TV’s Paul Martin values rare finds at busy Melksham event

Local antique expert and TV presenter Paul Martin recently hosted another free valuation day, where 50 residents brought a range of items, including a gold Fabergé fob watch and a 1910 Edwardian croquet set.

The free event, held last month at ‘that meeting space’ in the Market Place, was another success for the BBC presenter, best known for hosting Flog It!

“It was an incredibly busy day; I think this is the busiest we’ve had yet,” said John Firth, administrator of ‘that meeting space’.

Paul, who lives in Beanacre, began his career as an antiques dealer 25 years ago with a shop on London’s Portobello Road. “Then, I shared shops and did lots of fairs,” he explained. “I’ve had several shops throughout my life and career, including one in Marlborough, and that’s when the BBC found me 30-odd years ago. I still had my shop for the first three years of doing Flog It!”

Now a familiar face on shows such as Antiques Road Trip and Countryfile Diaries, Paul enjoys meeting the public at his valuation events. “I love TV—I’ve done over 2,000 shows for the BBC. People like to talk about TV, and they all turn up, and we have a great laugh,” he said.

Reflecting on the range of items brought in by Melksham residents, Paul described them as ‘eclectic.’

“The most unique item would be this Fabergé fob watch because it’s just ultimate pure craftsmanship from the late 1800s. The enamel work is superb, the filigree work, the inset diamonds, the jewels, the quality of the goldsmith’s craftsmanship—everything is the best in the world, and we found it here,” he said.

“We’ve also got a German Leica camera from the 1910s/1920s; it’s one of the world’s best cameras.”

Jewellery and watches remain the most common items brought in for valuation. “That’s the classic. They’re portable, small and of high value,” Paul explained. “If it’s jewellery like brooches that aren’t fashionable, pearls that aren’t fashionable, rings that don’t fit—why have them hidden in a drawer?

“Why not sell them, get some money, and plant a tree, embrace nature, go on holiday—do something for yourself and your family. We are making memories for people. They’re selling stuff, getting loads of money and being able to do something.”

Paul added, “People come to see me because they’ve seen me on TV for 25 years; they trust me. We build up a relationship where everything is photographed and dealt with properly, with a considerable amount of time.”

By Jess Worrow, on a work experience placement with the Melksham News

Pictured: Paul Martin with a glass decanter