0:00:03 > 0:00:10This magnificent cathedral in the heart of Truro was built by the Victorians, believe or not, in 1880.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Look at it, it's stunning! They did a pretty good job of copying the Gothic style.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18It's known as Gothic revival, and today we're hoping to do a pretty good job.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21As we're in Cornwall I should say 'proper job', shouldn't I?
0:00:21 > 0:00:24We're doing a proper job because Flog It! is in town.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Well, what a great turnout we've got today.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04OK, it might be raining but we won't let that dampen our spirits!
0:01:04 > 0:01:07I'm eager to see what's inside all these bags and boxes because
0:01:07 > 0:01:09there might be something really valuable.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Our team of experts today are David Barby and David Fletcher. It is Team David.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Hello, what have you got?
0:01:15 > 0:01:18David Barby has always been into old things, including fossils,
0:01:18 > 0:01:23but he's no fossil himself. In fact, he's one of our sparkiest experts.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Don't get it out we'll have a look at that inside.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32David Fletcher loves his fine art and antiques but he's also a sucker for a soft toy.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37Does it growl or squeak? That's academic because it doesn't do either now, it's mute now.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42And coming up on a cracking show today...
0:01:42 > 0:01:43Are you thinking of selling today?
0:01:43 > 0:01:47I do like it, depending on its valuation.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52I don't think anyone's ever said to buy myself a birthday present.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56I'm the first selfish Cornishman then that you've interviewed.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Well, it is now 9:30. Its time to get the doors open because
0:01:59 > 0:02:03these people are eager to ask a very important question, which is?
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- What's it worth? - Let's get them inside.
0:02:15 > 0:02:21First up, David Barby is weighing up an item brought in by Pauline.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26Thank you very much for coming along particularly into such a wonderful building. Isn't this beautiful?
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- Gorgeous.- Do you live in Truro? - I do, just outside.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33And do you have any connection with the cathedral?
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Oh, yes, my husband's the warden of the lay assistants.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41We've been here ten years and we used to worship at
0:02:41 > 0:02:46St Augustine's at Kilburn in London which is a Pearson church,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49and he built that one first before he built this one.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Oh, you came because of the architecture.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- Because it was just like coming home again.- Oh, yes, we're going off the beaten track.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59You've brought this in for sale - just tell me where did it come from?
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Well, it was my father's. I can always remember it being there.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- Right, in his office? - No, no, at home.
0:03:07 > 0:03:13The only thing I can think he got it from is that he had an aunt who had a little sweet shop.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16So, I think there might have been a post office attached.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Most likely because this is postal scales
0:03:19 > 0:03:24with all its weight on, a little board you can move round from one table to another.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27So, I think it's a rather nice example and you've got all the notes
0:03:27 > 0:03:31of the charges down the side here, and the weights.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Then here you've got book rates here.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38So, I think you're right, it could have been in a stationer's shop or
0:03:38 > 0:03:42similar, just to tell the customer how much it would cost to send it.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- Yes.- Or a small post office. But, these are also for domestic reasons as well.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50What I like, first of all, is the oak base.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53The brass work and all this decorative element here.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Here we have Samuel Mordan & Co.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01They were renowned manufacturers, in this country, for producing small
0:04:01 > 0:04:06objects, like these postal scales, small pens, penknives.
0:04:06 > 0:04:13They made these exquisite objects in gold, silver and base metals.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15So, that does enhance the interest.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18And have you got all the weights?
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- I think I have.- Oh, yes, you have you've got the half ounce.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24That's brilliant! Brilliant, brilliant.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28So, it's a complete postal scale.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33At auction I think we're going to realise, not too much at the present,
0:04:33 > 0:04:40probably £50, £80, that would be its maximum, I think.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Right, that's fine.- Shall we put that up for auction?- Yes.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47I think we've got to put a reserve of around about £45. Would that be agreeable?
0:04:47 > 0:04:50That would be lovely. Yes, thank you.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- OK, keep your fingers crossed.- OK.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57It depends who is looking on at the time, doesn't it really?
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04Pauline's hoping that with a little help from above we'll see her scales fly out of the sale.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09Now, there's nothing I like better at the start of the day than to have a good old nose around.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13I just noticed, this caught my eye. I had these as a kid.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17I collected these tea card albums, very nice as well.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- Hello, what's your name? - Hello, Clara.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Hi, Clara. I'm being very nosy. I'm joining in on everything.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- That's very nice, isn't it? - It is.- And of course Polperro, do you live in Polperro?
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- No, I live in Truro but it was bought in a charity shop in Windsor.- Really?
0:05:31 > 0:05:34When we were visiting family, so we brought it home.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Probably cheaper in Windsor. There's a premium for it in Cornwall, everybody wants it.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- People recognise the scene. Isn't that lovely?- It is, yes.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46That's quite loose, sort of a pencil sketch but then coloured in with water colour.
0:05:46 > 0:05:52- With water colour, yeah.- That's very me. That's the kind of thing I would buy if I saw that in a shop.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- Yeah.- Is it something you're thinking of selling today?
0:05:55 > 0:05:56I do like it...
