Philip Serrell

This Chinese plate came with a note that says it was bought for 600 back in 1954 a small fortune then, but less than the 15,000 it could fetch today.

Plate sold for £600 could fetch £15,000

The family teddy bear of Lady Maria, pictured inset, sold for a remarkable 680.

The family teddy bear of Lady Maria, pictured inset, sold for a remarkable 680.

Buyers came from all over world for auction

The Jaguar SS is racing around our very own Shelsley Walsh hill climb a course that is more than 100 years old.

The Jaguar SS is racing around our very own Shelsley Walsh hill climb a course that is more than 100 years old.

Be sure to take a trip to ‘antique’ racing site

A collection of 19th century stirrup cups

A collection of 19th century stirrup cups

Stirrup cups and jewellery – the treasures of Lady Coventry’s life

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This pair would keep your metatarsals safe

A number of secret drawers were found in this 18th century walnut cabinet, left.

A number of secret drawers were found in this 18th century walnut cabinet, left.

From the saleroom what's on offer

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Peaceful use for artefacts of war

This leather stick stand started life as a case for carrying a field gun shell.

This leather stick stand started life as a case for carrying a field gun shell.

The mystery lorry now has a new owner

Look at the train and tell me the age of the print

A pair of Mouseman napkin rings

A pair of Mouseman napkin rings

Names are not the only way to sign your work

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If you are going to buy souvenirs, buy the best

This vase may look robust but the pattern is actually very delicate. It is made up of fired glass beads that are kept in place by fragile metal wire and can easily bruise.

This vase may look robust but the pattern is actually very delicate. It is made up of fired glass beads that are kept in place by fragile metal wire and can easily bruise.

Just because it’s metal doesn’t mean it’s tough

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If only I had kept my Beatles magnet toy

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Tip of the week

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Should I be flattered or concerned by elegy to Phil?

This is car is worth 20,000 if it once belonged to your granddad but only 3,000 to anyone else in the sale room.

This is car is worth 20,000 if it once belonged to your granddad but only 3,000 to anyone else in the sale room.

Imp-ossible to value sentiment

Made in Worcester - but who painted it?

Cute, but is this Jack Russell terrier worth as much as you would think?

Cute, but is this Jack Russell terrier worth as much as you would think?

Is that HMV hound real or a cheap resin replica?

New Road: The hallowed turf where all the greats had played, which had been nurtured through the years by countless groundsmen, was washed away with the deluge, leaving behind a smelly mass of mud and detritus.

New Road: The hallowed turf where all the greats had played, which had been nurtured through the years by countless groundsmen, was washed away with the deluge, leaving behind a smelly mass of mud and detritus.

The great green carpet resembled a turnip field

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St Richard’s is the winner

The Thomas Chippendale like frame

The Thomas Chippendale like frame

Design mirrors

1952 Linton and Lynmouth floods

1952 Linton and Lynmouth floods

The news value in old postcards

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Philip's Tip:

There's no doubt that Steiff labels added to the interest in this collection of teddy bears. They sold for 2,190.

There's no doubt that Steiff labels added to the interest in this collection of teddy bears. They sold for 2,190.

Designer labels will find a higher price

Victorian chair made of paper

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Desk with antique graffiti on it

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Get hold of an antique mirror without having to put in a bid

Tea set separated by two centuries

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Your chance to pick up a musical doll and a train

He's a right bobby dazzler David Dickinson was a relative unknown when Bargain Hunt first started.

He's a right bobby dazzler David Dickinson was a relative unknown when Bargain Hunt first started.

I remember David Dickinson when he was unknown

This walking stick has a spirit level which extends out at right angles it was used for measuring horses.

This walking stick has a spirit level which extends out at right angles it was used for measuring horses.

Some walking sticks have a secret use

All curling stones are made from the rock of Ailsa Craig such as this one, which Philip is offering for sale.

All curling stones are made from the rock of Ailsa Craig such as this one, which Philip is offering for sale.

My curling stone will end up as a doorstop

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Price closes on a pair of gates

Moorcroft vases don't come cheap.

Moorcroft vases don't come cheap.

A bidding war for Moorcroft produces gasps from the floor

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Screens were there to stop meltdowns

The grinning fold-over tea table.

The grinning fold-over tea table.

PHILIP’S TIPS: Don’t turn up your central heating

The device that was used in the Fownes glove factory to cut strips of leather to make blanks' from which gloves were made.

The device that was used in the Fownes glove factory to cut strips of leather to make blanks' from which gloves were made.

Mystery device used to cut out leather strips

High prices for masonic treasures

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Why did he want to bid hiding in the wardrobe?

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PHILIP’S TIPS: DON’T FORGET – WILL IT FIT IN YOUR CAR?

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Rare Meccano tin plate cars were popular with toy fans

This enamel sign will set you back between 150-200 at auction.

This enamel sign will set you back between 150-200 at auction.

Black Bess sign came from Elts at the back of the Shambles

Metal fingers and made in Paris but do you know what this was for?

Metal fingers and made in Paris but do you know what this was for?

What was this device used for in the factory?

First choice: Original period carving stands proud of the surrounding wood.

First choice: Original period carving stands proud of the surrounding wood.

Think twice before you throw anything away

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If something is cheap, there’s usually a reason

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How to tell marquetry from parquetry

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4

Say hello to my brother – Churchill the insurance dog

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Don’t ruin your piece’s patina

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There’s plenty of value in 20th century designs

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Why collectors bite their porcelain

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What happens when two bids are the same?

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How to check if chairs are originals

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4

How the internet has changed auctions

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