ANTIQUES collectors and bargain hunters turned out in force in Sheffield to find out just how much their prized possessions are worth.
It was lights, camera, action at the Cutlers’ Hall as film crews from BBC show Flog It! held a valuation day, inviting residents to bring along treasures, artefacts and bric-a-brac to be analysed by TV experts.
A steady stream of hundreds of people attended throughout the day, sitting patiently polishing their silverware and waiting for their turn at the valuation tables. Everyone who went along had their goods assessed, but lots which had the potential to go forward for auction were sent to researchers at the back of the room.
Everything from a gold disc given to the manager of the band Queen, and a 1930s book on world history, to a signed letter from Dambusters legend Guy Gibson was dug out of cupboards and drawers for the event.
Behind every item was a story, although the origins of many heirlooms were shrouded in mystery.
Evelyn Jones, aged 60, from Norton Lees, dug out a wooden Oriental parasol which has been in her family for decades.
She said: “I’ve no idea how old it is. It was just handed down, my mother didn’t tell me anything about it and I’ve always wondered about it.
“It’s a bit cumbersome so I don’t have it out on display at home, it lives in the attic.”
A collection of Sunday Times magazine prints produced in the 1960s and 70s, which found their way to a Sheffield antiques shop, attracted attention from the experts.
Their owner Dave Nuttall, 68, from High Green, was filmed for the show.
He said: “They’re not worth much, I can’t remember how much I paid for them, but they told me there are a few about. I bought them because I thought they were interesting.” Ken Watson, 78, of Handsworth, was plucked from the queue after eagle-eyed experts spotted a pair of German books - one with handwritten text and the other a guide to Zeppelin airships - which his late wife inherited from an uncle.
He said: “I don’t know much about them at all. My wife passed away four years ago. She got them from an uncle but never took much interest, so I would flog them if they were worth anything because they don’t really have any sentimental value, especially now I’m on my own I’ve no reason to keep them.”
Muriel Flinders, 81, brought along a small haul of ceramics which have been donated to St Mary’s Church in Beighton. Parishoners are trying to club together enough cash to pay for a new wall surrounding the church. A pretty 19th century red and cream teapot, part of a set, was valued at £70 to £100. But a set of Wedgewood trinkets could expect to fetch only around £40.
Muriel said: “I’ve got some things at home which I could guess the value of but with these I had no idea.
“I’ve already claimed the tea set myself. I put £50 into the pot for it at first but I’ve got a bit more to put in now!”
The show’s host, Paul Martin, worked the room as cameras rolled, fresh from meeting the previous night our Women of Steel Kit Sollitt and Kathleen Roberts at Kelham Island Museum to film scenes for the programme.
Paul said: “It is fantastic to be in Sheffield. We’ve had a great turnout and it was a pleasure meeting the ladies at Kelham Island.”
Flog It! will return to the city on Friday, December 14, when items selected for sale go under the hammer at Sheffield Auction Gallery in Heeley.
Lights camera action - watch our video Flog It comes to Sheffield
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