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From Russia with Love

After 42 years working abroad, a former government diplomat has exotic treasures to sell. However, will a postcard collection, medals and a family mystery hold value at auction?

After a career spent working in far-flung places working for the British government, a former diplomat has decided to retreat to the Suffolk coast for a peaceful retirement. However, his home is filled with treasures picked up from exotic places around the world, which need to be sold before he downsizes.

For Gavin, his 42 years in the Foreign Office led his family on a remarkable adventure in 15 different countries. Now his children are adults and forging their own careers, Gavin hopes money made at auction will help them on their way. Some of Gavin’s eclectic keepsakes, languishing forgotten in the loft, are rediscovered by auctioneer Christina Trevanion, who also finds mementos from Russia and a few family heirlooms too. A Chinese embroidered panel piques Christina’s interest, as the yellow cloth could mean a connection to the Chinese royal family. However, a collection of postcards and medals sees Christina turn detective to find out more about the mysterious β€˜Frank’.

Restorer JJ Chalmers performs surgery on an antique from China. The diagnosis is bad, but will the prognosis show a healthy return at auction? An inventive solution is needed to fix an object that came from Russia with love, and a travelling games box fix proves anything but child’s play. An English castle becomes an auction venue, but is it a fitting place for Christina to sell Korean dogs, a Russian samovar and Chinese plaques?

19 days left to watch

43 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Christina Trevanion
Presenter JJ Chalmers
Series Producer Julie Grant
Executive Producer John Redshaw
Production Company STV Productions

Broadcasts