0:00:08 > 0:00:12Today we're in the magnificent Warwick Castle.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16The history of this site dates back to 914AD
0:00:16 > 0:00:20and on many occasions it's been the seat of the Earl of Warwick.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25I would imagine over the years it's been well and truly plundered,
0:00:25 > 0:00:31but today I'm hoping some of our visitors will bring in some history of their very own.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01This castle has seen some drama with its ramparts and towers,
0:01:01 > 0:01:06but the best is yet to come because this magnificent queue
0:01:06 > 0:01:12is going to make their way through to the courtyard to ask that all-important question,
0:01:12 > 0:01:18- "What's it worth?" And what'll you do when you've found out? - ALL: Flog it!- That's drama.
0:01:18 > 0:01:25Getting a sneak preview are our team of experts led by Thomas Plant and Anita Manning.
0:01:27 > 0:01:34- Flog It regular Anita might be on a rival expert's territory. - David Barbie sold me that.- Who?!
0:01:34 > 0:01:39- David Barbie.- He sold it to you? - A long time ago.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43And toy specialist Thomas talks obsessive boyhood collecting.
0:01:43 > 0:01:49- Are you still a nerd? - Absolutely not.- You turned into an old rocker, did you?- Possibly!
0:01:49 > 0:01:52And I look for something original.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- Look at that lovely bluebell wood. Isn't that gorgeous? - CRASH
0:01:57 > 0:02:01oh, something's broken. Hang on. Let's go and check it out.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04What happened? What happened?
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- We dropped it.- Oh, no.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Oh, let's have a look.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14- It fell off the wall.- Oh, gosh. Are there going to be tears?
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- No!- Was it a charity shop find?- No! - Was it a family heirloom?- Yes!
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Oh, no! I'm going to cry!
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- Oh, thank you. - Let's pick some bits up.
0:02:26 > 0:02:33- In there.- These things do happen. That's the unfortunate thing about antiques.- Yes.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36'Coming up:
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- 'Thomas gets over-excited about cars.'- It's nostalgia, passion.
0:02:41 > 0:02:47- 'Anita is put under a magical spell.'- We may make a spectacle of ourselves.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51'And me? Well...' You look fabulous. Your complexions are beautiful.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54'I'm just my normal self.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- 'We're here to enjoy the sunshine and hopefully...'- Flog it!
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Let's get on with the show! Let's get everybody inside. Ready?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- Yes!- Yay! Come on!
0:03:06 > 0:03:09MUSIC: "La Bamba" BY LOS LOBOS
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Well, I've done all the hard work of getting this massive crowd in.
0:03:29 > 0:03:36Let's hand over to Anita Manning, our first expert to the table, and take a wee peep at what she has.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41'Deborah's brought along a stunning set of silver.'
0:03:41 > 0:03:48Deborah, welcome to Flog It and thank you for bringing this lovely little boxed set of salts
0:03:48 > 0:03:50for us to look at.
0:03:50 > 0:03:56- Tell me, where did you get them? - They were my aunt's. She very sadly died last year.
0:03:56 > 0:04:03And it wasn't quite the right time to sell them straight away, but I don't have any use for them.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09My table isn't that long! But they are beautiful and I'll be sad to see them go.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13These would have been used in grander times with grander tables
0:04:13 > 0:04:17with lots and lots of guests. You'd have a long Victorian table
0:04:17 > 0:04:23and these little salt pots would have been distributed along the length of the table.
0:04:23 > 0:04:30What I like about this is the condition. The condition is absolutely wonderful.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32And the set is complete.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37If we pick up one and we look at it,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41we have embossed work which is fresh,
0:04:41 > 0:04:46we have our hallmark and they are dated for 1883.
0:04:46 > 0:04:52And it's a London hallmark, so it's quality. Quality kit.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56If we look at the inside, we see that the interior has been gilded.
0:04:56 > 0:05:02And again that's very fresh. I doubt, Deborah, if these have ever been used.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06I doubt if they've ever been used. And they're over 100 years old.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10And the other exciting thing is
0:05:10 > 0:05:17that we have all the little salt spoons matching and they are all there, none missing at all.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21They're in this delightful box, the original box.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25This has kept them in good condition and fresh.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30- this is your wee girl here. - Yes, I'm Beth.- What do you think?
0:05:30 > 0:05:35I think they're gorgeous. I'd love to keep them, they're beautiful.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40They'll definitely be good for someone who will make use of them.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45Yeah, uh-huh. OK, well, we can put them into auction.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49The estimate I would put on them would be £200-£300.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54I think that they deserve surely 200 and they may go beyond that.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00Are you happy, Deborah, with that estimate and would you be happy to sell them?
0:06:00 > 0:06:05- Yes, yes.- What are you going to do with the money when you sell them?
0:06:05 > 0:06:11- Well, we'd put it towards a holiday. - Uh-huh.- In memory of Auntie Jean. - In memory of Auntie Jean.
0:06:11 > 0:06:18I think that's a very nice idea. It'll bring a smile to your face and it would be nice for your aunt.
0:06:18 > 0:06:24Let's go for it and I look forward to seeing these sold at auction.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- Thank you.- OK.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31So many people and so many antiques, I don't know what to look at first.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Everything is vying for my attention. I could lose my marbles!
0:06:39 > 0:06:45Thank goodness some people are holding it together. Thomas is with Joanne and her coins.
0:06:51 > 0:06:58- Tell me, how have you got hold of them?- I just got them off a well-known internet auction site.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- Did you?- Yes.- Why did you buy them? - I do like collecting coins.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07I collect lots of things and have lots of things around the house.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- They're just something I collected. - They're commemorative medallions
0:07:12 > 0:07:18for the three kings, which happened quite quickly in the 1930s.
0:07:18 > 0:07:24- You've got George V...- Yeah. - ..with Queen Mary and the Silver Jubilee for 1935,
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- then in 1937 Edward VIII became King.- That's right, yeah.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34And we've got the description on the reverse because he abdicated soon after.
0:07:34 > 0:07:41- He wasn't interested in becoming King. He'd rather marry his fiancee at the time.- Yeah.
0:07:41 > 0:07:47We all know that story. Then we have George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother,
0:07:47 > 0:07:52in 1937. What a time to come to the throne. In two years we were at war.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55What an interesting, amazing, stressful time.
0:07:55 > 0:08:01So these are a nice group, a well-presented group
0:08:01 > 0:08:05because they are silver. You can see that with the hallmark.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Now did you pay a lot for them on this well-known internet auction?
0:08:09 > 0:08:15- I paid about £30.- Did you?- Yes. - I think you've done rather well. - That's good!
0:08:15 > 0:08:20- You might see a small profit of £10. We'll put them at £40-£60.- Yeah.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- How does that grab you?- That's fine. - I think you'll get a result there.
0:08:24 > 0:08:30- I'm intrigued about you on the internet. Are you always buying things?- Yeah. My husband gets mad.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- Really?- Yes, he does.
0:08:32 > 0:08:38- Have you ever been to a real auction?- No. - You're an auction virgin.- Yes.
0:08:38 > 0:08:45- It's much more exciting.- Is it?- Oh, yeah. I look forward to you having a great experience.- Thank you.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49But roll up, roll up, because the circus has come to town.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52Fran's brought along a silent clown.
0:08:57 > 0:09:04Isn't that just fun? That deserves a round of applause. I don't know what he was playing!
0:09:04 > 0:09:09Fran, wonderful little toy and still working. That's the best thing.
0:09:09 > 0:09:15- Where did you get it from?- It belonged to an aunt of my husband's. I think it was her husband's.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- He played the violin.- So it was more of a comical take on him.- It was.
0:09:19 > 0:09:25Schuco dates back to 1921. Made in Germany. The factory was bombed during the war, but then rebuilt.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30Then they had a massive market to the States. This was for export.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34This isn't particularly early, this isn't the 1920s ones.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- This is a 1950s one.- Really?- That's why it's in very good condition.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- The colours and felt are very good. - I want to sell it while it works!
0:09:43 > 0:09:49I don't blame you, in a way. We've had the monkeys before and they've done really well.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53In good condition and boxed, this little clown should do
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- around about £120-£180.- Gosh.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- Even with the state of the box? - The box is not very good.- No.
0:10:00 > 0:10:07- So I suggest we put it into auction with a valuation of £60-£120.- Fine. More than I thought it was worth.
0:10:07 > 0:10:13It's interesting that it was bought as a joke for your husband's uncle because he played the violin.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19Somebody thought, "That'll put a smile on his face." I played the drums.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24My relations would buy a battery-operated monkey on drums
0:10:24 > 0:10:28because they thought it'd be funny, but it wasn't really!
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Paul has a surprise for Anita.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45Paul, thank you for coming along and I am intrigued
0:10:45 > 0:10:48to find out what's in this wee box.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- Can I open it up? - You can. It IS a magic box.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54SHE LAUGHS
0:10:54 > 0:10:58What are these? A pair of spectacles!
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- Can you open them out for me? - I'll try.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11It's not the first place to have things in small packages.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14That's a wonderful pair of specs.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18I can see Harry Potter there. Could you try them on? Let's look.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23That's what I call bags of style. That's absolutely wonderful.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Eh, what?
0:11:26 > 0:11:31Right, let's have a look. They're made of tortoiseshell.
0:11:31 > 0:11:37They are of quality. If we look at these hinges, these are beautifully made.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40And they are gold.
0:11:40 > 0:11:46And all the fittings are gold, which gives them a certain value.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49It tells us they are quality specs.
0:11:49 > 0:11:56- Can you tell me where you got these? - I bought them in a job lot in an auction in Derbyshire,
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- with some watches and jewellery. - Did you pay a lot for them?
0:12:00 > 0:12:05About £100 for the box about 3 or 4 years ago, so it was good value.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08There's two sorts of collectors.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11One are people who collect good-quality spectacles
0:12:11 > 0:12:16and also someone who's got a Harry Potter thing going on.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- They are magic glasses, aren't they? - They certainly are!
0:12:20 > 0:12:25- So you can have a modern twist. - So what do you think about price?
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- I'm not as good as you. - Come on, it's easy!
0:12:29 > 0:12:33I'm going to say, I don't know, maybe £100 plus?
0:12:33 > 0:12:37I would probably like to bring them down a little bit from that.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42- Would you be happy to put them in at £60-£80?- With a reserve of 60.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47- Shall we give it a go?- Yes, why not? - I think they're great fun.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49We may make a spectacle of ourselves.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- That's all right. - I hope not!
0:12:53 > 0:12:58This is going to be great fun. I just love these to bits.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02We are now halfway through our day and people still keep pouring in.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07But right now it's time to put our first valuations to the test.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11We found some real gems, so let's find out what the bidders think.
0:13:11 > 0:13:18We'll leave you with a quick rundown to jog your memory of all the items that are going under the hammer.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23So we're selling Joanne's silver medallions off the internet.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26How have you got hold of them?
0:13:26 > 0:13:30Paul's vintage pair of specs which got Anita rather excited.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34Fran's silent clown complete with slightly tatty box.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38And Deborah's barely used silver salt pot set.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43Now it's time to put those valuations to the test
0:13:43 > 0:13:47at Bigwood Auctioneers in Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52It's a busy day. We have two auctioneers.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56I'm going in to catch up with our owners. They feel really nervous.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Fingers crossed we get top results today.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05Christopher Ironmonger is going to sell Joanne's medallions.
0:14:05 > 0:14:11Daughter Jodie has joined her for their first ever auction experience.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15It's good to chat with you both. You look fabulous, by the way!
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- I love all this. You're testing the market for the first time.- Yes.
0:14:19 > 0:14:25- You got these commemorative coins... - Yes.- ..in auction, not so long ago.- Yes.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- Now you're going to see if you can make a profit.- It's a tall order!
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- It IS a tall order!- We'll have to wait and see.- Hopefully!
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- Were you happy with the valuation? - Yes.- What did you pay for them?
0:14:39 > 0:14:45- It was about £30.- £30. So we need to make above that to make this work.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50The George VI silver medallions. I'd like to start bidding at 40.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- On my book at £40.- Straight in.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57At £40. I'm going to sell them. Do you want 5?
0:14:57 > 0:15:02I thought we'd do better than this. Are we done? 45. I've got 50. 5?
0:15:02 > 0:15:0455. I've got 60 now.
0:15:04 > 0:15:075? 60 with me. All done at 60.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- £60.- Brilliant.- That's good.
0:15:10 > 0:15:16- You just need to do it 20 times and you're in the money definitely. - That's brilliant.
0:15:16 > 0:15:22- What did you think of that, Jodie? It's your first auction. - Really good.- Good fun?- Yeah.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27Just keep your hands by your side or you can accidentally buy something!
0:15:27 > 0:15:31A lovely result for Joanne and Jodie's first auction.
0:15:31 > 0:15:37Paul has joined Anita and me for an item he bought as part of a job lot at a sale.
0:15:37 > 0:15:44We're about to sell some tortoiseshell glasses. Hopefully, they'll do £90.
0:15:44 > 0:15:50- Somewhere around there? - That would be nice.- They've got a Harry Potter angle to them.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Yes, they do have. Yeah.
0:15:54 > 0:16:01A pair of early-20th-century tortoiseshell and gold-coloured metal mounted spectacles.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Marked 14 carat. Harry Potter style.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- Rather nice they are. Folding. - Very trendy.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10£40 to get me going?
0:16:10 > 0:16:1340 straight in. 45 is it?
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- They'd look good on you.- No!
0:16:15 > 0:16:17At 45, at 45.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Do I hear 50 now? At 45.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25Will you go 50 now? 50? At 45. 50. 5 is it?
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- £50. Do you want to carry on?- Go on.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Are we done at 50? 2, surely? Are we done? All sure?
0:16:32 > 0:16:37No. We're just a couple of bids short there. We've a reserve of £60.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Christopher had 50 in the room.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44Maybe the bidders weren't that focused today.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49Puntastic! I can't even get serious as we're sending in the clowns next.
0:16:49 > 0:16:55Right, it is now my turn to be the expert and I hope it's not going to end up like this.
0:16:55 > 0:17:01tears of sorrow. I've just been joined by Fran and we've got that clockwork toy
0:17:01 > 0:17:07playing the violin. Love it to bits. The box isn't in brilliant condition but it is a box.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11We've a fixed reserve of £60. You don't want to sell it for less.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- No.- Happy with all of that? - Yes, thank you.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- Excited by all this?- Excited.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Let's hope it flies away. We're going to find out now.
0:17:23 > 0:17:30That brings us to the collectible toy. 1950s Schuco soloist clown violin player.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34A little blue felt hat, red pants, et cetera.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- We had a lot of fun with this, didn't we?- Yes.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Who's going to give me £50 to get me going? 40 to start me.
0:17:42 > 0:17:4740 I've got. And 5 is it? At £40. 5.
0:17:47 > 0:17:4950. 5. 60.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51We've sold it. It's gone.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55At 60. Make no mistake, it'll go.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59At £60. Are we all finished at 60?
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- The hammer's gone down. That's good. - Very good.- I'm happy with that.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- Thank you.- Just on the reserve.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- You can treat yourself now.- Yes.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13A day out at Warwick Castle! With lunch!
0:18:13 > 0:18:19- No, I'm taking our grandchildren away, so that'll buy ice creams. - Where are you taking them?- Torquay.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- Are you?- Your neck of the woods. - On the old Riviera.- Yes.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28That sale certainly put a smile on Fran's face.
0:18:28 > 0:18:35Now let's see how Deborah and Beth's silver fares. Stephen Kay is on the rostrum for this sale.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- Now the money's going towards a holiday.- It is.- Do we know where?
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- Have you talked about it yet?- Yes. We're going to Minorca on Sunday.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- Just the two of you?- No, my mother and sister Lucinda as well.
0:18:50 > 0:18:57- OK, And this is all in memory of Auntie...- Jean. My father's twin sister who sadly died last year.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02Well, fingers crossed. You look like you don't need a lot of sunshine.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- Your complexions are beautiful. - Thank you!- Here we go.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13That lovely boxed cruets, 1883. Showing here.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Somebody start me at £100?
0:19:15 > 0:19:19100 I've got. 110. 120. 130.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21140. 150. 160.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24170. 180. 190.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28200? 190 I've got. Anybody else?
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Are we all done at £190? 200.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35And 10? 200 I have in the aisle. Anybody 210?
0:19:35 > 0:19:37£200. Are we all done?
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- It's gone.- Yes! - The hammer went down really fast.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- Excellent.- You happy, everybody? - Yes, thank you.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- Enjoy the holiday. - Thank you very much.
0:19:55 > 0:20:01Sometimes we're all guilty for driving past historic buildings and monuments
0:20:01 > 0:20:05without stopping and pausing and maybe having a look.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Well, here in the centre of Warwick, just up the road from the castle,
0:20:09 > 0:20:16be prepared to go back some 400 years in time to the wonder that is the Lord Leycester Hospital.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30'This estate actually dates back to the end of the 14th century
0:20:30 > 0:20:34'when it was built for the United Guilds of Warwick,
0:20:34 > 0:20:39'who were merchants, craftsmen and men of importance.
0:20:44 > 0:20:51'The great hall they built was used for public functions and is still used today for that.'
0:20:52 > 0:20:58After the guilds left in 1571, this building became known as the Lord Leycester Hospital
0:20:58 > 0:21:05because of a problem with ex-servicemen. If you were a soldier and were badly injured
0:21:05 > 0:21:11in the service of Queen Elizabeth I, when you returned you were probably unlikely to find a job
0:21:11 > 0:21:15so you became a vagrant. This upset a lot of local people.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19They appealed to the Queen to find a solution and this was it.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29The Queen's favourite dear old friend and confidant Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester,
0:21:29 > 0:21:35the man she was once rumoured to be close to marrying, lived nearby in Kenilworth Castle.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41He transformed this building into a retirement home
0:21:41 > 0:21:46with space for 12 old or disabled ex-soldiers and their wives.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48These men were known as Brethren.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52They lived here for free in return for managing the estate.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Although it was called a hospital,
0:21:54 > 0:21:59the word was used in its old sense meaning "shelter" or "refuge".
0:22:04 > 0:22:11You can see Robert Dudley's mark all over the exterior and interior of this magnificent building.
0:22:11 > 0:22:17The bear and the ragged staff, that dates back to 1268 and it implies courage and strength.
0:22:17 > 0:22:23It's sort of propping up all the timbers. This image is all over the site in stone and in wood.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26But look at this three-dimensional, blue porcupine.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30That's the device of Dudley's relatives, the Sidney family.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41However grand these buildings look today and, let's face it, we all love them,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44living here back then wouldn't have been a luxury,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48although it did mean a place to live, thank goodness!
0:22:48 > 0:22:52The living accommodation was confined to the Guild Hall,
0:22:52 > 0:22:57so you can imagine this wonderful space being carved up
0:22:57 > 0:23:02into sections with partitions, if you like, to house the soldiers and their wives.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Ex-servicemen still live on the estate today,
0:23:15 > 0:23:21although the Brethren now have more comfortable individual flats.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30Dressed in smart Tudor uniforms, they keep the traditions alive.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35In return for their lodgings, these modern-day Brethren show visitors around the hospital
0:23:35 > 0:23:41and attend prayers every weekday morning at the beautiful Chantry Chapel of St James.
0:23:50 > 0:23:57'Out in the Master's Garden, one of the oldest in Warwick and looking beautiful today,
0:23:57 > 0:24:03'I couldn't leave without speaking to some of the current Brethren - Geoff, Bruce and Albert.'
0:24:03 > 0:24:07So what's it like living in these wonderful historic buildings?
0:24:07 > 0:24:12You meet a lot of people coming through the place and it's very pleasant.
0:24:12 > 0:24:19Do you get a sense of connection to the history? Are you adding to it with your prayer and your tours?
0:24:19 > 0:24:23Yes, I think so. Originally from 1571 when the first brothers came here...
0:24:23 > 0:24:27We... We are just part of that machine.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30We carry on the tradition.
0:24:30 > 0:24:36Albert, you're on the end there and you all have these wonderful bears with ragged staffs on your sashes.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Can you tell me about them? I know it's solid silver.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42These were given to 12 brothers,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45one each.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50And the name of the brother is still on the back of these... the bear and ragged staff.
0:24:50 > 0:24:56Gosh, what history, what history! You're very proud men to be carrying those around.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58- Absolutely. - You treasure them as well.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03- Thank you so much for meeting up with me. You all look very smart. - Thank you.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14There are centuries of stories behind these oak timber frames,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17all tucked away in the bustling market town of Warwick.
0:25:17 > 0:25:23Everywhere you turn, there are bears with ragged staffs protecting the hospital's history,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27along with the Brethren of Lord Leycester's Hospital.
0:25:27 > 0:25:33They've done a magnificent job of preserving it for visitors like me to have a look around.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41TRUMPET FANFARE
0:25:52 > 0:25:57And back at our valuation day at the magnificent venue of Warwick Castle,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00we're blessed with beautiful weather.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05- The sun is shining, everybody is smiling. Are you enjoying yourselves?- Yes!
0:26:05 > 0:26:11All sorts of people have turned up, big people, little people, young people, old people.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- They all want to sell their antiques. What are they going to do? - Flog it!
0:26:18 > 0:26:23Toy specialist Thomas couldn't get those toy cars from earlier out of his mind,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26so up next, it's Mike and his enviable collection.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31- You must have been such a good boy. - I like to think I was when I was younger.
0:26:31 > 0:26:37Were you well-behaved, so you got lots of presents, or did you have quite a lot of pocket money?
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- I had some pocket money. - Did you do a paper round?
0:26:41 > 0:26:44No, my parents were just very generous to me.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48What we're looking at here is your childhood collection of Corgi cars.
0:26:48 > 0:26:54- I believe you were collecting these in the '60s.- In the '60s, yeah.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57I would have been ten going on to 13.
0:26:57 > 0:27:03- And at 13, you stopped? - At 13, I stopped and became more interested in cricket and football.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- And a few years later, the girls. - Have you got any favourites?
0:27:07 > 0:27:12- Of all of them, I think the James Bond 007 car is my favourite.- Absolutely.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17It is wonderful in the gold. Did you buy it because you'd seen Goldfinger?
0:27:17 > 0:27:19I think I'd seen Goldfinger,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23but I remember going up to Hamleys and queueing to buy this car.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- Really?- Yeah.- Certainly interesting things about these cars.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29First of all, it's condition
0:27:29 > 0:27:32and the box condition is important.
0:27:32 > 0:27:37The James Bond one here, you've got a bit of scuffing to the edges
0:27:37 > 0:27:41and certainly within the fold-down inner flap,
0:27:41 > 0:27:46there was another flap here which has been lost in the mists of time.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49But you do have the secret instructions
0:27:49 > 0:27:52and also the assassin is still in there.
0:27:52 > 0:27:58You've got the blue assassin, the ejector seat and the guns and it all still works.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00This kind of car, at auction today,
0:28:00 > 0:28:06would make between £80 and £120, just on its own.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11- That does sound pretty good. - It's quite a good value, isn't it? - Yes, it is.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- So moving on...- Yeah, OK.
0:28:14 > 0:28:20That's probably the most valuable one you've got, apart from the racing car transporter.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25- Right.- That is quite a valuable piece.- I hadn't realised that.
0:28:25 > 0:28:31You would have put the cars on it, played with it, it would have probably got damaged.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Also boys wanted sports cars, so more sports cars were sold.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38The Corgi Constructor Set and the Priestman Cub Shovel,
0:28:38 > 0:28:42I would say that those are worth, as a three,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45about £120 to £180.
0:28:45 > 0:28:50- Oh, right.- As a three. - Yes, I understand. As a lot, yes.
0:28:50 > 0:28:56Then we've got a collection of cars and also a boat in there. There's 20 of them, I've counted.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58They're all of a similar value.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03I know that's really easy to say, that they're all of a similar value.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- But I wouldn't be surprised if they made £400.- Really?
0:29:07 > 0:29:12- That's averaging only £20 a car. - Yes.- And they might make £30 a car.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14That surprises me very much.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Well, it's a very pleasant surprise.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21So this is probably about £600 to £800-worth here.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25If we get that sort of money for you, what will you do with it?
0:29:25 > 0:29:30- I might buy my wife a present. - You're a generous man. - She's seen a new computer.
0:29:30 > 0:29:36- The moment she touched it, she wanted one, so I think it'll be a present for her.- That's fantastic.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46Our lovely Anita is with Wendy, inspecting her jewellery.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50Wendy, this is a bonnie wee pendant.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It's a wee Edwardian pendant
0:29:53 > 0:29:58and I see many of these coming into my saleroom every week. Every week.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01I always think they're very sweet.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03I used to wear one in my younger days.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Where did you get this one?
0:30:05 > 0:30:11Well, I bought an old jewellery box, a musical one, in a sale.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13And it didn't work.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17When I turned it upside down and gave it a big bang on the base,
0:30:17 > 0:30:21that fell out and it was OK. ANITA LAUGHS
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- I wound it up and it went. - That's wonderful.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- You got two things for the price of one.- I did, yes. - Did you like this?
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- I do like it, yes. I think it's pretty.- Have you ever worn it?
0:30:33 > 0:30:35I don't think I ever have, no.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39Well, it dates from the early 1900s.
0:30:39 > 0:30:45And these little pendants are made with a variety of stones.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49And very often we have seed pearls inset.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- Yes.- This one has a little, tiny seed pearl here.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58- And this is fairly typical of this type of thing.- Yes.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01And these are little garnet-coloured stones.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04It's in nine-carat gold
0:31:04 > 0:31:06and it has a nine-carat gold chain.
0:31:06 > 0:31:12The chain is not compatible with the period of the pendant.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17This is a much later one, but I'll tell you, Wendy, it's all right for nothing!
0:31:17 > 0:31:21Yes. Yes, that was the free gift.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25That was the free gift and quite a nice, wee free gift.
0:31:25 > 0:31:32This little pendant is not an item of any great quality.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37You have more elaborate ones in higher carat of gold
0:31:37 > 0:31:40with precious stones, sapphires, diamonds and so on,
0:31:40 > 0:31:44and these are of more substance and worth more money.
0:31:44 > 0:31:50- This is just a little flirtation. - I see. Yes.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52I, uh...
0:31:52 > 0:31:57I would put an estimate of maybe £20 to £30.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01Is it not something you could give to a younger member of the family?
0:32:01 > 0:32:07My daughter likes it, but she's just started this fostering for the Cats Protection League,
0:32:07 > 0:32:12so we thought we'd sell it and maybe she could buy the cats something.
0:32:12 > 0:32:18- Well, you didn't pay anything for it and whatever it gets will go to your charity.- Yes.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- Thank you very much.- We'll keep our fingers crossed.- Yeah. Thank you.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Thomas is over at the tables with Marjory.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39Marjory, you've brought something quite interesting.
0:32:39 > 0:32:45- Is it?- It is really interesting. - I've got no idea what it is. - Where did you get it from?
0:32:45 > 0:32:50My sister found it in one of her packing cases when she moved to America.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54- You and your sister, you're from Jamaica?- Yeah, originally.
0:32:54 > 0:33:00- You said, "No, I want you to keep it."- I wanted to look at it. She was getting ready to put it in the bin.
0:33:00 > 0:33:06- Really?- I said to her, "No. It's too heavy. It can't be just rubbish."
0:33:06 > 0:33:12It's probably the best thing I've seen all day. It doesn't mean it's worth a tremendous amount of money.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14But I think it's rather special.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- Obviously, it's a bronze measure. - Yeah.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19And we've got on the front
0:33:19 > 0:33:24"St Andrew, Jamaica, 1834".
0:33:24 > 0:33:29And on the reverse, it says "imperial pint", so it's a pint measure.
0:33:29 > 0:33:34- I reckon it's a pint measure for rum.- Right.- And it's a naval piece.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38If you were on the ship, I think the ration was a pint a day.
0:33:38 > 0:33:44- A lot, isn't it?- It was quite a lot. They did drink quite a lot. A bit of Dutch courage as well.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48If you had a pint of rum, you could conquer anything.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53- It almost looks sort of quite naval in the shape. It's almost like a cannon really.- Yeah.
0:33:53 > 0:33:59It's a big, heavy, bronze measure and that's why I believe it's for use amongst the men.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04- Yeah.- And what's lovely is you've got these William IV strike marks just there,
0:34:04 > 0:34:09then chequered marks which I believe are customs and excise marks,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12just to say it was definitely a pint measure.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17- Right.- Otherwise, people didn't want to get half measures or be undercut by anything.
0:34:17 > 0:34:23Fascinating. I think it's a really interesting object, one of the nicest things I've seen.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27- I would suggest this would be worth £70 to £100 at auction.- OK.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- Happy with that?- Yeah.- Will you split the money with your sister?
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- I'll just give it to her. - You'll just give it to her?- Yeah.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40This is my favourite part of the programme.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Anything can happen in a saleroom.
0:34:42 > 0:34:48You've heard what our experts have said. You've probably got your own opinions and so have this crowd.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52But where are we going? Off to auction! Let's do it.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56Coming up, we're selling Marjory's Jamaican bronze pint pot
0:34:56 > 0:35:00which she saved from being thrown away.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05Wendy's elegant pendant necklace, that was a bonus find, trapped inside a jewellery box.
0:35:05 > 0:35:11And Mike's boyhood collection of beloved toy cars, including that James Bond Aston Martin DB5.
0:35:13 > 0:35:19We're putting our valuations to the test at Bigwood Auctioneers in Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Don't go away. Somebody's going home with a lot of money.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28I think we're ready to see the pint measure go under the hammer.
0:35:28 > 0:35:35- We've got our expert Thomas here, but not our owner Marjory. She's off to see the Queen today.- Yeah.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39Hopefully, we'll get around £70 to £100?
0:35:39 > 0:35:45- Absolutely. If I was allowed to buy...- You'd buy this. So would I. We'd be bidding against each other.
0:35:45 > 0:35:51- It's so nice.- William IV.- It's such good quality and it's a lovely shape. Yeah, it's a good thing.
0:35:51 > 0:35:58We'll find out if the bidders think like Thomas and myself because it's going under the hammer right now.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02The William IV, bronze, cylindrical pint measure.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06"St Andrews, Jamaica, 1834, imperial pint" there.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09I've got multiple bids on the book and I can start at 70.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13On the book at 70. 80. 80. 80 with you. 90.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16100 here. Is it 110 on the phone? 110. 120.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19130. 140. 150...? 150.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23160? 160. 170...? 170.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27- It's great. They absolutely love it. - It's such a rare thing.- Yes.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31£170. Is there any advance on £170?
0:36:31 > 0:36:34It's going to be sold, make no mistake. All done?
0:36:35 > 0:36:38Lovely thing. If you've got something like that,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41bring it along to one of our valuation days
0:36:41 > 0:36:44and you could be going home with a lot of money.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48It's that lovely pendant up for auction now.
0:36:49 > 0:36:55I've just been joined by Wendy and Anita. I've just learnt that Wendy is a foster-grandparent for cats.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00How brilliant is that! A cat lover! But you don't own them, you just foster them?
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Yes. Cats lose their homes a lot these days.
0:37:03 > 0:37:09My daughter fosters them and she makes sure they are healthy before they go to a new home.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11So I'm the foster-grandma.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16All the proceeds of this next sale, the Edwardian pendant, bought for 10p,
0:37:16 > 0:37:22- are going towards the Cats Protection League.- Yes.- We're hoping for £10 to £20.- Anything will help.
0:37:22 > 0:37:28- It's going under the hammer right now. Good luck, Wendy.- Thank you.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34The wirework pendant, very pretty, with a trace pattern chain.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36£10...?
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Thank you. 10. 12. 15. 17. 20.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- This is good.- 22. 25. 27?
0:37:42 > 0:37:4627. 30. 5. 40.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- 5. 50?- The cats will like this.
0:37:49 > 0:37:5145 with the lady. Anybody else?
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Nobody interested?
0:37:53 > 0:37:56All done at £45 then...
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- The hammer's gone down. - That's a very good price.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01We could say it's a purr-fect price!
0:38:03 > 0:38:06'Now from talk of cats to Corgis.
0:38:06 > 0:38:11'I spoke to Christopher Ironmonger about how he plans to sell Mike's cars.'
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Yes, this is it, lots of toy cars.
0:38:14 > 0:38:20- In fact, you have now split them up into seven separate lots.- Yes.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23This way we'll get a better result.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28Different collectors want different models and if you put 20 together,
0:38:28 > 0:38:33- you'll iron some of them out of the competition. So we think they'll do well.- Good.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38'Thomas's original estimate was £600 to £800 for the entire lot.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42'Now, how will this new arrangement change the total, I wonder?'
0:38:42 > 0:38:48- The first lot is a stand-alone lot. It's one I'm particularly fond of and you probably were.- Absolutely.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51It's the DB5, 007, Aston Martin.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55The first of the Corgi models,
0:38:55 > 0:38:59number 261, Aston Martin DB5, James Bond car in gold livery.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02All in its original box. £50 for it?
0:39:02 > 0:39:04At £50. £60. £70. £80.
0:39:04 > 0:39:0790. 100, sir?
0:39:07 > 0:39:09100 anywhere? 90. 100. 110?
0:39:09 > 0:39:13It's going to be sold, make no mistake, at 100...
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Nice round figure, £100. Mid-estimate.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19The next lot is the racing car transporter.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23The Corgi model racing car transporter.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Who's got 100 for that one?
0:39:25 > 0:39:27100. 110. 120?
0:39:27 > 0:39:30120. 130 would you like...? 130.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32140? 140. 150?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- 150. 160...? - Lorries do fetch good money.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38On my left at 160. And it goes at 160.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Finished and done at 160...
0:39:40 > 0:39:42£160, great result!
0:39:42 > 0:39:46The next lot is a collection of cars put together as one lot.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Collection of die-cast Corgis.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53You've got the shovel, Land Rover breakdown, Citroen,
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Mini Cooper, Rover etcetera.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59190? 190. 190. 200. 210.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01220. 230? 230. 240.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04250? 250. 260?
0:40:04 > 0:40:08- 260. 270?- There are some hardcore buyers here that know their stuff.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10290. 300. 320?
0:40:10 > 0:40:13320. 340...?
0:40:13 > 0:40:15In blue at 320...
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- Yes!- Wow!- Three down, four to go.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22The Commer police van, the Volkswagen 1200, Mercedes,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25the Buick and the Dolphin Cruiser. Who will start me?
0:40:25 > 0:40:29100. 110. 120? 120. 130? 130. 140.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31150. 160? 160. 170?
0:40:31 > 0:40:34170. 180? 180. 190...
0:40:34 > 0:40:37220? 220. 230. 240? 240.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40250. 260. 270.
0:40:40 > 0:40:45280? 270. Standing in blue at 270 again. At 270.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47Are you all finished at 270...?
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Fantastic. And another lot with five separate cars in it.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55I wish I'd kept my cars. They'd be worth a lot of money.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Another five Corgi die-casts.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01We have the Chevy Corvette Stingray,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Grand Prix car BRM, Ferrari,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Ford Mustang and Ferrari Berlinetta.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09110? 110. 120? 120. 130?
0:41:09 > 0:41:13130. 130. 130. 140?
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- Would you like 140? 130 in blue... - It's got its passion.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19190. 200? 200. 210?
0:41:19 > 0:41:21This is just unbelievable.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25220. 230. On the left at 230 and it's going at 230...
0:41:25 > 0:41:30Fantastic. Two more to go and we are really on a high here.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32There's four in this one.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34There's the gear model,
0:41:34 > 0:41:39the Chevrolet, taxi, Lotus Climax and an Austin A60.
0:41:39 > 0:41:4280. 90... 120. 130. 140?
0:41:42 > 0:41:46140. 150. 160? 160. 170...
0:41:46 > 0:41:49200. 10 if you want to carry on?
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Finished? 210, he says. 220?
0:41:51 > 0:41:55220. 230...? 220 it is. On my left at 220...
0:41:55 > 0:41:58This is incredible and there's one more lot to go.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01This time, an E-type Jaguar,
0:42:01 > 0:42:05Triumph Herald, Chrysler Imperial and a Ford Consul.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08120? 120. 130? 130. 140? 140.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11150. 160?
0:42:11 > 0:42:15On my left at 150. It's going to go... 160.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17170. 180.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- Wow!- Is that 180 at the back? 180. 190.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24190 it is. Same buyer at 190. Are we done?
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Yes!
0:42:26 > 0:42:28£1,490!
0:42:28 > 0:42:31And I would have been happy with 500.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35Thomas, you secretly knew these were going to do quite well.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- I knew they'd do quite well. - But you pitch it low.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43- Yes, and fair's fair, they've done a really good job. - Yeah. That's a lot of money, Mike.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47- What are you going to treat yourself to?- I'm going to treat my wife.
0:42:47 > 0:42:53It's her birthday next week and she's always wanted one of these fancy new touch computers,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55which I shall maybe buy for her.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- State-of-the-art science. - State-of-the-art.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02From one toy to another toy!
0:43:03 > 0:43:05I'm bid 10. 15 if you like?
0:43:05 > 0:43:07£10 only. £10, the maiden bid...
0:43:07 > 0:43:11Well, it's all over for our owners. The auction is still going on.
0:43:11 > 0:43:17I have had a fabulous day in Stratford-upon-Avon. All our owners have gone home happy.
0:43:17 > 0:43:22All credit to our experts and auctioneers. Valuing antiques is not an exact science.
0:43:22 > 0:43:27If you've got anything to sell, we want to see you. But from Bigwoods, it's goodbye.
0:43:45 > 0:43:49Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2011
0:43:49 > 0:43:52Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk