Fun and Games Flog It!

Hello and welcome to the magnificent Syon House,

the London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.

I'm actually in the Duchess's sitting room,

which seems to be the perfect place to deal out my next collection from the archives to share with you.

Today, I want to amuse you.

We've picked out ten of the best playthings we've come across over the years,

like this George II games compendium table.

So sit back, relax and let me entertain you.

First up, we're heading back to the future to Warrington in 2006,

where there were some hi-tech high-jinx for Charlie Ross

when he came across Dennis's Japanese robot toy.

# So come on, let me

# Entertain you #

-Does it work?

-Yes.

-And you've played with it lots of times, presumably.

Well, the sons played with it, but I had a go!

-It was originally for your son?

-No, it was the nephew's.

He had it about 1960.

-Do you think that he bought it new?

-He bought it new. Definitely. My sister bought that, I know that.

It's made in Japan. Having said that,

it's well made. It's tin-plate, it isn't plastic.

It's a quality toy. It's a huge shame that the box isn't there.

I know. When he gave it to us, the box was nearly falling in,

and in them days, nobody bothered about that.

-It's only that you learn lately...

-It's so important, because it's the rarity value.

There might be a few thousand. I dare say there are very few about with their boxes.

It's been well-kept, obviously. The batteries -

I always take batteries out of anything, in case...

-Number one thing for people to remember.

-I know all that.

-Take the batteries out. They corrode.

-That's right. They spoil everything.

Would you set it going for me? I'm going to be intrigued.

-Does he talk?

-No, he doesn't talk.

-Doesn't he? He just walks.

-TOY WHIRRS

-What a novel way of starting it!

Play with the antennae and off we go!

I think he's splendid. What's going on in the front?

-It's the universe going round and round.

-I must have a look.

Turn him round so he walks towards me. I'll put my glasses on.

-He's turned!

-Steady!

Oh, I say, that's rather exciting.

-Star Wars.

-Yes!

I've seen more than enough of that. I think it's great.

-What made you bring him along?

-I thought with it being one of those

in the '60s and that, I've seen them on the telly before.

-What do you think it's worth?

-Around 100.

I think that that toy, with its box, is two to three hundred.

I think without its box, it's between one and two.

-So I think you should be pretty safe at your £100 mark.

-I thought that.

Frankly, if we put it in at one to 200,

-and reserve it at £100.

-That's fine.

My view is, it's not worth selling without reserve,

because if it isn't worth 100 now, it will be in five years,

because things like this are becoming more and more collectable, especially in this condition.

Was it robot wars amongst the bidders when that toy went under the hammer?

I'll reveal all later.

But now it's over to Dover, and back in 2009,

Mark Stacey is a little bit confused

by Eileen's impressive Dinky Toy collection.

What are you doing with such a lot of boy's toys?

They were my brother's. I've brought them on his behalf.

-He's had these since childhood, has he?

-He has.

-Have you helped him play with them?

-We used to play together, yes.

They're in remarkably good condition. You must've been very careful children.

He was, especially.

We've got a few more, but we haven't got every one out.

We've brought a random selection of the better ones,

like this rather wonderful horse box,

which you could hire from British Railways, which is rather nice.

And this Dinky Delivery Service transport vehicle.

My favourite is this rather weird helicopter.

-Which one's your favourite?

-This one.

-Was it?

-Did you used to fill it with the little cars?

-I did.

But I don't know where the little cars are now.

I suppose they've been in a loft for the last 20 years or so?

My parents had them in their house till they died six years ago

and we cleared out their possessions.

My brother asked me to look after them,

so I've had them in the loft ever since.

I guess that's the reason why you decided to let them go to someone

who'll appreciate them more now, rather than them gathering dust in the loft.

It seemed pointless just sitting up there. We saw "Flog It!" was coming, so...

There's a big market for these and a lot of collectors for them.

-We're going to a good sale room who will catalogue them well.

-Yes.

And I would put them in as a little mixed lot.

-Because some of the boxes are a little bit broken.

-Yes.

Generally, it's always good to have the boxes.

-Obviously, the better condition, the better the value.

-Yes.

But looking at it as a whole,

-we're probably looking at somewhere in the region of two to £300.

-Good.

-Would you and your brother be happy with that?

-We would.

-Fantastic.

I think they might just fly.

-Or takeoff, in the case of the helicopter.

-Let's hope so.

We'll just have to wait and see whether those toys raced out of the sale room.

We're off to Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where, in 2009,

I was graced by the presence of royalty

when Mark brought in this beautifully preserved Victorian doll.

Mark, tell me all about the doll.

It's a doll presented to my great aunt

from Queen Victoria in 1899.

That was a couple of years before she died.

And it says, "Presented by 'Her Gracious Majesty' The Queen

-to Baby Joy", who is your great aunt.

-Yes.

How did your great aunt meet Queen Victoria?

At the age of six months, she was in the Isle of Wight hospital with TB.

-Oh, really?

-Yes.

-Did she survive?

-Yes.

I imagine Queen Victoria was doing a hospital visit.

Probably, yes.

And young Joy was in hospital at that particular time. How lovely.

-And it's been in the family ever since?

-That's right.

-Mother passed away four years ago.

-So, your mum looked after it?

-Where have you had it over the last few years?

-In my bedroom, hidden away on top of the wardrobe.

Tucked out of harm's way.

It's museum-quality. The condition is very, very good.

I would say they're the original clothes, as well.

-Have you done any research on her at all?

-I've looked on the internet, but I can't find anything.

I looked underneath the glass dome before we started filming.

I tried to look at the back of the neck,

because you get some marks in the head,

and it'll tell you if it was made in Germany.

I'm looking for the impressed initials of AM Marseille.

which is possibly the best manufacturer.

There was no "AM", but there was a serial number.

I still believe this is German, circa 1850, 1860.

I think it's wonderful. I'm quite excited about this.

Normally, a doll of this period and size, unfortunately no makers label,

is going to realise around £150 at auction.

The glass dome is contemporary with the period. That's worth £50.

So already we're up against £200, which I think we'll get easily.

-And with the connection of Queen Victoria, who knows?

-Yes.

Let's put it into the sale with a value of three to £400,

discretion on the £300.

-Would you be happy with that?

-That'd be fine.

-Why do you want to part with her?

-It's just sat on top of the wardrobe, collecting dust.

At least she's been out of harm's way. And you've looked after her.

-Yes.

-Fingers crossed we get a lot more than £300.

-Happy?

-Very happy.

What great provenance!

Stay tuned to find out whether that doll clocked up a princely sum at auction.

Now, we're off to Melksham, where, in 2008,

Philip Serrell had a rambling good time

with Pam's rather unusual walking stick.

-Where's this come from?

-It came from a jumble sale in about 1960-something.

Why did you buy it?

We were running it to raise money for our cricket club.

-Which club?

-Ladies cricket.

-Ladies cricket?

-Mm.

-"Vagabonds" they were called.

-Were you batter or bowler?

-A little bit of both.

-It's come on a bit, hasn't it?

-It has.

-So you had a jumble sale for the team.

-We did.

This came in and it was left at the end, nobody wanted it.

We put it... I don't know. I said ten shillings.

-Ten bob.

-But it might not have been as much as that. That was quite a lot of money.

-Yes.

-Probably five bob.

-And no-one wanted it?

-No.

-Shall we have a look at it?

-Sure.

We have got here, "1852.

"Engraved by J Harrison Abbeyleix."

-Does that mean anything to you?

-It doesn't.

And then, as we move down, we've got a giraffe, a stag hound, a seal, a jay.

So we've got a really lovely 19th-century walking cane here

that's decorated with all these wonderful emblems.

-Not much else to say, is there?

-Not really.

Except, if you look just here,

and I think this is what makes it so much more interesting,

you can see we've got the, er, square and compasses.

You can see we've got allsorts of other geometric symbols.

We've got a trowel, a set of pillars.

Now, all of those things are Masonic ciphers.

-Oh.

-So if you were a Freemason...

-Which I wouldn't be.

You could be, actually. There are lady Freemasons.

But all of these signs here are ciphers and emblems

that would be known to Freemasons.

-I think that we can put an auction estimate of £80 to £120.

-Right.

And I think we can put a fixed reserve on it of £60.

Now, I have to say, it wouldn't surprise me if it made £200,

because Masonic memorabilia is, I believe the expression is "hot to trot".

People want to buy it. There are big collectors of it.

So if it makes £100, what will you spend the money on?

I might put towards my golf subscription.

-So we've gone from cricket to golf.

-As we get older, yes!

-Get out of it.

-Are we captain of the golf club?

-I have been.

-What's your handicap?

-21.

-I'm not playing you, then!

-I'll give you a game!

-Let's hope it sells well for you.

-I hope so.

Stay tuned to find out just how much of a handicap Pam's stick was

when it went under the hammer.

Before we find out how these fun things performed when they went up for sale,

let me take you through the line-up once again.

Charlie Ross was no technophobe when it came to Dennis's robot toy.

But did his 100 to £200 valuation pull in any geeks at the auction?

Mark thought Eileen's Dinky Toys were in perfect condition

and would race out of the sale room.

I was amused by the doll that Queen Victoria had gifted Mark's Aunt Joy.

But did she turn any heads in the Isle of Wight sale room?

Pam wanted to trade in her walking stick for a golf club membership

and Philip was convinced she'd get a hole-in-one for it when it went under the hammer.

We're joining auctioneer and "Flog It!" favourite Adam Partridge at the sale room in Knutsford

to see if the bright lights of Dennis's robot toy caught anybody's eye.

-These are so collectable.

-We've seen it on the telly before.

If it was a 1950s one, you're looking at eight to 1,200.

I think we'll do a little bit more than Charlie's estimate.

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

-It's a boy's toy, isn't it?

-And it works well.

-I'm not an expert on Japanese toys.

-It's been in the back room for 30-odd years.

But it isn't a shame, is it? That's a virtue.

-If you'd been playing with it, it wouldn't work any more.

-No.

-And it wouldn't be worth anything.

Let's see what it does right now. This is it.

207. The Japanese robot. £100 for this?

30's bid. Five. 45. 50. £50 I have.

Five. 60. Five. 70. Five. 80. Five.

80 bid. £80. Any more? £80. At £80? Any more? £80 surely?

-Five. 90. Five.

-Yes!

-100.

£100. Five.

We sell at £100.

-We just did it.

-Just about made it.

-Just did it!

-Crept in.

-There's no modern-day collectors here, are there?

-They need their boxes.

-BOTH: Yes.

-That's true. A third of the value's in the box, isn't it?

-Yes.

Dennis certainly struck gold there.

I was fascinated by the provenance of Mark's Victorian doll,

so I headed over to the sale room on the Isle of Wight

to see what the auctioneer had to say.

Because of the connection with Queen Victoria,

we've upped this to three to £400.

Well, in some ways, I think you're right.

If it had no provenance, I would estimate it at 100 to 150.

With the provenance, I think that's probably about right.

-Are there any doll collectors on the island?

-Yes, there is.

-There's a lot of doll collectors, but there's also a doll museum. They've all viewed.

-Fantastic.

With that provenance, we're hoping it stays on the island.

-And everybody is a Queen Victoria collector.

-Absolutely.

And, you know, the link into the TB hospital

is a nice story.

I think it should sell.

Fingers crossed, or will this one really go?

Fingers crossed. Dolls are a sticky market, as I'm sure you'll know.

I have noticed there's a few more in the sale.

-Yes. That'll help it.

-It's got company.

-Yes, it has.

Fingers crossed.

Warren was cautiously optimistic,

so let's see if she turned any heads.

We've got a packed auction room here,

and this next lot, the little doll, is all down to Great Aunt Joy,

who was in hospital.

And we've got some great provenance, as well.

-The auctioneer's done you proud, hasn't he? He's hit the press with this.

-Yes.

-All the local news... Are you excited?

-I am.

-So am I.

I'm very nervous, as well. I'm hoping everybody's going to put their hand up for this doll

and it's going to fly away.

It's going under the hammer now.

Lot 370. 19th century bisque head doll.

Presented by Queen Victoria to its owner when she was a baby

at the Royal National Hospital for tuberculosis.

-Lot 370. Lot of internet interest. We're coming in at...

-360.

360. 370 anywhere?

370. 380. 390. 400.

410. 420.

430. 440. 450. 460.

470. 480. 490.

500. 510.

500 here on commission.

510 anywhere? 500, then. Selling to the commission bidder.

All done at £500.

Yes! We're going to settle for that!

-£500. That was over the top end.

-Not bad.

-I'm so pleased for you.

-You've got to be happy.

-Very happy.

-Yes?

£500 was a great result, and it just goes to show

how well items with strong provenance always do at auction.

Now, onto Dover to find out how Eileen's Dinky Toys went down when they went under the hammer.

Something for the boys now. We've got a big collection.

We've got Tri-ang, Hornby, Dinky Cars, we've got the lot.

I'm joined by Eileen. But this is not yours, is it? It's your brother's.

-That's right.

-You're selling them on his behalf.

-I am.

-Happy with the valuation?

-Very.

-I thought it was spot on, as well.

-There's a lot there.

-It appeals across the board.

I think you've done the right thing not splitting them up.

Good luck. Lots of family memories. It's going under the hammer now.

Who'll start me at £100? 100 I'm bid.

Who's in at 110?

110?

-110. 120. 130. 140. 150.

-We're on the right track now.

150? 160. 170.

180. 190. 200.

210.

220? 230.

-240.

-We're there.

260. 270.

-280. 290.

-This is great!

-290.

300. 320.

340? 360. 380.

400.

420. 440.

-460.

-460!

-480.

500. 520.

540. 560.

No? It's on my left at £540. Any further offer?

If not, I'm selling... No. Selling at 540.

Yes! That's what we like to see. We were on the right track at the end.

-£540! Is he going to treat you for this errand?

-I hope so.

-They should go halves. They're double the estimate.

-You never know.

They flew out of that sale room. £540 was a first-class result.

Over to Devizes now, in Wiltshire,

to find out whether Pam's stick walked off with a good price.

Pam, this stick is going to march right out of the room, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Let's hope so.

We had an 80 to 120 on this. This guy's done a bit more research.

-Have you?

-I had second thoughts. It's Irish.

-Oh, really?

-That'll put the value up.

-I think it might have a maritime connection.

-There's a lot of history.

There's a big journey that you're investing in when you buy that stick.

-I think it'll find its way back to Ireland.

-I hope so.

-Just outside of Dublin.

A lovely hardwood, pokerwork walking cane

by J Harrison of Abbeyleix.

150 straight in. 150. 160. 170.

180. 190. 200.

220. 240. 260. 280. 300.

320. 340. 360. 380.

400. 420. 440. 460. 480. 500.

520. 540. 560.

580. 600.

620. 640.

-660. 680. 700.

-£700!

-700 to my left.

720. 740.

£720 to my left. 740 anywhere else?

740. 760.

780. 800. 820.

820. 825. 830.

835. 840. 850. Let's get on with it. 860.

870.

860 to my left.

-Wonderful.

-Not a bad ten bob's worth!

-No.

£860.

-The hammer's gone down! That's a sold sound. £860.

-Thank you.

-Will you pay my golf sub, as well?

-How much is the membership?

-650.

-Well, you're in!

-And a new driver!

-And a new driver!

-Well done!

-Fantastic. Thank you very much.

-That's made my day. And yours.

You've got tears in your eyes!

That £860 must've gone a long way to improving Pam's handicap.

What a fantastic result. That's what we like to see.

This delightful bedroom

is where the present duke and his siblings would stay as young children and play here,

running around this massive house in the late spring, early summer.

Can you imagine the fun and games? Especially playing hide and seek!

Talking about a rocking good time, let me take you back to 2002 to the deepest parts of Kent,

where I met a talented Mr Stevenson

with a passion for restoring toys

that kids would just love to horse around on.

As you know, I'm passionate about all things oak.

But I'm not talking about furniture today.

I'm here to witness some spectacular woodwork from Tony Stevenson,

as he takes me through the intricate craft

of rocking horse restoration.

-Tony, we're here in the horse hospital section. Dave's scraping away.

-Yes.

How long will this take him to scrape off all this? This is modern paintwork.

-This process will take about a day.

-Right.

That's what we're peeling off, the new paint with the old varnish

to reveal the underneath,

which was probably put there in about 1880, 1890, something like that.

By virtue of the fact that this was high-content lead,

-it actually scrapes off easier because it's thicker, doesn't it?

-It breaks down the original varnish.

And that's why Dave's using a scraping process, rather than any Nitromors liquid.

And this will reveal major stress fractures and cracks,

which you can then look at the joints and repair them.

On this particular horse, these legs are slightly loose.

-They're very vulnerable?

-That's the place that they're going to go.

The weight of the children and the parents over the years...

-They do give them abuse, don't they?

-Yes, they do. Which is great, that's what they're for.

-And the ears.

-The ears normally go. But on this one, they're perfect.

-They are.

-But I'm sure we'll see plenty of examples.

-Shall we leave Dave? He's doing a brilliant job.

-Why not?

-And he's got another couple of days on this!

-No doubt!

-It should only last a day, Dave.

-Right!

-OK? Not a week!

-Tony, what's this called? Is it a bow?

-This is the bow, yes.

As opposed to the glider,

which was invented in America in Cincinnati in 1880

by a guy called Philip Marqua.

The Americans think that is the traditional rocking horse, which it is, of course...

-This would be the English.

-This is the English.

How many owners do you think they would've had?

Most of our customers, it's quite extraordinary,

the horse has been in the family right from the first.

These were obviously handed down.

They can be hundreds of years old and been with that family, grandpa, parents.

We've had grandparents come in,

"Can I have this restored for my grandchild? It was mine!"

And it had been restored since for them. So, how old was it?

-In general, these horses cost quite a lot.

-They do.

If you were going to an auction, you could pay anything up to seven or £800.

And if the who people know what the horse is are bidding, you'll pay thousands.

If you can find one in an antique shop for two to £300,

pay £500 to get it restored, you've got a cheap horse.

-And a great investment.

-A great investment. And an original one, as well.

-Who would like one of these at home?

-ALL: Me!

Tony's insights have stood me in good stead over the years,

as you'll see now with a treasured old steed

that Jonathan brought in for me to value at Whipsnade Zoo in 2009.

Look at this! A rocking horse!

-Hello, what's your name?

-Jonathan.

-Thank you so much for coming in.

-I thought it was an unusual thing to bring,

but it's so beautiful, I thought you'd be interested.

I'm pleased you left it on the trailer! It looks great.

I bet everybody when you were driving here was going, "Look at that!"

I was getting worried in case I caused an accident!

Stop the traffic. It's magnificent!

Tell me a bit about its history. Has this been in the family long?

I had it 45 years. We show horses and carriages

and I was told about some carriages in a barn,

and I went down there to buy the carriages.

I pulled one of the carriages out and the horse was underneath one.

-Hey presto!

-Just laying there on the side.

I said, "I've got two children and they are going to love this."

And they have used it?

They've rode it and loved it.

-But I had the old boy from Sotheby's that told me what type it was, a Hunter.

-It is.

The ears are pricked forward and the nostrils are flared.

-I like the way the head's kinking to one side, as well. It's not full on.

-That's it.

I didn't know there were so many different types of rocking horses.

This is lovely because it's the traditional height.

This is circa 1860 to 1880.

In original condition. I'm so pleased you haven't fiddled with this or repainted it.

And it's on sleigh-bow rockers.

That's what the collectors and dealers are looking for. This is a rocking horse for the purists.

It's 50 inches high. It's a standard configuration.

Obviously, it's had some wear and tear,

but for its age, the condition is fantastic

because it's completely original, you've not repainted this or restored it.

That's what I'm looking for. There it is.

FH Ayres. That stamp mark underneath gives us the maker's name.

-This is the Rolls-Royce of rocking horse makers.

-Is it?

You can't beat Ayres. The American market will go potty for this if we can get this on the internet.

I've sold these ten years ago for £2,000.

-It's got its original glass eyes.

-Beautiful, aren't they?

I don't know what to say. It's one of the nicest ones I've seen.

-I'd like to put this into auction with a value of two to £3,000.

-Thank you.

-I know it's looking tatty, but I wouldn't be surprised if we got that top end.

-Good.

A fixed reserve at £2,000, which means it's not going to sell for anything under that.

-But you're not going to have to worry. I can see this doing two-six or seven.

-Marvellous.

-It'll gallop away. I look forward to seeing you in the auction room.

-Pleasure.

We'll have to wait and see whether that horse flew out of the stall at auction.

But first, here are three unforgettable fun items

I just had to pull out of my toy box.

It was Hi-de-Hi for Anita back in 2006,

when Susan brought in her incredible collection of Butlins badges.

These make me feel happy! They remind me of my daddy.

Those are someone's happy memories.

And Susan was happy, too, when they scored £100 at auction.

Everything was shipshape in Yeovil back in 2007

when David brought in his Tri-ang toy collection for James Lewis to inspect.

I have never seen a collection of Tri-ang ships as good at this.

Good lot. Were these yours as a boy?

-Yes.

-You looked after them.

-They are treasured.

-You can tell.

They made a big splash at auction, sailing off with £600.

Di's Disney-themed Beswick tea set brought a smile to Thomas Plant's face

in Dunstable back in 2009.

My mother used to keep it on top of my father's wardrobe

and on a Sunday afternoon, we were allowed to get it out and have tea.

-You're a bit old for little cups!

-Exactly.

-And little cakes!

They left the sale room animated, making a lively sum of £160.

Now, back to Rochdale, where, in 2007,

Nigel Smith met the lovely Lily and sniffed out a real winner

with her Schuco teddy bear.

-That's a lovely name, by the way.

-Is it?

-I've not seen a Lily for a long time.

-I think it's very old-fashioned!

-It is, but it's very pretty.

-Thank you very much.

-These names come round again.

-Yes.

What can you tell me about him? He's cute, isn't he?

All I know is that my husband inherited it from an aunt when she died.

When my husband died, I inherited it.

-He put it in a drawer and it's remained there since.

-He's been in a drawer?

-Yes.

-That's not fair, is it?

-No.

-It's too nice to be in a drawer.

I love bears. They've all got their own little characters.

-But this one's a little bit special, isn't it?

-Yes, he is.

-Shall we show everybody what he does.

-Yes.

His head comes off!

What it is inside is a little scent phial.

So lift this out, and you'd put perfume in it.

Date-wise, this would date probably from around about the 1920s.

-It's a little German bear.

-Yes.

Probably made by Schuco, who made a lot of these little scent-bottle bears.

Smaller than the conventional teddy. It's a shame to put him in a drawer.

He's in remarkable condition. That's probably why he's in such good nick.

Well, he was wrapped up when my husband inherited him,

so he probably hasn't been out very much.

No. What spurred you to come along today?

I know you're a big "Flog It!" fan.

Just to see if it was valuable.

I think collectors buy these on two levels.

There are scent-bottle collectors and bear collectors.

-So it's got a double bonus, hasn't it?

-Yes.

-And they are popular little things. I would think we could estimate him round about 60 to £80.

-Yes.

-You might make a little bit more.

-I hope so.

-Hoping for a bit more, were you?

-Yes!

People always hope for a bit more.

But he's nice, he's got character, and he's in lovely condition.

I think we could do well with him.

-Are you happy to sell him?

-Yes, I am.

-Do you want me to put a reserve on him for you?

-I think so, yes.

-£60?

He'll make more than that. Let's be confident.

Everybody will fall in love with him and he'll make a lot of money. £60 reserve.

He'll go into an auction and we'll turn him into cash for you.

Nigel fell in love with Lily, but we'll have to wait and see

if anyone fell in love with her sweet-smelling bear.

Now, over to Torquay, where, in 2009,

David Fletcher was brought down to size with Alan's miniature car.

When you said you'd brought a vintage car,

I thought we'd have to go to the car park!

-Now, how long have you owned this?

-It's difficult to remember.

I seem to remember it being around at least 20 or 30 years.

I think when one of the grandparents passed away, it came our way then.

-So you didn't play with it as a boy?

-I didn't.

-OK.

-So you weren't responsible for the damage?

-No. I've only ever known it to look like it is,

-and here we are.

-OK. The damage is a problem.

It's a little bit rusty.

-There's metal fatigue, I think, in his trouser bottom there and in the hem of his coat.

-Yes.

This was made in Germany by the Lehmann Factory.

In their day, they were prolific manufacturers of this sort of item.

If you like, they were the Dinky and Corgi toymakers of the early 20th century.

This model is known as a Tut Tut.

I think that must refer to the fact that, if we look inside,

we can see these bellows, which are operated by the clockwork motor,

which would've caused his horn to sound.

This particular design was patented in 1903,

by which time, the factory had been going for some time.

This model continued in production until 1935.

One of the things I love about it is his driving position.

Talk about cool! He's got his foot up on the dashboard,

one hand on the steering wheel, no seat belt

and he's blowing his horn as he does it.

A bit worrying, but standards were different in those days.

Now, why are you selling it?

To be honest with you, er,

we would like it to go to a home where it's appreciated.

-I know a lot of people say this, but we really would.

-That's good.

It would be nice if someone had it

and looked after it more than what it's been in the past and maybe did a bit of restoration.

Well, it's always said, we don't really own these things,

we just take care of them for the next generation.

I'm glad that you're handing it on.

Now, we need to think about what it might be worth.

I am concerned, as I say, about the damage.

I will give this the benefit of the doubt

and say that it was made at the start of that period, so before the First World War,

which gives it a bit of extra cache.

I reckon this will make between 60 and £100.

-Good grief. You surprise me.

-That's good.

What I would really like to suggest is that we sell it without reserve.

You'll have to be a bit philosophical, but I'm confident there'll be enough people there

who like this sort of thing for it to do pretty well.

Alan didn't think he'd get much for his unwanted toy,

but he was delighted at David's valuation.

We'll see how it does in just a minute.

But first, here's a quick recap of my second collection of favourite playthings.

I absolutely adored Jonathan's gorgeous rocking horse.

But did it gallop out of the sale room?

Nigel was entranced by both Lily and her aromatic Schuco bear.

Surely it gave the bidders some PAWS for thought.

David Fletcher gave Alan's neglected toy car a good estimate.

But did it motor out of the sale room?

Let's find out, as we zoom back to see that car go under the hammer in Plymouth.

It's quirky, it puts a smile on your face.

-I'm rather hoping for a couple of hundred pounds.

-Really?

-Yes. On a good day.

-You can never tell in an auction room, can you?

-No.

First time I've ever been to an auction.

-Really?

-The closest I've been,

I do charity rock-and-roll discos and we auction teddy bears for children's hospices.

-Right, so you do a bit of auctioneering?

-Only at the discos.

-So this is completely new.

-It's an exciting arena, that's for sure.

-That's right.

Everything's vying for your attention. People get carried away. They can bid too much money.

They can pay over the top for something.

-Let's hope they do today!

-Absolutely.

There it is. "Tut Tut" it's called.

Tin-plate model.

I'm bid £200 for it. Against you all at 200.

-You're joking?!

-Straight in - 200!

230. 240. 260.

270. 280. 290. 300.

-And ten. 320. 330.

-Racing away!

-£330.

-330 at the back.

-No!

All finished at £330. Sell at 330.

Do you know, I'm just flabbergasted.

-Good, wasn't it?

-Some of that money's going to the hospice.

-Which one?

-South West. Definitely.

Wonderful. Thanks to the "Flog It!" team.

-And David got it right.

-I did undervalue it by a long way!

But you knew it would sell, that's all that matters.

A triple-estimate result. That car really drove the bidders into a frenzy.

Now to West Yorkshire, where I caught up with auctioneer Ian Peace

and sniffed out his thoughts on Lily's sweet-smelling bear.

A very tiny bear. A tiny bear on this massive table!

He's a little Schuco bear and his head comes off because he's a scent bottle.

I think he's lovely. He belongs to Lily.

She inherited him from an aunt, who sadly passed away.

-We've got a valuation of 60 to 80 pounds.

-Yep.

-He's almost like a novelty keyring, he's so small.

-It is.

It's charming, it's small and the fact that it's a scent bottle.

I think 60 to 80 is very on the low side.

I think it's got a chance of 120 to 130, 140.

The reserve has been put up by the vendor at the last minute.

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

Lily's done her homework. I'm not surprised she's upped the reserve.

When I read that out and saw 60 to 80,

I thought exactly what you said. It would do it any day of the week.

-We've now upped the ante, a little bit of pressure on.

-I shall work hard.

It's got the sweet smell of success!

Let's see how that little bear got on.

Lily has upped the value without you knowing.

She's had a chat to the auctioneer. You weren't that happy with 60 to 80?

-No, I didn't think it was enough.

-So we've upped it, well, you've upped it, to £150 reserve.

I did have a chat to Ian and we both fell in love with this little bear.

-Do you think it will sell?

-We think it's got a chance at 150.

I understand why you did it, because he is so cute! You just want to love that bear!

If he doesn't sell for any more than 150, I think you've done the right thing.

Protect your investment. Get that reserve on it.

OK, here we go. It's going under the hammer now.

Lot 261, a German Schuco miniature.

Start this at £100. £100.

110. 120. 120. 130. 140.

-150. 160.

-Yes!

-170.

180.

190. 200.

-This is more like it, isn't it, Lil?

-Yes!

And ten. And 20. 230.

240. At £240.

At £240. Any further bids?

Brilliant. I absolutely love it! You did the right thing.

-I thought it was rare!

-£240.

-THEY LAUGH

-That hammer has gone down at £240!

-Well done.

-They're all clapping!

-Well done, Lily!

-How about that?

-Lovely!

-Oh, bless. You're shaking!

-Yes!

What are you going to do with £240?

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

-But I bought him a little ornament.

-In today's sale?

-Yes.

Good for you! She's not only selling, but she's buying!

You've got your finger on the pulse!

It was big business for that little bear,

tripling Nigel's estimate and making Lily a tidy £240.

Finally, let's see if Jonathan's horse rocked the room in Tring.

Great to see you again.

This is causing a stir in the sale room.

I've had it a long time, 50, 60 years,

and I love the old thing, but I think it's in good hands.

It is in good hands. It's been fed and watered!

One of the foremost makers, Frederick Ayres.

Shall we start at £1,000 or £1,500?

£1,100 we're bid now. 1,200 is bid. 1,300.

1,400 is bid. At 1,500.

1,600. 1,700 we're bid now.

At 1,700. 1,800. 1,900 is bid.

2,000 I'm bid now.

Let's see if we can get the top end.

At £2,100 in the room.

Two-two. 2,200. Two-three. Two-four now.

We're not in the home straight yet. Two-five.

Two-six I'm bid. 2,700 bid.

2,800. Two-nine now.

Two-nine bid.

-Do three!

-3,000 bid.

-Yes!

-Get in!

-We're into the home straight, I think.

-It is.

3,000? Three-one.

-The auctioneer's got the bit in his mouth now.

-Go on!

-At £3,100.

Three-two I'm bid. One last push? Three-three.

Three-four, is it?

At £3,300 then,

I'm selling on my left, then, at £3,300.

Love it! Yes! £3,300!

-Thank goodness you brought that to Whipsnade Zoo.

-Yes.

Ahh! It's been a real pleasure selling that.

-How do you feel?

-I'm thrilled. My wife will be delighted.

-All I hope is, it gets a good home.

-It's going to go to a good home.

If they're prepared to spend that much money, that's going to a good home.

Jonathan had no problem selling his horse at auction.

It went galloping on. I didn't think it was going to stop. What a superb result.

Sadly, that brings us to the end of today's show.

I hope you enjoyed our little trip looking back through the archives.

I hope you can join me again soon.

Until then, from a sunkissed Syon House, it's goodbye.

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