The Travelling Auctioneers

[ Horn honks ] -[ Laughs ] -We're back on the road in our trusty travelling auction house... -Go, go, go!

-Come on, van!

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

-Finding value in those overlooked objects... -...Auction supremos Christina Trevanion... -Oh, that's brilliant.

-...and Izzie Balmer.

-Ta-da!

-Transforming has-beens into must haves, restorers JJ Chalmers... -I'm delighted with that.

-...and Robin Johnson.

-Look at that.

Doesn't she sing?

-Our mission?

-Huh.

-To give those unloved and forgotten gems a new lease of life.

-And make their owners some much-needed money.

-We've probably got about �1,500 to �2,000.

-[ Gasps ] -Everything we find... -...and fix... -...will go under the gavel in our travelling saleroom.

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

-I've got to start this at �700.

-I can't believe it.

-At �1,500, sold.

-[ Laughs ] -You know what we say -- have gavel, will travel.

-Coming from the Welsh borders and Scotland... -[ Chuckles ] -...it's quite unusual for us not to be surrounded by hills.

JJ and I are rolling through the Fens in rural West Norfolk.

-Having said that, I'm pretty sure the old van's pretty grateful.

-Yes.

She's not very keen on hills.

-We're on our way to see riding teacher Janine, her husband, David, and their 14-year-old son, Ryan.

-I was put on a horse before I could walk.

They're amazing creatures.

Just adore them.

-10 years ago, the family moved to a plot with room for stables so Janine could fulfill her long-held dream of setting up her business.

But their space is currently being hogged by two very large objects.

-I have two containers on my property because my dad loved collecting things.

If he saw something he had to buy not one, not two, but maybe 10 of it.

The only way I can describe him is the real Father Christmas.

He even had the beard to go with it.

Later in his life, Dad became a truck driver, and he had stopped -- it was early in the morning -- he'd gotten into his lorry to unload, and he just had a heart attack while he was there.

We did have air ambulance come, but nobody could -- could do anything for him.

-Five years ago, while grieving the loss of Grandpa David, the family found themselves responsible for clearing his home.

-I felt very conscious not to get rid of things that have got a life in them.

They didn't deserve to go to the tip.

-The containers were meant to be a temporary measure, but clearing them became impossible when, a year later, David's health deteriorated.

-I was diagnosed with PSC, which is a very rare liver condition.

It progressively got worse to the point of the beginning of this year, I was admitted into hospital and was told, you know, it will be a case of -- I will need a new liver.

It was quite scary and, um, quite emotional.

-Before his diagnosis, David was the family's main breadwinner, traveling the UK working for a car park management company.

-David hasn't been able to work for some time.

Um, so that has put pressure on the family financially.

-Fortunately, one month ago, David was matched with a suitable donor and underwent 14 hours of surgery to receive his new liver.

-The turnaround has been quite miraculous in some respects.

You know, I've been given this amazing opportunity to have a second life.

-Do you know what is particularly remarkable about today?

David got in touch whilst he was in hospital... -No!

-...about us coming along.

-To have that kind of positive outlook when you're -- when you've just undergone a liver transplant... -Yeah.

-...is quite incredible, isn't it?

We've just got one day to go through these two 20-foot monsters...

There's your containers!

...as well as the family's four-bedroom home.

-Here we go.

-Okay, who's gonna do the knocking?

Oh.

-Hold me back.

-[ Chuckling ] Okay.

[ Knock on door ] -Oh, hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hi.

You must be Janine.

-I am.

Welcome to the Fens.

-Yes, hello.

-We couldn't help but notice the shipping containers.

-I mean, there's stuff in there that we've never seen.

It hasn't seen the light of day since brought them up.

-So would you mind if we just, you know, go in there and start having a good look around?

-Definitely.

-I have very high hopes of these containers.

I'm not kidding.

[ Laughter ] Fab, but we will come and report back.

Get the kettle on, and we'll get cracking.

-Yeah.

-Okay?

-Thank you.

-See you later.

Three, two, one.

Whoa!

I've got a lot of boxes.

What have you got?

-I have got a wall.

This is as far as I'm getting.

-Really?

-It is packed to the absolute brim.

-Do you want me to come round and help?

-Uh, yes, because some of this is quite large.

-Okay.

I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming.

Oh, my goodness.

-And in fairness, you can see -- where do you even start with that?

-I'm actually a bit speechless.

-Yeah, I bet that doesn't happen often.

-Oh, cheeky.

To conquer these containers, we need a plan of attack.

-You're in charge of sniffing out the best items to take to auction from the containers and around the house.

-While you're on fixing duty, making sure items are in top condition.

We need to maximize the money we make for this family, as the last few years have taken their toll on everyone.

-A close-knit bunch, David's mum, Carol, has been staying with the family to help out while he gets back on his feet, and Ryan has also been there for his mum and dad.

-Ryan has been absolutely amazing through it all.

He has really stepped up.

-One thing that keeps Ryan smiling is his new hobby.

-So Ryan plays horseball, which is a fast and furious game on horseback.

It's a bit like basketball and rugby on a horse.

-There's sort of a lot of pushing and shoving, not for the softest of people, shall we say.

And you've got to be quite a hands-on person.

-He's picked it up and taken it to another level that we just never imagined.

-Just a few months after discovering the sport, Ryan's hard work has been rewarded with an incredible opportunity.

-We found out via email, and it said, uh, something along the lines of, "Congratulations.

You've been selected for Team GB."

Um, and it was -- it was just an amazing feeling.

I've never felt anything like it.

-So proud of Ryan for representing Great Britain.

Really super, super proud, super proud.

-The family needs �3,000 for equipment and travel to a tournament in Italy.

-It seems very fitting to be raising money from Grandpa David's belongings because he would have supported Ryan.

He would've absolutely have loved the horse sport.

-We're determined to do Grandpa David proud and get Ryan on his Team GB travels.

-Every auction lot helps.

What do you think to this?

-I think that's really rather lovely.

I mean, it's got the bones of actually a really nice, quality piece.

-There's no significant damage.

There's no chips.

The mirror's in one piece.

-Typically Victorian, very lovely.

I quite like it when it has that sort of mercuried effect across it.

It looks quite -- I mean, fairly useless as a mirror, but actually, I don't want to see myself first thing in the morning anyway.

-Yeah, it's a brilliant mirror.

-It's the perfect mirror.

-I look excellent in this.

Yeah.

-That's quite cool.

Do you think you might be able to do something?

-Yeah, I think I could absolutely get some of these watermarks out, get it looking its best again.

-Okay.

-Uh, and you can just do the rest.

-Oh, thanks.

Okay.

All right.

Brilliant.

But before you get to work...

I mean, this is extraordinary.

...I'm going to need a hand.

It's so unbelievably full.

I can't do this on my own.

-Of course not.

-Thank you.

Oh, are you ready?

-Oh.

-Oh, that is quite heavy.

Every inch of space is stuffed.

They are full.

I think -- To be fair, I think I've probably got the good end of the deal here.

But as we start to unload and unpack, there's nothing jumping out of any significant value yet.

-Just got to get through at least the first row of stuff before you're allowed to look inside anything, okay?

-Oh, look.

[ Gasps ] It's like me in the morning.

Oh, look.

Some tartan for you, JJ.

-Oh, aye?

-Yeah.

-Oh, I'm getting my steps in today.

-Yeah, you are.

I don't feel like I'm really doing anything.

-Oh, no.

I think I'll leave Christina to it.

There's fixing to be done.

-If I need you... -Yeah?

-...I'm gonna call you.

[ Bike horn honks ] -Summoned.

-[ Chuckles ] -Okay.

I'll get on with it.

To get the mirror back to its best, my mobile workshop has everything I need.

Wish I serving ice creams today.

Well, almost everything.

Oh, perfect day for some al fresco restorations.

Right.

Seen better days, this.

Um, but it is just about in one piece at least.

And that's the issue, actually.

It's gonna be one of these things, it's a little bit easier if I kind of break it down to its components, fix them, clean them, and put them back together.

Before you go loosening anything, remember, this thing has some age, so easy does it.

Get a little bit of oil, some sort of lubricant onto it just to kind of ease it up.

Because, especially with these being brass, if you force them too much, as has happened here, actually, that wing nut has broken.

Being careful may take longer, but it's always worth it in the end.

And I always hold my breath... to see if it'll just move.

Just don't want to force it.

Oh, look at that.

Nothing more satisfying than the first little turn.

Part one done and seven years of bad luck avoided... for now, at least.

There's a couple of feet missing here.

So there's two ways of going at this.

You either remove the third leg and no one will ever know it had feet, but that seems like a shame.

Rather, what you should do is create replacements for these two.

So add that one to the list.

It's quite a big list, actually.

Once it's stripped back, it needs a light sand down.

Okay, that's starting to look like what I need it to look like.

There's just a lot more surfaces to get around, so it's time to just go into my -- my zen place and sand away.

Don't talk to me.

-While you're in your natural habitat, these shipping containers certainly aren't mine.

Do you know, one of the things I love about being a jewelry and silver valuer is that you can fit quite a lot of value into a very small space, whereas this is relatively low value but obviously takes up a huge amount of space.

But I have a feeling there might be some more in the house, and it would make sense, I guess, to keep more valuable things in the house.

So let's go and have a look in there and then maybe come back to this.

Ah, now this is more like my kind of thing -- a beautiful home with all the usual nooks and crannies.

Oh.

Oh, that's rather beautiful.

And... [ Gasps ] Oh, that's gorgeous.

We have two signet rings, and not only do we have one in gold, which has been very beautifully engraved with a family crest, but this one -- this one is quite extraordinary.

This is not just a gold signet ring.

This is set with this incredible center stone here, which looks to be an amethyst.

It's been what we call intaglio carved.

This has actually been carved into the stone.

It's just like an absolute masterpiece in miniature.

These are going to be very sought after in the auction room.

Family heirlooms on Janine's side -- I'll put an estimate on the gold signet ring of up to �150, and the amethyst one at �100 to �200.

So that's �300 to �500 in one little bureau drawer.

That's not bad, is it?

A few more of these, please.

Let's have a look.

What have we got here?

Oh, nice.

Okay, so here we have, hopefully, very hopefully, um, an Omega wristwatch which has got the original paperwork in it.

So 1st of August 1975.

Please be in here.

Please be in here.

Oh, look at that.

That's fabulous, isn't it?

Now, what I always say to my clients when they bring in watches is, have you got the boxes?

Have you got the paperwork?

So the fact that you have the original guarantee here with the original date, 1975, and not only the case, but the original cardboard box, just gives the buyer a little bit more confidence to think they are buying the real deal.

Once owned by Janine's grandmother, this gorgeous watch could fetch up to �300.

It's beautiful, really beautiful, and especially 'cause it has all its original things.

I love that.

A few hours in and we're going for gold.

Searching for treasures... -...and making them shine again.

-But we've still got a lot to do.

-I've given the wooden parts of the mirror a light sand, but there's also a fix or two required.

Okay, this has got a little bit of damage that, unsurprisingly, has happened.

I mean, look, this is a piece of round wood.

Ultimately, trees don't grow like that.

So this is actually laminated, in which I mean it's made up of layers.

So there's probably about four or five layers of wood which they bent into that shape.

And it's just starting to what we would call delaminate.

So those layers start to come apart.

To get wood glue in between the layers, a little puff is required.

And to hold it nice and firm, a clamp.

Must always ensure that you put some sort of piece of wood in to protect the wood itself.

Pretty happy that's come together.

While the clamp does its clamping, I'm turning my attention to remaking the missing feet.

No, I've got no idea what these little feet used to look like, but you can kind of guess from the shape of everything else.

And so rather than just being square, for example, it's not gonna be that because, well, everything's curved.

So I think it's probably a shape something like this.

This should make light work of it.

Meet my trusty fretsaw.

With its thin blade and maneuverability, it's ideal for cutting out shapes.

So I could drill and screw these on.

This wood's just a little bit thin for that, I think.

Instead, a touch more of PVA wood glue which will absorb into the wood and create a strong bond.

And then just clamp it in place.

That shouldn't go anywhere.

And while the glue dries, I'd better find something else to do.

I haven't actually taken a look in this green shipping container yet.

Look at that safe.

That is amazing.

It's got the keys.

Wow.

That's really good 'cause it's still a functional piece of equipment.

It works, but it's badly rusted.

So I'll try and get it shifted, but I bet you it weighs an absolute ton.

I think I might be able to just kind of shimmy it and walk it out.

-Hmm, good luck with that one.

Meanwhile, I've heard there's a games room I need to check out.

Well, I have some good news.

Oh, my goodness.

Wow.

That's a lot of stuff.

[ Exhales sharply ] Why do we even start?

We've got trucks.

We've got trains.

There's all manner of stuff underneath here.

This looks like it's older than the trucks.

I think I need to have a chat to Janine about this to try and just clarify what's going on.

Janine, are you there?

Janine, we are surrounded by all these vehicles.

I mean, under here, you have got a snooker table, have you?

-I believe so.

[ Both laugh ] -So were these in the container?

-Yes.

Dad used to be a lorry driver, and one of the companies he worked for, he would go to a big show and do a big stand, showing off all the different lorries.

-So he would use these as almost like demonstration models.

-Yes, but the thing with Dad, if ever he did something, he did it big time.

-So I'm getting a real flavor of your wonderfully eclectic father in his collections.

-After Dad died and David's health deteriorated, it's having the time because I'm self-employed, so I'm trying to work whenever I can.

-And Ryan as well.

-School runs.

[ Chuckles ] -Yeah.

You're a busy bee, really, aren't you?

-Horses.

-Yeah.

These sorts of pieces are highly collectible, um, and I think especially with an online market.

Just adding up what I've seen, I think we're probably talking at about �500 to �700, something in that sort of region.

So that does seriously get us quite a substantial way to getting Ryan to Italy, doesn't it?

-It does, yes.

[ Chuckles ] -Oh, thank you so much for sharing these with me.

and I can't -- I'm -- I'm desperate to play some pool.

-[ Laughs ] -Let's clear the pool table, get playing again.

-Oh, dear.

Yeah, I'm not very good.

You'd beat me.

[ Both laugh ] -Oh, I don't think so.

-Don't even think about it, Christina.

Some of us are working hard here.

You know, this is the first safe I've ever had to restore.

I have blown one up before, believe it or not, when I was in the Marines on training.

I was only meant to blow the door off, but I actually did a bit more than that.

Today I want the safe in one piece, minus some rust.

Wire wool at the ready.

And let that work in for a good wee while.

This oil will lift the smaller rust particles and protect the metal.

And then just a finer wire, we'll just work it in.

And then I'll just leave it for a wee bit and oil will do the hard work.

Work smarter, not harder, eh?

-From the safe and the trucks to the signet rings, the auction lots are multiplying.

-But we barely scratched the surface.

-So onwards and upwards.

[ Exhales sharply ] Goodness me, there is an awful lot to go through in here.

Such a mixed bag as well.

Oh, hang on a second.

What's this?

Ooh.

Oh, now we're talking.

Look at that.

That is beautiful and seriously heavy as well.

And I think I found the silverware.

Right.

I'm gonna go and lay this out and have a good look at it, I think.

This looks like an obliging table.

Let's have a little look.

[ Gasps ] Feels like Christmas, doesn't it?

It's cool.

And what has Santa brought me?

Oh, it's so dinky.

Look at that.

Little sugar bowl.

Well, I have been awfully good.

What about you, JJ?

-Exemplary.

And this safe is starting to look like money in the bank, too.

Right, pop a little bit of, uh, polish onto this handle.

Just like the stuff I used to use to polish me medals and whatnot in the military.

Apply it and then leave it to be for a wee bit.

Just think, shining up a feature like that, you know, it's just a nice little contrast against some of the rougher-looking parts.

-From Janine's granny's house via the container, I'd now say it should safely make between �70 and �90 at auction.

Just the thing for storing all your valuables, like the family silver.

Ooh, we have got a real mixed bag here.

There's some really wonderful pieces here, spreading over about 250 years worth of silver.

We've got relatively modern-day pieces like these, this set of silver spoons.

Then you've got a lovely dish here that says "Top Notch."

I like that.

"Top Notch" engraved with a -- with an Irish coin inset into the bottom.

But my favorite pieces I would say are this piece here, which is a Georgian silver.

I think it's a snuffer tray.

And you would have used this to hold your candle snuffer.

The date mark has rubbed off, but this little leopard's crown offers a clue to its age.

The leopard's head has been used to identify that a silver piece was hallmarked in London for centuries.

However, in 1821, the crown vanished, meaning that this piece must be older because this big cat still has his crown.

So there's some really, really nice quality pieces here.

All in all, it's a very good find indeed.

I would hope that we would have at least �400 to �700 split into separate lots.

Lovely.

I might keep looking.

Let's see what goodies I can uncover in the lounge.

Ooh!

Medals.

And a very cool little silver case.

These medals are from World War I.

And what is good about First World War medals is they're actually named around the outside of the rim here.

"Private W.

Felton."

A British War Medal, a Victory Medal, and a Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, all awarded to Janine's great-grandfather.

I mean, they just don't look like they've ever been out of the box because the ribbons are still so crisp.

It's quite phenomenal.

You normally do find these.

These are relatively standard medals, and especially as a private rank, obviously there were a lot issued.

But what I'm finding quite interesting is this little cigarette case that goes with it.

Now it says here, "W. Felton from Lieutenant General Sir A.S.

Cobb."

"VC."

Well, that's pretty cool.

Victoria Cross.

He's very, very, very high up.

How interesting.

That's pretty incredible, isn't it?

With an estimate of �70 to �90, this World War I lot should get collectors excited.

But I better immerse myself back into that games room as I saw more than trucks and trains in there earlier.

Let's have a look.

Oh, hello.

That's rather lovely.

That is an 18-karat gold, open-face pocket watch.

I mean, it doesn't do a lot because it's got no hands on it, so you just have to guess the time.

But that's fixable.

That's rather beautiful.

Right, okay, I'm gonna take this little box of goodies... ...and do some research.

-While you get busy with the magnifying glass...

Right.

It's as if they've been there forever.

...these new feet have set nice and solid.

Some wax will help restore the wood to its former glory.

And I'll just give the glass itself a bit of a clean.

The mirror has gone through a process called desilvering, when moisture affects the thin, shiny backing to the glass.

It's common with antique mirrors and according to Christina, adds to the charm.

Mirror, mirror on my workbench.

Who is the fairest antique dealer of them all?

As if I needed to ask.

Finally, it's just a case of popping this back together.

The big unveil.

Happy with that.

Just as it should be.

With new legs, it's not sitting skewwhiff any more.

Honestly even that mirror, with all its tarnish, kind of charming.

Ready for auction.

Let's go find something else.

-That looking glass is looking first class, so I'd value it at between �15 and �20.

-It all helps with our mission to get those containers out of the family front garden and Ryan off to Italy.

-And I think my latest games room find could go a long way towards that.

-So how's it all going?

How are you finding it all?

-It's going well, David, but I'm not gonna lie, there's a lot to do.

[ Both laugh ] But this was just on the windowsill.

Is this something else that's come out of the container?

-Yep.

-This is an 18-karat gold, open-face pocket watch, which is really rather beautiful.

I've looked at the mark on the back, and also it's actually signed on the movement here as well.

And it dates to 1854.

-Wow, okay.

-So it's really quite an early example.

It's rather beautiful, and I would say at auction, you're probably looking at �300 to �500 for that.

-Amazing.

-That's pretty cool, isn't it?

-That is really good.

That is really good.

-It's an exciting discovery, and goodness knows this family deserves some luck.

-We're just hoping that we can do this and draw a line in the sand and start turning our life positively back into a good place.

-And that's exactly what we're here for.

Our search is about quality, not quantity.

So far, the containers haven't revealed anything worth a fortune, but I'm determined to squeeze out every last auction lot.

I have rather got fond of this little milking stool.

Milking stools typically have three legs to keep them stable in uneven fields or on milking parlor floors.

But our top is a little bit sad, isn't it?

Just needs a little bit of oil or something on the top.

Now luckily, I know just the man.

The man at the van.

-At your service, Christina.

Right.

This is in working order.

It's really just a case of getting it to look its best again.

The water damage on top needs to go, as does this big chunk that's missing on the edge.

No worries, though -- this orbital sander will do just the trick.

Got a nice rough grade 60 on this, so I'm really just gonna go to town on it, particularly around this damaged point here.

And then I'll work my way down the grades.

Water damage no more.

The sander is hooked up to an extractor, so I don't need to worry about a mask.

One thing that still does concern me, though, is this damaged edge.

Now rather than fill it and try and hide it, I've hidden it by sanding it and then putting a bevel the whole way around the outside.

Actually, as you look at it, a touch more work to be done.

Really, once that's done, you'll never be able to tell where it was before.

-That is genius.

And while you do that, I'm upstairs checking that no potential auction lot has escaped me.

Oh-ho-ho, look at this.

That's rather beautiful.

What we have here is an absolutely gorgeous -- well, I think it is, anyway -- uh, novelty silver pepperette in the form of an owl.

We've got a mark on the back here, which is London.

I think that's 1854.

Now, the market for novelty silver, an early novelty silver like this, is incredibly strong, incredibly strong.

My one concern about this is that the top here -- where the little pepperette holes are -- sadly, there is some damage.

Now that will affect the value, but bearing in mind he's nearly 170 years old, it's not too bad, really.

And still worth a bob or twit-twoo.

It just brings a smile to your face, doesn't it?

And that's what it's all about.

It's really fun.

And speaking of fun, how are you getting on, JJ?

-Oh, I'm having a grand time getting this stool looking its best.

Right, that's all sanded down.

And whilst it's actually quite charming like that, I've got a good feeling if I get a bit of wax on this, the grain will really come to life.

Quite happy with that bevel.

If anything, not only does it hide the damage, I might even say it's a wee improvement.

Look at that.

It's a lovely wee feature.

Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Right.

Well, that was always a charming piece of furniture, but now it's looking its absolute best.

I reckon that's maximized its potential at auction.

-It certainly has.

I'd value this sweet stool at up to �20.

-From the safe to the pocket watch, we've collected an amazing array of items from the family home and containers.

Let's just hope it's enough to get Ryan off to Italy.

[ Horse whinnies ] Thank you so much.

It has been a real privilege to get to come in and help out where we could.

-And rummage through your containers.

-Well, we'll see you in a few weeks, then.

-Bye.

You're driving?

-You're driving.

-I'm driving.

Why am I always driving?

I love days like today.

And I can't wait for auction day.

-Bring it on.

-Two months later, and Janine and David's lots have been collated, cataloged, and are ready to go under the gavel.

-And the prospect of Ryan getting to go off for a future in horseball.

-Yeah.

-So cool.

-Do you think you'll be presenting from Horseball International soon?

-I can only dream.

-You do realize you'd have to know one end of a horse from another, don't you?

[ Laughs ] -You're right.

I've got neigh chance.

Today's sale is popping up at Rockingham Castle, near Market Harborough, home to an incredible 950 years of history.

It's like a legit castle as well, 'cause it was built by William the Conqueror.

-Yeah, you're absolutely right.

This has seen action, this castle.

-And it will see some action today.

-Oh, yes.

-Christina the Conqueror is here.

-[ Laughs ] Quite tight, JJ!

Into the castle.

-We have breached the castle.

-[ Laughs ] Armed with only a little gavel and my trusty rostrum.

-And look who's here.

I'd rather hope that Ryan would arrive on horseback.

Ah, well, a chance missed.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-How are we?

-Good, thanks.

How are you?

-I'm very well, thank you.

Are you excited?

-Very excited.

-Yes.

-A bit nervous.

-A bit nervous?

-A bit nervous.

Oh, it's just making sure that, like, everything's, like, top notch and ready for the auction.

-Top notch.

That's where I come in.

That's what I've been doing.

Do you want to check this one out?

-Yeah.

-I'm quite happy with this, I must say.

It's certainly better than sitting in a shipping container.

-Certainly is.

-And then this guy here, I've just put that chamfer the whole way round the outside because I just think actually something like that -- -I absolutely love that stool.

-You like that?

-Someone will love it for I think a child's, like, nursery.

I think it's really nice.

-Yeah.

Right.

Well, why don't you guys go inside, try and find a fireplace or something, get warmed up [laughs] and I'll be in in a minute, okay?

-Thank you.

-Cheers.

-Thank you.

-Janine and David's home and shipping containers were chockablock with an eclectic mix of auction lots inherited from Grandpa David.

I'm really excited for Janine and David today.

The intaglio ring I think is going to sell really, really well today, as well as the other signet ring that we have, the gold one.

Their silverware I think should do really well.

The toys I think are gonna do really well.

Can you tell I'm feeling positive?

Here's hoping it's enough to raise the �3,000 for Ryan's dream trip.

-With 39 lots going under the hammer today, we've got Internet clerks Greg and Melanie from Batemans of Stamford Auctioneers manning the telephones and online bids, and our stately saleroom is packed with excited buyers.

-Here we go, then.

You've got JJ to hold your hand, Janine.

Don't worry.

-[ Laughs ] -First under the hammer, the inscribed cigarette case and medals.

This is the second most watched lot in the auction today, and I have interest already at �100, �110, �120, �130 is bid.

At �130.

Looking for �140.

JJ.

-[ Chuckles ] -Cuddle her.

At �130.

Looking for �140.

She needs a hug.

Any further interest?

I will sell this, make no mistake, if you're all settled at �130.

-An excellent start.

-Are you okay, Janine?

-[ Chuckles ] -Now it's the turn of the mirror, restored by my own fair hands.

Uh, there was a couple of pieces missing from the back, so it was kind of tilted back, but now it's standing straight.

-It was a great reflection of the sky, wasn't it?

-Wonderful reflection of the sky.

But now you can see your beautiful face.

I just think this is a charming piece of furniture.

-Absolutely right.

Thank you very much, JJ.

Who'll start me at �15 for it?

Looking for �15, only at �15, I have.

Thank you, sir.

I see you on the front row at �15.

Now looking for �18.

All settled.

I am selling to my room bidder on the front row and selling at �15.

-I'm very happy to see such an elegant item go to a new home.

-That's good.

-That's great.

-Next up, it's the first of many lots of models that came from Grandpa David's house via the containers.

And I have interest in it already at �80, �90, �100, �110, �120 is bid.

At �120.

I have at �120.

Looking for �130 now.

We're all settled, selling at �120.

-You wait ages for a bus, and then two come along at once.

Plus some trucks.

-It's at �45.

-And some more trucks.

-We're all settled at �50.

-And yep, that's right, more trucks.

-At �60.

-Not only will the games room be a bit more, well, roomier... -At �80.

-...but these toys and models have also found new loving homes.

Job done.

-Next up, the cast-iron safe.

-It has had a good clean up around the edges.

It's got the key.

It's in working order.

So it doesn't just look fantastic.

You could lock away your goodies in there as well.

-I'm looking for �70 for it.

Looking for �70 for the safe.

At �70.

�60, then.

�60.

Bid me �60, somebody, for the safe.

It's �50, then.

�50.

Bid me, somebody, �50.

Surely it will pass if we can't get �50.

Despite some sterling work from JJ... ...the safe doesn't sell today.

-I don't mind.

I wanted to keep the safe anyway.

-Next up, it's the silver owl pepperette.

-Now this -- this is cute.

-Oh, this is the most charming little piece.

I absolutely adore this.

Look at that little owl.

-It is gorgeous.

-I'm starting this at �120.

Online bidding at �120.

�130, �140 is bid.

Rightly so.

I'm looking for �150, �150, �160.

Looking for �170.

-Bit more.

-Any further interest?

I will sell this if we're all settled at �160 and selling.

�170, �180 just in time.

At �180.

Twit-twoo at �180.

At �180.

Looking for �190 now.

Don't miss him for a bid.

He's utterly charming.

Fair warning at �180.

-That's good, the lot there.

-I should like to think someone's going to enjoy it.

-Yeah.

A little flutter at the end.

-Oh, I loved him.

I thought he was gorgeous.

-He's been in Janine's family for years, but now the owl is flying off to a new home.

And over the next few minutes, Christina makes light work of several more lots of silver.

The snuffer tray and candle snuffer... -At �130.

-...the engraved vase... -At �140.

-...and a group of silver goodies, including a sugar bowl and egg cup... -Selling if we're settled at �300.

-...making over �500 and cantering closer to helping Ryan represent his country in his favorite sport.

-Take that?

-Now it's the turn of the oak milking stool, beautifully revived by JJ.

-Did have a bit of a chip out of the edge, so I've sanded the whole outer rim here, add a little bit of a bevel to it.

So if you're wearing your milking skirt or whatever it is, you won't go catching your dress on it.

-�10, then.

Bid me �10, somebody, surely, for the milking stool.

�10 is bid.

Thank you, madam.

I've got �12 online.

You've got competition now.

I've got �15 with you, sir.

At �15, now looking for �18.

The bid is in the room at �15.

Looking for �18.

�18 against you, sir.

Will you go �20?

�20 is bid.

Thank you.

At �20 I have, looking for �22.

At �20 bidding in the room, then, if we're all settled at �20.

-For the dairy farmer in the rear.

-Yeah.

[ Laughs ] -Great to see that moo-ved to its next owner.

-Now the next lot is actually my favorite lot.

It's the gorgeous amethyst intaglio ring.

I have interest at �200, �300, �320, �340 is bid.

At �340.

I'm looking for �360.

�360, thank you.

Rightly so.

Looking for �380 now.

At �360.

Fair warning, then -- I will sell, make no mistake, if you're all settled at �360.

That is bidder.

-I like that.

-Sold to someone very stylish indeed.

-Oh, I love this lot.

Lot 70, here it is.

-You can't have it.

And if amethyst isn't your thing, we've got one in gold.

-What have we got?

�200, �220, �240, �260, �280 is bidding now.

Looking for �300.

�300 is bid.

At �320, �340.

Thank you.

Looking for �360 now.

�360 I have.

Thank you.

Looking for �380.

�380.

�400.

Now looking for �420.

At �400, �420, thank you.

Come back to me at �440.

�440, thank you.

Where's �460?

I have �440.

Are we all settled?

You're not out.

You're there at �460.

Looking for �480 now.

At �460 and selling if you're all settled.

Fair warning -- online at �460.

-Happy with that.

-You'll be crying next.

-[ Laughs ] -And it transpires that this lot was coveted far and wide.

And we sold that to Poland, I think, didn't we?

Yeah, we're in a castle, but we're in Poland as well.

-Next it's the turn of the gold Omega watch.

-I think that would have been Granny's.

-Yeah, I think Granny Rachel's.

-...at �200, �220, �240, �260, �280 is bid.

-It's got receipt and everything.

-�300.

Thank you.

At �300 now, looking for �320 for this beautiful Omega wristwatch at �300.

Looking for �320.

Finished online.

You're settled online at �300.

-Definitely one that deserves to be treasured.

-I'm sure someone will love that.

-Finally, the gold watch that time forgot.

It spent years in a shipping container before ending up in a box in the games room.

My goodness, we have interest at -- Janine, are you ready for this?

�400, �500, �600, �780 is bid.

-It hasn't even got the hands on it.

-And it doesn't even tell the time.

-[ Laughs ] -At �780.

I will sell this, make no mistake, if we're all settled at �780.

-Really?

-That's good.

-Yeah?

-He's at it now.

-Yeah.

-A roller coaster of feelings there, and a fantastic result for the family.

I'm so happy for them.

-It's just so emotional, it's all -- all her dad's history and grandparents' history, as well.

-It was a real privilege to share in the emotion of today.

I mean, there was pretty much tears all around because the opportunity that that has given to Ryan is amazing.

And that means that it's been passed from grandfather, even great-grandfather or mother down to Ryan, and that was really special.

-Saleroom commission and fees have been deducted.

Now, the moment of truth.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-How is it?

Post-auction joy or not?

-Quite excited.

[ Laughter ] -It was exciting.

-Yeah, there was a few tears shed by... -Who, you?

-Mm, yeah.

-Really?

-Yeah, exactly.

-Okay.

Are you ready?

-Yep.

-Yep.

-Should we have a drum roll?

-[ Imitates drum roll ] -Thank you very much.

So you have raised today just over... �3,940.

-Wow.

Wow!

Wow!

Wow, wow, wow!

-So many, many congratulations.

-Wow.

That is more than I thought.

-Are you all right, Ryan?

-Yeah.

I'm blown away.

That's amazing.

-If anyone deserves to have a successful auction day, then these guys do.

-�3,000... -900... -and 41.

-I think we need to celebrate.

-I think so, too.

Let's go.

-[ Laughing ] Let's go.

-Right, rostrum in.

We're good to go.

-Are we ready?

-Onwards.

-Onwards after a brilliant day.

-Back on our steed.

-[ Chuckles ]