♪ >> We're hitting the road in our trusty travelling auction house... >> Whoa!

>> Your tools are gonna be shaking around.

...on the hunt for treasures hidden in homes all across Britain.

Whoa.

This is pretty full.

>> That's huge.

And our mission -- to find these unloved and forgotten gems, give them a new lease of life, and make them into money.

>> Oh, wow.

Look at that.

Transforming has-beens into must-haves... >> It's a job well worth doing.

>> ...master restorer Will Kirk.

>> Glue, glue, and good as new.

And finding value in those overlooked objects, auction supremo Christina Trevanion.

>> Is that a Fender Strat?

>> It is.

>> Here we go.

Everything we find.

>> And fix.

>> Will go under the hammer in our travelling saleroom.

£850, £900.

>> Popping up in the most surprising of places, we bring the auction to you.

>> £2,200.

[ Laughs ] You know what we say.

Have gavel, will travel.

♪ >> Today, we're in Northumberland, England's most sparsely populated county -- with humans, that is.

>> Oh, look!

>> What's that?

>> Do you see?

>> I can't see it.

What is it?

>> There's sheep!

>> Sheep?

[ Sheep bleating ] >> [ Laughs ] Look at them!

>> Oh, they're on the move.

You look suspicious.

>> Oh, look at the dog.

Look at the sheep dog.

>> Morning.

>> Morning.

Once we've navigated the flock, we'll be meeting up with Carol and Mike, a couple desperately needing to downsize.

>> I'll be really sad, but at the same time, there is a line in the sand.

We've decided that before we get too old and too decrepit, we have got to move, and therefore we have got to get rid of all this stuff.

>> Two people living in a six-bedroomed house is a bit obscene, really.

>> Yeah.

>> Here, it's quite easy to have a load of stuff that you don't really need because you can shut the door on it and nobody knows.

But in a smaller house, there won't be the option to do that.

>> Mike and Carol are retired teachers.

>> Yeah.

>> What do you think they're gonna have in their house?

>> I'm thinking lots of old books.

>> Yeah, academia.

>> Maps and globes.

>> We're on our way to the countryside, close to Hexham, to find out.

Carol and Mike have lived in this house for 30 years and brought up three children here.

>> I think the children understand why we feel we need to downsize, but because this is effectively where they grew up, they don't like the idea that they won't be able to come back to this house anymore.

>> We're here to help, although we understand quite how emotionally difficult the process can be.

You're a bit of a hoarder.

>> I am a hoarder.

>> Yeah, and for some people, of course, it is quite cathartic.

It's kind of get rid and clean out and declutter, but for other people, it is a much, much harder decision.

>> I am putting so much hope in Christina and Will that they are going to get us started on this major decluttering, downsizing, rationalization process.

>> But it's still gonna be a big wrench.

Well, it is for me, anyway.

I've still got my strawberry flares from the 1970s.

>> [ Laughs ] >> Groovy.

But the loss of many of Mike and Carol's possessions will be compensated by the cash they'll make at our mobile auction, turning their dreams into reality.

>> If any substantial amount of money is raised, we've got a couple of things, I think, that we'd use it on.

Our children, I suppose two of them in particular, have been hit pretty badly by the pandemic.

Our daughter in Leeds is a musician, and she has spent 18 months with no income from gigs or anything like that.

And our son, who's in Cambodia, likewise, has been badly hit by the fact that his business depends on tourists and there aren't any, basically.

>> There's no time to lose.

Let's get on with it.

>> Do we knock or ring?

>> Both.

>> [ Laughs ] [ Knocks ] ♪ >> Hello.

>> Welcome!

Do come in.

>> Thank you.

>> Follow us.

>> We certainly shall.

Thank you.

>> That's a lovely welcome.

>> Feel free to have a wander around wherever you like.

>> Wherever you like.

>> So, what do schoolteachers' houses get filled up with?

>> Whoa.

>> Hey, loads of books.

>> Loads of books.

You said there would be, though, didn't you?

>> I love the bookcase.

>> Yeah.

It's fabulous, isn't it?

Oak, as well.

Really nice.

Oh, my gosh.

"Chambers Biographical Dictionary."

Etymology.

>> See, I love the fact that you love the books.

I love the wooden bookcase.

>> Yeah.

>> Speaks volumes about us, really, doesn't it?

>> What's this?

There's a few scratches, bit of damage.

>> Oh, what a shame.

>> A William IV ladies sewing table, badly in need of some Kirk care and attention.

You know, actually, time is ticking, so I'm gonna take this down to the van and start getting that magic on.

>> Okay.

Well, have fun.

>> I'll see you in a bit.

>> While you get on with that, I'll get to work downstairs.

What's in here?

You never know where treasure might lurk.

A fondue set.

I haven't seen a fondue set for years.

Look at that.

[ Gasps ] Ooh.

Chocolate or cheese?

Oh.

Gonna come back to that later.

There's 45 years of married life in this house, which includes an awful lot that the couple have inherited.

>> I would imagine that the biggest challenge for Christina coming here is that she might get a bit distracted because there is so much stuff.

I think it's probably more than one woman's job to actually look at everything that potentially we'd like to get rid of.

>> Oh, I think I'm up to it.

Oh, look at this really pretty little harebell decoration here.

And oak-cased what we call Napoleon's hat, because obviously, that's the shape.

And what have we got?

It's quite a weighty example.

Not working, but still quite musical.

And it's just such a shame.

But we can hopefully get that working again.

>> Sounds like another item might be heading my way.

But first, I'm going to get cracking with that lovely little sewing table we found.

The scratches on the top are what looks like water damage.

Maybe someone's left the keys on the surface, as well.

It's really nice, and I can see that there's a lot of potential there.

But at the moment, it's looking quite tired and quite scratched.

But never fear.

A lot of these scratches can be removed with something you might actually find in your kitchen cupboard.

And actually...

Right here, I've got some walnuts.

These are really handy because they are packed full of oils.

Now, wood would originally have its own natural oils, but as time goes on, things dry out.

You can actually use a little walnut like that, work it into the surface of a scratch, and you should see that disappear pretty quickly.

So you see that nasty scratch there.

Actually use the walnut, and you start to... Look at that >> Amazing!

Is there no end to your talents?

Once restored, I think that would make £100 to £200 at auction.

And meanwhile, I'm taking a closer look at some items Carol and Mike have hanging about but they're not sure what they're worth.

Mike?

>> Yep.

>> Can you come and talk to me about this box?

and tell me about them?

>> Well, all I know about them is that they belonged to my grandfather.

>> Okay.

So this has obviously got on the front some initials.

Little monogram there.

And if we open it up.

>> Ha!

>> Still the original contents.

>> Yeah.

And we've got a nice mark on here.

Birmingham, 1921.

So, it's not often you see them in gold.

I imagine he was probably quite a dapper chap, was he?

>> Yeah, I think so.

Must have been.

>> So, first, at auction, I would suggest an estimate of £400 to £600.

>> You're kidding me.

>> No.

>> That's a great start, Christina.

I don't think my workshop's ever been quite so close to the road.

Luckily, I'm tucked safely in front of Mike and Carol's house.

Well, I've used the walnuts.

They have removed a lot of those superficial scratches on the surface.

However, I'm using my cleaning solution now, which is white spirits, turpentine, and a little bit of linseed oil.

And that's really taking any of that surface dirt right off of there.

And you can see now how shiny and clean it's looking.

This isn't actually doing any damage to the surface.

It's not damaging the polish that's underneath all that dirt and wax.

It's just cleaning off that surface.

Sometimes you just need to add a bit of extra oil and a bit of elbow grease, and you can have it looking shiny and beautiful once again.

>> Gorgeous.

Plenty of shiny things in here, as well.

We've got a little vesta case.

>> Yeah.

>> Now, this is the same hallmark, actually, same maker.

>> Right.

>> Blanckensee & Sons and same date.

Birmingham, 1921.

>> Right.

>> Was that a special year, 1921?

>> It might have been when my grandfather came back from the war in Africa.

He stayed out after the war.

>> Was a good year for him.

>> Yeah, yeah.

Good year.

Good year for me, by the look of it.

>> [ Laughs ] And at auction, I would say you're looking at £250 to £300.

>> [ Laughs ] From that one.

Don't worry -- it gets better.

>> It gets better?

Wow.

>> This is an 18-karat-gold watch Albert.

>> All right.

>> Which you just don't see.

It's quite extraordinary.

This would have been incredibly expensive to buy.

So if you could find the watch, I'd be quite grateful.

[ Both laugh ] So again, at auction, I think you're going to be looking at £400 to £600.

>> I'm absolutely staggered.

>> The chain, which enables the wearer to securely pull his watch out of a waistcoat pocket, takes its name from watch-chain-wearing Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort, and a bit of an early influencer.

Oh, dear.

The weather seems to have taken a turn for the worse.

Tea always helps, I find.

Hey.

I decided it was time I got you a van-warming present.

>> Oh.

>> Now you've got your own little cup.

>> Amazing.

>> And I've got my own little cup.

And I haven't actually realized how bad our initials are together.

>> Oh.

[ Both laugh ] You have come just in time.

I've given this a thorough clean, and I'm about to get the last coats of polish on.

>> Oh, that's fantastic.

>> Lovely, isn't it?

>> Really amazing.

Where have all those nasty -- >> No touching, Christine.

>> Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry, [ Both laugh ] It looks incredible.

Poor Will.

It is absolutely chucking it down out there.

I mean, absolutely chucking it down.

It's not good, is it?

I mean, bless him.

He's trying to restore things and it's torrential.

I'm sure it'll be all right.

I'm gonna head back in the dry.

>> Christina has sent this clock over to me to have a look at.

And I love the woodwork.

I can see the beauty there.

However, it doesn't work at the moment and it only tells the correct time twice a day.

I'm not really sure what's gone wrong.

It'd be nice to get this working again so someone else can really enjoy the sound of those chimes.

But I'm gonna make a quick call because I think I might know someone who can fix this and get this back working on someone's mantelpiece.

>> Bad weather doesn't seem to bother you at all.

Now, what else have Carol and Mike got tucked away?

Carol, I love this box.

>> Mm.

>> Is there anything in it?

>> Oh, bits and bobs.

I think some old jewelry.

Maybe.

>> Can I have a look?

>> Yeah.

Do it.

[ Both laugh ] >> So, what have we got here?

Carol, this is a Rolex.

Why have you got a Rolex in a sewing box?

[ Both laugh ] >> You know, why not?

[ Laughs ] >> Okay, fair enough.

So, what have we got here?

We have got a 9-karat-gold little ladies Rolex.

Have you got the box?

>> No.

>> You and Mike are hopeless.

>> We are.

>> Very sweet, though.

I mean, I'd say at auction, you're looking at £200 to £300 for that.

I think that's lovely.

And then what else have we got here?

Another Albert chain.

>> My mother had it made into a bracelet.

>> Oh, really?

And then popped a little padlock clasp on the end there.

I say, this is definitely Victorian, and this is much, much later.

>> Yeah.

>> But nonetheless, it's a good weight.

Really good weight.

And I say at auction, we're probably looking at £350 to £450.

>> Really?

Wow.

>> Yeah, it's a nice thing.

Really nice thing.

>> Mother would approve.

>> Mother would approve.

Good.

And then just -- just an old sovereign rattling around the box.

>> Yeah, just -- yeah.

>> Okay.

[ Both laugh ] It looks like a full sovereign rather than a half sovereign.

And it's in a 9-karat-gold pendant mount, so it would've been on a chain for wearing a pendant.

>> I think my mum used to wear it on a chain.

>> As a pendant, yeah.

Lovely.

Well, at auction at the moment, they're making about £250 to £300.

>> Oh, gosh.

Any money that comes as a result of all this is, in a way, a bonus, because the main thing is the decluttering.

We're desperate to go and visit our granddaughter, who's in Cambodia with our son, who has just turned 5.

And we haven't seen her for a couple of years.

And it would be really nice to think this would pay for a trip.

>> And a cuddle.

Anything we make is a bonus... >> Absolutely.

>> ...to get you the cuddles that you need.

>> Yes!

Yes!

>> I'll be estimating the gold bracelet at £350 to £450, the sovereign at £250 to £350, the Rolex at £200 to £300, and even the box itself at £50 to £70.

>> Christina's finding heaps of valuable items for the auction, but while this mantel clock may not be a money spinner, I'm confident it can still find a new home if Diana can help me get it going again.

>> Hiya, Will.

>> Hello, there.

>> How is things?

All right?

>> Not too bad.

>> Ah.

>> Look at that.

>> Westminster chimes.

It's called a Westminster chimes because it chimes every 15 minutes.

>> Every 15 minutes.

Well, this is not chiming at all at the moment.

That's what its problem is.

I'm hoping that you can take a look at it... >> Yeah.

>> ...and possibly get it working for me.

>> Let's turn it around.

Let's have a look.

Oh, yes.

Those are the chimes.

[ Chimes play ] Yeah, well, it does look as though it needs a good clean.

If we were nearly a hundred years old, we would need a good clean, I think, and sort out.

So, yes, I shall see what I can do for you.

>> Thank you for coming to pick it up.

I can't wait to see it fixed.

>> Thanks, Will.

We'll see you.

Bye.

>> Unfortunately, our clock is most definitely ticking.

We've already come up with quite a few treasures, though, That is cute.

And made a bit of a dent in the furniture-to-go list.

Meanwhile, Mike's busy having a rummage in the two rooms currently being used for junk.

>> Christina, come and have a look at this.

>> Ooh, yes.

Now we've got a bit of a grubby box here, Mike.

What's this?

>> Well, these used to belong, I think, to my father when he was a child.

And obviously he used to play with them.

I don't think they've seen the light of day for goodness knows how many years.

>> So I would say that these are some 1920s, 1930s.

>> Really?

They're all falling apart, I'm afraid.

>> Oh, dear.

A one-legged horse there.

>> Yeah.

>> And you've got riders, and you've got hounds.

These have been really intricately carved.

I mean, the market loves this sort of thing at the moment, Mike, to be perfectly honest.

>> Even in this condition?

>> Well, this is where Mr. William Kirk might come in.

>> Oh, fantastic.

>> [ Laughs ] Because I think if we can get the legs glued back on and we can give them a little bit of TLC, the key to this is really its presentation and when we sell it, when we take it to auction, because what we want to see is a really good photograph of it.

>> Okay.

>> All right?

Shall I go and take them to him and see what he can do?

>> Yes, please.

And you have to be careful because I think the box itself is a bit tatty, especially on the bottom.

>> Right.

>> So bits might fall out.

>> Okay.

>> See you later.

>> See you later.

♪ Hey, van Will.

>> Hey.

>> Look what I found.

And look how charming these are.

They're children's toys.

>> These are really sweet, aren't they?

>> Aren't they just gorgeous?

But they are a complete jigsaw puzzle because you've got various legs, you've got arms, you've got feet, hounds, all sorts.

And do you know what my favorite one is?

It's a little puppy.

[ Both laugh ] Isn't that just the cutest?

♪ >> I didn't think I'd be doing a puzzle today, but that's what's required before I can start to glue them all back together.

Now, I'm really hoping that all these pieces are here.

In saying that, they actually fit back really snugly.

Oh, I see.

These haven't actually been carved out of one big piece of wood.

I think they're all kind of made out of different sections.

>> Which means they're not homemade but the product of a factory established between the wars.

They were made by New Forest Toys, a company founded by this man, Frank Whittington, in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, in 1922.

>> Having Will here to have a look at my dad's toys and say, "Actually, you know, I can really bring that back to life," that's just so exciting because it would be really good to see Dad's old toys fixed.

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

>> I'll put an estimate of £100 to £200 on those, assuming Will can find all the pieces and put them back together.

>> The wood glue that I'm using is incredibly strong, so there won't be any issues in the future of it drying out again and falling to pieces.

I almost feel like I'm making this horse from a kit.

All the pieces are here getting the glue on.

When I was younger, I used to collect model plane kits that used to come with all the pieces almost on like a grid, and you'd pop all the pieces out.

You get your very smelly glue, stick it together.

I'd always like to rush right to the end just so I can paint it and get it hanging up on a piece of string, like a real flying plane.

You don't want to rush it because you don't want to get the wrong fit in the wrong place.

This is sliding together really nicely.

Look a that.

There we are.

He's all glued back.

Looking very handsome again.

I'm gonna use some clamps here just to hold the pieces in place whilst they dry.

♪ That's one clamp.

That is the other.

♪ >> Ta-da!

♪ >> Oh, my goodness.

I mean, it's a really big house.

It's a really big house.

And I haven't even been into this room yet.

With so many rooms to explore, some treasures are tucked away while others are hiding in plain sight.

I never thought I'd say this, but I really, really like this duck.

Because it's -- I think it's an Austrian cold-painted bronze, which was a technique used very much in the art-deco movement.

Think of these wonderful dancing ladies and the Chiparus figures that you see all cold-painted bronze.

And it's fab.

It's a really good size, and it's mounted on this fabulous onyx base.

It's just delightful.

Look at her gazing into her onyx pond.

I mean, at auction, I'd say happily, I would hope, 100 to £200.

Beautiful.

>> Mike's come to see how the rest of the menagerie are doing.

Did you ever used to play with these as a child yourself?

>> No, because I'd never seen them until a very short time ago.

I didn't know they existed.

So it was quite a find, but then quite a disappointment to pick up the old box they were in, take one out and find it only had one leg and then take out another one, find it only had two legs.

Anything that you've been able to do is just a bonus.

>> They've been in a bit of a state.

Most of them have been glued up, but there are few here that still need a bit of surgery.

I wonder if it might tempt you to keep them and play with them yourself.

>> I would love to see them brought back to -- well, not life, obviously, but to something near life.

It would be really so good.

So thank you so much for what you're doing.

>> Mike sounds very happy.

How's Carol getting on?

What are you doing hiding up here?

>> Well, there's a big box of Bibles and things.

>> Oh, okay.

Well, let's have a look.

I'll have a look at this Bible.

You have a look at your Bible.

>> Okay.

>> These are quite late, but there is a Bible known as a Breeches Bible.

The way that we check whether it's a Breeches Bible or not is we go to Genesis.

>> All right.

Okay.

>> Verse 7.

>> Chapter 3, verse 7... >> Yep.

Now, what does yours say?

>> "And the eyes of them both"?

Is that the one?

>> That's the one.

>> "And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked."

>> [ Gasps ] >> "And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons."

>> Okay.

Mine also says aprons.

>> Right.

>> In a Breeches Bible, that last word would be "breeches."

>> Okay.

>> And that makes it really quite rare and really quite sought-after.

Nonetheless, a lovely family bible.

Sadly not worth a huge amount.

But there's more.

Now, these are really rather beautiful and quite early stamp albums.

They could very well be worth offering at auction.

So I really like these albums, Carol.

>> Yes, they're amazing, aren't they?

>> Yeah, they really are.

Perfect.

Right.

I will take them both with me.

>> Okay.

And they've obviously been fairly well looked after.

>> I think you're absolutely right.

>> Ah.

>> What's even more exciting -- look, the albums are made by Stanley Gibbons Ltd. >> Oh, even I've heard of those.

>> Yeah, those are gorgeous.

The Gibbons stamp dealing and publishing business began in 1856 when Stanley began selling stamps from his father's Plymouth chemist's shop.

I'm putting an estimate of £150 to £200 on those.

>> I don't know a great deal about the value of most of the items that might be leaving this house.

But in all honesty, my main thing isn't about the value.

It's about the fact that we will be getting rid of things that we need to be rid of.

>> I just keep everything and it's a real wrench to throw things away.

Just two years ago, I threw away all my university notes, and it's over 40 years since I was at university.

>> I think Mike finds it difficult to get rid of stuff because he's got quite a big sense of history.

So for Mike, the most difficult thing for him to part with, I'm sure, will be the chair that was his grandfather's.

>> Yep.

>> He hemmed and hawed a lot about it, but I think has decided it has got to go.

There isn't a space for it anywhere else.

>> I think it might be time to grasp the nettle.

>> This is my grandfather's chair.

Oh, I was 12, 13, 14, and Grandfather died.

And I'd always loved this chair.

So Mum and Dad said that I could have it.

So we took it up to my bedroom and there I spent my teenage years listening to my records and reading.

I used to smoke a pipe and I would sit there feeling terribly sophisticated.

>> I bet you did.

>> I'm sure I wasn't, but anyway.

But the great thing about this chair is that not only could I sit and read, but I could relax.

>> Yeah.

>> There's a little handle there.

>> Yep.

Back he goes.

Oh, nice.

>> And it goes all the way back.

>> Yeah.

Now, tell me, Mike, does it have that all-important Foots' retailer's label on it?

>> Yes.

Yes, it does.

On the back, it says Foots', Great Portland Street, London.

>> Perfect.

That makes me very, very happy.

>> Oh, good.

I'm pleased by that.

>> It was unique at the time.

And there's the most wonderful advert saying, "Wouldn't this chair aid your relaxation and rest?"

Not only did the Foot company make these chairs in the late 19th century, they also introduced other slightly wackier inventions, like their patented drawer trunks and their home Turkish bath.

But it's the chair, not surprisingly, which has survived best.

It was called the Burlington chair, but it was totally new and innovative in its time.

>> Yeah.

>> I love the fact that you still have the original cushion on the back.

>> Right.

Okay.

>> And I love the fact that you haven't reupholstered it.

>> No.

Well, somebody told us that we shouldn't reupholster it because it would lose some of its value, so... >> At auction, I mean, the condition is a little tired.

>> Yes.

>> I think a sensible estimate, bit of a "come and get me" estimate would be in the region of £300 to £500.

>> Okay.

>> But I think it could surprise us.

>> I hope so.

>> We like a surprise.

>> We do indeed.

>> [ Laughs ] Well, you look very comfy in that chair.

>> It is very comfy.

>> Yeah, it looks it, but I still got an awful lot of room yet to go in in your home.

So I'm going to leave you there, relaxing and reclining.

I'm going to keep going.

>> Oh, thanks.

>> Enjoy.

>> I will.

Bye.

♪ >> Mike's happy to see it go only at the right price though.

So it's going to the auction with a reserve of £500 where it will be joined by this ornate 19th-century oak table in great condition, apart from a missing finial, which fortunately I found in the drawer and that just has to be glued and reattached.

There we are.

Lovely.

Well, the glue won't hold it in place on its own.

And they seem to all be nailed in as well, so I want to put a nail in on the other side.

I'm actually gonna drill a pilot hole first of all.

Oak can be very brittle.

And if you don't drill a pilot hole when you go straight in with a nail, 9 times out of 10, it's going to split.

So whenever I'm doing any woodwork, I always make sure that I drill a pilot hole for whatever screw or whatever I'm about to use.

Once fixed, Christine is giving it an estimate of £200 to £300.

However, there was one item I needed help with.

>> I'm Diana Bell, based in west Northumberland.

So I got a huge kick out repairing watches and clocks.

My dad says I took my first watch apart when I was about four.

I couldn't put it back together again.

When the clock came in, I thought it might just need cleaning.

But when I took it out the case and examined it, I found there was two teeth missing on one of the main spring barrels, which is a big problem.

Fortunately, it looks like we'll have managed to source one.

So here's hoping we can do the full job on this clock.

>> Diana's next task is to clean the movement in an ammonium-based fluid for a few minutes, not to be tried at home.

Then she uses a cocktail stick to get right into the pinions before taking out a brush.

>> She has quite a stiff bristle, so it's very good for polishing up plates and getting all the rest of the muck out.

>> Now Diana applies the oil and replaces the broken spring barrel before putting it all back together again.

>> This clock knows the Westminster chimes.

And I personally love Westminster chimes myself.

We will get this one up and chiming again so people can take it home and enjoy it.

And we know it won't end up in landfill.

>> Hear, hear.

I'm giving it a low estimate of £30 to £40 because the market for these isn't what it once was.

But it's so much better than the throwaway clocks of today and should last for many more years.

And now our time is just about up.

Hey.

>> Hey.

Gold!

>> I know!

>> You're sitting down, relaxing with your gold around you.

>> In my recliner.

>> Very nice.

>> In the dry.

>> Yes.

>> Right.

Come on then.

You going to take a table?

>> I'll take a table.

>> I'll take the stamp albums.

>> It's been a long and very successful day.

>> When did it get dark?

[ Laughs ] >> It does happen.

>> It does.

Thank you for such a lovely day.

>> Thank you.

It's been wonderful.

It's been amazing.

>> Thank you for everything.

>> Oh, it's such a pleasure.

We'll see you at the auction.

>> Absolutely.

>> See you at the auction.

>> Take care.

>> Take care.

Bye.

>> Bye-bye!

>> It's auction time and six months later, we are in nearby County Durham.

>> What a beautiful part of the country.

Look at those rolling hills over there.

>> And the sheep?

>> Yeah, lots of sheep.

I've had time to get the items cataloged and drum up interest.

The venue's going to be quite something as well.

We are going to the Bowes Museum today for our auction.

>> Yeah.

>> It is incredible and packed full of priceless, priceless pieces of art.

We're going to be transported to a French paradise.

>> Oh, lovely.

>> There she blows, a fabulous purpose-built, 19th-century art museum in Barnard Castle.

Are you actually driving up to the front?

Will, I'm not sure we're allowed to do this.

>> I am.

>> Really?

>> There we go.

>> [ Laughs ] >> There we go.

I'll just stop there.

What?

>> You're driving to the front of this beautiful museum in our van.

>> It's fine.

>> Okay, let's go.

Inside, they have masterpieces by the likes of El Greco, Goya and Canaletto.

But we'll be selling our much more affordable treasures with a lovely view of the building itself.

>> We'll be hoping for good prices, though, not least for the toys I repaired.

But what will Carol and Mike, who's recovering from a bout of alopecia, make of the restoration?

>> Oh!

>> Hello.

>> Hello.

>> Look what I've got here.

>> [ Gasps ] Oh, gosh.

They look fantastic.

I can just imagine Dad playing with these when he was a little boy.

>> Really?

>> Just fantastic.

>> I have high hopes for these.

I'm hoping that we can be galloping.

>> Oh!

>> Likewise for the other 21 lots going under the hammer today, enabling Mike and Carol to clear some clutter and make some cash for that trip to Cambodia.

>> Welcome to our auction, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you so much for coming here today to the very beautiful Bowes Museum, certainly one of most glamorous locations I've ever held an auction at.

So with the help of Guy and the team from Thomas N. Miller Auctioneers of Newcastle, let's get cracking.

First up, the gold cigarette case that once belonged to Mike's grandfather.

Someone's left a bid at my bottom estimate.

I'll open it at £400 with my commission bidder and we'll see what happens.

At £400 I have.

420, 440.

460.

480.

500.

520.

530.

540?

>> Oh, brilliant.

>> 550 with you, madam.

At £550, seated with the lady at £550 and selling.

If we're all settled at £550.

What a start, all thanks to Mike's grandfather.

>> I think we're halfway to Cambodia, halfway.

>> We've got as far as Singapore.

>> Next we have the Rolex Carol never wore.

I would expect at least £200.

And I've got interest here.

What have I got?

I've got to start this at £170 with my commission bidder.

180.

Thank you.

I'm out at £180 with the lady on the phone.

Oh, my goodness.

I've got 180.

I'm afraid I'm gonna have to skip a bit.

I've got 180, 200, 250, 300, 350, £380 is with my online bidder at £380.

I'll take 400.

But if not, I will sell to my online bidder at £380.

>> £380 sold.

That's really good.

>> It certainly is.

And now it'll be put to use.

>> No such big bucks expected for the mantel clock, but at least we got it going.

>> And it's now ticking away and keeping good time.

I'd like to ask £30 for it.

£30 and 30 I have.

Thank you, madam.

And I will sell it if there's no further interest.

I'm looking for 35.

35 I have.

You have competition, team.

Will you bid 40?

40 is bid.

Thank you.

At £40, at the back at £40.

Come back to me, online.

I'm looking to you for £45 and I have it at 45.

Thank you very much, at 50 I have, looking for 55 from you now, online.

The bid is at £50, 55 against you.

>> Go on.

>> She's shaking her head.

She's out at £55 and selling at 55.

>> Sold.

>> Yes.

>> That's good.

It's gone now.

>> To someone who will give it a home, saved from the dump and for a decent price.

Now for the 9-karat-gold vesta case, which should make at least £250.

Here with me at £220.

240.

260, at 260 with my bidder here looking for 270 from you now.

270, 280.

290 with you, madam.

Thank you.

At £290.

Thank you.

With the lady at £290 looking for 300 now, and selling it if we're all settled at £290.

>> Sold, sold.

>> We've got something.

>> We certainly have, going great guns.

>> I wonder who's got this chap in their sights.

The cold-painted bronze duck.

Who will start me at £100 for it, for our duck at £100?

£100 I have straightaway online at £100.

Looking for 110 now.

At £100 I have it.

Looking for 110.

Otherwise I will sell to my online bidder if we're all settled at £100.

>> Sold.

>> Gone.

>> Yeah.

>> That's the duck gone.

>> So long, duck.

All in a good cause.

Now for the first of the furniture, that gothic table I fixed the finial on.

So much craftsmanship has gone into making this.

So hopefully someone today is going to want to have this.

>> How about it for £100?

Any interest at £100 at all?

At £100.

100 I have.

Thank you, madam.

At £100.

I'm looking for 110 now as I will sell this, make no mistake, if we're all settled at £100 and selling at 100.

Space duly saved in Mike and Carol's next home.

>> Now, this chair will be much more missed.

>> I absolutely love this armchair.

>> It's incredibly comfy, isn't it?

>> It is.

I'm really sorry to see it going, and I hope it goes, but part of me hopes it won't go.

>> Right.

I'm looking for £500.

That's the slightly daunting reserve Mike set.

No interest online.

Shall we try it 450 and see what happens?

>> I can't believe that nobody wants to buy this.

>> Otherwise, Mike, you'll be taking it home.

>> I think so.

>> At £450.

>> Shame.

>> We shall pass at 450.

>> Shame.

>> Sometimes a no sale isn't such a bad thing.

I think he knew that actually, in his heart of hearts, he didn't want to sell it, so I'm thrilled for him that he can take his chair home and he can have many more years of sitting in it just chilling out.

>> Back to the gold.

This bracelet is sure to sell.

>> I have got to start this at £400 with my commission bidder here at £400.

£400 looking for 420.

At 420.

440.

460.

480.

500, 520.

>> 500 so far.

>> Just amazing.

>> 540.

I'm out at £540.

Looking for 560 but selling if we're all settled at £540.

>> Another good one.

Another good one.

>> Yes.

And gold wins again.

It's turning into quite a day at the Bowes Museum.

>> £280.

>> Good.

>> At £85.

>> Wow.

>> With hundreds of pounds heading towards Mike and Carol's coffers.

Still going up.

>> At £320.

More gold now, the 18-karat Albert chain and compass bulb.

My commission bidder here at £500.

>> Oh!

>> £500, that's nice.

>> That's a nice start.

>> At £500.

520.

540.

560.

The bit is at £560 and selling at 560.

>> Excellent.

>> That's the best result of the day with just two items to go.

First, the Stanley Gibbons stamp albums.

Who will start me at £150 for them?

Where's 150?

150 I have straightaway online.

Thank you at £150.

150, 160, 170, 180, 190 is bid.

>> It's going up.

>> 200, 220 I have.

>> It's still going.

>> At £220.

The bid is online, 240, 260 is bid.

At £260.

280, 300.

At £300 is bid and 320.

340.

Bids coming here fast and furious -- 360, 380 I have.

400, 420, at £420.

440, 460.

At 460, 480, thank you.

>> It looks like Christina has an online bidding war on her hands.

>> £500 I have.

>> 500, there you go.

>> 550 I have.

At £550.

>> Oh, my gosh.

>> 600 is bid.

>> 600?

>> At £600.

Come back to me at 650 and they have at £650.

700 is now bid.

At £700, looking for 750.

But fair warning, I will sell at £700.

>> That's great, isn't it?

>> £700!

>> That's just brilliant.

It's just... >> How long have they been sitting in your spare room for?

>> Years, years.

>> Years and years.

>> It's a good job Carol and Christina retrieved them.

>> Certainly was.

Now the final lot, another neglected treasure -- Mike's dad's toys.

>> Now back standing.

Tally ho.

>> One of my personal favorite lots in the auction that we have for Mike and Carol today, which is the carved wooden little horse set.

>> I love these.

I love these.

>> You're on.

[ Laughs ] >> I basically presented Will with a box of bits and bless him, he had spent quite a long time putting things back together again.

We have an estimate of £100 to £150.

Let's see what happens.

We'll open it at £100.

100, 200, 300, 420.

£440 is bid.

460, 480, 500.

550 is bid, looking for 600.

600 is bid.

650 is bid.

At £650 and 700 I have.

£750 is bid.

At £800 is bid.

Online at £800.

850, 900, 950.

£1,000.

At £1,000 is bid.

£1,100.

It's not stopped.

1,200, 1,300.

>> You're k-- >> At £1,300 I have online at £1,300.

Look at this.

You can see it for yourself, look.

>> That's amazing.

>> £1,300.

>> Oh, yeah.

>> At £1,300.

Looking for 1,400 on the phone at £1,400.

1,500.

They're back.

1,600?

>> He's going to say no.

>> Yeah.

>> 1,600.

1,700.

Thank you.

1,800?

1,800.

Thank you.

Looking for 1,900.

1,900 is bid, straightaway at 1,900.

Round it up to 2,000 for me.

At £1,900 selling if we're all settled at £1,900.

>> Oh, Will, thank you, Will!

>> Hear, hear.

What a fantastic job.

>> That's amazing.

>> Just brilliant.

>> You must be pleased.

>> Oh, yeah.

>> Absolutely.

Over the moon.

>> There we go.

That comes to the end of our auction today, ladies and gentlemen.

It's been a joy to have you all with us today.

Thank you.

>> Mike and Carol's face when the money was just going up, they could not believe it.

It almost feels like a bit of a dream.

But the reality is all that money added up and we leave them today with a huge sum of cash.

>> But how much?

Here we go.

Look at those smiley faces, my goodness.

>> You look very happy.

>> I am very happy.

We've had a lovely day.

Thank you very much.

The sun has been shining.

You've been working our socks off.

>> So would you like to know how much we raised today?

>> We'd love to know how much we raised today.

>> After fees... £4,690.72.

>> Oh, that 72 pence.

>> That is brilliant.

>> Today's been wonderful.

To make that amount of money in a day is pretty good really.

And we're going to be going off and looking at flights.

>> Yes, we are going to Cambodia.

We can definitely afford it now.

>> What's more, an online bidder came back afterwards saying they would pay the reserve on Mike's chair, adding a nice bit of spending money.

>> That's great, isn't that?

>> Down to a fine art.

>> There we are.

>> Perfect.

>> Let's see if the van works.

Ready?

[ Engine starts ] There we are.

>> There we go.

>> Somewhere out there is another house that needs our help.

>> Right, who would like help next?

♪ ♪ ♪