0:00:02 > 0:00:06Welcome to Flog It, the show that values antiques and collectables
0:00:06 > 0:00:09then puts them under the hammer at auction.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13We're in the far northwest corner of Wales, the city of Bangor.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39'The BBC has a long association with Bangor.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42'As bombs dropped on London during the War,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44'BBC Light Entertainment moved here.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49'Popular radio programmes from the '40s such as It's That Man Again
0:00:49 > 0:00:55'were broadcast live from the County Theatre, now Penrhyn Hall.'
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Ladies and gentlemen, ITMA!
0:00:57 > 0:01:02'ITMA, as it was known, was listened to by up to half the population -
0:01:02 > 0:01:07'about 20 million people - the most popular comedy show on radio.
0:01:07 > 0:01:13'It provided essential relief from the horrors of the Second World War.'
0:01:15 > 0:01:19We're keeping up the tradition of providing entertainment from Bangor.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Flog It has come to town.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29'We have a show full of surprises.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34'Pamela and Glyn bring in an item which is not what it seems.'
0:01:34 > 0:01:39I thought it was a candlestick until we looked at it.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44There's a hole in the top and a hole on the side.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47'Mark sounds confident about Derek's sextant.'
0:01:47 > 0:01:49It's a specialist collecting area.
0:01:49 > 0:01:55Anything to do with marine items are quite keenly sought after...
0:01:55 > 0:01:59'I'm excited about Alwyn's painting.'
0:01:59 > 0:02:04He's very well sought after. You're looking at about £4,000 to £6,000.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06'But is it a fake?'
0:02:06 > 0:02:09David Cox's works are highly forged.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12'Find out later what happens at auction.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18'Leading our team of valuers are Mark Stacey and Adam Partridge.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24'Mark grew up in Wales and should feel at home in Bangor.'
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- You really are a charmer. - I try to be!
0:02:29 > 0:02:31'After a lifetime in the business,
0:02:31 > 0:02:37'Adam is regarded as a safe pair of hands - well, usually.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42'Right, on to our first item, and a colourful number
0:02:42 > 0:02:46'brought in by Pamela and Glyn has Mark's attention.'
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- What a wonderful decorative object. - Thank you.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- Why have you brought it in? - We thought we might sell it.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Is it something you bought or inherited?
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- We bought it at an auction. - Where did you buy it?- Anglesey.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- That was about five years ago. - Gosh. And what did you pay for it?
0:03:07 > 0:03:10I'm afraid we can't remember.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13£20 or something?
0:03:13 > 0:03:18We have a book where we've written things down but can't find it.
0:03:18 > 0:03:25It's in your secret place. I hide something in a secret place and can't remember where.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28It's quite an interesting object.
0:03:28 > 0:03:34It was made by Minton's Art Pottery towards the end of the 19th century,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38when Minton's opened up studios by the artists
0:03:38 > 0:03:40to produce avant-garde designs.
0:03:40 > 0:03:46This is very much modelled on the German movement called secessionism.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51You get these angular shapes and stylised designs.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Here we've got poppies with the seeds in there.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59You've got these wonderful colours, drip glazes.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03What's unusual is we see a lot of vases and jardinieres,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06but I don't come across candlesticks often.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08What is puzzling me with this
0:04:08 > 0:04:13is I thought it was a candlestick until we've looked at it.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18We realise there's a hole in the top and a hole on the side.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24It's made in the manufacture cos the glaze is dripped into it.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28The only reason I can think that's there
0:04:28 > 0:04:31is for conversion into electricity,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35to make it a little bedside lamp.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40It makes it more unusual and I love that decorative shape of it.
0:04:40 > 0:04:46When we turn it over, we can see the lovely Minton No 1.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48I'm intrigued.
0:04:48 > 0:04:56You bought it at auction. Were you going to collect things like this or was it an impulse buy?
0:04:56 > 0:05:00We were looking at things to collect and maybe sell on.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05It's difficult. You buy things that you like and then you don't stop.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11- And sometimes you've overpaid for things that you like.- Quite.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- What do you think it's worth today? - I've absolutely no idea. Have you?
0:05:16 > 0:05:19About 70 to 80, maybe?
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I would be tempted to put a bit higher on it.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26I would put an estimate of 100 to 150 on it.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28It's such a nice unusual shape.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32I think a collector would really like this
0:05:32 > 0:05:35as an example for their collection.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40So I think we put 100 to 150 on it, with 100 discretionary reserve.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Then let's see what it makes on the day.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- Are you happy with that? - Yes. Very good.- Fine, thank you.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53'Pamela and Glyn did well to buy a quality item by a known maker.
0:05:53 > 0:06:00'It can be hard for the untrained eye to tell a genuine antique from a reproduction.'
0:06:00 > 0:06:05There's something I spotted earlier, a rush light. Come over here.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Hi. What's your name? Margaret, pleased to meet you.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12I said I'd bring the cameras.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17These were popular in the 17th and 18th century, nibbed rush lights.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21This ball acts as a counterbalance
0:06:21 > 0:06:25to help those pincers shut tight and grip something.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29It's called a rush light because it holds a reed or a rush.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34So this would be dipped in goose fat or duck fat and left to dry,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36and then pinched in there.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Then you'd set light to that reed and it would be your candlelight.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45Very popular during the 17th and 18th centuries but, unfortunately,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47this one is a reproduction.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52The real McCoy, anything from £400 to £1,200.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- My goodness!- OK?- OK, thank you.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59'It's still an interesting curio,
0:06:59 > 0:07:05'but there's no doubting the provenance of a box brought in by Ann and Steve.'
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- Hiya, Steve. I'm Adam. - We see you on telly.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- Do you? You watch it?- Yeah. - And whose is the box?
0:07:14 > 0:07:16It belonged to me mum.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21We've not done anything with it. It's just been in the loft.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- Where did your mum get it? - It's connected with Formby Hall.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- The big house on Merseyside?- Yeah.
0:07:28 > 0:07:36- Your mum lived at Formby Hall? - She worked there with my gramp and my grandmother.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Butler, cook and maid.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42It's a sign of an age gone by.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45It is. Upstairs And Downstairs.
0:07:45 > 0:07:51- Obviously, you want to get rid of it. Do you like it, Ann?- Not really.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- I would never use it. - That's the thing.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00It's something a collector would buy because people like boxes.
0:08:00 > 0:08:07It's Victorian, made from walnut. It's a travelling vanity case.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12It's fitted with these little bottles with silver plated tops.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15With an initial on. Intertwined FJ.
0:08:15 > 0:08:21- FJ. That's, er...- Formby? - John Formby.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- He must have given this away. - As far as I know, to me granny.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31Sometimes you see them in silver mounts. They're quite valuable.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35A nice feature is that spring-loaded side drawer.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Pop! Nice quality.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40And the secret drawer comes out there.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- Doesn't look like it's been used. - Doesn't look heavily used.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48I'll shut the lid, have a look at the top.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51FJ with the mother-of-pearl on top,
0:08:51 > 0:08:57a mother-of-pearl escutcheon and the key, which is quite unusual.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- I don't think it works.- Don't you?
0:09:00 > 0:09:03It's a bit stiff but it works.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08You're a bit down on this, Ann. You don't like it, do you?
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- What do you think someone would give for it?- You're the auctioneer.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Well...- 50?- Yeah, good.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19She didn't need me. 50 is a good prediction.
0:09:19 > 0:09:2450 to 80, I'd put estimate. And at what price would you like it back?
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- Do you want to let it go whatever it makes or...?- Not below 50.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31No.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36If it made £100 would you tell him to spend it on something specific?
0:09:36 > 0:09:40Um, I think the house needs doing up badly.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- Our bedroom needs papering.- Does it? Are you listening?- I'm listening.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Anything else need doing?- A lot.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Let's hope it does a few quid!
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Boxes are always popular.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57I think we're pretty safe with 50 to 80.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- Thanks for coming.- Thanks very much.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05'No love lost there! Ann can't wait to see the back of her box.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09'Carol and Rodney have more respect for their painting.'
0:10:09 > 0:10:14What a fantastic horsey picture. Any history to it?
0:10:14 > 0:10:19Not especially. I bought it about 45 years ago.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- In Bond Street. - What did you like about it?
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- Are you particularly into horses? - No.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Some horses don't look right in pictures.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31This one seems to look natural.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35This is very much a correct study of a horse.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39Wonderful muscular tones. The light and shade are very good.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- Almost like a photograph of its day. - A nice background, too.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48I love that summer's day with the blue sky.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51He looks very stately there, very regal.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54It's by quite a well known artist,
0:10:54 > 0:10:59BC Norton - Benjamin Cam Norton - and dated 1866.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05He specialised in animal subjects, particularly equestrian subjects.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08This is a prime example of his work.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12You've had it for 45 years. Why have you decided to sell it?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- Well...- Old age, probably.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18Were you going to say something?
0:11:18 > 0:11:21It's on the bedroom wall for so many years.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- First thing we see when we get up. - You'll have to redecorate.
0:11:25 > 0:11:31Find something to go in its place. No, we take it down, sometimes.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- It's time for it to go. - Have you thought about value?
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- It's a nice painting, a Victorian painting.- Yes.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44We thought that maybe it would fetch towards 1,000.
0:11:44 > 0:11:51- We would put a valuation of 700. - I think you've hit it on the mark.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56I would be happy to put 700 to 1,000 on it with a 700 reserve.
0:11:56 > 0:12:02The market does fluctuate and artists go in and out of fashion.
0:12:02 > 0:12:08I think because of the quality, somebody's going to have a nibble.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12If we put that estimate on, who knows? We might even get to £1,000.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16This is a very pleasant subject. I could live with it.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20'We've collected three items to take to auction,
0:12:20 > 0:12:23'which is at Rogers Jones and Co in Colwyn Bay.
0:12:23 > 0:12:29'Auctioneer David Rogers Jones isn't so sure about the horse painting.'
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Lovely little oil. Belongs to Carol and Rodney.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37Mark put a valuation of £700 to £1,000 on this horse.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- What do you think? - It is good quality.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45It's super quality. I do have a theory about this type of painting.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49When you've got a horse painting that isn't painted
0:12:49 > 0:12:52by a famous horse portraitist,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56it's a bit like a personal painting of your Aunt Edna.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- It's personal...- It's your horse.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01That's right.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Who else wants to buy a picture of your horse?
0:13:05 > 0:13:07That's what's holding me back.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11It's not a thing I'd put on my wall. It's not loose enough.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15Yes. It's going back to the personal portrait thing.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18If you liken it to a portrait of Aunt Edna,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- it's a bit "sat" and...- Lifeless.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Lifeless, yeah. A bit posed.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27My gut feeling is it might struggle.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- I see where the valuation's coming from, Paul.- The quality.- Absolutely.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36I'm just a bit worried about the narrow market.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39'We'll be keeping our fingers crossed anyway.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42'Anything can happen in the auction.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47'Also under the hammer, Pamela and Glyn's Minton candlestick holder
0:13:47 > 0:13:50'and Ann and Steve's unloved travelling box.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52'First up, it's the box.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57'I hope the bidders don't feel the same way about it as Ann and Steve.'
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- Why are you selling the travelling box?- Well, it's been...
0:14:01 > 0:14:06- Been in the loft for years. - Flog It was in town. Bring it along?
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- Yeah.- Declutter, basically.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- We've got loads!- You've got loads up there, have you?- Yeah.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- Everyone has. - The tip of the iceberg.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24AUCTIONEER: The lady's walnut travelling box.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28Seven containers, white metal tops, et cetera.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Bid me. What do you say? 120?
0:14:33 > 0:14:35100?
0:14:39 > 0:14:4380? 60, I'm bid. At 60. 60 bid.
0:14:43 > 0:14:4670. 80.
0:14:46 > 0:14:4880 bid. 90. 100.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Against you, sir. 10.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54And 20. 120. 130.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58130 in the room. At £130. Is there 40?
0:14:58 > 0:15:03Everybody done at £130?
0:15:03 > 0:15:08Anybody coming in? 130 in the saleroom. Final call.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- £130 for the vanity case. A good result.- Yeah.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Well done.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19'Somebody in the saleroom liked it more than Ann and Steve.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24'Next, Carol and Rodney's painting. Are the bidders in the room?'
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Great to see you again.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31We're putting Mark's valuation of £700 to £1,000 to the test.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36It's a nice image. You got this in Bond Street 45 years ago.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Expensive place to buy. Hopefully, we'll get your money back.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45Whether or not it suits the Welsh market, we'll find out.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47I hope so. It is rather charming.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52They have got some nice paintings from a private estate, so who knows?
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Art is selling really well today. It's flying out the door.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Fingers crossed, the dealers are here. Here we go now.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02AUCTIONEER: Lot 102.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08The very nice oil on board BC Norton thoroughbred horse by a gate.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Lovely painting. Superb quality.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Bid me £1,000.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Start me at 800.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19As you say. 400 I'm bid. At £400.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24450 on the book. 500. 550? 550?
0:16:24 > 0:16:28550 bid. At 550.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31600 anywhere? At 550. 550.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Everybody done? 600.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Against us both at 600.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41650. 650. Is there level money?
0:16:41 > 0:16:43£650.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Coming in? At 650.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49I'll take 700 quickly. At 650.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53Everybody done? Final call at £650.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58What are you going to do? We leave that there, I'm sorry, at 650.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- That didn't sell.- That's all right. - One bid away.- We were.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- One of those things. - Sorry about that.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Go back on the bedroom wall. - Another auction on another day.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Maybe a sporting sale where there's more horsey type...
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- An equestrian sale.- Exactly. - Newmarket.- In the shires.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23They might not be "shire" of bidding!
0:17:23 > 0:17:26'Carol and Rodney's horse didn't bolt.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30'At least that firm reserve protected it from going for less.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34'Next, Pamela and Glyn's Minton candlestick holder.'
0:17:34 > 0:17:38I've been joined by Pamela and Glyn in the nick of time.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Your lot is just about to go under the hammer.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46I like this a lot. It's got style.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51We like things from all periods and this is a distinctive pattern.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- I've never seen a candlestick like this.- Nor have I.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- It should make £80 all day long. - But on a good day 120? 130?
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Absolutely. The decorative arts are still quite strong.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Fingers crossed, that's what we're going to get.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11It's going under the hammer right now.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17AUCTIONEER: Very nice Minton secessionist candle holder bowl.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Bid me. £100?
0:18:22 > 0:18:27Very nice piece. Classic Minton. Just what you want. 70 to start.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31£70 I'm bid. 70 on the book. 80 anywhere?
0:18:31 > 0:18:34At 70. £70. 70. Is there 80?
0:18:34 > 0:18:39At 70. 80. 80 online. 90 bid...
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- 90 bid. Come on. A bit more. - ..Everybody done? 100.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48£100. Lot 132 at £100.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54Anybody in the room? You're all out. The bid is live. £100. Ten anybody?
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Final call. Ten. 110. Another live one...
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- There's a battle on the internet. - That's good.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04..120? 120 bid.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07120. 30 now? At 120.
0:19:07 > 0:19:13All done? Anyone else coming in? 120. Final final call. All done now?
0:19:13 > 0:19:18We'll take that! 120 is better than 80! I hope you paid less than 120.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- Yes. Something like 60. - Oh, well done.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Even after commission, a jolly healthy profit.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Don't forget there's commission.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- Are you going to collect anything else?- We do collect quite a lot.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37A lot of junk, really.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41'Pamela may have a lot of junk but Minton is such a good name
0:19:41 > 0:19:44'it should always do well.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54'Just over a mile from the valuation day is the Menai suspension bridge,
0:19:54 > 0:19:58'built by Thomas Telford in the 19th century.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02'It was, at the time, the longest suspension bridge in the world.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06'Telford is considered to be "the man who built Britain".
0:20:06 > 0:20:12He revolutionised Britain's transport network, building roads,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15'canals and, most famously, bridges.
0:20:15 > 0:20:21'The bridge across the Menai Strait was his greatest achievement.'
0:20:21 > 0:20:28The Menai Strait is a stretch which Lord Nelson described as one of the most treacherous in the world.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32He said, "If you can sail these waters you can sail anywhere."
0:20:32 > 0:20:37If you wanted to sail to Dublin, you had to cross the Menai Strait.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41The Menai Strait is the treacherous stretch of water
0:20:41 > 0:20:44that separates Anglesey from Wales.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49For thousands of years, crossing it was a matter of life and death.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56This narrow stretch of tidal water is 15 miles long.
0:20:56 > 0:21:02The problem is powerful currents race in from both ends at different times,
0:21:02 > 0:21:07creating strong whirlpools and exceptionally powerful tides.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12The location of the bridge is also one of the most dangerous areas.
0:21:12 > 0:21:18Even as late as 1953, it was claiming some pretty big prizes.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21HMS Conway ran aground as it tried to pass.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23It remained for over six years.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31About 30 foot in that direction...
0:21:31 > 0:21:35We dare not get closer cos there's a big rock down there.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39That's known as the platters, where HMS Conway ran aground.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44And the tugs, well they just couldn't pull her off.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48Building a bridge across such dangerous waters seemed impossible.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53In 1815, one man thought he could do it - Thomas Telford.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58It was the biggest engineering project of the age.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Although Telford oversaw every detail of construction,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06not even he knew if it would stay up once it was built.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12Construction on the bridge began in 1819
0:22:12 > 0:22:15and it took seven years to complete.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20When it opened in 1826, Thomas Telford was nearly 70 years old.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25But this bridge, together with the improvements to the road to London,
0:22:25 > 0:22:30meant that the journey time from Holyhead was cut down from 41 hours
0:22:30 > 0:22:32to just 27 hours.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36It also eliminated, well, the risk of drowning.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40'Almost 200 years later, the bridge is still standing.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43'As a testament to its incredible strength,
0:22:43 > 0:22:49'it's perfectly capable of handling even today's heavy traffic.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54'Civil engineer Bob Damond is a trustee of the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59'I've come to find out more about Thomas Telford's achievement.'
0:22:59 > 0:23:01You can see how strong the currents are.
0:23:01 > 0:23:07It varies across the width because of the shape and the depth.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Had there been attempts to build a bridge?
0:23:10 > 0:23:14People referred to problems the Romans had crossing the strait.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Edward I built a pontoon bridge by lashing boats together.
0:23:18 > 0:23:24- Back in the 13th century?- Yes. And the Welsh set fire to the boats at this end so that didn't work.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Various engineers had done designs
0:23:27 > 0:23:30but there hadn't been an attempt to build one
0:23:30 > 0:23:36- until Telford started the suspension bridge.- It is absolutely superb.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40A lot of people said you couldn't span that width
0:23:40 > 0:23:42without supporting it in the middle.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45The big problem was that not only
0:23:45 > 0:23:49was it by far the biggest span of a suspension bridge at that time,
0:23:49 > 0:23:54the Admiralty insisted on a 100-foot clearance above high water.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Sailing ships had tall masts.
0:23:56 > 0:24:02So they had to find a way of getting the chains across a gap of 579 feet
0:24:02 > 0:24:05and 100 feet above the water.
0:24:05 > 0:24:13They did that with ropes and pulleys and 150 men winding two capstans to lift something like 24 tons.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18The first chain they did in an hour and 37 minutes.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Which is about a 24-tons lift.
0:24:20 > 0:24:26They had to do that 16 times for the 16 chains in the original bridge.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Gosh!
0:24:28 > 0:24:32When the first chain was in, two men walked across to the other side.
0:24:32 > 0:24:38When Telford heard, he was annoyed because of the safety aspect.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42There must have been a wonderful celebration when this opened.
0:24:42 > 0:24:48It was in the middle of the night when the first coach went through.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53It was a bad night, a bit like this, and not many people hung around.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56But the next day thousands of people crossed.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00They had to pay a penny to walk across. More to take a horse.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05- Some of them crossed and re-crossed. - It was so enjoyable! An experience!
0:25:09 > 0:25:14It really is, when you look at this, the work of a genius, isn't it?
0:25:14 > 0:25:18A ground-breaking bridge, and it set the mark
0:25:18 > 0:25:23of suspension bridges being the best way to cross large spans.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28'Telford made much of the Industrial Revolution possible.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31'The world around us couldn't have been built
0:25:31 > 0:25:35'were it not for the singular vision of just one man.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40'The Menai bridge still stands as Telford's crowning achievement.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48'At the University of Wales, Bangor,
0:25:48 > 0:25:53'there are still crowds queuing up to have their antiques valued.'
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Looks like a watercolour.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59'Patricia's thimble collection has intrigued Adam.'
0:25:59 > 0:26:04I remember a lady came in many years ago and brought in a gold thimble.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09I said, "Why are you selling it?" And she said, "I'm downsizing."
0:26:09 > 0:26:14- Don't tell me you're downsizing.- No. - You'd have to be moving to Lilliput!
0:26:14 > 0:26:17So, firstly, where did you get them from?
0:26:17 > 0:26:23- From my aunt, who was a seamstress. - That explains the quantity
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Do you know much about your aunt?
0:26:25 > 0:26:31Yes. We all lived together, my family, for years and years.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- Did you pick up any skills in that department?- Unfortunately not.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- You've never had occasion to use these?- No.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41I've divided them a little bit.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44People are probably wondering what this is.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49This one here is an advertising thimble for Dr Lovelace's soap.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54- "Use Dr Lovelace's soap." Have you heard of Dr Lovelace's soap?- No.
0:26:54 > 0:26:59Here we have a Victorian bar of soap, the real soap.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- And it still smells. - Still smells like coal tar.
0:27:03 > 0:27:08We won't be including that in the auction. You can take that home.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09An advertising one.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14Four of these ones we'd call white metal. They're not stamped silver.
0:27:14 > 0:27:20The silver ones here. Not the best material. It's too soft.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24A man called Charles Horner invented a method
0:27:24 > 0:27:27where he made a steel thimble and coated it in silver.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31You could still have the posh silver thimble!
0:27:31 > 0:27:34One of these is by Charles Horner.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37He was a famous hat pin maker.
0:27:37 > 0:27:43His thimbles are slightly more collected. I think it's that one.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48A Chester hallmark as well. That's probably your most collectable.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53Apart from this little one which is delightful in its own little case,
0:27:53 > 0:27:57velvet covered embroidered case, and what a pretty thimble!
0:27:57 > 0:28:02It's Continental silver. All that enamelling round the side.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07Sadly, enamelling's very vulnerable and you've got a little chip.
0:28:07 > 0:28:13I would think, value wise, these are about £10 each.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- Really?- So that's 40 there.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Then maybe another 20 for all of those.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- £60 to £100.- Sounds good.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- Put a reserve at 60?- Yes. - Fix it at 60, I think.
0:28:26 > 0:28:32- Hopefully, we'll have a good result. - Definitely flog it!- Excellent.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35'Patricia's thimbles should sell well.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40'A painting I spotted brought in by Alwyn may not sell at all.'
0:28:40 > 0:28:45It's a pleasure to meet you. Alwyn Jones, you've got to be Welsh.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49- Yes.- What part of Wales are you from?- From Anglesey.
0:28:49 > 0:28:55From the village with a very long name of llanfairpwllgwyngyllgoge ychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00I have been there. I think you live in the most wonderful part of the world.
0:29:00 > 0:29:06- So, how did you come by this? - It was given to me ten years ago.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10By a friend who had lost her mother.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Unfortunately, my wife is not very keen on it.
0:29:14 > 0:29:20So we decided to maybe sell it and buy another painting we both like.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25- Have you researched David Cox?- My wife looked it up on the internet.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29She found that he's done many paintings of Highland scenes
0:29:29 > 0:29:32and some in north Wales.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36David Cox is a renowned English landscape artist.
0:29:36 > 0:29:42He was born in Birmingham in 1783, I think, off the top of my head, and died in 1859.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45This is a Scottish Highland scene.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49I've done some comparables, looked him up on our art index guides,
0:29:49 > 0:29:53what works have sold for in this medium on paper this size.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55He's very well sought after.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00You're looking in the region of £4,000 to £6,000.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Looking at this image, I don't think,
0:30:03 > 0:30:10speaking from my heart, I don't think...it's that good
0:30:10 > 0:30:12if it's by David Cox.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16- I see. Yeah. - I have seen some of his works.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20For me, the photographic representation is a lot better
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- than what's going on here.- I see.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28This is a tad too loose for him.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32My gut feeling tells me it's a copy.
0:30:32 > 0:30:38- OK.- What you probably don't know is David Cox works are highly forged.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42It's really difficult to tell if this is a copy.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46We can put this into auction with a guide of £3,000 to £4,000,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49if it is David Cox, because there is some foxing.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54- There is some damage. If it's a copy...- Yeah.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- Much less.- £200 to £300.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Yeah.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01OK.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03Um... Well...
0:31:03 > 0:31:08- If it's £200 to £300, I'd keep it. - Course you would.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13The best thing to do here is get a second opinion from the auctioneer.
0:31:13 > 0:31:18They can do a lot of research, have some picture specialists come in.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21We'll let the auctioneer decide this.
0:31:21 > 0:31:28My gut feeling is it's not right but I want it to be right for you, you want £3,000 to £4,000.
0:31:28 > 0:31:33- If possible.- We'll put it into auction with what you think it is.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37We'll let the auctioneer say it might be a copy.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39In which case, you can withdraw it.
0:31:39 > 0:31:45- We'll let him do the hard work.- OK. - I'm sorry if I've let you down.- No!
0:31:45 > 0:31:50'The auction will be the place we'll find out the true value.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52'More of that later.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00'Next, Derek's brought in an early example of satellite navigation.'
0:32:00 > 0:32:04We've got a wonderful precision engineered piece of equipment here.
0:32:04 > 0:32:09- Give us a bit of the background. - The instrument, which is a sextant,
0:32:09 > 0:32:15was given to me 50 years ago by an old sea captain from Anglesey.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20- Oh.- He used it all his working life, but now GPS superceded sextants!
0:32:20 > 0:32:25Press a button, it tells you where you are so it's of no practical use.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28It's just in the back of the cupboard.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32Those GPS systems are nothing as beautiful as this.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37- Talk us through how it works. - To find out where you are, latitude,
0:32:37 > 0:32:42you look through any of these telescopes, depending on conditions,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44which fits in there.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48You sight on the sun and you sight on the horizon.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51You adjust this lever here,
0:32:51 > 0:32:53so the sun is in the mirror,
0:32:53 > 0:32:57and it brings the sun down so it's just touching the horizon.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02If you do it at midday, by a series of calculations, you can work out
0:33:02 > 0:33:07- how far you are between the North and South Pole.- Good lord!
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- How old do you think it is? - I would say 1850, 1860.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14I think it might even be a bit earlier,
0:33:14 > 0:33:18with that turned mahogany handle, which has that lovely texture.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Hundreds of people with greasy hands being on it
0:33:22 > 0:33:25has given it a lovely mellow colour.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30We've got a maker's name, James Morton, Sunderland & South Shields.
0:33:30 > 0:33:36Nice to have a maker's name. I can't find any record of James Morton.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39Anything from London tends to be more valuable.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Or the bigger cities. So you've had it at home.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47- You haven't used it? - I haven't used it at all.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49Why have you decided to sell it?
0:33:49 > 0:33:54It would be nice if it could go to somebody who appreciated it.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57It's a very specialist collecting area.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02Anything to do with marine items are quite keenly sought after.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05This is actually a very nice piece.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- This is in very good condition.- Yes.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13It's perfect auction room condition. You haven't over-cleaned it.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17It's got a lot of nice feelings about it.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19We've got to think about an estimate.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23- Yes.- Now, my feeling is around 200 to 300.
0:34:23 > 0:34:28- What's your feeling?- I wouldn't like to see it go for less than 300.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30It's not impossible.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34I think if it's catalogued properly, two or three people
0:34:34 > 0:34:39need to raise their hands a couple of times and we'll get up there.
0:34:39 > 0:34:46- So I'm willing to give it a try. An estimate of 300 to 400, a reserve at 300.- That would be fair.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- A fixed reserve at 300. - On your head be it.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52If I don't get 300 I get the sextant back.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55'Those are our last items to take off to auction.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00'Auctioneer David Rogers Jones has looked at Alwyn's painting,
0:35:00 > 0:35:05'which may or may not be genuine, and he's got some interesting news.'
0:35:05 > 0:35:09If it was an early piece of oak, I'd be really confident!
0:35:09 > 0:35:11I just don't know.
0:35:11 > 0:35:16I think, Paul, that it's got many of David Cox senior's attributes.
0:35:16 > 0:35:21- OK.- The figures and the animals smack Cox for me.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23What about the sky?
0:35:23 > 0:35:27Well, yeah. One always looks for "Cox clouds".
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- But it isn't in the best condition. - No. It's got foxing.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35A lot of foxing and, I think, if you eliminated the foxing,
0:35:35 > 0:35:39I think, probably, the clouds would come out.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43- What was your gut feeling? - That it was OK.- Good.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46I like the figures. I like the animals.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50It has the Cox windswept feel that his paintings have.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53My gut feeling was it may be a fake.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57It's disappointing to tell the owner and now it's the real McCoy,
0:35:57 > 0:35:59will this do £3,000 to £4,000?
0:35:59 > 0:36:05The people we've sent images to are good in the field of Cox.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09- Yeah. - And they seem to be fairly happy.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14- They're interested?- I think they're interested so I'm fairly hopeful.
0:36:14 > 0:36:21'That is good news, but we won't know for sure until it goes under the hammer.
0:36:21 > 0:36:26'Here's a quick recap of the other items going under the hammer.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31'Patricia's collection of thimbles and Derek's quality sextant.'
0:36:31 > 0:36:33They say small is beautiful.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Let's see if small is worth a lot of money!
0:36:36 > 0:36:43We're joined by Patricia and we've got 11 thimbles going under the hammer with a value of £60 to £100.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46I'd love to get that top end.
0:36:46 > 0:36:51I know you like your small things. Why are you selling the thimbles?
0:36:51 > 0:36:57They belonged to my aunt and they've been in a tiny drawer in a tiny cupboard. Nobody sees them.
0:36:57 > 0:37:05- I put you down as having a vitrine with all your little silver things. - I do have lots of things on show.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10- But you've decided you want to sell the thimbles.- Yes.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Adam, you put £60 to £100 on them. A great valuation.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19- I'd like to see the top end.- £5 or £10 each isn't much.- Nothing! No.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23I just hope... There's a lot of ladies here.
0:37:23 > 0:37:29I find there's a lot of interest in sewing collectables.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Needle cases, thimbles, small silvers.
0:37:32 > 0:37:39Investing in your social history, a nice talking point to have on display rather than in the drawer!
0:37:39 > 0:37:43- Good luck.- Hidden away. - It's going under the hammer.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47AUCTIONEER: Lovely little lot here, lot 364.
0:37:47 > 0:37:53No fewer than 11 silver and other sewing thimbles.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57There's one in a leather case and one in a fabric case.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Lovely little parcel. £80?
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Silver thimbles. Come on. I usually sell these at 15 each...
0:38:03 > 0:38:07It's all down to the bidders in the room.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09I'm bid at 50. 50 bid, lot 364.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13At 50. 50 bid. 60 anybody?
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- At 50. 60... - Got 60.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19..70. £70. Out right at the back, sir?
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Five if it helps you. At 70. 70 bid.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25£70 only.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28Five at the back, if you like.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Five I'll take. Everybody done? At £70.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Five if you wish. 75.
0:38:34 > 0:38:3675. 80. 80 I'm bid...
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Fresh legs! Someone's just come in.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44..At £80 only. Everybody done? Final call at 80.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- That's a sold sound. Well done Adam. - Mid estimate.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52- Happy.- Happy with that? - Yes. Very happy.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56'A great result for Patricia, and now it's Derek's turn.
0:38:56 > 0:39:02'His sextant is in mint condition. I hope the right people are here.'
0:39:02 > 0:39:06I've been joined by Derek and the next item is this wonderful sextant.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11You'd expect to see it here in Colwyn Bay, right by the sea.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16Maritime memorabilia does fetch good money. We're in the right place.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20We're looking for £300 to £400, by our expert Mark.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- Why are you selling it? - It's been superceded by GPS!
0:39:24 > 0:39:26I suppose it has, in a way!
0:39:26 > 0:39:30It might as well go to somebody who'll appreciate it.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- I love the engineering quality. - So do I.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40AUCTIONEER: 447, the ship's sextant
0:39:40 > 0:39:44by James Morton, Sunderland & South Shields.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Cased. Bid me. Start me at 350.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50300?
0:39:50 > 0:39:57The cased sextant by a Sunderland & South Shields maker. Bid me.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00250?
0:40:00 > 0:40:03I'm bid at 150. 150 bid.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06At 150. 180? 180 bid.
0:40:06 > 0:40:11- 200? 200 bid... - We're climbing. A little bit more.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13..240. Is there 60? At 240.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15240 bid. Everybody done?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18260. 280?
0:40:18 > 0:40:23280 bid. 280. 280. And again now.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26At 280. 300. 300 bid.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28- And again... - Getting there.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31..How many on there? At £300.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Online at £300. Everybody done?
0:40:34 > 0:40:39All finished? At £300 and going.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44- That was close. - I thought we'd sink without trace.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46- Well done.- We came back.- £300.
0:40:46 > 0:40:51'What a relief. It looks like quality shone through.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53'It's the moment of truth.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58'Will Alwyn's painting sink or swim? It's up to the bidders to decide.'
0:40:58 > 0:41:03I had a chat with the auctioneer before the sale. He said it's right.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08- Good. I'm pleased.- I'm pleased it's that way, not the other way.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13I'm so pleased I didn't say, "Yes! His works sell for thousands!"
0:41:13 > 0:41:17And get here on the day and find out it's a copy.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21So that's good news. We've still got £3,000 to £4,000.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26He agreed with the valuation, because of the foxing.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30It's now down to this lot. Let's find out what happens.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34AUCTIONEER: David Cox. Expansive landscape.
0:41:34 > 0:41:40Five Scottish figures, two on horseback, tending a herd of cattle.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Well signed and I think it's got the features of David Cox.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46The men, the animals, it's got the lot.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50OK, there's a bit of restoration to be done.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52That can be done easily.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56You've got a really good painting and it's a good big'un! Bid me.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00Two and a half thou to start?
0:42:00 > 0:42:032,500?
0:42:03 > 0:42:062,000?
0:42:06 > 0:42:081,800 I'm bid. At £1,800.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- At £1,800... - We're in.
0:42:11 > 0:42:16..at 1,800. £2,000.
0:42:16 > 0:42:182,200. 2,200.
0:42:18 > 0:42:202,400. 2,400...
0:42:20 > 0:42:24We've got a phone bid. This is great.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27..2,600.
0:42:27 > 0:42:302,800.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34£2,800, David Cox. Are you coming in, Mike?
0:42:34 > 0:42:36£2,800.
0:42:36 > 0:42:42Bid's here on the telephone. At £2,800.
0:42:42 > 0:42:473,000, I'd like. I'll open the gate at 2,900, if you want to.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50£2,800 final call.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54On the telephone. Everybody done?
0:42:54 > 0:42:56£2,800 all done?
0:42:56 > 0:43:01He's sold it. £2,800. That's fabulous!
0:43:01 > 0:43:05- It is.- Congratulations. - Really pleased. Thank you.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09'The auctioneer used discretion and sold for just under the reserve.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13'Alwyn is over the moon.'
0:43:13 > 0:43:19I told you there would be one or two surprises! Sadly, we've run out of time in Colwyn Bay.
0:43:19 > 0:43:25There'll be many more surprises to come on Flog It but, for now, cheerio.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd