0:00:02 > 0:00:06That is a fantastic backdrop for our venue today - Truro City Cathedral.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09It's wonderful for me to be back in my home county of Cornwall.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Hundreds of people are queueing up in the rain with bags and boxes.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17They want to ask that very important question - what's it worth?
0:00:17 > 0:00:20- When you've found out, what will you do?- Flog it!
0:00:41 > 0:00:45It is just starting to rain, so we'll get everybody inside now.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49It's 9.30. It's time to open the doors of this magnificent cathedral.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Don't go away. Keep watching the show.
0:00:52 > 0:00:58There's one or two surprises. We found some real gems out there and we'll show you in there.
0:01:01 > 0:01:07Building work started on the cathedral in 1880 and it was completed in 1910.
0:01:07 > 0:01:13That's a marvellous achievement - 30 years to build all of this, a real architectural delight.
0:01:13 > 0:01:19It was a massive undertaking because they copied the great cathedrals of the medieval era.
0:01:19 > 0:01:25Looking around, they've certainly achieved wonders. Your eyes just gravitate up towards the heavens.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29It's only one of three cathedrals in the country to have three spires
0:01:29 > 0:01:32and it's the first cathedral to be built in this country
0:01:32 > 0:01:36on a new site since Salisbury Cathedral was, back in 1220.
0:01:46 > 0:01:53Our two fabulous experts leading our team of valuers today are David Barby and David Fletcher.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56David Barby's first job was as a choirboy aged eight,
0:01:56 > 0:02:01so he should feel at home hitting the high notes in Truro Cathedral.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03That's lovely, isn't it?
0:02:03 > 0:02:06David Fletcher's no choirboy, but as a child,
0:02:06 > 0:02:10he was hooked on the antiques series in the '60s, Going For A Song.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13That's what I like to hear.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18Coming up today, John and Pat's statue catches the appreciative eye of David Barby.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22If I look at this figure, there are two highlights.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24We might have a new double act.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- Another fine mess you've got me into here!- Sure have!
0:02:28 > 0:02:31And all David Barby's dreams come true at once.
0:02:31 > 0:02:38We'll find out what's got David so excited later on, but first, he's feeling bookish with Edith's items.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43- Edith, why are you getting rid of these bookmarks? - I didn't intend getting rid of them.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- I found them in a box today when I was bringing some other things to show you.- Right.
0:02:48 > 0:02:54- You'd never used them for their original purpose?- No.- They're quite beautiful. Who owned them?
0:02:54 > 0:02:58This one was from my father-in-law, a Scottish doctor.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02And this one was from my nan, who brought me up.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04She was no relation. She was a nanny.
0:03:04 > 0:03:10This one that belonged to your father who was Scottish is in the form of a Scottish sword.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15If you look at the little pommel here, it's inlaid with what we term as Scottish pebbles.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Those are semi-precious stones.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20That's rather nice,
0:03:20 > 0:03:24although the hallmark there is for Birmingham 1936.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26So it's got some age to it.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31- And if this was polished, it would look wonderful.- Oh, right.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36This other one is just brass, but at the end here, it has an agate, like a Scottish agate.
0:03:36 > 0:03:42So the two are linked. It's rather appropriate that we're in Truro Cathedral
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and we have this wonderful cross at the upper section there.
0:03:45 > 0:03:52That's rather nice. You could imagine that on a family Bible or Common Prayer, something like that.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56My nan who brought me up, she used to read her Bible every day.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- You're selling a family...- I didn't know I was until I came here.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04There are collectors of bookmarks and you get a huge variety.
0:04:04 > 0:04:10The more interesting ones like this one here, the Scottish sword, you'll find a collector at auction.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14I think they'll realise somewhere between £20 and £40.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- That sort of price range.- Yes, yes.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24The sentiment might be too great to let them go at that figure, but they're interesting for collectors.
0:04:24 > 0:04:31If you don't use them, if they've been stuck in a box, they'll go back home to be stuck in a box again,
0:04:31 > 0:04:37- so at least you could sell these and get some good books. Thank you for bringing them along.- Thank you.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Edith was lucky that her bookmarks were spotted by our valuers,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48but Rosie's collection is more prominent.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- Another fine mess you've got me into here!- Sure have!
0:04:52 > 0:04:56I don't know that much about Laurel and Hardy, but I'll do my best.
0:04:56 > 0:05:02- That one is Charlie Chaplin. - Charlie Chaplin has sneaked in as well. I hadn't even noticed him.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Laurel and Hardy were both born in the 19th century
0:05:06 > 0:05:09and lived well into the 20th century.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12I think they both lived certainly after 1950.
0:05:12 > 0:05:18They, I think I'm right in saying, made their first film in the 1920s.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23They had worked individually up until that time, then their careers took off.
0:05:23 > 0:05:29And you have a good collection of Laurel and Hardy related material.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32And have you collected it yourself?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36No, it was given to me by my... He's now my ex-boyfriend's brother.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I had my eye on them and now that we're not together,
0:05:39 > 0:05:43there's no point in keeping them cos they're just cluttering up in a box.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- They don't have a sentimental value.- No.
0:05:45 > 0:05:51The almost lifelike busts at the front, copyright of 1984,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55so they're no more than 30 years old, really.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- Have you any idea what the collection is worth?- No, I don't.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04OK, I think we've got to really be ultra-conservative
0:06:04 > 0:06:11because although I'm sure there are ardent collectors of Laurel and Hardy material out there,
0:06:11 > 0:06:17I think they're going to be looking for items that relate to Laurel and Hardy's own lifetime.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- Right, yeah.- Theatre programmes, cinema bills, that sort of thing.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25So we've got to be mindful of that.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29I would be inclined to put an estimate of £50 to £80 on them
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- and I think with the best will in the world, sell without reserve.- OK.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- Have you any idea what you'd spend the money on?- Yes, both my children.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42I want to start a savings account for when they either go to uni...
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- Don't ask me for financial advice! - I won't.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49But if you do that, by the time they come to university age,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53you'll have done pretty well for them, so that's lovely.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55I'm certain they'll do OK.
0:06:55 > 0:07:02These days, sales go online and there might be a collector and we might have a pleasant surprise.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- We'll do our best for you and I look forward to seeing you at the sale. - Thank you very much.
0:07:07 > 0:07:14'With no sentimental attachment, Rosie is happy to let her Laurel and Hardy collection go with no reserve.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19'I've stopped to look at a painting brought in by Diana and Nick.'
0:07:19 > 0:07:23I love that. That is so typical of the Scottish Highlands.
0:07:23 > 0:07:28Look at the perspective. You're just drawn into that lake, aren't you?
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Look, what I've found is MacWhirter,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35John MacWhirter, that's the artist, and it's also signed.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40It could be worth £400 to £500 in good condition. It's got its original frame.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44But what's putting me off is that water damage.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48'Sometimes giving a valuation can be a tricky business.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52'You have to be confident about the authenticity of an item.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56'But it's not always easy. Even I can get caught out. Well, nearly.'
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- Can I just take a look at this with a glass? Do you mind? - Of course. Yes.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07If I show you something here, you can see it's not a watercolour.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- Really?- No, it's a print. - My goodness! A print?
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Oh, my goodness!
0:08:14 > 0:08:16What a surprise!
0:08:16 > 0:08:23If you look through this with a light, you can identify hundreds of tiny little dots that go together
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- to make up a print.- Oh, my goodness!
0:08:25 > 0:08:30We're looking at something that's possibly worth around about...£5 to £10.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33LAUGHTER
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Have a look at this.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41- Oh, yes.- Well, I think... - It was worth bringing it in.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45It can go back in the attic in the damp. You don't need to worry.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Oh, dear!
0:08:48 > 0:08:53'That was a close shave, but David Barby has no doubts about the provenance
0:08:53 > 0:08:58'of the little object brought in by Barbara and Norman.'
0:08:58 > 0:09:00This is an exquisite little object.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Now, it's exquisite because it's a piece of
0:09:04 > 0:09:07a needlewoman's equipment.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- Who's keen on needlework? Is it you, Barbara, or is it you, Norman?- Neither of us.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15How did you get hold of this?
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- My mum gave it to me when I was a little girl.- Right.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23I like it because, first of all, it's a miniature piece of furniture.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26This looks like a knife box,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28covered in tortoiseshell veneer,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31with a little brass plaque on the top
0:09:31 > 0:09:33that we call a cartouche.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36So I open this little press section here
0:09:36 > 0:09:40and then see that it's divided into various compartments,
0:09:40 > 0:09:45filled with needles in little paper folds.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50There's one, two, three, four that haven't got any.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54At the side here, you've got the name of the retailer
0:09:54 > 0:09:57which is "W Lund, 24 Fleet Street".
0:09:57 > 0:09:59That was London.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04And if I can just take one of these little needle sections out...
0:10:04 > 0:10:12The needles were made by "Shrimpton & Hooper, Albion Works, Studley".
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Now, in that area, close to Redditch,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17they made needles.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20So this is a beautiful example
0:10:20 > 0:10:24for a collector of needlework requisites.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28How much is it worth? We're not talking about hundreds of pounds.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32But I think somebody is going to pay between £50 and £80,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34that sort of price range.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- How many more have you got at home, Barbara?- Only the one.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Why are you getting rid of this? It doesn't take up room in your house.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Well, we haven't got any children.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- Spend the money on a meal out?- Yes.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51I don't blame you. If you don't use it, what's the point in having it?
0:10:51 > 0:10:53I like it, I must admit.
0:10:53 > 0:10:54It's just on the side.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- It's stuck on the side in a cabinet? - In the Welsh dresser.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- Yes, sell it.- Yes.- Or should I say, flog it?- Flog it, that's it.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04We'll do our best for you.
0:11:08 > 0:11:15Next up Clyde has brought in a little plate with an unusual provenance to show David Fletcher.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18I had it nearly 40 years ago.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23Someone gave me a pot plant and it was standing on this plate.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26So, it came free with your pot plant.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31It came with a pot plant. I think it was a cacti in those days.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33That's long since gone I expect?
0:11:33 > 0:11:40The cacti has gone, but the plate, once one realised the age of it,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43one put it away and took a bit of care of it.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45I'm glad you did.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48It would have been made not in Cornwall, as you might expect,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51but in Staffordshire.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55It is a type of pottery known as pearlware,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58and that refers to the nature of the glaze.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02It has a moulded border,
0:12:02 > 0:12:08decorated with leaves and these might be oak apples.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11The centre is transfer printed in blue and white.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16It commemorates the death
0:12:16 > 0:12:21of the late and, as it says, much lamented Charlotte of Saxe Cobourg,
0:12:21 > 0:12:26who was George IV's only daughter,
0:12:26 > 0:12:31and who died, as it tells us here, in 1817,
0:12:31 > 0:12:39the day after she gave birth to a son, who tragically died.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42And her death was indeed much lamented.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46I think very largely because, had she survived,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50she would eventually have become Queen Charlotte of England.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54And, commemorative china relating to the royal family
0:12:54 > 0:12:58from this date is rare, it's early.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- You had an idea that it was of some value obviously.- Mmm.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05It's true to say that it has got a bit of damage.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- Bit of damage, two cracks. - Two longish hairline cracks,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12which are a problem.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16I must say, condition is always important but, in a case like this,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19I think it's less important than it might otherwise be
0:13:19 > 0:13:23because the plate is rare and highly collectible.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- Collectors will put up with a bit of damage.- Just as well.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32I think the time has come to be able possibly to sell it
0:13:32 > 0:13:35and let somebody else have the pleasure of it.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39Just want to get the benefit of a few quid from it.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41I've got a special birthday this year, so...
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Have you? What's that, 60?
0:13:43 > 0:13:48No, no. A nought but not 60, go up a bit. But, that's beside the point.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50So, I think just be able to treat myself to something.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- A birthday present to yourself. - Just to myself, it can be, yes.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59Good for you. I don't think all the times I've asked people what they are selling things for,
0:13:59 > 0:14:03I don't think anyone's ever said, "To buy myself a birthday present." but that's a good idea.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07I'm the first selfish Cornishman that you've interviewed or what have you!
0:14:07 > 0:14:11I don't think you're being selfish You're being very realistic. You treat yourself.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14If you haven't got children... If not, why not?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17They are not buying you presents, no children to buy you presents.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- That's right.- Good for you.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23It's now time for us to work out exactly what you'll be able to buy.
0:14:23 > 0:14:30I think the damage on this plate is important but not crucial.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32We have got to be mindful of it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:38I would like to say £200 but I don't think I can really.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44I would like to go £100 to £150.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49I'm certain it will find a buyer within that price range, who knows someone might pay a bit more.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51A bit more on the day, yes.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55So, let's hope for the best, put an estimate of £100 to £150 on it
0:14:55 > 0:14:58and a fixed reserve of £100.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Yes, I wouldn't like for it to go for less than that.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03If we're not bid £100, you can have it back.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05I'll take it back, that's right.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Bring it back in ten years when you have your next special birthday.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Right, will do.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20The rugged coastal landscape of Cornwall
0:15:20 > 0:15:22is one of its main attractions.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26It's peaceful, beautiful and home to a wide variety of wildlife.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30But not so long ago, these cliff tops would have reverberated
0:15:30 > 0:15:34with the noise of crushing machinery and the bustle of miners.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43This whole area was once
0:15:43 > 0:15:46no less than the engine room of the Industrial Revolution
0:15:46 > 0:15:48which shaped our modern world.
0:15:48 > 0:15:55Most of the Land's End peninsula is built on granite which was formed 300 million years ago.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58This granite contains an awful lot of tin and copper.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02In fact, there's probably more tin and copper here than anywhere else in the world.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09Many mines were started in Cornwall, but few stayed open for long
0:16:09 > 0:16:15and the landscape now is littered with their remains like Levant Mine here in St Just.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20But Levant was different. It remained open and profitable for 110 years.
0:16:20 > 0:16:26It was the lifeblood of the community and hundreds of families depended on it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31But working conditions were extremely tough
0:16:31 > 0:16:35and also one of the greatest tragedies in Cornish mining history
0:16:35 > 0:16:37ultimately led to Levant's decline.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42The Levant Mining Company was formed in 1820
0:16:42 > 0:16:46and at its peak, employed over 600 men, women and children.
0:16:46 > 0:16:54The miners, often father and son, toiled to break the ore at a rate of four feet a month,
0:16:54 > 0:16:58using a volatile combination of gunpowder and hand-digging.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03The narrow shafts followed the mineral-rich lodes in an almost vertical direction.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08The Levant workings extended one and a half kilometres out into the Atlantic Ocean
0:17:08 > 0:17:12at a depth of 600m below the sea bed.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17In the early days of the mine, the only way up and down the shafts was by ladder.
0:17:17 > 0:17:23At the start and end of each shift, the miners had to climb 1,500 feet through narrow chambers.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26They needed over 90 ladders.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29The climb back up took one and a half hours.
0:17:31 > 0:17:37Now, our present-day preoccupation with health and safety wasn't really shared with 19th century employers.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42Aside from heart and lung disease, accidents through blasting were all too common.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Many, many miners were maimed for life or blinded.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51The average age of a working miner who worked these mines was just 27 years old.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Working conditions were particularly gruelling
0:17:53 > 0:17:55and miners worked by candlelight
0:17:55 > 0:17:58in temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
0:17:58 > 0:18:04It wasn't unusual for a chap to finish his shift 12 pounds lighter than when he started.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09In 1857, Levant installed a new engine to help transport the men up and down.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13It was called the man engine and it acted like a giant pump rod
0:18:13 > 0:18:19with men stepping on and off platforms as it transported them down to the bottom in 30 minutes.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23It could carry 130 men at a time and the shaft is still here today. Take a look.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Incredibly, it is still possible to hear first-hand
0:18:29 > 0:18:34what it was like to work in the mine and to use the man engine from the miners themselves,
0:18:34 > 0:18:38speaking in a BBC documentary made in 1970.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42Every 12 feet, there was a step...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46..about two foot square.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51And about three foot six to four foot six up, there was a handle for you to catch hold of.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55Really, it was safe as anything. A child could ride on it.
0:18:55 > 0:19:02The first day I started, I started with a man, he rode down with me, two on the step.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06You see? And after three days, well, you can get on all right.
0:19:06 > 0:19:12You had to take a candle in your hat and a lantern in your hand for a while.
0:19:12 > 0:19:19And, of course, after that, you put the lantern to one side and you just used the candle.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23When they travelled the man engine, they all started to sing
0:19:23 > 0:19:29and the sound that you heard as it came up through the shaft was out of this world.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31MEN SINGING
0:19:31 > 0:19:36If you could stand on top of that shaft and listen,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39rich, it was, rich.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42HARMONIOUS SINGING
0:19:51 > 0:19:53But the owners of the mine were slow to modernise.
0:19:53 > 0:19:59And despite its success, there was little investment to update or replace machinery.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03After 70 years of use, it was the last working man engine in the world
0:20:03 > 0:20:06and considered a museum piece.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08And then at 2.50pm
0:20:08 > 0:20:14on Monday, the 20th of October in 1919, disaster struck.
0:20:14 > 0:20:20I was about to step in. He said, "Don't step in, boy. There's something wrong."
0:20:20 > 0:20:25And he made a...quiver. And I dodged back and under.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32The manager shook like that and then he dropped away.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34That was that. Down he goes.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47What happened was the main pin on the top broke.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51And then the rod on the way down broke in half.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53That's what done the damage.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58That went right through, see, took everything with it.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11A full shift of men were ascending when suddenly there was an accident.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15The top layer collapsed, crashing down 100 feet below.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21It went through different layers on its way. 31 men in total lost their lives.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24It took six days to get them out.
0:21:24 > 0:21:30This tragedy hastened the decline of the mine and it finally closed in 1930.
0:21:31 > 0:21:37A worldwide drop in the price of tin meant many of Cornwall's mines became unprofitable
0:21:37 > 0:21:42in the decades that followed. The industry is practically extinct.
0:21:42 > 0:21:48After the mine closed, the engines were blown up for scrap and many of the buildings were demolished,
0:21:48 > 0:21:52their stone used to build houses elsewhere.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57One engine was saved and so began a remarkable preservation project.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02Today the site is looked after by the National Trust.
0:22:02 > 0:22:08I've come here to talk to Chris Quick about the Levant's beam engine.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10What's the significance of this?
0:22:10 > 0:22:17As far as I know, it's the only working steam engine in Cornwall still in its original house.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- It was installed in this mine in 1840.- Wow!- And worked for 90 years.
0:22:21 > 0:22:27- Gosh. She's seen some life. - What would you get today to do that?
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- What is the function of the engine? - Its sole purpose is to wind the rocks they've cut
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- and bring it to surface. - Can I have a go?- Yes!
0:22:36 > 0:22:42- First, take the brake off.- OK. - Wind it as far as you can... - And that'll turn that wheel there?
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- It turns the brake block. - I can see the brake block rising.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- You're there. - What a wonderful piece of kit.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- OK. Brake's off. - Now you put some steam on.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- Bring that lever towards me. - Wow! Look at that.- That's fine.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Look at that beam work now!
0:23:01 > 0:23:07- Oh, take it off! I've never done this before. More steam?- More steam.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- Keep the engine going now.- So the driver stayed here all day.- Yes.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- Making sure it didn't slow down... - Give it some steam.
0:23:18 > 0:23:24- He would just stay here? - He would stay here, look at the gauge to see where it is.
0:23:24 > 0:23:30- But you only run it for four minutes at a time.- OK.- Just long enough for a skip to come to the surface.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Steady.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40You can hear those pistons working. Everything is so beautifully articulated.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44It's just wonderful to see it working.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48The steam is moving a beam which weighs two tonnes,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51the rod weighs a tonne, crankshaft weighs a tonne
0:23:51 > 0:23:57- and the flywheel weighs four tonnes. - I feel part of its history now. Wonderful.
0:23:57 > 0:24:04'The engine was the last to work on Levant mine. It's final days were used to salvage equipment.
0:24:04 > 0:24:09'After the tragedy, it was used to bring some of the deceased up,
0:24:09 > 0:24:15'so it remains a fitting memorial to those miners who lost their lives, helping to build our world.'
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Here's what's going under the hammer.
0:24:27 > 0:24:33Edith's little bookmarks valued by David Barby at £20 to £40,
0:24:33 > 0:24:38Rosie's Laurel and Hardy collection valued by David Fletcher at £50 to £80,
0:24:38 > 0:24:43Clyde's plate, valued by David Fletcher at £100 to £150
0:24:43 > 0:24:48and Barbara and Norman's needle box valued by David Barby at £50 to £80.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53For today's sale, we've come to picturesque Lostwithiel in the heart of Cornwall.
0:24:53 > 0:24:59Back in 1205, Lostwithiel had the second busiest port on the south coast of England,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01mainly due to the tin mines.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Sadly, there's no port here today,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06but, hopefully, it will be just as busy
0:25:06 > 0:25:10because we're the guests of Jefferys Auction Rooms.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19Auctioneer Ian Morris is on the rostrum and first up, it's Edith and her bookmarks.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Why have you decided to sell these now then?
0:25:22 > 0:25:26I came along to Flog It! with a few items in a box and...
0:25:26 > 0:25:32- Met Mr Barby.- Mr Barby picked these out and they're something I hadn't thought much about.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- They were with other things I thought were more valuable. - I like the association with books.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42There's a great revival for reading books with so many book clubs starting up. I belong to one.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47I don't have an expensive bookmark. I use a piece of paper.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49But I'm not buying!
0:25:49 > 0:25:53Hopefully, someone is. Good luck. Here we go.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00It's a silver hallmarked bookmark, made by J Cook & Sons, dated 1911.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03And one other. Lot 132.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- I've got two bids and I've got to start at £30.- Well done.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10At £30, both bids are with me. I'll take 2.
0:26:10 > 0:26:1332. 35. 38. At £40.
0:26:13 > 0:26:1542. My bids are out. 42 right there.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18I'll take 5 to get on. At £42.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- That's very good.- 45, two of you.
0:26:20 > 0:26:2448? 45, the two of you both can't have it. 48 from one of you?
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- Lots of bookworms. - It's at 48. At 48. At 48.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32At 48. 50 now? At 48. At 48 right at the back.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35At 48. 50? We're done at 48...
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- Yes!- That's good.- Top end, very good. They love their books here.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- Happy?- Yes.- £48, that's great.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46It is a wonderful feeling when things exceed the top end of the estimate.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51- It's not so good when it struggles at reserve. - When it doesn't sell, it's dreadful.
0:26:51 > 0:26:57'What a fabulous result for Edith! It just goes to show it's always worth having a good rummage around.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01'Even little, hidden away objects can have value.
0:27:01 > 0:27:07'Next, Rosie's Laurel and Hardy collection which she inherited from her ex-boyfriend's brother.'
0:27:07 > 0:27:11- Now it's time to wave goodbye to Laurel and Hardy, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:27:11 > 0:27:17- Every time you see Laurel and Hardy, do you always think of the ex then? - Yes.- So you can't wait to get rid.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21There is no reserve. Hopefully, they're going to go to a good home.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24There's something for everyone in there.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29Lot 11 there, Laurel and Hardy, a collection of novelty items.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34What shall we say for that? Very quickly. £30 away? £30?
0:27:34 > 0:27:39£30 away? £30 I'm bid. The bid's here with me. 35. £40. 45.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41That's good.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45At 45. I've got the bid on the book. £50. 55. At 55 with me.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- 55. 60 now.- That's great.- £60.
0:27:48 > 0:27:5265. At 65, still here. At £65 with me.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57At £65. 70 now? Are we all done? With me at 65...
0:27:57 > 0:28:01- That was very good, wasn't it? - Yes.- Excellent.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06- You're going out to celebrate now? - No, it's going into my children's savings account.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11- Good idea.- We've got them off to a flying start. That's really good. I'm thrilled.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15- So am I. Thank you for letting me flog it.- That's OK.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18'Well, it's big smiles all round.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21'ext up, it's Clyde's plate, but will the damage put people off?'
0:28:21 > 0:28:24I never knew this would be worth so much
0:28:24 > 0:28:26even with two hairline cracks in it.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30We had a chat to the auctioneer and he says it's really rare.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32Well, I hope I'm right.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35The great thing about this particular plate is it's early.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37You see lots of commemorative ware
0:28:37 > 0:28:39which relates to the late 19th century,
0:28:39 > 0:28:43but very little from as early as this. That's what I'm pinning my hopes on.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Thank goodness you've looked after it.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49Yes, it's lasted fairly well.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- Nearly 200 years old.- Nearly 200.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Well, I'm starting to tingle now.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57This is what auctions do. It won't be long.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00In fact, we can't talk any more, because it's going under the hammer.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Let's find out what this lot think.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06Rare pearlware commemorative tea plate there.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Princess Charlotte.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Got a crack in, otherwise it'd make a lot more money.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Can I say £100 to start, £100.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17£50, I've got, 50. 60.
0:29:17 > 0:29:1960, here. 70, there, 80.
0:29:19 > 0:29:2290. £100. The bid's with me.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24£100. 110 to get on, at 110.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26The bid's in the middle.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Someone at the back of the room wants this.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30£110, I'm bid. 120 now.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Are we done? At £110.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35£110, the hammer's gone down, well done.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- Right.- Brilliant valuation. - Thank you.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- You've got your 100. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46- Pity about those cracks, but we can't put the clock back. - No, age will tell.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49In the end, David Fletcher was spot-on with his valuation.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53Clyde goes home without the plate, but with a pocket full of cash.
0:29:53 > 0:29:59David and I have just been joined by Barbara and Norman. We've got that needle box going under the hammer.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- Tiny needles. They must have had tiny fingers.- And very good eyesight.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Good luck. It's going under the hammer now.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12172 there is a miniature, hinged, little tortoiseshell stamp box
0:30:12 > 0:30:15with seven individual, graduated compartments,
0:30:15 > 0:30:18made by Lund of Fleet Street, London.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22I've got one, two, three, four bids and I've got to start at £135.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24GASPS
0:30:24 > 0:30:27At 135. At 135.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30140 now? At 135, all the bids are with me.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32My goodness!
0:30:33 > 0:30:35140. At 140. All my bids are out.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38At 140, the bid's still at the back.
0:30:39 > 0:30:45At 140. 145? At £140. I'm selling then at £140...
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Straight in and straight in at £140.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51I knew it was good, but my word!
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Thank you so much.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56What a surprise! Well, happy spending.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00If you've got anything like that at home, we'd love to sell it for you.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Hopefully, there's a valuation day near you soon.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09Check details in your local press or log on to bbc.co.uk/programmes, click F for Flog It!,
0:31:09 > 0:31:14follow the links and hopefully, we are very near a town near you soon, so come along.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Just a few miles from Land's End,
0:31:30 > 0:31:34and perched precariously on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37is what seems like the remains of a Roman amphitheatre.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40It's not Roman. In fact, it's not that old at all.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44It's the brainchild of one woman, Rowena Cade.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54Rowena Cade was born on 2nd August, 1893, in Derbyshire,
0:31:54 > 0:31:56into a large and loving family.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01After Rowena's father passed away during the First World War,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04the family were living scattered all over the country,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07but eventually, Rowena and her mother moved to Lamorna,
0:32:07 > 0:32:09just a few miles along the coast in that direction.
0:32:09 > 0:32:14When Rowena discovered the Minack Headland, which I'm standing on now,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16she fell in love with it and you can see why, can't you?
0:32:16 > 0:32:18It's absolutely breathtaking.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20She had to own it and she bought it for £100,
0:32:20 > 0:32:24and in 1923, she built a house for herself and her mother
0:32:24 > 0:32:26using granite from the local quarry.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Between the wars, Rowena used the house and its grounds
0:32:30 > 0:32:35to stage a variety of plays to provide entertainment for her family and friends.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37She discovered she had a knack for designing
0:32:37 > 0:32:40and making the costumes needed for the productions.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45Then in 1931, an opportunity arose for a much more ambitious project.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Rowena wanted to put a production on of The Tempest
0:32:53 > 0:32:55and looking for an appropriate setting,
0:32:55 > 0:33:00she had this vision of creating a stage out of the gully above Minack Rock.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04At the age of 38,
0:33:04 > 0:33:07a determined Rowena set about building the theatre by hand.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10with the help of just two men - her gardener Billy Rawlings
0:33:10 > 0:33:14and a local craftsman called Charles Thomas Angove.
0:33:14 > 0:33:15All this work took place
0:33:15 > 0:33:17on the slope above a sheer drop into the Atlantic.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21It took the three of them six months, working through a harsh winter,
0:33:21 > 0:33:26to make the stage and some basic seating cut out of the rock.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29The production was a huge success.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32The unique setting at the Minack Theatre here
0:33:32 > 0:33:34brought something magical to the performance
0:33:34 > 0:33:39and, of course, the public and the press absolutely loved it
0:33:39 > 0:33:40and they wanted more.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Rowena and her gardener Billy worked tirelessly over the next few decades
0:33:47 > 0:33:49to improve and expand the theatre,
0:33:49 > 0:33:51which played host to many performances.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54When Billy died in 1966,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Rowena inscribed one of the seats as his memorial.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04By now, Rowena had developed her own innovative building techniques.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07For example, these carvings were done
0:34:07 > 0:34:12when the cement was wet with the tip of an old screwdriver.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Rowena passed away in 1983,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17but her legacy is thriving today
0:34:17 > 0:34:20and the theatre is still extremely popular.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Phil Jackson is the current theatre manager.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Well, you knew her, what was she like?
0:34:26 > 0:34:29She was a seriously determined woman,
0:34:29 > 0:34:31which you have to be to create a place like this.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36A lot of people remember her as a Victorian headmistress type, tall and thin.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38- Formidable.- Formidable woman.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41She was to me, because I first knew her as a child,
0:34:41 > 0:34:45and she gave me my first summer job, when I was in my teens.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49Everyone looked up to her and the companies were in awe of her that came here to play.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51She had great vision, didn't she?
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Indeed and she never designed it, she never wrote it down on paper.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- It just evolved. - She used what she had
0:34:58 > 0:35:01and what we've got is a concrete set for certain plays.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05I mean, most of what's left on stage was built for a '51 production
0:35:05 > 0:35:08of Tristan of Cornwall, sort of Celtic motifs around the place.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11If she didn't like what she was making,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14she would smash it up, chuck it in the sea and build something else.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- She wasn't precious about it. - Did she make any money from it?
0:35:17 > 0:35:19No, not during her lifetime.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21She was funding it out of her own pocket
0:35:21 > 0:35:25and actually in the 1950s, she tried to get someone else to take it over
0:35:25 > 0:35:27because it was draining her pocket
0:35:27 > 0:35:29and by then, she was in her 60s, late 50s, 60s.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Later on, it became a Charitable Trust,
0:35:32 > 0:35:34then it had to stand on its own two feet,
0:35:34 > 0:35:38and now it's financially self-sufficient.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Let's talk about the theatre today.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44I've been here a few times and I've seen many,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48so what are you trying to do now that's slightly different?
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Early on, she put on one show a year, a Shakespeare,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and built bits for what we do...
0:35:53 > 0:35:57As the theatre progressed and had to become more financially sound,
0:35:57 > 0:35:58we extended the season.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02You needed variety. We've got a lot of people who come every week.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04I mean we do 17, 18 shows for the summer
0:36:04 > 0:36:08and some people will be here every Friday night for 17, 18 weeks.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10We still do Shakespeare, two or three a year,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12but we also do musicals, drama, comedy,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15the full gamut of the repertoire really.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23This is just so stunning, isn't it, on a day like this?
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- This is your office. - It is, this is my office.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30In my office at the top of the car park, I get a sea view.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34A lot of people say to me, "You actually get paid to work here?"
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- Is it a job for life? - I'd like to think so.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Nowhere else I'd rather be.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45- I could sit here all day long. - We could sit here and chat all day long, as well.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Gosh, this brings back so many happy memories for me.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12I first came here when I was about 14 years old with my mum and dad.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16And they bumped into Rowena on several occasions and talked to her,
0:37:16 > 0:37:20and she was always busy doing something, wearing scruffy clothes
0:37:20 > 0:37:22and always covered in muck.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26I just wished I'd spoken to her at the time, really.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30I guess if I did speak to her, I wouldn't really have much to say at the age of 14.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35But we saw many performances here,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38wrapped up warm, I would have sat around here with my mum and dad,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41a good view of the stage, blanket on,
0:37:41 > 0:37:45cos it'd get really cold in the summer on those evenings.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50And the odd glass of wine for Dad and a flask of tea.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Oh, I wish I could put back the clock.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Well, they say the world's a stage
0:38:07 > 0:38:09and back at the valuation day in Truro Cathedral,
0:38:09 > 0:38:11it's June's turn to take the lead role
0:38:11 > 0:38:14with an item that has caught David Barby's eye.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16I'm going to disappoint you.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21- These are not diamonds and they're not sapphires.- Dear, dear, dear.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- But it's a lovely piece of bling. - Right.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28This is German and I'm just going to check on the mark,
0:38:28 > 0:38:31which I think is...
0:38:31 > 0:38:35Yeah, it's German silver, 935 -
0:38:35 > 0:38:39which is a purer silver than English, which is only 925.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- Oh, right.- So, this is German and it's beautifully set
0:38:42 > 0:38:44with diamante
0:38:44 > 0:38:48and then these blue stones, which are imitation sapphires.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52So, the amount of workmanship that went into this
0:38:52 > 0:38:58is almost as much as a real jewel itself.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02But, this is quite small, it's highly sophisticated.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Where did you get it from?
0:39:04 > 0:39:08Well, it was an old aunt.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13She left me quite a lot of glitzy jewellery, if you like,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15a lot of marcasite and what have you,
0:39:15 > 0:39:20and this was among it and I have never worn it,
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- never bothered with it. - That's disappointing.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- Today, it is costume jewellery, which is sought after, isn't it?- Yes, yes.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32- Not these little pieces of glitzy. - That's right.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34There is still a market for this
0:39:34 > 0:39:39and if this was polished up, it would look absolutely stunning.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43- It's not going to sell for a fortune.- Oh, that's a shame.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Not going to sell for a fortune because it is paste, it' sham,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49but the effect is what we're selling.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Right.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55To lot of people seeing a small piece on a lapel,
0:39:55 > 0:39:58they'd think it was genuine and this was the idea of the manufacturers.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Right, yes.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03The impression that you had got diamond and sapphire jewellery.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06As regards value - at auction,
0:40:06 > 0:40:10it might do £40 to £50.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11Right.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13That sort of price range, but it could do less.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- Right.- I think we've got to protect it,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- because we don't give it away for £5, do we?- No, no.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22- We want to make the auctioneer work for his commission.- Yes, yes.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- I am going to suggest we put a reserve of about 35 on it.- Yes.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30It's very little. Very little amount of money for such a beautiful object.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33The sort of piece I might buy my wife. It's very nice.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- Right, thank you.- But I can't. No, no. We're not allowed to.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Oh, well, that's a shame.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42- Isn't it just?- Do you want me to take it back, then, and sell it to you?
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Oh, you shouldn't even have suggested that, no!
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- I shall look forward to seeing you at the auction.- Yes.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50- Keep your fingers crossed.- Right.
0:40:50 > 0:40:56It may not be diamonds, but even David Barby is tempted by June's sparkly brooch.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Let's hope others feel the same in the auction room.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02David Fletcher has spotted an iconic item with Sandra.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04This, to anyone who works in a saleroom,
0:41:04 > 0:41:07is instantly recognisable as Royal Doulton.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12As I'm sure you know. How long have you owned it?
0:41:12 > 0:41:18- I'm not sure. 10, 15 years.- Is it something you particularly like?
0:41:18 > 0:41:22- No. I'm sorry! - Which is why you brought it today.
0:41:22 > 0:41:28The great thing about Royal Doulton is that it's a factory with a fabulous reputation,
0:41:28 > 0:41:35in spite of your slightly disparaging view of it, producing good quality marketable products.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40And the Royal Doulton factory knew about selling what they made.
0:41:40 > 0:41:45And for that reason they produced series of collector's items.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50It's obvious, really. If you have one figure in your collection,
0:41:50 > 0:41:53you want two. Then three.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57Anyway, many of these figures sell for relatively small sums
0:41:57 > 0:42:01and when I saw it when you first brought it in,
0:42:01 > 0:42:05I thought we were looking at a figure for £30-£40.
0:42:05 > 0:42:11But it turns out that it's quite a bit rarer than I originally thought.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14It was modelled by a potter called Mary Nicholl.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18And it came into production in 1955
0:42:18 > 0:42:22and it ceased production in 1958 or 1959.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26So it was in production for no more than three or four years
0:42:26 > 0:42:28and that makes it rare.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32And it is rarity that gives these items their value,
0:42:32 > 0:42:34as you can imagine, really.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38All Royal Doulton figures are marked in the same way.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43They have the title. In this instance, The Tailor.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45They have an HN number,
0:42:45 > 0:42:51HN being the initials of Harry Noke, who was an early potter in the Doulton factory.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55After the HN there is the number itself
0:42:55 > 0:42:57and, in this instance, the number is 2174.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59HN2174.
0:42:59 > 0:43:04If I was to tell you that I think it might make £200,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07would you suddenly start to like it?
0:43:07 > 0:43:09No.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12It would make you want to sell it all the more, I suppose.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15I don't blame you. Right.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19I'm optimistic that it might make £200.
0:43:19 > 0:43:23Have you got anything planned, plans for the money?
0:43:23 > 0:43:29My husband and I are going on a French holiday so, you know, any bit of money will help.
0:43:29 > 0:43:33That'll buy a couple of good dinners in an expensive Parisian restaurant!
0:43:33 > 0:43:37I'd like to suggest a reserve of £150-£200.
0:43:37 > 0:43:44- Seeing as I don't think it's price-sensitive to you...- No.- You'll be glad to see the back of it!
0:43:44 > 0:43:51- Shall we put a reserve of 120?- Yes. - Just a covering reserve to make sure it doesn't sell too cheaply.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53- So a reserve of 120.- Yes.
0:43:53 > 0:43:59- Great. I'll look forward to seeing you at the sale and let's hope it does much better!- Thank you.
0:43:59 > 0:44:05'Sandra will be happy to see it go and even happier if she gets £200.
0:44:05 > 0:44:11'Across the room, a young lady brought in by John and Pat has got David hot under the collar.'
0:44:11 > 0:44:14Who's responsible? Who bought this?
0:44:14 > 0:44:19Well, actually, it was given to us many years ago by my father.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- Know where he acquired it?- No idea.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26- Was he in the Forces? - Yes, in the Merchant Navy.
0:44:26 > 0:44:27In the Merchant Navy.
0:44:27 > 0:44:34Did he ever go to central Europe, sort of Hungary, Czechoslovakia?
0:44:34 > 0:44:38- I really don't know. - We cannot answer that.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41He went all over the place.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45This is Hungarian. And it is signed here.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49That's the surname of the artist, which is Kerenyi.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53His Christian name is spelt J-E-N-O.
0:44:53 > 0:44:58- Jeno Kerenyi.- Right.- He had quite an interesting history.
0:44:58 > 0:45:02Born in...1907. And he died in 1975.
0:45:02 > 0:45:07So he had a long period of artistic achievements.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10This dates from his early period.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12This might have been his mistress!
0:45:12 > 0:45:19If you think of what happened to Hungary, towards wartime and post-wartime,
0:45:19 > 0:45:22it became dominated by socialism.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26And a lot of his sculptures after WWII
0:45:26 > 0:45:33were very much in the socialist manner - workers marching out to the fields with implements.
0:45:33 > 0:45:39Solidarity, and the idea of the mass of workers supporting the state.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42So he did a lot of sculpture in that form.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45I think this is a wonderful work of art.
0:45:45 > 0:45:53If you wanted to portray the sensual female figure, in all its glory,
0:45:53 > 0:45:55- this is it, isn't it?- Yes.
0:45:55 > 0:46:01This languid female figure. If you think in terms of 1920s vamps.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04And you think of dancers like Josephine Baker.
0:46:04 > 0:46:10She's got all the movements of a very, very attractive woman.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13This is not a one-off.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15Bronzes are cast.
0:46:15 > 0:46:19So several of these actually have appeared in sales.
0:46:19 > 0:46:24There was one sold in 2001 for £3,000.
0:46:24 > 0:46:29And then two years ago one was sold for £2,000.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32I would think that this
0:46:32 > 0:46:37would sell for round about £1,500-£2,000,
0:46:37 > 0:46:42but we ought to put a reserve on that particular piece.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46So when it comes up for sale, I would suggest a reserve of £1,600.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50And I hope it goes above the £2,000 mark.
0:46:50 > 0:46:56- Is that agreeable?- Yes, it would be nice.- Are you going to miss it?- Yes.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00I won't use the duster so very often!
0:47:00 > 0:47:04That brings me to another point. If I look at this figure,
0:47:04 > 0:47:09there are two highlights! I don't know who's responsible.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Not guilty!
0:47:13 > 0:47:19That's me, unfortunately. I had been, I thought, rather careful
0:47:19 > 0:47:21not to over polish.
0:47:23 > 0:47:28'Let's hope their over polishing won't trouble the bidders too much.
0:47:30 > 0:47:35'Next up, Pauline has brought in a charming silver ring.'
0:47:35 > 0:47:37I love this ring.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41- In the form of a stylised heart. - It is.
0:47:41 > 0:47:46Does that mean it was bought for you on a special occasion?
0:47:46 > 0:47:51- I think it was bought in 1960.- Right. - The year after we were married.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54It might have been in my husband's romantic period!
0:47:54 > 0:47:58Oh, dear! How long did it last?
0:47:58 > 0:48:01- Maybe Valentine's Day.- I like that.
0:48:01 > 0:48:06"In his romantic period". Very good. Like Picasso's Blue Period.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10Surely it has sentimental value?
0:48:10 > 0:48:15It has, but I've very rarely worn it because it's very large
0:48:15 > 0:48:17and my hands are very small.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20I've not very long fingers.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22I could imagine it on somebody
0:48:22 > 0:48:26with lovely long fingers and beautifully-manicured nails
0:48:26 > 0:48:31- and it'd look stunning.- As you know, it was made by Georg Jensen,
0:48:31 > 0:48:37the greatest, really, of 20th century jewellery designers,
0:48:37 > 0:48:43- many people would say. Certainly the greatest Danish designer of jewellery.- Yes.
0:48:43 > 0:48:47Georg Jensen himself died just before the war,
0:48:47 > 0:48:50but the factory continues to this day.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53And this particular ring was designed
0:48:53 > 0:48:57- by one of his assistants, a man called Henning Koppel.- Right.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00Who was equally famous.
0:49:00 > 0:49:04I think he was famous in his own right, really, as a designer.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06Much admired.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10- He won lots of awards in the '50s and '60s.- Yeah.
0:49:10 > 0:49:15I love this stuff. I love it for its modern styling.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18One sees a lot of Victorian jewellery,
0:49:18 > 0:49:20one sees lots of Edwardian jewellery.
0:49:20 > 0:49:25And, by comparison, come the time this was designed and manufactured,
0:49:25 > 0:49:29- the modern movement is in full swing, really.- Yes.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32It's great and I'm sure it'll sell jolly well.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35So if we estimate it at £100-£150,
0:49:35 > 0:49:39and put a reserve of £100 on it,
0:49:39 > 0:49:44because minimalist jewellery of this sort is so fashionable today,
0:49:44 > 0:49:49I'm confident you'll get towards the top estimate or a bit more.
0:49:49 > 0:49:53- You've got his permission? - My husband is quite happy.
0:49:53 > 0:49:58Considering it was bought for you in his romantic period!
0:49:58 > 0:50:02- I hope he's not watching! - He might start again!
0:50:02 > 0:50:07His second romantic period. Starting soon. OK.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09Look forward to lots more rings!
0:50:14 > 0:50:18'Now for my favourite part of the show - let's head to the auction.
0:50:18 > 0:50:23'Auctioneer Ian Morris is very impressed with one of our lots.'
0:50:23 > 0:50:28It is a nice bronze. Good period. Lovely Art Deco period.
0:50:28 > 0:50:33Bronzes, the lovely detailing, the lovely shape, lovely lines.
0:50:33 > 0:50:38- Sexy lady.- It's the kind of thing that will appeal to the market.
0:50:38 > 0:50:43Signed as well. We've got everything there the buying public want.
0:50:43 > 0:50:47Good period pieces of Art Nouveau, Art Deco,
0:50:47 > 0:50:52seem to be selling certainly better than Victorian pieces.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55Has this been heavily viewed and picked up?
0:50:55 > 0:50:59It certainly has been viewed. There is some interest.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03£1,600 is... probably towards the top end.
0:51:03 > 0:51:07Quite a lumpy reserve. I'd like to think I'd get there.
0:51:07 > 0:51:12Maybe a bit nip and tuck. Might just get there.
0:51:12 > 0:51:17'Well, fingers crossed. We'll find out how it gets on later.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28'Also about to go under the hammer is Sandra's Royal Doulton figurine
0:51:28 > 0:51:30'and Pauline's charming ring.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33'June's brooch, valued by David Barby at £40 to £50.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36'First up, it's the ring.'
0:51:36 > 0:51:42- It's time for it to go.- It's very stylish.- It is.- And sought after.
0:51:42 > 0:51:49- I always think an item should speak of its period.- Yes.- It should look as if it was made in the 1960s
0:51:49 > 0:51:53and not the 1860s. Jensen jewellery complies with that little rule.
0:51:53 > 0:51:58Hopefully, it'll find a new home. It's a great name.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01Quality always sells. That's the key. Here we go.
0:52:04 > 0:52:09Lot 192 there. A Georg Jensen sterling silver ring with pierced heart decoration.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12Can I say £100 away, please?
0:52:12 > 0:52:15£50 to start me?
0:52:16 > 0:52:19£50 I'm bid. At 50. 60 now.
0:52:19 > 0:52:2160. 70.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25- 80. 90. 100.- It's gone.
0:52:25 > 0:52:29At £100, the bid's to my left. I'll take 110.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32- At £100 I'm bid.- A bit more!
0:52:32 > 0:52:35At £100. Are we done? At £100.
0:52:35 > 0:52:40- It's gone.- Bottom end. - Bottom, though. Never mind.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44This will go to my two grandchildren, their little pots of money.
0:52:44 > 0:52:49- It will top up their fund. - What a great grandma!
0:52:49 > 0:52:55'I'm sure that Pauline's grandchildren will be very happy with £50 each added to their funds.
0:52:55 > 0:52:59'Next up is Sandra's figure.'
0:52:59 > 0:53:03- Who have you brought along?- Barry, my husband.- Pleased to meet you.
0:53:03 > 0:53:05What do you think of this?
0:53:05 > 0:53:11- I love it. I was at work when she brought it in!- Now we're selling it!
0:53:11 > 0:53:17- I hate it!- Oh, dear. So you had to tell him?- He knew.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21- Was it a sad goodbye? - It was a good meal!
0:53:21 > 0:53:25We've got a valuation of £150-£200 and it's quite rare
0:53:25 > 0:53:30- because it was only in production for three years.- Yes, 1950s.
0:53:30 > 0:53:32And sitting so quietly ever since.
0:53:32 > 0:53:37It's a Royal Doulton figure. The Tailor. Quite a rare figure.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39Lot 657.
0:53:39 > 0:53:41Can we say 150 away?
0:53:44 > 0:53:48£100 I've got. At £100. 110 to get on.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52110. 120. 130. 140. 150?
0:53:52 > 0:53:56He's had a bid on the book. Someone's left a bid.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59At 140. The bid's on the books.
0:53:59 > 0:54:03- At 140. 150 now? At 140. - Come on. A bit more.
0:54:05 > 0:54:09150. At 150. I can go to 155.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12- At 155.- It's doing all right.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15155. 160 now?
0:54:15 > 0:54:19At 155 I'm bid. 155.
0:54:19 > 0:54:21At 155.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25- Just in with a chance there. £155. - Really pleased.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28- Towards our holiday.- To where?
0:54:28 > 0:54:33- France.- Good for you. - Normandy and Brittany.- Enjoy it.
0:54:33 > 0:54:40'Sandra has finally got rid of her figure and even husband Barry appreciates a bob or two.
0:54:40 > 0:54:44'Next up, June's hoping her sparkly brooch will catch someone's eye
0:54:44 > 0:54:45'when it goes under the hammer.'
0:54:45 > 0:54:48June is not a silver girl, that's why you're selling
0:54:48 > 0:54:51- the silver brooch. You are more gold?- Yes, yes.
0:54:51 > 0:54:52- And you like your brooches.- I do.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55- Some people suit gold, you suit gold, I can see that.- Thank you.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59I'm more silver, I've got some silver things on. What's David?
0:54:59 > 0:55:02Pewter. LAUGHTER
0:55:02 > 0:55:07He's already passed a remark today that I look rather grey.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09I think you look good.
0:55:09 > 0:55:12- Well, a bit of blue coming through there, though.- Thank you.
0:55:12 > 0:55:14You normally wear brighter colours.
0:55:14 > 0:55:18Well, yes, but I thought this was quite OK today.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21So, are we selling this to buy some more gold jewellery?
0:55:21 > 0:55:25No, no, I don't think it'll be quite enough,
0:55:25 > 0:55:29but it'll go nice towards an evening out I think.
0:55:29 > 0:55:31OK, well, good luck both of you.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33This is something for the ladies
0:55:33 > 0:55:37and I know there's hundreds here, so it should sell. Good luck.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40Can I say £40 away? £40 away.
0:55:40 > 0:55:42£20 I'm bid. At £20.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45At £20 a bid, I'll take five now.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48£20. 25. £30. 35.
0:55:48 > 0:55:50- 35, 40...- Sold it.
0:55:50 > 0:55:52At 35 seated, is it 40? 40.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54At £40, 45. £50.
0:55:56 > 0:56:00At £45 seated. At 45. If you're not, we're done, at £45.
0:56:00 > 0:56:03- Yes. £45, we did it, June.- Yes.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05That sold really well, well done, David.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09'Now it's the turn of that magnificent bronze figure,
0:56:09 > 0:56:12'but are the bidders here?'
0:56:12 > 0:56:17We've all been looking forward this one. We hope to get top end.
0:56:17 > 0:56:22That wonderful bronze figurine. She has caused a lot of interest.
0:56:22 > 0:56:28I had a chat to the auctioneer. We both agreed - absolute quality.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31- And it's so nice, so sensuous.- Very.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34- Typical of the period. - Now in the saleroom
0:56:34 > 0:56:38- and possibly going to somebody else's front room.- Yes.
0:56:41 > 0:56:45The Hungarian bronze figure there. A naked exotic dancer.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47Signed on the base. Lot 112.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51Got a little bit of interest. Start at £1,000.
0:56:53 > 0:56:58At £1,000. £1,000. And 50 to get on. And 50.
0:56:58 > 0:57:021,100. 1,150. 1,200. 1,250. At 1,250.
0:57:02 > 0:57:05At 1,250. 1,300 right at the back.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08Fresh legs.
0:57:08 > 0:57:101,400? 1,400.
0:57:10 > 0:57:131,400. 1,450. 1,500? 1,500.
0:57:13 > 0:57:161,500. 1,550. 1,600?
0:57:16 > 0:57:19- It's gone.- 1,600.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22In the doorway. Is it 50?
0:57:24 > 0:57:291,650. 1,700? At 1,650 on the phone. At 1,650.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31This is great.
0:57:31 > 0:57:341,700? At 1,650 on the phone.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37£1,650.
0:57:37 > 0:57:42- Yes!- That was exciting! That was brilliant.
0:57:42 > 0:57:46- Happy?- Yes.- Yes. - Not quite the top end, but happy.
0:57:46 > 0:57:50- That was fine.- What are you going to replace the figurine with?
0:57:50 > 0:57:52Going to do some spending?
0:57:52 > 0:57:56We'll move one of the other bronzes to the same place!
0:57:56 > 0:57:59At least you've got a few!
0:58:05 > 0:58:10That's it. It's all over. Another day in the auction room.
0:58:10 > 0:58:14It's wonderful to be back home in Cornwall. The sun's shining
0:58:14 > 0:58:19and we sold everything! So congratulations to everyone.
0:58:19 > 0:58:24I hope you enjoyed the show. Keep watching for more surprises.
0:58:24 > 0:58:27But for now it's cheerio. Proper job!