0:05:56 > 0:06:02but - depending on its valuation...
0:06:04 > 0:06:06If the price is right.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11Do you know the art market is a very funny thing to value, it's all about confidence nowadays.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- People like to invest in a name that's got a good book price.- Yeah.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17Where they know the history of the artist.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21He's exhibited at the Royal Academy or other fine institutes around the world.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Then they've got the confidence.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26They know they can spend two or £3,000 on something that will be a good investment.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30I have never heard of this guy, Dale. I don't know if he's a Cornish artist.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35It's dated 1960 so hopefully he's still alive and quite prolific.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- In order to do a price comparison, you need an artist with form. You see?- Yeah.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45So, I'm going on a gut feeling here, if you walked past an art gallery and you saw that for sale at, say,
0:06:45 > 0:06:50£200 to £300, you'd think, "That's not bad, I'll buy that".
0:06:50 > 0:06:55But, in order to get £200, £300 for it, you've got to remount it, put it in a better frame.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- So that's going to cost you around £80 to £100, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:07:00 > 0:07:06I think it's got an auction value of around £100 to £140.
0:07:06 > 0:07:12I think somebody who lives in Polperro would love to buy that but only spend that sort of money on it.
0:07:12 > 0:07:18Then they'll spend another £100 on getting it reframed and remounted so it's very presentable.
0:07:18 > 0:07:24So, what do you do? Get it reframed and mounted and put it back on your wall, or put it into auction?
0:07:24 > 0:07:29Let Jefferys' auction rooms do a bit of research on the artist, they're bound to know.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- If anybody knows, they will. - They know all the local artists.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35If it were to go into the auction I'd want a reserve of £100 on it, would that be...?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- I'd go with that with you. - Would you?
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Yeah. I was frightened to say that.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42No, I mean it only cost £7 and I do like it.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- Well, what are you worried about then?- Because I like it.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50Yeah, I know. You've got to protect things with a reserve and there's a big lesson there.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55OK, £100 reserve and somebody will have a nice image then, won't they?
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- Hopefully, yeah.- And you'll be in pocket, with a lot of profit.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01I might buy another piece of art instead.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03In another junk shop in Windsor.
0:08:03 > 0:08:09I'm glad I bumped into Clara and with a firm reserve she can look forward to the thrill of auction,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11knowing her painting won't go for less than £100.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Not a bad investment on £7.
0:08:13 > 0:08:20Next up Clyde has brought in a little plate with an unusual provenance to show David Fletcher.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23I had it nearly 40 years ago.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28Someone gave me a pot plant and it was standing on this plate.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31So, it came free with your pot plant.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36It came with a pot plant. I think it was a cacti in those days.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38That's long since gone I expect?
0:08:38 > 0:08:45The cacti has gone, but the plate, once one realised the age of it,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48one put it away and took a bit of care of it.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50I'm glad you did.
0:08:50 > 0:08:56It would have been made not in Cornwall, as you might expect, but in Staffordshire.
0:08:56 > 0:09:03It is a type of pottery known as pearlware, and that refers to the nature of the glaze.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07It has a moulded border,
0:09:07 > 0:09:13decorated with leaves and these might be oak apples.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16The centre is transfer printed in blue and white.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19It commemorates the death
0:09:19 > 0:09:26of the late, and as it says, much lamented Charlotte of Saxe Cobourg,
0:09:26 > 0:09:31who was George IV's only daughter,
0:09:31 > 0:09:36and who died, as it tells us here, in 1817,
0:09:36 > 0:09:44the day after she gave birth to a son, who tragically died.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47And her death was indeed much lamented.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52I think very largely because, had she survived,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55she would eventually have become Queen Charlotte of England.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59And, commemorative china relating to the Royal Family
0:09:59 > 0:10:01from this date is rare, it's early.
0:10:01 > 0:10:07- You had an idea that it was of some value obviously.- Mmm.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10It's true to say that it has got a bit of damage.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- Bit of damage, two cracks. - Two longish hairline cracks -
0:10:15 > 0:10:17which are a problem.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21I must say condition is always important but in a case like this,
0:10:21 > 0:10:28I think it's less important than it might otherwise be because the plate is rare and highly collectible.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- Collectors will put up with a bit of damage.- Just as well.
0:10:33 > 0:10:40I think the time has come to be able possibly to sell it and let somebody else have the pleasure of it.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Just want to get the benefit of a few quid from it.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46I've got a special birthday this year, so...
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Have you? What's that, 60?
0:10:48 > 0:10:53No, no. A nought but not 60, go up a bit. But, that's beside the point.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55So, I think just be able to treat myself to something.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- A birthday present to yourself. - Just to myself, it can be, yes.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03Good for you. I don't think all the times I've asked people what they are selling things for,
0:11:03 > 0:11:07I don't think anyone's ever said to buy myself a birthday present but that's a good idea.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13I'm the first selfish Cornishman that you've interviewed or what have you!
0:11:13 > 0:11:17I don't think you're being selfish You're being very realistic. You treat yourself.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20If you haven't got children... If not, why not.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22They are not buying you presents, no children to buy you presents.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- That's right.- Good for you.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28It's now time for us to work out exactly what you'll be able to buy.
0:11:28 > 0:11:35I think the damage on this plate is important but not crucial.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37We have got to be mindful of it.
0:11:37 > 0:11:43I would like to say £200 but I don't think I can really.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48I would like to go £100 to £150.
0:11:48 > 0:11:54I'm certain it will find a buyer within that price range, who knows someone might pay a bit more.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56A bit more on the day, yes.
0:11:56 > 0:12:03So, let's hope for the best, put an estimate of £100 to £150 on it and a fixed reserve of £100.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Yes, I wouldn't like for it to go for less than that.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08If we're not bid £100, you can have it back.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- I'll take it back, that's right. - Bring it back in ten years when you have your next special birthday.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- Right will do, but hopefully it will sell.- Hopefully it will sell.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Thank you very much indeed. - OK, Clyde, see you at the sale.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24Well, £150 would be a great birthday present for Clyde so fingers crossed
0:12:24 > 0:12:27for the top end of the estimate at the saleroom.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30And here's a quick recap of all the items we're taking with us.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35Pauline's scales valued by David Barby at £50 to £80.
0:12:35 > 0:12:41Clara's painting which I put a valuation of £100 to £140 on.
0:12:41 > 0:12:47And Clyde's plate valued by David Fletcher at £100 to £150.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Today's auction is at Jefferys in Lostwithiel and auctioneer
0:12:50 > 0:12:55Ian Morris is concerned about the damage on Clyde's plate.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01This has surprised me, it's pearlware as you know, it belongs to Clyde.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I don't know a lot about ceramics but I am learning all the time.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09I guess this is quite rare. We've got £100 to £150 on this, even with the hairline cracks.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13Commemorative ware is, though not so collectible as in the past,
0:13:13 > 0:13:19certainly when you get back to the kind of dates that we've got, erm, it is collectible.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Again because of the subject, not so many commemorative wares,
0:13:22 > 0:13:28or the quantity were not made, therefore makes the piece rarer, and then the price higher.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Will this get the £100 mark?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Without the crack it will make £200 or £300 easily.- Wow.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37So, it's going to do it then?
0:13:37 > 0:13:41Hopefully, it's just the crack there for the purists, for the collector,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44They don't like cracks, even though the items are old, it does put people off.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- I hope to get there, yes, but... - Are you confident?
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Because of the date and the subject, yes, I think we'll get there.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58Will the bidders be put off by the damage or will the rarity of the plate still attract attention?
0:13:58 > 0:14:02We'll find out shortly but first under the hammer it's Pauline's scales.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04It's all in the balance right now!
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I'm talking about the postal scales belonging to Pauline.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- And I've got to say you look fabulous, I love the deep purple look.- Thank you.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16OK, tell me a bit about the postal scales, why are you selling them?
0:14:16 > 0:14:21I've always had them, my dad had them. I've played with them and my grandchildren have too.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24They seem to throw the weights around and I thought they might get lost.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29OK, so you brought them along to our Flog It! valuation day, where Mr Barby fell in love with them.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Well, I think they'll find a market,
0:14:32 > 0:14:34because the name's an important maker's name.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36And the condition's good.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40And we've got the complete set of weights, which is essential.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42So, hopefully we'll find a buyer here today
0:14:42 > 0:14:46who is going to love them, look at them and play with them again
0:14:46 > 0:14:49for another couple of generations. Going under the hammer now.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Oak and brass postal scales by S Mordan.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55What do you say for those, very quickly? £50.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57£30 to start me? £20, I'm bid.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00At £20. I'll take five to get on.
0:15:00 > 0:15:01£20. 25. £30.
0:15:01 > 0:15:0435. 35. £40. 45.
0:15:04 > 0:15:0545. £50. 55.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08£50 in the middle there.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11At £50. 55. seated, 60. Five.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13£60 at the back, then.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16£60 at the back. Going at £60.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- BANGS GAVEL - £60.- Oh, that's good.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- Happy with that?- Lovely, thank you.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Don't forget there is commission to pay, though.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27That's fine, I can get a couple of bricks for Truro Cathedral.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Wonderful, wonderful.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- I think that's divine intervention, actually.- It is.
0:15:35 > 0:15:36A great start to the sale.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Now, let's see if Clara's painting will also "sale" away.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43So far, so good. Now it's my turn to be the expert,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45this is where it can go slightly wrong!
0:15:45 > 0:15:48I'm joined by Clara and we're going to get the top end of that estimate,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- or at least a sale.- I hope so. - That's what we want.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54£100, £150 is on this and I know you got it from...
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- A charity shop. - Yes, it was a very good buy.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00If it's going to sell, it will be right here, right now -
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- a lot of local interest and there can't be a better place really, can there?- No.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08I'm nervous, do you know? I am slightly nervous.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12I'm sure it's going to go. We're going to find out now, this is it.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Dale signed watercolour of Polperro harbour,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18a local harbour there, Lot 92.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20What do you say, can I say £80 away?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23£50 to start me. £50, I'm bid.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25At £50, of Polperro.
0:16:25 > 0:16:2960. 70. 80.
0:16:29 > 0:16:3190. At £90.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32100 now?
0:16:33 > 0:16:36At £90, I'm bid.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37£90, I'm bid.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38Got a reserve at 100.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40All done at £90?
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Can't sell it for that, I'm afraid, £90.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Didn't sell it.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- He put the hammer down but he didn't actually say "sold".- No.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Gosh, I thought for a moment he might use a bit of discretion.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Yeah, so did I. I would have gone for £90.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Would you? We had a fixed reserve at 100.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- Yeah, I know.- I wish you'd told me at the valuation.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03It might be too late, but if we can find the under-bidder,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06we'll try and do the deal, but if we can't, it has to go home.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- OK.- Is that OK?- That's no problem.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12In the end, Clara decided not to part with her painting
0:17:12 > 0:17:15and guess what - it's back on her wall.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Next up, it's Clyde's plate, but will the damage put people off?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20I'm quite excited about this,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22because I've learned something here today.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25I never knew this would be worth so much
0:17:25 > 0:17:27even with two hairline cracks in it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31We had a chat to the auctioneer and he says it's really rare.
0:17:31 > 0:17:32Well, I hope I'm right.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36The great thing about this particular plate is it's early.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37You see lots of commemorative ware
0:17:37 > 0:17:40which relates to the late 19th century,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43but very little from as early as this. That's what I'm pinning my hopes on.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Thank goodness you've looked after it.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Yes, it's lasted fairly well.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Nearly 200 years old.- Nearly 200.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Well, I'm starting to tingle now.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57This is what auctions do. It won't be long.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01In fact, we can't talk any more, because it's going under the hammer.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Let's find out what this lot think.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Rare pearlware commemorative tea plate there.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08Princess Charlotte.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Got a crack in, otherwise it'd make a lot more money.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Can I say £100 to start, £100.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17£50, I've got, 50. 60.
0:18:17 > 0:18:2060, here. 70, there, 80.
0:18:20 > 0:18:2290. £100. The bid's with me.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25£100. 110 to get on, at 110.
0:18:25 > 0:18:26The bid's in the middle.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28Someone at the back of the room wants this.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31£110, I'm bid. 120 now.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Are we done? At £110.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36£110, the hammer's gone down, well done.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- Right.- Brilliant valuation. - Thank you.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- You've got your 100. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- Pity about those cracks, but we can't put the clock back. - No, age will tell.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50In the end, David Fletcher was spot-on with his valuation.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Clyde goes home without the plate, but with a pocket full of cash.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56That's the end of our first visit to the auction today.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59You could say it's the end of Act One - part two is to come later on
0:18:59 > 0:19:03and hopefully we'll have one or two surprises going under the hammer.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06While down here in Cornwall, I took the opportunity
0:19:06 > 0:19:08to go and visit a theatre with a real difference.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Take a look at this.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Just a few miles from Land's End,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31and perched precariously on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34is what seems like the remains of a Roman amphitheatre.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37It's not Roman. In fact, it's not that old at all.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41It's the brainchild of one woman, Rowena Cade.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51Rowena Cade was born on 2nd August, 1893, in Derbyshire,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53into a large and loving family.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58After Rowena's father passed away during the First World War,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01the family were living scattered all over the country,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04but eventually, Rowena and her mother moved to Lamorna,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07just a few miles along the coast in that direction.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11When Rowena discovered the Minack Headland, which I'm standing on now,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13she fell in love with it and you can see why, can't you?
0:20:13 > 0:20:15It's absolutely breathtaking.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18She had to own it and she bought it for £100,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21and in 1923, she built a house for herself and her mother
0:20:21 > 0:20:23using granite from the local quarry.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27Between the wars, Rowena used the house and its grounds
0:20:27 > 0:20:32to stage a variety of plays to provide entertainment for her family and friends.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34She discovered she had a knack for designing
0:20:34 > 0:20:37and making the costumes needed for the productions.
0:20:37 > 0:20:43Then in 1931, an opportunity arose for a much more ambitious project.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Rowena wanted to put a production on of The Tempest
0:20:51 > 0:20:53and looking for an appropriate setting,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57she had this vision of creating a stage out of the gully above Minack Rock.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01At the age of 38,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05a determined Rowena set about building the theatre by hand.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08with the help of just two men - her gardener Billy Rawlings
0:21:08 > 0:21:11and a local craftsman called Charles Thomas Angove.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13All this work took place on the slope
0:21:13 > 0:21:15above a sheer drop into the Atlantic.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18It took the three of them six months, working through a harsh winter,
0:21:18 > 0:21:23to make the stage and some basic seating cut out of the rock.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26The production was a huge success.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29The unique setting at the Minack Theatre here
0:21:29 > 0:21:31brought something magical to the performance
0:21:31 > 0:21:36and, of course, the public and the press absolutely loved it
0:21:36 > 0:21:38and they wanted more.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44Rowena and her gardener Billy worked tirelessly over the next few decades
0:21:44 > 0:21:46to improve and expand the theatre,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49which played host to many performances.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51When Billy died in 1966,
0:21:51 > 0:21:55Rowena inscribed one of the seats as his memorial.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02By now, Rowena had developed her own innovative building techniques.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04For example, these carvings were done
0:22:04 > 0:22:09when the cement was wet with the tip of an old screwdriver.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Rowena passed away in 1983,
0:22:12 > 0:22:14but her legacy is thriving today
0:22:14 > 0:22:17and the theatre is still extremely popular.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21Phil Jackson is the current theatre manager.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Well, you knew her, what was she like?
0:22:23 > 0:22:26She was a seriously determined woman,
0:22:26 > 0:22:28which you have to be to create a place like this.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33A lot of people remember her as a Victorian headmistress type, tall and thin.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- Formidable.- Formidable woman.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38She was to me, because I first knew her as a child,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42and she gave me my first summer job, when I was in my teens.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46Everyone looked up to her and the companies were in awe of her that came here to play.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48She had great vision, didn't she?
0:22:48 > 0:22:52Indeed and she never designed it, she never wrote it down on paper.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- It just evolved. - She used what she had
0:22:55 > 0:22:58and what we've got is a concrete set for certain plays.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02I mean, most of what's left on stage was built for a '51 production
0:23:02 > 0:23:05of Tristan of Cornwall, sort of Celtic motifs around the place.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08If she didn't like what she was making,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11she would smash it up, chuck it in the sea and build something else.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- She wasn't precious about it. - Did she make any money from it?
0:23:14 > 0:23:16No, not during her lifetime.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18She was funding it out of her own pocket
0:23:18 > 0:23:22and actually in the 1950s, she tried to get someone else to take it over
0:23:22 > 0:23:24because it was draining her pocket
0:23:24 > 0:23:26and by then, she was in her 60s, late 50s, 60s.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Later on, it became a Charitable Trust,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32then it had to stand on its own two feet,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35and now it's financially self-sufficient.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Let's talk about the theatre today.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41I've been here a few times and I've seen many,
0:23:41 > 0:23:45so what are you trying to do now that's slightly different?
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Early on, she put on one show a year, a Shakespeare,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50and built bits for what we do...
0:23:50 > 0:23:54As the theatre progressed and had to become more financially sound,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56we extended the season.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59You needed variety. We've got a lot of people who come every week.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01I mean we do 17, 18 shows for the summer
0:24:01 > 0:24:05and some people will be here every Friday night for 17, 18 weeks.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07We still do Shakespeare, two or three a year,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09but we also do musicals, drama, comedy,
0:24:09 > 0:24:13the full gamut of the repertoire really.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21This is just so stunning, isn't it, on a day like this?
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- This is your office. - It is, this is my office.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27In my office at the top of the car park, I get a sea view.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31A lot of people say to me, "You actually get paid to work here?"
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- Is it a job for life? - I'd like to think so.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Nowhere else I'd rather be.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42- I could sit here all day long. - We could sit here and chat all day long, as well.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Gosh, this brings back so many happy memories for me.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09I first came here when I was about 14 years old with my mum and dad.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13And they bumped into Rowena on several occasions and talked to her,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17and she was always busy doing something, wearing scruffy clothes
0:25:17 > 0:25:19and always covered in muck.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23I just wished I'd spoken to her at the time, really.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27I guess if I did speak to her, I wouldn't really have much to say at the age of 14.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32But we saw many performances here,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35wrapped up warm, I would have sat around here with my mum and dad,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38a good view of the stage, blanket on,
0:25:38 > 0:25:42cos it'd get really cold in the summer on those evenings.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47And the odd glass of wine for Dad and a flask of tea.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Oh, I wish I could put back the clock.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Well, they say the world's a stage
0:26:05 > 0:26:07and back at the valuation day in Truro Cathedral,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09it's June's turn to take the lead role
0:26:09 > 0:26:12with an item that has caught David Barby's eye.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14I'm going to disappoint you.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19- These are not diamonds and they're not sapphires.- Dear, dear, dear.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- But it's a lovely piece of bling. - Right.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26This is German and I'm just going to check on the mark,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29which I think is...
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Yeah, it's German silver, 935 -
0:26:33 > 0:26:37which is a purer silver than English, which is only 925.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Oh, right.- So, this is German and it's beautifully set
0:26:40 > 0:26:42with diamante
0:26:42 > 0:26:46and then these blue stones, which are imitation sapphires.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50So, the amount of workmanship that went into this
0:26:50 > 0:26:56is almost as much as a real jewel itself.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00But, this is quite small, it's highly sophisticated.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Where did you get it from?
0:27:02 > 0:27:06Well, it was an old aunt.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11She left me quite a lot of glitzy jewellery, if you like,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13a lot of marcasite and what have you,
0:27:13 > 0:27:18and this was among it and I have never worn it,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- never bothered with it. - That's disappointing.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26- Today, it is costume jewellery, which is sought after, isn't it?- Yes, yes.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30- Not these little pieces of glitzy. - That's right.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32There is still a market for this
0:27:32 > 0:27:37and if this was polished up, it would look absolutely stunning.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- It's not going to sell for a fortune. - Oh, that's a shame.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Not going to sell for a fortune because it is paste, its sham,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47but the effect is what we're selling.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Right.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53To lot of people seeing a small piece on a lapel,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56they'd think it was genuine and this was the idea of the manufacturers.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Right, yes.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01The impression that you had got diamond and sapphire jewellery.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04As regards value - at auction,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08it might do £40 to £50.
0:28:08 > 0:28:09Right.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11That sort of price range, but it could do less.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- Right.- I think we've got to protect it,
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- because we don't give it away for £5, do we?- No, no.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- We want to make the auctioneer work for his commission.- Yes, yes.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24- I am going to suggest we put a reserve of about 35 on it.- Yes.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28It's very little. Very little amount of money for such a beautiful object.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31The sort of piece I might buy my wife. It's very nice.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- Right, thank you.- But I can't. - No, no.- We're not allowed to.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Oh, well, that's a shame.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40- Isn't it just?- Do you want me to take it back, then, and sell it to you?
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Oh, you shouldn't even have suggested that, no!
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- I shall look forward to seeing you at the auction.- Yes.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- Keep your fingers crossed.- Right.
0:28:48 > 0:28:54It may not be diamonds, but even David Barby is tempted by June's sparkly brooch.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56Let's hope others feel the same in the auction room.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Next up, Edith has brought in a pair of candlesticks.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02David Fletcher takes a closer look.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- You're not planning on having a dinner party this evening.- No.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- Otherwise you wouldn't have brought these in.- Not tonight.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11OK. What can you tell me about them?
0:29:11 > 0:29:17Well, they were a wedding present to my parents in 1915.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20They wanted to get married before he went to the trenches
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- and that's all I can tell you about them. - And did he go off to the trenches?
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- He did.- Did he survive the war?
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- He came back, thank you. - Very good. Thank heavens for that.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35- This is a pair of silver-plated, not silver...- Yes.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38..candlesticks and if we turn these upside down
0:29:38 > 0:29:43- we see underneath EPNS, electro plated nickel silver.- Yes.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- So, sadly they ain't silver.- No.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51And it's interesting you say they were bought in 1915
0:29:51 > 0:29:57- because I suspect that they were brand spanking new in 1915.- Oh, yes, yes.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00And they are in the Adam's style.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- Right.- They incorporate devices that Adam copied
0:30:04 > 0:30:09from the ancient worlds, in the third quarter of the 18th century.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13Most significantly of all this lyre shape
0:30:13 > 0:30:17and you can almost imagine yourself plucking these.
0:30:17 > 0:30:22Not very tuneful and I'm not suggesting you are meant to do that,
0:30:22 > 0:30:23but that was the inspiration.
0:30:23 > 0:30:29They are certainly not the sort of thing we tend to use today,
0:30:29 > 0:30:33because in my experience, these days people don't entertain at home much anyway,
0:30:33 > 0:30:37they take their chums out to a restaurant, if they're going out.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40But, I think even if we were entertaining at home
0:30:40 > 0:30:44- they'd be a bit ostentatious for most people's taste.- Most people, yes.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46So, there's no-one in your family that would like them?
0:30:46 > 0:30:51- No, because I'm a member of a religious order.- Are you, right?
0:30:51 > 0:30:53So, I have no immediate family.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58My brother told me they wouldn't be worth anything,
0:30:58 > 0:31:02so I don't imagine he or his children will want them.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- He's got children.- He's got children.
0:31:05 > 0:31:06I've been in this business for a long time
0:31:06 > 0:31:10and youngsters never were really interested in antiques.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12We've never really succeeded in winning them over.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16That's strange considering if there's money involved,
0:31:16 > 0:31:19I would imagine youngsters would be interested.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22It's a very good point, I hadn't thought of that.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25The next time I see some youngsters and try and interest them in antiques
0:31:25 > 0:31:28I shall say, "There's money to be made!"
0:31:28 > 0:31:32So, we mentioned that they were plated and not silver
0:31:32 > 0:31:36and that is very important really because it does make
0:31:36 > 0:31:38an enormous difference to the value.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43If I say to you I think they're worth getting on towards £100
0:31:43 > 0:31:47what will you tell me you might spend the money on.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51Well, as I'm religious I can't have the money myself
0:31:51 > 0:31:55so it will go to an educational charity.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58Fantastic, that's really good. I think that's what I would suggest.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- I would suggest an estimate of £70 to £100.- Thank you.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06And even though the money is going to a good cause,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09I would be inclined just to put in a covering reserve of say £50.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Yes, that's fine.
0:32:11 > 0:32:17They'll make that, I'm sure. OK, we'll go ahead on that basis and I'll see you at the sale.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24I hope Edith's candlesticks do well at the auction and we'll find out in a short while.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Now, I've spotted a very attractive looking book.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Can I take this seat? Hello, what's your name?
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Hello, my name is Cas Chivers.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34And what are you holding there?
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Yes, it's The Toys Adventures At The Zoo.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40It's a 1929 book.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Oh, that's nice with all the block work?
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Yes, it's got some really nice illustrations.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Has this been in the family a long time?
0:32:47 > 0:32:52No, my husband went to an auction and he found a box of jumble.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54- Bits and bobs. - Bits and bobs, exactly.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- Ephemera, as we call it. - Yes, yes, exactly.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00And he saw this book and bought the box for this book.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- And how much did he pay for the box? - He paid £8 for the box.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Gosh, that was a bargain. - It was, yeah.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10For a child's book, the condition is absolutely incredible.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14I don't think anybody's played with this because most children get a crayon...
0:33:14 > 0:33:17well, my little boy does and I did as a child.
0:33:17 > 0:33:18- But each page is absolutely perfect. - Yeah.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- Wonderful art work.- Yeah.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25So, it's a group of toys that go the zoo for a day out.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Go to the zoo and have some adventures
0:33:27 > 0:33:31and it all ends happily ever after, I'm pleased to say.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Well, I think that's a fantastic investment.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36If it had the dust jacket, something like that
0:33:36 > 0:33:41would be worth around about £40 to £60. Without the dust jacket maybe £20.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- But still a profit, isn't it? - Yes, still a charming thing to have.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Cas didn't want to sell her book and I can't say I blame her,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50but Fred is definitely here to sell
0:33:50 > 0:33:54and David Barby can't wait to get his mitts on his extraordinary object.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59This is an absolutely exquisite object.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01How did it come into your possession.
0:34:01 > 0:34:07In actual fact, I was touring the south coast,
0:34:07 > 0:34:12and we called into Worthing and we saw this in an antique shop there.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15My wife fell in love with it so we bought that there.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18This is a souvenir piece
0:34:18 > 0:34:22bought probably towards the end of the 19th century.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Let's say anything from about 1870.
0:34:25 > 0:34:30And, its carved out of a shell with a high density of mother of pearl.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35I think it is rather appropriate that we have this piece brought into
0:34:35 > 0:34:38an atmosphere like this and into this building.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41And this is really what attracted me to this particular piece.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46It has undoubtedly Christian significance
0:34:46 > 0:34:50and also the fact that it was bought in Bethlehem, as well.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54So, somebody on a grand tour maybe of the Middle East
0:34:54 > 0:34:56would have visit Bethlehem,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00gone to one of the monasteries, then purchased this as we do today.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03I do like it because of the intricate detail,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06the carving where you see this pierced section here
0:35:06 > 0:35:09with the flowers and then this detail of the nativity scene
0:35:09 > 0:35:12which I think is quite exquisite.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15I love this sort of iridescent quality with it as well.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19It almost gives it a sort of ethereal feel, doesn't it?
0:35:19 > 0:35:22You get a brilliant sort of sheen comes off it
0:35:22 > 0:35:26when the light shines on, and you get different tones.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Where do you have this at home?
0:35:28 > 0:35:34Well, until this became separated from its frame,
0:35:34 > 0:35:38it really needs to be refixed, we used to have it standing up
0:35:38 > 0:35:42on top of a sideboard.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- Right.- But since we've moved, we've now moved and we've got
0:35:46 > 0:35:51more modern furniture, and it just really doesn't sit right.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54I can understand that, quite often you find
0:35:54 > 0:35:58that antique pieces do not blend into a modern home.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Now, I've ranted and raved about it, and at the end of the day,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04we've got to find out how much this will realise at auction.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- You bought it from an antique shop, what 40 years ago?- Yes.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- And how much did you pay for it then? - I paid £20 for it then.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- That was a lot of money. - Lot of money, yes.- A lot of money.
0:36:14 > 0:36:20- Yes.- I can't say that it's kept up with inflation.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25So, when we look at this I think the price is going to be about £80 to £120.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Not a vast increase.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Of course, the difficulty is that religious beliefs
0:36:31 > 0:36:34in certain directions is in decline.
0:36:34 > 0:36:35Unfortunately, yes.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39So, the price reflects that attitude of today's general public.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44£80 to £120 and I think we've got to protect with a reserve.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48I think we should put something in the region of £80 as reserve.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Now, would you be agreeable?
0:36:51 > 0:36:56Yes, I feel that we've had 40 years of enjoyment from it.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58That is such a sensible way of looking at it.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Let's hope we've got somebody who really likes the workmanship
0:37:02 > 0:37:05and has the religious fervour that it requires.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07It would be nice to find someone with both.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- Absolutely, Fred, thank you very much.- Thank you, David.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16Well, those are our last three items to take off to auction.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21June's brooch, valued by David Barby at £40 to £50.
0:37:21 > 0:37:27Edith's candlesticks, valued by David Fletcher at £70 to £100.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32Also Alfred's 19th century carving,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35valued by David Barby at £80 to £120.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41First up, June's hoping her sparkly brooch will catch someone's eye
0:37:41 > 0:37:42when it goes under the hammer.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45June is not a silver girl, that's why you're selling
0:37:45 > 0:37:48- the silver brooch. You are more gold?- Yes, yes.
0:37:48 > 0:37:49- And you like your brooches.- I do.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Some people suit gold, you suit gold, I can see that.- Thank you.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56I'm more silver, I've got some silver things on. What's David?
0:37:56 > 0:37:58Pewter. LAUGHTER
0:37:58 > 0:38:04He's already passed a remark today that I look rather grey.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06I think you look good.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- Well, a bit of blue coming through there, though.- Thank you.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11You normally wear brighter colours.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Well, yes, but I thought this was quite OK today.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18So, are we selling this to buy some more gold jewellery?
0:38:18 > 0:38:22No, no, I don't think it'll be quite enough,
0:38:22 > 0:38:26but it'll go nice towards an evening out I think.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29OK, well, good luck both of you.
0:38:29 > 0:38:30This is something for the ladies
0:38:30 > 0:38:34and I know there's hundreds here, so it should sell. Good luck.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Can I say £40 away? £40 away.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39£20 I'm bid. At £20.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42At £20 a bid, I'll take five now.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45£20. 25. £30. 35
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- 35, 40...- Sold it.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50At 35 seated, is it 40? 40.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52At £40, 45. £50.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57At £45 seated. At 45. If you're not, we're done, at £45.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- Yes. £45, we did it, June.- Yes.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03That sold really well, well done, David.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08What a great start, next up it's Edith's candlesticks.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Let's hope this next lot lights up the saleroom.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14It's the silver-plated candlesticks
0:39:14 > 0:39:17and we've got £70 to £100 on these.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20The money is going to fabulous cause, tell us all about it.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25It's an educational, because I belong to an education congregation,
0:39:25 > 0:39:27any money I acquire I can't keep,
0:39:27 > 0:39:31so it will go to a young student in need.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35Well, the pressure is certainly on David.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39The extra weight on the shoulders of the expert when he has to value these things,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43knowing that they are going to be sold for a good cause,
0:39:43 > 0:39:45is beginning to get me down a bit.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Hopefully we should get the top end, fingers crossed, here we go.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54A pair of oval silver-plated oval designed candlesticks.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57A nice pair of candlesticks there, Can I say £80 away?
0:39:57 > 0:39:59£50 to start me.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02£30 I'm bid, at 30 I'm going to take five.
0:40:02 > 0:40:0435. £40, 45.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08£50, 55. 55. 55.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11At 55, the bid's in the middle. At 55, £60.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14At 55. Are we all done at 55?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17I'm selling at £55.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- £55, you had a reserve at £50, didn't you?- Yes.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22Could have done better,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25but the weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27At least the money is going to something fabulous.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29- Yes.- Good for you.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34That's a good result for Edith and the candlesticks were well protected with their reserve.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Now, next up, our last item, Fred's carving.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Well, our next lot has got a classic £80 to £120 valuation.
0:40:40 > 0:40:45We've been joined by Alfred whose hoping to sell that mother of pearl nativity carving.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47At the top end of the estimate, we hope.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50But you got it for about £20, didn't you?
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Yes, but that was a long time ago?
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Why have you decided to sell then, don't you like it any more?
0:40:56 > 0:41:01Yes, I've always loved it, it's just that we've retired now
0:41:01 > 0:41:04and moved into a smaller bungalow and the new furniture
0:41:04 > 0:41:08that the wife chose, it just looks so out of place.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Well, the detail of this is exquisite, absolutely exquisite.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16I love that sort of lustre you get with mother of pearl.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20We've downsized and our garage is choc-a-bloc with boxes.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23They've been there three years and we haven't unpacked them.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25He's downsized from a 20-bedroom-house
0:41:25 > 0:41:29to a six bedroom three bathroom house, haven't you?
0:41:29 > 0:41:30Absolutely.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Anyway let's find out what the bidders think shall we, here we go?
0:41:33 > 0:41:38This is a 19th century carved mother of pearl nativity scene plaque.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42Can I say £100? £50 to start me. £50 I'm bid.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45At 50, 60, 70. At £70 I'm bid, I'll take 80 now.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48At £70 I'm bid, £70, £80.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53£80, 90, £90. 100? 100.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57110? 110. 120? 120.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00130? 130.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02140? 140.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05150? 150.
0:42:05 > 0:42:12160? 160. 170? 170. 180? 180.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16190?
0:42:16 > 0:42:22190. 200? 200. 210?
0:42:22 > 0:42:25£210. 220?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30220. 230?
0:42:30 > 0:42:33230. 240? 240.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35250?
0:42:35 > 0:42:37This is excellent.
0:42:37 > 0:42:38260. 270...
0:42:38 > 0:42:40This is what auctions are all about.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46260 then?
0:42:46 > 0:42:48At 260. All done?
0:42:48 > 0:42:50£260.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Whoo! £260 put it there.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- That's good.- Double what I expected.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58Excellent, excellent.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02If you've got anything like that at home, we want to see it,
0:43:02 > 0:43:04bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08You can get details from your local press or you can log on:
0:43:09 > 0:43:14Follow the links and hopefully you'll see the information
0:43:14 > 0:43:17that we're coming to a town very near you soon.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Turn up, we want to see you.
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