The Travelling Auctioneers

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

>> Oh, oh!

>> Your tools are going to 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 those 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 sale room.

Age 50, 900.

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

>> �2,200.

You know what we say.

Have gavel, will travel.

>> Hello, Norfolk.

The county where you'll find the beautiful Broads, stunning beaches, and today, our little blue van.

I don't know if I've actually been to Norfolk before.

>> Really?

>> Yeah, it's a first for me.

>> You need to get out more.

>> I need to get out more.

>> I believe it has the biggest colony of seals in the U.K. >> Where do you pull that fact from?

>> I just know this stuff.

It's useless information that's in my brain.

>> Something I know is that today the house we're heading to is going to give us a sizable challenge.

I believe we're going to what some might call a big old house.

>> So, my first thought as an auctioneer... >> Yeah?

>> ...is lofts and cellars.

That is where all the things go that people don't want to lose.

>> Paintings?

A little Picasso in the attic.

>> Well, we can dream, can't we?

We're on our way to Norwich to meet mother and daughter Savita and Anita.

>> She's the best daughter in the world.

I can't find any more word than that.

>> I'll give you five at least.

[ Laughter ] >> That's not enough.

>> Savita came over from India to the U.K. in the '60s.

With her husband, Chandra, they started a new life and raised a family.

>> Sadly, Chandra died 19 years ago, leaving Savita to look after Anita and her sister on her own.

>> My mother is just an amazing, amazing woman.

She's a mother, she's a friend.

She's like a sister.

She just embraces every project and every mad thing I do and just runs with everything.

So, yeah, really blessed.

>> One of those mad projects was a move out to the country and this listed manor house built in the 1820s.

It's a huge house for just the two of them, but they've got some big plans for this place.

>> Ten years ago, Anita set up a charity that supports victims of forced marriage, and they want to turn the house into a safe space for young women in danger.

>> The idea would be that this could be an amazing refuge, a sanctuary for girls to escape from the most hideous, worst type of crime to where they could be in a place of safety and learn skills and grow in confidence they could be the best people they are without fear of retribution.

>> It's a cause that clearly means a lot.

And that's where we come in.

Our job will be to sift through some of their possessions, get them selling at auction, and make some money to help turn that dream into reality.

>> I think the idea of just items sitting in boxes or in corners of rooms where they're not loved and enjoyed is absolutely wrong.

We've enjoyed and loved them, and it's someone else's opportunity to have them now.

Having Christina and Will's support and expertise will just be amazing.

>> One huge house to hunt in and only a day to find lots of hidden goodies.

I think we're going to be busy, Christina.

[ Bell rings ] Hello.

>> Hello.

Do come in.

>> Thank you very much.

>> My goodness.

This is gorgeous!

>> Very grand.

Thanks for having us in your house, mansion, castle?

I don't know.

It's huge.

>> It is absolutely beautiful.

And I see that it's got a lot of things in it.

>> Yes.

>> Where would you recommend us starting?

>> Why not try the billiards room?

>> The billiards room?

>> Sounds like a murder mystery tour, doesn't it?

[ Laughter ] >> Well, it's time for us to split up and do a bit of detective work then.

That's huge.

I'm keeping my eye out for old items that could benefit from the Will Kirk touch.

These benches are really nice.

Bit tired on the bottom.

They might polish up really nicely, actually.

That's a really nice set.

I like that.

There's plenty to get my teeth into.

And some of these pieces look like they're almost as old as the house.

>> Which is why I'm starting out at the bottom of the garden with Anita.

Two centuries of previous owners have left their mark on the place, and there's a lot of old items that have just been discarded out here.

So, this is the slightly less glamorous part of the house, Anita.

>> Just slightly.

These are things that were found in the garden.

>> It might look like a scrap yard, but one person's trash is another's treasure.

So we've got baths here.

And I love those windows.

They're beautiful.

A light fitting?

Where did that come from?

>> We just found that hanging in the garden.

>> Okay.

Interesting as a garden feature.

Oh, and I like those as well.

You've got four rows of saddle rack.

Those are quite cool, aren't they?

Used for storing accessories for horse riding, these would have come out of a stable block originally.

But nowadays, these odd bits of metal are prime candidates for a spot of upcycling.

I think they'll go down quite well when offered for sale as a lot in the auction.

We've got a lot in the sort of saddle racks and bridle hooks.

We've got a lot in the rather lovely garden light fitting, and then we've got a lot in the ground door windows.

Right.

It's all whirling away in my brain now, Anita.

I'm going to value the tack racks at �40 to �60, and �30 to �50 for that light fitting.

And I think those old round windows have a lot of potential.

So �100 to �200 is my estimate for those.

I'm up and running.

Anything your end, Will?

>> This is nice.

Oh.

[ Laughs ] Nothing to see here.

Okay.

Right.

Well, that's definitely broken.

That can glue back into place.

But I think this is a nest of tables that should... slide into there.

Now, if you've got furniture like this, that's looking a bit sad, it just takes a little bit of work to bring it back to life.

There's potential there.

>> There you are.

>> Hello.

>> I've been exploring.

>> Have you?

>> Aha!

>> I did not break this.

>> Are you sure?

>> That was already pretty much broken.

>> My goodness.

That looks a bit sad.

>> The tops are really tired and cracked and dry and broken legs.

>> Are we able to fix it?

>> This is something I can definitely sprinkle some magic over.

>> Brilliant.

You've been busy.

>> I've been very busy.

>> Yeah.

>> And with these as the first thing on my to-do list, I'm about to get busier.

>> Well, I'm not dragging my heels either, Will.

I'm still not done with the outside yet.

Outhouses and sheds often yield the best things.

Let's have a -- Whoa!

This is pretty full.

What's going on in here?

Okay, so, ah, we've got more matching tack racks there, so we could add those to the ones that are outside.

And these two light fittings look like they kind of match the rectangular one that was outside.

That's a really rather lovely pole lantern.

So our list of things to sell is growing.

And we've got Will's wobbly tables, of course.

>> They won't be wobbly for long.

Time to break out the tools.

Right, before I start tackling that damaged finished surface, I need to get this table back and it's four legs sturdy enough to take the sanding and the polishing that's going to come its way.

As wood dries out and shrinks over time, joints in furniture can get loose and fall apart, but there's a really easy fix.

All it's going to take is a tiny bit of wood glue in there.

Right on the top.

Should slide into place.

This is just run of the mill wood glue, but it's great stuff.

It creates a bond that's as strong as the wood itself.

You just need to clamp in place whilst it sets.

I'm going to leave that to dry, and once it has, then I can get stuck into the polishing.

And while we wait, I'm off to see what else I can find.

>> Savita and Anita want a big clearout of their possessions, and they plan to use some of the auction proceeds to help young women in trouble.

But it's not just their charity work that's motivating them to declutter.

Three years ago, aged 41, Anita was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition that required life-changing brain surgery.

>> Mum and I talked about the surgery and the fact, one, I might not come back out of surgery.

I remember when she said goodbye to me in the hospital, and I looked and she kissed me and I thought, "Is this the last time I'm ever going to see her?"

And that was incredibly difficult.

>> We were all concerned about it.

You know, you hope she come back because the last 19 years, she's my left arm and right arm.

And I can't do it without her.

>> And going through such a traumatic experience has made them think about the things that matter most.

>> I've had to re-evaluate everything in my life, and one of the things has been possessions.

And I've really had to think about, you know, if I don't pull through this surgery, what on Earth is going to happen not only to my mum but all the stuff that we're surrounded by?

Because they don't bring us happiness.

For us, just not having so many possessions around us would be amazing because it would just be a much more simple, easier life.

>> We better hop to it then.

If we can help clear out the clutter... Oh, that's nice.

...and make some money for a really good cause... >> Love your console table.

>> ...it sounds like a win-win to me.

Oh, you look very sad.

Don't you?

What are you missing a knob for?

Is there one in there?

Hmm.

Well, I can't walk by and leave this just with one knob.

I think if I can turn a new knob and have a matching pair, there's a higher chance that this can go on to someone else and be used again.

I'll just grab the existing one to work out templates for the new ones.

Now I just need to find some wood.

And as luck would have it, there's an old shed full of the stuff.

There's a ton of this gorgeous beech wood.

This all came from trees that were felled in the garden.

You don't get more locally sourced than that.

Oh, that could be good.

Look at that.

Now, that might come in handy for those wooden knobs.

Well, it's time to break out my lathe, I think.

I've measured out the width of the original knob.

I'm now going to start to turn this rectangular block of wood into a cylindrical piece to that same width.

Of course, you could just buy some off-the-shelf replacements for these.

But making them from salvaged word is so much more fun.

Some types of words are a lot easier to turn than others.

Some are quite dry and quite brittle and can be quite hard to turn because it can be really unpredictable, whereas this lovely piece of beech is quite dense.

So I can cut through it like a hot knife through butter.

>> While Will's hard at work out here, back in the house, I've been busy, too.

I think I've unearthed some genuine antiques, but I'm going to need a bit of help to find out.

>> Hi, hi!

>> Hello.

>> Oh, my goodness.

>> Ah, you bought me a very small cup of tea.

How kind of you.

>> Um, no.

>> No?

They are very pretty.

>> They are very pretty.

Great color, aren't they?

>> How are you getting on?

>> Yeah, good.

I am a bit blind, though.

Can you tell me how many dots are on one side of that mark and how many are on the other?

>> I think I need one of your little monocle things to do this.

>> [ Laughs ] Monocle things.

>> Very little dots.

So we have six dots on the right and five dots on the left.

>> These cups are Royal Worcester.

And at one point in time, they stamped their wares with a series of dots to show the date when they were made.

It just takes a bit of antiques detective work to crack the code.

Okay, so 24 dots in 1915.

That's 30, so it's 1902.

Thanks very much.

>> Shame about the tea or lack thereof.

>> [ Laughs ] I'll work on it.

I'll work on it.

Very unsubtle hint taken.

One of Britain's oldest porcelain manufacturers, the history of Royal Worcester can be traced back to 1751, when it was founded by Dr. John Wall, a medic and chemist.

He devised the secret formula to create this fragile but heat-resistant porcelain.

There are a lot of collectors out there, and the right pieces in perfect condition can fetch very good prices.

So our set of six cups, always removable solid silver mounts would be perfect for the auction.

Anita, it feels like I'm having tea with the Queen.

[ Laughter ] Now, can you tell me where the set came from?

>> When we bought the house, it was a gift from the previous owner to my mother.

>> Aww.

>> And he just thought it was very pretty and colorful, like her.

So he gifted them to her.

>> That is really sweet.

>> And we've never actually used them because they're so delicate.

I'm a bit scared of them, really.

>> They are so delicate.

Bearing in mind, they are quite seriously of an age.

So if you look at one of these -- let's have a look.

One of the reasons that I love silver and Royal Worcester is that it gives you the exact date that it was made.

On the bottom, you've got a hallmark.

There's an oval mark that says J.R.

So that was made by a company called John Round and Sons.

You've then got a crown which indicates that it was made in Sheffield, and then you've got a date letter, which is "I" for 1901.

>> Oh, okay.

>> Yes.

Over 100 years old.

Over 120 years old now.

About the same age as the cups.

So these are definitely the original mounts.

They're not particularly rare, but nonetheless, they are always sought after.

And I would suggest at auction, a sensible estimate would be in the region of �80 to �120.

>> I think that's fantastic because every penny helps.

So that would be excellent.

>> Hopefully the collectors will be out in force when we come to sell them so we can find these beauties a new home.

>> Here's hoping those can make a tidy amount at auction.

Back outside, things are anything but tidy.

In fact, I'm making a bit of a mess.

There we are.

I've now turned the outer width for the new knobs.

The next thing I need to do is to mark off these indentations where the new knobs are going to go.

I'll draw it out on some paper first and then transfer the marks onto the wood.

Well, that's all marked out now, and it's time to start turning in that detail.

This is the fun bit.

I'll rough it out first and then start perfecting the shape.

Just this little bit of work should add the extra pill when it goes to be sold.

Just needs finishing with a bit of wax to protect it and bring out that lovely wood grain.

There we are, all done.

It doesn't look like two knobs right now, but I just need to cut those into individual pieces, get some glue on there, and stick them on the front of the drawer.

And there we go.

It's back to its old self again.

With those new drawer pulls in place, Christina's given it an estimate of �30 to �50 for the auction.

And speaking of Christina, I better check in.

I'm sure she's rushed off her feet.

[ Laughs ] What's going on here?

>> Ah, busted!

>> It looks nice.

>> And they are surprisingly comfy.

Look, this back goes up and down, look.

See?

So I haven't done nothing.

I have actually been working.

>> Of course you have.

>> But they have seen better days.

There is one over there.

Try it out.

>> If I sit down, I can't get back up.

>> Okay.

[ Both laugh ] Designed for the upper crust to recline on during the day, the chaise longue is the height of opulence, gracing the halls of grand houses since the 16th century.

Sadly, our two are more shabby than chic.

So they'll need a lot of TLC before we can sell them.

>> Shall I leave you there napping, or you going to come upstairs?

>> No, no.

You can help me carry them.

I'm not going to make you carry them.

I'm not going to make you carry them.

[ Laughter ] >> Come on.

>> I would never do that to you.

[ Laughs ] >> Now, upholstering is slightly out of my skill set, but luckily we know a guy.

The Glasgow-based upholsterer, James Davidson, has been breathing new life into flagging furniture for over 20 years.

>> When the furniture came in, it's not something I see very often, the older stuff.

>> While my fixes have all been about restoring things to their former glory, James is going to give these sad-looking seats a modern revamp.

So it's time to banish the buttons, say ta-da the to the tassels and cover them with more contemporary material.

He's going for Harris Tweed, hard-wearing and ever so en vogue, darling.

>> But the tweed is quite expensive to buy.

So anybody that sees that at auction hopefully will know that.

>> It's not a cheap fix.

The cost of reupholstering all depends on the fabric you use.

But it'll turn those two dated and unlovable lumps into must-have money spinners when they go under the hammer later on.

We'll leave James to crack on and head back to our own master craftsman.

Time to test that wobbly table leg.

>> Right.

Well the clamp is off.

That is nice and sturdy.

Lovely, right.

That's solid enough now for me to start stripping it back.

I'm not too sure what's on there, but I think it is like a synthetic varnish.

It's really dried out.

You can't really see that lovely grain in the wood.

I'm going to stick on a mask because this varnish is nasty stuff.

First off, it's time to break out my power tools.

I need to take these tabletops back to the wood.

An electric sander will make short work of that nasty old varnish.

Right, well, that's as far as I want to go with the electric sander.

They are really good at doing most of the bulk of the work.

However, with something as fine as this.

I'm going to finish this off by hand because these have both been veneered.

And if I go through that veneer, I'm in trouble.

The tabletop has a layer of high-quality wood on the surface, but it's really thin.

Fine sandpaper and a lighter touch are required so I don't damage the design.

It's always good practice to sand in the same direction as the grain.

If you go against the grain, then you can rough up the fibers.

When it comes to polishing or varnishing, you don't get a lovely finish.

And now we've got rid of that cracked and tired varnish, you can really see which way the grain is going.

Thankfully, that's all the sanding done.

The surface is nice and smooth and ready to take a lick of polish.

>> Ah What have you been doing?

>> I've been working, Christina.

>> Where have you been?

Oh, my goodness.

Okay.

I'm not going to hang around out here.

Clearly, it's far too grubby.

>> You look far too clean.

>> I've been working hard.

>> I barely got fingerprints left, all the sanding and the work I've been doing.

>> I'm going to carry on because I'm not going to get like that.

>> And she's off again.

Oh.

>> Yep.

Back indoors to get my hands dirty.

I've managed to unearth a few precious-looking items that seem just a little bit special.

Now, Anita and Savita, I had a little bit of a rummage round before, and I found a couple of things.

Talk me through what they are.

>> Years ago, they don't have an eye pencil.

So this is actually eyeliner.

So I used to use it.

>> Did you?

>> Yeah.

>> I mean, you'd know if you poked yourself in the eye with that, wouldn't you?

And what is this?

>> First day when you got married, your husband put the sindoor on your hair and then put it on your forehead.

>> Yeah.

>> So after that, every morning, after the shower, you have to put it on because you are married now.

>> Aww!

So that is a marriage piece, essentially?

>> That's right, a marriage centerpiece.

>> And again, in silver, so really pretty.

The two little silver jars, I would say that at auction, I would hope we're probably looking in the region of sort of �60 to �100, something in that sort of region.

What are your thoughts about that?

>> I think that's fine.

We could let those go.

>> Because we're not going to use it, so no point to keep it.

>> Perfect.

There's always a demand for good quality silver.

So we'll add those to our ever growing pile of auction lots.

So far, we've got fine China, architectural ironwork, and a couple of interesting light fittings.

Right.

It's all whirling away in my brain.

Who knows how much these could all make when we take them on the road to sell?

>> And then there's all those bits of furniture we're working on.

We've got those two chaise longues, quite a few tables in the works, and there's something else that I looked at earlier.

I think I'm going to need a hand with this one.

I really like this table, and I love the benches.

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

It looks like it's come out of some school somewhere.

Doesn't it?

It's like a refectory table.

>> Refectory table, exactly.

The base of these benches look very tired, very dry.

And I think they can do with a little bit of TLC, a light clean.

Would you mind helping me outside with this, Christina?

>> Come on then, bend those knees.

>> Bend the knees.

Up!

>> [ Straining ] This is really heavy.

>> You're doing a really great job.

I feel bad about making you go backward.

>> Ever the gentleman, eh, Will?

Oh, oh, look at you, Mr.

Organized.

>> Oh, there we are.

>> There we go.

Oh, can you make it lighter?

>> Good idea.

I can chop it in half.

I don't think that's the plan.

>> Four benches.

>> Four benches.

Increase the value already.

>> Cool.

Have fun.

I think they're lovely.

>> Thanks a lot.

Right.

Well, I'm hoping this is going to be a really quick fix.

I'm going to use some methylated spirits to clean up that surface dirt.

Then I can finish the legs off with a really thin coat of polish.

It's definitely going to breathe some new life into this and make a massive difference on sale day.

Methylated spirits breaks down the grease and grime that can build up over the years on an old, well-used piece of furniture like this.

This bench is a great example of simple furniture that's been simply made, simple joints, and it's been sort of painted on the sides.

It's really old, but it's still very sturdy.

And pieces like this will last years and years and years.

The meths is doing a great job at cleaning up this wood.

It's evaporating really quickly, so not long now before I can start getting that polish on.

Shellac is a resin secreted on trees in India and Thailand by the lac beetle.

It takes hundreds of thousands of these little critters to produce just one kilo of this stuff, but it works wonders as a wood polish.

Well, that's all polished up now.

Considering this has just had a quick clean and a thin coat of polish, I think it looks really good.

I hope everybody else likes it too.

>> I'm sure they will.

I'm giving the table and bench set an auction estimate of �200 to �300.

Once you've worked your magic on the other bench, of course, Will.

Meanwhile, I've had a tip-off on some potentially big-ticket items.

Anita has just mentioned to me that they've got some residual family jewelry that normally lives in the bank that they've bought out just to show me.

So I'm armed and dangerous and ready to go.

I can't wait.

You have got a really beautiful array of jewelry on the tray here, and I have had a little look at the marks on it, and I've had a bit of a weigh of it as well.

The gold is all really high-karat gold.

The gold in Indian jewelry is often incredibly pure, usually 22 to 24 karat.

As gold is valued by weight, it's quite easy to work out how much the metal is worth, but the exquisite craftsmanship on these pieces makes them even more valuable.

So, we've got the bangles there, and then this incredible suite of jewelry with the garnet beads.

You've got tablet-cut diamonds and, of course, the gold, that beautiful motif.

This piece here, where did that come from, Savita?

>> That one, I had it done over here.

My husband had it done for me.

I never liked it.

It was very big and heavy.

And I call it a dog chain.

>> The dog chain?

[ Laughs ] I think it's absolutely beautiful.

Again, it's 22-karat gold.

It's actually stamped on the back 916.

So 916 would indicate that there are 916 parts per thousand of gold.

So that just shows you how fine the gold is.

Now, there is an issue with that in that 22 karat gold is obviously a lot softer, 'cause it has a much higher gold content.

So we do have to be careful when we're assessing 22 karat gold that there are no condition issues, no splits or anything like that.

I've had a really good look, and all of your jewelry is in beautiful condition.

I'm very excited with these.

By selling jewelry they no longer wear, Anita and Savita could make serious money for their charity.

I'm going to put these into the auction as six separate lots that I estimate could fetch a whopping �6,000 to �10,000.

>> Really good.

Very good.

I like it.

>> Yeah, that would make a difference.

>> I think my work here is done.

How about you, Will?

>> Well, just one final fix left -- that nest of tables might not be worth as much, but I think they're going to be little gems.

I could stain this, however, I'm going to see what it looks like with a thin coat of polish, and that'll show me the true cut of the wood underneath there.

And after all that prep work, here comes the magic.

Look at that.

Lovely.

That was just a quick sand and a really thin lick of polish, and already, that is completely transformed.

I don't think I'm going to have to stain this.

I think a few coats of polish is going to seal it in and protect it and show off that lovely mahogany grain.

>> Oh, he's good, isn't he?

Those worthless bits of wood are now a couple of tip-top tables and should go down well at the auction.

From the sad-looking chaise lounges to the stunning gold jewelry, we've unearthed a wealth of forgotten gems in Savita and Anita's home.

>> And we've brought a few tired bits of furniture back from the brink, saving them from the scrap heap and giving them some auction appeal.

>> Let's just hope our hard work pays off when it all goes under the hammer.

How many tables have you already put in the back?

Because it feels heavier.

>> Well... >> She's swinging around corners now.

>> There's a lot of stuff in the back.

>> There is a lot of stuff in the back.

And how much of it is mine?

>> Okay, if you want more than two shelves... >> Two shelves would be luxurious.

I've got one.

>> When you start helping me with the restoration, eh?

>> [ Laughs ] >> I'm joking, I'm joking.

>> I wouldn't let you touch my wax and my polishes.

>> And on that note, time we called it a day.

>> It's auction time in Norfolk, and we're raring to go.

>> Christina, Norfolk Broads, sun's shining, clear skies.

>> Look at that blue sky!

>> One thing I really love about around here is, it's so flat, there are less hills for me to have to drive up.

>> Yeah.

[ Both laugh ] And today's the day we discover if our finds and fixes are a hit with the bidders.

>> What if nothing sells?

>> I'm pleased that that's over to you right now.

>> Yeah, thanks.

>> But I am supporting you.

I will be there cheering you on.

>> Will you have a very strong coffee for me at the end of it?

>> Yes.

[ Laughs ] >> Today, we'll be setting up our sale room at the station in Aylsham, the final stop on the lovely little Bure Valley Railway.

It's been transporting tourists around the area since 1990, and handily, it's just a short train ride away from Savita and Anita's home.

This looks so pretty.

What a perfect site for an auction.

>> Absolutely glorious.

>> Alright, let's go.

>> We're setting up our pitch on the platform, which should give us space for quite a few bidders.

Being so close to Norwich and the Norfolk Broads, we're hoping for lots of locals and perhaps the odd holidaymaker too.

>> And we've also drummed up a few dealers and some online interest, so fingers crossed, we'll have plenty of punters with deep pockets.

I can safely say that I have never, ever done an auction from a train platform before, so this is going to be an absolute first for me.

What a great place to have it.

>> And bang on schedule, the train now arriving at platform two is the auction express.

On board, Savita, Anita, and India, the dog, of course.

>> Ah, I can see India.

Hi!

>> Hello, welcome!

Come this way.

We've got some lovely stuff to show you.

>> Thank you.

>> Alright, let's go.

Now, remember that tired pair of chaise lounge that we sent off to be reupholstered?

Well, they're back, and I have to say, I have never seen better looking platform seats.

>> Oh, wow.

They're not the same at all.

>> That is lovely.

>> Oh, wow.

>> They look incredible!

>> Aren't they?

>> Do you remember what they were like before?

>> They were burgundy and browns, but now they look... well, I'd be very proud to have in the house.

They're gorgeous.

>> And there's something else for them to see -- that sad looking nest of tables I found.

Now, before the auction starts, I wanted to show you these.

>> Oh, I can't believe that.

Are they the same tables?

>> Beautiful, really lovely.

I was going to chuck it in a bin.

>> Well, now I saved them, and hopefully, they go to a new home.

>> I hope so.

>> Fabulous.

Well done, Will.

>> Thank you very much.

>> That's fantastic.

They look really pleased with them.

We'll put absolutely heart and soul into those tables.

>> I'm really happy that I've been able to bring some life back into some of this old furniture that would have otherwise stood there, you would have walked past it.

But now, today, I'm hoping people will buy this stuff.

Those restored pieces are just a few of the 34 lots going under the hammer today.

If we can make some serious money for Savita and Anita, that would be amazing.

>> Platform One is filling up with interested parties.

We've got collectors, antique dealers, and even the occasional day tripper.

>> The auction is about to start.

How you're feeling?

>> Really excited about it.

Bit apprehensive, but yeah, really excited.

>> Is this the first auction you've been to so close to a train track?

>> That's right.

I've never been to an auction before.

>> As well as our platform punters, we've got Nick and Tim from local saleroom Keys Auctioneers taking care of our telephone and online bids.

So I think we're ready.

[ Train whistle blows ] Let's get this auction started.

[ Whistle blows ] [ Laughs ] I've always wanted to do that.

>> First up, Savita's Indian silver coal bottle and cinder pot.

>> And I am looking for �60 for them, pease, looking for �60 for the two at �60.

�50 if it helps, bid me �50, someone.

�50 I have.

Thank you.

On the platform at �50 with you, sir.

Selling at �50.

>> Good.

>> It looks like we're off to a good start.

Let's see how we do with the first lot of our 22 karat gold jewelry.

>> I have interest at �550, �560, �580.

I've got �580 online.

I'm looking for �600.

>> It's moving up quickly.

>> Got �600.

Got �620, �650, �680 is bid.

At �680 I have.

All settled at �680.

>> Oh, excellent.

>> Our two ladies seem happy with that.

That's our first serious amount of money.

Right.

Let's move on.

>> More jewelry, Savita's unloved pendant.

Let's try and find it a new home.

>> Starting bid here of �1,150.

�1,250 is bid.

>> �1,250!

>> Looking for �1,350 from you?

Anyone on the platform like to bid?

The bidding is at �1,250.

Well, it definitely appealed to one online bidder.

That's a smashing result.

>> Okay, brilliant news.

And up next, one of Christina's finds from the bottom of the garden, those old, round windows.

>> Any interest at �50?

At �50, I have.

Looking for �55.

At �50, I have.

This seems like an absolute bargain at �50, if it is with you, sir.

I'm selling at �50.

>> She thinks they were worth a lot more than �50.

>> I think they are worth a lot more, but what are we going to do?

>> Yep, I had high hopes for those.

Someone got a good deal there.

Next up, it's Will's pride and joy.

Alright, Will's gonna show you.

>> A lovely bit of a restoration work, they say.

I'll sign the bottoms if you want.

>> Is that the bottoms of the tables or...?

>> I'll sign anything if you buy them, really.

>> And I have interest here at �10.

Looking for �12?

�12 is bid.

Thank you.

At �12 I have.

And �15 and �18 and �20.

�22.

�25, sir?

�25.

�28, at �28 here.

�30 with you, sir.

>> I'm so excited!

>> �32?

�32.

Thank you.

�35.

At �35.

�38, sir?

�38.

Thank you.

At �38.

�40, sir?

I'm looking for �40.

�40 with you, sir.

Thank you.

At �40.

Will you go �5?

At �40 with you then, sir, seated in the rather lovely fetching tweed jacket.

�40 I will sell.

>> Yeah!

>> Well done!

>> Thank you!

>> Four times the estimate.

Just goes to show what a bit of elbow grease can do.

>> I think maybe, with Will's influence, we may have got a couple more bids on that.

>> I'm just trying to make myself useful.

>> Time for some proper antiques now, those lovely silver and royal Worcester porcelain coffee cans.

And I have interest already.

I've got �75, �85, �95 is bid, at �95.

Looking for �100 now.

At �95.

I have selling online at �95.

>> I'm glad they've gone to a good home.

>> Yes, much better than being stuck in a box at the bottom of the cupboard.

>> I am absolutely thrilled with the result on those coffee cans.

I mean, it was all about the color, that vibrancy in that wonderful canary yellow.

Great result.

>> And up next, that sad-looking table from under the stairs.

Lovely handles, if I do say so myself.

>> Will very ably put some handles on, looks beautiful.

>> Hold on.

Sorry.

I haven't put handles on.

I hand-turned new handles.

>> Hand-turned.

Sorry.

Hand-turned handles by Will Kirk.

And I have interest here.

What do I have?

I have �16, �18, �20, �22 is bid, at �22.

Looking for �25 from you now, ladies and gentlemen.

If you're all out on the platform, I will be selling, make no mistake, at �22.

And selling.

>> Sold?

>> Gone.

>> Whoever bought that is getting a bit of both of us, because it's your piece of furniture.

I turned up the knobs.

>> Yes, I think we get it, Will.

They were very nice knobs.

And talking of renovations, let's see what we can do with the first of these rejuvenated chaise lounge, as modeled by Will Kirk.

Sorry, bidders.

He is not included.

Recently reupholstered in the rather lovely tweed fabric.

We have an opening bid at �120.

Looking for one �130.

Thank you, sir.

At �130 is bid.

�140 there back.

�150, sir?

Don't miss it for a bid.

It's a beautiful thing.

If we're all done at �140.

>> Congratulations.

You got that.

>> Looks like you'll have to give up your seat, Will.

>> I think that other one's going to go as well.

The bidding is already higher than the first.

>> �210, I have online.

�210.

Come back to me at �220.

>> �210 is really good.

>> Thinking about it online.

�220 is bid.

Thank you.

>> Yes!

�220.

>> �230 there back.

�230 I have and selling online at �230.

>> That's not bad for two things that are just sitting around gathering dust downstairs.

>> Absolutely.

>> Two great results.

That was well worth the effort of getting them restored.

>> And they look fabulous.

>> They are fabulous.

>> Next up, another item with a touch of Will magic -- that rather fetching refectory table and benches.

They were looking a little tired, I think it's fair to say, were they not?

And Will's given them a good refresh and they're looking really rather lovely again.

And I have lots of interest in them here.

And it's already up there at �400, �450, �500, �550, and �600 is bid.

Now looking for �620.

>> �620.

>> �620, thank you.

The bidders on the telephone here at �620.

Looking for 650 from you now online.

Phone bidder at �620.

Come back to me online.

We are selling on a station platform at �620.

>> Sold!

>> Down to you, that one.

That's down to Will.

>> A bit of polish couldn't hurt.

I'm really pleased with that.

>> Time for another of my garden finds -- that unusual wrought iron lamp fixture.

Let's hope it lights up the bidders.

And I have interest here.

What have I got?

I've got �10, �12, �14, �16.

�18 is bid here.

At �18.

Looking for �20.

At �18 and �20 with you, madam.

Thank you.

�22 against you.

�24?

�24.

Thank you.

Looking for �26.

You at �24, with you madam at �24.

Looking for �26, but selling to you, madam, if we're all done and settled at �24.

Not bad at all for something that was left out to rust.

>> And it looks like the bidders are really getting into this.

>> We've got �100, �110, �120.

>> We're racking up some big sales for Anita and Savita... >> At �260.

>> ...as we find new homes for their other treasures we unearthed.

>> At �820.

>> Now we're down to the last two lots.

>> Now, moving on.

I thought they were saddle racks.

I've been very ably informed they are not saddle racks.

These are harness collar racks.

I've got �60, �70, �80, �90, �100.

I have here �100.

At �100, �110, �120.

At �120 here.

�130.

Looking for �140 now.

The bid is at �130.

The bid is online and selling, if we're all done, at �130.

>> Sold!

>> Well done.

>> That's unbelievable.

>> I said there was money in that garden scrap heap.

Just needed to find the right buyer.

>> And finally, the last of the gold jewelry, that set of 22 carat bangles.

>> Wow-ee.

So, the bidding is already going up.

I've got �1,800, �1,900.

�2,000 is bid online.

At �2,000.

I'm looking for �2,100.

At �2,100.

�2,200 is bid online.

Now at �2,200.

The bidding is settled online at �2,200.

>> Yeah!

>> That's a fabulous result to finish with.

Congratulations to Anita and Savita, and well done, Christina.

>> Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes the auction today.

A huge thank you for everybody that came and turned up and bid.

I'm absolutely thrilled with the amount of bids that we've had today, not even online.

I mean, that's incredible, but we've also have bidders on the platform.

>> Bought this light fixture.

We're actually on holiday, and we bought this as a souvenir.

>> We're going to restore it and hang it above our dining table at home.

>> A couple after my own heart.

And after auction fees are deducted, let's find out how much we made for Savita and Anita.

>> What an exciting day!

Well, we've got the numbers.

>> Have you?

>> Yes, we have.

>> Oh, good.

>> Would you like to know how much you made today?

>> Yes, please!

>> Straight to the money.

I like it.

Today we've made over �8,500.

>> Wow.

>> Oh, I can't believe it.

>> That's fantastic.

That's going to make a huge difference, and it will definitely help the charity.

We're really thrilled.

Thank you.

We weren't sure how much money the lots would make, so the expectation was, would anyone bid on any of the items?

So it's been an absolute amazing day.

>> For me, it's not just about the money.

All of this furniture could have gone to landfill, and I'd hope all the craftsmen that made these things would be very happy that I've kind of given them a bit of a helping hand for the future.

>> Time for our lovely ladies to catch their return train.

>> Bye!

>> Bye Anita!

Bye Savita!

>> Bye India!

>> We've made a nice sum of money for them, helped de-clutter their lives, and given their unwanted items a new lease of life.

Anita and Savita have gone home with over �8,500, which is just an incredible sum of money.

When I walked into the house, to be perfectly honest with you, I didn't see that kind of value.

But I am just over the moon for them.

>> I think that's a job well done.

>> What a day.

>> I know.

I thought that I'd do the driving, since you've had such a hard day.

>> Let's get on with it.

Come on.

We've got more work to do.

It doesn't stop now, does it?

Come on, Will.

The open road beckons.

>> Here we go.

Off to our next adventure.