many of them looked like old castles, or ruins.

However, there are some follies dotted around the Pennines here

which act as a monument to their creators.

And they serve a real sense of the history that unfolded here.

Some of the historic follies and monuments you can still see today

include Darwen Tower, which overlooks the town of Darwen, funnily enough.

It was built to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign.

Nearly 15 miles north-east, Blacko Tower overlooks the Pendle district.

And from there to the south-east, you'll find Stoodley Pike Monument.

Built in the mid-19th century, it stands high at the top of the hill overlooking Todmorden.

In recent years, public art has become even more popular,

and pieces are now tourist attractions in their own right.

With well-loved examples like the Angel Of The North in Tyne and Wear, and the Willow Man in Somerset,

it's sculptures like these which stick in people's minds when they think of outside art.

I'm here to see some striking modern landmarks from a series called Panopticons.

Four pieces of sculpture were commissioned to make their mark on the local landscape,

and to encourage people from the towns below into the hills so they could embrace their environment.

And also get fit and healthy at the same time.

And that down there, that's Burnley.

Four different designs were commissioned by Mid-Pennine Arts,

working with the Royal Institute of British Architects, who organised the competition back in 2003.

This is called the Singing Ringing Tree, and I love this piece.

It is designed by Tonkin Liu, a partnership in London, and it's extremely clever, because from

a distance, as I was approaching it, it looked like a weather-beaten tree, standing alone on the horizon.

I felt sorry for it. But when you get up close, you can see

it's a striking sculpture, made of steel pipes, cleverly put together.

It almost looks like an organic, living shape.

It is very clever and it's also a musical instrument.

If you put your ear to any of the pipes the way the wind's blowing,

you can hear this sort of single droning noise.

It's one note, and it's quite constant, but it certainly does catch it up here.

Because we're up here on the open plains, and the wind...

here we go now! It's just driving through it.

It just really is so fabulous.

It puts a smile on your face, it makes you feel good.

It's the effort of getting all the way up here and seeing this,

and all of that together, it's just a brilliant combination.

Panopticon is defined in the dictionary as a place where everything is on display.

And I think you could easily describe this as a showroom

for the scenery of Lancashire and nearby Yorkshire.

There's a bit of a distance between the Panopticons, so let's continue with the sculpture trail.

Atom is definitely an arresting sight on the landscape.

It was designed by Peter Meacock and perches on the hill overlooking Wycoller Valley in Lancashire.

Well, from a distance, it does look like a blob on the landscape.

But the closer you get, well, it starts to make your heart beat faster.

It's got function and it's got form. It's a wonderful art installation,

a piece of sculpture which sits so comfortably with this stunning bit of countryside.

The outer shell is made of ferro-cement,

and inside there's this wonderful ball, which is made of steel.

And it reflects the images through these portholes.

So you can see this panoramic view of Pendle and all the historic sites

at any time of the year, because this embraces you.

It's a cocoon, it shelters you from the elements. And I just think it's absolutely fabulous.

You know, if I was the architect, if I was Peter, I'd be really proud of myself.

This is lovely.

Down in the valleys, in the centre of Blackburn, as a contrast to the solitary landmarks on the hills,

you'll find another Panopticon, called Colourfields.

Created by Jo Rippon, this structure is all about colour, space, and of course the scenery.

Again, you get fantastic, panoramic views.

It's on the site of an old cannon battery, regenerated by this project.

But, for the last treat in store, let's head back to the hills.

And, with the final Panopticon, transformation is a very important part of the design.

I'm on a former landfill site near Rossendale, which has been reclaimed

and regenerated for the local people and walkers alike to use.

Now let's see what's on the other side of the hill.

Oh, gosh. Look what greets you.

This is so futuristic. It looks like a UFO has landed on the hilltops overlooking the valleys.

Isn't that striking?

It's called Halo, and it was designed by John Kennedy.

And it overlooks one of the major roads

leading into Lancashire, welcoming all the visitors to the county with a sense of vision and civic pride.

This is certainly a monument to embrace the landscape,

and especially with the sun, look, just setting low.

And when that dips down behind the horizon, this whole thing glows when it gets darker.

There's a wind turbine over there, look, harnessing all the energy which drives all these LEDs.

And they're coming on now, look, as the light's starting to dip.

Can you see that? How fabulous.

All I can say is, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Lancashire.

Well done. Well done, Lancashire.

What a beautiful sunset to close a brilliant day of exploration.

But I couldn't leave without showing you Halo glowing in the night sky.

Welcome back to the valuation day here in the town hall.

As you can see, there's a lot going on still.

Our experts do have their work cut out. People keep piling through those doors.

Let's find out what Adam Partridge has been up to.

Well he's found an interesting piece of drinking paraphernalia, owned by Andrew and Maureen.

You have brought in a nice piece of Doulton there.

A lot of people will recognise this, this is Kingsware.

Known as Kingsware, the brown ground with the figure on the top.

Often made for Dewar's whisky.

-Correct.

-Hence the Dewar's on this one.

Can you tell me, whose is this?

It's actually mine.

It was my grandmother's father's whisky decanter.

He worked for one of the big brewing companies

-in the early 20th century.

-Right.

And he actually kept whisky in that.

-Excellent, so it was used for its purpose?

-Absolutely.

This one was made to commemorate the coronation of George V and Queen Mary.

-Which you'll know was on 22nd June 1911.

-Yes.

So this was made in quite large quantities.

A lot of commemorative ware was produced to commemorate royal weddings, coronations,

any major royal event.

So this, as Kingsware goes, isn't a particularly high rarity.

-Right.

-Although some pieces can be worth an awful lot.

It largely depends on the figures, the shape.

Of course, condition is another factor.

Whilst this one hasn't got any major damage, I think you've got a bit

of a blemish on the spout there, it does have this crazing on it.

You can see this crazing all on the body here

which, you know, you expect that of something that's 100 years old, but some of them don't get it.

-Right.

-So it does have a negative impact on the value.

Usually these make 60 to £80, they are a model

that we are familiar with, because we see them quite often.

Particularly where I am near the Potteries, we get loads of Doulton and Kingsware and things like that.

So how does that fit with your expectations?

I think we thought it was worth a bit more than that.

I had a feeling by your reaction, you weren't exactly jumping for joy.

Like you said, if they are mass produced, I mean...

or there was quite a lot about...

Dewar's commissioned Doulton to make a whole range of Kingsware flasks,

and some of them were designed by Noke, who was one of

the main designers at Doulton, and they are worth hundreds of pounds,

but in my view this is a fairly... Not a scarce one, that's nicer than saying a common one, isn't it?

We'll put a 40 reserve just in case, and I'd hope it would make 60, 70, really.

Do you have any memories, enduring childhood memories about this jug?

Oh, yes, absolutely.

When I was a child, my grandmother played the piano and my grandfather sang, and he used to...

I mean, I remember it so well because it was so funny, it made me realise

that my grandparents had a sense of humour, but...

Have you heard of Little Brown Jug?

I think so, but I could do with a reminder.

OK.

# Little brown jug, little brown jug Little brown jug, do I love thee?

# Little brown jug, little brown jug Little brown jug, I do love thee. #

-How's that?

-Very good. What was the second verse?

Oh, I...

I don't think he got the first verse right!

Oh, that's a bit harsh, Maureen, but I get the feeling Andrew wants the jug to sell on its own merit.

We'll find out later.

Now, let's catch up with Catherine, who has gone all showbiz with Debbie and Alec.

I can see here you've got two James Bond posters from the 1970s,

nice selection of lobby cinema photos from the '70s for Grease,

and then I believe your Grease poster as well, cinema poster.

So who is the film buff?

-We both are.

-You're both into films?

-Yeah.

-And where did you get these from?

They were a gift from my brother in the '70s.

He knew I liked James Bond and he knew I liked Olivia Newton-John, so...

Oh, a secret crush on Olivia Newton-John!

It swayed it.

So have you got these displayed all around your house?

No, unfortunately we've not got them displayed because they are too large for the house, really.

-But I appreciate the artwork that's gone into the posters and it's very eye-catching.

-Right.

So what's your favourite Bond film?

Moonraker, really, I suppose. I like the space...

-It is. So he's your favourite, as well, is he, Roger Moore?

-Yeah.

Debbie, what's your favourite film?

Are you a big Grease fan?

I am a big Grease fan, and I do enjoy musicals, all musicals.

It was interesting that shortly after the time when this

film was really, really popular, Olivia Newton-John came to England to do a tour, to do a concert tour,

-so we actually saw Olivia live in Manchester, which was really, really brilliant.

-Oh, how lovely.

So why do you want to sell these?

They are quite a big part of your life.

We do, we love the film and we love the fact that we have memorabilia, but we don't display them

-and we don't see them every day.

-You don't enjoy them?

No, we don't enjoy them, so it seems a shame for them to be hidden away.

-Time to move on?

-We thought you might be interested in them.

That's very kind of you.

Any idea how much your brother paid for them?

There's a price on the back which says £2.50, so...

-For each item, or...?

-Yeah.

-Right.

Well, that was not a bad investment.

Well, I mean, I've done a little bit of research and I've found out that a poster of The Spy Who Loved Me

has been known to make £120, but I must stress that that was in absolute mint condition.

This one has got a little bit of general wear to it

and obviously the crease as well right down the middle, which does affect the value considerably.

With James Bond, it's really the '60s posters that make the money.

The 1970s ones, unfortunately, don't make so much money,

and especially if they are not in pristine condition.

Just thinking about valuation, I'd probably put this into auction at 80 to £120, how does that sound?

-Sounds fine.

-With a £60 reserve.

-Yes, that's OK.

Would you be sorry to see them go?

Yes and no. They are beautiful posters,

but it's time to move them on.

Maybe they'll find something else to put up on the walls if the posters sell at auction.

Away from the tables, there's still a queue.

Are you all being looked after? Because there are teas and coffees.

This is thirsty work, valuing antiques.

I've just been given a cup of coffee, as well.

So I'm going to take a seat, because all I need now is a coffee table.

Right there.

And at one of our blue tables, Adam's found a friend in Rita.

Rita, it's very nice to see you.

You seem to have grown a little.

I'm afraid we've had to put Rita on a little box, which makes a change,

because I normally get jokes about being short, I'm not the tallest.

But because of our stand here, we were obscuring you.

It's very nice to have you here, smiling away.

-It's an absolute pleasure.

-Well, the pleasantries are over.

Down to the object.

Where did you get it from?

-A church fete.

-Did you?

-I did.

-Was it all black and dirty and...?

-Yes.

-And how long ago did you get it?

-Oh, 20 years.

-A while ago?

-Yes.

-So you cleaned it up?

-Yes.

-Took it home?

-Yes.

-And enjoyed it?

-Yes.

-Did you have it on display?

-Sometimes.

Sometimes it lived on the dresser, sometimes it lived in the sewing box.

OK. So you've used it?

Not as a pincushion, no.

Well, of course, it is a pincushion.

And that's a later addition, isn't it?

How much later is that?

My husband put it in today.

-So this chicken was stuffed this morning?

-It was indeed.

So I suppose when you cleaned it,

you thought, "Excellent, it's silver."

-Yes.

-And I presume at the church fete it wasn't much?

-A pound.

-A pound.

-Yeah.

Well, we've got the marks on the bottom there,

which is the Chester mark there in the middle,

and the date letters for 1905.

-Right.

-So a good age to it.

-Yes.

And there's SM & Co on the bottom, which is the maker's mark, which

stands for Sampson, Mordan & Co, which is a very posh, famous firm.

And they were particularly well known for novelty silver, little pincushions and things like that,

and for those propelling pencils that you probably remember, you push, slide up.

They were the first patented inventors of the propelling pencil. So it was a famous firm.

-So what you've got there is a chick with some pedigree, really.

-Yes.

Any idea what it's worth, then?

-I should think about £40.

-Very good.

-Do you watch the show?

-I do.

Very good. I'm going to be out of a job soon, because all the viewers know as much as us nowadays.

Absolutely spot-on. I would say 40 to 60, and hopefully we'll get

70 or 80 quid, would be nice, if two collectors chase after it.

There's a lot of market in novelty silver, people collect them a lot.

-Yeah.

-They'd rather buy a small piece of silver for their cabinet

like that than a great, big lump of silver, so...

Let's put 40 to 60, shall we?

-Reserve of 40?

-That would be fine.

Excellent. And if it goes and makes £80, would you do something with it in particular?

-A weekend away with my husband.

-Is this your husband here?

-It is indeed.

-And we didn't even introduce him.

-None of these are anything to do with you, are they?

-No.

-Just your husband here?

-Yes.

Well, that's very nice. I hope you have a good weekend away.

-Thank you.

-And thanks for coming.

-Thank you very much, been a pleasure.

Now, I've spotted a bit of wood with a rather unusual purpose.

Right, Stuart and Eleanor, what have we got here? I guess this is Dad's,

isn't it? Yeah? It wouldn't be yours, would it?

Tell me, what do you know about it?

Not a lot, really.

It was given to my parents about 30 years ago by an old sailor.

And they just had it on the wall.

About ten years ago when my dad died, we had it decorated

and it went in the garage. And it's been there ever since.

My mum died last year and we cleared the garage out

and that was on one of the shelves.

What's really nice is this came from an old sailor, so that means

it's got great provenance because he brought it back from his travels.

-Do you know what this is?

-I haven't got a clue.

If I did this - bash-bash - have you got a clue now?

-Some sort of club.

-Yes. It's a Fijian gunstock war club.

I don't know what wood this is, but it's incredibly hard,

close-grained, dense wood.

And it's meant to do a lot of damage as well.

With the weight, I would have expected so, now I know it's a club.

It's known as a gunstock war club.

You can see why because it looks like a gunstock.

You see this wonderful geometric carving on the handle.

That's known as crosshatching.

It's virtually what you see on the stock on the handle of a gun.

-Right.

-It's just to give you extra grip. And you do need a lot of grip.

That is to be held with two hands.

-And that seriously would do an awful lot of damage.

-Yes.

-Yes.

You see this section here? That's been broken.

Maybe this actually terminated in a point at one stage

like an arrowhead. Maybe it's just a sort of spear as well.

-But that's obviously...

-The damaging bit.

-Meant for...

We thought originally it was a plough, like a hand plough,

being that shape.

-Understandably. You can see that would be for sort of tilling.

-Yes.

-No, it's not. That's the war club.

-I take it it's not ceremonial.

-It's probably been used.

-If this was ceremonial,

most of the handle would be decorated with geometric pattern.

-Right.

-So that's what it is.

That's what's been in your garage all this time.

-Amazing.

-Incredible, isn't it? It really is. This is 18th-century.

-As old as that?

-Yes, it is. Circa 1790.

-Gosh!

At the very latest, early 1900s.

And it's got that lovely patina to go with it.

You know, wood, over the years, gets tighter and tighter

-and holds the dirt and grime in the wax.

-Yes.

That's your patina.

-Any idea of value?

-Absolutely none at all.

-What would you be happy with?

-What would you take?

-Anything.

-Would he?

-Yes.

-Is he going to treat you to something with the money, do you think?

-I hope so.

-Are you a student at the moment?

-Yes.

-Studying. OK.

-Well, the money is going to come in handy, isn't it?

-I hope so.

Would you be happy with £300?

-Definitely, yes.

-Yes?

-Yes. I'd be more than happy with £300.

-OK, you would be extra happy at £500.

-Just about, yes.

-Right.

I think, to tempt these bidders in, we've got to show them

it's not a trade lot, not done the rounds, it's from a private source

and you're prepared to let this go at £300 to £500.

-OK.

-How about that?

-Fantastic.

-That's auction psychology for you.

-You know what happens. It really is a tricky business.

-Yes.

We'll put a fixed reserve on of £300.

If it doesn't go for anything over £300, it goes home with you.

This is where it gets exciting

because you just don't know what's going to happen in an auction room.

We are about to find out, aren't we? So whatever you do, don't go away.

You two could be going home with a lot of money.

Well, it's been my pleasure to be here at Todmorden.

Now we've found our last items, it's time to put them to the auction test.

And we are selling...

The little brown jug, which sadly doesn't come with

musical accompaniment, but it's a nice example of Royal Doulton.

The movie posters hold a lot of memories for Alec and Debbie,

but will the bidders find them interesting?

Stuart and Eleanor's wooden gunstock war club.

And lastly, Rita's bird-shaped pincushion,

small but perfectly formed - now that is worth watching.

And over at the auction house, let's see if Andrew and Maureen's jug reaches its potential.

Good luck, Maureen and Andrew, it's all I can say.

It's a lovely little brown jug.

And we had the brown jug song at the valuation day, didn't we?

-Are you going to sing today?

-No, no, no.

Once bitten, twice shy. You learn very quickly.

-He's been warned.

-He's been warned!

A nice commemorative thing, though. Royal Doulton, great name.

It's a familiar model, hopefully it will do 60, 80 but, you know,

I don't think we're going to be going, "Wow!" at the end of it.

We now move on to the Doulton Kingsware whisky jug for Dewar's.

Right, may I have an opening bid, please, of £50? 40?

Open at 20? Thank you, £20 bid.

At £20. At 20.

And five. I have 30.

And five. At £35. At 40, sir. £40.

At 40 in the back of the room.

At 45, 45.

At 45. Do I see 50? At £45.

The lady on my right, at £45.

It's going.

Well, it's gone and it went within estimate,

so you've got to be happy with that, haven't you?

I know you would have liked the top end of the estimate, we all would,

it's a natural feeling, but at least it's gone.

-Yes.

-And you can go home now and you can sing in the bath.

Well, maybe the condition put some bidders off, but it's still a lovely piece that made above its reserve.

Now it's show time for Debbie and Alec's movie memorabilia.

-You were courting, weren't you, when you saw these movies?

-We were.

There's a lot of memories here.

-There are.

-Surely, surely you've got to be hanging on to them?

They were a fantastic time in our lives, when we first met,

and I was trying to impress Debbie

with taking her to these big-time blockbuster movies.

Aah, just think, stealing his first kiss in the back row to Grease.

-Were you there?

-Is that what happened?

Yeah!

# Tell me more, tell me more Did he get very far? #

The collection of cinema film memorabilia,

including the two James Bond posters.

What am I bid on this?

50 to open? 40?

30, I have, thank you, £30. At 30.

At 40. At 40, at 50. 50, 50. At 60.

Do I see 70?

At 70, madam, £70.

I'll take five, if it helps. At £70, we are selling at 70, then.

At the back, there, at £70, the lady's bid. Are we all done? At £70.

-£70, just did it.

-Just did it. I thought they would do a bit more.

I think someone got a bargain there.

-But you wanted to let them go?

-Yes, we did.

-We're happy.

-You're happy? You've still got each other, and that's what it's all about, isn't it?

The reserve meant the posters sold below estimate,

but Debbie and Alec's memories of those films were priceless.

Now it's time for that special silver bird of Rita's.

Are you ready for this one?

Hopefully this little bird will fly away.

It belongs to Rita, doesn't it?

This wonderful silver pincushion. Great maker as well, Chester.

-Really nice.

-Real quality. And you got this for how much?

-A pound, yes.

-Would you be happy with £60?

-Oh, yes.

-Would you be happy with 70?

-Yes.

-Would you be happy with 80?

-Yes!

-Happier.

-Would you be jumping up and down if it made a hundred?

-I would.

-Great, OK. Let's watch this. We're going under the hammer now.

Lot 624, the hallmarked silver pincushion in the form of a bird,

and we open the bidding at £30, on commission bid, 30.

£30, 35. 35, 40. 45.

50. And five.

60. And five.

-It's getting to that magic number.

-70, and five.

80, and five.

90, and five.

100, and five.

-Yay!

-Yay!

110, 115.

Wow.

120, and five.

£125.

At 125... 130, a fresh bid. 130...

-Ooh!

-135.

140, and five.

150, and five.

160, and five.

165, the lady's bid.

At £165, are we quite finished?

£165, small is beautiful.

-Yes.

-What a magic moment.

-It did fly away, didn't it?

-It did very well.

-Yes.

-Quality always sells.

It was a bit of a low, conservative estimate,

because we knew it only cost you a quid.

-But that's a good price.

-Yes, yes.

What a good result.

Now, I'm under pressure, as the gunstock war club is up for auction.

I hope this is the one that flies through the roof.

I know we're talking about £300 to £500.

I had a chat to Ian, the auctioneer, just before the sale started.

He agreed with the valuation. It's still speculative, because...

with two people interested on the phone from overseas, who knows?

These things are so esoteric. They really are.

And it's an academics thing, and if they get stuck in and they

want to buy something, they're prepared to pay lots of money.

So you could be going to Barcelona for that photography trip,

couldn't you? So, what's this all about, then, the trip?

It's for my graphics course, photography, so we're going to

go and do some work over there.

Ooh! Cos we were saying, students haemorrhage money.

Don't they, Dad? Eh?

I just hope we get the top end of the estimate.

Whatever happens, that's still £500.

But you never know, we could be in for a real surprise, couldn't we?

We see it happen in auction rooms all the time. I hope it happens.

-Fingers crossed.

-Fingers crossed. Please! Don't go away. Watch this.

This is going under the hammer right now. Let's see what it does.

Lot 417, the hardwood tribal gunstock war club

with carved handle there.

Good-looking piece, nice patina, lovely carving. Lot 417.

What am I bid on this? £300?

250? 200 I have. Thank you. £200.

-He's starting low, Eleanor.

-225. 250.

250. 250.

275? 250. 275 in the room. £300. At £300. £300.

£300. At 325, do I see? 325.

Got a phone bid. There's somebody on the phone.

350. 375 on the phone. At 400 in the room. £400.

-Stuart, it's starting to get exciting.

-450 in the room. 450.

475 on the phone. £500 in the room. £500.

-Top end now.

-525 on the phone. 550, sir? 550.

575. At £600 in the room. £600.

-This is good.

-625 on the phone. 650 in the room.

-Barcelona, here we come.

-Barcelona, here we come!

675 on the phone. I've 675 on the phone. Any further bids?

At 675, then.

Yes! The hammer's gone down. £675. We're happy with that, aren't we?

-Well over the top end.

-Sure.

-And to think, this was in the garage!

-Yes!

And only two weeks before the valuation,

the garage got broken into.

They went through everything in the garage,

left that and took a mountain bike.

-So thanks very much.

-It's enough for a new mountain bike!

It's enough for the new mountain bike and the air fare to Barcelona.

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

-Great!

-Well, congratulations, both of you.

Thank you so much for bringing that in. You've made my day,

and I think you've made everybody else's here as well.

We've had a fabulous time. I hope you've enjoyed watching.

Do join us again for many more surprises,

but for now, from the Calder Valley, it's goodbye from all of us.