0:00:03 > 0:00:04This is Antiques Master,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06the contest to find
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Britain's top amateur antiques expert.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Tonight, the battle continues,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14as the country's finest antiques enthusiasts fight it out
0:00:14 > 0:00:18at the magnificent Towneley Hall in Burnley.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21They face a series of tough challenges, testing their skills
0:00:21 > 0:00:25at identifying, dating and valuing antiques.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29Ultimately, only one will be crowned Antiques Master.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Hello and welcome to Antiques Master. I'm Sandi Toksvig
0:00:51 > 0:00:56and this is the search for Britain's top amateur antiques enthusiast.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00As the contest continues, we have three more enthusiastic
0:01:00 > 0:01:02antiques buffs, whose knowledge we'll put to the test,
0:01:02 > 0:01:07all under the eagle eye of our resident expert, Mr Eric Knowles.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12But, of course, ultimately, only one can walk away with the title of Antiques Master 2011.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Let's get closer to finding out who that is, as we meet the contestants.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23Mike Carroll, from Greater Manchester, loves the styling of the decorative arts.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28My knowledge really comes from visiting antique fairs over the last 20 years.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33Fran Budd, from Enfield. Her unusual passion is for antique soda siphons.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38I mean, I look at them and I think they're just aesthetically so pleasing.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43And Charles Ormrod from London. He's a keen collector of rare Sheffield Plate.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46It's that element of searching that keeps a lot of people at it
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and the adrenaline rush when you think you've found it.
0:01:49 > 0:01:55But who will have what it takes to win a place in the semifinals
0:01:55 > 0:02:00and move one step closer to becoming Antiques Master?
0:02:00 > 0:02:01Their journey starts now.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12Right, now, your first challenge is all about your antiques specialisms.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Each of you has a different antiques passion
0:02:15 > 0:02:18and we're going to put that specialist knowledge to the test.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22We have scoured the country for five glorious examples
0:02:22 > 0:02:27for each of you and what you need to do is to study them and please tell us the following:
0:02:27 > 0:02:32Which is the oldest, which is the most valuable and which one is the odd one out?
0:02:32 > 0:02:35There's a total of 40 points available.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Ten points for each antique that you correctly identify
0:02:38 > 0:02:41and there's an extra ten points if you can tell us the price
0:02:41 > 0:02:47of the most valuable piece, within 15% of the auction estimate.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50So, let's see who's got a real eye for detail.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Mike is up first.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56His passion lies in the classic beauty of the decorative arts.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- And in your case, the odd one out is a reproduction.- OK.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05I like this.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Well, it looks like a silver enamel necklace.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- Maybe 1903, sort of, period. - That's fairly specific.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16I think it could be a Charles Horner one, but I'd have to look at it. Liberty & Co.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- Why do you say that?- It's a design that you get used to looking at.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- It's very popular, this one. - OK, we'll pop that one back there.
0:03:23 > 0:03:29Come and have a look at this lady here. Oh, looks heavy. Is it heavy?
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- Yes, she's quite gorgeous, actually. - What's she made of?
0:03:32 > 0:03:38- Bronze, I'd say.- Right.- It's the Art Nouveau style. Very typical. A maiden with flowing hair.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41You get a lot of reproduction of this stuff, don't you?
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- You do, you do.- So, how can you tell if it's the real deal?
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- I don't know. She's quite beautiful, though.- All righty.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50I think this is probably my favourite item.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- That is just stunning. - I absolutely love this.
0:03:53 > 0:03:59It's a Liberty Cymric range, designed by Archibald Knox.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Very valuable? - I'd put it in the 'very', yes.
0:04:02 > 0:04:08Candlesticks. You are an electrical contractor, so hardly interested in candlesticks, are you?
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- I am, actually.- Oh, are you? So, you're always ready in case of a power cut?
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- You never know!- What about that colour?- I'd say they're English.
0:04:16 > 0:04:22- Is that typical, the colour? - The colourways are typical of some of Minton's colourways.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27And they've got a type, so they're like a number one and the condition's lovely, as well.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32All right, you've got little bit of a chip. I think we can forgive that.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- We've all got a chip somewhere, haven't we?- We probably have.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Best not to get into it.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Let's come on to the last item and what's it for?
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- Trinket tray.- Trinket tray?- Yes.
0:04:42 > 0:04:48Well, this isn't marked, but it's quite crudely finished underneath. I don't know.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53If you're going to handle something it might sort of... Well, the patina would wear a little.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- Your patination, I've learnt this word.- It still looks bronze.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01We have to make some decisions. I say 'we,' Mike, it's up to you.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06Shall we start with the one that you think is the reproduction that is, in fact, the odd one out?
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- I'm going to go with this one. - And is there a reasoning behind it?
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- Just a feeling.- OK, instinct is good. The oldest item?- I'd go for these.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- And what do you think roughly? - Roughly, in the 1890s this one.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- And the most valuable?- This one.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Are you going with your heart or with your head, Mikey?
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- Everything!- Everything. With everything!- Yes, yes.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32You stand with me and find out from Eric if we can afford the clock.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43A big range to cover, decorative arts, from sort of Victorian
0:05:43 > 0:05:49through to Art Deco period. So you chose a big slice there. Let's start with the oldest.
0:05:49 > 0:05:55You went with the pair of Minton Secessionist candlesticks, yes?
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- You've got them down as the oldest. I haven't.- Hmm.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02- I'm going here.- Ah.- I'm going here with a lovely French bronze.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04It dates to 1895.
0:06:04 > 0:06:10Candlesticks, in actual fact, dates to 1908.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15So, having established that, we have to find that odd one out.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18I mean, there was no hesitation, was there, at the end of the day?
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- It was too fresh. - Yes, but you are aware that
0:06:21 > 0:06:23you can have an old bronze repatinated?
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Ah, yes.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29But it hasn't been repatinated, because you're absolutely right.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34My 22-year-old son is older than that piece.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Ten points. Well done, Mike.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40I'm looking for the most valuable. And you went for this.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Now, you said that this was Cymric Silver
0:06:44 > 0:06:49but if you turn it upside down, it actually says under there,
0:06:49 > 0:06:55- English Pewter. So that makes it what?- Tuderic.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59But even though it is Pewter, it is the most valuable.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Another ten points. Well done.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07Now, there's a chance to earn a further ten, if you can tell us
0:07:07 > 0:07:09the price of that beautiful clock...
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- Oh, my gosh.- ..within 15% of the auction estimate.
0:07:13 > 0:07:14I'm going to go
0:07:14 > 0:07:19- for £7,000.- £7,000, we are bid.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23Well, it's good enough for me because we were looking for anything
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- either side of £6,500.- Really?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27So you get another ten points. Well done, Mike.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29You sit down with 30 points.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Mike walks away with 30, out of a possible 40, points.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Will Fran spot the oldest, most valuable
0:07:38 > 0:07:42and the odd one out in her specialism, antique soda siphons?
0:07:42 > 0:07:47And in your case, the odd one out, the top and the bottom don't match.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Does that make sense to you? - It does.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53OK, what doesn't make sense to me is soda siphons.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Why would you pick this as your specialism?
0:07:56 > 0:08:01Well, when I first saw one I thought it was quite aesthetically pleasing and rather beautiful.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Is this something you would have domestically or somewhere smarter, like a club?
0:08:05 > 0:08:10Yes, probably and you could see them also in bars, where they would have some.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Yes, a proper establishment.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17I put my hand in it. I thought it would be a fabricky thing but it's a proper wire mesh.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20No, it's wire mesh because a lot of these things exploded.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24I love the idea that in a quiet club - and then the soda siphon explodes and I think it's marvellous.
0:08:24 > 0:08:30- You can see the rust coming off the wire.- We're looking for the one where the top and the base don't match.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34Yes, there are some shiny ones over there which I'd like to look at before I tell you.
0:08:34 > 0:08:40- Let's move further on. This does have writing on it.- This does. Let me see if I can read it.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- I can't see with my glasses on, so I'll take those off.- OK.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48Let's have a look. Yes, this is 1901.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50We love that it tells you how old it is.
0:08:50 > 0:08:57That would fit in with the period, because advertising on these siphons didn't start till about 1900.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- Tiny bit of water in it actually, a tiny bit of soda.- Shall we try it?
0:09:01 > 0:09:06No, I think we'll move on! Now, another. Well, they're similar, aren't they, the first and middle?
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- Yes, they were called 'gasogenes.' - Gasogenes?- Yes, that's right.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Covered in wire mesh or in wicker. This is probably original, as well.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17And the base and the top, we think they're meant to be?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- I think so.- It's a perfect soda siphon marriage?- I think so.
0:09:20 > 0:09:26- We have to move along because I'm going to push you on time.- Right.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29OK, this is a fairly modern thing.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Let's just have another look with your glass.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36British Siphon. OK.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- All right. And the last one which is very pretty, but...- Yes.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46I think this is, this is fine because we've got Clayton on the top here.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- So you think they're going to marry together?- We've got Clayton here so I imagine that's fine.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Now, we need to make some decisions. Let us find the odd one out.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59The top and the base do not match.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01That one, the top and the base don't match.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03OK, the oldest, please?
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- I'd say this is the oldest. - This one is the oldest.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- And the most valuable?- Ah.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Has that put a fly in your otherwise perfect ointment?- Does a bit.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- Decision? Most valuable? You can change it around. - I think this is the most valuable.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Then that can't be both. They're mutually exclusive, so...
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- That one.- The most valuable? - No, this one the most valuable
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- and that one the oldest.- That one.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- That one's the oldest. Are you happy with your decisions?- No!
0:10:32 > 0:10:34I'm afraid we are out of time.
0:10:39 > 0:10:45Let's look for our oldest. You just couldn't make your mind up,
0:10:45 > 0:10:47whether this was the oldest one or not?
0:10:47 > 0:10:52It is the oldest one. A very wise move.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54This French Seltzogenes, they're referred to as,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57dates to 1885.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01But the giveaway really is all in the mount, because this one has got a clamp.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06And clamps are a slightly later feature.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Well, you get ten points for spotting the oldest, so well done.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12We now have to look for an old top on a newer base.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- Again, you weren't 100% certain, were you?- Not 100%, no.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18No, well, you were absolutely right.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Another ten points.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24This base is relatively recent,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27but the top is actually from the 1920s.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Let me tell you that
0:11:29 > 0:11:33the most valuable piece is the one in front of me.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Date-wise, by the way on this,
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- just a tad later. This is around about 1890, 1900.- Very close.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40Very close.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42All three. 30 points.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47Well done. You gain another ten points, for the full 40,
0:11:47 > 0:11:51if you can tell me the price, within 15% of the estimate?
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- I'd pay £300.- £300, we are bid.
0:11:54 > 0:12:00The price I've got here is anything either side of £125.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- Nevertheless, 30 points, very well done. Fran, thank you so much. - Thanks.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Fran has drawn level with Mike, on 30 points.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13Charles finally takes his turn. Can his lifelong passion for Sheffield Plate
0:12:13 > 0:12:15earn him 40 points and put him in the lead?
0:12:15 > 0:12:21For the odd one out, one of these is not Old Sheffield Plate.
0:12:21 > 0:12:27- What's special about Sheffield Plate?- Modern silver plate is an electrochemical process,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30whereas Sheffield Plate is a fuse procedure.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33You take a block of copper, a sheet of silver,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36put the two together, under heat and you roll that out flat
0:12:36 > 0:12:40and then you make the objects out of that plated material.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- Let's have a look at this first object.- Well, it's a cheese toaster.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- A cheese toaster?- Handle and screws, hot water goes inside that cavity
0:12:49 > 0:12:54to keep your cheese hot, while you were waiting to eat it.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58So, this looks like it's correct, Old Sheffield plate.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03It seems to have the right sort of symptoms. So, 1800 or 1810 or thereabouts.
0:13:03 > 0:13:09Let's go on to the next one. This is something I do recognise, this next thing.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- Yes, this is a wine cooler. - That's rather lovely, isn't it?
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The whole look of it suggests something that's fairly Regency,
0:13:16 > 0:13:21that sort of bulbous look and the fruit in vine and so forth.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Well, we have to move on to the next item.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- It's in the style of a coffee pot of 1760, thereabouts.- Right.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32I'm guessing you think it's the odd one out?
0:13:32 > 0:13:36It looks correct enough. It's just an odd find.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39I can't find a seam, either.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45Normally, you should be able to see a silver seam which I can't pick up.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- Oh, no, there it is. - Oh, right, found the seam?
0:13:48 > 0:13:51That is the seam, so that's perfectly correct.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54OK, so it's a small coffee pot of some nature.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Now, what's this? - A waiter, I suppose you'd call it.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- Right?- It's plated on one side only.
0:14:02 > 0:14:09Something slightly odd about these feet. You can see copper and they appear to be solid,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12which suggests that's a piece of cast copper...
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Right.- ..that has a silver surface, of some kind.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- Are we looking at the odd one out? - It's possible. Let's keep looking.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23On to the last one, because we are going to run out of time.
0:14:23 > 0:14:30Ah ha, chamberstick. Oh, golly, something odd happened to the base.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34I think this has been replated. You see that, that's a turned edge there?
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- Yes.- That's what you might see - the genuine Sheffield Plate items -
0:14:39 > 0:14:42would be a technique used to hide the cut copper edge.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46You wouldn't bother to do that if this was simply an electroplated item.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50So, I think is originally genuine Old Sheffield Plate,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52but it has been electroplated in later life.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56We have to make some decisions or rather you are, Charles.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01We'll start with the oldest. Which do you think is the oldest item?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Well, on the basis that we think this is genuine,
0:15:04 > 0:15:08then I think this must be the oldest, about 1760.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Oh, all righty. Now, the most valuable?
0:15:12 > 0:15:16It would have to be this very fine wine cooler, very sort of commercial thing.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18It's in extraordinarily good condition.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Right, so that is the most valuable
0:15:20 > 0:15:24and I'm going to ask you for the one that is not Old Sheffield Plate.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Well, I would say this is the odd one out, in that it has been
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- electroplated in later life. - All righty.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35You come and stand with me and let's see what Eric has got to say.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Let us look for our oldest piece on here.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50You've actually gone and placed it in front of me, as this coffee pot.
0:15:50 > 0:15:56And the good news is, because it dates from 1775,
0:15:56 > 0:16:01- it is the oldest piece. - Well done, ten points, Charles.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Now, odd one out. It's interesting what you had to say
0:16:04 > 0:16:09about later plated, but it's not my odd one out.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13Believe it or not, it's your toaster, your cheese toaster.
0:16:13 > 0:16:19This, in actual fact, dates from around 1860, and is actually
0:16:19 > 0:16:25electroplated on copper, which leaves me with the most valuable.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29Well, if size matters, and it doesn't in all cases,
0:16:29 > 0:16:33but does in the case of this piece. It is our most valuable.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36But there is a question coming your way.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39You correctly assessed that it was the most valuable,
0:16:39 > 0:16:41can you correctly assess the price?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44What we're looking for is the auction estimate,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46and we want it within 15%, please,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48then you could gain another ten points.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Oh, shall we say £750, as a mid-estimate figure?
0:16:53 > 0:16:56We're a little bit more adventurous, we were looking for one and a half.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- £1,500?- £1,500.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Don't be downhearted. You've got 20 points. Well done, Charles.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10So, let's have a look at the end of a gruelling first challenge.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14The scores are Mike and Fran, you are in joint first place.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16You both had 30 points.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19And, Charles, you are in a very creditable second, with 20.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21One of you will be leaving
0:17:21 > 0:17:23at the end of the next challenge, but there's not much in it.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Let's go to the Green Room for a Place In Time.
0:17:32 > 0:17:38In the second challenge, we've selected five antiques, all from different periods.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41First, is a silver basket.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Next, a decorative ceramic plate.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48The third item is an ornate clock,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51followed by a glass.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54A wooden toy completes the line up.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57The antiques have been placed in random order.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02Each contestant has five minutes to assess and position them,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06from earliest to latest, on the Antiques Master timeline.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Ten points will be awarded for each one they get right.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16The first item to have its age assessed is the wooden toy.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19It looks like a... Strange, it looks like a little toy to me.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- All right, how would you play it? - I've no idea.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26I suppose you would toss it up
0:18:26 > 0:18:29and the idea was to see if you could catch it in the cup.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- Not much of a game, is it? - No, not much of a game.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35I don't know. It's a toy that you can lasso.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38It does two things, it does that. Maybe do that.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Very, very early Victorian.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45'The next item to be dated is the drinking glass.'
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Would it be a cordial glass, perhaps? These little tiny ones.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- It's not much of a drink is it? - No, I think you'd have one shot of something very alcoholic
0:18:53 > 0:18:55and down it in one, I think was the idea.
0:18:55 > 0:19:01With the air twists and the general look of it, it seems mid-18th century.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Oh, this is a pretty little glass.
0:19:04 > 0:19:10Possibly 18th century, especially with the barley twist stem.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I don't know, 1740, 1760.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- Oh, so very, very... Gosh it's in jolly good condition.- I like it.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20'The third item on the timeline is the clock.'
0:19:20 > 0:19:23It's tempting to see if it'll chime. I wonder whether it will?
0:19:23 > 0:19:24CLOCK CHIMES
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Oh, this looks fairly late.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29I'd say this is... Well, it's definitely 19th century,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32especially with these bits of ceramic.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37- Do you like it?- It's a fine example.
0:19:37 > 0:19:42Perhaps not one I might necessarily purchase but it is a fine example.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46Very typical French mantel clock.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49It's got very nice painted panels on it.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Late 19th century, early 20th century.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58'The next artefact to be dated is the ceramic plate.'
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- I think this is rather pretty. - Do you want to look underneath? - I would like to look underneath.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08- Coalport, it says.- But you sound like you don't believe it?!
0:20:08 > 0:20:11No, I don't know that much about ceramics so...
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Again this has got a 19th century feel to it.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16This isn't my thing really at all but...
0:20:16 > 0:20:23- How old?- Well, it's put me in the sort of circa date of that glass.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28'The last antique that needs a place in time is the silver basket.'
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- It's filigree Silver. - It's filigree Silver?
0:20:30 > 0:20:37- With a glass insert. I'd say it's an original liner for it.- Right.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41Well, it looks to me like it's a London assay mark.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Right. What do you see? - It looks like a little panther head.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- Does that suggest London to you? - I always say the two kitties. Yes, they're London, yes.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- So it's a piece of silver, it's before 1784.- How do you know that?
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- No duty mark.- Oh, right, OK. What do you think it might have been for?
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- Oh, sugar?- Oh, right. That's a good idea, yes. Sugar beet, yes.
0:21:01 > 0:21:08And this had a sort of mid-18th century feel about it, as well.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13'It's decision time.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16'They must now place the antiques in chronological order.'
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- OK, let's put that in place. - You did say go with my gut.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24'Mike thinks the drinking glass is the earliest item.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27'And Fran agrees.'
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- Maybe it's the cup and ball? - 'Charles disagrees
0:21:29 > 0:21:32'and places the wooden toy as the oldest.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36'Opinions differ on what comes next.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39'Charles thinks it's the silver basket.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42'Mike opts for the ceramic plate and Fran thinks it's the clock.'
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Time flies.- Heavy thing.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49'There's further disagreement on what belongs in the middle of the timeline.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53'Fran chooses the ceramic plate. Mike goes for the wooden toy.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55'And Charles selects the drinking glass.'
0:21:55 > 0:22:00Simply because glass probably didn't survive in large quantities
0:22:00 > 0:22:03from early 18th century and...
0:22:03 > 0:22:07'Fran and Mike both place the silver basket as the second latest.'
0:22:07 > 0:22:09I'm going that way.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12'Charles thinks it should be the ceramic plate.'
0:22:12 > 0:22:15A bit too obvious for me that one really.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18'Mike and Charles are confident the clock is the latest item.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22'But Fran has her own opinions and picks the wooden toy.'
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- Are you happy with your choices? - Yes, I think so. - Well done. Thank you so much.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31'Time's up. But is anyone's timeline in the right order?'
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Well, you've all three had a go at putting our five antiques
0:22:37 > 0:22:41in the right place. Let's see who's been diligent with their dates. Eric?
0:22:41 > 0:22:47Well, you all recognise an 18th century wine glass when you're confronted with them.
0:22:47 > 0:22:55I say wine glass, cordial glass and dates to 1760, which is good news
0:22:55 > 0:22:57as far as Fran and Mike are concerned because
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- you made it the oldest. - So you both get ten points.
0:23:00 > 0:23:06What's next? Well, this little swing basket, which could have taken sweetmeats
0:23:06 > 0:23:12or it could have even taken sugar. So, this is my next item.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14It dates to 1777.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- So ten points to Charles. - Right, next, what was I looking for?
0:23:19 > 0:23:23This. The idea is that you've got to try and balance it
0:23:23 > 0:23:26on the top of there, or if you're very clever, you turn it over
0:23:26 > 0:23:29and you've got to try and get at the spike on that aperture.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34But this, I can tell you, dates to 1820.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- Mike, you were on your own there with getting that one right. ten points.- OK.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41But Mike you were a bit flummoxed by this particular tray.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45For me, as a ceramics man, it's certainly rare when you get
0:23:45 > 0:23:49berries and holly if you know it's there for the festive season.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51And it beggars belief, looking at the things here,
0:23:51 > 0:23:57that this is our least valuable item at £350.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01So, date on this, 1835.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- And ten points there to Charles. - So it leaves us with one clock.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11It's not even bronze, it's gilt spelter, dates to round about 1900
0:24:11 > 0:24:16and it is the most valuable item in front of you, worth £600.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21Well, let's have a look and see what all that has done to our scores.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Mike, you had 30 points after the first challenge.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28You've gained another 30 points. You're in the lead with 60 points.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Charles, you had 20 points and now you've gained another 30.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35And so you are in second place with 50 points.
0:24:35 > 0:24:41Fran, you had 30 points but I'm afraid you've only gained 10
0:24:41 > 0:24:44and therefore, with 40 points, this is the end of your journey
0:24:44 > 0:24:46towards the Antiques Master title.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51- How are you feeling?- I've had a great day so thank you very much. - Good, well, it was a pleasure.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Charles and Mike. Only one of you will leave tonight
0:24:55 > 0:24:58with a place in the semi-finals. Let's go through to the Red Room.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09So, Charles and Mike, there is just one guaranteed place in the semi-finals.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12It's the final challenge. A test of your general antiques knowledge
0:25:12 > 0:25:15and I think a test of your nerve, as well.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I'm going to start with an open question.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20You need to buzz if you know the answer and you get 5 points
0:25:20 > 0:25:24if you get it right but 5 points off for a wrong answer.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28If, however, you answer correctly, you will be able to choose
0:25:28 > 0:25:31one of the five antique categories for a further question
0:25:31 > 0:25:35that is worth ten points. But if you get that answer wrong,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38the question will be passed over to the other contestant,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41who gets a chance to steal five points off you.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43So my advice to you is to choose wisely.
0:25:43 > 0:25:49The round is going to end after two minutes or when all five antiques are out of play.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Now, at the moment, Mike, you've got 60 points.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Charles, you have got 50.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57So I think everything is still to play for.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01We'll start with an open question and the time starts now.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Which style of table, possibly named after an 18th century earl,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08has two short drop leaves and often one or two drawers?
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- Charles?- Pembroke. - Correct, please choose a category?
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- Sheraton?- In which decade did Thomas Sheraton begin to publish his book,
0:26:15 > 0:26:19The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book?
0:26:19 > 0:26:221780?
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- It's not correct. I'm going to pass it over.- 1750?
0:26:26 > 0:26:29The answer is 1790s. Open question, either of you can answer.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Introduced in the 1890s and creating a rainbow effect,
0:26:32 > 0:26:37what is the name of the technique in which metallic salt is added to glass?
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- Yes, Mike?- Favrile?
0:26:39 > 0:26:43No, not correct. The answer was iridescence. Open question.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47What name is given to a semi-fluid mixture of clay and water, applied to pottery?
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- Charles?- Slip.- Correct. Please choose a category.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55- Bateman.- Hester Bateman was one of the first silversmiths to employ
0:26:55 > 0:26:58machinery powered by what method, enabling her to use silver
0:26:58 > 0:27:01rolled to a thinner gauge than was then customary?
0:27:01 > 0:27:06- Steam power.- Steam powered, absolutely correct. Open question.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11The Pierotti and Montanari families were famous for producing what items in the 19th century?
0:27:11 > 0:27:13- Charles?- Wax dolls?
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- Correct. Please choose a category. - Pilkington.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21Succeeding Lancastrian ware, what name, inspired by Manchester,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24was given to Pilkington's later range of glazes?
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- Royal Lancastrian?- No, I'm going to pass it over to Mike.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30I don't know.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- The answer is Cunian... - END OF ROUND MUSIC
0:27:33 > 0:27:37That sound indicates that we are out of time but I can tell you after that impressive display
0:27:37 > 0:27:40of knowledge the scores are as follows.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Mike, you have concluded with 55 points.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47But Charles, you have 75 points, congratulations.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51We will see you in the semis. And my commiserations to you, Mike.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- Charles, how are you feeling? - Well, I'm delighted.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- I do feel I got a bit lucky there, I have to say. - What do you reckon there, Eric?
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Well, I don't call that luck. I just call it pretty good knowledge.
0:28:02 > 0:28:08Well, do join us next time when three more determined amateur antiques enthusiasts
0:28:08 > 0:28:11will be joining us to compete for the title of Antiques Master 2011.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18I'm delighted. Oh, I am, really.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Delighted and a bit relieved that I didn't embarrass myself too much.
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0:28:30 > 0:28:33E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk