0:00:02 > 0:00:05Well, our team of trusted experts are already valuing the antiques
0:00:05 > 0:00:09and collectables brought along to our Dorchester venue today.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12We'll be taking the best items off to auction later on in the show.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16But all of this lot here have come to ask that all-important question, which is...
0:00:16 > 0:00:18..what's it worth?
0:00:41 > 0:00:43One of Dorchester's claims to fame
0:00:43 > 0:00:47is that its splendid High Street, as you can see here, boasts over 70
0:00:47 > 0:00:50listed buildings, more than any other street in Britain.
0:00:50 > 0:00:56I just hope our experts are having such a variety back over at the Dorford Centre.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00In fact, it's a packed house over at our valuation day,
0:01:00 > 0:01:06and our team of experts are already hard at work valuing the crowd's antiques and collectables.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Leading our team of experts are the ever-reliable David Fletcher
0:01:10 > 0:01:16and Mark Stacey, both of whom work as independent antique valuers.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Antiques run in David's blood.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24In fact, his first ever job was working in an auction house, and he's been hooked ever since.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26He's very fortunate that he absolutely loves his job.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31By contrast, Mark first started work in the care profession and came to antiques a little later on.
0:01:31 > 0:01:38He began his foray into the business as a dealer and later went on to work for various auction houses.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41You might need this as an umbrella!
0:01:43 > 0:01:46We have some real treats coming up for you on today's show as we try to
0:01:46 > 0:01:50unearth the hidden stories behind people's possessions.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55They were modelled on a character called Toby Philpott, who literally drank
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- 16 pints of ale a day. - Well, I don't like them, anyway. No.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02I'm with you!
0:02:02 > 0:02:07But before all of that, David Fletcher is having a look at Lorna's collection of silver spoons.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- Soon be time for tea. - Yes.- Actually, I think they're probably coffee spoons.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13I thought they were, yes.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Anyway, the important thing about them is that they're made of silver,
0:02:17 > 0:02:24and they were made to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.
0:02:24 > 0:02:31And each one of the bowls of these spoons bears the name of an action during the Battle of the Somme.
0:02:31 > 0:02:37They are French and, being French, the standard isn't quite as high
0:02:37 > 0:02:39as it would be on a piece of English silver.
0:02:39 > 0:02:47- No.- And these tiny, tiny marks on the top right-hand side of each bowl tell us that.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51There's an equally tiny mark on the left-hand side of the top of each bowl
0:02:51 > 0:02:57- which tells us who the maker is, but I haven't been able to distinguish that.- No.
0:02:57 > 0:03:03The finials are each dated 1914/1915
0:03:03 > 0:03:07and are enamelled with the flags of the Allies.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- Yes.- And can you trace them back to the Battle of the Somme?
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Yes, because my great-aunt
0:03:16 > 0:03:23was a Queen Alexander nurse and she actually was nursing in the front.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27But she gave them to me as a wedding present in 1951.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- And how did she acquire them? - Well, I can only presume on an off-duty moment
0:03:32 > 0:03:38from the field hospital, she went off to local places and picked them all up.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41That's lovely, because it means we can provenance them right back to
0:03:41 > 0:03:44the time when they first saw the light of day.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47As a wedding present, you must be a bit sad to see them go.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Yes, I am. I like them, but I've got to downsize.
0:03:51 > 0:03:57My family aren't interested, so I thought going to someone who might appreciate them...
0:03:57 > 0:04:01You've got to move on, as they say, haven't you?
0:04:01 > 0:04:06And you can be sure that these will go to a person who understands what they are,
0:04:06 > 0:04:13- appreciates their social significance. So that will be good, I think.- I think so.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17As far as the value is concerned, they're affordable, really.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I think, optimistically, we could expect them to make £10 a spoon.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26- Yes.- Conservatively, I would be thinking in terms of an estimate of £30 to £50
0:04:26 > 0:04:31and, all other things being equal, would suggest a reserve of £30.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Yes.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37It's not going to change your life, but it's going to help,
0:04:37 > 0:04:42so let's go ahead on that basis, 30 to 50 with a reserve of 30,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45and I look forward to seeing you at the sale.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- At the sale, yes.- Thank you very much.- Thank you!
0:04:49 > 0:04:56With a history like that, we shouldn't have any problem finding a new home for Lorna's silver spoons.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58But it's the real stories we're after,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01behind all the antiques and collectables being brought in
0:05:01 > 0:05:03before we take them off to auction.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Hello. That looks interesting. Is that Keswick or Newlyn?
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Keswick.- Yes, you can see the stamp.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Quite nicely stamped.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14So, what's the story behind this? Are you a big Arts and Crafts fan?
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Yes, I'm really into Arts and Crafts.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20I bought this, along with another piece, about ten years ago,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22and I've had them at home, using them ever since.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24But I now have a new partner,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27and she's not too keen on Arts and Crafts,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30so we're looking to remodel the house!
0:05:30 > 0:05:32So this is one of the things I'd like to try and sell.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36That's the name of the game! That's why you're here to flog it, I guess.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Good luck, hopefully we'll see you later on.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40Thank you.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Next up, Mark Stacey is talking to Michael and wife Jo,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48who've brought in two Toby jugs.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Now, you get no prizes for calling these Toby jugs
0:05:52 > 0:05:55or "Toby character jugs", but where did they come from?
0:05:55 > 0:06:00Well, my mum bought this one many years ago.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02I think I was nine or ten.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- Gosh!- And I liked it,
0:06:04 > 0:06:10so I decided to buy Mum the small one for a Christmas box one year.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12So you found another one that matched in with that?
0:06:12 > 0:06:15And I think I paid about ten shillings and sixpence for it.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Gosh, that's quite a lot, actually. That's quite a lot.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22For those who don't know what ten shillings and sixpence is,
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- that's about...- 55p?
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Is it about that much?- Yeah!- Ten shillings, that's 50p. Yeah, 55p.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32I think the interesting thing is that character jugs, or Toby jugs,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34really are 18th century pieces.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38The earliest ones are made in lovely creamware and pearlware
0:06:38 > 0:06:40by firms like Ralph Wood.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44And they're modelled on a character called Toby Philpott,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48who was a really larger-than-life character
0:06:48 > 0:06:51who literally drank 16 pints of ale a day.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- Gosh!- Of course, in the 18th century, it was safer to drink alcohol -
0:06:56 > 0:06:59gin, ale - than it was to drink water.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02And in actual fact, ale was an upper-class drink,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- whereas gin was for the working people.- Right!
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Reversed completely now, of course.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11But the interesting thing about these is they're not 18th century.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- No.- They're not that old. They're about 60 years old, I suppose.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19And some of our viewers who see this name very regularly will not
0:07:19 > 0:07:24recognise that these have got the mark of Clarice Cliff on the back.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- Yes.- "Newport Pottery, England."
0:07:26 > 0:07:30Now, I'm not sure that they had very much to do with Clarice Cliff.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33I mean, the colours are quite bright, and they're quite vibrant.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35He's quite rosy-cheeked.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I suspect they were probably made just after the war.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40And this is actually a jug, of course.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43And this, I think, would have come - it's Clarice Cliff again -
0:07:43 > 0:07:46the same mark would have come from a little tea set.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49This would have been a little sugar bowl, I think,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52and you would have had a little creamer and a teapot to go with it.
0:07:52 > 0:07:53So, in terms of value,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57what do you think your ten shillings is worth today?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Would you be very disappointed if they weren't very valuable,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02or have you decided, "Well, we don't like them"?
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- Well, I don't like them, anyway. - I don't.- No.- I'm with you!
0:08:07 > 0:08:10I'm not bothered, actually, whether they sell or not.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13I think you've got to be realistic. They're a little bit of fun.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- Yes.- And I think we put them in with maybe an estimate
0:08:17 > 0:08:19of £40 to £60 for the pair.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- Would you be happy with that? - Would you be happy with that?
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- Yes, that's fine.- Yes?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27What about reserve? Are you just happy to have them sold?
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- We'll just let them go. - Have a bit of fun on the day.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34They should make that and hopefully a little bit more,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37because they are marked and they're sizeable pieces.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38- So fingers crossed.- OK.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41We might have a pint afterwards!
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- Absolutely.- Or several gins! - Or several large gins.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Might not be good to drive home after several large gins.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51It sounds like Jo will be glad to see the back of Michael's Toby jugs,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53so we'll keep our fingers crossed for her
0:08:53 > 0:08:55at the auction later.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Now, remember when I was looking
0:08:57 > 0:09:00at that fabulous Keswick tray belonging to Andrew?
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Well, David is talking to him now,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06but he's far more interested in Andrew's copperware plate.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08What can you tell me about it?
0:09:08 > 0:09:13Well, I think it's Arts and Crafts from around 1900, 1910.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16It does have a mark on the back, which is Beldray,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18and I had a look on the internet,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21and apparently they were a Birmingham company of that period.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25I would absolutely agree with the dating.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27I think 1900, 1910.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31It's broadly speaking in the Art Nouveau style,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34which, as you probably know, is characterised by
0:09:34 > 0:09:39these sort of whiplash lines, sort of naturalistic lines,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42quite unlike the Art Deco style which followed it,
0:09:42 > 0:09:47which was to do with geometric shapes and geometric lines.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49As you say, Beldray,
0:09:49 > 0:09:55and they were a firm producing slightly more commercial things
0:09:55 > 0:10:01than the true Arts and Crafts workshops at the same time.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04So this, with the best will in the world, isn't a piece of Newlyn,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07which I think is probably everyone's idea
0:10:07 > 0:10:11of what good Arts and Crafts copperware should be like.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12But on the other hand,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15it's not something that was just stamped out by the thousand.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19There is an element of design here, an element of quality control,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23if you like, and it's a stylish piece.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Was it always made to hang? I assume that's original.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30I think that's exactly right. Yeah, that is original.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Tell me what you think it depicts.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Well, I think it's a winter scene.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Obviously, it's a woman in the cloak,
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- and you've got the bare trees in the background.- Yeah. You're right.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43I think it's winter.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47I'm sure it's winter, which suggests that it's one of a series of four,
0:10:47 > 0:10:51each one representing a different season.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- So, are you going to miss it?- Yes.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57It's sort of been hanging no the wall in my study,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00but we're having a change of decor at home,
0:11:00 > 0:11:04and this and the tray as well have to go, I'm afraid.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Right, so, what's it worth?
0:11:06 > 0:11:13- I would suggest an estimate of £50 to £80.- Oh.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15You don't look exactly thrilled by that.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- No, that's a bit less than I was hoping for.- You hoped more.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20What did you pay for it?
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Well, I bought it together with a large Keswick tray,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- and that was £300 for the two.- Right.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29But obviously, the Keswick tray would have been worth...
0:11:29 > 0:11:31A substantial part of that.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35And we have to accept that the market's probably gone down a bit
0:11:35 > 0:11:37in the last few years anyway.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- This was ten years ago.- Yeah.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41You're being very philosophical.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44If you can be even more philosophical
0:11:44 > 0:11:47and agree to a reserve of £45, I'd be delighted.
0:11:47 > 0:11:53- Yes, OK.- Jolly good. OK, Andrew, £45 fixed reserve, estimate 50 to 80.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I'll see you at the sale.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- OK.- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Oh, dear. I do hope that Andrew isn't too disappointed
0:12:01 > 0:12:03with David's estimate.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Well, I think it's about time we upped the tempo, don't you?
0:12:06 > 0:12:07We have been working flat out here,
0:12:07 > 0:12:11but we're going to put our experts' valuations to the test right now.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12You've seen the items.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15There's a few cracking ones there and hopefully one or two surprises.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17We're making our way to Duke's,
0:12:17 > 0:12:20leaving you with a quick recap, just to jog your memory,
0:12:20 > 0:12:22of the items going under the hammer.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25And stirring things up right now, it's time to find a new home
0:12:25 > 0:12:28for Lorna's collection of silver coffee spoons.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32Jo will be glad to see the back end of Michael's Toby jugs,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36but will we be able to find a bidder to take them off her hands?
0:12:36 > 0:12:40And finally, Andrew's Art Nouveau copperware plate
0:12:40 > 0:12:43is going under the hammer.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Let's hope we can get him a good return.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51And we're still in Dorchester, at Duke's salerooms,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54and auctioneer Matthew Denny is on the rostrum.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59The first of our items to go under the hammer
0:12:59 > 0:13:02are Lorna's silver spoons.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Lorna, good luck. We've got our fingers crossed.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08This is Lorna's first auction.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10We're about to sell the silver coffee spoons.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- That's right yes.- There's a lot of silver here today.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17This is a nice lot. I find it very interesting that one of the bloodiest
0:13:17 > 0:13:21and most important battles of all time, the Battle of the Somme,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24should be commemorated by these finely crafted spoons,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27wonderful quality, in complete contrast, really,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29to the nature of the battle itself,
0:13:29 > 0:13:33a significant battle, and significant things.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Good luck, then. Here we go.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39World War One period commemorative spoons.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41These are interesting things.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43I've got commission bids at £30 to start, I'll take 5.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47At 35. 40. 5. 50. 5. Take 60 next.
0:13:47 > 0:13:5060. 5. 70. 5.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53At £70 on the side. I'll take 5.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55At £70. 5, if you like.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59On my left at 70. 5 anywhere?
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Yes, £70! That was short and sweet, wasn't it?
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Blink and you'll miss that one! £70. Are you happy?
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Yes, I am,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09because I thought originally they weren't valued that much.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11No, I thought they would, so I'm thrilled.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14I'm glad you're pleased too, Lorna.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- I am, yes.- Thank you.- Two people really thought them quite special,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20and that's the beauty of auctions, really.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Lorna's spoons have got us off to a really good start.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27They went for well over the estimate.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30There's been a change of auctioneer now,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33and Gary Batt is on the rostrum.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Serving up right now we've got an Art Nouveau copper plate.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38It belongs to Andrew, with a valuation of £50 to £80 on this.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Hopefully, we'll go at the top end,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- because it's very affordable and looks good. - If you're starting to collect
0:14:44 > 0:14:47and you perhaps can't afford a piece of Arts and Crafts by Newlyn,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50something like this will get you going.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53As you say, 50 or 60 quid, really, it's not a lot.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55It's nothing. It's absolutely nothing, no.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58And I think that's what this saleroom's built on, really.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00We'll find out what the bidders think.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06Rather nice Arts and Crafts wall plate, a cloaked woman.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- Landscape, quite a stylish piece. - It's gone quiet.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14I've got overlapping bids at £30 to start. I'll take a fiver if I can.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16At 30. 5. Thank you.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19At £35. 40 bid.
0:15:19 > 0:15:2245. 50. Yes, madam, 50.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24At £50. Any advance on 50?
0:15:26 > 0:15:3050. Take a fiver from anywhere.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31Selling, then, at £50.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Everybody finished? Clear at 50.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Good. It's gone. Well done.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Thank you so much. Well done.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- Just!- Great valuation. - Thank you, Andrew. Thank you.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Well, that one just scraped through.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46I think it was right on the money, though.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Next up, it's time to test Mark's valuation
0:15:48 > 0:15:51as we see what those two Toby jugs go for.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55OK, we've got some Clarice Cliff going under the hammer.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58It's a pair of Toby jugs. That's quite unusual, I think.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59Not seen those before.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01They're quite local, Paul, of course.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- Right, OK. Well, I know they were your family's, weren't they, Michael?- That's correct.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- Do you like these, Josephine? - No.- You don't like Toby jugs?
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- I don't like Toby jugs. - Don't like Clarice Cliff?
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- Not really, no.- But I'm sure somebody out there will love them.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Well, I'm not sure how much Clarice Cliff had to do with these Toby jugs.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- The printed backstamp could be put on anything by the factory.- Yeah.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22But they're certainly quite colourful.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- Well, good luck, you two. - Thank you.- This is it.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Clarice Cliff Toby jug. And another.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Here we are, two Toby jugs.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Very decorative. I've got what for this lot?
0:16:35 > 0:16:38£30 to start me?
0:16:38 > 0:16:44- At £30? 30 bid. 35, anyone like? 35. - Dubious. The bidders are dubious.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- 40 commission. 5. 50. - Oh, we've got 50.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- We've sold them.- 60. 5.
0:16:49 > 0:16:5270.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55"Go on!" said Josephine!
0:16:55 > 0:16:58We're out now. You're in at £75.
0:16:58 > 0:17:0080? 80. Well done, sir. 5.
0:17:00 > 0:17:0390. 5. 100.
0:17:03 > 0:17:0510.
0:17:05 > 0:17:0720. 130.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10At £120. Near me, against you at the back, then.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Going at £120. Are we out and clear and sure I sell?
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- Yes! They're gone!- Very good.
0:17:18 > 0:17:24- Very good! Thank you.- That turned out to be a very good combination.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Yes, it did!
0:17:28 > 0:17:30That was a brilliant result.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Michael's Toby jugs doubled the top end of the estimate.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36I just love it when that happens.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39And coming up later in the programme, Mark Stacey and I
0:17:39 > 0:17:43are lucky enough to examine some collectables that just ooze history.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47..little pieces of trench art, where the soldiers
0:17:47 > 0:17:51used the spent cartridges and shells to make themselves practical things.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53I tell you what, that's a
0:17:53 > 0:17:56proper engineer's toy, that, isn't it?
0:17:56 > 0:17:58So don't go away!
0:18:12 > 0:18:15I'm on the island of Portland Bill, which is on the Dorset coastline,
0:18:15 > 0:18:19which is south of Dorchester, because I want to show you something that I've been fascinated by
0:18:19 > 0:18:24ever since I was a young lad, and that's these buildings, lighthouses.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29As I grew up on the Cornish coastline, I've always been fully aware of the important role that
0:18:29 > 0:18:35lighthouses play in helping to keep our sailing vessels safe all around the British Isles.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39Trinity House is an organisation which oversees all the lighthouses
0:18:39 > 0:18:43on the coastline of England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar
0:18:43 > 0:18:47as well as providing other key services which are very important
0:18:47 > 0:18:49to help keep our navigators safe.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55The first lighthouse built by Trinity House was in 1609 in Lowestoft.
0:18:55 > 0:19:02Today, Trinity House has 69 working lighthouses, which have been automated since November 1998.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05That's when the UK's last manned lighthouse,
0:19:05 > 0:19:09North Foreland in Kent, was converted to automatic operation.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Today, I've come to see this lighthouse on Portland Bill.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15There's been a lighthouse here ever since 1760.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18The one I'm looking around today was opened in 1906.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22And to give you a measure of just how important these buildings are,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26this is the fifth lighthouse to be built on the Bill.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31I'm thrilled to be getting a personal tour from Larry Walker.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34He was the last principal lighthouse keeper at Portland Bill
0:19:34 > 0:19:38before it was automated, and he still keeps a watchful eye on it today.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- Larry?- How do you do? - Hi. Pleased to meet you! - I'm pleased to meet you, Paul.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44I'm looking forward to my tour.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46God, that's a strong handshake you've got!
0:19:46 > 0:19:48How long have you been the lighthouse keeper here in Portland Bill?
0:19:48 > 0:19:49On Portland Bill here, 32 years.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- You must love the job.- Oh, yes.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54It's a vocation, not a job.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Have you worked in any other lighthouse?- Oh, yes.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58This is actually my 22nd lighthouse.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00You've been in 22?
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Yeah. The last lighthouse before I came here was Eddystone Lighthouse.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Plymouth Hoe. I've been up that. Did you know when you get to the top of that one, that one actually wobbles?
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- Yeah, that one quivers. - I don't like that. I really don't like that. Does this one wobble?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14A little bit. A little bit.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- Well, I'm really excited to get up this one.- Come on.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- So, we'll start at the top. - Yes, we are going to start at the top, Paul, up in the lantern.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29But before we get there, you've got a long climb to go.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- How many steps are there? - There's 153 steps.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34And I'll bet you know every single one.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- By a rude word, yes, I do.- Yeah.
0:20:36 > 0:20:42And 20 years ago, I was able to do it in 42 seconds from the base of the tower into the lantern.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44That's not bad going. Shall we try and beat it?
0:20:44 > 0:20:48Well, you can, but I'm not. Right.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05Well, this is obviously the main light, and I know that rolls on a bed of mercury, doesn't it?
0:21:05 > 0:21:09That's correct. This is technically what we call a mercury-float light-revolving system.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12It is doing one revolution every 20 seconds.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15And if you look at the lens, you'll see that it's made up
0:21:15 > 0:21:23of four lens panels, and there's one just coming round to you now, and one ginormous big reflector behind it.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27And because the lens is revolving one revolution every 20 seconds,
0:21:27 > 0:21:31the character of Portland Bill lighthouse is four flashes every 20 seconds.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36Every lighthouse in the UK has its own distinctive character.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40There's no other lighthouse in the UK that's got the same character as Portland Bill lighthouse.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42How far away can that light be seen?
0:21:42 > 0:21:46On a good night, Paul, it should be in excess of 25 miles you'll see this light.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- That's a fair distance.- It is, yeah. - That's the beacon of hope.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53That's right, yeah, you see four white flashes every 20 seconds,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- it's got to be Portland Bill.- Home. - And then we're going home, yeah.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03It must be kind of a solitary life.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06It certainly was out at sea, but here at Portland Bill, it is what we call
0:22:06 > 0:22:09a family station, so you would be here with your families.
0:22:09 > 0:22:16But there's only one keeper on watch at any one time, so therefore yes, you are on your own. But as far as
0:22:16 > 0:22:20not being lonely as such, but some people like being on their own, you know, and it's not too bad,
0:22:20 > 0:22:24especially if they've got a nagging wife at home.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26That's not for the camera!
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Would you like to go and have a look on the gallery there and have a look around the gallery?
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Oh, this is good.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46I tell you what, it's not until you're up here you realise how high we are.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- Yeah.- What height is it, anyway? - You're about just over a hundred feet here on the gallery, Paul.- OK.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Look, that's choppy out there.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- That's the Portland Race over there, and that's where two of the tides meet.- It's lovely up here.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Well, it's fresh.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03It's fresh. Come on, then.
0:23:03 > 0:23:09Back in the warm, Larry takes me down one level, to the nerve centre of the lighthouse.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11This is the service room, Paul.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14The room below the lantern is always the service room.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18And this is where the lighthouse would probably be run from.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22In here, the keeper would have spent most of his watch-keeping.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24I was going to say, it's really the hub of the building.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Yes. This is where the radios would have been, this is where the communications equipment
0:23:28 > 0:23:30would have been, and he would come up here on the start of his watch.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34He would have to make sure that his journals were OK, he had enough paraffin in the tanks that were
0:23:34 > 0:23:41behind me here, the air pressure was correct, and then he'd spend his watch-keeping hours here,
0:23:41 > 0:23:46other than checking the light upstairs and checking the light near the base of the tower.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51We're heading all the way down now to ground level, to my favourite bit of the lighthouse.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Here we have two fog-signal air compressors.
0:23:56 > 0:24:03- These compressors were actually used prior to 1995 to power the old air-type fog signal.- OK.
0:24:03 > 0:24:11Now, since 1996 and automation, we have an automatic fog signal, and it's a squeak.
0:24:11 > 0:24:17- It's a high-pitched squeak.- And it's only meant to be heard about a mile to two and a half miles maximum.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Can we hear the old sound? My tour wouldn't be complete without nostalgia.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- It will be loud. - OK. I've heard them before.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28Right, so what I suggest you do is go out to the west door there and wait for it to be put on.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Do you know, I'm so glad it's got dark since I've been inside,
0:24:33 > 0:24:38because I think this is the perfect ambience for listening to a foghorn.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Well, I've thoroughly enjoyed my trip here
0:24:40 > 0:24:44at the Portland Bill lighthouse, but it wouldn't be fitting to leave this wonderful scene without hearing
0:24:44 > 0:24:50that nostalgic blast from the foghorn, so any second now... Let's just wait for it.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54FOGHORN BLASTS
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Great! Absolutely fabulous!
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Back at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester, there's been
0:25:11 > 0:25:17no rest for our team of experts, who've been hard at work valuing the locals' antiques and collectables.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Mark Stacey is busy valuing a collection of World War One
0:25:20 > 0:25:24memorabilia which was brought in by Barry and his wife Betty.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29You've brought in a fascinating little thing.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33This is the real fun of being in the antiques world
0:25:33 > 0:25:37and the collectors' world, because you think you've seen everything...
0:25:37 > 0:25:44..then a story comes along which is both very, very sad and actually quite humorous at the same time.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49- Oh, it is.- Very funny, yeah. - Because on first glance, we've got a bronze plaque here that was
0:25:49 > 0:25:55issued to everyone in the Great War, 1914-18, who died in active service,
0:25:55 > 0:26:00and they were presented with a nice scroll, which is in the box here, and that's one part of it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05And that's worth anything from £50 or £60, I suppose.
0:26:05 > 0:26:11Then you have these lovely little pieces of trench art, where the soldiers in the trench have had a
0:26:11 > 0:26:15lot of time on their hands when they were doing nothing, so they
0:26:15 > 0:26:19used the spent cartridges and shells to make themselves practical things.
0:26:19 > 0:26:24And here, somebody's turned what looks like a pair of boots into a pair of lighters.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26And that's a cartridge?
0:26:26 > 0:26:30And this is from old bullets and cartridges. And they've decorated all these by hand...
0:26:30 > 0:26:33- Goodness me!- ..you know, which is absolutely charming.- Yeah.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35But having said that, we then have a letter.
0:26:35 > 0:26:41Basically, Gunner Fred Symes here, who is your...
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- ..great-great-grandfather?- Great.
0:26:44 > 0:26:50..great-grandfather, of course, has been lost, he's had his letter.
0:26:50 > 0:26:59His wife, Mrs Symes, is heartbroken, writes to his commanding officer asking his whereabouts.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01She then gets a handwritten note
0:27:01 > 0:27:06telling the sad story of his death, which was accidental.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- He fell down a cliff...- Yeah.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- ..having left his post to go looking for rabbits.- Yes!
0:27:12 > 0:27:15But it doesn't say how many rabbits he caught.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17No rabbits for tea!
0:27:17 > 0:27:19But I think...
0:27:19 > 0:27:21this is...
0:27:21 > 0:27:24history, isn't it? I mean, how on earth
0:27:24 > 0:27:28can you not be sad on the one hand
0:27:28 > 0:27:30but then on the other hand find the irony...
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- Tells a human story. - Because he sounds a right character,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35does Fred Symes.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36It could have been Dad's Army, couldn't it?
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Has it passed down the family?
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Er, yes! You could say that!
0:27:40 > 0:27:43You can be honest with me.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44Nobody's watching, Betty.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- No, I'm sure!- But I just love it.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52When you look at the consistent parts, you might say this is worth £50.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56Those are worth, you know... This is damaged. £20 or £30.
0:27:56 > 0:28:02But when you put the whole thing together, you've got to look at a history collector, a military
0:28:02 > 0:28:08collector, who would be in heaven to be able to tie all that together.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10And so what is it worth then?
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Is it £200? Is it £300?
0:28:13 > 0:28:16We honestly don't know. And you've saved it from the rubbish dump.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20It was going out with the rubbish, yeah.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Can you imagine? That would have been terrible.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28You know how enthusiastic I am and the team are here at "Flog It!"
0:28:28 > 0:28:32to have a bash at it, but we do understand the difficulties.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34No, I agree.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37It comes to a time where the decision is yours, as they say.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- That's right.- We can't take it with us, can we? So...!
0:28:39 > 0:28:40Would you like me to give it a try?
0:28:40 > 0:28:42- Yes, please.- That's wonderful.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Thank you. And I do think we'll protect it with a reserve.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47If it can't get 200,
0:28:47 > 0:28:53then you must protect it, and we'll talk after the sale and we might find something else to do with it.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55I think it would be lovely. Thank you so much.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:28:58 > 0:29:04So Mark has put an estimate of £200 to £300 on Barry's collection of World War One memorabilia.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06We'll see how that estimate fares shortly.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10Next up, I'm wondering where everybody has gone!
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Don't worry, I'm not turning into a cameraman.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15I'm not checking the white balance or anything, I'm just waiting for one of our crews
0:29:15 > 0:29:18to come back from lunch, because they have been working flat out.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- Hello, Paul.- Hello. What's your name? - Nigel.- Nigel. Pleased to meet you.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- I was just wondering what you thought of that.- I like that!
0:29:25 > 0:29:26That's nice. Is that meths-driven?
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- It is meths-driven. - Cor, there's quite a weight to it.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32I thought it was going to be one of those lightweight Mamod ones,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- the ones that I had when I was a little boy.- Yeah.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Still tin-plate, but I tell you what, that's a
0:29:38 > 0:29:41proper engineer's toy, that, isn't it?
0:29:41 > 0:29:47- So the meths heats up...- Yeah, the hot air rises, pushes the piston up, and that starts it going.- Very nice.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- This one's not steam-driven, though. - No, it's not steam-driven, no.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55Isn't that lovely? And had you played with this as a young boy?
0:29:55 > 0:30:00I did. It must have been 50 years ago the last time I played with it.
0:30:00 > 0:30:06I always remember when I was younger, I was slightly disappointed when I was given it because it didn't move.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11It took me some time to get the mental adjustment that it was a stationary engine, not a moving one.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Well, you were a young lad 50 years ago, and this was a very expensive toy then.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- Yeah, it was handed down to me by my father...- You lucky thing!
0:30:17 > 0:30:19..and I think by his father as well.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22I'd put this around the early 1900s, wouldn't you?
0:30:22 > 0:30:27Well, certainly I've had it 55 years, my father had it before me,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31so that's got to date it about 95 years at least.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33It's beautiful, it really is.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35There was no way of controlling the speed, though, was there?
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Once this heated up, that was it.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- That was it, you either had to remove the...- ..flame.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42..you had to remove the flame or turn the flame right down.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47Yeah. Do you know, I think everybody will go absolutely crazy for this.
0:30:47 > 0:30:52All the engineers in the auction room will, all the old boys that like tinkering with things.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53It's a nice thing to have and hold.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56And I'm quite surprised you want to sell this.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00Well, as I say, I enjoyed it as a young boy...
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Yeah, but this was your dad's. Don't you feel guilty? If this was my dad's, I'd never sell it.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09Well, I feel more guilty on the basis that it's never used, never run.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12We've seen the Mamod ones on the show before, and you know they fetch
0:31:12 > 0:31:17around £80 to £120, maybe £150 if they're in good condition. I think this is far superior.
0:31:17 > 0:31:22It's much earlier. I think we could be in for a surprise, both of us, in the auction room on the day.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Let's put it in with a cheeky £200 to £300 valuation.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- OK.- OK? It's going to do that any day of the week.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33- But we'll put a fixed reserve of £200.- Super.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35And hopefully the auctioneer will agree with me.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Do you want to hold it for one last time and say goodbye?
0:31:38 > 0:31:40I'm going to make you feel really guilty here!
0:31:40 > 0:31:44And that was Dad's and... Yeah, give it a kiss. Yeah, say goodbye.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46I'll take that from you now!
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- And I'll see you at the auction. - Thank you.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Well, we'll find out how Nigel's model engine does later.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58But before that, David's examining a 19th-century pistol which has been brought in by John.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- Do you collect these?- Not really.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06I did think I was going to collect them a few years ago, then I went on to firing real ones, and now I've had
0:32:06 > 0:32:13- to stop that, I've got rid of the real ones and I'm now getting rid of the display ones as well.- OK.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15So shooting was a hobby of yours.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- It was, yes.- And were you a good shot? Don't be modest.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21No, I was never as good as I wanted to be.
0:32:21 > 0:32:27Right. OK, well, this obviously is a firearm from a different era.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32The first thing I would say is that it was made in the first 20 years of the 19th century.
0:32:32 > 0:32:41This is borne out by the fact it has a crown, and beneath that are the initials GR, George Rex.
0:32:41 > 0:32:50We can take it that it's late George III or early George IV, somewhere between 1810 and 1825, I would say.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56The next thing to think about is the way it actually worked,
0:32:56 > 0:33:04and what one did was to remove this part here.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08You would put a little bit of powder down the barrel first, then a shot,
0:33:08 > 0:33:12then you would push that home with this. Now, on a rifle, this would be called a ramrod.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Do you call it a ramrod on a pistol?
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Er, yes, I think we would.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20OK. And then, when you've loaded it, you push this back.
0:33:20 > 0:33:26The next thing I think one would do would be to place a little bit of powder on the outside of the barrel.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28And there's a tiny little hole there,
0:33:28 > 0:33:36and by tilting this part back here, by lifting the cock back and pulling the trigger,
0:33:36 > 0:33:43the flint, which is contained in this part here, scrapes on this part of the steel here, produces a spark,
0:33:43 > 0:33:48and Bob's your uncle, there's an explosion and the bullet comes out of the end.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Now, you're a shooting man.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- How accurate were these? - Not that accurate.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56Above 30 or 40 yards, you'd be lucky to hit anything.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Well, I suppose you could do quite a lot of damage at ten yards
0:33:59 > 0:34:06on that basis, but it would be something you'd use in almost hand-to-hand conflict, really.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11Flintlock pistols of this type at auction
0:34:11 > 0:34:15generally come down between £200 and £300, as I'm sure you know.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17You've got an idea of what it's worth.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22You do occasionally see slightly a fancier one with chased brass detail
0:34:22 > 0:34:25and sometimes a bit of chasing here, and they can make a lot more.
0:34:25 > 0:34:32But I think it's true to say that this is a fairly standard-issue piece. We need to discuss a reserve.
0:34:32 > 0:34:38I don't want to hold a pistol to your head, but I would suggest 180.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- Oh, right. - Just a little bit below 200.
0:34:41 > 0:34:42Yeah...
0:34:42 > 0:34:44- You'd hoped for more. - I would have liked more, but...
0:34:44 > 0:34:51Well, let's hope it makes more. I mean, we can't really make them pay more than they're expecting to pay.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53- OK?- Yeah.- So we'll go with that.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55- Thank you.- And I look forward to seeing you on the day.- Yeah.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Thank you, John. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00Well, that's the last of our items for the saleroom, so it's time
0:35:00 > 0:35:05to get over to the auction house and see how our valuations fare.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13Barry and Betty's collection of World War One memorabilia will be going under the hammer.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Hopefully, there'll be some engine fanatics at the sale, as Nigel wants
0:35:16 > 0:35:20his model engine to go to a good home.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25And finally, we're here to find out if there are any takers for John's 19th-century pistol.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Before we see if John's pistol sells, I caught up earlier
0:35:32 > 0:35:36with auctioneer Gary Batt to get his opinion.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39It looks like you're in the firing line. In fact, I should do that.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- There we go!- I'm a bit happier now!
0:35:42 > 0:35:49Early 19th-century George III flintlock pistol in very, very good condition. Standard issue.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51We've got £200 to £300 on this.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53Well, we HAD £200 to £300.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55- That was the original estimate from your valuer.- Right.
0:35:55 > 0:36:02- The vendor has asked for a specific fixed reserve of £250. - So John's been on the phone to you.
0:36:02 > 0:36:09Yes. And I think that makes it a little more tentative, really, whether we sell it or not.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12I think at £200, you'd be very confident.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15At £250, it might just be a bit close.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Well, unless two people were in the room prepared to buy it at £200,
0:36:18 > 0:36:23in which case the price would get automatically pushed up to 250, 270, 280.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25- We'll do our best.- I think this is going to go. I think it will sell.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29You've probably got your own opinion, but that's a bit of quality. That should sell.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34I hope that the fact John has put up the reserve won't put the bidders off buying this pistol.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38Still, I can understand he doesn't want to sell it for too little.
0:36:38 > 0:36:43First, though, it's time for me to feel nervous, as it's my valuation being put to the test.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45I love this next lot, obviously - it's one of my valuations!
0:36:45 > 0:36:52But it belongs to Nigel here, and it's that lovely meths-driven little live engine, which is great fun.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55And we've put a fixed reserve of £200 on this.
0:36:55 > 0:36:56- We did.- We're not giving this away.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00- No.- I just hope we've got a few enthusiasts out here that like tinkering with things.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02That's what we need.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04- Don't we? - You need at least two, don't you?
0:37:04 > 0:37:09Two tinkerers. Here we go.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12This rather fun little working engine. All go.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Hours of innocent amusement.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Lot 178. Who'll start me off with this, then?
0:37:17 > 0:37:21- For the mechanical amongst us. - We need a guy that loves tinkering.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23100 is bid. And 10 I'll take.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25£100. And 10.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- 120.- Good, look. There's someone in the room who's keen.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31130, anyone say? 130.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35140. 150. 150 bid. 160. 160.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39- Yeah, 170. 180. 190. - Proper boys' thing, this, isn't it?
0:37:39 > 0:37:43- 190. 200. And 10.- Good.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47No? At £200, then. Standing at the back at £200.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48Are we all done with this lot?
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- Done it! We've done it! - Yeah, yeah.- Put it there.
0:37:52 > 0:37:53- That's great.- I am ever so happy.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Thank you. Thank you.
0:37:55 > 0:37:56Nice thing to hold and talk about.
0:37:56 > 0:38:02It was, yes, and as I say, I thought when I came to the valuation about a hundred.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- So that's double what I was expecting, so...- Good.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09I think owning that model engine will make the buyer very happy,
0:38:09 > 0:38:13and that's what it's all about, classic recycling.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Next up is Barry and Betty's collection of World War One
0:38:16 > 0:38:20memorabilia, which is being auctioned by Matthew Denny.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24Lovely story. I think it was the story that fixated us on the day.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- It was, Paul, it was. - Great-grandfather's.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Quite unusual, yeah!
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Why have you decided to sell these items now?
0:38:31 > 0:38:37Well, we keep moving house, and they're quite tiny, and I'm sure she'll move again...
0:38:37 > 0:38:44- They're going to get lost.- And we've a daughter, and it's better that they go to someone who'll appreciate them.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46I suppose so. It's a boys' thing, really, isn't it?
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- Yeah.- Militaria is.
0:38:48 > 0:38:53It stands alone in the auction room as a piece of militaria or World War One memorabilia,
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- but nevertheless I think Mark's right on the money. - I hope so, Paul.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00We've protected with a fixed reserve, because I just think this is such a wonderful story.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Well, it's your personal history, as well, so you need to protect this.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- Yeah.- You know that, don't you?- Yeah.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Good luck. Good luck, both of you. OK, this is it.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14We come to the death plaque for Fred Symes. Nice thing.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19Memorial plaque there and a collection of related ephemera and some trench art.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Nice little lot, and I've got £60 to start. Do you want to take 70?
0:39:23 > 0:39:25- 80 here. 90. - There's someone in the room.- 100.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29110. 120. 130. 140. 150.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33160. 170. 180. 190.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35195. 200?
0:39:35 > 0:39:38No? 195 here. I'll take 200.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40At 195. 200, if you like.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43At 195 with me. 200 anywhere?
0:39:43 > 0:39:48No? With me at 195, then.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- No. We just missed that one. - We missed it.- What, by £5?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53I don't know what's happened!
0:39:53 > 0:39:58By £5. We were short of £5, and the auctioneer didn't sell.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Because we had a reserve of 200, didn't we?
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- Don't they have any...- Discretion?
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Well, they should have done. I mean, did you have a fixed reserve?
0:40:06 > 0:40:10We had a fixed reserve of 200, but I think they could have used a little bit of discretion on that.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14Obviously, the auctioneer is acting on your behalf, as your agent, so if
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- you say a fixed reserve of £200, he's got to get you £200.- Yes.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22If you say £200 with discretion, he can take it 10% down.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24I just think, really,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27for the sake of £5, common sense...
0:40:27 > 0:40:32He would lose £5 just to sell it at 195.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- But you wouldn't mind getting 195? - Not a bit. Not a bit.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38Well, maybe they can find the underbidder. That's all I can say.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40And then hopefully we can sell it.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43But at the moment it stands as not sold.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46It would be a shame to take it home, cos it may get lost!
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Oh, that was so close to the reserve!
0:40:49 > 0:40:52At the end of the sale, though, Mark Stacey arranged with the auctioneer
0:40:52 > 0:40:58for Barry and Betty to sell their collection to the nearest bidder, and everyone went home happy.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03It's time now for our final item of the day, as we test David's valuation of John's pistol.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07John, I've just heard from the auctioneer you've upped the reserve.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- Yes.- We're talking about that wonderful pistol, that George III military issue.
0:41:10 > 0:41:17We've got £200 to £300 on this with a fixed reserve of 180, but now it's gone up to 250. Why did you do that?
0:41:17 > 0:41:20I just felt if there was no-one here who was interested in that sort of thing...
0:41:20 > 0:41:22And a lot of your other stuff was
0:41:22 > 0:41:26china, porcelain, that sort of thing, there might not be a pistol person here,
0:41:26 > 0:41:30that it might not have gone for a sensible price.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32OK. Fair enough. That's fair enough.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34I'm still a bit concerned, Paul.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38I think an extra £70 on my original estimate - we might just have priced it out of the market.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40But we'll hope for the best.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42And if it was going to sell, it was going to sell anyway,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45so hopefully there was no need for you to do that.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Let's find out.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Tower flintlock pistol. This is a lovely thing.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- Nice order, good-looking lot. - It's in exceptional condition.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- Very nice.- Start you at £120, and I'll take 130.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58At £120. I'll take 130.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59Good, we've got a phone bidder.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01150.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06160. 170. 180. 190.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08200. 220.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11240. 260.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14280. 300.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- Oh, Lord!- 320. - Pleased to be proved wrong!
0:42:16 > 0:42:18340 bid, it's commission.
0:42:18 > 0:42:19I'll take 360, if you like.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22At £340. I'll take 360.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26On the telephone, then, at 340. 360, if you like, in the room.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28We're selling at 340.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31No? At £340, then.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Yes! Top end and a little bit more!
0:42:34 > 0:42:38Well done. No need for raising the reserve.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40That's good. You've got to be happy with that.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- Oh, yes.- That was quality. Good gun.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45I'm pleased. It's a good result.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Well, that went with a bang! £340.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50What a fabulous result for John.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53I think he's going home very happy.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Now, do you have any unloved antiques or collectables lurking at the bottom of a cupboard?
0:42:56 > 0:42:59If so, we would love to see you, so please check our website
0:42:59 > 0:43:04to find out where we're planning to be for our next valuation days.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Just go to:
0:43:08 > 0:43:16Click F for Flog It and then follow the links to find the list of towns we're coming to very soon.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Well, that's it. It's all over for our owners.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22As you can see, the auction is still going on, but at least everyone's gone home happy.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25That's the name of the game, and all credit to our experts.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28But there were a few close shaves there. That's not good for your nerves, is it?
0:43:28 > 0:43:30But that's what auctions are all about.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33So, until the next time, from Dorchester, it's goodbye.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:44 > 0:43:47E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk