0:00:02 > 0:00:05This is Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Derbyshire.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10We're filming in the holidays, so the timetable's given over to Flog It!
0:00:33 > 0:00:36I think it's time this lot went back to school.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39Hopefully, our antiques experts
0:00:39 > 0:00:43will give lessons in the geography of the item, where it was made,
0:00:43 > 0:00:48the history, why it was made, and also the maths - what is it worth?
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Because they want to sell it.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Viv here taught English at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59You're now retired, you loved your job here but, strangely enough,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03almost next to her is Andrew, who was your pupil!
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- What was he like? - He was a nice little boy.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- Did you put him in detention? - No. Didn't have to!
0:01:10 > 0:01:13The bell has gone. Time to go back to school.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22'We have a learned team of experts to provide the valuations.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26'Top of the class here in Ashbourne are Michael Baggott,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30'who started collecting in primary school, with an old coin.'
0:01:30 > 0:01:33A lot of very good porcelain comes from Bavaria.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37'He's been hooked on antiques ever since,'
0:01:37 > 0:01:42- Is that something you were thinking of selling?- If it's worth selling.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- Is it worth selling? - I won't tell you now.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49'And auctioneer and valuer, Will Axon,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52'who's worked his way up from the bottom,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56'and learned a few tricks of the trade on his way.'
0:01:56 > 0:02:00London touch marks. See how it spins!
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Ooh!
0:02:04 > 0:02:06'Coming up, Michael spots a clue.'
0:02:06 > 0:02:11- Have you ever seen that? - I just thought it was a mark.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Along with all the other dents and knocks?- Yes.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18'And Will also turns detective.'
0:02:18 > 0:02:22I think, at some stage, she has had a haircut.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- Was that down to you? - No. I think that was my nan.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28'I wonder if that's true.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37'Michael's first at the valuation tables with Val.'
0:02:37 > 0:02:40You brought this funny little jug in.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- What can you tell me about it? - It was left to me 43 years ago.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47By my aunt, left in her will
0:02:47 > 0:02:49as a "silver cream jug".
0:02:49 > 0:02:54I don't know whether it is a cream jug, whether it's silver, or what.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- I can't find a hallmark on it. - Right.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02That's a challenge! 43 years of looking! Let's pick it up.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07First thing I can tell you is it is a cream jug and it's not English,
0:03:07 > 0:03:12with this roundel attachment to the handle,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15this curved ebonised handle
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and very low-bellied form.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22If you turn it over, an English one would have marks there.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25And an English one might have marks on the side.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Nothing.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- But, thankfully, have you ever seen that?- I have.
0:03:31 > 0:03:37- I just thought it was a mark.- Along with the other dents and marks?- Yes.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39That is the town mark for Venice.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Venice?
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Venice, Italy.
0:03:43 > 0:03:49And it was made between about 1819 and 1825.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53That's as far as I can narrow it down from that mark.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57It is slightly lower grade than ours but it is silver.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- Mm-hm.- The good news is...
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Venetian silver is not thick on the ground.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Italians love to buy back their heritage.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12- I see.- So, even though we've got one jug from what would have been
0:04:12 > 0:04:15a pretty fantastic coffee set,
0:04:15 > 0:04:22it's still quite an interesting and sought-after little piece of silver.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27You've had it 43 years. Why did you decide to bring it along today?
0:04:27 > 0:04:32I'm getting rid of things. Nobody in the family wants anything so they're going.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- So this has got to go?- Yes.
0:04:35 > 0:04:41- I think we would be safe if we put an estimate of £100 to £150.- Right.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44And a fixed reserve of £90.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I think it would make that all day long.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51If we get two telephones, one in Rome, one in Venice...
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- Gosh!- ..and they both want a little Venetian jug,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58might make a couple of hundred.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02We probably won't see more Venetian silver on "Flog It!"
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- for ten or 20 years! - I didn't know it was Venetian.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11'Gosh! He's good. Let's hope the Italians spot it on the internet!
0:05:14 > 0:05:18'I'm next, with a nice family piece that Jo has brought in.'
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Jo, where did you come across this walking cane?
0:05:21 > 0:05:24It's been in my family all my life.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27I can remember it as a child.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Yeah? Are you into horses?
0:05:29 > 0:05:34Not at all. I'm sure it belonged to my grandfather who WAS into horses.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Right. Where did he get it from?
0:05:36 > 0:05:42- Well, he was a groom.- Was he?- Yes. At the Royal Hotel in Derby.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Where has this been in the house? Lying around somewhere?
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- It was in my loft.- Was it?
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- Absolutely.- This is silver.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55Sterling silver, but I can't find the hallmarks.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Sometimes, they are hidden away in the decorative work.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04See around the trees of this little hunting scene? It's the chase.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- Thank goodness! Not the kill.- No!
0:06:07 > 0:06:10See the way the horse has been modelled?
0:06:10 > 0:06:12See the deep relief of the silver
0:06:12 > 0:06:17and the way the hounds are running with extended long legs?
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- That is typical of the style from about the 1840s.- Really?- Hm.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26This has come off something else.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31- Oh.- Possibly a very good quality riding crop or whip.
0:06:31 > 0:06:38It's been adapted to be used on the top of this walking cane.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42This is ash. You can see the wood, the grain of the ash.
0:06:42 > 0:06:48But it's been painted with a paint effect and then lacquered,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51which is typical of the 1880s.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55So I think this was put on around then.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- Gosh.- You can see, architecturally,
0:06:58 > 0:07:00it just doesn't sit right, does it?
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- That's been forced on around the collar.- Yes.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- That's where the value is.- Is it?
0:07:07 > 0:07:11I'd imagine, if you wanted to sell this, and it does sell,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13that'll get taken off
0:07:13 > 0:07:17and put back on to a riding crop or whip.
0:07:17 > 0:07:23- Because that's just beautiful. Is it something you want to sell?- Yes.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27It's been in the family for so long
0:07:27 > 0:07:31but I'm not particularly attached to it.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35I think it's worth in the region of around about £60 to £80,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- purely for that part.- OK. Yeah.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- Reserve of 60. Don't give it away. - All right.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- Are you happy with that?- I am.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47If it doesn't sell, everybody needs a stick of some sort.
0:07:47 > 0:07:53Even to retrieve something! You always need a stick!
0:07:53 > 0:07:58'I'm always intrigued when things have been adapted over the years.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05'Will found something for the doll collectors.'
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Is this yours, Kevin or Vicky? - No.- It was my Nana's.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13It's come down through the family to yourself.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Have you not got someone to pass it on to?
0:08:16 > 0:08:20I've got my daughter but she thinks it's freaky.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Freaky? Does she? She's quite a sweet little doll,
0:08:23 > 0:08:28for the collectors of these types of things, who obviously do like them.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Have you any idea where your Nana got her from?
0:08:32 > 0:08:36She got her from her dad, who had a friend in Germany.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Interesting. Well, that's good.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44Because the best known maker of these bisque porcelain headed dolls
0:08:44 > 0:08:48was Armand Marseille, a German firm who were producing these
0:08:48 > 0:08:52in various quantities and qualities.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57One way to find out is on the back of the head, the maker's mark.
0:08:57 > 0:09:03Without taking off her hair, I couldn't look and it's a shame to pull off her hair.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Though I think, at some stage, she has had a bit of a haircut.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- Is that down to you?- No. I think that was my nan.- It does happen.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Little girls get the scissors out from Mummy's dressing table.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18They give the doll a haircut
0:09:18 > 0:09:22and don't understand it's not going to grow back.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25That's an issue to the hardcore collector,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27where things like that do matter.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33These types of baby dolls are the "bebe" dolls.
0:09:33 > 0:09:39Generally, smaller, like this, with the angled arms and so on.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44Looking at the head itself, where a lot of the focus is for collectors.
0:09:44 > 0:09:50She's... You've got to appreciate that she's quite prettily painted.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55The mouth is another area where you can look at the quality.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57If they have just a solid mouth,
0:09:57 > 0:10:04they tend to be, shall we say, lower league quality pieces.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Once you get open mouths and teeth,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10that's a bit more intricate, takes longer to make
0:10:10 > 0:10:13and, hence, is a better quality doll.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15As with most dolls, if I sit her up,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17this really will scare you!
0:10:17 > 0:10:20The eyes open and she comes alive!
0:10:20 > 0:10:25You said your daughter doesn't like it.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- Are you the same?- Yeah. I'm not really into it.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31If I said sort of round the £50 mark, how would you feel about that?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Would your mum be happy with that? - I think so.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- She's not upset you're selling it? - No. I asked permission first.
0:10:38 > 0:10:44You don't want her sitting with a cup of tea. "There's me doll!"
0:10:44 > 0:10:46She wouldn't want less than that.
0:10:46 > 0:10:52- So, £50 to £80. Discretionary reserve of £50.- Yeah. Brilliant.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- See you both at the sale.- Thank you.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58'No, we wouldn't want Vicky's mum choking on her tea.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01'We like people to enjoy Flog It!'
0:11:01 > 0:11:06When we were outside in the queue, you all wanted to know...
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- ALL: What's it worth? - You're about to find out.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Let's put the valuations to the test.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19'The sale is being held by Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd.
0:11:22 > 0:11:29'We have two auctioneers selling our lots - David Greatwood and Charles Hanson.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36'Time for a quick reminder of all of our lots.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38'It takes an eagle-eyed expert
0:11:38 > 0:11:42'to spot the Venetian mark on Val's silver jug.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44'So, well done, Michael.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48'The silver top on the walking stick caught my eye
0:11:48 > 0:11:51'because it's so beautifully crafted.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53'Will picked out the bebe doll.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58'It's a shame someone's taken the scissors to her hair,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01'but at least she has her original clothes.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10'Before the auction,
0:12:10 > 0:12:14'I caught up with Charles to get his take on the Venetian silver jug.'
0:12:14 > 0:12:18This is a cracking little lot. I love the form.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22It stands proud. "Look at me! I'm very important."
0:12:22 > 0:12:24But the family silver has to go.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27It's Continental, as you know.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32- Michael has put £100 to £150 on it. - I think it's quite speculative.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37It's an interesting pot. It's got the look of a pot far earlier.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42- It's a style that went on and on. - Because it was such a good style.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- Top end or lower end? - I think £100 to £150 is quite right.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51It could race away. It could stall at the lower part. But I like it.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- It's a quintessential antique. I agree with the price.- So do I.
0:12:56 > 0:13:02'It's the first of our lots, so let's see if Charles is right.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08'And we have David Greatwood on the rostrum.'
0:13:08 > 0:13:15- Something that Michael and myself wouldn't dream of selling. Valerie is. You're being a daredevil.- Yes.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- Decluttering.- Yes. - This is a lovely silver jug.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22I had a chat to the auctioneer about it.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26We both agreed it just looks, "Look at me! I'm SO important."
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- It's just beautiful.- Bella! Bella! It's Italian, isn't it?
0:13:30 > 0:13:34If the Italians have seen it,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- it will fly.- It's going under the hammer. Good luck.- Thank you.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43Silver pear-shaped cream jug. Commission interest at £75.
0:13:43 > 0:13:4775. 80. Five. 90. And I'm out.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51At £90. Any advance on £90? I'll take five. Surely...?
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Is someone getting a bargain?
0:13:54 > 0:13:59..On the pillar at 90. Any advance at £90? Take five. At £90...
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- It's gone at 90.- That's fine. - Happy?- Yeah, I am. Yes.
0:14:04 > 0:14:10- I'd have hoped for a bit more, for 120.- I would have done as well. It did look important.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- It looked really good. - It's a lovely thing.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18'I don't think the Italians spotted their little jug.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22'It's my choice now, which can be nerve-racking.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24'Charles Hanson is taking the sale.'
0:14:24 > 0:14:26I'm not sure about this one.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32It's that walking cane with a silver top and belongs to Jo with a value of £60 to £80.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- Good to see you.- Thank you. - Who's this with you?
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- Ted, my grandson. - Hello, Ted. Pleased to meet you.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44I love your tractor T-shirt. Little boys love tractors, don't they?
0:14:44 > 0:14:49Have you got lots of friends at pre-school? Wave hello to them.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52All your friends can watch you now.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- I am a bit frightened about this. - Really?- Mm.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59If it has to go home, then enjoy it, won't you?
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Maybe leave it by the front door. - Yes.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07Put it in a big pot, like you do with walking sticks!
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- I know you got this out the loft. - Yes. It's been there for ages.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20Mounted walking stick. White metal. Lots of interest here.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24And I am bid, away we go, at £40, £50, £60.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29- Do I see five now...? - Get it within estimate.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32..75. 85 now.
0:15:32 > 0:15:3490. I'll take five. Let's see you all.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37At £90, we say sell. At 90.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Fair warning. All out? We say sale.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44Just over the top end of the estimate. Pleased, Ted?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46That's £90. It's a lot of money.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49I wonder who's gonna get the dosh.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Well, yes. The grandchildren. Of course.
0:15:52 > 0:15:58'I'm delighted we could help Jo give something to the grandchildren.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02'Now for the little doll, with auctioneer David Greatwood.'
0:16:02 > 0:16:08- You're putting the proceeds towards DIY?- Yeah.- Who's doing that?- He is.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12We've seen these bisque dolls do quite well.
0:16:12 > 0:16:18£300 to £500. We had one doing a couple of thousand, but they vary so much.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22Well, the first were produced in the 1850s in France.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24They're really sought-after.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29- We suspect this one's German. - This one's been in a box.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34- Because you didn't like looking at it?- Yeah.- I don't blame you.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Flashing eyes, open mouth, nicely dressed little doll.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43Commission interest here and I must go straight in at £55.
0:16:43 > 0:16:4655. 60. Five. 70. Five.
0:16:46 > 0:16:4980. Five. 90.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51£90 on the right.
0:16:51 > 0:16:5395, new place. 100?
0:16:53 > 0:16:56110. 120. 130.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Right in the middle and seated at 130. Any advance?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03At 130. Selling at 130.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- That was a good result.- Yeah.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09We're all happy. It's gone and for a good price!
0:17:09 > 0:17:14'Good sale! No point holding on to things you don't want.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16'Later, Michael has an extraordinary find.'
0:17:16 > 0:17:22- Made my day. Made my year, even. - Oh, right. Thank you.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35'Harness racing, or "trotting", is an exhilarating sport
0:17:35 > 0:17:41'which has been practised in this country for over a century.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45'Every year, more than 1,500 horses take part in the United Kingdom,
0:17:45 > 0:17:51'yet most of us have barely heard of this pocket of sporting history.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55'This is John Towe racing at Pikehall in the Peak District.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00'His family have been involved with the sport for generations.
0:18:03 > 0:18:09'I've arranged to meet him and his wife Nicky at their farm near Matlock to find out more.'
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Hi, Nicky.- Hello. - And who's this?- This is Merlin.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15You're a fine boy, aren't you?
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Gorgeous, gorgeous horse.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20I'm very excited. I've got my riding hat.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- Expect the ride of your life! - PAUL LAUGHS
0:18:24 > 0:18:26What speeds are we going to do?
0:18:26 > 0:18:32- Probably close to 25, 30 miles an hour.- That's quite fast.
0:18:32 > 0:18:38- Your family has been involved in this sport for a long, long time. - Oh, yes.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Probably since the early 1800s.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44My grandfather, great-grandfather, grandfather before him.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- Are you into this sport as well? - I'm just starting.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- It's so scary!- At least you love horses. A good starting point.- Yeah.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- But you're bonkers about this. - Yes. It's very addictive.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01What are the origins of the sport?
0:19:01 > 0:19:05It started with your butchers, bakers, doctors.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08They all had their own horse and cart.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12When they went to market, they'd get together
0:19:12 > 0:19:16and decide, "We'll race home, see who gets home quickest."
0:19:16 > 0:19:20COMMENTATOR OVER P.A. SYSTEM
0:19:23 > 0:19:26The carts have changed over the years.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30Oh, yes. The basic design stays the same.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- With modern engineering and materials...- Quite lightweight now.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38This one we're using today is what we call a training sulky,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41specially modified to carry two.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46The myth is they were called sulkies because they only sit one person,
0:19:46 > 0:19:52so you could go out on your own and people said you were sulking.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57He's been very good. He's quite patient. Sure-footed?
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Put me through my paces. - He should give you a nice go today.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05The biggest thing that you'll find is the speed, really.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08From an onlooker it doesn't look so fast.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13But when you're bumping around a track, it does seem...
0:20:13 > 0:20:16There's going to be a lot of dust
0:20:16 > 0:20:18flying in the eyes, grit in your mouth.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- Oh, yeah.- It's all part of the fun.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- Shall we get up on the track? - Yeah. That'll be fun.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28I'm getting quite excited. There's going to be a lot of dust and dirt!
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- This is incredible. - Beautiful views!
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- Shall I get on first? - Let me get on first.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41I'm going to come back covered...
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Oh, I saw that.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- It's like a gentle swivel.- Yeah.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- That wasn't too bad.- OK?- Yeah. I just hold on?- Yeah. That's it.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54There's a little handle. That's it.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- Do you lean back, lean into the bends?- Lean back a little bit.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03You'll find your balance as you're going.
0:21:12 > 0:21:18- Can I have a go?- Yeah. Now he's settled, you've got your balance.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Good lad. Good boy.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24This is absolutely fabulous.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- Sheer power!- Good lad.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- PAUL LAUGHS - Good boy, Merlin.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33This is fantastic, just brilliant!
0:21:36 > 0:21:39John, I'm going to hand the reins back to you.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43You can take us round at near on race speed and I'll hang on.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- Yeah. You hang on tight! - Here we go!
0:21:48 > 0:21:52My whole body is vibrating. I can feel my watch vibrating off.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Literally.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04John, that's marvellous.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Whoa.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- PAUL CHUCKLES - Whoa.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14I'm absolutely exhausted. That was so exhilarating.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19Merlin, you are a wonderful horse. You were a wizard out there!
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Needs a good drink.
0:22:21 > 0:22:28That was exciting. You can feel the horsepower going through your veins, almost making my ribs tickle.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- I'll remember that for a long time. John, thank you so much.- Pleasure.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37I think you deserve a drink of water. Let's go.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- We'll get him a bath as well. - Hose him down.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55Welcome back to our valuation day at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00There are hundreds of people here and lots more antiques to value.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08'Michael Baggott has found a stylish case.'
0:23:08 > 0:23:13Nigel, thank you for bringing this very promising-looking leather case.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18The first thing you can tell is it's very good quality leather.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- I'm dying to see what's inside, so if I may...?- Yeah.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- It is a bit stiff.- Wow.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28That's an interior! Let's unpack it.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30We've got...
0:23:30 > 0:23:34kettle...teapot.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38We've got the little water jug. We delve in there...
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Got a little caddy. It goes on for ever.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- It does, actually. - And we've got a little milk jug.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51And we should, finally, have the sugar bowl.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55And this lovely surface to mount it all on with a little stand.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00The only thing I think we're lacking...
0:24:00 > 0:24:03The burner, I think.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06I didn't know whether that fitted.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11- That aperture there would have been for the burner.- Oh, I see.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16Some little devil's played with that and that's gone missing.
0:24:16 > 0:24:23- Have you got any idea when it was made or how old it is?- It was my mother's. It was given to her.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28She was a housekeeper for a family in Derby called Preston-Jones.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33They used to go on a lot of cruises and used to take it with them.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38Now you say that, we can make sense of the initials on the top.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41EPJ for Preston Jones.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45That's lovely to have history going to the original owner.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49We've got the little retailer's name, Asprey,
0:24:49 > 0:24:51which is a good name.
0:24:51 > 0:24:57I know that the design of this set started many years earlier
0:24:57 > 0:25:03and was produced, initially, by Hukin and Heath
0:25:03 > 0:25:05to a design of Christopher Dresser.
0:25:05 > 0:25:11It's Asprey thinking, "This is popular. We'll make our own version."
0:25:11 > 0:25:15The Christopher Dresser originals are about 1875.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20Basically, you've got a travelling picnic set in electroplate...
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Sadly! Rather than silver.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26..dating to around 1900, 1910.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29It's just so compact and so useful.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Why have you decided to part with it?
0:25:32 > 0:25:37Just cos I'd like to realise what the value of it is, I think.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41Because the burner's missing, let's be cautious.
0:25:41 > 0:25:47- Let's say £120 to £200.- Oh! Yeah. - Put a fixed reserve of £100 on it.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52Let's hope there are two like-minded people at the auction.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Thanks very much.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57'A nice bit of quality. It should do well.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01'Adrian's brought in something very unusual.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03'We don't see many of these!'
0:26:03 > 0:26:07You haven't been walking round with this under your arm?
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- No.- You came in the car, not on the bike!- Yeah.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16Good work. When I first saw it, it didn't really grab me.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18When I had a closer look,
0:26:18 > 0:26:22these panels are all hand-decorated.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27It looks like pen and ink. Have you inherited it?
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- It's what Mum left. - Your mother?- Yeah.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- It's not something you want to put into your home?- No.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37It's just stored in the loft.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42Well, this is what we would call a decorator's piece.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46It's not the most decorative one in the world,
0:26:46 > 0:26:48i.e. being highly coloured.
0:26:48 > 0:26:54You see those Victorian ones which are decoupage, brightly coloured.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58It's going to date from late 19th century.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03It's almost Aesthetic Movement, with this ebonised frame.
0:27:03 > 0:27:08- Yeah.- The upper half reminds me very much of Japanese wood block prints,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10late 19th century.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14But if you look at the bottom half, it couldn't be more different.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16You've got here, a chap,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19who's bludgeoning a fox
0:27:19 > 0:27:22while his hounds pounce.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24Not everyone's cup of tea -
0:27:24 > 0:27:28shooting, fox hunting, fishing - but there is a market for it.
0:27:28 > 0:27:34I have seen them do very well, if they're not so "controversial".
0:27:34 > 0:27:40Let's pitch this sensibly, put this in at the £100 mark, 100 to 150.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45I think you'll have to sweeten the buyers with a low estimate.
0:27:45 > 0:27:52- Do you want to take it home if it doesn't get away?- No. I'd sooner see what it fetches.- Right. OK.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- I like your approach. Let it find its level.- Yeah.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- 100 to 150 estimate, but no reserve. - Yeah. Take a gamble.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03'That might be wise, with the subject matter.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11'Michael has come across something he's pretty excited about.'
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Brenda, it's not often I'm speechless
0:28:15 > 0:28:19with a piece of pottery, but this is wonderful.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Where did you get this fine fellow from?
0:28:23 > 0:28:28In 1989, we were left a farm and that was part of it, in the house.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- Just left in the farmhouse?- Yes.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34Were you delighted when you discovered it?
0:28:34 > 0:28:40- Not really. No.- What have you done with it since?- Put it in a cupboard.
0:28:40 > 0:28:45- From the abandoned farmhouse to the cupboard.- Yes.- That's appalling.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49What we're looking at is a class of pottery
0:28:49 > 0:28:52that developed from creamware.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Creamware came in about 1770.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00It's a pottery body that's covered in a glaze to imitate porcelain.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03It was widely produced in Staffordshire
0:29:03 > 0:29:05and potteries further north.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08It had a creamy tone to it
0:29:08 > 0:29:11and to whiten things up
0:29:11 > 0:29:17the clay was "blued", and so we get the version on from that, pearlware.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19If we tip this fellow over,
0:29:19 > 0:29:23we've got that pooling of the blue glaze on the base.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26This is a pearlware figure.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28And it's a whopper!
0:29:28 > 0:29:33I've seen, in my years, very many pearlware horses.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38- They're very sought-after. This is the first cow I've seen.- Oh!
0:29:38 > 0:29:43Which makes it very unusual. We have got little bits of damage.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47The horns are there. Normally, the horns go and the ears are left.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51You've done it the other way round with this one!
0:29:51 > 0:29:56I wouldn't date it much before 1820.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59And not much after 1830, 1835.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02It's a rare thing, a lovely thing as well.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06It really has taken my breath away to see this.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10- Any idea of what it's worth? - No. Not at all.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Have a guess.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- A hundred.- £100.- At the most.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20I never have my chequebook on me when I should!
0:30:22 > 0:30:29We will put this into auction and we'll put £1,000 to £1,500 on it.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- And we'll put a fixed reserve of £1,000 on it.- Oh.
0:30:33 > 0:30:39I think that there will be three or four leading English pottery dealers
0:30:39 > 0:30:42who would cut each other's throat to own this.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45I think it's going to do exceptionally well.
0:30:47 > 0:30:52- I might turn out to have been conservative. You're happy?- Yes.
0:30:52 > 0:30:59- Thank you so much for bringing it in.- Thank you!- Made my day. Made my year, Brenda.- Thank you!
0:30:59 > 0:31:02'I think we might have a little treat in store.
0:31:02 > 0:31:09'There's just enough time to have a look at what our experts picked out to take to auction.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13'I can see people being taken up by the romance of Nigel's picnic set
0:31:13 > 0:31:17'from the turn of the last century.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22'The 19th-century screen is hand-decorated.
0:31:22 > 0:31:28'However, the hunting scene might not be to everybody's taste.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31'And all I can say about the pearlware cow
0:31:31 > 0:31:37'is if Michael is THAT excited, it's definitely the one to watch.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47'It's Nigel's monogrammed picnic set first. Let's see how it does.'
0:31:47 > 0:31:49- Good luck, Nigel.- Thank you.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- All we need is somebody in this room with the initials of PJ.- Be ideal.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59- There's a bit of history, and people use these.- You want to play with it.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04You want to take it all out, look at it, put it all back in...
0:32:04 > 0:32:10I just thought of somebody who might buy it. The guy from the Dragons' Den, Peter Jones.
0:32:10 > 0:32:17- He could afford it. Anyway, let's see what the bidders think here in Derbyshire.- Thank you.
0:32:17 > 0:32:23Very, very fine picnic set. Even better because it's Asprey.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27There we are. I will start this at £150...
0:32:27 > 0:32:32- Ooh. Good start. - ..Do I see 160 in the room?
0:32:32 > 0:32:35150. Do I see 160? 180.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38200? 220. 250..?
0:32:38 > 0:32:40That's more like it.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45..320. 350? 380. 400...
0:32:45 > 0:32:49This is keen bidding. This is really keen bidding.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52..£500. It's my under-bid at 500...
0:32:52 > 0:32:57I wonder if it's Asprey's on the phone buying it for stock!
0:32:57 > 0:33:02..At £500. £500. 520.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04550. Out.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09And out. At 550, all done. We say sale at £550.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12We certainly turned up the heat there. £550!
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- Without the burner!- Brilliant!
0:33:15 > 0:33:21Thank you so much for bringing that in. That was something from the golden years of travel.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25I'll be looking for one with a burner!
0:33:25 > 0:33:30'It sold for over £500, which means the commission drops to 10%.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34'Now for that late Victorian screen.'
0:33:34 > 0:33:39It's hand-painted, wood block, Japanese influence, and it belongs to Adrian.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44Unfortunately, Adrian can't be with us today. I like this a lot.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- A lot of work's gone into this. - That's what caught my eye.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50You think there's not much about it,
0:33:50 > 0:33:54but on closer inspection, all the decoration is hand-painted.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00Late Victorian ebonised three-fold dressing screen
0:34:00 > 0:34:02with hunting rural scenes...
0:34:02 > 0:34:06Nice broad panels. Typical of the period.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10..£50, £60. Five. 70.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12Five. 80. I've got 90.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- Five. And I'm out... - Near the bottom figure.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21- Be nice to get get a round 100. - ..You're in, sir.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25£95. Come on. One more do I see? Fair warning. All done.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- I'll get on the phone to Adrian. - Yeah.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32'I think he'll be pleased with that.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35'Our next lot is the pearlware cow,
0:34:35 > 0:34:38'which Brenda found in an inherited farmhouse.
0:34:38 > 0:34:44'Let's look what Charles had to say about it earlier.'
0:34:44 > 0:34:48This has got to be the largest piece of pearlware
0:34:48 > 0:34:50I've seen on the show in nine years.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55- Yeah.- It's wonderful, isn't it? - It's glazed very well. It's huge.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- We've got £1,000 to £1,500.- Yes.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03- For 18th-centure pearlware.- Yeah. I had a phone call from Brenda.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07Brenda said, "Charles, sell it. You get what it's worth."
0:35:07 > 0:35:12I think we'll probably, if we get up towards £600, we'll let it go.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16- She was happy to have no reserve? - Absolutely.- That's a dangerous game.
0:35:16 > 0:35:21- You don't want to sell this, as an auctioneer, for £25.- No.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26- You're not going to make any money. - We feel it's worth 1,000 to 1,500.
0:35:26 > 0:35:32- If it only got to £100, it wouldn't go because it makes us look...- Not so good.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37- Exactly.- So you're going to say there's a fixed reserve of £600,
0:35:37 > 0:35:41- or it's going back to Brenda and you'll try on another day.- Indeed.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- It is worth £1,000 - we hope! - Absolutely.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49My gut feeling is this was made for a butcher's shop as advertisement.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- That's a good thought. - That's not a domestic piece.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58- Who's got a mantelpiece big enough? - No-one.- That's a butcher's shop.
0:36:04 > 0:36:09'Auctioneer David Greatwood is taking this sale.'
0:36:09 > 0:36:13Unfortunately, Brenda isn't here. She's on holiday in Blackpool.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17We do have her husband, Gordon. You must have seen this all your life.
0:36:17 > 0:36:23Yes. It's been in the farmhouse as long as I can remember.
0:36:23 > 0:36:30It's the largest model of a cow I've ever seen. You see cow creamers make £300, £400, £500 this big.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- That's a whopper. - We could be in for a real surprise.
0:36:34 > 0:36:40- You ready for this, Gordon? - Yes.- It's going under the hammer right now.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46Pearlware model of a cow. A very fine specimen. Rare.
0:36:46 > 0:36:52- Commissions. I'm opening at £380... - Oh, dear. That's really low.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55- ..500. And 20... - 'We have hit £500.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58'So it's the lower commission of 10%.'
0:36:58 > 0:37:00- ..550... - Climbing steadily.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04..650. New place. 680.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08700. And 20. 750.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- 780... - Come on!
0:37:10 > 0:37:12..850. 880.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- 900... - There are collectors in the room.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18..950. 980.
0:37:18 > 0:37:211,000. And 50.
0:37:21 > 0:37:231,200. And 50.
0:37:23 > 0:37:261,300. And 50.
0:37:26 > 0:37:291,400. And 50...
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- Isn't this exciting? - Yes. They like it very well.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37..1,800. 1,900.
0:37:37 > 0:37:402,000. 2,100. 2,200.
0:37:40 > 0:37:432,300. 2,400.
0:37:43 > 0:37:452,500...
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- CHUCKLES - It deserves to do this.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53..In the room, now, at 2,500.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- £2,500... - BANGS GAVEL
0:37:55 > 0:37:59The hammer's gone down. Gordon, well done!
0:37:59 > 0:38:04Thank Brenda for bringing that in. Cheer her up in Blackpool!
0:38:04 > 0:38:09- How come you're not with her? - We're farmers.- You can't leave.
0:38:09 > 0:38:15- I'll give her a ring.- She might go on a spending spree in Blackpool!
0:38:15 > 0:38:20What a wonderful way to end the show. I hope Brenda's over the moon.
0:38:20 > 0:38:27Join us for many more surprises because you never know what's going to happen in an auction room.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29For now, until then, it's goodbye.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd