0:00:02 > 0:00:06That is a fantastic backdrop for our venue today - Truro City Cathedral.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10It's wonderful for me to be back in my home county of Cornwall.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Hundreds of people are queueing up in the rain with bags and boxes.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18They want to ask that very important question - what's it worth?
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- 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 > 0:04:01- You're selling a family... - I didn't know I was until I came here, if you know what I mean.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04You still want to sell them, do you?
0:04:04 > 0:04:09I wouldn't want them to go for next to nothing because they're sentimental.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- You can't price sentiment, unfortunately.- No.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17It's the real world at the auction. Somebody's got to love these.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21There are collectors of bookmarks and you get a huge variety.
0:04:21 > 0:04:27The more interesting ones like this one here, the Scottish sword, you'll find a collector at auction.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31I think they'll realise somewhere between £20 and £40.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- That sort of price range.- Yes, yes.
0:04:34 > 0:04:41The sentiment might be too great to let them go at that figure, but they're interesting for collectors.
0:04:41 > 0:04:48If 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,
0:04:48 > 0:04:54- so at least you could sell these and get some good books. Thank you for bringing them along.- Thank you.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01Edith was lucky that her bookmarks were spotted by our valuers,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04but Rosie's collection is more prominent.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- Another fine mess you've got me into here!- Sure have!
0:05:09 > 0:05:13I don't know that much about Laurel and Hardy, but I'll do my best.
0:05:13 > 0:05:19- That one is Charlie Chaplin. - Charlie Chaplin has sneaked in as well. I hadn't even noticed him.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23Laurel and Hardy were both born in the 19th century
0:05:23 > 0:05:25and lived well into the 20th century.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29I think they both lived certainly after 1950.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35They, I think I'm right in saying, made their first film in the 1920s.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40They had worked individually up until that time, then their careers took off.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45And you have a good collection of Laurel and Hardy related material.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49And have you collected it yourself?
0:05:49 > 0:05:53No, it was given to me by my... He's now my ex-boyfriend's brother.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56I had my eye on them and now that we're not together,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00there's no point in keeping them cos they're just cluttering up in a box.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- They don't have a sentimental value. - No. I have nowhere to display them.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08I shall start by saying there's nothing of any great age.
0:06:08 > 0:06:15The almost lifelike busts at the front, copyright of 1984,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18so they're no more than 30 years old, really.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- Have you any idea what the collection is worth?- No, I don't.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28OK, I think we've got to really be ultra-conservative
0:06:28 > 0:06:34because although I'm sure there are ardent collectors of Laurel and Hardy material out there,
0:06:34 > 0:06:40I think they're going to be looking for items that relate to Laurel and Hardy's own lifetime.
0:06:40 > 0:06:46- Right, yeah.- Theatre programmes, cinema bills, that sort of thing.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48So we've got to be mindful of that.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52I would be inclined to put an estimate of £50 to £80 on them
0:06:52 > 0:06:57- and I think with the best will in the world, sell without reserve.- OK.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- Have you any idea what you'd spend the money on?- Yes, both my children.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05I want to start a savings account for when they either go to uni...
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- Don't ask me for financial advice! - I won't.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12But if you do that, by the time they come to university age,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16you'll have done pretty well for them, so that's lovely.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19I'm certain they'll do OK.
0:07:19 > 0:07:25These days, sales go online and there might be a collector and we might have a pleasant surprise.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31- We'll do our best for you and I look forward to seeing you at the sale. - Thank you very much.
0:07:31 > 0:07:38'With no sentimental attachment, Rosie is happy to let her Laurel and Hardy collection go with no reserve.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43'I've stopped to look at a painting brought in by Diana and Nick.'
0:07:43 > 0:07:47I love that. That is so typical of the Scottish Highlands.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Look at the perspective. You're just drawn into that lake, aren't you?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Look, what I've found is MacWhirter,
0:07:54 > 0:07:59John MacWhirter, that's the artist, and it's also signed.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04It could be worth £400 to £500 in good condition. It's got its original frame.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07But what's putting me off is that water damage.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11'Sometimes giving a valuation can be a tricky business.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15'You have to be confident about the authenticity of an item.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19'But it's not always easy. Even I can get caught out. Well, nearly.'
0:08:19 > 0:08:25- Can I just take a look at this with a glass? Do you mind? - Of course. Yes.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31If I show you something here, you can see it's not a watercolour.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- Really?- No, it's a print. - My goodness! A print?
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Oh, my goodness!
0:08:37 > 0:08:40What a surprise!
0:08:40 > 0:08:46If you look through this with a light, you can identify hundreds of tiny little dots that go together
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- to make up a print.- Oh, my goodness!
0:08:48 > 0:08:54We're looking at something that's possibly worth around about...£5 to £10.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56LAUGHTER
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Have a look at this.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- Oh, yes.- Well, I think... - It was worth bringing it in.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09It can go back in the attic in the damp. You don't need to worry.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Oh, dear!
0:09:11 > 0:09:16'That was a close shave, but David Barby has no doubts about the provenance
0:09:16 > 0:09:21'of the little object brought in by Barbara and Norman.'
0:09:21 > 0:09:24This is an exquisite little object.
0:09:24 > 0:09:31Now, it's exquisite because it's a piece of a needlewoman's equipment.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- Who's keen on needlework? Is it you, Barbara, or is it you, Norman?- Neither of us.
0:09:36 > 0:09:42- How did you get hold of this? - My mum gave it to me when I was a little girl.- Right.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46I like it because, first of all, it's a miniature piece of furniture.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49This looks like a knife box,
0:09:49 > 0:09:54covered in tortoiseshell veneer, with a little brass plaque on the top
0:09:54 > 0:09:56that we call a cartouche.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59So I open this little press section here
0:09:59 > 0:10:03and then see that it's divided into various compartments,
0:10:03 > 0:10:09filled with needles in little paper folds.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13There's one, two, three, four that haven't got any.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17At the side here, you've got the name of the retailer
0:10:17 > 0:10:21which is "W Lund, 24 Fleet Street".
0:10:21 > 0:10:23That was London.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28And if I can just take one of these little needle sections out...
0:10:28 > 0:10:36The needles were made by "Shrimpton & Hooper, Albion Works, Studley".
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Now, in that area, close to Redditch,
0:10:39 > 0:10:41they made needles.
0:10:41 > 0:10:48So this is a beautiful example for a collector of needlework requisites.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52How much is it worth? We're not talking about hundreds of pounds.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57But I think somebody is going to pay between £50 and £80, that sort of price range.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- How many more have you got at home, Barbara?- Only the one.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08- Why are you getting rid of this? It doesn't take up room in your house. - Well, we haven't got any children.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Spend the money on a meal out?- Yes.
0:11:11 > 0:11:17- I don't blame you. If you don't use it, what's the point in having it? - I like it, I must admit.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22- It's just on the side. - It's stuck on the side in a cabinet? - In the Welsh dresser.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- Yes, sell it.- Yes.- Or should I say, flog it?- Flog it, that's it. - We'll do our best for you.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32Those are our first three items to go off to auction, so here's a quick recap -
0:11:32 > 0:11:38Edith's little bookmarks valued by David Barby at £20 to £40,
0:11:38 > 0:11:43Rosie's Laurel and Hardy collection valued by David Fletcher at £50 to £80
0:11:43 > 0:11:48and Barbara and Norman's needle box valued by David Barby at £50 to £80.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53For today's sale, we've come to picturesque Lostwithiel in the heart of Cornwall.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59Back in 1205, Lostwithiel had the second busiest port on the south coast of England,
0:11:59 > 0:12:01mainly due to the tin mines.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06Sadly, there's no port here today, but hopefully, it will be just as busy
0:12:06 > 0:12:10because we're the guests of Jefferys Auction Rooms.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19Auctioneer Ian Morris is on the rostrum and first up, it's Edith and her bookmarks.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Why have you decided to sell these now then?
0:12:22 > 0:12:26I came along to Flog It with a few items in a box and...
0:12:26 > 0:12:32- Met Mr Barby.- Mr Barby picked these out and they're something I hadn't thought much about.
0:12:32 > 0:12:38- They were with other things I thought were more valuable. - I like the association with books.
0:12:38 > 0:12:44There's a great revival for reading books with so many book clubs starting up. I belong to one.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47I don't have an expensive bookmark. I use a piece of paper.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49But I'm not buying!
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Hopefully, someone is. Good luck. Here we go.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00It's a silver hallmarked bookmark, made by J Cook & Sons, dated 1911.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03And one other. Lot 132.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- I've got two bids and I've got to start at £30.- Well done.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10At £30, both bids are with me. I'll take 2.
0:13:10 > 0:13:1332. 35. 38. At £40.
0:13:13 > 0:13:1542. My bids are out. 42 right there.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18I'll take 5 to get on. At £42.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- That's very good.- 45, two of you.
0:13:20 > 0:13:2448? 45, the two of you both can't have it. 48 from one of you?
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- Lots of bookworms. - It's at 48. At 48. At 48.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32At 48. 50 now? At 48. At 48 right at the back.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35At 48. 50? We're done at 48...
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- Yes!- That's good.- Top end, very good. They love their books here.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- Happy?- Yes.- £48, that's great.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46It is a wonderful feeling when things exceed the top end of the estimate.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- It's not so good when it struggles at reserve.- When it doesn't sell, it's dreadful.
0:13:51 > 0:13:57'What a fabulous result for Edith! It just goes to show it's always worth having a good rummage around.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01'Even little, hidden away objects can have value.
0:14:01 > 0:14:07'Next, Rosie's Laurel and Hardy collection which she inherited from her ex-boyfriend's brother.'
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- Now it's time to wave goodbye to Laurel and Hardy, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:11 > 0:14:17- Every time you see Laurel and Hardy, do you always think of the ex then? - Yes.- So you can't wait to get rid.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21There is no reserve. Hopefully, they're going to go to a good home.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24There's something for everyone in there.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Lot 11 there, Laurel and Hardy, a collection of novelty items.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34What shall we say for that? Very quickly. £30 away? £30?
0:14:34 > 0:14:39£30 away? £30 I'm bid. The bid's here with me. 35. £40. 45.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41That's good.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45At 45. I've got the bid on the book. £50. 55. At 55 with me.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- 55. 60 now.- That's great.- £60.
0:14:48 > 0:14:5265. At 65, still here. At £65 with me.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57At £65. 70 now? Are we all done? With me at 65...
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- That was very good, wasn't it? - Yes.- Excellent.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- You're going out to celebrate now? - No, it's going into my children's savings account.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- Good idea.- We've got them off to a flying start. That's really good. I'm thrilled.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- So am I. Thank you for letting me flog it.- That's OK.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21'Well, it's big smiles all round. Let's hope we can do the same for Barbara and Norman's needle box.'
0:15:22 > 0:15:28David and I have just been joined by Barbara and Norman. We've got that needle box going under the hammer.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- Tiny needles. They must have had tiny fingers.- And very good eyesight.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Good luck. It's going under the hammer now.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41172 there is a miniature, hinged, little tortoiseshell stamp box
0:15:41 > 0:15:44with seven individual, graduated compartments,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47made by Lund of Fleet Street, London.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51I've got one, two, three, four bids and I've got to start at £135.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53GASPS
0:15:53 > 0:15:56At 135. At 135.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59140 now? At 135, all the bids are with me.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01My goodness!
0:16:02 > 0:16:04140. At 140. All my bids are out.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07At 140, the bid's still at the back.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13At 140. 145? At £140. I'm selling then at £140...
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Straight in and straight in at £140.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I knew it was good, but my word!
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Thank you so much.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25What a surprise! Well, happy spending.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29If you've got anything like that at home, we'd love to sell it for you.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Hopefully, there's a valuation day near you soon.
0:16:33 > 0:16:39Check details in your local press or log on to bbc.co.uk/programmes, click F for Flog It,
0:16:39 > 0:16:44follow the links and hopefully, we are very near a town near you soon, so come along.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56The rugged coastal landscape of Cornwall is one of its main attractions.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00It's peaceful, beautiful and home to a wide variety of wildlife.
0:17:00 > 0:17:06But not so long ago, these cliff tops would have reverberated with the noise of crushing machinery
0:17:06 > 0:17:09and the bustle of miners.
0:17:14 > 0:17:20This whole area was once no less than the engine room of the Industrial Revolution
0:17:20 > 0:17:22which shaped our modern world.
0:17:22 > 0:17:28Most of the Land's End peninsula is built on granite which was formed 300 million years ago.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32This granite contains an awful lot of tin and copper.
0:17:32 > 0:17:38In fact, there's probably more tin and copper here than anywhere else in the world.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43Many mines were started in Cornwall, but few stayed open for long
0:17:43 > 0:17:49and the landscape now is littered with their remains like Levant Mine here in St Just.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54But Levant was different. It remained open and profitable for 110 years.
0:17:54 > 0:18:00It was the lifeblood of the community and hundreds of families depended on it.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05But working conditions were extremely tough
0:18:05 > 0:18:11and also one of the greatest tragedies in Cornish mining history ultimately led to Levant's decline.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16The Levant Mining Company was formed in 1820
0:18:16 > 0:18:20and at its peak, employed over 600 men, women and children.
0:18:20 > 0:18:27The miners, often father and son, toiled to break the ore at a rate of four feet a month,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31using a volatile combination of gunpowder and hand-digging.
0:18:31 > 0:18:37The narrow shafts followed the mineral-rich loads in an almost vertical direction.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43The Levant workings extended one and a half kilometres out into the Atlantic Ocean
0:18:43 > 0:18:46at a depth of 600 metres below the sea bed.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51In the early days of the mine, the only way up and down the shafts was by ladder.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57At the start and end of each shift, the miners had to climb 1,500 feet through narrow chambers.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59They needed over 90 ladders.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03The climb back up took one and a half hours.
0:19:04 > 0:19:11Now, our present-day preoccupation with health and safety wasn't really shared with 19th century employers.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16Aside from heart and lung disease, accidents through blasting were all too common.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Many, many miners were maimed for life or blinded.
0:19:19 > 0:19:25The average age of a working miner who worked these mines was just 27 years old.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28Working conditions were particularly gruelling
0:19:28 > 0:19:33and miners worked by candlelight in temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38It wasn't unusual for a chap to finish his shift 12 pounds lighter than when he started.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43In 1857, Levant installed a new engine to help transport the men up and down.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47It was called the man engine and it acted like a giant pump rod
0:19:47 > 0:19:53with men stepping on and off platforms as it transported them down to the bottom in 30 minutes.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58It could carry 130 men at a time and the shaft is still here today. Take a look.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Incredibly, it is still possible to hear first-hand
0:20:02 > 0:20:08what it was like to work in the mine and to use the man engine from the miners themselves,
0:20:08 > 0:20:12speaking in a BBC documentary made in 1970.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Every 12 feet, there was a step...
0:20:17 > 0:20:19..about two foot square.
0:20:19 > 0:20:25And about three foot six to four foot six up, there was a handle for you to catch hold of.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29Really, it was safe as anything. A child could ride on it.
0:20:29 > 0:20:36The first day I started, I started with a man, he rode down with me, two on the step.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40You see? And after three days, well, you can get on all right.
0:20:40 > 0:20:46You had to take a candle in your hat and a lantern in your hand for a while.
0:20:46 > 0:20:53And of course, after that, you put the lantern to one side and you just used the candle.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57When they travelled the man engine, they all started to sing
0:20:57 > 0:21:03and the sound that you heard as it came up through the shaft was out of this world.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05MEN SINGING
0:21:05 > 0:21:10If you could stand on top of that shaft and listen,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13rich, it was, rich.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16HARMONIOUS SINGING
0:21:23 > 0:21:27But the owners of the mine were slow to modernise.
0:21:27 > 0:21:33And despite its success, there was little investment to update or replace machinery.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37After 70 years of use, it was the last working man engine in the world
0:21:37 > 0:21:39and considered a museum piece.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42And then at 2.50pm
0:21:42 > 0:21:48on Monday, the 20th of October in 1919, disaster struck.
0:21:48 > 0:21:54I was about to step in. He said, "Don't step in, boy. There's something wrong."
0:21:54 > 0:21:58And he made a...quiver. And I dodged back and under.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05The manager shook like that and then he dropped away.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08That was that. Down he goes.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20What happened was the main pin on the top broke.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24And then the rod on the way down broke in half.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27That's what done the damage.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32That went right through, see, took everything with it.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45A full shift of men were ascending when suddenly there was an accident.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49The top layer collapsed, crashing down 100 feet below.
0:22:49 > 0:22:55It went through different layers on its way. 31 men in total lost their lives.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58It took six days to get them out.
0:22:58 > 0:23:04This tragedy hastened the decline of the mine and it finally closed in 1930.
0:23:05 > 0:23:11A worldwide drop in the price of tin meant many of Cornwall's mines became unprofitable
0:23:11 > 0:23:16in the decades that followed. The industry is practically extinct.
0:23:16 > 0:23:22After the mine closed, the engines were blown up for scrap and many of the buildings were demolished,
0:23:22 > 0:23:26their stone used to build houses elsewhere.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31One engine was saved and so began a remarkable preservation project.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36Today the site is looked after by the National Trust.
0:23:36 > 0:23:42I've come here to talk to Chris Quick about the Levant's beam engine.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44What's the significance of this?
0:23:44 > 0:23:51As far as I know, it's the only working steam engine in Cornwall still in its original house.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55- It was installed in this mine in 1840.- Wow!- And worked for 90 years.
0:23:55 > 0:24:01- Gosh. She's seen some life. - What would you get today to do that?
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- What is the function of the engine? - Its sole purpose is to wind the rocks they've cut
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- and bring it to surface. - Can I have a go?- Yes!
0:24:10 > 0:24:16- First, take the brake off.- OK. - Wind it as far as you can... - And that'll turn that wheel there?
0:24:16 > 0:24:21- It turns the brake block. - I can see the brake block rising.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- You're there. - What a wonderful piece of kit.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28- OK. Brake's off. - Now you put some steam on.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33- Bring that lever towards me. - Wow! Look at that.- That's fine.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Look at that beam work now!
0:24:35 > 0:24:41- Oh, take it off! I've never done this before. More steam?- More steam.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- Keep the engine going now.- So the driver stayed here all day.- Yes.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- Making sure it didn't slow down... - Give it some steam.
0:24:52 > 0:24:58- He would just stay here? - He would stay here, look at the gauge to see where it is.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04- But you only run it for four minutes at a time.- OK.- Just long enough for a skip to come to the surface.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Steady.
0:25:08 > 0:25:14You can hear those pistons working. Everything is so beautifully articulated.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18It's just wonderful to see it working.
0:25:18 > 0:25:25The steam is moving a beam which weighs two tons, the rod weighs a ton, crankshaft weighs a ton
0:25:25 > 0:25:31- and the flywheel weighs four tons. - I feel part of its history now. Wonderful.
0:25:31 > 0:25:38'The engine was the last to work on Levant mine. It's final days were used to salvage equipment.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42'After the tragedy, it was used to bring some of the deceased up,
0:25:42 > 0:25:50'so it remains a fitting memorial to those miners who lost their lives, helping to build our world.'
0:26:03 > 0:26:10At our valuation day in Truro Cathedral, crowds still flock in, much to the surprise of some!
0:26:10 > 0:26:13David Fletcher has spotted an iconic item with Sandra.
0:26:13 > 0:26:19This, to anyone who works in a sale room, is instantly recognisable as Royal Doulton.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23As I'm sure you know. How long have you owned it?
0:26:23 > 0:26:29- I'm not sure. 10, 15 years. - Is it something you particularly like?
0:26:29 > 0:26:35- No. I'm sorry! - Which is why you brought it today. It's not compulsory to like them.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- I like fine china. - And you're implying this isn't.
0:26:39 > 0:26:45- No, it's not. - We mustn't try to be too subjective. We must be objective.- OK.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Actually, some people would agree with you, I think.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55The great thing about Royal Doulton is that it's a factory with a fabulous reputation,
0:26:55 > 0:27:02in spite of your slightly disparaging view of it, producing good quality marketable products.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07And the Royal Doulton factory knew about selling what they made.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12And for that reason they produced series of collector's items.
0:27:12 > 0:27:18It's obvious, really. If you have one figure in your collection,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20you want two. Then three.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25Anyway, many of these figures sell for relatively small sums
0:27:25 > 0:27:32and when I saw it when you first brought it in, I thought we were looking at a figure for £30-£40.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38But it turns out that it's quite a bit rarer than I originally thought.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42It was modelled by a potter called Mary Nicholl.
0:27:42 > 0:27:50And it came into production in 1955 and it ceased production in 1958 or 1959.
0:27:50 > 0:27:56So it was in production for no more than three or four years and that makes it rare.
0:27:56 > 0:28:02And it is rarity that gives these items their value, as you can imagine, really.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06All Royal Doulton figures are marked in the same way.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11They have the title. In this instance, The Tailor.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13They have an HN number,
0:28:13 > 0:28:19HN being the initials of Harry Noke, who was an early potter in the Doulton factory.
0:28:19 > 0:28:25After the HN there is the number itself and, in this instance, the number is 2174.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27HN2174.
0:28:27 > 0:28:34If I was to tell you that I think it might make £200, would you suddenly start to like it?
0:28:34 > 0:28:36No.
0:28:37 > 0:28:43It would make you want to sell it all the more, I suppose. I don't blame you. Right.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47I'm optimistic that it might make £200.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Have you got anything planned, plans for the money?
0:28:51 > 0:28:57My husband and I are going on a French holiday so, you know, any bit of money will help.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01That'll buy a couple of good dinners in an expensive Parisian restaurant!
0:29:01 > 0:29:05I'd like to suggest a reserve of £150-£200.
0:29:05 > 0:29:12- Seeing as I don't think it's price-sensitive to you...- No.- You'll be glad to see the back of it!
0:29:12 > 0:29:19- Shall we put a reserve of 120?- Yes. - Just a covering reserve to make sure it doesn't sell too cheaply.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- So a reserve of 120.- Yes.
0:29:21 > 0:29:27- Great. I'll look forward to seeing you at the sale and let's hope it does much better!- Thank you.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32'Sandra will be happy to see it go and even happier if she gets £200.
0:29:32 > 0:29:38'Now Annie and Sue have brought along an item to show us that also has a great provenance.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42'But this is one loved item that is NOT for sale.'
0:29:42 > 0:29:46That's a very sturdy little oak chair.
0:29:46 > 0:29:52Annie and Sue, thank you for bringing it in. I understand there's some fascinating history.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56- Yes.- Who did these belong to? - Lawrence of Arabia.
0:29:56 > 0:30:01- Really? How fascinating! - Arthur Knowles made the chair
0:30:01 > 0:30:07- for Lawrence and his house. - I do know Lawrence of Arabia lived in Dorset
0:30:07 > 0:30:13- and there was a big sale of his items.- We got them from an antiques dealer.
0:30:13 > 0:30:19I found it in his garage. We were looking for a chair for my granny.
0:30:19 > 0:30:25My dad said, "What's the story behind it?" And so we found it from his garage.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30- Do you both come from Dorset?- Yes. - And you've come to Cornwall?- Yes.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34To show me these? Bless you! Oh, how fabulous!
0:30:34 > 0:30:39The connection with Lawrence is fascinating. Keep them in Dorset!
0:30:39 > 0:30:44- I can't tempt you to put them into auction?- No.
0:30:46 > 0:30:52'Across the room, a young lady brought in by John and Pat has got David hot under the collar.'
0:30:52 > 0:30:56Who's responsible? Who bought this?
0:30:56 > 0:31:03- Well, actually, it was given to us many years ago by my father. - Know where he acquired it?- No idea.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- Was he in the Forces? - Yes, in the Merchant Navy.
0:31:07 > 0:31:15In the Merchant Navy. Did he ever go to central Europe, sort of Hungary, Czechoslovakia?
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- I really don't know. - We cannot answer that.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22He went all over the place.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26This is Hungarian. And it is signed here.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30That's the surname of the artist, which is Kerenyi.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34His Christian name is spelt J-E-N-O.
0:31:34 > 0:31:39- Jeno Kerenyi.- Right.- He had quite an interesting history.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44Born in...1907. And he died in 1975.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48So he had a long period of artistic achievements.
0:31:48 > 0:31:54This dates from his early period. This might have been his mistress!
0:31:54 > 0:32:00If you think of what happened to Hungary, towards wartime and post-wartime,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03it became dominated by socialism.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07And a lot of his sculptures after WWII
0:32:07 > 0:32:14were very much in the socialist manner - workers marching out to the fields with implements.
0:32:14 > 0:32:20Solidarity, and the idea of the mass of workers supporting the state.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23So he did a lot of sculpture in that form.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27I think this is a wonderful work of art.
0:32:27 > 0:32:33If you wanted to portray the sensual female figure, in all its glory,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- this is it, isn't it?- Yes.
0:32:36 > 0:32:42This languid female figure. If you think in terms of 1920s vamps.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45And you think of dancers like Josephine Baker.
0:32:45 > 0:32:51She's got all the movements of a very, very attractive woman.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54This is not a one off.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57Bronzes are cast.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01So several of these actually have appeared in sales.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05There was one sold in 2001 for £3,000.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10And then two years ago one was sold for £2,000.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14I would think that this
0:33:14 > 0:33:18would sell for round about £1,500-£2,000,
0:33:18 > 0:33:23but we ought to put a reserve on that particular piece.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28So when it comes up for sale, I would suggest a reserve of £1,600.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32And I hope it goes above the £2,000 mark.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37- Is that agreeable?- Yes, it would be nice.- Are you going to miss it?- Yes.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41I won't use the duster so very often!
0:33:41 > 0:33:46That brings me to another point. If I look at this figure,
0:33:46 > 0:33:51there are two highlights! I don't know who's responsible.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Not guilty!
0:33:54 > 0:34:00That's me, unfortunately. I had been, I thought, rather careful
0:34:00 > 0:34:02not to over polish.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09'Let's hope their over polishing won't trouble the bidders too much.
0:34:11 > 0:34:17'Next up, Pauline has brought in a charming silver ring.'
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I love this ring.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- In the form of a stylised heart. - It is.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27Does that mean it was bought for you on a special occasion?
0:34:27 > 0:34:32- I think it was bought in 1960.- Right. - The year after we were married.
0:34:32 > 0:34:39- It might have been in my husband's romantic period! - Oh, dear! How long did it last?
0:34:39 > 0:34:43- Maybe Valentine's Day. - I like that.
0:34:43 > 0:34:48"In his romantic period". Very good. Like Picasso's Blue Period.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Surely it has sentimental value?
0:34:51 > 0:34:56It has, but I've very rarely worn it because it's very large
0:34:56 > 0:34:58and my hands are very small.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01I've not very long fingers.
0:35:01 > 0:35:08I could imagine it on somebody with lovely long fingers and beautifully-manicured nails
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- and it'd look stunning.- As you know, it was made by Georg Jensen,
0:35:12 > 0:35:18the greatest, really, of 20th century jewellery designers,
0:35:18 > 0:35:24- many people would say. Certainly the greatest Danish designer of jewellery.- Yes.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28Georg Jensen himself died just before the war,
0:35:28 > 0:35:34but the factory continues to this day. And this particular ring was designed
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- by one of his assistants, a man called Henning Koppel.- Right.
0:35:38 > 0:35:45Who was equally famous. I think he was famous in his own right, really, as a designer.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Much admired.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- He won lots of awards in the '50s and '60s.- Yeah.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56I love this stuff. I love it for its modern styling.
0:35:56 > 0:36:02One sees a lot of Victorian jewellery, one sees lots of Edwardian jewellery.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07And, by comparison, come the time this was designed and manufactured,
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- the modern movement is in full swing, really.- Yes.
0:36:10 > 0:36:17It's great and I'm sure it'll sell jolly well. So if we estimate it at £100-£150,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19and put a reserve of £100 on it,
0:36:19 > 0:36:25because minimalist jewellery of this sort is so fashionable today,
0:36:25 > 0:36:30I'm confident you'll get towards the top estimate or a bit more.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- You've got his permission? - My husband is quite happy.
0:36:34 > 0:36:40Considering it was bought for you in his romantic period!
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- I hope he's not watching! - He might start again!
0:36:43 > 0:36:48His second romantic period. Starting soon. OK.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Look forward to lots more rings!
0:36:56 > 0:36:59'Those are our last three fabulous items.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04'Auctioneer Ian Morris is very impressed with one of our lots.'
0:37:04 > 0:37:09It is a nice bronze. Good period. Lovely Art Deco period.
0:37:09 > 0:37:15Bronzes, the lovely detailing, the lovely shape, lovely lines.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- Sexy lady.- It's the kind of thing that will appeal to the market.
0:37:20 > 0:37:25Signed as well. We've got everything there the buying public want.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Good period pieces of Art Nouveau, Art Deco,
0:37:28 > 0:37:33seem to be selling certainly better than Victorian pieces.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Has this been heavily viewed and picked up?
0:37:37 > 0:37:41It certainly has been viewed. There is some interest.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44£1,600 is... probably towards the top end.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Quite a lumpy reserve. I'd like to think I'd get there.
0:37:48 > 0:37:54Maybe a bit nip and tuck. Might just get there.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59'Well, fingers crossed. We'll find out how it gets on later.
0:38:05 > 0:38:12'Also about to go under the hammer is Sandra's Royal Doulton figurine and Pauline's charming ring.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14'First up, it's the ring.'
0:38:14 > 0:38:19- It's time for it to go.- It's very stylish.- It is.- And sought after.
0:38:19 > 0:38:25- I always think an item should speak of its period.- Yes.- It should look as if it was made in the 1960s
0:38:25 > 0:38:30and not the 1860s. Jensen jewellery complies with that little rule.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34Hopefully, it'll find a new home. It's a great name.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39Quality always sells. That's the key. Here we go.
0:38:39 > 0:38:46Lot 192 there. A Georg Jensen sterling silver ring with pierced heart decoration.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Can I say £100 away, please?
0:38:49 > 0:38:52£50 to start me?
0:38:53 > 0:38:56£50 I'm bid. At 50. 60 now.
0:38:56 > 0:38:5860. 70.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02- 80. 90. 100.- It's gone.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06At £100, the bid's to my left. I'll take 110.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- At £100 I'm bid.- A bit more!
0:39:09 > 0:39:12At £100. Are we done? At £100.
0:39:12 > 0:39:17- It's gone.- Bottom end. - Bottom, though. Never mind.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21This will go to my two grandchildren, their little pots of money.
0:39:21 > 0:39:26- It will top up their fund. - What a great grandma!
0:39:26 > 0:39:32'I'm sure that Pauline's grandchildren will be very happy with £50 each added to their funds.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36'Next up is Sandra's figure.'
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- Who have you brought along?- Barry, my husband.- Pleased to meet you.
0:39:40 > 0:39:48- What do you think of this? - I love it. I was at work when she brought it in!- Now we're selling it!
0:39:48 > 0:39:53- I hated it!- Oh, dear. So you had to tell him?- He knew.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57- Was it a sad goodbye? - That was a good meal.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02We've got a valuation of £150-£200 and it's quite rare
0:40:02 > 0:40:07- because it was only in production for three years.- Yes, 1950s.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09And sitting so quietly ever since.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14It's a Royal Doulton figure. The Tailor. Quite a rare figure.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Lot 657.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Can we say 150 away?
0:40:21 > 0:40:25£100 I've got. At £100. 110 to get on.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29110. 120. 130. 140. 150?
0:40:29 > 0:40:33He's had a bid on the book. Someone's left a bid.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36At 140. The bid's on the books.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- At 140. 150 now? At 140. - Come on. A bit more.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46150. At 150. I can go to 155.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- At 155.- It's doing all right.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52155. 160 now?
0:40:52 > 0:40:56At 155 I'm bid. 155.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58At 155.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- Just in with a chance there. £155. - Really pleased.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- Towards our holiday.- To where?
0:41:05 > 0:41:10- France.- Good for you. - Normandy and Brittany.- Enjoy it.
0:41:10 > 0:41:16'Sandra has finally got rid of her figure and even husband Barry appreciates a bob or two.
0:41:16 > 0:41:22'Now it's the turn of that magnificent bronze figure, but are the bidders here?'
0:41:22 > 0:41:27We've all been looking forward this one. We hope to get top end.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32That wonderful bronze figurine. She has caused a lot of interest.
0:41:32 > 0:41:38I had a chat to the auctioneer. We both agreed - absolute quality.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- And it's so nice, so sensuous.- Very.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- Typical of the period. - Now in the sale room
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- and possibly going to somebody else's front room.- Yes.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55The Hungarian bronze figure there. An exotic dancer.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Signed on the base. Lot 112.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02Got a little bit of interest. Start at £1,000.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08At £1,000. £1,000. And 50 to get on. And 50.
0:42:08 > 0:42:121,100. 1,150. 1,200. 1,250. At 1,250.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15At 1,250. 1,300 right at the back.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Fresh legs.
0:42:18 > 0:42:201,400? 1,400.
0:42:20 > 0:42:241,400. 1,450. 1,500? 1,500.
0:42:24 > 0:42:271,500. 1,550. 1,600?
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- It's gone.- 1,600.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32In the doorway. Is it 50?
0:42:35 > 0:42:391,650. 1,700? At 1,650 on the phone. At 1,650.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42This is great.
0:42:42 > 0:42:451,700? At 1,650 on the phone.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47£1,650.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52- Yes!- That was exciting! That was brilliant.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- Happy?- Yes.- Yes. - Not quite the top end, but happy.
0:42:56 > 0:43:01- That was fine.- What are you going to replace the figurine with?
0:43:01 > 0:43:06- Going to do some spending? - We'll move one of the other bronzes to the same place!
0:43:06 > 0:43:09At least you've got a few!
0:43:15 > 0:43:20That's it. It's all over. Another day in the auction room.
0:43:20 > 0:43:25It's wonderful to be back home in Cornwall. The sun's shining
0:43:25 > 0:43:29and we sold everything! So congratulations to everyone.
0:43:29 > 0:43:34I hope you enjoyed the show. Keep watching for more surprises.
0:43:34 > 0:43:38But for now it's cheerio. Proper job!
0:43:50 > 0:43:54Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd - 2010
0:43:55 > 0:43:57Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk