Fun and Games

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0:00:33 > 0:00:35Hello and welcome to the magnificent Syon House,

0:00:35 > 0:00:39the London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.

0:00:39 > 0:00:42I'm actually in the Duchess's sitting room,

0:00:42 > 0:00:47which seems to be the perfect place to deal out my next collection from the archives to share with you.

0:00:47 > 0:00:49Today, I want to amuse you.

0:00:49 > 0:00:54We've picked out ten of the best playthings we've come across over the years,

0:00:54 > 0:00:57like this George II games compendium table.

0:00:57 > 0:01:01So sit back, relax and let me entertain you.

0:01:04 > 0:01:08First up, we're heading back to the future to Warrington in 2006,

0:01:08 > 0:01:12where there were some hi-tech high-jinx for Charlie Ross

0:01:12 > 0:01:16when he came across Dennis's Japanese robot toy.

0:01:16 > 0:01:19# So come on, let me

0:01:19 > 0:01:21# Entertain you #

0:01:21 > 0:01:25- Does it work?- Yes.- And you've played with it lots of times, presumably.

0:01:25 > 0:01:30Well, the sons played with it, but I had a go!

0:01:31 > 0:01:36- It was originally for your son? - No, it was the nephew's.

0:01:36 > 0:01:40He had it about 1960.

0:01:40 > 0:01:46- Do you think that he bought it new? - He bought it new. Definitely. My sister bought that, I know that.

0:01:46 > 0:01:51It's made in Japan. Having said that,

0:01:51 > 0:01:54it's well made. It's tin-plate, it isn't plastic.

0:01:54 > 0:01:58It's a quality toy. It's a huge shame that the box isn't there.

0:01:58 > 0:02:02I know. When he gave it to us, the box was nearly falling in,

0:02:02 > 0:02:05and in them days, nobody bothered about that.

0:02:05 > 0:02:12- It's only that you learn lately... - It's so important, because it's the rarity value.

0:02:12 > 0:02:16There might be a few thousand. I dare say there are very few about with their boxes.

0:02:16 > 0:02:20It's been well-kept, obviously. The batteries -

0:02:20 > 0:02:22I always take batteries out of anything, in case...

0:02:22 > 0:02:26- Number one thing for people to remember.- I know all that.

0:02:26 > 0:02:30- Take the batteries out. They corrode.- That's right. They spoil everything.

0:02:30 > 0:02:34Would you set it going for me? I'm going to be intrigued.

0:02:34 > 0:02:39- Does he talk?- No, he doesn't talk. - Doesn't he? He just walks.

0:02:39 > 0:02:42- TOY WHIRRS - What a novel way of starting it!

0:02:42 > 0:02:45Play with the antennae and off we go!

0:02:45 > 0:02:49I think he's splendid. What's going on in the front?

0:02:49 > 0:02:53- It's the universe going round and round.- I must have a look.

0:02:53 > 0:02:56Turn him round so he walks towards me. I'll put my glasses on.

0:02:56 > 0:02:59- He's turned!- Steady!

0:03:01 > 0:03:04Oh, I say, that's rather exciting.

0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Star Wars.- Yes!

0:03:08 > 0:03:11I've seen more than enough of that. I think it's great.

0:03:11 > 0:03:16- What made you bring him along? - I thought with it being one of those

0:03:16 > 0:03:19in the '60s and that, I've seen them on the telly before.

0:03:19 > 0:03:23- What do you think it's worth? - Around 100.

0:03:23 > 0:03:26I think that that toy, with its box, is two to three hundred.

0:03:26 > 0:03:30I think without its box, it's between one and two.

0:03:30 > 0:03:34- So I think you should be pretty safe at your £100 mark.- I thought that.

0:03:34 > 0:03:38Frankly, if we put it in at one to 200,

0:03:38 > 0:03:40- and reserve it at £100.- That's fine.

0:03:40 > 0:03:43My view is, it's not worth selling without reserve,

0:03:43 > 0:03:47because if it isn't worth 100 now, it will be in five years,

0:03:47 > 0:03:52because things like this are becoming more and more collectable, especially in this condition.

0:03:53 > 0:03:58Was it robot wars amongst the bidders when that toy went under the hammer?

0:03:58 > 0:04:01I'll reveal all later.

0:04:01 > 0:04:03But now it's over to Dover, and back in 2009,

0:04:03 > 0:04:05Mark Stacey is a little bit confused

0:04:05 > 0:04:09by Eileen's impressive Dinky Toy collection.

0:04:09 > 0:04:12What are you doing with such a lot of boy's toys?

0:04:12 > 0:04:16They were my brother's. I've brought them on his behalf.

0:04:16 > 0:04:19- He's had these since childhood, has he?- He has.

0:04:19 > 0:04:23- Have you helped him play with them? - We used to play together, yes.

0:04:23 > 0:04:27They're in remarkably good condition. You must've been very careful children.

0:04:27 > 0:04:29He was, especially.

0:04:29 > 0:04:32We've got a few more, but we haven't got every one out.

0:04:32 > 0:04:35We've brought a random selection of the better ones,

0:04:35 > 0:04:37like this rather wonderful horse box,

0:04:37 > 0:04:42which you could hire from British Railways, which is rather nice.

0:04:42 > 0:04:46And this Dinky Delivery Service transport vehicle.

0:04:46 > 0:04:51My favourite is this rather weird helicopter.

0:04:51 > 0:04:54- Which one's your favourite? - This one.- Was it?

0:04:54 > 0:04:57- Did you used to fill it with the little cars?- I did.

0:04:57 > 0:05:00But I don't know where the little cars are now.

0:05:00 > 0:05:04I suppose they've been in a loft for the last 20 years or so?

0:05:04 > 0:05:08My parents had them in their house till they died six years ago

0:05:08 > 0:05:10and we cleared out their possessions.

0:05:10 > 0:05:13My brother asked me to look after them,

0:05:13 > 0:05:15so I've had them in the loft ever since.

0:05:15 > 0:05:18I guess that's the reason why you decided to let them go to someone

0:05:18 > 0:05:23who'll appreciate them more now, rather than them gathering dust in the loft.

0:05:23 > 0:05:27It seemed pointless just sitting up there. We saw "Flog It!" was coming, so...

0:05:27 > 0:05:31There's a big market for these and a lot of collectors for them.

0:05:31 > 0:05:35- We're going to a good sale room who will catalogue them well.- Yes.

0:05:35 > 0:05:39And I would put them in as a little mixed lot.

0:05:39 > 0:05:44- Because some of the boxes are a little bit broken.- Yes.

0:05:44 > 0:05:47Generally, it's always good to have the boxes.

0:05:47 > 0:05:51- Obviously, the better condition, the better the value.- Yes.

0:05:51 > 0:05:54But looking at it as a whole,

0:05:54 > 0:05:58- we're probably looking at somewhere in the region of two to £300.- Good.

0:05:58 > 0:06:02- Would you and your brother be happy with that?- We would.- Fantastic.

0:06:02 > 0:06:05I think they might just fly.

0:06:05 > 0:06:08- Or takeoff, in the case of the helicopter.- Let's hope so.

0:06:08 > 0:06:13We'll just have to wait and see whether those toys raced out of the sale room.

0:06:13 > 0:06:17We're off to Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where, in 2009,

0:06:17 > 0:06:19I was graced by the presence of royalty

0:06:19 > 0:06:24when Mark brought in this beautifully preserved Victorian doll.

0:06:26 > 0:06:28Mark, tell me all about the doll.

0:06:28 > 0:06:31It's a doll presented to my great aunt

0:06:31 > 0:06:34from Queen Victoria in 1899.

0:06:34 > 0:06:37That was a couple of years before she died.

0:06:37 > 0:06:40And it says, "Presented by 'Her Gracious Majesty' The Queen

0:06:40 > 0:06:44- to Baby Joy", who is your great aunt.- Yes.

0:06:44 > 0:06:46How did your great aunt meet Queen Victoria?

0:06:46 > 0:06:51At the age of six months, she was in the Isle of Wight hospital with TB.

0:06:51 > 0:06:55- Oh, really?- Yes. - Did she survive?- Yes.

0:06:55 > 0:06:59I imagine Queen Victoria was doing a hospital visit.

0:06:59 > 0:07:00Probably, yes.

0:07:00 > 0:07:05And young Joy was in hospital at that particular time. How lovely.

0:07:05 > 0:07:08- And it's been in the family ever since?- That's right.

0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Mother passed away four years ago. - So, your mum looked after it?

0:07:11 > 0:07:17- Where have you had it over the last few years?- In my bedroom, hidden away on top of the wardrobe.

0:07:17 > 0:07:19Tucked out of harm's way.

0:07:19 > 0:07:22It's museum-quality. The condition is very, very good.

0:07:22 > 0:07:26I would say they're the original clothes, as well.

0:07:26 > 0:07:32- Have you done any research on her at all?- I've looked on the internet, but I can't find anything.

0:07:32 > 0:07:35I looked underneath the glass dome before we started filming.

0:07:35 > 0:07:38I tried to look at the back of the neck,

0:07:38 > 0:07:41because you get some marks in the head,

0:07:41 > 0:07:44and it'll tell you if it was made in Germany.

0:07:44 > 0:07:47I'm looking for the impressed initials of AM Marseille.

0:07:47 > 0:07:51which is possibly the best manufacturer.

0:07:51 > 0:07:55There was no "AM", but there was a serial number.

0:07:55 > 0:07:59I still believe this is German, circa 1850, 1860.

0:07:59 > 0:08:03I think it's wonderful. I'm quite excited about this.

0:08:03 > 0:08:08Normally, a doll of this period and size, unfortunately no makers label,

0:08:08 > 0:08:12is going to realise around £150 at auction.

0:08:12 > 0:08:16The glass dome is contemporary with the period. That's worth £50.

0:08:16 > 0:08:20So already we're up against £200, which I think we'll get easily.

0:08:20 > 0:08:24- And with the connection of Queen Victoria, who knows?- Yes.

0:08:24 > 0:08:28Let's put it into the sale with a value of three to £400,

0:08:28 > 0:08:30discretion on the £300.

0:08:30 > 0:08:33- Would you be happy with that? - That'd be fine.

0:08:33 > 0:08:38- Why do you want to part with her? - It's just sat on top of the wardrobe, collecting dust.

0:08:38 > 0:08:41At least she's been out of harm's way. And you've looked after her.

0:08:41 > 0:08:45- Yes.- Fingers crossed we get a lot more than £300.

0:08:45 > 0:08:47- Happy?- Very happy.

0:08:47 > 0:08:50What great provenance!

0:08:50 > 0:08:55Stay tuned to find out whether that doll clocked up a princely sum at auction.

0:08:55 > 0:08:58Now, we're off to Melksham, where, in 2008,

0:08:58 > 0:09:00Philip Serrell had a rambling good time

0:09:00 > 0:09:04with Pam's rather unusual walking stick.

0:09:06 > 0:09:13- Where's this come from? - It came from a jumble sale in about 1960-something.

0:09:13 > 0:09:14Why did you buy it?

0:09:14 > 0:09:17We were running it to raise money for our cricket club.

0:09:17 > 0:09:20- Which club?- Ladies cricket. - Ladies cricket?- Mm.

0:09:20 > 0:09:24- "Vagabonds" they were called. - Were you batter or bowler? - A little bit of both.

0:09:24 > 0:09:27- It's come on a bit, hasn't it? - It has.

0:09:27 > 0:09:29- So you had a jumble sale for the team.- We did.

0:09:29 > 0:09:33This came in and it was left at the end, nobody wanted it.

0:09:33 > 0:09:37We put it... I don't know. I said ten shillings.

0:09:37 > 0:09:42- Ten bob.- But it might not have been as much as that. That was quite a lot of money.- Yes.

0:09:42 > 0:09:44- Probably five bob. - And no-one wanted it?- No.

0:09:44 > 0:09:47- Shall we have a look at it?- Sure.

0:09:47 > 0:09:50We have got here, "1852.

0:09:50 > 0:09:54"Engraved by J Harrison Abbeyleix."

0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Does that mean anything to you? - It doesn't.

0:09:57 > 0:10:03And then, as we move down, we've got a giraffe, a stag hound, a seal, a jay.

0:10:03 > 0:10:07So we've got a really lovely 19th-century walking cane here

0:10:07 > 0:10:12that's decorated with all these wonderful emblems.

0:10:12 > 0:10:15- Not much else to say, is there? - Not really.

0:10:15 > 0:10:17Except, if you look just here,

0:10:17 > 0:10:21and I think this is what makes it so much more interesting,

0:10:21 > 0:10:27you can see we've got the, er, square and compasses.

0:10:27 > 0:10:31You can see we've got allsorts of other geometric symbols.

0:10:31 > 0:10:34We've got a trowel, a set of pillars.

0:10:34 > 0:10:39Now, all of those things are Masonic ciphers.

0:10:39 > 0:10:43- Oh.- So if you were a Freemason... - Which I wouldn't be.

0:10:43 > 0:10:47You could be, actually. There are lady Freemasons.

0:10:47 > 0:10:53But all of these signs here are ciphers and emblems

0:10:53 > 0:10:55that would be known to Freemasons.

0:10:55 > 0:11:01- I think that we can put an auction estimate of £80 to £120.- Right.

0:11:01 > 0:11:04And I think we can put a fixed reserve on it of £60.

0:11:04 > 0:11:08Now, I have to say, it wouldn't surprise me if it made £200,

0:11:08 > 0:11:12because Masonic memorabilia is, I believe the expression is "hot to trot".

0:11:12 > 0:11:15People want to buy it. There are big collectors of it.

0:11:15 > 0:11:19So if it makes £100, what will you spend the money on?

0:11:19 > 0:11:21I might put towards my golf subscription.

0:11:21 > 0:11:25- So we've gone from cricket to golf. - As we get older, yes!- Get out of it.

0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Are we captain of the golf club? - I have been.

0:11:28 > 0:11:30- What's your handicap?- 21.

0:11:30 > 0:11:32- I'm not playing you, then! - I'll give you a game!

0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Let's hope it sells well for you. - I hope so.

0:11:35 > 0:11:38Stay tuned to find out just how much of a handicap Pam's stick was

0:11:38 > 0:11:41when it went under the hammer.

0:11:42 > 0:11:46Before we find out how these fun things performed when they went up for sale,

0:11:46 > 0:11:49let me take you through the line-up once again.

0:11:51 > 0:11:54Charlie Ross was no technophobe when it came to Dennis's robot toy.

0:11:54 > 0:12:00But did his 100 to £200 valuation pull in any geeks at the auction?

0:12:04 > 0:12:07Mark thought Eileen's Dinky Toys were in perfect condition

0:12:07 > 0:12:10and would race out of the sale room.

0:12:12 > 0:12:17I was amused by the doll that Queen Victoria had gifted Mark's Aunt Joy.

0:12:17 > 0:12:21But did she turn any heads in the Isle of Wight sale room?

0:12:21 > 0:12:25Pam wanted to trade in her walking stick for a golf club membership

0:12:25 > 0:12:30and Philip was convinced she'd get a hole-in-one for it when it went under the hammer.

0:12:33 > 0:12:38We're joining auctioneer and "Flog It!" favourite Adam Partridge at the sale room in Knutsford

0:12:38 > 0:12:43to see if the bright lights of Dennis's robot toy caught anybody's eye.

0:12:44 > 0:12:47- These are so collectable. - We've seen it on the telly before.

0:12:47 > 0:12:50If it was a 1950s one, you're looking at eight to 1,200.

0:12:50 > 0:12:53I think we'll do a little bit more than Charlie's estimate.

0:12:53 > 0:12:59It's in good condition, it's a bit of fun. I think the sci-fi and Trekkies will love this.

0:12:59 > 0:13:03- It's a boy's toy, isn't it? - And it works well.

0:13:03 > 0:13:08- I'm not an expert on Japanese toys. - It's been in the back room for 30-odd years.

0:13:08 > 0:13:12But it isn't a shame, is it? That's a virtue.

0:13:12 > 0:13:17- If you'd been playing with it, it wouldn't work any more.- No. - And it wouldn't be worth anything.

0:13:17 > 0:13:20Let's see what it does right now. This is it.

0:13:20 > 0:13:25207. The Japanese robot. £100 for this?

0:13:25 > 0:13:2930's bid. Five. 45. 50. £50 I have.

0:13:29 > 0:13:33Five. 60. Five. 70. Five. 80. Five.

0:13:33 > 0:13:3980 bid. £80. Any more? £80. At £80? Any more? £80 surely?

0:13:39 > 0:13:42- Five. 90. Five.- Yes!- 100.

0:13:42 > 0:13:45£100. Five.

0:13:45 > 0:13:48We sell at £100.

0:13:48 > 0:13:52- We just did it.- Just about made it. - Just did it!

0:13:52 > 0:13:55- Crept in.- There's no modern-day collectors here, are there?

0:13:55 > 0:13:58- They need their boxes.- BOTH: Yes.

0:13:58 > 0:14:03- That's true. A third of the value's in the box, isn't it?- Yes.

0:14:03 > 0:14:07Dennis certainly struck gold there.

0:14:08 > 0:14:11I was fascinated by the provenance of Mark's Victorian doll,

0:14:11 > 0:14:14so I headed over to the sale room on the Isle of Wight

0:14:14 > 0:14:18to see what the auctioneer had to say.

0:14:21 > 0:14:23Because of the connection with Queen Victoria,

0:14:23 > 0:14:27we've upped this to three to £400.

0:14:27 > 0:14:30Well, in some ways, I think you're right.

0:14:30 > 0:14:35If it had no provenance, I would estimate it at 100 to 150.

0:14:35 > 0:14:39With the provenance, I think that's probably about right.

0:14:39 > 0:14:44- Are there any doll collectors on the island?- Yes, there is.

0:14:44 > 0:14:49- There's a lot of doll collectors, but there's also a doll museum. They've all viewed.- Fantastic.

0:14:49 > 0:14:52With that provenance, we're hoping it stays on the island.

0:14:52 > 0:14:55- And everybody is a Queen Victoria collector.- Absolutely.

0:14:55 > 0:14:58And, you know, the link into the TB hospital

0:14:58 > 0:15:00is a nice story.

0:15:00 > 0:15:02I think it should sell.

0:15:02 > 0:15:05Fingers crossed, or will this one really go?

0:15:05 > 0:15:10Fingers crossed. Dolls are a sticky market, as I'm sure you'll know.

0:15:10 > 0:15:13I have noticed there's a few more in the sale.

0:15:13 > 0:15:17- Yes. That'll help it. - It's got company.- Yes, it has.

0:15:17 > 0:15:18Fingers crossed.

0:15:18 > 0:15:20Warren was cautiously optimistic,

0:15:20 > 0:15:23so let's see if she turned any heads.

0:15:24 > 0:15:27We've got a packed auction room here,

0:15:27 > 0:15:32and this next lot, the little doll, is all down to Great Aunt Joy,

0:15:32 > 0:15:34who was in hospital.

0:15:34 > 0:15:37And we've got some great provenance, as well.

0:15:37 > 0:15:41- The auctioneer's done you proud, hasn't he? He's hit the press with this.- Yes.

0:15:41 > 0:15:45- All the local news... Are you excited?- I am.- So am I.

0:15:45 > 0:15:50I'm very nervous, as well. I'm hoping everybody's going to put their hand up for this doll

0:15:50 > 0:15:51and it's going to fly away.

0:15:51 > 0:15:53It's going under the hammer now.

0:15:53 > 0:15:56Lot 370. 19th century bisque head doll.

0:15:56 > 0:16:00Presented by Queen Victoria to its owner when she was a baby

0:16:00 > 0:16:03at the Royal National Hospital for tuberculosis.

0:16:03 > 0:16:07- Lot 370. Lot of internet interest. We're coming in at...- 360.

0:16:07 > 0:16:09360. 370 anywhere?

0:16:09 > 0:16:12370. 380. 390. 400.

0:16:12 > 0:16:14410. 420.

0:16:14 > 0:16:18430. 440. 450. 460.

0:16:18 > 0:16:21470. 480. 490.

0:16:21 > 0:16:24500. 510.

0:16:25 > 0:16:26500 here on commission.

0:16:26 > 0:16:30510 anywhere? 500, then. Selling to the commission bidder.

0:16:30 > 0:16:32All done at £500.

0:16:32 > 0:16:35Yes! We're going to settle for that!

0:16:35 > 0:16:39- £500. That was over the top end. - Not bad.- I'm so pleased for you.

0:16:39 > 0:16:41- You've got to be happy.- Very happy. - Yes?

0:16:41 > 0:16:44£500 was a great result, and it just goes to show

0:16:44 > 0:16:49how well items with strong provenance always do at auction.

0:16:50 > 0:16:56Now, onto Dover to find out how Eileen's Dinky Toys went down when they went under the hammer.

0:16:56 > 0:17:00Something for the boys now. We've got a big collection.

0:17:00 > 0:17:05We've got Tri-ang, Hornby, Dinky Cars, we've got the lot.

0:17:05 > 0:17:09I'm joined by Eileen. But this is not yours, is it? It's your brother's.

0:17:09 > 0:17:12- That's right.- You're selling them on his behalf.- I am.

0:17:12 > 0:17:16- Happy with the valuation?- Very. - I thought it was spot on, as well.

0:17:16 > 0:17:20- There's a lot there. - It appeals across the board.

0:17:20 > 0:17:24I think you've done the right thing not splitting them up.

0:17:24 > 0:17:28Good luck. Lots of family memories. It's going under the hammer now.

0:17:30 > 0:17:33Who'll start me at £100? 100 I'm bid.

0:17:33 > 0:17:35Who's in at 110?

0:17:36 > 0:17:37110?

0:17:37 > 0:17:42- 110. 120. 130. 140. 150. - We're on the right track now.

0:17:42 > 0:17:46150? 160. 170.

0:17:46 > 0:17:50180. 190. 200.

0:17:50 > 0:17:52210.

0:17:52 > 0:17:54220? 230.

0:17:54 > 0:17:57- 240.- We're there.

0:17:57 > 0:17:59260. 270.

0:18:00 > 0:18:04- 280. 290.- This is great!- 290.

0:18:07 > 0:18:10300. 320.

0:18:10 > 0:18:14340? 360. 380.

0:18:14 > 0:18:17400.

0:18:17 > 0:18:19420. 440.

0:18:20 > 0:18:23- 460.- 460!- 480.

0:18:23 > 0:18:25500. 520.

0:18:27 > 0:18:30540. 560.

0:18:31 > 0:18:35No? It's on my left at £540. Any further offer?

0:18:35 > 0:18:38If not, I'm selling... No. Selling at 540.

0:18:38 > 0:18:42Yes! That's what we like to see. We were on the right track at the end.

0:18:42 > 0:18:46- £540! Is he going to treat you for this errand?- I hope so.

0:18:46 > 0:18:50- They should go halves. They're double the estimate.- You never know.

0:18:50 > 0:18:55They flew out of that sale room. £540 was a first-class result.

0:18:57 > 0:18:59Over to Devizes now, in Wiltshire,

0:18:59 > 0:19:04to find out whether Pam's stick walked off with a good price.

0:19:04 > 0:19:08Pam, this stick is going to march right out of the room, isn't it?

0:19:08 > 0:19:10- Yes.- Let's hope so.

0:19:10 > 0:19:13We had an 80 to 120 on this. This guy's done a bit more research.

0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Have you?- I had second thoughts. It's Irish.

0:19:16 > 0:19:19- Oh, really? - That'll put the value up.

0:19:19 > 0:19:23- I think it might have a maritime connection. - There's a lot of history.

0:19:23 > 0:19:26There's a big journey that you're investing in when you buy that stick.

0:19:26 > 0:19:31- I think it'll find its way back to Ireland.- I hope so. - Just outside of Dublin.

0:19:33 > 0:19:36A lovely hardwood, pokerwork walking cane

0:19:36 > 0:19:39by J Harrison of Abbeyleix.

0:19:39 > 0:19:41150 straight in. 150. 160. 170.

0:19:41 > 0:19:44180. 190. 200.

0:19:44 > 0:19:47220. 240. 260. 280. 300.

0:19:47 > 0:19:50320. 340. 360. 380.

0:19:50 > 0:19:54400. 420. 440. 460. 480. 500.

0:19:54 > 0:19:56520. 540. 560.

0:19:56 > 0:19:58580. 600.

0:19:58 > 0:19:59620. 640.

0:19:59 > 0:20:05- 660. 680. 700.- £700!- 700 to my left.

0:20:05 > 0:20:07720. 740.

0:20:07 > 0:20:11£720 to my left. 740 anywhere else?

0:20:11 > 0:20:13740. 760.

0:20:13 > 0:20:16780. 800. 820.

0:20:16 > 0:20:19820. 825. 830.

0:20:19 > 0:20:23835. 840. 850. Let's get on with it. 860.

0:20:23 > 0:20:24870.

0:20:24 > 0:20:27860 to my left.

0:20:27 > 0:20:30- Wonderful. - Not a bad ten bob's worth!- No.

0:20:30 > 0:20:32£860.

0:20:32 > 0:20:37- The hammer's gone down! That's a sold sound. £860.- Thank you.

0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Will you pay my golf sub, as well? - How much is the membership?

0:20:41 > 0:20:43- 650.- Well, you're in!

0:20:43 > 0:20:47- And a new driver! - And a new driver!- Well done!

0:20:47 > 0:20:51- Fantastic. Thank you very much. - That's made my day. And yours.

0:20:51 > 0:20:54You've got tears in your eyes!

0:21:03 > 0:21:07That £860 must've gone a long way to improving Pam's handicap.

0:21:07 > 0:21:10What a fantastic result. That's what we like to see.

0:21:10 > 0:21:12This delightful bedroom

0:21:12 > 0:21:17is where the present duke and his siblings would stay as young children and play here,

0:21:17 > 0:21:20running around this massive house in the late spring, early summer.

0:21:20 > 0:21:24Can you imagine the fun and games? Especially playing hide and seek!

0:21:24 > 0:21:30Talking about a rocking good time, let me take you back to 2002 to the deepest parts of Kent,

0:21:30 > 0:21:32where I met a talented Mr Stevenson

0:21:32 > 0:21:34with a passion for restoring toys

0:21:34 > 0:21:38that kids would just love to horse around on.

0:21:45 > 0:21:48As you know, I'm passionate about all things oak.

0:21:48 > 0:21:51But I'm not talking about furniture today.

0:21:51 > 0:21:54I'm here to witness some spectacular woodwork from Tony Stevenson,

0:21:54 > 0:21:57as he takes me through the intricate craft

0:21:57 > 0:21:59of rocking horse restoration.

0:22:01 > 0:22:06- Tony, we're here in the horse hospital section. Dave's scraping away.- Yes.

0:22:06 > 0:22:11How long will this take him to scrape off all this? This is modern paintwork.

0:22:11 > 0:22:14- This process will take about a day. - Right.

0:22:14 > 0:22:17That's what we're peeling off, the new paint with the old varnish

0:22:17 > 0:22:20to reveal the underneath,

0:22:20 > 0:22:25which was probably put there in about 1880, 1890, something like that.

0:22:25 > 0:22:29By virtue of the fact that this was high-content lead,

0:22:29 > 0:22:35- it actually scrapes off easier because it's thicker, doesn't it? - It breaks down the original varnish.

0:22:35 > 0:22:40And that's why Dave's using a scraping process, rather than any Nitromors liquid.

0:22:40 > 0:22:43And this will reveal major stress fractures and cracks,

0:22:43 > 0:22:47which you can then look at the joints and repair them.

0:22:47 > 0:22:52On this particular horse, these legs are slightly loose.

0:22:52 > 0:22:55- They're very vulnerable?- That's the place that they're going to go.

0:22:55 > 0:22:59The weight of the children and the parents over the years...

0:22:59 > 0:23:03- They do give them abuse, don't they? - Yes, they do. Which is great, that's what they're for.

0:23:03 > 0:23:07- And the ears.- The ears normally go. But on this one, they're perfect.

0:23:07 > 0:23:10- They are.- But I'm sure we'll see plenty of examples.

0:23:10 > 0:23:13- Shall we leave Dave? He's doing a brilliant job.- Why not?

0:23:13 > 0:23:16- And he's got another couple of days on this!- No doubt!

0:23:16 > 0:23:22- It should only last a day, Dave. - Right!- OK? Not a week!

0:23:32 > 0:23:35- Tony, what's this called? Is it a bow?- This is the bow, yes.

0:23:35 > 0:23:38As opposed to the glider,

0:23:38 > 0:23:42which was invented in America in Cincinnati in 1880

0:23:42 > 0:23:45by a guy called Philip Marqua.

0:23:45 > 0:23:49The Americans think that is the traditional rocking horse, which it is, of course...

0:23:49 > 0:23:52- This would be the English. - This is the English.

0:23:52 > 0:23:55How many owners do you think they would've had?

0:23:55 > 0:23:58Most of our customers, it's quite extraordinary,

0:23:58 > 0:24:01the horse has been in the family right from the first.

0:24:01 > 0:24:03These were obviously handed down.

0:24:03 > 0:24:08They can be hundreds of years old and been with that family, grandpa, parents.

0:24:08 > 0:24:10We've had grandparents come in,

0:24:10 > 0:24:16"Can I have this restored for my grandchild? It was mine!"

0:24:16 > 0:24:20And it had been restored since for them. So, how old was it?

0:24:20 > 0:24:24- In general, these horses cost quite a lot.- They do.

0:24:24 > 0:24:29If you were going to an auction, you could pay anything up to seven or £800.

0:24:29 > 0:24:35And if the who people know what the horse is are bidding, you'll pay thousands.

0:24:35 > 0:24:39If you can find one in an antique shop for two to £300,

0:24:39 > 0:24:42pay £500 to get it restored, you've got a cheap horse.

0:24:42 > 0:24:46- And a great investment. - A great investment. And an original one, as well.

0:24:54 > 0:24:58- Who would like one of these at home? - ALL: Me!

0:25:06 > 0:25:10Tony's insights have stood me in good stead over the years,

0:25:10 > 0:25:13as you'll see now with a treasured old steed

0:25:13 > 0:25:18that Jonathan brought in for me to value at Whipsnade Zoo in 2009.

0:25:18 > 0:25:22Look at this! A rocking horse!

0:25:22 > 0:25:24- Hello, what's your name?- Jonathan.

0:25:24 > 0:25:29- Thank you so much for coming in. - I thought it was an unusual thing to bring,

0:25:29 > 0:25:32but it's so beautiful, I thought you'd be interested.

0:25:32 > 0:25:35I'm pleased you left it on the trailer! It looks great.

0:25:35 > 0:25:40I bet everybody when you were driving here was going, "Look at that!"

0:25:40 > 0:25:42I was getting worried in case I caused an accident!

0:25:42 > 0:25:46Stop the traffic. It's magnificent!

0:25:46 > 0:25:49Tell me a bit about its history. Has this been in the family long?

0:25:49 > 0:25:55I had it 45 years. We show horses and carriages

0:25:55 > 0:25:59and I was told about some carriages in a barn,

0:25:59 > 0:26:02and I went down there to buy the carriages.

0:26:02 > 0:26:07I pulled one of the carriages out and the horse was underneath one.

0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Hey presto! - Just laying there on the side.

0:26:10 > 0:26:14I said, "I've got two children and they are going to love this."

0:26:14 > 0:26:16And they have used it?

0:26:16 > 0:26:19They've rode it and loved it.

0:26:19 > 0:26:25- But I had the old boy from Sotheby's that told me what type it was, a Hunter.- It is.

0:26:25 > 0:26:29The ears are pricked forward and the nostrils are flared.

0:26:29 > 0:26:34- I like the way the head's kinking to one side, as well. It's not full on.- That's it.

0:26:34 > 0:26:37I didn't know there were so many different types of rocking horses.

0:26:37 > 0:26:40This is lovely because it's the traditional height.

0:26:40 > 0:26:44This is circa 1860 to 1880.

0:26:44 > 0:26:50In original condition. I'm so pleased you haven't fiddled with this or repainted it.

0:26:50 > 0:26:52And it's on sleigh-bow rockers.

0:26:52 > 0:26:58That's what the collectors and dealers are looking for. This is a rocking horse for the purists.

0:26:58 > 0:27:02It's 50 inches high. It's a standard configuration.

0:27:02 > 0:27:04Obviously, it's had some wear and tear,

0:27:04 > 0:27:07but for its age, the condition is fantastic

0:27:07 > 0:27:13because it's completely original, you've not repainted this or restored it.

0:27:13 > 0:27:16That's what I'm looking for. There it is.

0:27:16 > 0:27:21FH Ayres. That stamp mark underneath gives us the maker's name.

0:27:21 > 0:27:26- This is the Rolls-Royce of rocking horse makers.- Is it?

0:27:26 > 0:27:31You can't beat Ayres. The American market will go potty for this if we can get this on the internet.

0:27:31 > 0:27:34I've sold these ten years ago for £2,000.

0:27:34 > 0:27:38- It's got its original glass eyes. - Beautiful, aren't they?

0:27:38 > 0:27:42I don't know what to say. It's one of the nicest ones I've seen.

0:27:42 > 0:27:47- I'd like to put this into auction with a value of two to £3,000. - Thank you.

0:27:47 > 0:27:51- I know it's looking tatty, but I wouldn't be surprised if we got that top end.- Good.

0:27:51 > 0:27:58A fixed reserve at £2,000, which means it's not going to sell for anything under that.

0:27:58 > 0:28:03- But you're not going to have to worry. I can see this doing two-six or seven.- Marvellous.

0:28:03 > 0:28:07- It'll gallop away. I look forward to seeing you in the auction room. - Pleasure.

0:28:07 > 0:28:12We'll have to wait and see whether that horse flew out of the stall at auction.

0:28:12 > 0:28:15But first, here are three unforgettable fun items

0:28:15 > 0:28:19I just had to pull out of my toy box.

0:28:19 > 0:28:23It was Hi-de-Hi for Anita back in 2006,

0:28:23 > 0:28:27when Susan brought in her incredible collection of Butlins badges.

0:28:27 > 0:28:32These make me feel happy! They remind me of my daddy.

0:28:32 > 0:28:35Those are someone's happy memories.

0:28:35 > 0:28:40And Susan was happy, too, when they scored £100 at auction.

0:28:40 > 0:28:44Everything was shipshape in Yeovil back in 2007

0:28:44 > 0:28:49when David brought in his Tri-ang toy collection for James Lewis to inspect.

0:28:49 > 0:28:53I have never seen a collection of Tri-ang ships as good at this.

0:28:53 > 0:28:56Good lot. Were these yours as a boy?

0:28:56 > 0:29:00- Yes.- You looked after them. - They are treasured.- You can tell.

0:29:00 > 0:29:05They made a big splash at auction, sailing off with £600.

0:29:07 > 0:29:11Di's Disney-themed Beswick tea set brought a smile to Thomas Plant's face

0:29:11 > 0:29:14in Dunstable back in 2009.

0:29:16 > 0:29:19My mother used to keep it on top of my father's wardrobe

0:29:19 > 0:29:23and on a Sunday afternoon, we were allowed to get it out and have tea.

0:29:23 > 0:29:28- You're a bit old for little cups! - Exactly.- And little cakes!

0:29:28 > 0:29:33They left the sale room animated, making a lively sum of £160.

0:29:38 > 0:29:41Now, back to Rochdale, where, in 2007,

0:29:41 > 0:29:45Nigel Smith met the lovely Lily and sniffed out a real winner

0:29:45 > 0:29:47with her Schuco teddy bear.

0:29:48 > 0:29:52- That's a lovely name, by the way. - Is it?- I've not seen a Lily for a long time.

0:29:52 > 0:29:56- I think it's very old-fashioned! - It is, but it's very pretty.

0:29:56 > 0:30:00- Thank you very much. - These names come round again.- Yes.

0:30:00 > 0:30:03What can you tell me about him? He's cute, isn't he?

0:30:03 > 0:30:08All I know is that my husband inherited it from an aunt when she died.

0:30:08 > 0:30:11When my husband died, I inherited it.

0:30:11 > 0:30:15- He put it in a drawer and it's remained there since. - He's been in a drawer?- Yes.

0:30:15 > 0:30:19- That's not fair, is it?- No. - It's too nice to be in a drawer.

0:30:19 > 0:30:22I love bears. They've all got their own little characters.

0:30:22 > 0:30:25- But this one's a little bit special, isn't it?- Yes, he is.

0:30:25 > 0:30:28- Shall we show everybody what he does.- Yes.

0:30:28 > 0:30:30His head comes off!

0:30:32 > 0:30:34What it is inside is a little scent phial.

0:30:34 > 0:30:37So lift this out, and you'd put perfume in it.

0:30:37 > 0:30:43Date-wise, this would date probably from around about the 1920s.

0:30:43 > 0:30:47- It's a little German bear.- Yes.

0:30:47 > 0:30:52Probably made by Schuco, who made a lot of these little scent-bottle bears.

0:30:52 > 0:30:55Smaller than the conventional teddy. It's a shame to put him in a drawer.

0:30:55 > 0:31:00He's in remarkable condition. That's probably why he's in such good nick.

0:31:00 > 0:31:03Well, he was wrapped up when my husband inherited him,

0:31:03 > 0:31:05so he probably hasn't been out very much.

0:31:05 > 0:31:08No. What spurred you to come along today?

0:31:08 > 0:31:11I know you're a big "Flog It!" fan.

0:31:11 > 0:31:13Just to see if it was valuable.

0:31:13 > 0:31:16I think collectors buy these on two levels.

0:31:16 > 0:31:19There are scent-bottle collectors and bear collectors.

0:31:19 > 0:31:22- So it's got a double bonus, hasn't it?- Yes.

0:31:22 > 0:31:28- And they are popular little things. I would think we could estimate him round about 60 to £80.- Yes.

0:31:28 > 0:31:31- You might make a little bit more. - I hope so.

0:31:31 > 0:31:34- Hoping for a bit more, were you? - Yes!

0:31:34 > 0:31:36People always hope for a bit more.

0:31:36 > 0:31:41But he's nice, he's got character, and he's in lovely condition.

0:31:41 > 0:31:43I think we could do well with him.

0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Are you happy to sell him? - Yes, I am.

0:31:45 > 0:31:50- Do you want me to put a reserve on him for you?- I think so, yes.- £60?

0:31:50 > 0:31:52He'll make more than that. Let's be confident.

0:31:52 > 0:31:56Everybody will fall in love with him and he'll make a lot of money. £60 reserve.

0:31:56 > 0:32:00He'll go into an auction and we'll turn him into cash for you.

0:32:00 > 0:32:04Nigel fell in love with Lily, but we'll have to wait and see

0:32:04 > 0:32:08if anyone fell in love with her sweet-smelling bear.

0:32:08 > 0:32:11Now, over to Torquay, where, in 2009,

0:32:11 > 0:32:15David Fletcher was brought down to size with Alan's miniature car.

0:32:16 > 0:32:19When you said you'd brought a vintage car,

0:32:19 > 0:32:21I thought we'd have to go to the car park!

0:32:21 > 0:32:25- Now, how long have you owned this? - It's difficult to remember.

0:32:25 > 0:32:29I seem to remember it being around at least 20 or 30 years.

0:32:29 > 0:32:34I think when one of the grandparents passed away, it came our way then.

0:32:34 > 0:32:38- So you didn't play with it as a boy? - I didn't.- OK.

0:32:38 > 0:32:43- So you weren't responsible for the damage?- No. I've only ever known it to look like it is,

0:32:43 > 0:32:47- and here we are. - OK. The damage is a problem.

0:32:47 > 0:32:49It's a little bit rusty.

0:32:49 > 0:32:55- There's metal fatigue, I think, in his trouser bottom there and in the hem of his coat.- Yes.

0:32:55 > 0:33:00This was made in Germany by the Lehmann Factory.

0:33:00 > 0:33:06In their day, they were prolific manufacturers of this sort of item.

0:33:06 > 0:33:11If you like, they were the Dinky and Corgi toymakers of the early 20th century.

0:33:11 > 0:33:14This model is known as a Tut Tut.

0:33:14 > 0:33:19I think that must refer to the fact that, if we look inside,

0:33:19 > 0:33:23we can see these bellows, which are operated by the clockwork motor,

0:33:23 > 0:33:26which would've caused his horn to sound.

0:33:26 > 0:33:31This particular design was patented in 1903,

0:33:31 > 0:33:35by which time, the factory had been going for some time.

0:33:35 > 0:33:39This model continued in production until 1935.

0:33:39 > 0:33:43One of the things I love about it is his driving position.

0:33:43 > 0:33:46Talk about cool! He's got his foot up on the dashboard,

0:33:46 > 0:33:49one hand on the steering wheel, no seat belt

0:33:49 > 0:33:51and he's blowing his horn as he does it.

0:33:51 > 0:33:55A bit worrying, but standards were different in those days.

0:33:55 > 0:33:58Now, why are you selling it?

0:33:58 > 0:34:00To be honest with you, er,

0:34:00 > 0:34:02we would like it to go to a home where it's appreciated.

0:34:02 > 0:34:06- I know a lot of people say this, but we really would.- That's good.

0:34:06 > 0:34:08It would be nice if someone had it

0:34:08 > 0:34:14and looked after it more than what it's been in the past and maybe did a bit of restoration.

0:34:14 > 0:34:17Well, it's always said, we don't really own these things,

0:34:17 > 0:34:20we just take care of them for the next generation.

0:34:20 > 0:34:22I'm glad that you're handing it on.

0:34:22 > 0:34:25Now, we need to think about what it might be worth.

0:34:25 > 0:34:29I am concerned, as I say, about the damage.

0:34:29 > 0:34:31I will give this the benefit of the doubt

0:34:31 > 0:34:35and say that it was made at the start of that period, so before the First World War,

0:34:35 > 0:34:39which gives it a bit of extra cache.

0:34:39 > 0:34:43I reckon this will make between 60 and £100.

0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Good grief. You surprise me. - That's good.

0:34:46 > 0:34:52What I would really like to suggest is that we sell it without reserve.

0:34:52 > 0:34:56You'll have to be a bit philosophical, but I'm confident there'll be enough people there

0:34:56 > 0:35:00who like this sort of thing for it to do pretty well.

0:35:01 > 0:35:04Alan didn't think he'd get much for his unwanted toy,

0:35:04 > 0:35:07but he was delighted at David's valuation.

0:35:07 > 0:35:09We'll see how it does in just a minute.

0:35:09 > 0:35:15But first, here's a quick recap of my second collection of favourite playthings.

0:35:15 > 0:35:19I absolutely adored Jonathan's gorgeous rocking horse.

0:35:19 > 0:35:22But did it gallop out of the sale room?

0:35:24 > 0:35:28Nigel was entranced by both Lily and her aromatic Schuco bear.

0:35:28 > 0:35:32Surely it gave the bidders some PAWS for thought.

0:35:33 > 0:35:38David Fletcher gave Alan's neglected toy car a good estimate.

0:35:38 > 0:35:41But did it motor out of the sale room?

0:35:44 > 0:35:50Let's find out, as we zoom back to see that car go under the hammer in Plymouth.

0:35:50 > 0:35:53It's quirky, it puts a smile on your face.

0:35:53 > 0:35:59- I'm rather hoping for a couple of hundred pounds.- Really? - Yes. On a good day.

0:35:59 > 0:36:02- You can never tell in an auction room, can you?- No.

0:36:02 > 0:36:04First time I've ever been to an auction.

0:36:04 > 0:36:07- Really?- The closest I've been,

0:36:07 > 0:36:12I do charity rock-and-roll discos and we auction teddy bears for children's hospices.

0:36:12 > 0:36:16- Right, so you do a bit of auctioneering?- Only at the discos.

0:36:16 > 0:36:20- So this is completely new.- It's an exciting arena, that's for sure. - That's right.

0:36:20 > 0:36:25Everything's vying for your attention. People get carried away. They can bid too much money.

0:36:25 > 0:36:28They can pay over the top for something.

0:36:28 > 0:36:31- Let's hope they do today! - Absolutely.

0:36:33 > 0:36:35There it is. "Tut Tut" it's called.

0:36:35 > 0:36:38Tin-plate model.

0:36:38 > 0:36:42I'm bid £200 for it. Against you all at 200.

0:36:42 > 0:36:45- You're joking?!- Straight in - 200!

0:36:45 > 0:36:47230. 240. 260.

0:36:47 > 0:36:50270. 280. 290. 300.

0:36:50 > 0:36:55- And ten. 320. 330.- Racing away! - £330.

0:36:55 > 0:36:58- 330 at the back.- No!

0:36:58 > 0:37:03All finished at £330. Sell at 330.

0:37:04 > 0:37:07Do you know, I'm just flabbergasted.

0:37:07 > 0:37:10- Good, wasn't it?- Some of that money's going to the hospice.

0:37:10 > 0:37:14- Which one?- South West. Definitely.

0:37:14 > 0:37:17Wonderful. Thanks to the "Flog It!" team.

0:37:17 > 0:37:21- And David got it right. - I did undervalue it by a long way!

0:37:21 > 0:37:25But you knew it would sell, that's all that matters.

0:37:26 > 0:37:31A triple-estimate result. That car really drove the bidders into a frenzy.

0:37:33 > 0:37:36Now to West Yorkshire, where I caught up with auctioneer Ian Peace

0:37:36 > 0:37:41and sniffed out his thoughts on Lily's sweet-smelling bear.

0:37:41 > 0:37:46A very tiny bear. A tiny bear on this massive table!

0:37:46 > 0:37:50He's a little Schuco bear and his head comes off because he's a scent bottle.

0:37:50 > 0:37:53I think he's lovely. He belongs to Lily.

0:37:53 > 0:37:56She inherited him from an aunt, who sadly passed away.

0:37:56 > 0:38:00- We've got a valuation of 60 to 80 pounds.- Yep.

0:38:00 > 0:38:03- He's almost like a novelty keyring, he's so small.- It is.

0:38:03 > 0:38:07It's charming, it's small and the fact that it's a scent bottle.

0:38:07 > 0:38:10I think 60 to 80 is very on the low side.

0:38:10 > 0:38:14I think it's got a chance of 120 to 130, 140.

0:38:14 > 0:38:18The reserve has been put up by the vendor at the last minute.

0:38:18 > 0:38:24I do know one that went down in Sussex for £170, so there's a possibility we may just make it.

0:38:24 > 0:38:30Lily's done her homework. I'm not surprised she's upped the reserve.

0:38:30 > 0:38:32When I read that out and saw 60 to 80,

0:38:32 > 0:38:36I thought exactly what you said. It would do it any day of the week.

0:38:36 > 0:38:41- We've now upped the ante, a little bit of pressure on. - I shall work hard.

0:38:41 > 0:38:43It's got the sweet smell of success!

0:38:44 > 0:38:47Let's see how that little bear got on.

0:38:48 > 0:38:53Lily has upped the value without you knowing.

0:38:53 > 0:38:58She's had a chat to the auctioneer. You weren't that happy with 60 to 80?

0:38:58 > 0:39:04- No, I didn't think it was enough. - So we've upped it, well, you've upped it, to £150 reserve.

0:39:04 > 0:39:09I did have a chat to Ian and we both fell in love with this little bear.

0:39:09 > 0:39:12- Do you think it will sell? - We think it's got a chance at 150.

0:39:12 > 0:39:17I understand why you did it, because he is so cute! You just want to love that bear!

0:39:17 > 0:39:21If he doesn't sell for any more than 150, I think you've done the right thing.

0:39:21 > 0:39:23Protect your investment. Get that reserve on it.

0:39:23 > 0:39:27OK, here we go. It's going under the hammer now.

0:39:28 > 0:39:31Lot 261, a German Schuco miniature.

0:39:31 > 0:39:35Start this at £100. £100.

0:39:35 > 0:39:41110. 120. 120. 130. 140.

0:39:41 > 0:39:45- 150. 160.- Yes!- 170.

0:39:45 > 0:39:46180.

0:39:47 > 0:39:48190. 200.

0:39:48 > 0:39:52- This is more like it, isn't it, Lil? - Yes!

0:39:52 > 0:39:54And ten. And 20. 230.

0:39:54 > 0:39:58240. At £240.

0:39:58 > 0:40:01At £240. Any further bids?

0:40:01 > 0:40:05Brilliant. I absolutely love it! You did the right thing.

0:40:05 > 0:40:08- I thought it was rare!- £240. - THEY LAUGH

0:40:09 > 0:40:13- That hammer has gone down at £240! - Well done.

0:40:13 > 0:40:16- They're all clapping! - Well done, Lily!

0:40:16 > 0:40:21- How about that?- Lovely! - Oh, bless. You're shaking!- Yes!

0:40:21 > 0:40:24What are you going to do with £240?

0:40:24 > 0:40:31I was going to give my son half because he takes me about a lot, but he said he doesn't want it.

0:40:31 > 0:40:35- But I bought him a little ornament. - In today's sale?- Yes.

0:40:35 > 0:40:38Good for you! She's not only selling, but she's buying!

0:40:38 > 0:40:41You've got your finger on the pulse!

0:40:41 > 0:40:43It was big business for that little bear,

0:40:43 > 0:40:49tripling Nigel's estimate and making Lily a tidy £240.

0:40:49 > 0:40:54Finally, let's see if Jonathan's horse rocked the room in Tring.

0:40:54 > 0:40:56Great to see you again.

0:40:56 > 0:40:58This is causing a stir in the sale room.

0:40:58 > 0:41:02I've had it a long time, 50, 60 years,

0:41:02 > 0:41:07and I love the old thing, but I think it's in good hands.

0:41:07 > 0:41:11It is in good hands. It's been fed and watered!

0:41:13 > 0:41:16One of the foremost makers, Frederick Ayres.

0:41:16 > 0:41:20Shall we start at £1,000 or £1,500?

0:41:20 > 0:41:24£1,100 we're bid now. 1,200 is bid. 1,300.

0:41:24 > 0:41:281,400 is bid. At 1,500.

0:41:28 > 0:41:311,600. 1,700 we're bid now.

0:41:31 > 0:41:35At 1,700. 1,800. 1,900 is bid.

0:41:35 > 0:41:372,000 I'm bid now.

0:41:37 > 0:41:40Let's see if we can get the top end.

0:41:41 > 0:41:43At £2,100 in the room.

0:41:43 > 0:41:48Two-two. 2,200. Two-three. Two-four now.

0:41:48 > 0:41:53We're not in the home straight yet. Two-five.

0:41:53 > 0:41:58Two-six I'm bid. 2,700 bid.

0:41:58 > 0:42:012,800. Two-nine now.

0:42:01 > 0:42:04Two-nine bid.

0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Do three!- 3,000 bid.- Yes!- Get in!

0:42:06 > 0:42:09- We're into the home straight, I think.- It is.

0:42:11 > 0:42:133,000? Three-one.

0:42:13 > 0:42:17- The auctioneer's got the bit in his mouth now.- Go on!- At £3,100.

0:42:17 > 0:42:21Three-two I'm bid. One last push? Three-three.

0:42:21 > 0:42:22Three-four, is it?

0:42:22 > 0:42:25At £3,300 then,

0:42:25 > 0:42:30I'm selling on my left, then, at £3,300.

0:42:30 > 0:42:34Love it! Yes! £3,300!

0:42:34 > 0:42:37- Thank goodness you brought that to Whipsnade Zoo.- Yes.

0:42:37 > 0:42:40Ahh! It's been a real pleasure selling that.

0:42:40 > 0:42:45- How do you feel?- I'm thrilled. My wife will be delighted.

0:42:45 > 0:42:50- All I hope is, it gets a good home. - It's going to go to a good home.

0:42:50 > 0:42:55If they're prepared to spend that much money, that's going to a good home.

0:43:03 > 0:43:06Jonathan had no problem selling his horse at auction.

0:43:06 > 0:43:10It went galloping on. I didn't think it was going to stop. What a superb result.

0:43:10 > 0:43:13Sadly, that brings us to the end of today's show.

0:43:13 > 0:43:17I hope you enjoyed our little trip looking back through the archives.

0:43:17 > 0:43:19I hope you can join me again soon.

0:43:19 > 0:43:24Until then, from a sunkissed Syon House, it's goodbye.

0:43:24 > 0:43:28Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

0:43:28 > 0:43:32E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk