0:00:02 > 0:00:05Well, our team of trusted experts are already valuing the antiques
0:00:05 > 0:00:09and collectables brought along to our Dorchester venue today.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12We'll be taking the best items off to auction later on in the show.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16But all of this lot here have come to ask that all-important question, which is...
0:00:16 > 0:00:18..What's it worth?
0:00:41 > 0:00:43One of Dorchester's claims to fame
0:00:43 > 0:00:47is that its splendid High Street, as you can see here, boasts over 70
0:00:47 > 0:00:50listed buildings, more than any other street in Britain.
0:00:50 > 0:00:56I just hope our experts are having such a variety back over at the Dorford Centre.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00In fact, it's a packed house over at our valuation day,
0:01:00 > 0:01:06and our team of experts are already hard at work valuing the crowd's antiques and collectables.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Leading our team of experts are the ever-reliable David Fletcher
0:01:10 > 0:01:16and Mark Stacey, both of whom work as independent antique valuers.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Antiques run in David's blood.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24In fact, his first ever job was working in an auction house, and he's been hooked ever since.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26He's very fortunate that he absolutely loves his job.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31By contrast, Mark first started work in the care profession and came to antiques a little later on.
0:01:31 > 0:01:38He began his foray into the business as a dealer and later went on to work for various auction houses.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41You might need this as an umbrella!
0:01:43 > 0:01:46We have some real treats coming up for you on today's show as we try to
0:01:46 > 0:01:50unearth the hidden stories behind people's possessions.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55They were modelled on a character called Toby Philpott, who literally drank
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- 16 pints of ale a day. - Well, I don't like them, anyway. No.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02I'm with you!
0:02:02 > 0:02:07But before all of that, David Fletcher is having a look at Lorna's collection of silver spoons.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- Soon be time for tea. - Yes.- Actually, I think they're probably coffee spoons.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13I thought they were, yes.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Anyway, the important thing about them is that they're made of silver,
0:02:17 > 0:02:24and they were made to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.
0:02:24 > 0:02:31And each one of the bowls of these spoons bears the name of an action during the Battle of the Somme.
0:02:31 > 0:02:37They are French and, being French, the standard isn't quite as high
0:02:37 > 0:02:39as it would be on a piece of English silver.
0:02:39 > 0:02:47- No.- And these tiny, tiny marks on the top right-hand side of each bowl tell us that.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51There's an equally tiny mark on the left-hand side of the top of each bowl
0:02:51 > 0:02:57- which tells us who the maker is, but I haven't been able to distinguish that.- No.
0:02:57 > 0:03:03The finials are each dated 1914/1915
0:03:03 > 0:03:07and are enamelled with the flags of the Allies.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- Yes.- And can you trace them back to the Battle of the Somme?
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Yes, because my great-aunt
0:03:16 > 0:03:23was a Queen Alexandra nurse and she actually was nursing in the front.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27But she gave them to me as a wedding present in 1951.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- And how did she acquire them? - Well, I can only presume on an off-duty moment
0:03:32 > 0:03:38from the field hospital, she went off to local places and picked them all up.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41That's lovely, because it means we can provenance them right back to
0:03:41 > 0:03:44the time when they first saw the light of day.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47As a wedding present, you must be a bit sad to see them go.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Yes, I am. I like them, but I've got to downsize.
0:03:51 > 0:03:57My family aren't interested, so I thought going to someone who might appreciate them...
0:03:57 > 0:04:01You've got to move on, as they say, haven't you?
0:04:01 > 0:04:06And you can be sure that these will go to a person who understands what they are,
0:04:06 > 0:04:13- appreciates their social significance. So that will be good, I think.- I think so.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17As far as the value is concerned, they're affordable, really.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I think, optimistically, we could expect them to make £10 a spoon.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26- Yes.- Conservatively, I would be thinking in terms of an estimate of £30 to £50
0:04:26 > 0:04:31and, all other things being equal, would suggest a reserve of £30.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Yes.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37It's not going to change your life, but it's going to help,
0:04:37 > 0:04:42so let's go ahead on that basis, 30 to 50 with a reserve of 30,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45and I look forward to seeing you at the sale.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- At the sale, yes.- Thank you very much.- Thank you!
0:04:49 > 0:04:56With a history like that, we shouldn't have any problem finding a new home for Lorna's silver spoons.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58But it's the real stories we're after,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01behind all the antiques and collectables being brought in
0:05:01 > 0:05:03before we take them off to auction.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Hello. That looks interesting. Is that Keswick or Newlyn?
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Keswick.- Yes, you can see the stamp.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Quite nicely stamped.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14So, what's the story behind this? Are you a big Arts and Crafts fan?
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Yes, I'm really into Arts and Crafts.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20I bought this, along with another piece, about ten years ago,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22and I've had them at home, using them ever since.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24But I now have a new partner,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27and she's not too keen on Arts and Crafts,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30so we're looking to remodel the house!
0:05:30 > 0:05:32So this is one of the things I'd like to try and sell.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36That's the name of the game! That's why you're here to flog it, I guess.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Good luck, hopefully we'll see you later on.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40Thank you.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Next up, Mark Stacey is talking to Michael and wife Jo,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48who've brought in two Toby jugs.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Now, you get no prizes for calling these Toby jugs
0:05:52 > 0:05:55or "Toby character jugs", but where did they come from?
0:05:55 > 0:06:00Well, my mum bought this one many years ago.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02I think I was nine or ten.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- Gosh!- And I liked it,
0:06:04 > 0:06:10so I decided to buy Mum the small one for a Christmas box one year.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12So you found another one that matched in with that?
0:06:12 > 0:06:15And I think I paid about ten shillings and sixpence for it.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Gosh, that's quite a lot, actually. That's quite a lot.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22For those who don't know what ten shillings and sixpence is,
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- that's about...- 55p?
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Is it about that much?- Yeah!- Ten shillings, that's 50p. Yeah, 55p.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32I think the interesting thing is that character jugs, or Toby jugs,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34really are 18th century pieces.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38The earliest ones are made in lovely creamware and pearlware
0:06:38 > 0:06:40by firms like Ralph Wood.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44And they're modelled on a character called Toby Philpott,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48who was a really larger-than-life character
0:06:48 > 0:06:51who literally drank 16 pints of ale a day.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- Gosh!- Of course, in the 18th century, it was safer to drink alcohol -
0:06:56 > 0:06:59gin, ale - than it was to drink water.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02And in actual fact, ale was an upper-class drink,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- whereas gin was for the working people.- Right!
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Reversed completely now, of course.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11But the interesting thing about these is they're not 18th century.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- No.- They're not that old. They're about 60 years old, I suppose.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19And some of our viewers who see this name very regularly will not
0:07:19 > 0:07:24recognise that these have got the mark of Clarice Cliff on the back.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- Yes.- "Newport Pottery, England."
0:07:26 > 0:07:30Now, I'm not sure that they had very much to do with Clarice Cliff.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33I mean, the colours are quite bright, and they're quite vibrant.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35He's quite rosy-cheeked.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I suspect they were probably made just after the war.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40And this is actually a jug, of course.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43And this, I think, would have come - it's Clarice Cliff again -
0:07:43 > 0:07:46the same mark would have come from a little tea set.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49This would have been a little sugar bowl, I think,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52and you would have had a little creamer and a teapot to go with it.
0:07:52 > 0:07:53So, in terms of value,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57what do you think your ten shillings is worth today?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Would you be very disappointed if they weren't very valuable,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02or have you decided, "Well, we don't like them"?
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- Well, I don't like them, anyway. - I don't.- No.- I'm with you!
0:08:07 > 0:08:10I'm not bothered, actually, whether they sell or not.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13I think you've got to be realistic. They're a little bit of fun.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- Yes.- And I think we put them in with maybe an estimate
0:08:17 > 0:08:19of £40 to £60 for the pair.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- Would you be happy with that? - Would you be happy with that?
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- Yes, that's fine.- Yes?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27What about reserve? Are you just happy to have them sold?
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- We'll just let them go. - Have a bit of fun on the day.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34They should make that and hopefully a little bit more,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37because they are marked and they're sizeable pieces.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38- So fingers crossed.- OK.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41We might have a pint afterwards!
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- Absolutely.- Or several gins! - Or several large gins.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Might not be good to drive home after several large gins.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51It sounds like Jo will be glad to see the back of Michael's Toby jugs,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53so we'll keep our fingers crossed for her
0:08:53 > 0:08:55at the auction later.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Now, remember when I was looking
0:08:57 > 0:09:00at that fabulous Keswick tray belonging to Andrew?
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Well, David is talking to him now,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06but he's far more interested in Andrew's copperware plate.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08What can you tell me about it?
0:09:08 > 0:09:13Well, I think it's Arts and Crafts from around 1900, 1910.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16It does have a mark on the back, which is Beldray,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18and I had a look on the internet,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21and apparently they were a Birmingham company of that period.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25I would absolutely agree with the dating.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27I think 1900, 1910.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31It's broadly speaking in the Art Nouveau style,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34which, as you probably know, is characterised by
0:09:34 > 0:09:39these sort of whiplash lines, sort of naturalistic lines,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42quite unlike the Art Deco style which followed it,
0:09:42 > 0:09:47which was to do with geometric shapes and geometric lines.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49As you say, Beldray,
0:09:49 > 0:09:55and they were a firm producing slightly more commercial things
0:09:55 > 0:10:01than the true Arts and Crafts workshops at the same time.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04So this, with the best will in the world, isn't a piece of Newlyn,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07which I think is probably everyone's idea
0:10:07 > 0:10:11of what good Arts and Crafts copperware should be like.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12But on the other hand,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15it's not something that was just stamped out by the thousand.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19There is an element of design here, an element of quality control,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23if you like, and it's a stylish piece.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Was it always made to hang? I assume that's original.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30I think that's exactly right. Yeah, that is original.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Tell me what you think it depicts.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Well, I think it's a winter scene.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Obviously, it's a woman in the cloak,
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- and you've got the bare trees in the background.- Yeah. You're right.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43I think it's winter.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47I'm sure it's winter, which suggests that it's one of a series of four,
0:10:47 > 0:10:51each one representing a different season.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- So, are you going to miss it?- Yes.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57It's sort of been hanging no the wall in my study,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00but we're having a change of decor at home,
0:11:00 > 0:11:04and this and the tray as well have to go, I'm afraid.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Right, so, what's it worth?
0:11:06 > 0:11:13- I would suggest an estimate of £50 to £80.- Oh.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15You don't look exactly thrilled by that.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- No, that's a bit less than I was hoping for.- You hoped more.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20What did you pay for it?
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Well, I bought it together with a large Keswick tray,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- and that was £300 for the two.- Right.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29But obviously, the Keswick tray would have been worth...
0:11:29 > 0:11:31A substantial part of that.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35And we have to accept that the market's probably gone down a bit
0:11:35 > 0:11:37in the last few years anyway.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- This was ten years ago.- Yeah.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41You're being very philosophical.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44If you can be even more philosophical
0:11:44 > 0:11:47and agree to a reserve of £45, I'd be delighted.
0:11:47 > 0:11:53- Yes, OK.- Jolly good. OK, Andrew, £45 fixed reserve, estimate 50 to 80.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I'll see you at the sale.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- OK.- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05Apart from simple but effective toys, there were other ways children were kept occupied in days gone by.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09Sheila has brought in a fantastic example of one.
0:12:09 > 0:12:15- Sheila, this is lovely. - Thank you.- How long's it been in your possession?
0:12:15 > 0:12:22- It's been in my possession for about 20 to 30 years, before that it was in my father's possession.- On the wall?
0:12:22 > 0:12:23Not on the wall, no, I didn't like it.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28- My father had it on the wall for a short time.- You didn't like it?- No!
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- What have you done with it? - It's been in the loft.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36- Do you know where this came from? - My father did some odd jobs for an old lady next door.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40This was done by her mother, who lived in Cornwall in Marazion.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Really? And were they still a Thornton?
0:12:43 > 0:12:48The next door neighbour was Winifred Thornton Brocklebank. So she married.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Yes. She was an artist. Her and her husband were artists.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Hence the scene. I think this one's a lot of fun.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58It is almost a nursery rhyme, really.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00I love the rabbits, the chickens.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02We've got a lovely tree here with somebody riding a horse.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Yes.- It's a proper farmyard scene.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Originally, samplers were band samplers,
0:13:08 > 0:13:14towards the end of the 16th century and through the 17th century, they were so wide -
0:13:14 > 0:13:16hence the name band samplers, a long drop.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21Again, it was a discipline for young ladies to learn.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Obviously taught by a seamstress or the lady of the house.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28It's a way of educating or teaching. But also, it's a discipline.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30You have to sit there for four or five hours a day.
0:13:30 > 0:13:37I don't think any young girl would do that at the age of 12 today - they'd be on the computer!
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Condition, you could say it is 99%.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42It's almost perfect.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46There's a couple of bits of stitching missing there and there.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- Yeah.- That's all.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52There is a slight stain there. Bit of water damage.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55But thank goodness this has been kept out of the sunlight
0:13:55 > 0:13:59because the colours are very bright and vibrant.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- The worst thing that can happen to samplers is insect attack.- Right.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08Underneath the glass, moths, things like that, woodworm.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Anything that will bore away at this will devalue it.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Considering its age, it has lasted well.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Is this something you're thinking of selling?
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Yes, I would like to sell it, yes.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23I knew you'd say that because you don't like it! Why not?!
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Well, I've just had my house modernised and it's very dull.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- What do you think it's worth? - About £100?
0:14:31 > 0:14:35I can tell you now, I feel confident putting £200 to £400 on this.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Really, as much as that?
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Yes. Somewhere between that.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43On a good day, you might get the £400, but you will easily get £200.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- Well, that's good.- Happy?- Very, yes.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- OK, we'll put it in for auction. - Thank you very much.
0:15:01 > 0:15:07Just a few yards from the Flog It valuation day, is Dorchester's Old Crown Court.
0:15:08 > 0:15:15It is most famous for the trial of the six Dorset farm labourers, in 1834. The Tolpuddle Martyrs.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19It was a travesty of justice that led to a national outrage.
0:15:23 > 0:15:29At the start of the 19th century, about a third of the workforce in Britain was employed in agriculture.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32But the working and living conditions left a lot to be desired.
0:15:32 > 0:15:38Farm workers and their families were housed in hovels, not fit for cattle.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Many of them could afford to live on little more than tea and potatoes.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47Cuts in wages meant that by 1830, the situation had become intolerable
0:15:47 > 0:15:52and rural unrest swept across Dorset and the south of England.
0:15:52 > 0:15:58You see, the workers had no voting rights and their frustrations soon turned to violence.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03They rioted, destroying many mills and farm machinery in protest.
0:16:10 > 0:16:16Four years later, in 1834, a farm labourer called George Loveless from Tolpuddle,
0:16:16 > 0:16:21here in Dorchester, gathered a group of labourers together to try a different approach.
0:16:21 > 0:16:27They took oaths and formed a peaceful union, to represent and promote their cause,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31calling themselves the Tolpuddle Friendly Society.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34They were one of the first ever trade unions.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41Meetings were held on the village green underneath this very tree,
0:16:41 > 0:16:48to find out ways of fighting further pay cuts. Their doctrine rejected any form of violence.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53But the Government, fearful of more unrest, decided they wanted the trade unions crushed.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57The problem was, the men actually weren't doing anything illegal.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07An obscure law against taking an oath was dug up and duly enacted by the Government.
0:17:07 > 0:17:13So, hoping to make an example of them, George Loveless and five other innocent men were arrested
0:17:13 > 0:17:17at daybreak on the 24th of February in 1834, while on their way to work.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21They were marched here to the old Crown court in Dorchester.
0:17:45 > 0:17:51The six men were led into this room, this very cell, via an entrance through the back of the building,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55through an alleyway there which goes right underneath the courtroom.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58These men were going about their daily business one minute,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02the next, they were arrested. They didn't know what for.
0:18:07 > 0:18:13They were held in this very room, this cell, for three days and three nights, the period of the trial.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Could you imagine being in here, not knowing your fate? One minute, you're completely innocent,
0:18:20 > 0:18:24going about your daily business, expecting to see your loved ones.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29And the next, you're incarcerated, not knowing what's going on.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37Courtrooms back then were less about justice and more about entertainment.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Public hangings were rowdy events, with thousands of people turning up to watch.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45It was an age of severe and brutal legal punishments.
0:18:45 > 0:18:53You could be executed for nearly 300 offences, including stealing a spoon or cutting down a young tree.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10And this is the very same courtroom in which the six men from Tolpuddle were tried.
0:19:10 > 0:19:16On Monday the 17th of March, 1834, they were led up from the cells,
0:19:16 > 0:19:21up these stairs here and into the dock with their heads shaved.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Absolutely nothing has changed in this room.
0:19:26 > 0:19:32It is exactly the same today as it was back then.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39The Government, the magistrates, the judge and even King William IV
0:19:39 > 0:19:42feared and wanted to destroy the fledgling trade unions.
0:19:42 > 0:19:49This meant that right from the start, the six Dorset labourers had no chance of a fair trial.
0:19:49 > 0:19:56George Loveless would have stood here, on this very spot, as he made his dignified defence.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00They were just trying to save their children from starvation,
0:20:00 > 0:20:06but his plea fell on deaf ears in a trial whose outcome had already been decided, even before it began.
0:20:06 > 0:20:12The six men were sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Transportation was a terrible punishment.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18Conditions on convict ships were absolutely appalling.
0:20:18 > 0:20:25Prisoners were kept chained up in filthy conditions and were flogged without mercy and disease was rife.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30One in three did not even survive the harrowing six-month journey.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38Once in Australia, the men were forced to work in chain gangs and penal colonies.
0:20:38 > 0:20:45They were half a world away from their wives and children and stripped of all of their dignity.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50The severity of the sentence sparked mass demonstrations and uproar in the press.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54In the face of mounting pressure, the men were granted pardons.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58Four years after their trial, the men were allowed to return to England.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03They were reunited with their families and great celebrations were held in London.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09The impact of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, as they became known,
0:21:09 > 0:21:15can still be felt today, although it would be another 100 years before capital punishment was abolished.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21But the roots of the fair and just legal process that we have today can be traced back to these times.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26Furthermore, the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs still provides inspiration today
0:21:26 > 0:21:31for many working people seeking fairness for themselves and their work colleagues.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Well, I think it's about time we upped the tempo, don't you?
0:21:44 > 0:21:46We have been working flat out here,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49but we're going to put our experts' valuations to the test right now.
0:21:49 > 0:21:50You've seen the items.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54There's a few cracking ones there and hopefully one or two surprises.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55We're making our way to Duke's,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58leaving you with a quick recap, just to jog your memory,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00of the items going under the hammer.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03And stirring things up right now, it's time to find a new home
0:22:03 > 0:22:07for Lorna's collection of silver coffee spoons.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Jo will be glad to see the back end of Michael's Toby jugs,
0:22:10 > 0:22:15but will we be able to find a bidder to take them off her hands?
0:22:15 > 0:22:20And the lovely Victorian sampler I spotted, brought in by Sheila.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25And finally, Andrew's Art Nouveau copperware plate
0:22:25 > 0:22:27is going under the hammer.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Let's hope we can get him a good return.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35And we're still in Dorchester, at Duke's salerooms,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38and auctioneer Matthew Denny is on the rostrum.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43The first of our items to go under the hammer
0:22:43 > 0:22:46are Lorna's silver spoons.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Lorna, good luck. We've got our fingers crossed.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52This is Lorna's first auction.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54We're about to sell the silver coffee spoons.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- That's right, yes.- There's a lot of silver here today.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01This is a nice lot. I find it very interesting that one of the bloodiest
0:23:01 > 0:23:05and most important battles of all time, the Battle of the Somme,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08should be commemorated by these finely crafted spoons,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11wonderful quality, in complete contrast, really,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13to the nature of the battle itself,
0:23:13 > 0:23:17a significant battle, and significant things.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Good luck, then. Here we go.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23World War I period commemorative spoons.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25These are interesting things.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27I've got commission bids at £30 to start, I'll take 5.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31At 35. 40. 5. 50. 5. Take 60 next.
0:23:31 > 0:23:3460. 5. 70. 5.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37At £70 on the side. I'll take 5.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39At £70. 5, if you like.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43On my left at 70. 5 anywhere?
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Yes, £70! That was short and sweet, wasn't it?
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Blink and you'll miss that one! £70. Are you happy?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Yes, I am,
0:23:50 > 0:23:53because I thought originally they weren't valued that much.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56They made than I thought they would, so I'm thrilled.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58I'm glad you're pleased too, Lorna.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- I am, yes.- Thank you.- Two people really thought them quite special,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04and that's the beauty of auctions, really.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Lorna's spoons have got us off to a really good start.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12They went for well over the estimate.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14There's been a change of auctioneer now,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17and Gary Batt is on the rostrum.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Serving up right now we've got an Art Nouveau copper plate.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23It belongs to Andrew, with a valuation of £50 to £80 on this.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Hopefully, we'll go at the top end,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- because it's very affordable and looks good. - If you're starting to collect
0:24:28 > 0:24:32and you perhaps can't afford a piece of Arts and Crafts by Newlyn,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34something like this will get you going.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37As you say, 50 or 60 quid, really, it's not a lot.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39It's nothing. It's absolutely nothing, no.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42And I think that's what this saleroom's built on, really.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44We'll find out what the bidders think.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50Rather nice Arts and Crafts wall plate, a cloaked woman.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55- Landscape, quite a stylish piece. - It's gone quiet.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58I've got overlapping bids at £30 to start. I'll take a fiver if I can.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00At 30. 5. Thank you.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04At £35. 40 bid.
0:25:04 > 0:25:0645. 50. Yes, madam, 50.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09At £50. Any advance on 50?
0:25:10 > 0:25:1450. Take a fiver from anywhere.
0:25:14 > 0:25:15Selling, then, at £50.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Everybody finished? Clear at 50.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21Good. It's gone. Well done.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Thank you so much. Well done.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25- Just!- Great valuation. - Thank you, Andrew. Thank you.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32Next up, it's Sheila's fabulous sampler, the one I valued.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- We've got £200 to £400 on this. - Right.- A bit of quality.
0:25:34 > 0:25:40I hope we get past that £200 mark. It would be great to see £400.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- I'll keep my fingers crossed.- Yes!
0:25:45 > 0:25:49418. Needlework sampler, this is a lovely needlework.
0:25:49 > 0:25:521846, aged 12. A nice thing there.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56418. Start me at £100 for it.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- I think it's worth every penny of what I said.- Yeah.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02I'll take £10. At £100, I'll take £10.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05£120, £130, £140.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09£140, I'll take. £150.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12With you at £140. £150, if you will.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15All done then, at £140.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- That's not sold. - No, well off. Well off.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23That's auctions for you! I'm pleased it's protected with the reserve.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- Yeah.- That's going home.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30It is, I'm going to reframe it and put in the grandchildren's room.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34And let them look at it and see what a wonderful discipline that was
0:26:34 > 0:26:37for a young girl to do at such an early age.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- That's what I think I shall do with it. I'm pleased in a way.- Good.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Next up, it's time to test Mark's valuation
0:26:43 > 0:26:46as we see what those two Toby jugs go for.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50OK, we've got some Clarice Cliff going under the hammer.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53It's a pair of Toby jugs. That's quite unusual, I think.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- Not seen those before.- They're quite local, Paul, of course.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- Right, OK. Well, I know they were your family's, weren't they, Michael?- That's correct.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- Do you like these, Josephine? - No.- You don't like Toby jugs?
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- I don't like Toby jugs. - Don't like Clarice Cliff?
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- Not really, no.- But I'm sure somebody out there will love them.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Well, I'm not sure how much Clarice Cliff had to do with these Toby jugs.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- The printed backstamp could be put on anything by the factory.- Yeah.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17But they're certainly quite colourful.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- Well, good luck, you two. - Thank you.- This is it.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25Clarice Cliff Toby jug. And another.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27Here we are, two Toby jugs.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Very decorative. I've got what for this lot?
0:27:30 > 0:27:33£30 to start me?
0:27:33 > 0:27:39- At £30? 30 bid. 35, anyone like? 35. - Dubious. The bidders are dubious.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- 40 commission. 5. 50. - Oh, we've got 50.
0:27:42 > 0:27:43- We've sold them.- 60. 5.
0:27:43 > 0:27:4770.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50"Go on!" said Josephine!
0:27:50 > 0:27:52We're out now. You're in at £75.
0:27:52 > 0:27:5580? 80. Well done, sir. 5.
0:27:55 > 0:27:5790. 5. 100.
0:27:57 > 0:27:5910.
0:27:59 > 0:28:0220. 130.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05At £120. Near me, against you at the back, then.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09Going at £120. Are we out and clear and sure I sell?
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- Yes! They're gone!- Very good.
0:28:13 > 0:28:19- Very good! Thank you.- That turned out to be a very good combination.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21Yes, it did!
0:28:23 > 0:28:24That was a brilliant result.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Michael's Toby jugs doubled the top end of the estimate.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31I just love it when that happens.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49I'm on the island of Portland Bill, which is on the Dorset coastline,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53which is south of Dorchester, because I want to show you something that I've been fascinated by
0:28:53 > 0:28:57ever since I was a young lad, and that's these buildings, lighthouses.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03As I grew up on the Cornish coastline, I've always been fully aware of the important role that
0:29:03 > 0:29:08lighthouses play in helping to keep our sailing vessels safe all around the British Isles.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13Trinity House is an organisation which oversees all the lighthouses
0:29:13 > 0:29:17on the coastline of England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar
0:29:17 > 0:29:20as well as providing other key services which are very important
0:29:20 > 0:29:22to help keep our navigators safe.
0:29:23 > 0:29:29The first lighthouse built by Trinity House was in 1609 in Lowestoft.
0:29:29 > 0:29:36Today, Trinity House has 69 working lighthouses, which have been automated since November 1998.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38That's when the UK's last manned lighthouse,
0:29:38 > 0:29:42North Foreland in Kent, was converted to automatic operation.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Today, I've come to see this lighthouse on Portland Bill.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48There's been a lighthouse here ever since 1760.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52The one I'm looking around today was opened in 1906.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55And to give you a measure of just how important these buildings are,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59this is the fifth lighthouse to be built on the Bill.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04I'm thrilled to be getting a personal tour from Larry Walker.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07He was the last principal lighthouse keeper at Portland Bill
0:30:07 > 0:30:12before it was automated, and he still keeps a watchful eye on it today.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- Larry?- How do you do? - Hi. Pleased to meet you! - I'm pleased to meet you, Paul.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17I'm looking forward to my tour.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19God, that's a strong handshake you've got!
0:30:19 > 0:30:21How long have you been the lighthouse keeper here?
0:30:21 > 0:30:23On Portland Bill here, 32 years.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- You must love the job.- Oh, yes.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27It's a vocation, not a job.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- Have you worked in any other lighthouse?- Oh, yes. This is actually my 22nd lighthouse.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34You've been in 22?
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Yeah. The last lighthouse before I came here was Eddystone Lighthouse.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Plymouth Hoe. I've been up that. When you get to the top of that one, it actually wobbles?
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- Yeah, that one quivers. - I don't like that. Does this one wobble?
0:30:44 > 0:30:47A little bit. A little bit.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- Well, I'm really excited to get up this one.- Come on.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- So, we'll start at the top. - Yes, we are going to start at the top, Paul, up in the lantern.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03But before we get there, you've got a long climb to go.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- How many steps are there? - There's 153 steps.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07And I'll bet you know every single one.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09- By a rude word, yes, I do.- Yeah.
0:31:09 > 0:31:15And 20 years ago, I was able to do it in 42 seconds from the base of the tower into the lantern.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17That's not bad going. Shall we try and beat it?
0:31:17 > 0:31:22Well, you can, but I'm not. Right.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38Well, this is obviously the main light, and I know that rolls on a bed of mercury, doesn't it?
0:31:38 > 0:31:43That's correct. This is technically what we call a mercury-float light-revolving system.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46It is doing one revolution every 20 seconds.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48And if you look at the lens, you'll see that it's made up
0:31:48 > 0:31:56of four lens panels, and there's one just coming round to you now, and one ginormous big reflector behind it.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00And because the lens is revolving one revolution every 20 seconds,
0:32:00 > 0:32:04the character of Portland Bill lighthouse is four flashes every 20 seconds.
0:32:04 > 0:32:09Every lighthouse in the UK has its own distinctive character.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13There's no other lighthouse in the UK that's got the same character as Portland Bill lighthouse.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15How far away can that light be seen?
0:32:15 > 0:32:20On a good night, Paul, it should be in excess of 25 miles you'll see this light.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22- That's a fair distance.- It is, yeah. - That's the beacon of hope.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27That's right, yeah, you see four white flashes every 20 seconds,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- it's got to be Portland Bill.- Home. - And then we're going home, yeah.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37It must be kind of a solitary life.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40It certainly was out at sea, but here at Portland Bill, it is what we call
0:32:40 > 0:32:43a family station, so you would be here with your families.
0:32:43 > 0:32:49But there's only one keeper on watch at any one time, so therefore, yes, you are on your own. But as far as
0:32:49 > 0:32:54not being lonely as such, but some people like being on their own, you know, and it's not too bad,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57especially if they've got a nagging wife at home.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59That's not for the camera!
0:33:03 > 0:33:07Would you like to go and have a look on the gallery there and have a look around the gallery?
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Oh, this is good.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19I tell you what, it's not until you're up here you realise how high we are.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24- Yeah.- What height is it, anyway? - You're about just over 100 feet here on the gallery, Paul.- OK.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26Look, that's choppy out there.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31- That's the Portland Race over there, and that's where two of the tides meet.- It's lovely up here.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Well, it's fresh.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37It's fresh. Come on, then.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42Back in the warm, Larry takes me down one level, to the nerve centre of the lighthouse.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44This is the service room, Paul.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47The room below the lantern is always the service room.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51And this is where the lighthouse would probably be run from.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55In here, the keeper would have spent most of his watch-keeping.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57It's really the hub of the building.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02Yes. This is where the radios would have been, where the communications equipment would be,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04and he would come up here on the start of his watch.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07He would have to make sure that his journals were OK, he had enough paraffin in the tanks
0:34:07 > 0:34:14behind me here, the air pressure was correct, and then he'd spend his watch-keeping hours here,
0:34:14 > 0:34:19other than checking the light upstairs and checking the light near the base of the tower.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25We're heading all the way down now to ground level, to my favourite bit of the lighthouse.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29Here we have two fog-signal air compressors.
0:34:29 > 0:34:37- These compressors were actually used prior to 1995 to power the old air-type fog signal.- OK.
0:34:37 > 0:34:44Now, since 1996 and automation, we have an automatic fog signal, and it's a squeak.
0:34:44 > 0:34:50- It's a high-pitched squeak.- And it's only meant to be heard about a mile to two-and-a-half miles maximum.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54Can we hear the old sound? My tour wouldn't be complete without nostalgia.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- It will be loud. - OK. I've heard them before.
0:34:56 > 0:35:01Right, so what I suggest you do is go out to the west door there and wait for it to be put on.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Do you know, I'm so glad it's got dark since I've been inside,
0:35:06 > 0:35:11because I think this is the perfect ambience for listening to a foghorn.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Well, I've thoroughly enjoyed my trip here
0:35:13 > 0:35:18at the Portland Bill lighthouse, but it wouldn't be fitting to leave this wonderful scene without hearing
0:35:18 > 0:35:23that nostalgic blast from the foghorn, so any second now... Let's just wait for it.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27FOGHORN BLASTS
0:35:29 > 0:35:33Great! Absolutely fabulous!
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Back at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester, there's been
0:35:45 > 0:35:50no rest for our team of experts, who've been hard at work valuing the locals' antiques and collectables.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54Mark Stacey is busy valuing a collection of World War I
0:35:54 > 0:35:57memorabilia which was brought in by Barry and his wife, Betty.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03You've brought in a fascinating little thing.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07This is the real fun of being in the antiques world
0:36:07 > 0:36:10and the collectors' world, because you think you've seen everything...
0:36:10 > 0:36:17then a story comes along which is both very, very sad and actually quite humorous at the same time.
0:36:17 > 0:36:23- Oh, it is.- Very funny, yeah. - Because on first glance, we've got a bronze plaque here that was
0:36:23 > 0:36:29issued to everyone in the Great War, 1914-18, who died in active service,
0:36:29 > 0:36:34and they were presented with a nice scroll, which is in the box here, and that's one part of it.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39And that's worth anything from £50 or £60, I suppose.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44Then you have these lovely little pieces of trench art, where the soldiers in the trench have had a
0:36:44 > 0:36:48lot of time on their hands when they were doing nothing, so they
0:36:48 > 0:36:53used the spent cartridges and shells to make themselves practical things.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57And here, somebody's turned what looks like a pair of boots into a pair of lighters.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59And that's a cartridge?
0:36:59 > 0:37:03And this is from old bullets and cartridges. And they've decorated all these by hand...
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- Goodness me!- ..you know, which is absolutely charming.- Yeah.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09But having said that, we then have a letter.
0:37:09 > 0:37:14Basically, Gunner Fred Symes here, who is your...
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- ..great-great-grandfather?- Great.
0:37:17 > 0:37:23..great-grandfather, of course, has been lost, he's had his letter.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27His wife, Mrs Symes, is heartbroken,
0:37:27 > 0:37:32writes to his commanding officer asking his whereabouts.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35She then gets a handwritten note
0:37:35 > 0:37:39telling the sad story of his death, which was accidental.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- He fell down a cliff...- Yeah.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45- ..having left his post to go looking for rabbits.- Yes!
0:37:45 > 0:37:48But it doesn't say how many rabbits he caught.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51No rabbits for tea!
0:37:51 > 0:37:52But I think...
0:37:52 > 0:37:54this is...
0:37:54 > 0:37:57history, isn't it? I mean, how on earth
0:37:57 > 0:38:01can you not be sad on the one hand
0:38:01 > 0:38:04but then on the other hand find the irony...
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- Tells a human story. - Because he sounds a right character,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- does Fred Symes.- It could have been Dad's Army, couldn't it?
0:38:10 > 0:38:11Has it passed down the family?
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Er, yes! You could say that!
0:38:14 > 0:38:16You can be honest with me.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Nobody's watching, Betty.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- No, I'm sure!- But I just love it.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26When you look at the consistent parts, you might say this is worth £50.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30Those are worth, you know... This is damaged. £20 or £30.
0:38:30 > 0:38:36But when you put the whole thing together, you've got to look at a history collector, a military
0:38:36 > 0:38:41collector, who would be in heaven to be able to tie all that together.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43And so what is it worth then?
0:38:43 > 0:38:47Is it £200? Is it £300?
0:38:47 > 0:38:50We honestly don't know. And you've saved it from the rubbish dump.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54It was going out with the rubbish, yeah.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Can you imagine? That would have been terrible.
0:38:56 > 0:39:02You know how enthusiastic I am and the team are here at Flog It!
0:39:02 > 0:39:05to have a bash at it, but we do understand the difficulties.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07No, I agree.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10It comes to a time where the decision is yours, as they say.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12- That's right.- We can't take it with us, can we? So...!
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Would you like me to give it a try?
0:39:14 > 0:39:15- Yes, please.- That's wonderful.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Thank you. And I do think we'll protect it with a reserve.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20If it can't get 200,
0:39:20 > 0:39:26then you must protect it, and we'll talk after the sale and we might find something else to do with it.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28I think it would be lovely. Thank you so much.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37So, Mark has put an estimate of £200 to £300 on Barry's collection of World War I memorabilia.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41We'll see how that estimate fares shortly.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- Hello, Paul.- Hello. What's your name? - Nigel.- Nigel. Pleased to meet you.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- I was just wondering what you thought of that.- I like that!
0:39:47 > 0:39:49That's nice. Is that meths-driven?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- It is meths-driven. - Cor, there's quite a weight to it.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55I thought it was going to be one of those lightweight Mamod ones,
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- the ones that I had when I was a little boy.- Yeah.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Still tin-plate, but I tell you what, that's a
0:40:00 > 0:40:03proper engineer's toy, that, isn't it?
0:40:03 > 0:40:10- So the meths heats up...- Yeah, the hot air rises, pushes the piston up, and that starts it going.- Very nice.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- This one's not steam-driven, though. - No, it's not steam-driven, no.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18Isn't that lovely? And had you played with this as a young boy?
0:40:18 > 0:40:23I did. It must have been 50 years ago the last time I played with it.
0:40:23 > 0:40:29I always remember when I was younger, I was slightly disappointed when I was given it because it didn't move.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33It took me some time to get the mental adjustment that it was a stationary engine, not a moving one.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Well, you were a young lad 50 years ago, and this was a very expensive toy then.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- Yeah, it was handed down to me by my father...- You lucky thing!
0:40:40 > 0:40:42..and I think by his father as well.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45I'd put this around the early 1900s, wouldn't you?
0:40:45 > 0:40:49Well, certainly I've had it 55 years, my father had it before me,
0:40:49 > 0:40:53so that's got to date it about 95 years at least.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55It's beautiful, it really is.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58There was no way of controlling the speed, though, was there?
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Once this heated up, that was it.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- That was it, you either had to remove the...- ..flame.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05..you had to remove the flame or turn the flame right down.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10Yeah. Do you know, I think everybody will go absolutely crazy for this.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14All the engineers in the auction room will, all the old boys that like tinkering with things.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16It's a nice thing to have and hold.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18And I'm quite surprised you want to sell this.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Well, as I say, I enjoyed it as a young boy...
0:41:22 > 0:41:27Yeah, but this was your dad's. Don't you feel guilty? If this was my dad's, I'd never sell it.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Well, I feel more guilty on the basis that it's never used, never run.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34We've seen the Mamod ones on the show before, and you know they fetch
0:41:34 > 0:41:39around £80 to £120, maybe £150 if they're in good condition. I think this is far superior.
0:41:39 > 0:41:45It's much earlier. I think we could be in for a surprise, both of us, in the auction room on the day.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Let's put it in with a cheeky £200 to £300 valuation.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52- OK.- OK? It's going to do that any day of the week.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- But we'll put a fixed reserve of £200.- Super.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57And hopefully the auctioneer will agree with me.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Do you want to hold it for one last time and say goodbye?
0:42:00 > 0:42:02I'm going to make you feel really guilty here!
0:42:02 > 0:42:06And that was Dad's and... Yeah, give it a kiss. Yeah, say goodbye.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09I'll take that from you now!
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- And I'll see you at the auction. - Thank you.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15There's still plenty more work to do at the Dorford centre in Dorchester.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20Mark is very excited about a Delftware plate brought in by Jean and Terry.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23You've brought a lovely plate in to show us. I'm so excited about this.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- Great.- Is it a family piece?- Yes.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Where did it come from?
0:42:29 > 0:42:31It's always been in our house, as long as I can remember.
0:42:31 > 0:42:36That was in Bangor, North Wales. But, my father, he came from Scotland.
0:42:36 > 0:42:42That's interesting. Let's look at the plate, because it's quite an interesting object.
0:42:42 > 0:42:49This is Delftware, it's a high tin-glazed earthenware, which is very prone to chipping and cracking.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53So, when you do use wire hangers for the wall,
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- it flakes and chips very easily. - Yes.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00This was made, I was going to say about 1771,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04but that's cheating, because, of course, the date is already on there!
0:43:04 > 0:43:08- Stylistically, it's the last quarter of the 18th century.- Oh, right.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12You've got the Chinese pattern, the pagoda with the figure.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15All porcelain and pottery at the time was made
0:43:15 > 0:43:19with the Chinese designs on it because that's what people wanted.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21If this plate had just been a Delft plate,
0:43:21 > 0:43:27nicely decorated with the figures and things, without the date,
0:43:27 > 0:43:32then that would have been worth maybe £50 or £60 in that condition.
0:43:32 > 0:43:34- Oh, that's all?- That's all.
0:43:34 > 0:43:39What really lifts it is the date and the initials.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43That turns it into a documentary piece of Delftware.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45Oh, right.
0:43:45 > 0:43:49We know that was made for somebody in 1771.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52Now, the initials we will never know,
0:43:52 > 0:43:56unless there's another plate that's been recorded with family history
0:43:56 > 0:44:00that can show that - highly unlikely.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03It makes me tingle when I see a documentary piece like this.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07- I think it'll make Delft collectors tingle as well.- Oh, great.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11I am almost certain it's English Delft.
0:44:11 > 0:44:17Probably made either down in the West Country or in Lambeth in London, somewhere like that.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19- Probably not made in Scotland. - No. No.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23Have you done any detective work yourself in terms of valuations?
0:44:23 > 0:44:27I brought it once to the local auctioneers.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31He said he thought it would be worth about £400.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34Well, I wouldn't disagree with him, to be honest.
0:44:34 > 0:44:39My only concern is I want to reflect the slight damage.
0:44:39 > 0:44:45I would probably put an estimate straddling that, £300 to £500,
0:44:45 > 0:44:49- to get people's appetites whetted, do you know what I mean?- Yes, I do.
0:44:49 > 0:44:54If we put a firm reserve of £300 on this, we know it's not going to sell below that.
0:44:54 > 0:44:56I think we'd surpass that.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59I wouldn't even be surprised if it went over £400.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01- Right.- Would you be happy with that?
0:45:01 > 0:45:04- Yes, I think so.- But you've obviously had it for many years.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06Oh, very many.
0:45:06 > 0:45:08Why have you decided to sell it today?
0:45:08 > 0:45:11Well, I'm very worried about it getting broken.
0:45:11 > 0:45:16I have so many knick-knacks, I don't know where to put it, really.
0:45:16 > 0:45:21Well, you and I have been doing all the chatting, I think we'd better get Terry in on this.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23What do you think about it, Terry?
0:45:23 > 0:45:28Are you happy for it to go to someone who's going to just love it, really?
0:45:28 > 0:45:31Yes, to go to someone who will understand and love it.
0:45:31 > 0:45:33It's a beautiful plate.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36I think things like this are only lent to us, anyway, in our lives.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40If it's being passed on to someone who's going to fully appreciate it,
0:45:40 > 0:45:44- you've done your job, haven't you? - Yes. We've looked after it.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48Jean and Terry's Delftware plate has already got Mark tingling.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51Let's hope his instincts are right at the auction.
0:45:51 > 0:45:57Next up, David's examining a 19th-century pistol which has been brought in by John.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59- Do you collect these?- Not really.
0:45:59 > 0:46:04I did think I was going to collect them a few years ago, then I went on to firing real ones, and now I've had
0:46:04 > 0:46:11- to stop that, I've got rid of the real ones and I'm now getting rid of the display ones as well.- OK.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13So shooting was a hobby of yours.
0:46:13 > 0:46:17- It was, yes.- And were you a good shot? Don't be modest.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20No, I was never as good as I wanted to be.
0:46:20 > 0:46:25Right. OK, well, this obviously is a firearm from a different era.
0:46:25 > 0:46:30The first thing I would say is that it was made in the first 20 years of the 19th century.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34This is borne out by the fact it has a crown,
0:46:34 > 0:46:39and beneath that are the initials GR, George Rex.
0:46:39 > 0:46:43We can take it that it's late George III
0:46:43 > 0:46:49or early George IV, somewhere between 1810 and 1825, I would say.
0:46:50 > 0:46:54The next thing to think about is the way it actually worked,
0:46:54 > 0:47:02and what one did was to remove this part here.
0:47:02 > 0:47:06You would put a little bit of powder down the barrel first, then a shot,
0:47:06 > 0:47:10then you would push that home with this. Now, on a rifle, this would be called a ramrod.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12Do you call it a ramrod on a pistol?
0:47:12 > 0:47:14Er, yes, I think we would.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18OK. And then, when you've loaded it, you push this back.
0:47:18 > 0:47:24The next thing I think one would do would be to place a little bit of powder on the outside of the barrel.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27And there's a tiny little hole there,
0:47:27 > 0:47:34and by tilting this part back here, by lifting the cock back and pulling the trigger,
0:47:34 > 0:47:41the flint, which is contained in this part here, scrapes on this part of the steel here, produces a spark,
0:47:41 > 0:47:46and Bob's your uncle, there's an explosion and the bullet comes out of the end.
0:47:46 > 0:47:52Flintlock pistols of this type at auction
0:47:52 > 0:47:55generally come down between £200 and £300, as I'm sure you know.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57You've got an idea of what it's worth.
0:47:57 > 0:48:02You do occasionally see slightly a fancier one with chased brass detail
0:48:02 > 0:48:06and sometimes a bit of chasing here, and they can make a lot more.
0:48:06 > 0:48:13But I think it's true to say that this is a fairly standard-issue piece. We need to discuss a reserve.
0:48:13 > 0:48:18I don't want to hold a pistol to your head, but I would suggest 180.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21- Oh, right. - Just a little bit below 200.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25- Yeah...- You'd hoped for more. - I would have liked more, but...
0:48:25 > 0:48:32Well, let's hope it makes more. I mean, we can't really make them pay more than they're expecting to pay.
0:48:32 > 0:48:36- OK?- Yeah.- So, we'll go with that. - Thank you.- And I look forward to seeing you on the day.- Yeah.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38- Thank you, John. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41Well, that's the last of our items for the saleroom, so it's time
0:48:41 > 0:48:45to get over to the auction house and see how our valuations fare.
0:48:48 > 0:48:54Barry and Betty's collection of World War I memorabilia will be going under the hammer.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57Hopefully, there'll be some engine fanatics at the sale, as Nigel wants
0:48:57 > 0:49:01his model engine to go to a good home.
0:49:01 > 0:49:05Fingers crossed for the plate which is coming up later in the sale.
0:49:05 > 0:49:10And finally, we're here to find out if there are any takers for John's 19th-century pistol.
0:49:14 > 0:49:20It's time for me to feel nervous, as it's my valuation being put to the test.
0:49:20 > 0:49:22I love this next lot, obviously - it's one of my valuations!
0:49:22 > 0:49:28But it belongs to Nigel here, and it's that lovely meths-driven little live engine, which is great fun.
0:49:28 > 0:49:30And we've put a fixed reserve of £200 on this.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32- We did.- We're not giving this away.
0:49:32 > 0:49:37- No.- I just hope we've got a few enthusiasts out here that like tinkering with things.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40- That's what we need. Don't we? - You need at least two, don't you?
0:49:40 > 0:49:42Two tinkerers. Here we go.
0:49:45 > 0:49:48This rather fun little working engine. All go.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50Hours of innocent amusement.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53Lot 178. Who'll start me off with this, then?
0:49:53 > 0:49:58- For the mechanical amongst us. - We need a guy that loves tinkering.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00100 is bid. And 10 I'll take.
0:50:00 > 0:50:01£100. And 10.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05- 120.- Good, look. There's someone in the room who's keen.
0:50:05 > 0:50:06130, anyone say? 130.
0:50:06 > 0:50:11140. 150. 150 bid. 160. 160.
0:50:11 > 0:50:16- Yeah, 170. 180. 190. - Proper boys' thing, this, isn't it?
0:50:16 > 0:50:19- 190. 200. And- 10. Good.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23No? At £200, then. Standing at the back at £200.
0:50:23 > 0:50:24Are we all done with this lot?
0:50:24 > 0:50:28- Done it! We've done it! - Yeah, yeah.- Put it there.
0:50:28 > 0:50:29- That's great.- I am ever so happy.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31Thank you. Thank you.
0:50:31 > 0:50:32Nice thing to hold and talk about.
0:50:32 > 0:50:38It was, yes, and as I say, I thought when I came to the valuation about 100.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41- So that's double what I was expecting, so...- Good.
0:50:41 > 0:50:45I think owning that model engine will make the buyer very happy,
0:50:45 > 0:50:48and that's what it's all about, classic recycling.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51Next up is Barry and Betty's collection of World War I
0:50:51 > 0:50:55memorabilia, which is being auctioned by Matthew Denny.
0:50:55 > 0:51:00Lovely story. I think it was the story that fixated us on the day.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02- It was, Paul, it was. - Great-grandfather's.
0:51:02 > 0:51:04Quite unusual, yeah!
0:51:04 > 0:51:07Why have you decided to sell these items now?
0:51:07 > 0:51:12Well, we keep moving house, and they're quite tiny, and I'm sure she'll move again...
0:51:12 > 0:51:19- They're going to get lost.- And we've a daughter, and it's better that they go to someone who'll appreciate them.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22I suppose so. It's a boys' thing, really, isn't it?
0:51:22 > 0:51:24- Yeah.- Militaria is.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28It stands alone in the auction room as a piece of militaria or World War I memorabilia,
0:51:28 > 0:51:32- but nevertheless I think Mark's right on the money. - I hope so, Paul.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36We've protected with a fixed reserve, because I just think this is such a wonderful story.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40Well, it's your personal history, as well, so you need to protect this.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42- Yeah.- You know that, don't you?- Yeah.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44Good luck. Good luck, both of you. OK, this is it.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50We come to the death plaque for Fred Symes. Nice thing.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54Memorial plaque there and a collection of related
0:51:54 > 0:51:56ephemera and some trench art.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59Nice little lot, and I've got £60 to start. Do you want to take 70?
0:51:59 > 0:52:02- 80 here. 90. - There's someone in the room.- 100.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05110. 120. 130. 140. 150.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09160. 170. 180. 190.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11195. 200?
0:52:11 > 0:52:14No? 195 here. I'll take 200.
0:52:14 > 0:52:16At 195. 200, if you like.
0:52:16 > 0:52:18At 195 with me. 200 anywhere?
0:52:20 > 0:52:24No? With me at 195, then.
0:52:24 > 0:52:28- No. We just missed that one. - We missed it.- What, by £5?
0:52:28 > 0:52:30I don't know what's happened!
0:52:30 > 0:52:34By £5. We were short of £5, and the auctioneer didn't sell.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36Because we had a reserve of 200, didn't we?
0:52:36 > 0:52:39- Don't they have any...- Discretion?
0:52:39 > 0:52:42Well, they should have done. I mean, did you have a fixed reserve?
0:52:42 > 0:52:46We had a fixed reserve of 200, but I think they could have used a little bit of discretion on that.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50Obviously, the auctioneer is acting on your behalf, as your agent, so if
0:52:50 > 0:52:54- you say a fixed reserve of £200, he's got to get you £200.- Yes.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58If you say £200 with discretion, he can take it 10% down.
0:52:58 > 0:53:01I just think, really,
0:53:01 > 0:53:03for the sake of £5, common sense...
0:53:03 > 0:53:08He would lose £5 just to sell it at 195.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11- But you wouldn't mind getting 195? - Not a bit. Not a bit.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14Well, maybe they can find the underbidder. That's all I can say.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16And then hopefully we can sell it.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19But at the moment it stands as not sold.
0:53:19 > 0:53:22It would be a shame to take it home, cos it may get lost!
0:53:22 > 0:53:25Oh, that was so close to the reserve!
0:53:25 > 0:53:28At the end of the sale, though, Mark Stacey arranged with the auctioneer
0:53:28 > 0:53:33for Barry and Betty to sell their collection to the nearest bidder, and everyone went home happy.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37Next up, we test David's valuation of John's pistol.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43John, I've just heard from the auctioneer you've upped the reserve.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46- Yes.- We're talking about that wonderful pistol, that George III military issue.
0:53:46 > 0:53:53We've got £200 to £300 on this with a fixed reserve of 180, but now it's gone up to 250. Why did you do that?
0:53:53 > 0:53:57I just felt if there was no-one here who was interested in that sort of thing...
0:53:57 > 0:53:59And a lot of your other stuff was
0:53:59 > 0:54:03china, porcelain, that sort of thing, there might not be a pistol person here,
0:54:03 > 0:54:06that it might not have gone for a sensible price.
0:54:06 > 0:54:08OK. Fair enough. That's fair enough.
0:54:08 > 0:54:10I'm still a bit concerned, Paul.
0:54:10 > 0:54:15I think an extra £70 on my original estimate - we might just have priced it out of the market.
0:54:15 > 0:54:16But we'll hope for the best.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19And if it was going to sell, it was going to sell anyway,
0:54:19 > 0:54:21so hopefully there was no need for you to do that.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23Let's find out.
0:54:23 > 0:54:26Tower flintlock pistol. This is a lovely thing.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29- Nice order, good-looking lot. - It's in exceptional condition.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31- Very nice.- Start you at £120, and I'll take 130.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34At £120. I'll take 130.
0:54:34 > 0:54:35Good, we've got a phone bidder.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37150.
0:54:37 > 0:54:42160. 170. 180. 190.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44200. 220.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47240. 260.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50280. 300.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52- Oh, Lord!- 320. - Pleased to be proved wrong!
0:54:52 > 0:54:54340 bid, it's commission.
0:54:54 > 0:54:55I'll take 360, if you like.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58At £340. I'll take 360.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02On the telephone, then, at 340. 360, if you like, in the room.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04We're selling at 340.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07No? At £340, then.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10Yes! Top end and a little bit more!
0:55:10 > 0:55:14Well done. No need for raising the reserve.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16That's good. You've got to be happy with that.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19- Oh, yes.- That was quality. Good gun.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21I'm pleased. It's a good result.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24Well, that went with a bang! £340.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26What a fabulous result for John.
0:55:26 > 0:55:27I think he's going home very happy.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30Next up, it's the oldest item in today's sale.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33Let's hope it's also one of the most valuable.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38That wonderful English Delft plate.
0:55:38 > 0:55:43£300 to £500 we've got on this by our expert, Mark. It's dated,
0:55:43 > 0:55:46it's fabulous, and it is something for the purist.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49Do you know what, inside, deep down, I'm thinking £500.
0:55:49 > 0:55:51I'd love it to make £500.
0:55:51 > 0:55:52Or £600 or £700.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55- Oh, come on!- I'm getting excited.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58- I'm getting carried away, aren't I? - You are again!
0:55:58 > 0:56:01I should just run around and keep putting my hand up.
0:56:01 > 0:56:05- No, I'm not allowed to do that. - I'm very nervous now.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09OK. It's going to go to a new home. It's going under the hammer now.
0:56:11 > 0:56:16Lot 118. This is a nice lot. One of the highlights of the sale.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20A nice little 18th-century piece, it is a Delft plate.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24Dated 1771. Couldn't be clearer than that.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26Created a bit of interest here.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28And start me, if you will, at £200.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32£200 to start. £200 is bid.
0:56:32 > 0:56:3420s I'll take. £220, £240, anyone?
0:56:34 > 0:56:38£220. £240 commission.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40£260, £280, £300.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43Well, it's sold.
0:56:43 > 0:56:50£340, £360, £380, £400.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53- Oh, that's good.- Yeah.- That's good.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56£460 bid. £480 with me.
0:56:56 > 0:56:58£500 is bid.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00£50 on the phone.
0:57:00 > 0:57:05£520, £540, £560.
0:57:05 > 0:57:09- £580.- This is what it should make.
0:57:09 > 0:57:11£600.
0:57:11 > 0:57:15The collectors will find it, if it's quality, it will always sell.
0:57:15 > 0:57:17At £620 in the room. At £620.
0:57:17 > 0:57:23Going at £620 against the telephone, all done.
0:57:23 > 0:57:28How fabulous. £620. Congratulations!
0:57:28 > 0:57:31- Isn't that a good, good thing to sell?- Yes, fantastic.
0:57:31 > 0:57:33So, there is commission to pay.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36Are you going to split that up with the family or treat yourselves?
0:57:36 > 0:57:39A bit of both, probably.
0:57:39 > 0:57:42Get them all back for a nice lunch.
0:57:48 > 0:57:52As you can see, the auction is still going on, but at least everyone's gone home happy.
0:57:52 > 0:57:55That's the name of the game, and all credit to our experts.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58But there were a few close shaves there. That's not good for your nerves, is it?
0:57:58 > 0:58:00But that's what auctions are all about.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03So, until the next time, from Dorchester, it's goodbye.