Cirencester 7

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0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Cirencester,

0:00:04 > 0:00:08and to the heart of the British antiques and collectables trade.

0:00:08 > 0:00:10Today we are in the Cotswolds where every small town

0:00:10 > 0:00:12has a scattering of period listed buildings

0:00:12 > 0:00:14and wonderful antique shops.

0:00:14 > 0:00:17So what a perfect place to flog it.

0:00:37 > 0:00:39Cirencester is one of those places

0:00:39 > 0:00:41that is packed with character and charm.

0:00:41 > 0:00:45Everywhere you turn there are pretty houses made from local sandstone.

0:00:45 > 0:00:48And interesting streets lined with quirky shops.

0:00:48 > 0:00:51And the peaceful countryside is never far away.

0:00:51 > 0:00:53All that adds up to a location

0:00:53 > 0:00:55that's brimming with much-loved collectables

0:00:55 > 0:00:58and hopefully ready to give up a few of its treasures.

0:01:00 > 0:01:02We've got a wonderful queue gathering outside the Corn Hall.

0:01:02 > 0:01:04All these people have been waiting patiently,

0:01:04 > 0:01:06and hopefully at the end of the show

0:01:06 > 0:01:08they will be going home with a lot of money

0:01:08 > 0:01:10if these bags and boxes are full of treasures

0:01:10 > 0:01:12that we can sell in auction.

0:01:13 > 0:01:16Yes, this is the programme where we value your unwanted antiques

0:01:16 > 0:01:20and collectables and then help you sell them.

0:01:20 > 0:01:22Our team of experts is led by

0:01:22 > 0:01:25the very capable Thomas Plant and Michael Baggott.

0:01:25 > 0:01:28I'm sure we can do something for you with those.

0:01:28 > 0:01:30Michael started early in the antiques business

0:01:30 > 0:01:33making his first deal when he was at primary school.

0:01:33 > 0:01:34So there is no kidding him.

0:01:34 > 0:01:37He's a silver specialist, but that won't stop him

0:01:37 > 0:01:38from spotting other collectables.

0:01:38 > 0:01:42Ah, now, I'll leave that to my colleague, he's the toy man.

0:01:42 > 0:01:46Thomas Plant claims to be the action man of the team.

0:01:46 > 0:01:48He is a James Bond fan with a love of skiing and fencing.

0:01:48 > 0:01:51There's only one thing he loves more than jewellery, though,

0:01:51 > 0:01:53and that is giving advice.

0:01:53 > 0:01:59If you imagine, when this was made, the brass would be really, really shiny.

0:01:59 > 0:02:02- I wasn't about to clean it.- Life is too short for things like that.

0:02:02 > 0:02:05Coming up, Thomas is on sparkling form

0:02:05 > 0:02:08and has some good news for Lynn about her ring.

0:02:08 > 0:02:11I've always thought it was just a piece of costume jewellery.

0:02:11 > 0:02:12You've seen the off-screen valuers,

0:02:12 > 0:02:15and they have told you what the stones are here.

0:02:15 > 0:02:17- They have. - They're not glass, are they?- No.

0:02:17 > 0:02:19I've got a battle on my hands with Phyllis,

0:02:19 > 0:02:23as she tries to wring every penny out of this pot.

0:02:23 > 0:02:24OK, you win.

0:02:27 > 0:02:28Thanks, Phyllis.

0:02:28 > 0:02:30And Michael is brewing up some excitement

0:02:30 > 0:02:32over a large piece of silverware.

0:02:32 > 0:02:34At the time,

0:02:34 > 0:02:37Americans were buying Bateman silver in droves.

0:02:37 > 0:02:39The price of silver was high,

0:02:39 > 0:02:42it was worth every penny when you bought it.

0:02:42 > 0:02:45So, has it gone up in value since then, or down?

0:02:45 > 0:02:47Stay tuned to find out.

0:02:54 > 0:02:55So many people,

0:02:55 > 0:02:57which means an awful lot of antiques.

0:02:57 > 0:02:59We do have a full house here

0:02:59 > 0:03:01so I think it's about time we went treasure hunting, don't you?

0:03:01 > 0:03:03And Michael is first at the tables.

0:03:03 > 0:03:07He's gone for one of my favourite subjects to kick things off with,

0:03:07 > 0:03:11it's a pretty item of silverware, brought in by Muriel.

0:03:11 > 0:03:15Muriel, thank you for bringing this lovely little silver jug in today.

0:03:15 > 0:03:17Can you tell me, how did you acquire it?

0:03:17 > 0:03:21It was in this cardboard box with a lot of odds and ends

0:03:21 > 0:03:24and the lady said if you are interested

0:03:24 > 0:03:27in whatever is in that box you can have it for £5.

0:03:27 > 0:03:32- There was some china, Japanese kind of plate things...- Oh, my word!

0:03:32 > 0:03:35..and some other silver things.

0:03:35 > 0:03:36But they were silver-plated.

0:03:36 > 0:03:37Where was this at?

0:03:37 > 0:03:40It was round Bristol, at a car-boot sale round Bristol.

0:03:40 > 0:03:42Cos we used to live in Bristol.

0:03:42 > 0:03:44Good grief! Was that a long time ago?

0:03:44 > 0:03:46Oh, yes, over five years.

0:03:46 > 0:03:49Muriel, don't say five years is a long time ago.

0:03:49 > 0:03:51It was yesterday!

0:03:51 > 0:03:54- Well, it seemed long... - I'm thinking about 20 years!

0:03:54 > 0:03:57Well, to find that in a car-boot sale,

0:03:57 > 0:03:58even five years ago,

0:03:58 > 0:04:00is a fantastic achievement.

0:04:00 > 0:04:04Have you got any idea when it was made, who made it?

0:04:04 > 0:04:06No idea whatsoever.

0:04:06 > 0:04:10Well, it's a form we call a helmet-shaped cream jug.

0:04:10 > 0:04:13And if I turn it upside down you can see why,

0:04:13 > 0:04:16- because it is shaped like a helmet.- Yes.

0:04:16 > 0:04:19And it should be marked and it's marked under the lip here,

0:04:19 > 0:04:22and if I just breathe on those I will be able to see them a bit clearer.

0:04:24 > 0:04:26And we've got the maker's mark SH,

0:04:26 > 0:04:31and we've got a set of marks for London 1794.

0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Oh, gracious! - It's over 200 years old.

0:04:34 > 0:04:35Oh, gracious.

0:04:35 > 0:04:40I mean, what a fantastic buy for in a box for £5.

0:04:40 > 0:04:41Odds and ends, it was.

0:04:41 > 0:04:43These cream jugs were made

0:04:43 > 0:04:46and were bought by quite a lot of middle-class people.

0:04:46 > 0:04:50Because they are fairly light, quite thin silver,

0:04:50 > 0:04:53rather than having any cast decoration

0:04:53 > 0:04:56they simply punch around the rim

0:04:56 > 0:04:58to give this beaded effect.

0:04:58 > 0:05:02And because of that they are quite fragile and prone to damage.

0:05:02 > 0:05:05There has been a little bit of repair at the handle there.

0:05:05 > 0:05:09But nonetheless it is a Georgian silver cream job.

0:05:09 > 0:05:12So we're going to show you a good return on your £5,

0:05:12 > 0:05:13if you put it into auction.

0:05:13 > 0:05:19In pristine condition it will probably be £150 to £200.

0:05:19 > 0:05:20We've got to take into account

0:05:20 > 0:05:23the little bits of damage and the wear on it.

0:05:23 > 0:05:27But nevertheless it is a little jug that at £70-£100,

0:05:27 > 0:05:30and we'd put a fixed reserve of £70 on it,

0:05:30 > 0:05:34I think they'll be hands flying into the air at the auction.

0:05:34 > 0:05:35Lovely. Thank you.

0:05:35 > 0:05:37- So you're happy to put it in? - Yes, please.

0:05:37 > 0:05:40We'll put it in and hope it pours out a profit on the day.

0:05:40 > 0:05:43I hope so, that will be lovely, won't it?

0:05:43 > 0:05:45- Thank you very much, Muriel. - Thank you.

0:05:45 > 0:05:49Well, it seems Muriel is absolutely delighted with Michael's valuation,

0:05:49 > 0:05:51what a great way to start the show.

0:05:51 > 0:05:56Next up is Charlie who has an intriguing find to show Thomas.

0:05:56 > 0:05:58Tell me about your medal.

0:05:58 > 0:05:59I saw it in a charity shop

0:05:59 > 0:06:03and it just took my eye and I decided to buy it, really.

0:06:03 > 0:06:06- Really?- Yeah. - Are you a buyer and seller of items?

0:06:06 > 0:06:11Not to be honest, I just look around and see what's about

0:06:11 > 0:06:13and what takes my fancy, really.

0:06:13 > 0:06:15So why did it take your eye? I want to know more.

0:06:15 > 0:06:20It's just really the design of it, and to me it's someone's history.

0:06:20 > 0:06:23I thought it was just something military,

0:06:23 > 0:06:27until I looked at the box and it said something to do with Masonic.

0:06:27 > 0:06:32Established Masonic Outfitters here, Toye and Co, in London.

0:06:32 > 0:06:35This here is United Ancient Order of Druids.

0:06:35 > 0:06:36Now, Masonic items,

0:06:36 > 0:06:38there are people who do collect it.

0:06:38 > 0:06:40Personally I've never seen

0:06:40 > 0:06:43a United Ancient Order of Druids medal before.

0:06:43 > 0:06:45We've got this Maltese cross design.

0:06:45 > 0:06:48This is all silver, you haven't given it a clean or anything.

0:06:48 > 0:06:50Quite nicely engraved, et cetera, around here.

0:06:50 > 0:06:53And you've got these two Druids

0:06:53 > 0:06:55standing either side of the field,

0:06:55 > 0:06:57and an armorial on the top.

0:06:57 > 0:06:59This would be probably silver gilt here,

0:06:59 > 0:07:01so it's actually quite an interesting item.

0:07:01 > 0:07:06On the back of the medal it has got a description of who it was given to.

0:07:06 > 0:07:09- If we turn it over and we have got it on here, have we?- Yeah.

0:07:09 > 0:07:12We've got presented to Brother JC Goodrum

0:07:12 > 0:07:16for introducing members, 1915.

0:07:16 > 0:07:17What did you pay for it?

0:07:17 > 0:07:19- I paid £10 for it.- Really?- Yeah.

0:07:19 > 0:07:21And that was how many years ago?

0:07:21 > 0:07:23That was probably about four or five years ago.

0:07:23 > 0:07:25You've done jolly well, really.

0:07:25 > 0:07:28I think we're going to do better than your £10.

0:07:28 > 0:07:31- I think we might get you between £40 and £60.- That's all right then.

0:07:31 > 0:07:35We'll put it in for that and I think we'll put a reserve on at least 20.

0:07:35 > 0:07:36How does that grab you?

0:07:36 > 0:07:37That's fine, yeah.

0:07:37 > 0:07:40So, what will you do with it, the money?

0:07:40 > 0:07:44Well, going to split it, take some home for myself

0:07:44 > 0:07:46and cos my mum's got arthritis,

0:07:46 > 0:07:48give some money to the Arthritis Trust.

0:07:48 > 0:07:49Yeah, great.

0:07:51 > 0:07:52Well, Thomas likes it

0:07:52 > 0:07:56and it could just prove to be a very profitable find for Charlie.

0:07:57 > 0:08:00And now it's my turn to have a go at a valuation.

0:08:02 > 0:08:04Phyllis, are you a collector?

0:08:04 > 0:08:06- I am a collector.- You are, are you? - I am, yes.

0:08:06 > 0:08:08So how many pieces do you have?

0:08:08 > 0:08:0950 to 100.

0:08:09 > 0:08:11Do you know what we're talking about?

0:08:11 > 0:08:13You know what this is, don't you? It's Wemyss, yes.

0:08:13 > 0:08:16We've seen it on the show before.

0:08:16 > 0:08:18So, why are you selling this?

0:08:18 > 0:08:22- We've got too many pieces and we're downsizing.- Are you?

0:08:22 > 0:08:23Is this the first to go?

0:08:23 > 0:08:25No, the second to go.

0:08:25 > 0:08:28How much did you pay for this vase?

0:08:28 > 0:08:31- 385.- 385. How long ago was that?

0:08:31 > 0:08:33In the early '90s.

0:08:33 > 0:08:35You know all about Wemyss, obviously.

0:08:35 > 0:08:36I enjoy Wemyss.

0:08:36 > 0:08:39Yes, there's the mark that tells us it's Wemyss.

0:08:39 > 0:08:43The condition is very good, isn't it? Very, very good.

0:08:43 > 0:08:45Wemyss is the brainchild of Robert Heron

0:08:45 > 0:08:49and it is probably the most sought-after Scottish property,

0:08:49 > 0:08:52from the factory in Fife which was started in 1882,

0:08:52 > 0:08:54but I think he got lucky

0:08:54 > 0:08:56by employing Karel Nekola,

0:08:56 > 0:08:59wonderful artist, and look at the decoration.

0:08:59 > 0:09:00Beautiful.

0:09:02 > 0:09:03Wonderful, wonderful.

0:09:03 > 0:09:06There's a big market for Wemyss.

0:09:06 > 0:09:08I think you paid the right money for it, I've got to say.

0:09:08 > 0:09:11I don't think we're going to be in for a big surprise.

0:09:11 > 0:09:12If we put this into auction,

0:09:12 > 0:09:17I think I'd like to put 400 to 500 on this

0:09:17 > 0:09:20and hopefully, just hopefully, we'll get you your money back.

0:09:20 > 0:09:24Let's put 400 to 500 on it with a reserve at 400,

0:09:24 > 0:09:27with discretion, would you be happy with discretion?

0:09:27 > 0:09:29- Maybe.- Maybe.

0:09:29 > 0:09:31Is that yes or no?

0:09:31 > 0:09:33- No.- No, OK.

0:09:33 > 0:09:36You are steering this, you know that,

0:09:36 > 0:09:38I have to go with what you say.

0:09:38 > 0:09:40But the auctioneer might ring you up

0:09:40 > 0:09:42and say can we have a bit of discretion,

0:09:42 > 0:09:44it covers a lot of bases then, doesn't it?

0:09:44 > 0:09:45Well, yes, it does,

0:09:45 > 0:09:47it gets people interested if it is not too high as well.

0:09:47 > 0:09:50You see, you were starting off at a high trade price, £400,

0:09:50 > 0:09:53everybody knows that's its price.

0:09:53 > 0:09:55OK, 400 with discretion, OK, you win.

0:09:58 > 0:10:00Thanks, Phyllis.

0:10:04 > 0:10:07It's hard going, isn't it?

0:10:07 > 0:10:09- I like it.- I know you do.

0:10:09 > 0:10:10But you know what I'm saying,

0:10:10 > 0:10:12everybody wants a bargain in auctions,

0:10:12 > 0:10:14let's face it, that's why people go to auctions,

0:10:14 > 0:10:17otherwise there would be no need for an auction,

0:10:17 > 0:10:18you'd go to an antiques shop

0:10:18 > 0:10:20and there would be a price tag saying £400.

0:10:20 > 0:10:23And then you try and knock the dealer down, still, don't you?

0:10:23 > 0:10:26Come on, you give everyone 10%, why do you give me 20?

0:10:26 > 0:10:28I'll be your new best friend.

0:10:32 > 0:10:34Phyllis might just need a few friends in the sale room

0:10:34 > 0:10:38if this jardiniere is going to make her rather high £400 reserve.

0:10:39 > 0:10:42And from someone who knows just how much she wants,

0:10:42 > 0:10:47to a lady who had no idea about how much her item was worth.

0:10:47 > 0:10:49Lynn has brought in what she originally thought was

0:10:49 > 0:10:52a costume jewellery ring.

0:10:52 > 0:10:55So, Lynn, tell me, why did you come along and bring this ring?

0:10:55 > 0:10:58Well, it's been lying in a box in my drawer

0:10:58 > 0:11:00for at least 20 years now.

0:11:00 > 0:11:04And I've always thought it was just a piece of costume jewellery,

0:11:04 > 0:11:06so I thought that seeing as Flog It! was in town

0:11:06 > 0:11:10I'd come and see whether they could tell me anything more about it.

0:11:10 > 0:11:13So you've come today and you've seen the valuers, the off-screen valuers,

0:11:13 > 0:11:16- and they've told you what these stones are here.- They have.

0:11:16 > 0:11:17- They're not glass, are they?- No.

0:11:17 > 0:11:21- They're a carbon, aren't they? They are diamonds.- They are.

0:11:21 > 0:11:23- What's the stone in the middle? - It's a sapphire.

0:11:23 > 0:11:26It's a sapphire, isn't it? It's a nice blue sapphire,

0:11:26 > 0:11:29not a dark, dark blue with too much aluminium in,

0:11:29 > 0:11:31it's a nice blue sapphire.

0:11:31 > 0:11:33These are lovely diamonds,

0:11:33 > 0:11:35really nice white coloured stones.

0:11:35 > 0:11:38They are also cut in what we call the old-cut style.

0:11:38 > 0:11:41So that helps you date the ring.

0:11:41 > 0:11:43Early Edwardian, I would say.

0:11:43 > 0:11:47I reckon you have got over one and a half carats of diamonds in there.

0:11:47 > 0:11:51- Really?- The little sapphire is of minimal value.

0:11:51 > 0:11:52Although the shank,

0:11:52 > 0:11:55this is what we call the shank on a ring, isn't marked,

0:11:55 > 0:11:56it would possibly be 18 carat gold.

0:11:56 > 0:11:59And this white here would probably be platinum.

0:11:59 > 0:12:00Where did you get it from?

0:12:00 > 0:12:05I inherited it from my, dare I say it, my ex-husband's aunt.

0:12:05 > 0:12:07OK.

0:12:07 > 0:12:10And it was just in a box of assorted things that were left.

0:12:10 > 0:12:12What would you have done with it if you hadn't come here?

0:12:12 > 0:12:16- It probably would have sat in the drawer for another 20 years.- Really?

0:12:16 > 0:12:17Probably.

0:12:17 > 0:12:21- Just sat there.- Yes. More than likely.

0:12:21 > 0:12:22Until my daughters found it,

0:12:22 > 0:12:25after I'd left this mortal coil.

0:12:25 > 0:12:27Are they into jewellery?

0:12:27 > 0:12:28No, they're not.

0:12:28 > 0:12:30The thing is, about diamonds,

0:12:30 > 0:12:32diamonds are worth money when they're over a carat,

0:12:32 > 0:12:33if you want my honest opinion.

0:12:33 > 0:12:36Once you've got a diamond which is one single stone, over a carat,

0:12:36 > 0:12:38it tends to hold its value extremely well.

0:12:38 > 0:12:42- Lots of little stones would no way add up to the figure of just one single stone.- Right.

0:12:42 > 0:12:45But for little stones, set within a pretty setting,

0:12:45 > 0:12:47which is also very clean,

0:12:47 > 0:12:49because it hasn't been worn,

0:12:49 > 0:12:54I would value these diamonds per carat at about £300 a carat.

0:12:54 > 0:12:58So the ring would be worth at auction today about £400 to £600.

0:12:58 > 0:13:02- Right.- Would it be something you would be interested in selling?

0:13:02 > 0:13:06It would be, because as I say, I have no real use for it,

0:13:06 > 0:13:10so I think it would be a shame for it to sit in a drawer

0:13:10 > 0:13:13when somebody else might appreciate it and wear it.

0:13:13 > 0:13:14- It's a fine thing.- Yes.

0:13:14 > 0:13:17I would certainly say one should have a reserve

0:13:17 > 0:13:20- of £400 with a little bit of discretion.- Right. Lovely.

0:13:20 > 0:13:23- Are you going to come to the auction?- Thank you very much. Yes, I'd love to.- Yes.

0:13:23 > 0:13:27I really would, be all part of the experience that today has been as well.

0:13:27 > 0:13:28How has it been, the experience?

0:13:28 > 0:13:31It's been very, very fascinating, I've really enjoyed it.

0:13:36 > 0:13:38Towards the end of the 19th-century

0:13:38 > 0:13:41the Cotswolds was at the centre of an artistic and social group

0:13:41 > 0:13:43that would change design for ever

0:13:43 > 0:13:45and immortalise some of its key players.

0:13:45 > 0:13:48It became known as the Arts and Craft Movement.

0:13:52 > 0:13:54But whilst designer craftsmen

0:13:54 > 0:13:57such as Philip Webb, Ernest Gimson and Edward Burne-Jones

0:13:57 > 0:14:00were highly celebrated in the movement

0:14:00 > 0:14:02and their work is still renowned today,

0:14:02 > 0:14:05there is one leading light in the world of textiles

0:14:05 > 0:14:07which is virtually unknown.

