An unusual medal turns up on Paul Atterbury's table. The owner's uncle worked for the Hoover Corporation and earned the medal for Best Salesman in 1936. The "citation" that accompanies the medal, referred to as a VSM, is couched in military terms—unsurprising, considering that the 1930s were such a militaristic period in Europe. Paul admits that the combination of the citation and medal "is something I've never seen."

"I can remember going to the celebrations after the match with my dad, I was only 5 years old," says the woman who owns a program from the 1953 Blackpool/Bolton football (soccer) match. Signed by almost all of the Blackpool team, including Sir Stanley Matthews, Michael Newman says it could be worth £500 ($750). But when asked if she'll keep it in the family, the owner replies that she has to because "it's written in the will" and her three sons are already arguing over who will inherit it.

"The enameling is so wonderful," exclaims Sally Kevill-Davies, of a Staffordshire salt-glaze mug, which was probably made for a supporter of Bonnie Prince Charlie after the 1745 Jacobite uprising. The flower pattern is significant, as the Jacobites had to resort to using secret signs and symbols. The rose in bloom symbolizes the Old Pretender—Prince Charlie's father—and the rose bud, Bonnie Prince Charlie. Despite a small crack, it is worth £5,000 ($7,500) and the owners admit that they have never dared to drink their tea from it.