Leominster 16 Bargain Hunt

Today we are in the market town of Leominster, in Herefordshire.

This place sits on the Welsh-English Marches

and has seen a certain amount of conflict over the years.

But today, the conflict is of a different type.

Let's go bargain hunting, yeah!

Our Red and Blue teams can buy from a variety of antique shops

here in Leominster.

They have got one hour and £300 to buy three items.

So let's take a sneaky peek as to what is coming up.

It's all about the haggle today. The Reds are going, going, gong!

I'd like to see it at £80, really.

Whilst the Blues take their expert's advice.

-My thought would be 60.

-Say again?

-60.

-(Go 50 instead.)

-50.

-Yeah, that's a good one.

HE LAUGHS

But who will prove to be the ultimate winner at auction?

-Uh-oh.

-I don't believe it.

-Fair warning.

-Yes.

-Yes!

-Yes!

-Come on, let's go!

Let's meet the teams.

Well, what a lovely space this is.

The Lion Ballroom, in Leominster. Marvellous.

Well, on Bargain Hunt today, we are very much keeping this in the family

because for the Reds,

we have father and foster daughter Dwina and Geoff.

And for the Blues, a father and son-in-law, Howard and Mark.

-Hello, everyone.

-Hi, Tim.

-Very nice to see you.

Now, Geoff, you work in education. Tell us about that.

I do. I am allegedly an education expert, Tim.

I specialise in gender differences in the ways that boys and girls,

women and men learn.

And I develop strategies to help boys and girls and women and men

learn that bit better.

That is quite a specialist skill, isn't it?

There can't be that many gender specialists

lurking in the world of education.

No, I think I'm the only one

and that's why business is still very good!

-TIM CHUCKLES

-How did all that come about, Geoff?

I think probably just trying to understand how female brains work.

-And you've managed to crack that one?

-Not quite.

-Not quite, no.

-Not quite.

-That could take a lifetime, couldn't it?

-Absolutely.

-I'm still studying that.

-Exactly.

-And you are also a keen photographer.

-Yeah.

I like portrait photography.

Kind of getting into people's personalities and taking pictures.

And some historic work as well.

I like looking at old photos and collecting old photos.

-Now, Dwina, dogs play a big part in your life.

-Indeed they do, Tim.

-I love dogs. Everything about them.

-And what dogs do you have?

I've got a Chihuahua, Lola. She is three now. And two cavaliers.

-So, is Lola the tiniest little thing you ever did see?

-She is.

She's about this big.

-Yes, and so sweet, I bet.

-She is. She's lovely.

And does she travel with you everywhere normally?

Most places, yeah.

And your love of dogs has taken your business in that direction too, hasn't it?

Indeed it has.

I have recently just rented a shop in Shrewsbury, which I'm hoping

to make into a lovely dog boutique.

-Right.

-For all the pampered pooches.

Pampered pooches. I love it.

-You are also interested in child development.

-I am.

Since I have been fostered, it has sort of been a part of my life

and I would love to become a foster carer myself one day.

And why do you think you two are going to make a great team today?

-We just are.

-Yes. We get on really well. We have a close bond.

We have got our roles defined.

Do you know anything about antiques?

-No, not a lot.

-Then you will do extremely well on this programme!

Anyway, there we go. Very, very lovely to meet you.

Now, Howard, it says here that Oliver Cromwell

was your ninth great-grandfather.

Absolutely.

With Cromwell genes in my genetic make-up,

I am really ready to take on the opposition.

Now, you are a biology teacher by profession

but what do you get up to in your spare time?

I am a guide at Worcester Cathedral

and I am also very passionate about singing and have been really

ever since I was a treble chorister at New College, Oxford.

Being retired, my wife and I sing in two groups -

the Elgar Chorale of Worcester and also a small eight-voice group

called Serenata and we raise money for charity giving concerts.

Now, Mark, you are a marketing manager for a packaging company.

-Yes.

-Tell me what you get up to in your marketing, managing world.

I do a lot of web design.

I do all the sort of SEO work, I design the catalogues,

write the press releases.

-And generally have a lot of fun, hopefully.

-Yes.

And what do you do when you are not hard at work?

I do a lot of running.

I did 12 half marathons in nine months

a couple of years ago for charity.

Gosh! I would be fagged out.

And I'm looking to do a full marathon next year.

And you're also involved with something to do with men and horses, right?

-HE CHUCKLES

-Doesn't sound terribly wholesome but you better tell us about it.

It was a race.

It is held every year in mid Wales

and is called the Man Versus Horse Marathon.

You can run it either as an individual or as a team of three

and you literally race horses 26 miles through the hills.

-Ooh, that sounds like fun.

-Well...

-HE CHUCKLES

After eight or nine miles of hill running, less so.

Yes, exactly. And what do you like to collect? Old trainers?

-HE LAUGHS

-I've got plenty of those.

I collect old coins. I've got thousands of them.

Tins of them full of them.

Will you be buying coins today on Bargain Hunt?

I'd love to find some. Yes, that'd be great.

Well, you never know though, do you?

It's a right old trove out there. Now, the money moment. £300 apiece.

You know the rules. Your experts await and off you go!

And very, very, very good luck.

Well, you never know what we are going to dig up next.

Now, let's be our experts.

Hoping to make barrow loads of profits for the Reds,

is Jonathan Pratt.

And Charles Hanson will be

attempting to dig for victory for the Blues.

Now, what are the teams looking for today?

-What are you going to buy? What do you want to buy?

-Brooches.

Yeah, small objects, collectables.

Something medium price, not too expensive.

-Buy low, sell high. That's what we like to do.

-OK.

-And, Mark?

-My plan is not to listen to Howard too much!

Oh, right, well, you'd better follow me then.

At least the Reds and Blues have some expertise

to show them the light.

OK, teams, your time starts now.

-OK, we are on the clock.

-That's quite nice, isn't it?

-I love the blue and white.

-Do you?

"Father's mug from Cheddar."

Salt-glazed stoneware. It just needs father-in-law going on there.

'Father-in-law' and then we have got a match made in heaven.

-HE LAUGHS

-Let's move on!

A bit cheesy to me, Carlos.

-Look at that lovely lime green ground.

-It's beautiful.

-Isn't it?

-Early Spode.

-Circa 1830.

Isn't it rich in that Regency style?

-Is that hand-painted gold decoration?

-Yes.

And this is a cabinet plate made for a noble home.

And obviously, with family heraldry now we what we can do

is determine which family this coat of arms or crest is for

and actually, the dealer here has already researched that.

-"Motto of the MacInnes clan."

-"£75."

-£75 seems quite a lot for a plate to me.

-Yeah.

I think it's worth between £50 and £80.

-So we've really got to get it for less than £50.

-Yeah...

Well, bottom estimate and I then think the sap is rising.

OK. Mental note.

Well, you are certainly keeping their interests, Charles.

Meanwhile, Dapper Stan, from the Antiques Centre,

is helping out the Reds by removing an item from one of the cabinets.

It's rather neat because it's a late 19th-century gong,

table gong for dinner.

Model has a signpost.

Got a couple of figures seated, got an owl on the top of the post.

A rather neat little thing.

-We better test it works.

-The gong.

-Hmm.

-HE LAUGHS

'I don't think that would get me running into dinner.'

OK, it's got a register number 110907.

A patented number, essentially. They're patented numbers

and they tend to come in towards the end of the 19th century,

I think it's the 1880s.

It's plate, as I thought, and I think it's a nickel base.

-What do you think?

-Well, it's different.

-It's different.

-People love the novelty.

-Sure.

-They are asking 100 and...

-£40.

£140.

Now, it was £185 and they've dropped it with a sticker on there

so we can see it's been here a little while.

-Yes.

-OK, Stan.

-I'll see what we can do.

-It's a bit of a phone call, is it?

Stan is our man. We're looking for your best price, please.

-What our max on that, would you say?

-Do you know what I want? I want £80.

Yeah, that's what I think. £80. Give us a chance, doesn't it?

As Jonathan and the Reds wait on a price,

seems it's time for a cuppa for the Blues.

God, that is nice quality. Look at that.

Look at that for quality.

Is it hand-painted, the flowers, or is that transfer printed?

-No, that's all hand-enamelled.

-HE GASPS

All of that pink lustre or pink enamel is all hand-painted.

And that's a London shape. And that would date to around 1815-1820.

We are quite happy it's a Georgian cup and saucer.

Ridgeway were a Staffordshire factory

and I think they set up in about 1795 and they were one

of the leading pottery factories in the first half of the 19th century.

-I really like that.

-I like that.

We're agreed. Fantastic!

-What about the price? It says £65.

-I agree as well.

That's quite expensive.

And to make money at auction with a cup and saucer

that sadly is also out of fashion could be quite hard.

-Right, OK.

-But I like your style.

I think we are warming up, aren't we? We are warming up.

You are indeed, Charles. But it's buying we need.

Back to the Reds and here is our Stan with a price.

It is good news. I have spoken to the owner

and he is prepared to let you have it for 110.

-110.

-110.

-They don't look too thrilled.

We would like to go under 100, that's what we would like to do.

I would like to see it at £80, really.

I will just go and find out.

As Stan heads off again, the Blues seemed to have made a new friend

who looks like he has been in the wars.

-He is very, very warm.

-He is missing an eye.

-Is that a problem?

-'Eye, eye,' he is. Yeah, it is a problem.

The reason I like this bear...

and we think back to the great names like Farnell and Steiff

and the history of bears, back to the late 1890s,

can you see we've got small straw filling down here?

Which although is sad,

it would suggest to me he is quite an early bear.

And probably could be as early as the 1920s

and you'll see how he's been out in the sun

because on the rear, he's got

more of a plush honey feel of fur about him.

-RAIN POUNDS

-Do you hear the rain outside?

-Yes.

It's absolutely pouring, isn't it?

-What's the price?

-£24. Could it be restored?

I almost think he requires a teddy bear hospital

but at £24, he isn't bad value. What do you think, Mark?

-I think that's the best thing we have seen yet.

-I do, I do.

I mean, all three agree! Fantastic.

He is tired. I can see now Tim saying, "What have you bought him for?"

But I just think he has legs, quite literally, to move a bit.

-And if we could buy him...

-RAIN POUNDS HEAVILY

-Hear the rain?

-Yeah!

-..for £15, he could be a starry bear.

I think that's good.

There you go. Let's take him downstairs, he suits you.

So as the Blues head off to get a price for the bear,

downstairs, in the inner sanctum of the Antique Centre, it's a lot

quieter and Stan has a price newsflash for the Reds.

I have got some good news for you.

I have been back and said that you only want to pay under 100,

so it can be yours for £90.

£90. It's come down a bit, hasn't it?

-That's a generous lot of movement.

-What do you think?

Well, I do like it, it's different, so I say we go for it.

-Good.

-Give it a go.

-It's going for a gong!

-THEY LAUGH

Absolutely, cheers.

Hey, I do the puns round here, Stan.

But at last we have a purchase made, well done.

-One down, two to go. Jewellery?

-Yeah.

-Let's get some jewellery.

-Come on.

-Let's get some jewellery.

It's chucking it down outside but are the boys happy

to chuck money at the bear?

Time to negotiate with Steph.

-What's the very best price?

-20.

-Really?

-Mark, what do you think?

-He's talking to you.

He's saying, "Buy me, buy me!"

-10?

-Make it 15.

We like it, don't we, Mark? It's just the condition.

Somebody will fall in love with him and feel sorry for him and buy him.

-Trying to be emotive.

-What about 14?

Because if someone bids 15, we would just make a pound profit?

Go on, then.

Is that all right? Sorry...

-I've done it.

-Have you? Oh, right, he's bought the teddy.

-14.

-14.

I bought if for 14.

That was decisive, Howard. You have just made your first purchase,

so it's one all. Now, I'm about to add another string to my bow.

So what have we got here?

Well, surprise, surprise, it's a rather clapped-out old violin case.

It's made of beechwood, it's been ebonised

and I would date it anywhere between 1870 and 1900.

Open it up and it reveals a violin and two bows.

Now, I'm particularly interested in violin bows

because they can be worth a lot of money and as pieces of art,

they are examples often of exquisite craftsmanship.

Here we have got one long, solid piece of mahogany, I suspect.

This one is not in great condition.

The horsehair, from the tail of a horse, I guess, has begun to fray

and this thing needs a bit of restoration.

The second bow is nearly identical

but if you look really carefully, it's got a signature, look.

An impressed mark.

The first bit looks like chrysanthemum

and next door it says "Japan".

Of course, the chrysanthemum is an important emblem in Japan

for the Japanese royal family

and they use it as a trademark often on all sorts of objects.

The meat and veg of what's in this case though is the violin itself.

And if I pick it up and get the case out of the way, you can see

it's absolutely filthy dirty.

All this black ingrained muck is grease and sweat because this

instrument has potentially been played regularly for over 120 years.

This sound board is nicely figured and it has been pierced

with these f-holes, which are particularly nicely carved.

Part of the beauty of a violin is if you examine it sideways on

and you can see at the back, there is quite a swelling belly.

That, for me, is an indication of a good violin maker.

But the winning feature for me has to be that. This is sycamore.

A rippling, golden honey-coloured timber that almost has

an iridescent quality.

So what would this lot cost you today, here in Leominster?

The whole lot could be yours for £120.

Now, that, for me, strikes exactly the right note.

Back to the shopping and both teams have bought one item each.

Time as ever is starting to march on.

-Half the allocated hour is gone.

-OK, well...

And we have bought a teddy bear. Are you panicking?

Don't panic, folks, you still have time to find two more buys.

Now, what have the Reds found here?

"David Linley, turned wooden vase with silver-plated liner."

David Linley, incidentally, is the Queen's nephew.

Viscount Linley, he trained at the John Makepeace School of Furniture,

down in Dorset,

and it was probably the finest furniture workshop in the country.

I mean, Edward Barnsley school, have to mention them.

But very, very good.

I'm guessing it's a drinking cup but it's a modern collectable.

I mean, it just catches my eye

because you have got a name, a novelty.

OK, let's bear that one in mind. Let's look elsewhere.

-Never know, might come back for it later.

-Yes, indeed.

Something to think about perhaps.

Now, back to Carlos' favourite love - porcelain.

Oh, I say, wow wee.

What I love about porcelain

is the English didn't invent porcelain until 1745.

Here you have got 17th-century porcelain

which, us English in the 18th century,

valued as highly as gold.

I love that teapot there but it's a lot. It's £336.

That blows our budget.

It certainly does, Carlos. Move along.

My eye was immediately drawn to that Georgian ale glass.

They're doing really, really well now again.

But that one's got a chip on the foot so it's a no-no.

-"First World War ladies cigarette case."

-It may not be silver.

-It's plated.

-£16 investment.

I thought you guys want to spend some money today.

No, we want to buy low and sell high.

We might buy low and sell even lower, I don't know!

The Reds have been thinking about the David Linley beaker.

Having asked Stan for a closer look,

he returns with price news.

I will give you a price but it will be just a yes or a no.

-It is the very, very, very best.

-It's the death.

-It is.

£55, that's from £77.

You never lose a great deal of money on it because it's quality

and there are collectors out there but it's a bit of a punt.

-OK.

-It's a bit of a punt.

£55 is fine, absolutely fine.

We have got 20 minutes left and we have only bought one item

so we may need to run back for that.

-Could you hold it, put it aside for us?

-Yes, I'll keep it for you.

Thanks very much.

We got that one banked and we've got two interesting objects,

potentially the second we bought.

Moving on and Charles and the Blues are still bearing up.

Look at that. It's quite sad in part, isn't it?

Because obviously you have got here the old Bavarian bear

and of course what it forms here is a very nice sleeve

for your matchbox, vesta stand.

And the reason I like this bear is look at the colour.

There's this wonderful glow of wood and that's

where hands have maybe just said, "Oh, poor bear. Let him go free."

So age wise, what are we talking? Have a guess.

-Howard, if I said to you, "Date this object for me."

-1930.

A bit earlier. 1900, 1890.

What's it worth, Mark? If you saw that in a saleroom.

I would be looking to pay 50-60 for that.

The price, £95. It's a good item.

Stephanie, may we borrow you for a second? Thanks a lot.

-Do you like it?

-Yes, very much, I do.

But I don't know whether I would pay £95 for it.

-Go on, then, make an offer.

-Make an offer.

-My thought would be 60.

-Say it again.

-60.

-(Go 50 instead.)

-50.

Yeah, that's a good one! Sorry, sorry.

-Will you take 50 for us? Take 50.

-Go on.

-£50.

-£50.

-Shake her hand. Good man, yes.

-TIM:

-'Well done, Blues, your second purchase made.'

-There is a bear running through.

-Exactly right, yeah!

'Barefaced cheek, if you ask me.'

-Guys, ten minutes to go, OK?

-Ten minutes.

The time is ticking.

'With only one purchase made, the Reds need to start buying.'

-I think that is really sweet.

-That is sweet, isn't it?

That looks very plate to me.

If that were in silver, you got it the right price,

you stand a small chance of profit, not a lot though.

Now, what has Charles got his hands on here?

That's such a mixed collection of items.

-That's an ink bottle.

-Yes.

-A penknife. Is that bone? Has it got the striations?

-It is bone, yes.

And it's got the metal piece for drawing lines on music.

It would be loaded with ink,

you presumably get some sort of ruler

and you draw it across and there are your five lines.

Got you, I got you.

So the contents in here, Mark, what would you have used them for?

Do you know?

Well, I can't work it out. It's a real mixed bag.

I mean, it is obviously some sort of tradesman, isn't it?

-A potpourri of items.

-I love that word. A potpourri of items.

I really like that.

I can tell you the box is made of probably walnut, it could be

an olive wood, difficult to tell because it is so dirty and inked.

So in that regard, I'm quite happy this box has always been associated,

probably with Edwardian times, with whatever function it had.

So it's a real find.

-It is just a crazy mixture.

-Yes.

I just have no idea. I really... For the first time, I am stumped.

I mean, what's that brush for there? It's not a toothbrush, is it?

It's not now!

-TIM:

-'As the Blues try to figure out the mystery object,

'the Reds are looking for bling.

'Despite needing two more purchases,

'they are about to hear some good news.'

Whose cabinet is this, Stan?

That cabinet belongs to my wife

so there are special discounts with that one.

Oh, there we go, OK. We'll take the lot!

THEY LAUGH

Well, Dwina has been looking at this little gold flashed brooch.

It's very typically Victorian, mid sterling silver.

Not marked but it does not need to be, it is under a certain weight.

It would be great if it had Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow,

but it doesn't have a mark on it.

Flashed with gold, pierced with ivy and this sort of milled edge.

The clip is OK.

So when you have got this in the saleroom, the bids aren't going

to go up in fives and tens, they are going to go up in ones and twos.

-OK.

-Sure.

-OK?

You stand a chance of losing a couple of pounds or making

a couple of pounds, not big money.

-Right.

-But it really depends on what Mrs Stan is willing to come down to.

Would Mrs Stan...would Mrs Stan go to 15 for us?

It's 35, willing to go to 25.

-Another fiver off?

-20?

-20? Well...

-The eyebrows...

Now we are hitting his pocket, hasn't the attitude changed?

-She's good at the eyebrows. Go on.

-Please!

Well, I'm thinking about what I am having for my tea.

We have gone from steak to sausage already.

Your £20 would be bread and dripping, wouldn't it?

-Nothing wrong with bread and dripping.

-No.

Yes, all right, bread and dripping then.

-We got a brooch.

-Yay!

-TIM:

-'Good for you, Stan. Bread and dripping it is.

'And with that, the Reds make their second purchase.

'So any decision on the Linley beaker?'

Got two items. Come on, let's go for your cup.

-You want to go for the cup?

-Yeah, you are keen on it.

It's quality, isn't it?

OK, the price is £55. I think that's very good.

That will mean we've got our three lots, panic over.

-We have travelled 20 yards in an hour.

-HE LAUGHS

-That just shows you the amount of stuff that's here.

-It's lovely.

Well done. Absolutely brilliant.

'There is now just minutes left and the Blues

'are still deliberating about the wooden box.'

What's your best price?

Well, I think to be fair to the dealer, I can do 25

and that will be it.

I think it's a gamble but it's a gamble I would be happy to take.

We have got a minute to go, call it.

Will you do for 24? One pound below the...

-Go on.

-24.

-I like your style!

-24.

-I like your style as well.

-TIM:

-'And that's it, it's all over.

'And the Blues also complete their shopping, so congratulations!'

Let's remind ourselves what the Red team bought, eh?

Hopefully, this way points to profit.

This late Victorian table gong rang out to the tune of £90.

Hopes are pinned on this Victorian white metal brooch,

for which they paid £20.

And finally, a David Linley treen beaker with plated liner

cost them the royal sum of £55.

-Well, team, that was fun, wasn't it?

-Yes.

Now, how much did you spend in total?

-We spent 165.

-You spent 165.

I would like £135 of leftover lolly, please.

There we go, that's marvellous. Now, which is your favourite piece?

-The brooch.

-The brooch is your favourite.

Really like the brooch, yeah.

-And do you agree with that?

-No, I like the gong.

-The gong.

-The gong, yes.

-Is that going to bring the biggest profit?

-Oh, I think so.

-You reckon?

-Don't look at me!

-Absolutely.

The gong is going to bring the biggest profit?

Um, I'd like to think it was my brooch but somehow I think not.

Well, all will be revealed shortly but first, JP has to go out with

that wodge of cash and translate it into something dazzling.

Yeah, I'm going to shop around, I'm going to have a good look.

I've seen a few things.

-Really?

-I can't say any more than that.

-OK.

-I might blow the lot though!

-Well, I rather hope you do.

Anyway, good fun.

Meanwhile, why don't we check out what the Blue team bought, eh?

This early 20th-century straw-filled teddy bear

cost them a cute and cuddly £14.

They were struck by this 19th-century Black Forest

matchbox holder in the form of a standing bear, which cost them £50.

And their last item was a late 19th-century wooden box with

mixed contents, which cost them £24.

So have you two grown up at all or is it all teddies for you?

No, we will grow up at some point in the future, I am sure.

Yeah, best not rush it, eh?

-No, no, no.

-Quite.

-So which is your favourite piece?

-The Bavarian bear.

The Bavarian bear.

What was the matter with the first bear?

-A little bit worn out. Seen better days.

-Fair enough.

And what's your favourite piece?

I didn't like either of the bears, not very much

but I did like the box of tricks we bought.

Is the box of tricks going to do the business for you?

I think it very well might.

-Do you agree?

-If we can work out exactly what it is, yes.

Lovely.

-And how much did you spend?

-£88.

-What, on the lot?

-Yes.

Good Lord! OK, £212 of leftover lolly then, please.

Thank you very much. Carlos, what is going on here?

212 is a lot of money and I feel the bears were quite soft

so it's my turn now to really turn on the antiques style.

So you're going to spend the lot, are you?

-I intend to spend every last penny, Tim.

-Good for you, Charles.

-Quite right.

-I don't know why I love you so much!

-There we go.

-Thanks a lot.

-Well done, boy.

-Thank you.

-£212.

-Now, you happy?

-Oh, yes.

-Oh, yes.

-Very happy.

-We are all happy.

In fact, we are so happy we are about to shove off to the auction.

I am at Halls in Shrewsbury today

and our auctioneer is Andrew Beeston.

-Andrew, good morning.

-Good morning to you.

-It's a treat to be here.

Anyway, for the Red team, Geoff and Dwina,

their first item is this silver-plated table gong,

-which is a bit of an oddity, isn't it?

-It is.

1888-1889 with the registered number on it.

It's been re-plated and the gong may have been replaced

and it's probably more a ting than a gong, so limited market.

I have seen similar versions at £50-£70 which we put on it.

-That's your estimate, is it?

-Yes, yes.

-OK, fine.

£90 the team paid. Next is the little silver brooch.

Now, is that hallmarked, that brooch?

It isn't, so that is why it is catalogued as white metal

with the yellow metal flashed overlays.

There is no assay on there, so we can't say it is silver.

But it's not going to encourage anybody to pay a big price. What's your estimate on that?

-£50-£30.

-OK.

Well, the team paid £20 so they are bang on the money with that.

And the last object I do find slightly surprising,

cos it has got stamped in the bottom "Linley",

who is an extremely smart contemporary maker, isn't he?

Yes, Viscount Linley started over a chip shop in 1985

turning wood and making furniture.

The company now make furniture for super rich yachts

all over the world.

So this must be one of his earlier productions

because apart from the turning on the sides,

it's not got a lot going for it in a way of quality, has it?

Plated removable interior, it is a multifunctional container, really.

-So what's it worth?

-£50-£70.

-Well, they paid £55, so they paid the right money.

-Yeah.

-And they might turn a small profit.

-Yeah.

Depending on how the table gong works at auction will depend on

whether they need the bonus buy or not,

so let's go and have a look at it.

You spent £165, Geoffrey, and you gave £135 to JP.

-So, JP, give the red cloth a yank.

-All right.

-Ooh.

-Wow!

-Look at that.

-It's oil on canvas, it's about 100 years old.

It's a nice pastoral scene of Epworth.

-The artist is a chap called JS Sharp.

-Well-known?

-Let's say we haven't been able to identify who he is.

-OK.

-That doesn't say he is not without merit.

-Sure.

-It's nicely painted.

-It looks nice, doesn't it?

I cost me £135, which is actually the whole money, the whole money.

But I liked it because I like a country scene

and it actually says on the frame here, "Birthplace of John Wesley."

And John Wesley happened to be an Anglican priest who set up

-the Methodist movement.

-Of course, yeah.

It says it's his birthplace. Well, obviously it's not where he was born

unless he was born in the church.

But it might be the first place he preached at,

it might have some sort of significance in that

and potentially a large collectors' market.

-As well as religion, what about profit?

-Well, there's a thing.

I would like to see it making upwards of £200.

Dwina, what do you think, darling?

It's quite pretty. I think, you know, I do quite like it.

-It's got the look of distant hills, hasn't it...

-Yes, yes.

..with that kind of nice blue-ish hue.

Anyway, for the audience at home, let's find out right now

what the auctioneer thinks about JP's picture.

Well, there we are, Andrew, a daub of Epworth church.

What do you make of that?

View of John Wesley's birthplace. It's not the home where he was born.

-It's not the rectory.

-No.

-It is just a landscape of Epworth.

With the church in it.

It's got the church in it

but if it was a picture of the actual rectory, then it would

probably be more commercial than just a Victorian landscape.

What is it Epworth worth?

-50-70.

-Is that all?

-Yeah.

OK, fine. JP paid £135

but it's going to be dodgy to make 135, isn't it?

-Will need some look on the internet.

-Thank you, Andrew.

That's it for the Reds. Now, moving on to the blues.

We have got a particularly grumpy clapped-out bear here.

How do you rate him?

Well-loved, well-worn and probably well down in estimate.

-£20-£30.

-£20-£30, that's fine.

Our team only paid £14.

Now, the Black Forest matchbox holder, which has got this bear,

more of a grizzly than a teddy, holding a matchbox holder.

-Are these in favour?

-Well, in good condition, they are.

This one has got some damage around the mouth area.

He has definitely had his bottom jaw biffed in,

which is not so good for a bear.

Hopefully, we'll still see £50-£70 for it.

Well, that would be grand, cos they paid £50.

Now, the last item is this box of miscellaneous drawing

and writing implements. That too looks a bit clapped out to me.

I would be surprised if any of the contents started life with the box.

£15-£25. That is probably as much as we will see.

OK, £24 they paid. I think they paid the full price for that.

I mean, it is dangerous buying things

that aren't in great condition

and bringing them to auction, isn't it?

It is, yes.

If you are a collector, you are looking for good condition

and completeness.

Anyway, their strategy was to spend as little as possible.

They spent £88, which meant that £212 went to Charles Hanson.

And let's go and have a look at his bonus buy because, by Gad,

this team are going to need it.

Now, Howard, Mark, this is exciting, isn't it?

Cos you only spent a very taut £88.

Sometimes you have got to be a big spender to make up

for what was, I think, a fairly paltry shop.

And I spent £212 on a nice object of rustic charm.

It's essentially a lead-glazed earthenware over slipware.

And all this white clay has been trailed on almost

like through a little icing tube.

We've got a date on here, 1828.

I just think, well, this may have sat maybe in a Dutch interior

on escritoire and it was a little ink stand,

and it just has real history.

It has function, doesn't it?

-You would put ink in those wells.

-You would.

These wells are probably later but it doesn't matter.

I think what you are buying is the actual body of the object.

-It looks very crude.

-Yeah.

So thanks, Howard!

Mark, what do you think?

It's not something that would ever see

the light of day in my house, personally.

-That's honest.

-HE LAUGHS

-But there is a buyer for everything.

-Quite right.

It's just a huge gamble. Dare I say it, it could make, Tim, £50.

It could be a huge loss

but then I feel, on a really good day, it could make 350.

Exactly. Right, now for the audience at home,

let's find out what the jolly old auctioneer thinks

about Charles' encrier.

Well, here we go, Andrew.

-This is a bit of a puzzle, this thing, isn't it?

-It is a little bit.

Bears the date 1828 and is probably continental

with the text that is in the book mounted on top.

What you really want to feel is that it is Staffordshire

or Nottinghamshire.

-It is that hard, bright lead glaze on top of pottery.

-Yeah.

And then this lovely creamy slip trailed on the top, which is very

collectable in English ceramic, isn't it?

It's serious money in English ceramics.

And our estimate of 70-100 on this one,

if we were sure this was English of the date,

be quadrupled, really would, yeah, yeah.

Well, Charles has invested in this. He has invested big.

-He has invested £212.

-Wow.

-Anyway, Andrew, are you taking the sale today?

-I am indeed, yes.

-We are in safe hands. Thank you very much.

-My pleasure.

£20...

75, 80, 85.

Now, Geoff, Dwina, we are on the edge of the abyss

-that is the auction.

-Mm-hm.

-How are you feeling, Dwina?

-A little bit nervous.

-Oh, yeah.

-But I'm excited as well.

-Are you?

-Yeah.

Anything you wish you hadn't bought?

-The gong maybe.

-The gong, really?

-I'm not sure about that.

It's a difficult thing, isn't it?

Novelty silver is all to go for, really, and you paid £90.

The auctioneer's estimate is 50-70, which is not so far off 90.

But it all depends. There's lots of people in this room

and they all look hungry for a gong to me!

-Absolutely, absolutely.

-Exactly.

And here it comes.

Lot 100, the electroplate, late Victorian table gong.

Start the bidding with me at £40-£45. £45, 50 now.

At £45, take 50.

50 on the internet. 55 is a commission...

Come on, it's wonderful. Come on.

Someone has got to buy it.

At £55, fair warning. At £55.

-There we are, it's a nice start.

-There we are. That is good, isn't it?

5 off 60. That's -35.

-We had to hammer him down to get him to 90, didn't we?

-Absolutely.

-Look out, here comes the brooch.

-White metal circular brooch there.

Lot number 101.

Start me, £10 sweet little brooch.

'£10.'

-Come on.

-Come on.

£5. 5 bid. £5 bid...

-Uh-oh.

-Come on.

10 for you. 10. 12...

Keep going.

-ANDREW:

-..15, 18.

Another bid, 20.

-Yes!

-Yes!

-Yes.

£22, standing bid.

We're in profit.

'At £22, no mistakes,'

at 22.

-£22 is +£2, that's OK.

-Absolutely.

Which makes it -33.

Now for the Linley beaker.

The treen beaker with the turned and tapering body.

New price then. That should be £50 straightaway.

-Absolutely.

-'50. 30, to start me,'

where are you? £30?

£30 and start me. £30.

-Come on!

-Lots in the room.

30, 35, 40.

£40, seated bid at £40, you're not in on the net.

That's ridiculous.

At £40...

£40 is -£15. 33, 43, -48.

Now, what are we going to do about this picture?

-Absolutely.

-Go for it.

-Absolutely categorically go for it.

-By the performance of the previous three lots?

-Absolutely. Absolutely.

Let's change gear and look at fine art rather than decorative art.

I have to say, having made that decision, that the auctioneer is

being particularly gloomy about it, he's estimated it at £50-£70.

But you just can't tell what's going to happen.

-Let's hope for the best, yes?

-Indeed. Good.

-Indeed.

-And here it comes.

-Lot number 106. Straightaway I am bid £40.

£40 I am bid. 5 I will take.

At £40 against you, internet.

45, 50 on commission. At 55, 60...

-Come on.

-Higher.

-That's it.

-'..65.'

-Right.

A bidder at 65. At £65, it's an internet bidder.

-Uh-oh.

-'At £65...'

-Can't believe this.

-At £65...

£65. That's -£70, OK?

--118. You were brave, you were bold, you deserved more.

-Absolutely.

And who knows, -£118 could be a winning score today.

-Now, guys, do you know how the Reds got on?

-Not a clue. No idea.

Not a clue. That's what we like.

First up is the worn-out but rather lovable teddy bear, I have to say.

And here it comes.

The yellow plush straw-filled teddy bear.

A little bit play worn or well-loved. Start me £10, 10.

-Come on.

-Give a bear a home. 10 on the internet.

-Internet bid at £10.

-Come on, Matt.

-12 now if it helps. 15 on the internet.

-Keep it going.

15. Competition at £15.

-Internet bidder going to a home.

-You are in profit.

At £15 we shall sell.

-+£1, that's fair enough.

-Good.

-Happy days.

-That's 50p profit each.

-Happy days.

If you cut Charles out, 50p each.

THEY LAUGH

Now, here comes the Black Forest match holder.

Start the bidding, £30, 30.

30 to start the bidding. £30, 30 is bid. Internet bidder, 35.

35 on the internet. 40.

-40, 45, come on.

-£40. At £40. 45, 50...

-One more.

-At £50, 50.

-At £50, internet bid is at 50.

-One more.

Nothing in the room. 55 on the net.

HE GASPS

-55 on the net.

-He'll go one more than that.

-You are on profit.

£55, fair warning, internet.

At 55...

-That's +£5.

-GAVEL BANGS

That's a miracle with a biffed-in jaw, I can tell you.

-Good thing it roared, it roared.

-It certainly did.

Toothless roar. Anyway, here comes the pen box.

Writing pen box. Various items in there.

Even a toothbrush, believe it or not.

Lot number 121. Start the bidding £10, 10. 10 bid.

£10 bid, take 12 now if it helps...

I don't believe it.

-12, 15, 18...

-One more.

-At £18, make no mistakes.

In the room at £18.

£18 is -6. You had £6, you just lost £6.

You now have absolutely nothing, OK?

Which is the richness and rollercoaster nature of Bargain Hunt.

-I'm happy with that.

-Are you?

-You're happy with nothing.

-Leave with nothing.

-Going so well, isn't it?

We come into life with nothing, we leave with nothing, exactly right.

Now, what are you going to do about the bonus buy?

-I think we've got to take it now.

-We'll go for the punt.

-It's a huge punt.

-Let's go for the punt.

-That is a defo?

-Yes.

-We need some luck, Tim.

The auctioneer's estimate is 70-100.

You never know. Funny old game.

Start the bidding straightaway with me at 30, £35 I am bid.

We need the net to go wild.

45 gets you on the internet, 50 on the net, 55 on commission.

At 55, 60, 5 on commission.

-70 on the internet, 75...

-Keep going.

..80 on the internet, beats the commission bid. 90 on the internet.

-Come on, net.

-'95...'

-Go on!

-Come on, net.

-'..100.'

At 110. 110, it's slowing down.

-120...

-Yes, go on.

-Somebody from Holland, yes, get on there.

-At 130, internet bid at 130.

130, 140...

Yes, somebody has spotted it, Charles.

-Come on, come on!

-You brilliant man.

..170, 180, 190, 200...

-Come on.

-200, yes!

-Come on!

-..210, at 210, 220.

-Yes! Jolly well done, Charles.

-Now, where is this going to go?

-Come on!

-This is the business.

-Fair warning, internet. 240.

-Yes! That is fantastic!

240, internet bid, 250, keeps going.

Fair warning, internet, at 250.

-At 260...

-He's not finished.

Fair warning at 260...

-Thanks, guys, brilliant.

-HE WHOOPS

That is a proper result.

£260.

Plus £48. Give me a hug, boy.

That is the business, isn't it?

As you know, on Bargain Hunt we don't have losers any more,

we only have runners-up and winners

and the runners-up today by a fair old chalk, I'm afraid are the Reds.

Yes!

-£118-worth of losses is a pretty shocking process.

-I'm so sorry, Tim.

You did make a couple of pounds out of brooch...

-That's right, £2.

-..which is pretty good, really.

-Otherwise, it did not go down your gutter today, did it?

-No, not really.

-£118. But did you have a nice time?

-Yes.

-Lovely, great.

Well, we have loved having you on the show.

But the victors today, who go home with £48...

This is a magic moment on Bargain Hunt, where we are actually

handing out hard cash, £48.

You made a fiver on the matchbox holder

but the real treat of the day was Charles Hanson and his bonus buy.

-Everybody pooh-poohed that slipware standish, right?

-Yes.

But who won at the end of the day by selling it for £260?

I take my hat off to you, Carlos. Anyway, it's been such fun.

Why don't you join us soon for some more bargain hunting, yes?

ALL: Yes!