0:14:07 > 0:14:09And that's the name of May Morris.

0:14:12 > 0:14:16Her contribution to the movement was highly influential and heartfelt.

0:14:16 > 0:14:20But she would for ever remain in the shadow of her father,

0:14:20 > 0:14:22a towering figure in the movement,

0:14:22 > 0:14:23William Morris.

0:14:24 > 0:14:26May was born in 1862,

0:14:26 > 0:14:30the youngest daughter of William and his wife, Jane Burden.

0:14:30 > 0:14:33She spent much of her youth here at Kelmscott Manor,

0:14:33 > 0:14:34the family's summerhouse,

0:14:34 > 0:14:39and would eventually come to live here for good in 1923.

0:14:39 > 0:14:42I've come here today to meet her biographer,

0:14:42 > 0:14:45Jan Marsh, to find out more about May and her work.

0:14:48 > 0:14:51Did May choose embroidery as her art form early on?

0:14:51 > 0:14:55May Morris was kind of born into embroidery,

0:14:55 > 0:14:57because her mother, her aunt,

0:14:57 > 0:15:02and all the whole women in the circle were great needle women.

0:15:02 > 0:15:04It is fair to say that her father

0:15:04 > 0:15:07would have been a big influence on her, surely.

0:15:07 > 0:15:10William Morris is the person who actually began

0:15:10 > 0:15:12the whole Arts and Crafts Movement.

0:15:12 > 0:15:16In embroidery he was one of the first people

0:15:16 > 0:15:21to aim to revive the traditional styles and techniques of embroidery.

0:15:21 > 0:15:27Morris made May and her sister use watercolour and drawing to study things

0:15:27 > 0:15:31that they would later translate into embroidery motifs.

0:15:31 > 0:15:34You've got a couple of examples here, haven't you?

0:15:34 > 0:15:38A piece like this with the beautiful wild rose motif.

0:15:38 > 0:15:40Lovely border.

0:15:40 > 0:15:44That would have been studied from the hedgerow round here, in the stylised form,

0:15:44 > 0:15:48and look at the lovely colour scheme,

0:15:48 > 0:15:51very soft, also very vivid colour scheme.

0:15:51 > 0:15:53That must have taken absolutely hours to do.

0:15:53 > 0:15:59Well, yes, embroidery is one of those crafts that is very time-consuming.

0:15:59 > 0:16:03I guess, for May, this was a real love, wasn't it?

0:16:03 > 0:16:08May Morris is very much someone who found enormous pleasure

0:16:08 > 0:16:13in the slow and patient stitching to make it absolutely perfect.

0:16:13 > 0:16:15It is quite a methodical approach.

0:16:15 > 0:16:18At a very early age for a young woman, at the age of 23,

0:16:18 > 0:16:22she took over the running of the embroidery section

0:16:22 > 0:16:24at the family firm, Morris and Co,

0:16:24 > 0:16:28and that is when they would be producing pieces to commission,

0:16:28 > 0:16:32and it would be either stitched by the girls, really,

0:16:32 > 0:16:33in the workshop,

0:16:33 > 0:16:39or it could be sent out as a kit with the design pounced on the fabric.

0:16:39 > 0:16:42Which is a good idea, it's another way of selling something,

0:16:42 > 0:16:45because I know these things in their day were quite expensive.

0:16:45 > 0:16:48They were, yes. It was a fine craft.

0:16:48 > 0:16:50It's a bit like Laura Ashley,

0:16:50 > 0:16:55it's a kind of high-end design and manufacturing business,

0:16:55 > 0:16:56with a specialised house style.

0:16:56 > 0:16:58Yes,

0:16:58 > 0:17:01it was the style they were trying to sell, wasn't it?

0:17:01 > 0:17:05And once you fell in love with one item, then you wanted the next.

0:17:05 > 0:17:08And that is why the honeysuckle design

0:17:08 > 0:17:10which is a fabric design

0:17:10 > 0:17:14and also a wallpaper design, is one of the ones that May designed.

0:17:14 > 0:17:17It looks really quite like her father's work,

0:17:17 > 0:17:19deliberately so,

0:17:19 > 0:17:21because it had to be in the Morris style,

0:17:21 > 0:17:24that is what the customers were paying for.

0:17:24 > 0:17:25That's what they wanted.

0:17:25 > 0:17:30Many people think that May's talents as a pattern designer

0:17:30 > 0:17:33were equal to her father's,

0:17:33 > 0:17:35and that is one good example.

0:17:35 > 0:17:39But, of course, most of her work would have been solo pieces,

0:17:39 > 0:17:40one-off pieces,

0:17:40 > 0:17:43we are moving towards what we'd call studio practice now.

0:17:43 > 0:17:46Rather than workshop.

0:17:46 > 0:17:50And it's really good that the Arts and Crafts Movement embraced women,

0:17:50 > 0:17:52they wanted to encourage them.

0:17:52 > 0:17:54Yes, and in fact the Arts and Crafts Movement

0:17:54 > 0:17:56was a very positive development in relation to women,

0:17:56 > 0:17:59because, and particularly with this textile arts, embroidery,

0:17:59 > 0:18:02because it was something that you didn't need

0:18:02 > 0:18:04a great deal of equipment for,

0:18:04 > 0:18:06you didn't need specialised premises,

0:18:06 > 0:18:10but you could pursue your own design and become an artist.

0:18:10 > 0:18:12It was labour intense,

0:18:12 > 0:18:14you didn't need a lot of financial capital, either, did you?

0:18:14 > 0:18:19And May Morris was, of course, the leader of this movement,

0:18:19 > 0:18:23and she was not only an embroiderer of immense skill

0:18:23 > 0:18:25and a designer too, but she was also a teacher.

0:18:25 > 0:18:28She taught in what is now Central St Martins,

0:18:28 > 0:18:30she taught at Birmingham School of Art.

0:18:30 > 0:18:33How was embroidery viewed at the time?

0:18:33 > 0:18:38Was it more an accessory to dressing some woodwork, or fine art?

0:18:38 > 0:18:42Actually, embroidery was a very major part of the Arts and Craft,

0:18:42 > 0:18:45of the formal Arts and Crafts exhibitions,

0:18:45 > 0:18:47and it was very highly regarded.

0:18:47 > 0:18:51But it's a sort of orphan craft, in a way,

0:18:51 > 0:18:53it kind of gets forgotten and overlooked,

0:18:53 > 0:18:56and one reason for that is that it is very fragile,

0:18:56 > 0:19:00and the other problem I think is that sadly

0:19:00 > 0:19:03very few of the works were ever signed.

0:19:03 > 0:19:04And without an attribution...

0:19:04 > 0:19:07Without the provenance, that's the key thing, isn't it?

0:19:07 > 0:19:08That's where the value is.

0:19:08 > 0:19:10Exactly. They become devalued.

0:19:10 > 0:19:15And so I kind of urge people in the crafts and textile arts now,

0:19:15 > 0:19:18please, sign and date your work,

0:19:18 > 0:19:21because otherwise later generations

0:19:21 > 0:19:23won't know who to attribute it to.

0:19:39 > 0:19:44We've got our first four items, now we're taking them off to the sale.

0:19:45 > 0:19:47This 200-year-old jug belongs to Muriel,

0:19:47 > 0:19:51Michael has valued it at £70 to £100.

0:19:51 > 0:19:54The Masonic medal that caught Charlie's eye in a charity shop

0:19:54 > 0:19:57that he paid just £10 for.

0:19:58 > 0:20:03The floral jardiniere is an unwanted part of Phyllis' Wemyss collection.

0:20:03 > 0:20:07She's pushing her top dollar bids here, but I'm not so sure.

0:20:07 > 0:20:10And Lynne had a present surprise when we told her this ring

0:20:10 > 0:20:14was certainly not the costume jewellery she'd imagined.

0:20:14 > 0:20:17It's covered in real diamonds and a sapphire.

0:20:17 > 0:20:19So come on, bidders, get your cash ready.

0:20:21 > 0:20:24Our auction is that the salerooms of Moore Allen & Innocent,

0:20:24 > 0:20:26just outside Cirencester.

0:20:26 > 0:20:28And they've been in business since the 1840s

0:20:28 > 0:20:32and today's sale contains a mix of antiques and general items.

0:20:34 > 0:20:36It looks like somebody's selling a complete collection

0:20:36 > 0:20:40of Staffordshire greyhounds all in pairs.

0:20:41 > 0:20:46It must be a dog lover. Obviously someone did own a greyhound.

0:20:48 > 0:20:51Our auctioneer, Philip Allwood, has a very busy day ahead of him,

0:20:51 > 0:20:55with 800 lots in the catalogue, including ours.

0:20:55 > 0:20:56And a reminder here -

0:20:56 > 0:21:00the sellers pay a commission of 15% plus VAT.

0:21:02 > 0:21:05Our first lot is this silver jug, brought in by Muriel.

0:21:05 > 0:21:07We are hoping the slight damage to the handle

0:21:07 > 0:21:08won't put the bidders off.

0:21:10 > 0:21:13You can't get greener than antiques. It's classic recycling.

0:21:13 > 0:21:16They keep going around and around and around,

0:21:16 > 0:21:20and hopefully they go up in price. That's exactly what we want today.

0:21:20 > 0:21:24Because I know you got this little silver cream jug for £5,

0:21:24 > 0:21:27- didn't you?- That's right, yes. - Whereabouts was that?

0:21:27 > 0:21:29In a car-boot sale.

0:21:29 > 0:21:31Muriel, I think you've got great eyes for looking out for bargains.

0:21:31 > 0:21:33Do you know that?

0:21:33 > 0:21:36Because we are looking at, hopefully, around about £100,

0:21:36 > 0:21:39- at the top end of the estimate. - Yes, 70-100.- It's a period piece.

0:21:39 > 0:21:43- OK, it's done the rounds, hasn't it? - It has! It's ended up at a car-boot.

0:21:43 > 0:21:45But it's small, it's collectable.

0:21:45 > 0:21:49You can make a collection of cream jugs. They are very affordable.

0:21:49 > 0:21:51I think it's delightful.

0:21:51 > 0:21:54Well, let's hope we get the top end of Michael's estimate.

0:21:54 > 0:21:56Let's do some recycling! Here we go.

0:21:56 > 0:21:59Lot number 265

0:21:59 > 0:22:04is the George III helmet-shaped cream jug, by Solomon Houghham.

0:22:04 > 0:22:091794. Who will start me? £100 to start me?

0:22:12 > 0:22:16Good-looking little piece there. 100. 80?

0:22:17 > 0:22:19£50?

0:22:19 > 0:22:24£50 I'm bid there. 55. 60. 65. 70.

0:22:24 > 0:22:2875. At 75. 80 there. At 80 here.

0:22:28 > 0:22:29At 85.

0:22:31 > 0:22:3490? At £85.

0:22:35 > 0:22:38He is calling for 90. We've got 85.

0:22:39 > 0:22:4190. New blood.

0:22:41 > 0:22:4595, if you like, sir. 95. 100, where we wanted to start.

0:22:45 > 0:22:47110 if you like, sir. 110.

0:22:47 > 0:22:52120. At 120 on my left now.

0:22:54 > 0:22:56At £120. 120...

0:22:58 > 0:23:01Excellent! £120.

0:23:01 > 0:23:05- That is brilliant recycling, isn't it?- Yes. Marvellous, isn't it?

0:23:05 > 0:23:07It's going to go around and around again.

0:23:07 > 0:23:10Somebody will have that for three or four years and move it on again.

0:23:10 > 0:23:12Someone will lose some money along the way

0:23:12 > 0:23:14and someone will make a bit more.

0:23:14 > 0:23:15That's how it works!

0:23:15 > 0:23:17And we'll see it in ten years' time on Flog It!

0:23:17 > 0:23:20- Yeah. Well done, you. - Thank you very much.

0:23:20 > 0:23:22And quite right, too.

0:23:22 > 0:23:25It was a beautiful piece when it was made 200 years ago

0:23:25 > 0:23:27and it's still beautiful now.

0:23:27 > 0:23:29Next, it's the Masonic medal

0:23:29 > 0:23:32that Charlie bought for £10 in a charity shop.

0:23:32 > 0:23:35They must have put it in the window for you that morning for you

0:23:35 > 0:23:36to spot it, that's all I can say.

0:23:36 > 0:23:38- Probably.- Do you do the tour every day?

0:23:38 > 0:23:42No, I don't. It was an impulse buy at the time.

0:23:42 > 0:23:45- How much, £10?- £10, yes.

0:23:45 > 0:23:48And hopefully we are going to get 40 right here, right now.

0:23:48 > 0:23:53- That's great, isn't it?- Has that happened to you, Paul?- No! Never.

0:23:54 > 0:23:55Well done!

0:23:55 > 0:23:58Good luck. It's going under the hammer right now.

0:23:59 > 0:24:05And lot number 185 is the George V Masonic jewel.

0:24:05 > 0:24:06Cracking-looking piece.

0:24:06 > 0:24:09You've got to be an important Mason for this one, I'm sure.

0:24:09 > 0:24:10Who will start me at 50?

0:24:11 > 0:24:13£30?

0:24:14 > 0:24:18Well, 20, then. There must be 20. 20 I'm bid. 25.

0:24:18 > 0:24:1930.

0:24:19 > 0:24:2035.

0:24:20 > 0:24:22- This is good.- Yes.- 40.

0:24:23 > 0:24:2445.

0:24:24 > 0:24:26At 45 now.

0:24:26 > 0:24:30At 45 on my right here. At 45. 50 anywhere?

0:24:31 > 0:24:33At £45...

0:24:34 > 0:24:38That's a very good result. Excellent result. Great spotting.

0:24:38 > 0:24:42- Congratulations!- Well done. You must be happy.- Cheers, thanks.

0:24:42 > 0:24:45Obviously there is commission to pay.

0:24:45 > 0:24:49Despite the commission, Charlie has more than trebled his money.

0:24:51 > 0:24:54Next, we are selling Phyllis's jardiniere.

0:24:54 > 0:24:57She paid £385 for it five years ago.

0:24:57 > 0:25:00But I'm doubtful that she's going to see much more today.

0:25:01 > 0:25:03Unfortunately, we don't have Phyllis,

0:25:03 > 0:25:06but this is Paul, Phyllis's son.

0:25:06 > 0:25:10- I know this is your first auction, isn't it?- Yeah, so quite exciting.

0:25:10 > 0:25:14- Come on, come on, are you going to buy anything?- We shall see!

0:25:14 > 0:25:18There's a few items I've looked at, but maybe I'll come back.

0:25:18 > 0:25:19It's packed.

0:25:19 > 0:25:21I hope they all want to buy a bit of Wemyss,

0:25:21 > 0:25:23because right now it's going under the hammer

0:25:23 > 0:25:26and hopefully Paul can get on the phone and tell Phyllis,

0:25:26 > 0:25:29who is somewhere in the Panama Canal, we've sold it.

0:25:29 > 0:25:31It's going under the hammer right now.

0:25:34 > 0:25:39Piece of Wemyss. And that is the large, trumpet-shaped vase there.

0:25:40 > 0:25:43Who will start me? It should be 500, really. 300?

0:25:45 > 0:25:50I can start you here at 280 on the book. It looks cheap at 280.

0:25:51 > 0:25:55At 280. I'll take 290 if it helps. 280...

0:25:55 > 0:25:57300. 310.

0:25:57 > 0:26:00320. At 320... 330 now.

0:26:02 > 0:26:05At 320. 330 anywhere?

0:26:07 > 0:26:08At £320.

0:26:10 > 0:26:11At 320...

0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Struggling.- 330 anywhere?

0:26:14 > 0:26:16- Struggling.- At £320.

0:26:16 > 0:26:18You're all out in the room.

0:26:19 > 0:26:20At 320...

0:26:22 > 0:26:27- It didn't sell. Ever so sorry. - It's OK. You can't always win.

0:26:27 > 0:26:31- At least it's quite easy to pick up and put back in the car.- Yeah.

0:26:31 > 0:26:35- It's not like a chest of drawers. - No.- Mum will be disappointed.

0:26:35 > 0:26:36She will be, but I'm sure there's

0:26:36 > 0:26:39a space on the shelf it can go back onto.

0:26:39 > 0:26:42Or you might just inherit this collection.

0:26:42 > 0:26:45- Maybe I'll get this piece for being here today.- Thank you so much.

0:26:45 > 0:26:46Thank you very much.

0:26:46 > 0:26:49Well, at least Paul's looking on the bright side.

0:26:49 > 0:26:51And talking of bright, we have that sparkling diamond

0:26:51 > 0:26:54and sapphire ring up next.

0:26:54 > 0:26:57And the great thing about a Flog it! valuation day is you can bring

0:26:57 > 0:27:00items along just like you did, find out all about them

0:27:00 > 0:27:02and exactly what they're worth.

0:27:02 > 0:27:05Because you thought this ring was costume jewellery, didn't you?

0:27:05 > 0:27:11- I did.- So what a pleasant surprise when Thomas said £400-£600!

0:27:11 > 0:27:14- I was flabbergasted, I must admit. - Were you?- Yes, I really was.

0:27:14 > 0:27:17- It was a very pleasant surprise.- It's a good job you never gave it away,

0:27:17 > 0:27:22- thinking it was only worth £6. - Absolutely. Yes.

0:27:22 > 0:27:25Well, it excited Thomas, it sparkled in the room.

0:27:25 > 0:27:27Hopefully it's going to sparkle here today.

0:27:27 > 0:27:29We just need two or three keen bidders.

0:27:29 > 0:27:32- Let's find out how it goes, shall we?- Yes.- Good.

0:27:32 > 0:27:35This is the lozenge-shaped diamond and sapphire ring.

0:27:38 > 0:27:41Super quality little ring here. Should be 500, really.

0:27:43 > 0:27:45Start me at 400.

0:27:45 > 0:27:47300? At 300 I'm bid.

0:27:47 > 0:27:50300. 320.

0:27:50 > 0:27:51340. 360.

0:27:51 > 0:27:53380.

0:27:53 > 0:27:55- 400.- We've done it.

0:27:55 > 0:27:57420. 440 now?

0:27:57 > 0:27:59At 420.

0:27:59 > 0:28:02At 420. Good-looking ring at 420.

0:28:02 > 0:28:04420...

0:28:06 > 0:28:07440 now?

0:28:09 > 0:28:12At £420... Are you sure now?

0:28:12 > 0:28:14At 420...

0:28:16 > 0:28:18Hammer's gone down. £420. That's good.

0:28:18 > 0:28:21- Yes, better than sitting in the drawer.- Exactly.

0:28:21 > 0:28:24- And don't forget, there is commission to pay.- That's right.

0:28:24 > 0:28:28- No, that's lovely.- Happy shopping! - Happy shopping, yes!

0:28:28 > 0:28:30Thank you very much indeed.

0:28:30 > 0:28:33It makes you want to rush off and check our your old sock drawer

0:28:33 > 0:28:36just in case there's something valuable hidden at the back.

0:28:36 > 0:28:37Well, don't do it just yet

0:28:37 > 0:28:41because we have more exciting auction action later on in the show.

0:28:52 > 0:28:55Now, it may not be the biggest or the most ornate, but this

0:28:55 > 0:28:59rare gem of a Jacobean country house has something very special about it.

0:29:01 > 0:29:04This is Chastleton House in Oxfordshire,

0:29:04 > 0:29:06and it was here in the 1990s

0:29:06 > 0:29:09that a brand-new experiment in conservation was launched.

0:29:14 > 0:29:17When the National Trust acquired Chastleton House,

0:29:17 > 0:29:18they adopted a new approach.

0:29:18 > 0:29:22Rather than restore this wonderful Jacobean building

0:29:22 > 0:29:27back to its former glory, they decided to leave it as found.

0:29:27 > 0:29:29Now, I'm in the main kitchen to the house,

0:29:29 > 0:29:32and this was in daily use right up until 1952.

0:29:32 > 0:29:35And the soot-blackened ceiling above me

0:29:35 > 0:29:39hasn't been cleaned for nearly 400 years.

0:29:39 > 0:29:42And when I say soot-blackened, I really mean soot-blackened.

0:29:42 > 0:29:46Look at that! Isn't that incredible?

0:29:46 > 0:29:47Gosh!

0:29:47 > 0:29:49HE LAUGHS

0:29:49 > 0:29:51You could scrape that off, couldn't you, with a chisel?

0:29:51 > 0:29:56And in a way, you look up there and you don't really mind it.

0:29:56 > 0:30:00After a while, I could probably live with that. But my wife would go mad.

0:30:00 > 0:30:02She would.

0:30:02 > 0:30:06In 1991, this hands-off approach went against many years

0:30:06 > 0:30:08of National Trust policy.

0:30:08 > 0:30:11Usually, they dress a house to represent one notable time

0:30:11 > 0:30:15in history - redecorating, changing fittings and bringing

0:30:15 > 0:30:20in furniture, to illustrate how the house might just have looked.

0:30:20 > 0:30:21But here at Chastleton

0:30:21 > 0:30:25they saw an opportunity to experiment with something different.

0:30:25 > 0:30:27The house had been in the same family

0:30:27 > 0:30:32since it was built in 1612, and had somehow escaped the updates

0:30:32 > 0:30:36and makeovers experienced by so many country houses.

0:30:36 > 0:30:39So the Trust realised that by keeping the family's

0:30:39 > 0:30:41mix and match of taste of furniture,

0:30:41 > 0:30:43wall hangings and decor, the house would appear

0:30:43 > 0:30:48frozen in time at the point their conservators first arrived.

0:30:48 > 0:30:52The National Trust have also left more recent redecoration untouched.

0:30:52 > 0:30:56This room was fitted out with bookcases in 1850

0:30:56 > 0:30:57to be used as a library.

0:30:57 > 0:31:01But what's not in keeping with the library is this mad red wallpaper.

0:31:03 > 0:31:06This striking red wallpaper was hung by the family 100 years later

0:31:06 > 0:31:11in the 1960s, and is totally out of keeping with the style of the room.

0:31:11 > 0:31:12But instead of stripping it off

0:31:12 > 0:31:16and restoring the room to how it might have looked in 1850,

0:31:16 > 0:31:17after much debate,

0:31:17 > 0:31:21the National Trust decided to leave the wallpaper in place.

0:31:22 > 0:31:23I like it.

0:31:23 > 0:31:25It's very eccentric, and I'm pleased they kept it,

0:31:25 > 0:31:29because it shows the house has been lived in by a family.

0:31:33 > 0:31:37While it may look like the National Trust haven't done much work here

0:31:37 > 0:31:40they have done the important things, spending six years

0:31:40 > 0:31:44and a huge amount of money repairing the roof, replacing wiring

0:31:44 > 0:31:47and defending against damp.

0:31:47 > 0:31:49Their policy was to protect Chastleton House

0:31:49 > 0:31:54but not disturb the character that reflects its 400 years of life.

0:31:54 > 0:31:58I've come to the oak-panelled hall to meet the house steward,

0:31:58 > 0:32:00Sebastian Conway.

0:32:00 > 0:32:02So what is the philosophy behind the National Trust

0:32:02 > 0:32:05leaving Chastleton House as found?

0:32:05 > 0:32:08Well, it was a giant leap forward, really.

0:32:08 > 0:32:12Instead of taking this house back to a glory day

0:32:12 > 0:32:16in the 18th, 19th century, to really show our visitors

0:32:16 > 0:32:19and public how we found Chastleton, this treasure house,

0:32:19 > 0:32:21if you like, this time capsule of a property,

0:32:21 > 0:32:25which has been unaltered really by any sense of modernity.

0:32:25 > 0:32:28So how do you balance conservation against restoration?

0:32:28 > 0:32:30What do you do?

0:32:30 > 0:32:33Well, the approach at Chastleton is to do a little and often,

0:32:33 > 0:32:35but never going overboard.

0:32:35 > 0:32:38Never really affecting how the house looks too much, and trying to,

0:32:38 > 0:32:40- importantly, keep it as we found it. - Yeah.

0:32:40 > 0:32:43And what's the evidence in, let's say, this room alone,

0:32:43 > 0:32:45of how you found it?

0:32:45 > 0:32:46Well, if you look around,

0:32:46 > 0:32:49you'll see there's the peeling lining paper all around the room.

0:32:49 > 0:32:52- The cracks which have appeared. - I can see that now, yeah.

0:32:52 > 0:32:55There are the cobwebs in the house and particularly in this room here.

0:32:55 > 0:32:59There's also a fine layer of dust on the furniture and panelling.

0:32:59 > 0:33:02- Is that a hand print there? - Yeah, it's pretty evident here.

0:33:02 > 0:33:05If I run my finger across, just how much dust is coming off on my hand.

0:33:05 > 0:33:07So, yes.

0:33:07 > 0:33:10And there is a story, really, about when the first conservators were

0:33:10 > 0:33:13here spraying the cobwebs with hairspray to make them last longer.

0:33:14 > 0:33:18What about dust on the furniture? Did you polish anything?

0:33:18 > 0:33:21Because I'm looking at things and everything is really, really dry.

0:33:21 > 0:33:25- The panelling is dry, the tables look dry.- It's dry, yes.

0:33:25 > 0:33:29We don't polish, we don't wax. Basically, we just brush.

0:33:29 > 0:33:31And we brush very occasionally, maybe once a week,

0:33:31 > 0:33:33and that's really a rarity.

0:33:33 > 0:33:35Most things get brushed once a season,

0:33:35 > 0:33:37so it's once a year for us at Chastleton.

0:33:37 > 0:33:40Chastleton House is unlike any other

0:33:40 > 0:33:42National Trust property I've been to.

0:33:42 > 0:33:44You can really feel a sense of history

0:33:44 > 0:33:46and the passing of time, cobwebs and all.

0:33:46 > 0:33:48It gives the house a unique character,

0:33:48 > 0:33:52and the experiment has proved such a success that the Trust

0:33:52 > 0:33:56is adopting it for other, larger stately homes.

0:34:03 > 0:34:06Back at our valuation day at the Corn Hall in Cirencester,

0:34:06 > 0:34:09there is still a good crowd all wanting their antiques valued.

0:34:09 > 0:34:12So let's join up with our expert Michael.

0:34:12 > 0:34:13He's with Annie and Vic,

0:34:13 > 0:34:16who have two vases they are desperate to sell.

0:34:18 > 0:34:22- Can you tell me where you got them from?- They belonged to my mother.

0:34:23 > 0:34:27She was actually gifted them by an elderly pair of ladies

0:34:27 > 0:34:32who ran a nursing home in Swindon many years ago,

0:34:32 > 0:34:35in gratitude, I think, when she left.

0:34:35 > 0:34:39She was unfortunate enough to be given these two vases...

0:34:39 > 0:34:43- Unfortunate enough?- Well, she hated them. She absolutely hated them.

0:34:43 > 0:34:44As we do!

0:34:44 > 0:34:48She died a few years ago and I haven't taken them out

0:34:48 > 0:34:52- until today, really.- We've just left them at the back of a bookcase.

0:34:52 > 0:34:55- So your mother hated them?- Yes.

0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Vic, you...- I think they're hideous.- You hate them.

0:34:58 > 0:35:01- And I really hate them. - You really hate them.

0:35:01 > 0:35:04Well, I would normally say thank you for bringing them to Flog It! today,

0:35:04 > 0:35:07but you obviously wanted to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

0:35:07 > 0:35:12- Yeah.- Has anyone ever said these might be this, or they're this old?

0:35:12 > 0:35:16- All I know is that they are in Dutch Delft.- Dutch Delft.

0:35:16 > 0:35:19- We did have them valued.- In 1997.

0:35:19 > 0:35:22- Ooh!- And somebody told my mother they could be worth

0:35:22 > 0:35:25between perhaps £200-£400 on a very good day.

0:35:25 > 0:35:28That would be an extraordinarily good day in 1997.

0:35:28 > 0:35:31I think it would be a very good day, yes.

0:35:31 > 0:35:33So, first of all, it's a bit of a misnomer

0:35:33 > 0:35:36- that we have a pair of vases. We haven't.- Right.

0:35:36 > 0:35:39We've got two vases that are exactly the same.

0:35:39 > 0:35:41And that's a big difference.

0:35:41 > 0:35:46The scenes on these matter and this is a religious one.

0:35:46 > 0:35:50And I think it's Jesus sowing seeds in a field.

0:35:50 > 0:35:52And we can tell they're not a pair

0:35:52 > 0:35:54because it's the same scene on both vases

0:35:54 > 0:35:56and they do not face each other.

0:35:56 > 0:35:5918th-century and 19th-century pairs of vases

0:35:59 > 0:36:01always worked as a group, so one would oppose the other.

0:36:03 > 0:36:05These were made in such large numbers,

0:36:05 > 0:36:08somebody at some stage has put two together.

0:36:08 > 0:36:09Oh, right.

0:36:09 > 0:36:11And said that's a pair.

0:36:11 > 0:36:14They are Delft, and Delft is basically a pottery body,

0:36:14 > 0:36:18an earthenware body with a white tin glaze over the top

0:36:18 > 0:36:22to imitate, originally, Chinese porcelain.

0:36:22 > 0:36:24We've got the chips.

0:36:24 > 0:36:27Now, they don't necessarily mean they are very early,

0:36:27 > 0:36:28because Delft chips.

0:36:28 > 0:36:33And I think, having looked at these, that these aren't 18th-century,

0:36:33 > 0:36:37but probably date to the beginning or the middle of the 19th century.

0:36:37 > 0:36:41Which would also fit in with the religious scenes, because there

0:36:41 > 0:36:46were much more religious ceramics produced around 1800 to 1850.

0:36:46 > 0:36:49In terms of value, I think

0:36:49 > 0:36:52whoever valued them at 200 to 400 thought they were 18th-century.

0:36:52 > 0:36:55And had they been early 18th-century,

0:36:55 > 0:36:57that's absolutely right.

0:36:57 > 0:37:02I think these are sensibly worth £80-£100 at auction,

0:37:02 > 0:37:08and we should put a fixed reserve, if you want them back, of...

0:37:08 > 0:37:10- of...- No! - Maybe we shouldn't.

0:37:10 > 0:37:14- Shall we put a slightly lower reserve on them of £60?- I think so.

0:37:14 > 0:37:16£60.

0:37:16 > 0:37:20They've had their day in my family. Let somebody else enjoy them, yeah?

0:37:20 > 0:37:23We'll find someone in the auction who isn't like you or Vic.

0:37:23 > 0:37:26- Someone who will love some!- Yes! I'm sure you will! Possibly.

0:37:29 > 0:37:33Let's join our expert Thomas, who is with Arthur and Maggie.

0:37:33 > 0:37:36And he's finding out that Maggie has some hidden talents.

0:37:38 > 0:37:42I want to know about your badges here. What are they all about?

0:37:42 > 0:37:47- That one was when I did a couple of wing walks.- Wing walks?

0:37:47 > 0:37:50And the second one I did when I was 75.

0:37:50 > 0:37:53- So you did wing-walking at 75?- Yes.

0:37:54 > 0:37:58- Wing-walking at 75 - wow! - And parachute jumping.

0:37:58 > 0:38:00- I've done two parachute jumps as well.- What, in tandem?

0:38:00 > 0:38:03Oh, yes. I wouldn't go on my own!

0:38:03 > 0:38:05I'd never have got to the bottom!

0:38:05 > 0:38:06SHE LAUGHS

0:38:06 > 0:38:08Well, you're a very, very brave woman.

0:38:08 > 0:38:11So planes have obviously been a part of your life for some time.

0:38:11 > 0:38:15- Probably from my father, yes. - There he is in the First World War.

0:38:15 > 0:38:17That's right. That was the First World War.

0:38:17 > 0:38:21- He was an engineer, is that right? - He was an engineer, yes.

0:38:21 > 0:38:23And he worked in the Royal Flying Corps.

0:38:23 > 0:38:26So this here, RFC, is the Royal Flying Corps,

0:38:26 > 0:38:31- which predates the RAF.- Yes. - So this was First World War.- Yes.

0:38:31 > 0:38:32Aeroplanes, etc.

0:38:32 > 0:38:35He was in the First World War and the Second World War, yes.

0:38:35 > 0:38:38- What was his name? - Theodore Frederick.

0:38:38 > 0:38:43- Theodore Frederick Saunders. - Theodore Frederick Saunders. Wow!

0:38:43 > 0:38:45So... Air Board Technical Notes.

0:38:45 > 0:38:48It's quite a dry book, really, isn't it?

0:38:48 > 0:38:52- Yes.- But what's nice is it's stamped Royal Flying Corps.

0:38:52 > 0:38:55So it's a very interesting book, but a bit dry.

0:38:55 > 0:38:59I understand. I don't know what else to do with it.

0:38:59 > 0:39:01This book is actually quite interesting.

0:39:01 > 0:39:07OK, it's technical notes again, but it's got pictures of all the planes.

0:39:07 > 0:39:08That's right.

0:39:08 > 0:39:11And as a schoolboy, I remember doing the First World War

0:39:11 > 0:39:15in my history lessons and we learnt about the Sopwith Camel.

0:39:15 > 0:39:18- Right. - And the other Sopwith biplanes.

0:39:18 > 0:39:22And while flicking through, I found all these technical drawings

0:39:22 > 0:39:24- and details of the Sopwith biplane. - Yes.

0:39:24 > 0:39:28- It's quite interesting, isn't it? - Yes, very. I have looked through it.

0:39:28 > 0:39:32And certainly, from this period, there isn't much about,

0:39:32 > 0:39:34- so it does have a value.- Right.

0:39:34 > 0:39:39- But also, being quite rare, it also doesn't have a massive market.- No.

0:39:39 > 0:39:41- So we are not looking at lots of money.- No.

0:39:41 > 0:39:43It's going to be under £50, I'm afraid.

0:39:43 > 0:39:47- No, that's all right.- It's going to be 30 to 50.- Yes. Right.

0:39:47 > 0:39:49- Are you happy with that? - Put in a lower estimate.

0:39:49 > 0:39:52I put 50 but it can go at a lower estimate.

0:39:52 > 0:39:54We can put it in at £30, can we?

0:39:54 > 0:40:00- We'll probably reserve it at around £30.- Yes.- But it could make more.

0:40:00 > 0:40:03- Yes.- Just because the interest in militaria,

0:40:03 > 0:40:07the Royal Flying Corps and WWI is a high peak, at the moment.

0:40:07 > 0:40:11- Where have they been, in your house? - In the drawer, upstairs.

0:40:11 > 0:40:14So unfortunately, they're...

0:40:14 > 0:40:16My son is up in Scotland,

0:40:16 > 0:40:20- I don't think he's very aircraft-minded.- Oh, no.

0:40:20 > 0:40:23No, I don't think that, to him,

0:40:23 > 0:40:25they would be of great value,

0:40:25 > 0:40:26if you know what I mean.

0:40:26 > 0:40:28Well, we look forward to seeing you both at the auction -

0:40:28 > 0:40:30no more wing-walking before the auction.

0:40:30 > 0:40:32They won't let me, unfortunately.

0:40:32 > 0:40:36Come on, Maggie! At your age, you should be settling down

0:40:36 > 0:40:39to something more gentle - maybe bungee jumping?

0:40:41 > 0:40:43That is absolutely lovely.

0:40:43 > 0:40:47That is making me buzz - I'm quite excited about that.

0:40:47 > 0:40:50- Is that something you want to sell? - No.- It's a gorgeous brooch.

0:40:50 > 0:40:52Is it silver or not?

0:40:52 > 0:40:53It's not silver.

0:40:53 > 0:40:58I think a novelty brooch like that is worth around about £40-£50,

0:40:58 > 0:40:59because it's so individual.

0:40:59 > 0:41:03If that was silver, it'd be £300-£400.

0:41:04 > 0:41:07Napoleon Bonaparte was fascinated by bees.

0:41:07 > 0:41:08The service factory

0:41:08 > 0:41:10actually made all his dinner services for him -

0:41:10 > 0:41:11you know, the fine porcelain -

0:41:11 > 0:41:15they hand-painted little bees on all the saucers.

0:41:15 > 0:41:17And he wore bees on his tunics.

0:41:17 > 0:41:19Oh, that is beautiful.

0:41:21 > 0:41:23There's certainly plenty to keep our workers busy here,

0:41:23 > 0:41:26but looks like Michael's on a tea break.

0:41:26 > 0:41:28He's with Tim, who's brought in some classic silver.

0:41:30 > 0:41:32Tim, thank you for bringing in

0:41:32 > 0:41:35this absolutely breathtaking teapot and stand.

0:41:35 > 0:41:38- Lovely, isn't it?- It's wonderful.

0:41:38 > 0:41:40What do you know about it?

0:41:40 > 0:41:43I... It's not a family heirloom.

0:41:44 > 0:41:46I bought it to give to my parents

0:41:46 > 0:41:49for their golden wedding anniversary in 1982.

0:41:49 > 0:41:53- Right. - And, uh...I bought it in London

0:41:53 > 0:41:56and I know that it's by Peter and Ann Bateman.

0:41:56 > 0:41:58Well, Bateman is a great name to conjure with

0:41:58 > 0:42:02and the dynasty really starts off with Hester

0:42:02 > 0:42:08and she managed a whole workshop of silversmiths

0:42:08 > 0:42:12and produced a range of affordable silver.

0:42:12 > 0:42:15And then, of course, we've got the following generation.

0:42:15 > 0:42:17We've got Peter, Ann and William.

0:42:17 > 0:42:21And there are various combinations of their marks in partnership,

0:42:21 > 0:42:25but in this case, we're dealing with...Peter and Ann Bateman.

0:42:25 > 0:42:26Peter and Ann.

0:42:26 > 0:42:30And we've got the date there for 1792.

0:42:30 > 0:42:31The engraving here,

0:42:31 > 0:42:35this wonderful, late 18th century, bright-cut engraving,

0:42:35 > 0:42:39which became all the fashion, simply because they improved

0:42:39 > 0:42:41the quality of the steel

0:42:41 > 0:42:43on the burins that they were using

0:42:43 > 0:42:46to the point where, rather than just scratching a line,

0:42:46 > 0:42:50they could scoop out areas of the surface,

0:42:50 > 0:42:53and as it did that, it brightly polished them.

0:42:53 > 0:42:56So you get this...almost faceting, with the engraving

0:42:56 > 0:42:58and its wonderful borders.

0:42:58 > 0:43:00And we've got the original cartouche here

0:43:00 > 0:43:02and those initials are...

0:43:02 > 0:43:04- Match that.- Exactly match that.

0:43:04 > 0:43:08And we've got here, really rather attractive,

0:43:08 > 0:43:11- the carved ivory pineapple finial. - Yeah.

0:43:11 > 0:43:12If you think how rare pineapples were

0:43:12 > 0:43:17at the end of the 18th century, hugely expensive,

0:43:17 > 0:43:20and if you had a valued guest at your house

0:43:20 > 0:43:22and could afford it,

0:43:22 > 0:43:24you would serve a pineapple.

0:43:24 > 0:43:27- So it became the symbol of welcome...- Yeah?

0:43:27 > 0:43:29..which is why we've got it used there.

0:43:29 > 0:43:33Wow - I mean, they're super pieces and they're in lovely condition.

0:43:33 > 0:43:37Dare I ask? In 1982, were they, um...?

0:43:37 > 0:43:41- London isn't the cheapest place to buy a piece of silver.- It's not.

0:43:41 > 0:43:45- Um...I think I paid £400.- £400.

0:43:45 > 0:43:49- At the time, Americans were buying Bateman silver in droves.- Yes.

0:43:49 > 0:43:52- The price of silver was high.- Yes.

0:43:52 > 0:43:55It was worth every penny of £400 when you bought it.

0:43:55 > 0:44:01I think it would be prudent to put an estimate of £700-£1,000 on it

0:44:01 > 0:44:04and a fixed reserve of £700.

0:44:04 > 0:44:06- But...- Good.

0:44:06 > 0:44:10Delightful to see wonderful Georgian silver on Flog It!

0:44:10 > 0:44:12Thank you, Tim, for bringing them in.

0:44:12 > 0:44:13They've made my day.

0:44:13 > 0:44:15Michael certainly loves his silver -

0:44:15 > 0:44:18that's two nice items, ready for auction.

0:44:18 > 0:44:20We've just got enough time for one more evaluation.

0:44:20 > 0:44:24Thomas is with Chris, who's brought in a beautifully decorated cross.

0:44:27 > 0:44:30- Thank you for bringing along your cross, Chris.- Thank you.

0:44:30 > 0:44:32- And this is your daughter. - Hannah.- Hannah.

0:44:32 > 0:44:36- Hannah wanted to bring some jewellery, so...- Yeah.

0:44:36 > 0:44:39- And did you get it valued?- Yes. - Not a positive result, then.

0:44:39 > 0:44:41- Not worth anything. - Oh, that's a shame.

0:44:41 > 0:44:46So, Chris, this is your item. What do you know about it?

0:44:46 > 0:44:50Well, I think it's Italian and I didn't really know anything else.

0:44:50 > 0:44:52How did it come into your possession?

0:44:52 > 0:44:55Um...my mum gave it me and I've just had it for a long time.

0:44:55 > 0:44:57- And your mother had it from...? - I've got no idea.

0:44:57 > 0:45:00- And where's your family from? Are they from...?- Warwickshire.

0:45:00 > 0:45:05- But nowhere else?- No, no Italians. - From foreign fields?- No.

0:45:05 > 0:45:09Maybe your grandmother would've picked it up - did they travel?

0:45:09 > 0:45:12I don't know - I mean, I think Mum just had it a long time

0:45:12 > 0:45:14and I've had it years.

0:45:14 > 0:45:16- She gave me a few things. - What have you been doing with it?

0:45:16 > 0:45:20- I've just had it in a jewellery box. - Really?- I've never worn it.

0:45:20 > 0:45:25So...as to, sort of, origins, we know it's Italian.

0:45:25 > 0:45:28Date, it's probably about 1850s, so mid-Victorian.

0:45:28 > 0:45:29It's the kind of thing...

0:45:29 > 0:45:31The reason I asked if your family travelled,

0:45:31 > 0:45:34- it's the kind of thing you'd pick up on a grand tour.- Oh.

0:45:34 > 0:45:38If you were a Catholic from Britain, you might be in Rome

0:45:38 > 0:45:42and so you buy it to take back with you as a memento of your trip.

0:45:42 > 0:45:45- These are what we call micro-mosaic.- Oh.

0:45:45 > 0:45:47So it's lots of little, tiny shards of glass

0:45:47 > 0:45:50inlaid to make a picture.

0:45:50 > 0:45:52And it's set in, sort of, a base metal.

0:45:52 > 0:45:56So I wouldn't imagine it to be gold, it is a base metal.

0:45:56 > 0:45:57But it's widely collected.

0:45:57 > 0:46:00Then you've got the symbolism here to do with Christ -

0:46:00 > 0:46:03the ladder which went to take Christ off the cross,

0:46:03 > 0:46:06the dove of peace, the Holy Spirit

0:46:06 > 0:46:07and the pillar, I have no idea.

0:46:07 > 0:46:09I literally do not know.

0:46:09 > 0:46:12And the flowers, I'm sure they're just decoration on there.

0:46:12 > 0:46:14It's been finely done.

0:46:14 > 0:46:17I love this type of stuff. I really do. I think it's wonderful.

0:46:17 > 0:46:18It's lovely and colourful.

0:46:18 > 0:46:23Regarding value, I think it's worth between £150-£200.

0:46:23 > 0:46:26I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if it made about £200,

0:46:26 > 0:46:29but I would suggest a reserve at 150, with discretion.

0:46:29 > 0:46:33- Yeah.- Which is sort of 10%-20% below that bottom estimate.

0:46:33 > 0:46:36- Are you happy to flog it?- Yes, yeah. - Yes?- Yeah, that's fine.

0:46:36 > 0:46:40- Do you like it?- It's OK, yeah. - It's just OK.- I like the flowers.

0:46:40 > 0:46:41The flowers are pretty, aren't they?

0:46:41 > 0:46:44- So you're going to come to the auction?- Oh, yes, yeah.

0:46:44 > 0:46:45You won't be able to.

0:46:45 > 0:46:47- It's on a school day. - It is, unfortunately.

0:46:47 > 0:46:51- But we look forward to seeing you, Chris.- Thank you very much.

0:46:52 > 0:46:54We'll all be in for a few lessons at the saleroom,

0:46:54 > 0:46:58especially the economics of just how much that cross is worth.

0:46:58 > 0:46:59Our lots are going off

0:46:59 > 0:47:03to Moore Allen and Innocent's Cirencester saleroom

0:47:03 > 0:47:05and this is what we're taking with us...

0:47:05 > 0:47:07Two identical 19th century vases

0:47:07 > 0:47:10which Annie and Vic can't stand the look of.

0:47:10 > 0:47:14Maggie and Arthur's technical air books are a real slice of history

0:47:14 > 0:47:18and her father's special connection makes it quite unique.

0:47:18 > 0:47:21The micro-mosaic cross, brought in by Chris and Hannah,

0:47:21 > 0:47:24took a lot of detailed work to make.

0:47:24 > 0:47:26Let's hope the bidders appreciate it.

0:47:26 > 0:47:28And we have Tim's silver teapot and stand -

0:47:28 > 0:47:31a lovely example dating from the 1790s

0:47:31 > 0:47:35and clearly marked as the work of the Bateman family.

0:47:35 > 0:47:36Michael loves it,

0:47:36 > 0:47:41but auctioneer Philip Allwood thinks it could be overpriced.

0:47:41 > 0:47:43This looks absolutely fabulous -

0:47:43 > 0:47:46I'm not a big teapot person, but this, to me,

0:47:46 > 0:47:50looks more like a centrepiece, doesn't it?

0:47:50 > 0:47:53Well, if you wanted to find an example of a Georgian teapot,

0:47:53 > 0:47:55this has got to be it.

0:47:55 > 0:47:57The shape is exactly what you'd expect...

0:47:57 > 0:47:58By Bateman, late 18th century.

0:47:58 > 0:48:01- It's got everything going for it, hasn't it?- Yeah.

0:48:01 > 0:48:06- A classy piece.- Very, very smart. Perfect in every way.

0:48:06 > 0:48:08I just, ideally, would be liking to see it...

0:48:08 > 0:48:10I know what you're saying...

0:48:10 > 0:48:14- ..at more, like, £400-£500, than... - £700-£1,000, yeah.

0:48:14 > 0:48:17- There's a fixed reserve at £700. - Yeah.

0:48:17 > 0:48:19There's only one thing will stop this selling.

0:48:19 > 0:48:24I think we're just slightly on the high side.

0:48:24 > 0:48:28But a good thing - if you wanted to buy one, this is a good example.

0:48:28 > 0:48:29Yeah. Fingers crossed.

0:48:31 > 0:48:33- And everything else.- Both of them.

0:48:35 > 0:48:37We'll stay with crosses right now,

0:48:37 > 0:48:39because our first item to go under the hammer

0:48:39 > 0:48:42is the Italian micro-mosaic cross belonging to Chris.

0:48:43 > 0:48:45- Been in the family a fair bit of time?- Yes, a while, yes.

0:48:45 > 0:48:48- And it's never been worn. - I've never worn it, no.

0:48:48 > 0:48:50I don't remember my mum ever wearing it.

0:48:50 > 0:48:53It's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

0:48:53 > 0:48:56- But I do know you've had a chat with Philip, haven't you?- Yeah.

0:48:56 > 0:48:59You're slightly worried about the valuation.

0:48:59 > 0:49:00You just want this to sell

0:49:00 > 0:49:04and Philip's advised you to drop the reserve right down.

0:49:04 > 0:49:06- He's going to use his discretion. - That's right, yeah.

0:49:06 > 0:49:10- So it could go for a lot less. - That's fine, quite happy with that.

0:49:10 > 0:49:12We're going to find out, Thomas -

0:49:12 > 0:49:14I know you're not really happy about that,

0:49:14 > 0:49:16because I know there is quality in this.

0:49:16 > 0:49:19Yes, just...I don't like things being given away, but, you know...

0:49:19 > 0:49:22We are in the open market and the open market's going to decide.

0:49:24 > 0:49:28And 355 is the Italian gold-coloured crucifix pendant

0:49:28 > 0:49:29with the micro-mosaic decoration.

0:49:29 > 0:49:32Super piece - what'll you give me for this? Who'll start me?

0:49:34 > 0:49:37Should be a couple of hundred, really. Start me at 100. £100.

0:49:38 > 0:49:4080.

0:49:41 > 0:49:44£50, to get on. 50 bid, thank you.

0:49:44 > 0:49:46Come on...it's a low start.

0:49:46 > 0:49:47At £50...five...

0:49:47 > 0:49:50No-one likes giving anything away to start with.

0:49:50 > 0:49:52They wait till it gets as low as possible.

0:49:52 > 0:49:54Got to be cheap at 55. 60, anywhere?

0:49:54 > 0:49:5960. At £60. Five. 70. Five.

0:49:59 > 0:50:0180...80. Five.

0:50:01 > 0:50:04At £85 on the left, here.

0:50:04 > 0:50:07At £85. It's selling at 85...

0:50:08 > 0:50:10At £85 - 90, if you like.

0:50:11 > 0:50:14- 90.- Ooh... - At £90, still cheap at 90.

0:50:14 > 0:50:15Five if you like, sir.

0:50:15 > 0:50:17At £90, it's on my right.

0:50:18 > 0:50:21At £90 - you all sure?

0:50:21 > 0:50:23Selling here on my right at 90...

0:50:25 > 0:50:26Good - well, it's gone.

0:50:26 > 0:50:29- So...we're pleased.- Yes.- I know Thomas is a little disappointed.

0:50:29 > 0:50:32No - I thought it would've made a little bit more. But, you know...

0:50:32 > 0:50:34Then again, it is a religious work of art

0:50:34 > 0:50:36and they do not sell as well as they should.

0:50:36 > 0:50:41- No. It does put a lot of buyers off. Well done.- Thank you very much.

0:50:41 > 0:50:43Thomas was clearly a little disappointed there,

0:50:43 > 0:50:45but the auctioneer knew his stuff

0:50:45 > 0:50:48and his advice to drop the reserve was spot-on.

0:50:48 > 0:50:51So, will he be right about this next item?

0:50:51 > 0:50:56Michael's valued this silver teapot and stand at £700-£1,000.

0:50:56 > 0:50:59But the auctioneer thinks it just might struggle.

0:50:59 > 0:51:02It belongs to Tim - unfortunately, he can't be with us today,

0:51:02 > 0:51:06but we do have Michael, our expert, that put the £700-£1,000 on this.

0:51:06 > 0:51:07Had a chat with the auctioneer

0:51:07 > 0:51:10and we both thought this was just so tasteful -

0:51:10 > 0:51:12it's exquisite, it really is.

0:51:12 > 0:51:16- It's beautiful design, lovely condition.- Good makers.

0:51:16 > 0:51:19And Bateman - fantastic name.

0:51:19 > 0:51:21And everything matches, all the armorials,

0:51:21 > 0:51:23the crests are all the same.

0:51:23 > 0:51:25We have seen silver selling extremely well here today.

0:51:25 > 0:51:28I think the trade are here, covering all the silver lots,

0:51:28 > 0:51:29so hopefully ours is no exception.

0:51:29 > 0:51:32Let's hope we get top money because it's a choice piece.

0:51:32 > 0:51:34If you're going to buy a teapot, buy this one.

0:51:34 > 0:51:36It's going under the hammer now.

0:51:37 > 0:51:41George III silver teapot and stand there by Peter and Ann Bateman.

0:51:41 > 0:51:44What's it going to be for this? Super little lot.

0:51:45 > 0:51:47Where are you going to be for that? Who'll start me?

0:51:49 > 0:51:50Start at 800?

0:51:51 > 0:51:53Five?

0:51:53 > 0:51:57Well, I can start you here on the book at 440.

0:51:57 > 0:51:59On the book here at 440.

0:52:01 > 0:52:03At 440, good piece there at 440.

0:52:03 > 0:52:08460. 480. At 480, here. 500, now.

0:52:10 > 0:52:16At 480. At 480. 500. 520. 540.

0:52:16 > 0:52:19560. At 560, 580, now.

0:52:20 > 0:52:21At 560.

0:52:23 > 0:52:25At 560, looks a good piece here at 560.

0:52:25 > 0:52:28580. 600.

0:52:28 > 0:52:33620. 640. 660. 680.

0:52:33 > 0:52:37700. On my left is 700. Book's out now at 700.

0:52:37 > 0:52:39Someone's got a good buy, I think.

0:52:39 > 0:52:40720, if you like, now?

0:52:41 > 0:52:44At £700. On my left is 700. 720 anywhere?

0:52:47 > 0:52:50At £700, sure now? It's selling.

0:52:50 > 0:52:52At 700...

0:52:53 > 0:52:57- Sold.- Sold.- Just.- Just. Skin of its teeth.

0:52:57 > 0:52:59I think there was one really interested buyer...

0:52:59 > 0:53:00And no-one else to push him.

0:53:00 > 0:53:03No-one else to push him up. He did very well.

0:53:03 > 0:53:04Yeah, he did, yeah.

0:53:05 > 0:53:07Just made it - Tim should be happy

0:53:07 > 0:53:12because he's nearly doubled the £400 he paid for it almost 30 years ago.

0:53:14 > 0:53:17Two items that most definitely won't be welcomed back

0:53:17 > 0:53:19are the vases brought by Annie and Vic.

0:53:21 > 0:53:24- Are you feeling nervous or are you excited?- Um...

0:53:24 > 0:53:26- Or both?- Sceptical.

0:53:26 > 0:53:27- LAUGHING:- Oh-ho-ho!

0:53:27 > 0:53:30- I'm feeling quite positive, actually.- Are you?

0:53:30 > 0:53:32Yeah, we got two Delft vases going under the hammer.

0:53:32 > 0:53:34£80 - got to be worth it, Michael.

0:53:34 > 0:53:37Well, we've aimed a little lower at 60.

0:53:37 > 0:53:40They didn't like them. I must say, they're not my cup of tea,

0:53:40 > 0:53:41- because they're not period...- Yeah.

0:53:41 > 0:53:44..he said, in a low voice, before anyone could hear him.

0:53:44 > 0:53:45But hopefully they're £60-worth

0:53:45 > 0:53:47to someone who wants to put them on the dresser.

0:53:47 > 0:53:50- Nice shape, as well, like the shape.- Hm...yeah.

0:53:50 > 0:53:53- Oh, come on, cheer up! - I think they're revolting, but...

0:53:53 > 0:53:55HE LAUGHS

0:53:55 > 0:53:57Look, there's no accounting for taste.

0:53:57 > 0:54:01Somebody out there - we know who you are - will absolutely love these.

0:54:01 > 0:54:03They're going under the hammer right now.

0:54:03 > 0:54:06Pair of 19 century Dutch Delftware vases.

0:54:09 > 0:54:12Good-looking pieces, there. Where are you going to be for those?

0:54:12 > 0:54:13Are they 100?

0:54:16 > 0:54:1850, to get on.

0:54:19 > 0:54:22£30. £30, a bid there at 30.

0:54:22 > 0:54:26At £30 - five. 40. Five. 50. Five.

0:54:26 > 0:54:28Got some bidding going on over there, look.

0:54:28 > 0:54:30They like them. They want them.

0:54:30 > 0:54:31They're mad.

0:54:31 > 0:54:34Might be a Dutch clergyman, you never know.

0:54:34 > 0:54:38100. And five. 110. 120.

0:54:38 > 0:54:41At 120 on my right, there, 120. 130, now.

0:54:42 > 0:54:44At £120, right in front of me, then.

0:54:44 > 0:54:46At 120...130, new bidder.

0:54:46 > 0:54:49- Late licks!- 130 by the door, now.

0:54:49 > 0:54:51- 130, 140, now.- This is great, Ann.

0:54:51 > 0:54:53£130. It's on my left, then.

0:54:53 > 0:54:55At 130.

0:54:56 > 0:54:58Yes! Brought it down at £130 - you see?

0:54:58 > 0:55:01Half a dozen people in the room absolutely loved them.

0:55:01 > 0:55:03Crazy!

0:55:03 > 0:55:04I'm glad to see the back of them.

0:55:04 > 0:55:07- I said there's no accounting for taste.- Well pleased.

0:55:07 > 0:55:11- Hm? Happy, now?- Yes, I am. - That's what it's all about.

0:55:11 > 0:55:12That's what it's all about, isn't it?

0:55:12 > 0:55:15- What can I say? Praise be!- Yes.

0:55:17 > 0:55:19Annie had no faith her vases would sell,

0:55:19 > 0:55:21but in the end, they went for £10 more

0:55:21 > 0:55:23than the top end of Michael's estimate.

0:55:23 > 0:55:24Now hoping to fly high

0:55:24 > 0:55:28with her WWI technical aircraft manuals and notes

0:55:28 > 0:55:30is wing-walking pensioner Maggie.

0:55:32 > 0:55:34Are you ready for this, Maggie and Arthur?

0:55:34 > 0:55:36- I most certainly am. - Maggie's always ready.

0:55:36 > 0:55:38- Maggie is a wing walker, aren't you?- Yes.

0:55:38 > 0:55:42- What was it like up there? - Fantastic. Fantastic.

0:55:42 > 0:55:44I'd do it again if they'd let me, but they won't.

0:55:44 > 0:55:46And we're talking about this -

0:55:46 > 0:55:50two technical flying manuals with two photographs of your father.

0:55:50 > 0:55:53My father - one in the First World War and one in the second one.

0:55:53 > 0:55:55- Incredible.- Yeah.

0:55:55 > 0:55:57- Has anyone else in the family done a wing walk?- No.

0:55:57 > 0:55:59They're all too chicken, aren't they?

0:55:59 > 0:56:01I've got to say, you're very brave. I wouldn't do it.

0:56:01 > 0:56:04- I wouldn't do it, Thomas. - I don't think you'd get me up there.

0:56:04 > 0:56:07A little bit agoraphobic with big, high spaces,

0:56:07 > 0:56:08seeing the ground beneath me.

0:56:08 > 0:56:12- She's done parachuting as well. - And you've done parachuting!

0:56:12 > 0:56:13- Have you done any?- No way!

0:56:13 > 0:56:16Gosh - so you watch from the ground below

0:56:16 > 0:56:17and you're like, "Oh, gosh! Oh, gosh!"

0:56:17 > 0:56:20- All for charity.- Aw, all for charity.

0:56:20 > 0:56:22Good luck. Good luck. Let's see what this does.

0:56:22 > 0:56:25- Let's see if this flies away, shall we? Here we go.- I hope so!

0:56:25 > 0:56:29The WWI Department of Aircraft production technical notes.

0:56:31 > 0:56:34There we go. Couple of little volumes, there.

0:56:34 > 0:56:36Again, good wartime memorabilia, there.

0:56:36 > 0:56:39Who'll start me? Should be 50 to get on, really.

0:56:39 > 0:56:41£30.

0:56:41 > 0:56:45At £30, a bid here at 30. At £30, in front of me. Five, now.

0:56:47 > 0:56:49At £30. Got to be cheap at £30.

0:56:49 > 0:56:53Five. 40. Five. 50.

0:56:53 > 0:56:57Five. 60. At £60, in front of me, now.

0:56:57 > 0:57:01Five. 70. Five. 80. Five.

0:57:01 > 0:57:03- 90.- This is going well.

0:57:03 > 0:57:05Well, this is good!

0:57:05 > 0:57:08Five. 100, sir? 100.

0:57:10 > 0:57:11At 100, here, now.

0:57:11 > 0:57:14Gracious me - I would never have believed that.

0:57:14 > 0:57:16At £100, then. You sure, now?

0:57:16 > 0:57:19In front of me at...110, back here.

0:57:19 > 0:57:20120, if you like, sir?

0:57:20 > 0:57:21At 110.

0:57:22 > 0:57:24Have another, you're here now.

0:57:24 > 0:57:25At 110 - 120, if you like?

0:57:28 > 0:57:31At 110, it's right at the back, then, at 110...

0:57:31 > 0:57:36- Sold - £110. - Oh, that's unbelievable!

0:57:36 > 0:57:38That could pay for another wing walk,

0:57:38 > 0:57:39if you were allowed to do it!

0:57:39 > 0:57:42We got £110 - now, what are you going to do with that?

0:57:42 > 0:57:44It'll go to charity, some of it,

0:57:44 > 0:57:48but we've got our 60th wedding anniversary coming up next week.

0:57:48 > 0:57:50Oh, congratulations!

0:57:50 > 0:57:52And we'll take the family out for a meal.

0:57:52 > 0:57:56You've got to do that, haven't you? Oh, what a wonderful celebration.

0:57:56 > 0:57:57Thank you.

0:57:57 > 0:58:01Well, let's hope Maggie keeps her feet on the ground at the party.

0:58:01 > 0:58:03What a terrific result to end the programme -

0:58:03 > 0:58:07£110 was more than double Thomas' top estimate.

0:58:07 > 0:58:10If you've got any antiques and collectables you want to sell,

0:58:10 > 0:58:11we'd love to see you,

0:58:11 > 0:58:13but you've got to come to one of our valuation days

0:58:13 > 0:58:15and you can check the details in your local press

0:58:15 > 0:58:17or you can log on to...

0:58:21 > 0:58:23Click F for Flog It, follow the links

0:58:23 > 0:58:26and hopefully, we'll be coming to a town very near you soon.

0:58:26 > 0:58:28So, come on, bring them along.