0:00:03 > 0:00:10We're in Scotland, land of the brave, magnificent scenery and whisky galore!
0:00:10 > 0:00:14For three-quarters of an hour, it's antiques galore. Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:44 > 0:00:50This is Balbirnie House, home to the Balfour family for over 200 years.
0:00:50 > 0:00:56They built this architectural delight in the popular Grecian style of the day.
0:00:56 > 0:01:02We're braving the elements. We're not holding our valuation day inside but in the magnificent grounds.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05A queue is already gathering.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09It's about time we got on with the show.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13'Heading our team of experts enjoying the sunshine
0:01:13 > 0:01:16'are Anita Manning and James Lewis.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22'Anita is a wee Scottish lassie with a great eye
0:01:22 > 0:01:25'when it comes to spotting what's hot.'
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Tell me the truth.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- When I want to see what the weather's like I look out the window.- So do I!
0:01:32 > 0:01:36'James may be another old hand, but he's safe hands
0:01:36 > 0:01:38'when it comes to valuing antiques.'
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- 1790, 1820.- Wow!
0:01:42 > 0:01:44It's great. I like it.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Have a good day!
0:01:47 > 0:01:53'Coming up, Anita's flushed out something which could have value.'
0:01:53 > 0:01:58- Did you think it was a lot of junk? - Yeah.- A lavatory chain!
0:01:58 > 0:02:02'There's plenty of excitement at the auction.'
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Wow! Give us a handshake.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- She's flapping. She's going to take off.- Yes! Yes!
0:02:11 > 0:02:13It's flying away.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17'And I get to experience a fantasy of mine.'
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Wouldn't you love to live in a castle?
0:02:20 > 0:02:25It's the stuff dreams are made of, to afford your own fairy-tale home.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30'First, Anita's talking to Terry about Clarice Cliff, a designer
0:02:30 > 0:02:33'who I covet as much as Anita.'
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Terry, welcome to Flog It!
0:02:36 > 0:02:41Thank you for bringing along one of our favourite girls.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46We have two pieces. Can you tell me, where did you get them?
0:02:46 > 0:02:51These were bought a long while ago in a jumble sale. 5 pence old money.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- This was from a boot fair or a charity shop.- What drew you to them?
0:02:57 > 0:03:02They're so bright and colourful, and I also knew what they were.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Most people find them attractive, the colour.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Let's look at both of these little items.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16If we look at the little jardiniere first, it's the crocus pattern,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19one of Clarice's first patterns.
0:03:19 > 0:03:25But because it was so popular it was made over a long period of time.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Because of that there are many examples of it
0:03:29 > 0:03:34and the prices are not as high as some of the other patterns.
0:03:34 > 0:03:40I can just imagine that little pot with a little gathering
0:03:40 > 0:03:43of gorgeous live crocuses in that.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Did you use it as a plant pot?
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- Never. That's what it's obviously meant for.- Yeah.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54- It would be nice.- Beautiful. And it's in perfect condition.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- It is.- It's as good as new.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Which takes us on to the little salt and pepper.
0:04:00 > 0:04:06This is more...what we think of as Clarice Cliff work.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11These bold, vibrant colours.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15If we look at the base, we find that...
0:04:15 > 0:04:19it is one of the Fantasque Bizarre ranges.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22That would have been 1930s as well.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26The pattern is Nuage.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31We see these wonderful blocks of circles of rust red and orange
0:04:31 > 0:04:36against a blue, white and lilac background.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41- I should put my sunglasses on. - This wonderful array of colours!
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Why are you wanting to sell them, Terry?
0:04:45 > 0:04:49They're not any use to me at all. They're just in a cupboard.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51They're just lying there?
0:04:51 > 0:04:56Was the little condiment set damaged when you bought it?
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- Uh-huh. It was.- It was.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- And you didn't mind? - No. Not for five pence old money.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07Not for five pence? That's a very good buy.
0:05:07 > 0:05:14My suggestion would be that we would put these into auction together.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- I see.- And sell them as one lot, estimate 80 to 120.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- Are you happy at that?- Fine.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- We'll put a reserve price on them? - Yes.- £80?- Fine.
0:05:25 > 0:05:31- I'm sure they will do much better than that.- I hope so. Thank you.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33'That's our first item found.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38'I can have a scout around now to find something else of interest.'
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- What are you holding there? - Tarot cards.- Are these yours?- Yes.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- Are you a local lass?- Yes.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- You've been here many times?- Indeed. - What a magnificent backdrop!
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Aren't we lucky? The sun is shining!
0:05:52 > 0:05:58Everybody has their fingers crossed that they're going home with a lot of money. Who could it be?
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- Right now, I've got a deck of cards, tarot cards, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- Do you read them?- I do.- OK.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12Maybe I should cut them and you can read my card.
0:06:12 > 0:06:18- I tell you what, let's pick on a stranger. What's your name? - Steven.- Shake my hand.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Shuffle the cards.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- You don't know each other?- No. - We've not rehearsed this!
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Give the cards back.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31I want you to pick any card that you want. Any one at all.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- This is exciting. - Can you let me see it now?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Steve it is, isn't it?- Yes.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- The Ace of Cups. - What does that mean?
0:06:42 > 0:06:47It means that there's going to be a lot of changes in your near future.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50It's all to do with emotional stuff, relationships.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58Your relationship has maybe been a wee bit boring in the past.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- LAUGHTER - Is your wife here?- No!
0:07:01 > 0:07:06In all honesty, I've got to tell you, the "oomph" is coming.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- OK, let's stick to antiques! - LAUGHTER
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Let's find out what James Lewis is up to over there.
0:07:17 > 0:07:23James, welcome. I don't think it's just the name we've got in common!
0:07:23 > 0:07:27You obviously love tribal art. It's a passion of mine.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31This one I picked up at auction for £15.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36- 15? Gosh! That's not expensive. - No.- How about the little ladle?
0:07:36 > 0:07:40I got that from a friend. She knew I collected tribal art.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44Now's the time to get rid of it. I've got more into masks.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- Purely masks now?- Yeah.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Why the interest in tribal art?
0:07:49 > 0:07:53It started 25 years ago when I picked up a mask in a skip.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- A skip?- Where was that?- Locally.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- Outside a house?- Yeah. 25 years I've been collecting them.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Let's start by having a look at this one.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Looking at the colour and the carving
0:08:06 > 0:08:10and the overall feel of it,
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- it doesn't have the feel of a panel with a great deal of age.- Right.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19The first thing is this little brass loop handle.
0:08:19 > 0:08:26It's a screw-in loop that you would find from about 1820 to about 1900.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31It doesn't mean that the panel is that age. If we look on the back.
0:08:31 > 0:08:38There's an oval label, Pickfords label, and that is certainly pre-1950s,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41pre-Second World War.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46So this panel has been in store before the Second World War.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51And if it's been in store, it hasn't been handled, it hasn't been rubbed.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56So I think we need to be fairly open-minded when it comes to age.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58The origins,
0:08:58 > 0:09:03there are various indications as to what part of Africa it's from.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07If we look at the head with these necklaces.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11This is typical Benin style carving, Nigeria,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13that sort of area of Africa.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17They were the countries that would go and find
0:09:17 > 0:09:22Africans from other tribes and sell them to the West as slaves.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- Would these be children? - I think these are kids.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32These are young boys who are being captured by the Benin.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37Here we've got the ropes. This chap has got two machetes.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Look, holding this child up.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45He's even sucking his thumb. All symbolisms of childhood.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Arms tied behind the back here.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52I think we've got an interesting panel here.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56It's...in my opinion, 1900, 1920.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- Right. - Probably an early tourist panel.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05Wilberforce, back in the early 19th century, abolished slavery in the UK
0:10:05 > 0:10:10so it wasn't something we were very - rightly so - very proud of.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14Throughout the 19th century, you didn't see any symbolism
0:10:14 > 0:10:17in this country, relating to slavery.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21I don't see why you would have done by the Benin people either.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25This could even be 100 years later.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Interesting. Now, THAT is wonderful!
0:10:29 > 0:10:32I absolutely love it.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37If you ask me where it's from, the honest answer is I don't know.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41It's definitely tribal, a very basic ladle.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Formed as an open-mouthed head.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48The interesting thing is the symbols around it,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51which are symbols of water.
0:10:51 > 0:10:57We've got a turtle and these are symbols found throughout Africa
0:10:57 > 0:11:00but also Central and South America.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04Facially, it looks more African to me.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- I thought African.- When it comes to value, I feel that's earliest.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14But that's, possibly, the more commercial one.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- I think £15 was an absolute steal. - Right.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22I think that's worth £60 or £70.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25I think that's worth...another 50.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Right.- If we said 80 to 120, how would you feel?
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- Yeah...- Are you happy with that or were you hoping for more?
0:11:33 > 0:11:40- I was hoping for more. - What were you hoping for? - I was hoping for...the top end.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- So, 120?- Yeah.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47These things belong to you. When they've gone, they've gone.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Why don't you stick 120 on them as a reserve?
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- We'll put 120 to 150 as an estimate. - Right. Fine with that.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Let's do that and see how we do. - Thanks very much.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04'Fascinating items, even though the panel's subject matter
0:12:04 > 0:12:06'is uncomfortable to look at.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11'Anita's talking to Lorraine and Matt about a piece of jewellery.'
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- Thank you for bringing this. Do you know what it is?- An albert chain.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Yeah. An albert chain was used to attach your watch,
0:12:20 > 0:12:24your gold pocket watch, to your waistcoat,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27and you were a fine gentleman in Victorian times.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30This is a nice albert.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34It's hallmarked on every link. It's 9-carat gold.
0:12:34 > 0:12:40Stamped 9-carat on the T-bar and on these little hooks here.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44This is a good time to sell gold. Gold is high just now.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47As well as the albert, we have this lovely fob
0:12:47 > 0:12:52which has a citrine inset.
0:12:52 > 0:12:58It's very nicely faceted, so you've got a nice lot there.
0:12:58 > 0:13:04- Where did it come from?- From the attic in Lorraine's mother's house, when it was being given up.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- You were rummaging through?- Yeah.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- What did you think at the time? - I didn't think it was gold.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- I didn't know what it was. No. - Did you think it was a lot of junk?
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Thought it was a bit of copper. - A bit of copper!
0:13:20 > 0:13:22A lavatory chain!
0:13:22 > 0:13:25OK, is it worn at all?
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Do you wear it?- No.
0:13:27 > 0:13:33Very often alberts, if they are the correct length, will be worn by a lady as a chain.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38You're looking for about 16 inches so they're often used for that.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Or they were used as bracelets.
0:13:41 > 0:13:47If it was a long albert, it would be halved, given to two sisters.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52Each one would have a bracelet. They're often used for that purpose.
0:13:52 > 0:13:59Price-wise, I would put it into auction with an estimate
0:13:59 > 0:14:02of 150 to 250.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05This estimate is low and wide.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10If that was coming into my auction, it would be weighed accurately
0:14:10 > 0:14:14and I would give you a more accurate estimate.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- Will you miss it?- No.- No.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- LAUGHS - Thank you for bringing it along.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23What will you do with the money?
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Well, it's actually my brother's.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29He'll probably put it towards his golf fees.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- Will he not give you a wee cut? - Well, he might.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38- Fingers crossed.- I hope so! - Thanks again for bringing it along.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45We are now halfway through our day.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48We've found some wonderful items.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53This is exactly what you want to find next to St Andrew's.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56A set of golf clubs, but I'm not off to play golf.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00I'm off to our first visit to the auction. We've found some gems.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02I think there's some surprises.
0:15:02 > 0:15:08Let's find out what the auctioneer thinks and the bidders think!
0:15:08 > 0:15:11'Here's a quick reminder of what we're taking.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15'Terry's ever popular Clarice Cliff items,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18'which he paid next to nothing for.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22'James's African wood panel and ladle.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27'And Lorraine and Matt's gold albert chain with the citrine stone.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32'We're taking our items to Rosewell, south of Edinburgh.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39'Today, we have three auctioneers selling our items -
0:15:39 > 0:15:45'Sybelle Thomson, Gavin Tavendale and William Smith.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50'I have the chance to talk to Sybelle about one of our lots.'
0:15:50 > 0:15:55It wouldn't be Flog It without Clarice Cliff, would it?
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- Is this your kind of thing?- Not my taste, but she is well thought of.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05Everybody knows Clarice Cliff, which is why there's a good demand for it.
0:16:05 > 0:16:12I bet you'll select, like me and everybody who knows a little bit, the Bizarre patterns.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15This is not a popular range.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20No. People prefer pieces that are more Art Deco and more decorative.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23I like the salt and pepper pots.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28They've come in as one lot. Terry got them from a car boot sale.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Hopefully, he'll be pleased. We've got £80 to £120.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36I think he will be. People like the crocus design.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39People collect it. He should be quite happy.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- Will it do any more?- I suspect not. There is a bit of damage,
0:16:43 > 0:16:48particularly the salt, which does deter the collectors.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- The name will get it away. - The name will sell it.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56'We'll see how the Clarice Cliff does later but first,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59'we have James's African artefacts.'
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Going under the hammer now, some tribal art
0:17:03 > 0:17:06and it belongs to Mr James Brown.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- You must have been teased with that name.- Yes.- Wonderful musician.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- Have you gone into that? - No. I let him off.- Hey!
0:17:16 > 0:17:22Thanks for bringing this tribal art. It is a stand-alone piece today.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- Will it do the top end? - It would be nice.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- There isn't a lot of tribal art here today.- It's the only piece.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32I'm slightly nervous about that.
0:17:32 > 0:17:39- We'll see.- It's going under the hammer right now. Let's give it up for Mr James Brown.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44The Nigerian, Ghanaian decorated wood tribal panel, a very nice one.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49And the painted wood ladle, which is symbolising water.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53£100 for the two? £50 to start them, surely?
0:17:53 > 0:17:5650 I'm bid. 60 with me. 70. 80.
0:17:56 > 0:18:0090 there. Any advance on £90?
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- 100... - I think there's a telephone bid.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05..110? 120 beside me.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- Any advance on £120...? - We've sold it, haven't we?
0:18:09 > 0:18:12130.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- 140... - They like it.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18..150. 160...
0:18:18 > 0:18:19Great.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24..170. 170. Are you finished now at 170?
0:18:24 > 0:18:27All done at 170 on the telephone.
0:18:27 > 0:18:33- Hammer's gone down! - I can buy another mask.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- Tribal art is really on the up. - Tribal mask, it is?- Yeah.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- How many have you got right now? - About 40.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Wow! Are they all on the wall in a big room?- Yeah.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- My sitting room is full. - Frightening!
0:18:48 > 0:18:51'Great! More money for masks for James.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55'Let's hope we do as well with Terry's Clarice Cliff,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58'being sold as a single lot.'
0:18:58 > 0:19:03OK, listen to this. The cruets cost 5p.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06The jardiniere cost £10. And they belong to Terry.
0:19:06 > 0:19:14- Pretty good going. This man's going to make a lot of money on your investment.- I don't believe this.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19£80, £90, £100. That's a lot of money on that kind of investment.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22I had a chat to Sybelle, the auctioneer.
0:19:22 > 0:19:28She said they're the right money. A little damage on the pepper pot.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- Together in the same lot and it should do that £80.- OK.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Good on you, Terry. You've got a good eye.- Thank you.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:19:40 > 0:19:46The Clarice Cliff condiments and the Clarice Cliff planter.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51A few bids on this and I must start it at £55 for Clarice Cliff.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Who's going on? At 55.
0:19:54 > 0:19:5660. Five. 70.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01Five. 80. £80. Still on commission at £80.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Any advance on £80...?
0:20:08 > 0:20:13- Yes! Hammer's gone down.- Made it. - You've got to be happy with that.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- Yes, I am. That's fine. - Very good, that was.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19There's always a buyer for Clarice Cliff.
0:20:19 > 0:20:25'Not bad, considering Terry paid almost nothing for them.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28'Next up, it's the albert chain.'
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Going under the hammer now, a proper gent's toy, a dandy's toy.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36A 9-carat gold fob with bar and swivel.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39It belongs to Matt and Lorraine.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- Who went up into your mum's attic? - My brother.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- It wouldn't be you getting up the steps.- No!
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Some of those ladders are really dangerous.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53So, we're looking for around £150.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58Gold is great to sell right now. We've just seen some, haven't we?
0:20:58 > 0:21:00This is a nice estimate.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05I think this is one where I've been a wee bit conservative, Paul.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10Is it a come-and-buy-me? That's good. We've got a surprise to come.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14We're not going to be looking down when it doesn't sell.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Are you ready for it?- Yes. - Here we go.
0:21:17 > 0:21:239-carat gold oval linked double albert with bar and swivel fob.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26200? 100?
0:21:26 > 0:21:30100 bid. 100. 100. 110.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33120. 130. 140.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35150. 160. 170.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40180. 190. 200.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44220. 240. 260.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46280. 300. 320...
0:21:46 > 0:21:48They love it.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51..340. 360.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53380. 400.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55420. 440.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- 460... - Hey! They're not stopping at all!
0:22:00 > 0:22:02..480. Gentleman standing at 480.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06500. Lady's bid at 500.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08All done at 500...?
0:22:09 > 0:22:13A nice round figure! Hey, you cheeky thing!
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Bless her!
0:22:15 > 0:22:19I'm ever so pleased for you, well, for your brother.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24There is commission to pay, 15% plus VAT, but enjoy the money.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- Give your mum congratulations.- Yeah.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28'What a brilliant result!
0:22:28 > 0:22:33'We've seen gold do really well recently, but that was special.
0:22:33 > 0:22:39'Rather like a magnificent castle I had chance to visit while I was in Scotland.'
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Wouldn't you love to live in a castle?
0:22:49 > 0:22:54It's the stuff dreams are made of, to afford your own fairy-tale home.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59I've come across a story of a family who live in this castle,
0:22:59 > 0:23:04transforming it from neglect into an artistic inspiration.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Welcome to Kellie Castle.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12'The history of this remarkable building goes back a long way.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17'There are records referring to this site in the 12th century.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22'It passed through families, ending up with the Earls of Kellie.'
0:23:22 > 0:23:26It's the more recent past that I'm interested in.
0:23:26 > 0:23:32In 1876, Professor James Lorimer rented the castle for a summer residence.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36The professor was an asthmatic and he was advised by his doctors
0:23:36 > 0:23:40that time here in the fresh air would do him good.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43But the castle was in a bad state of disrepair.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48It needed more than tender loving care to bring it back to life.
0:23:48 > 0:23:54'Thankfully, Professor Lorimer and his family had very good taste
0:23:54 > 0:23:59'and restored the castle using the skills of the local craftsmen.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02'Some of the castle's older features remain,
0:24:02 > 0:24:08'like the plasterwork ceiling in the library, which dates from 1617.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13'They sit alongside the more recent touches added by the Lorimers.'
0:24:13 > 0:24:17Inspired by what they'd seen during the restoration stages,
0:24:17 > 0:24:21the professor's sons were bursting with creativity.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Robert Lorimer became a respected architect
0:24:25 > 0:24:28and later received a knighthood.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30His mother commissioned him
0:24:30 > 0:24:35to do many design features in the castle, like this little cartouche.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Robert's brother, John Henry Lorimer, was an artist.
0:24:39 > 0:24:44Many of his paintings illustrate how the rooms looked
0:24:44 > 0:24:49when he lived here, albeit with a bit of artistic licence.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54No wonder Robert Lorimer was destined to become an architect,
0:24:54 > 0:24:58having lived in this wonderful historic building.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03He designed the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08He also designed furniture using trusted local craftsmen.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11He was in control of the design,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14after being commissioned as architect.
0:25:14 > 0:25:20In the Vine Room, there's a lovely example of its work.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22It's a walnut chest of drawers,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25a nod to the Arts and Crafts movement
0:25:25 > 0:25:28which he was associated with.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Stylistically, it draws from the Queen Anne period,
0:25:32 > 0:25:36using cross-veneered sections like here,
0:25:36 > 0:25:41which you'd see on a Queen Anne chest of drawers with button feet.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45But rather than use the burr inlays of the Queen Anne period,
0:25:45 > 0:25:51because it's got that Arts and Crafts approach, it's more severe.
0:25:51 > 0:25:59He's used his own stylistic inlay in the shape of a stag hunt,
0:25:59 > 0:26:03but using, cleverly, burr walnut.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Isn't that lovely?
0:26:05 > 0:26:10Like all good architects, he's left his stamp on the building.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14The artistic theme continues
0:26:14 > 0:26:18with this magnificent panel, painted in 1897 by Phoebe Anna Traquair,
0:26:18 > 0:26:24an Irish artist and a key name in the Arts and Crafts movement.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Both Lorimer brothers moved in artistic circles.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30We can presume they knew her.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33John Henry asked Phoebe to paint this.
0:26:33 > 0:26:39It's described as "a procession of girls following a wee Cupid".
0:26:39 > 0:26:44In the 1930s, Robert Lorimer's son, Hew, moved into the place
0:26:44 > 0:26:46and wanted it covered up.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50I'm pleased to tell you it was uncovered again in 1996.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Isn't that marvellous?
0:26:53 > 0:26:56I just LOVE that.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00'The creative genes were passed on to the next generation.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04'Robert's son Hew was a renowned sculptor.'
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Hew worked in this studio.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16It's been recreated as it would have been when he was chipping away.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21He chose only to work in stone, which is quite unusual - and risky.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23You only get one chance.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Just being here gives you a sense of inspiration.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29It was a nice place to work.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32You can see how prolific he was.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35His work is influenced by Eric Gill, a combination
0:27:35 > 0:27:39of religious artefacts and real life glued together.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42It's lovely.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45'After many decades as tenants,
0:27:45 > 0:27:50'the Lorimer family bought the castle in 1948, and owned it
0:27:50 > 0:27:54'until it was sold to the National Trust for Scotland in 1970.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58'They also loaned or sold back antiques and furniture
0:27:58 > 0:28:00'to remain at the castle.'
0:28:02 > 0:28:04I absolutely love Kellie Castle.
0:28:04 > 0:28:10Not only is it a great historical building, it's also got character and charm.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14That's down to the family that lived here.
0:28:14 > 0:28:20They took a blank canvas and, with the help of local craftsmen, left their mark.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24For me, it's an architectural gem that embraces you.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37'Our valuation day is at the stately Balbirnie House.
0:28:39 > 0:28:45'Anita's talking to Brenda. There's definitely a buzz in the air.'
0:28:45 > 0:28:49Brenda, thank you very much for bringing this wee bug brooch along.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Tell me, where did you get him?
0:28:52 > 0:28:56I can't remember where I got him.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01- Maybe he just came flying through the window on a summer's day.- Yes.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05He's very, very charming and very, very sweet.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09I think what we've got is a bee.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13We've got these wonderful moonstone insets
0:29:13 > 0:29:17and turquoise and moonstone stripes,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21and a little bit of coral for the eyes.
0:29:21 > 0:29:27We've got the Flog It! colours. Let's hope that brings us luck.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31Brooches are perhaps not as popular now as they used to be.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34But I'm finding in auction
0:29:34 > 0:29:39that anything that's a wee bit unusual is appealing.
0:29:39 > 0:29:45I think this wee cheeky chappie might be one of those.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50If we look at the back, we can see that he is very well constructed.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52There is quality here.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56When I looked at him at the beginning, I wanted him to be gold.
0:29:56 > 0:30:04He wasn't. On closer examination, what we saw was the mark of 925,
0:30:04 > 0:30:08which is a silver mark, a Continental silver mark.
0:30:08 > 0:30:14But it has this gold effect, so there is some gilding on later.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18I also like the fact that his wings are articulated.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21We have some movement there.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- That's not just that it's loose. - No.- It was meant to be.
0:30:25 > 0:30:31Date on this, early 20th century, as early as 1900 up to about 1920.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35It has some quality. It's very, very sweet.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37It's very, very charming.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40If I was putting it into auction,
0:30:40 > 0:30:44I would like to put the estimate in the region of 30 to 50.
0:30:44 > 0:30:50The people who are interested in brooches, who are interested in bug brooches,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53will love this wee guy.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Would you be happy with that estimate?
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Yes. Yes.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03It's not a lot of dosh. What would you spend the money on?
0:31:03 > 0:31:06A butterfly. I collect butterfly brooches.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10I love butterfly brooches! Those marvellous enamel ones.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15- Yes.- Do you wear them or do you have them on display in a cabinet?
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Some I do wear.
0:31:17 > 0:31:23Others, I actually framed so that I can get them out of the frame.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- I've put them on the wall. - That's a lovely idea.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31Let's hope we find a butterfly at the auction.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35'To balance things up, we have some boys with toys.
0:31:35 > 0:31:42'James has moved from the hurly burly to talk model cars with Iain.'
0:31:42 > 0:31:47- Are these from your childhood? - They're from my childhood.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51You were a really good boy that put them back in their boxes.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55All mine ended up in the sand pit. I lost them all.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59Did you have to save your pocket money or were you spoiled?
0:31:59 > 0:32:04I remember getting them for Christmases and birthdays.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Whoever bought them for you
0:32:06 > 0:32:11bought them very well because you've got two of the best names -
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Dinky and Corgi.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Dinky is the first. The factory started around 1908.
0:32:17 > 0:32:2250 years later, 1956, the Corgi Toy was launched.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Dinky were very interested in copying
0:32:25 > 0:32:28models of actual vehicles,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31and they copied them very well, in great detail.
0:32:31 > 0:32:37Corgi got the contract to copy things like the Man From UNCLE's car,
0:32:37 > 0:32:41the Batmobile, the James Bond Aston Martin.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45All of those very collectable ones, the movie ones.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47That's what Corgi specialised in.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50You've got a total cross-section.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52I reckon the best one of all
0:32:52 > 0:32:58is this, the large Dinky Leyland 8-weeled chassis.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01That's great, with these three blocks.
0:33:01 > 0:33:07Each one is detachable and very easy to lose. I think that's the best.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11I think that's a pretty good one.
0:33:11 > 0:33:16Still in its original packaging without any dents to this plastic.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Again, we've got the Police fast response car.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25As a whole, I think we should put them in as one group lot.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30- Are you sure you want to sell these? - I have small doubts.- Do you?
0:33:30 > 0:33:33No thoughts about passing them on to kids?
0:33:33 > 0:33:38No, cos to me, they were MY childhood.
0:33:38 > 0:33:44If I'd allowed my children to use them they'd have been destroyed.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- Ah.- It's not good to see. - They're more like me than you.- Yes.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- In the sand pit!- Exactly!
0:33:50 > 0:33:56So, I reckon an auction estimate of £150 to £250.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58That one's worth 80-120.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02That one's worth 30. That one's worth 30.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06I think it should make the top end. Were you hoping for more?
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- No. I was just hoping for as much as possible.- Happy with that?
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- Yeah.- I think they'll do very, very well.
0:34:14 > 0:34:21'What super cars and fantastic condition! They should do well.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25'Next, William has brought in something intriguing to show Anita.'
0:34:25 > 0:34:28William, I know what this is.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32I don't know how it works. I'm hoping that you will show me.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35If we look at it from the outside,
0:34:35 > 0:34:40we can see that it is a pigeon timing clock.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45This is encompassed in this quite simple oak case.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48It's made... I think it's a Belgian case.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53It's a big thing in Belgium. It's meant to be the national sport.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- Are you a pigeon fancier? Do you have pigeons?- I have pigeons.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02- I have done for 30 years.- You race them?- Yes.- Is is very exciting?
0:35:02 > 0:35:05It is when you see them coming back.
0:35:05 > 0:35:10When you've trained them and you see one dropping to you, your heart misses a beat.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- "Welcome home, darling!" - "In you come."
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- Did you ever use this?- Yes.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19That was used to time many winners
0:35:19 > 0:35:22for an old guy in pigeon racing and for ourselves.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25I would say first half of the 20th century.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Could you show me how it works?
0:35:28 > 0:35:32When your pigeon's come home it has a rubber ring on its leg.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37Take it off and put it in a wee thimble and it goes in there.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42You turn the handle, the chamber moves and it registers your time.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Paper in here goes under and over an ink pad.
0:35:46 > 0:35:52The printing station here registers what time your bird was in
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- right to the very second. - That's absolutely amazing.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01So, it really is a piece of industrial design.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- And pigeon history. - And pigeon history!
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Do they still use this?
0:36:05 > 0:36:09They still use it with some federations and clubs,
0:36:09 > 0:36:13but mostly now it's electronic timing systems.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17The birds walk over a scanner and scans theirself in.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21Everything's changed. Did you keep this as a wee memento?
0:36:21 > 0:36:25It was handed down to me. I would never think it was worth anything.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30I thought when I'd see it advertised I'd come along and just see.
0:36:30 > 0:36:37- There's not many of them going about.- They do occasionally come into the saleroom.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40We could put it into auction.
0:36:40 > 0:36:47- I think it's probably putting it in with maybe a conservative estimate of between £30 and £50.- Right.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51- If we have a firm reserve of £30, would you be happy?- Aye.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56Let it go. If it's a museum, that's fine. It's only in a cupboard.
0:36:56 > 0:37:01It's fascinating. Thank you for showing me how it works.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05- No problem. Thank you very much. - We'll put it to auction.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07'That's our final item for auction.
0:37:07 > 0:37:12'Here's what we're putting under the hammer.
0:37:12 > 0:37:18'All the Bs - Brenda's Bee Brooch. It's not gold but it IS pretty.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23'We're also selling Iain's collection of Corgi and Dinky cars.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27'And William's pigeon clocking-in device
0:37:27 > 0:37:32'should appeal to bird racers and collectors of timing instruments.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36'First, Brenda's brooch.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39'She's brought along Irene for moral support.'
0:37:39 > 0:37:45From a busy valuation to a buzzing saleroom, this bee has travelled.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Did you like that link?
0:37:47 > 0:37:52- That was a good link, wasn't it? Busy bee?- Very good, Paul.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56I worked on that. Anyway, it's a lovely little brooch.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00I can see you love your insects. Butterflies everywhere.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04- Why are you selling this? - To buy another butterfly.- Are you?
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Get rid of the bee. Get some more butterflies.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11It was my favourite item of the day.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16It may not have been the most expensive, but it was so sweet.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21- I find these little bug brooches very interesting.- Well, good luck.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25It's quality, semi-precious stones and it's Edwardian.
0:38:25 > 0:38:31It's unusual. You won't see another. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36Bee brooch. Silver gilt body. 50?
0:38:36 > 0:38:39£30? 30's bid. 35. 40. Five.
0:38:39 > 0:38:4250. Five. 60. Five.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45£70 in the back. At 70.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49Standing at 70. 75, the lady's bid. 80 on the telephone.
0:38:50 > 0:38:5385. 85's against you.
0:38:53 > 0:38:5590.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59- Five... - This is great. It's flying away!
0:38:59 > 0:39:02..100. 110. 120.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07130. 140. 140 on the telephone. At 140.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10All done at 140? At £140...
0:39:10 > 0:39:15Brilliant result. It had everything going for it. It was quality.
0:39:15 > 0:39:21Semi-precious stones, Edwardian and it's unique. That's hard to price.
0:39:21 > 0:39:26Something finite. You don't see an example to do a price comparison.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29The market loves that wee bit of quirky.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33'No sting in the tail with that one. A great result.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37'Now for something completely different.'
0:39:37 > 0:39:43Next up, something I have never seen in nine years of doing Flog It!
0:39:43 > 0:39:46A pigeon racing clock. It belongs to William.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50He can't be here today, but we do have Anita who spotted it.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53You zoomed in on that. "Homed" in!
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Took a valuation. £30 to £50.
0:39:55 > 0:40:01Yeah. I love these quirky items. Who knows the correct value of it?
0:40:01 > 0:40:04I hope that there's a pigeon fancier here!
0:40:04 > 0:40:08- I could be completely wrong! - It sounds about right, though.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13- It does sound about right. - It's a bit of fun, in working order.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18I think that it has timed very good birds.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20- Has it?- Uh-huh.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25- Very good birds!- Or "doos", as we call them in Scotland, in the west.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28- Doos? Why doos?- I don't know.
0:40:28 > 0:40:35You do and you don't. We're going to find out what the bidders think of this pigeon racing clock.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40There's always a first, isn't there? Trust our Anita! Let's enjoy this.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44The pigeon racing time clock.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47£30 for this? 30?
0:40:47 > 0:40:5120? 20 bid. 25. 30. Five. 40. £40.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53In the distance at 40...
0:40:53 > 0:40:56She's flapping. She's going to take off.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59..Any advance on £40...?
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Yes! Yes!
0:41:02 > 0:41:05That was a good result.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- We must get on the phone and tell him.- Oh, yeah.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Maybe we should send a message by pigeon.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17'Absolutely, Anita! Pigeon Post to spread the good news!
0:41:17 > 0:41:21'Next is a lot which brings out the very excited child in me.'
0:41:21 > 0:41:28Good luck. You deserve it cos you've looked after these. It's time to wave them goodbye.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32We've got Corgis and Dinkys, boxed as well.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35That's where the value is. £150 to £250.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39- It's nice to see, isn't it? - It's all about condition.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41- Most kids just... - Throw the box away!
0:41:41 > 0:41:45I used to get them on the floor
0:41:45 > 0:41:48and throw them into the wall.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Let's see what the bidders think.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54A very interesting collection of model vehicles.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57I have various commissions on them.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00We'll start them at £150.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03150. 150. Who's going on?
0:42:03 > 0:42:05150. 160...
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- Telephone bid. - ..180. 200. 220.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12240. 260.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17280. 280. 300. 320.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21340. 360.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23380. 400.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25420. 440.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28460. 480..
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- Unbelievable. - ..500.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- 520. 550. - Gosh!
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- 580. - I'm shocked.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Are you bidding? 600.
0:42:39 > 0:42:44- 600. In the room at £600... - James, this was come-and-buy-me.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48..At 600. Selling at £600...
0:42:49 > 0:42:53- £600!- Knew it all the time(!)- Wow!
0:42:53 > 0:42:58Give us a handshake. Oh, dear! I just wish I had my cars!
0:42:58 > 0:43:03What a fabulous day we've had. You've topped it off for us, Iain.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07Look after your toys. They are an investment for the future.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09What a big surprise to end on.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13We've had a fabulous day. We've sold everything.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16I can't wait to come back to bonnie Scotland.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18Until next time, goodbye.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:36 > 0:43:39E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk