0:00:02 > 0:00:07The nation's favourite antiques experts, one big challenge - who will make the most profit
0:00:07 > 0:00:11buying and selling antiques as they drive around the jolly old UK?
0:00:11 > 0:00:16- Oh, you're such a temptress. How much can you sell it to me for? - Is that your very best?
0:00:16 > 0:00:22By the end of their trip, they should have made some big money, but it's not as easy as it sounds.
0:00:22 > 0:00:27And only one will be crowned champion at the final auction in London.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29This is the Antiques Road Trip.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39Our two experts today are James Lewis and David Harper.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Will it be a marriage made in heaven or a fight to the death?
0:00:44 > 0:00:46This, for us, is effectively a blind date.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- We've met a couple of times, never worked together, have we?- Never.
0:00:50 > 0:00:56James is a Derbyshire auctioneer who bid at his first auction aged six.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59He took an early lead in yesterday's show.
0:00:59 > 0:01:00Remarkable.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- I'm shaking now.- No, I'm very impressed. Well done, James.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08David's an antique dealer from Co Durham specialising in furniture.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11He's got the ambition to beat James but has he got the nerve?
0:01:11 > 0:01:14It's a good sale but I might struggle to make a profit.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17I won't make much of a loss but not much of a profit.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26They're on the second leg of their road trip in David's classic soft-top.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32They started off at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
0:01:32 > 0:01:36and are heading all the way over to Market Harborough in Leicestershire.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43They've left Belfast, taking the ferry to Stranraer, and in today's programme
0:01:43 > 0:01:47they'll be shopping their way to auction in Kendal in Cumbria.
0:01:47 > 0:01:54They're taking the scenic route, seeking out the most remote antique shops to strike some good deals.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Each expert started with £200.
0:01:58 > 0:02:06James has taken an impressive early lead and now has £384.24.
0:02:06 > 0:02:13But his rival, David, is not far behind him. He's starting today's show with £341.25.
0:02:15 > 0:02:21In daft hat and sunglasses, these two clowns have decided to travel incognito.
0:02:21 > 0:02:27- I thought it was part of a theme. - Well, all right, if I'm honest I just think I look pretty good in it.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- I think you look like a pirate. - A pirate?
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Yeah. Just like Johnny Depp, David.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Well, what do you know, they've found a dealer in the middle of nowhere.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Hats off, boys, or you'll scare him.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- Doesn't look very shop-like, but... - Interesting.
0:02:42 > 0:02:48Dennis Hamilton has given up sheep farming and is trying to eke a crust out of antiques.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50His lounge is his showroom.
0:02:50 > 0:02:56So these highly competitive experts end up trying to do deals with the same dealer at the same time. Yikes!
0:02:56 > 0:03:00What sort of money have you got on that?
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Erm... I've got £12.50 on that.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04What's the ballpark area for you?
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- I paid £130 for that.- Did you? Yes.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10On that clock, I've got £1,600.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13And what would trade do on that?
0:03:13 > 0:03:14Trade price on that would be...
0:03:14 > 0:03:19It's too much, it's too much, it's too much.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22These Chinese vases should be affordable.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25James gives the dealer a history lesson.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28In the 1960s, when Chairman Mao was in China,
0:03:28 > 0:03:33he stopped all Chinese having things from the Imperial past
0:03:33 > 0:03:39and if they were caught with early 18th-century or 17th-century, or even 19th-century, works of art,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41they were thrown in jail.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46So what a lot of the Chinese people did was, the very valuable things they buried in the back garden
0:03:46 > 0:03:48or exported and sold to exporters.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53But of course now, the biggest growing market in the world is China,
0:03:53 > 0:03:57and what they haven't got is they haven't got things from their own past.
0:03:57 > 0:04:03So they're starting to buy things and it's a growing market, and I think they've got a chance.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06The shape of the vases is known as double gourd,
0:04:06 > 0:04:12and they are reticulated, a Chinese technique which makes it look as if they've got holes in,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14but they're actually double skinned.
0:04:14 > 0:04:20- I'd take £100 for them. - Would you be able to do them any less than £100?- Make me an offer.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22I don't want to insult you.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Go on, make me an offer.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28They're worth £40 but I'll offer you £55.
0:04:28 > 0:04:3155, I didn't pay a lot for them.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- All right, you've got a deal.- Yeah?
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- Yeah, you've got a deal.- Deal. Fab.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41Shame, because I was about to offer you £105, but then again, not to worry.
0:04:42 > 0:04:48Dennis wants David to look at a pretty Victorian writing slope inlaid with mother of pearl.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- We've got rosewood, haven't we?- Yes.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Then probably lined in mahogany, would you say, James?- Yes.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58Portable writing desks like this provided a flat surface for letter writing
0:04:58 > 0:05:01and storage for quills, inkbottles, and paper.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04James thinks there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10That should pop out, there you go.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- Well, I'll be...- Behind there.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13Well done.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Most of them have them. I want five gold sovereigns in the last.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- How much is it?- Nothing springs out.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22It's nice, isn't it? I didn't know that happened with the drawers.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26David's interested so it's down to the nitty-gritty.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- The least I could let that go for would be £140.- The thing is,
0:05:30 > 0:05:32I've got to sell... No, I can't.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- I don't think it's going to make any profit in a general sale, do you? - I think it would make 140-180.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Unless it could be drastically cheaper, Dennis. I've got £80.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- No, no.- Final chance.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47£110 and it's a deal, that's it. That's my final offer.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- I can't, Dennis, I'll go £80 cash now.- £100 and that's it.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53£100 or it stays where it stands.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- I'll do £80, Dennis, it's the best I can do.- No, no.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- Cash in my pocket.- Can't do it. Can't do it. Sorry, can't do it for that.
0:06:00 > 0:06:07If I was buying it for myself, I would, but £20 in this game.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10£90, and that's it.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14I'm not going any lower on that box.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17I tell you what I'll do, I'll stick my hand out now and meet you half way.
0:06:17 > 0:06:1985 and it's a deal.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Good man.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23I'm happy with that.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Phew, got there in the end but David's playing it real tough.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- Dennis, it's been a pleasure meeting you and to do business.- It's been a pleasure meeting you all.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33There you go, that's 20, 40, 50, and five.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Thank you very much. - And thank you very much.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44They're heading for Castle Douglas, where they've checked that two shops are open for business.
0:06:46 > 0:06:52This time, they're hitting a shop each so that they can guard their tactics more closely.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55James likes a Georgian bow front corner cupboard
0:06:55 > 0:06:59but it's missing a lot of its decorative edging or moulding.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04- How about the bits at the top there? - No, they're not in.- No?- No.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08In lovely condition at the height of the market, these were £500-£600, weren't they?
0:07:08 > 0:07:12But think it's going to cost more to put it right than it is worth.
0:07:12 > 0:07:18I'm not going to offer you something for it because it's worth more than I'd pay you.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22For me it would be worth £30-£40, that's all.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27- It's a lovely thing and I hope somebody will buy it and love it. - That's fine.
0:07:27 > 0:07:33I don't think the profit is there at the auction to make it worthwhile.
0:07:33 > 0:07:40James is determined to beat David at the auction in Kendal, so he's wary of making any mistakes.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Hazel, the long case clock?
0:07:43 > 0:07:49Pendulum clocks under 1.5 metres tall are known as granddaughter clocks,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52over 1.5 metres and it's a grandmother clock,
0:07:52 > 0:07:58and this beauty, which is over 1.8 metres high, is a grandfather clock.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01I love the fact that we've got the subsidiary seconds dial and the date dial,
0:08:01 > 0:08:05and the twin winding holes there for the eight-day movement.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09The painting's in good order, the clock's in good order. What would be your best for it?
0:08:09 > 0:08:14Well, can you tell me what your best is, I have to get my money back, so...
0:08:14 > 0:08:19For me, I think that would make £350-£400 at auction,
0:08:19 > 0:08:23so the most I could give you would be £250.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28I don't think I could sell it for £250.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30I don't blame you, I really don't.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- I would have to get £350 anywhere for it.- OK.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39James sure means business, he's piling the pressure on dealer Hazel Hall.
0:08:39 > 0:08:46He's got £329.24 to spend and he needs to get the best possible price.
0:08:46 > 0:08:52For it to stand any chance, it's got to be under £350, it's got to be under there...
0:08:52 > 0:08:54so...
0:08:56 > 0:08:59to get it up above the £300 mark, how about the clock
0:08:59 > 0:09:03and the corner cupboard at £320?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Just because you're such a nice guy. - Yeah?- Yes.- Fantastic.- Thank you.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Deal, thank you so much.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Well, I'm taking a big gulp, James.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19We'll call that £250 for the clock and £70 for the corner cupboard.
0:09:19 > 0:09:26Up the road in Castle Douglas, David's still thinking he'll beat James by spending little.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29He's badly underestimated the boldness of his rival.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- I don't have very much money. - No, I realise that's going to be...
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- I mean £200 isn't going to buy that, is it?- No.- Out of interest.- No.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Let's have a look at these vases, what do we know about these?
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- I suppose they're handkerchief vases, aren't they?- Yes, yes.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45In the shape of a handkerchief.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- Any damage on them?- I don't think so.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Does that one ring all right? Give it a ring.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50SHE TAPS THE VASE
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Playing a tune here, Ann. Maybe we're in the wrong business.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00They're more than likely to be Venetian, aren't they? Italian, probably.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Venice, and particularly the island of Murano,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07has been a centre of glassmaking for 800 years
0:10:07 > 0:10:11and Italian glassware remains highly desirable.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12What'd be the best on those?
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Um...
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Well,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18they're 15...
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- What about ten?- What about five? - Oh, I don't think I could go down as low as that.
0:10:22 > 0:10:29- Sure you could if you...- I don't think so.- If you really tried.- No, we would have to stick at ten.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- You're not feeling the pain, Ann, at ten, are you?- No.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37So that's how he's playing it, squeezing the dealer till it hurts.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40I don't want to offer less than ten because it starts getting ridiculous,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- 7, 8, 9... Go on, ten, I'll have them for ten.- OK, fine.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- OK, I'll hold that one, thank you very much.- Pleasure.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Hmm, more vases.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55David's bought a pair of vases, James has bought a pair of vases. Copycat shopping, David?
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- OK, thank you very much. - You're welcome.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- And I hope they make you a nice big profit.- Do you think they might?
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- SHE CHUCKLES Do you think they will?- I hope so.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06TILL RINGS
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- Oh, that was lovely, what a sound. - Now that was worth £10, wasn't it?
0:11:12 > 0:11:16And with the ping of an antique till still ringing in his ears,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20David slopes off for a drive along the Solway Firth coast road,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23which takes him past the ruin of Sweetheart Abbey.
0:11:23 > 0:11:29It was founded in 1273 by a grieving widow in memory of her husband,
0:11:29 > 0:11:33whose embalmed heart she carried around in an ivory casket.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38When she died, Lady Devorguilla of Galloway was also buried here
0:11:38 > 0:11:41clutching her husband's heart to her bosom.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Just take a look at that.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52There are viewpoints all the way along this road, you can enjoy it in a gorgeous classic soft-top,
0:11:52 > 0:11:54but when you get out and you look at that,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58where else on this Earth would you rather be on a good summer's day
0:11:58 > 0:12:00than anywhere like this in Britain?
0:12:13 > 0:12:17It's a new day, and with the promise of more shopping ahead,
0:12:17 > 0:12:21our intrepid antique hunters are breaking for the Border.
0:12:21 > 0:12:27David has spent £95 and still has £246.25.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31James has parted with nearly all his money, £375,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35and he's only got £9.24 left.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39On his way to the next antique shop,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42James is stopping off near Annan for a little play
0:12:42 > 0:12:47with the dollies in Margaret Lockerbie's incredible collection.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52Margaret's passion was ignited with a bridal doll and it, well,
0:12:52 > 0:12:54blossomed from there.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58She now has 3,500 dolls in her collection.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04I think you need to have a bit of an appreciation for dolls to...
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Oh, my goodness.
0:13:06 > 0:13:12- This is insane.- It is, but who says sanity comes into it, you know?
0:13:12 > 0:13:17There isn't... I do not know a good collector who is sane.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19So which is the oldest doll?
0:13:19 > 0:13:25The oldest doll is my mother's doll and it's the German one.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Oh, yes. - It was my grandmother's doll as well.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32This is the bisque head, the classic German with the papier mache joints.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Yes, she was made between 1890 and 1910.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39Yes, these are the sort of things that we do see in the salerooms.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40Let's have a look at that.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Yeah, Armand Marseille, Germany.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Armand Marseille, a Frenchman,
0:13:45 > 0:13:51eccentrically produced dolls in Koppelsdorf, southern Germany,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54from about 1885 to 1930.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56And Margaret's piece de resistance?
0:13:56 > 0:14:01I commissioned a lady to make me the replica of Lady Diana's wedding dress.
0:14:01 > 0:14:07- Oh, it's Diana's. - So there's a 12-and-a-half foot train and veil here, because she scaled it.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14Do you know, I've never seen so many dolls anywhere?
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Gosh, absolutely amazing.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17Wow.
0:14:21 > 0:14:27Back on the road, the boys are still heading in the general direction of their next auction.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31They drive through the famous Border town of Gretna Green - anyone for a marriage? -
0:14:31 > 0:14:33on their way to Cockermouth in Cumbria.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36When they get to Cockermouth,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42they find a pretty Georgian town on the edge of the Lake District,
0:14:42 > 0:14:46famous as the birthplace of poet William Wordsworth.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- OK if I have a quick look around? - By all means, feel free.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54Good. OK, well I tell you what I'm looking for, anything a bit out of the ordinary, quirky.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Quirky? What about Old Bill?
0:14:56 > 0:15:02Second War, came from Canada with chocolates in it for the kids at Christmas time.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- Really?- Yeah.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- Came with chocolates in him?- Yeah.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10He's quirky, but he might be TOO quirky for a general sale.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15A general sale, it's like anything, if you get two at it, you've cracked the job.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19I know. OK, let's think about him. The thing is, I've got a couple of hundred quid to spend.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Oh, well, no, no...
0:15:22 > 0:15:28That's the worst mistake in the world you can ever make, I've just fallen into the worst trap.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Colin, sorry I mean to say I've got £20 to spend.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Aha, typical.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Very flash with your cash, David.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37James has got less than a tenner left
0:15:37 > 0:15:40but he's still browsing with intent.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44What about three Cranberry tumblers for £9?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46Little money bank, £9?
0:15:46 > 0:15:51You could have that quite nice Art Deco figure for £9.
0:15:51 > 0:15:52I don't like her, though.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- You're a very difficult customer. - I know! I'm so sorry.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58How much is your big pot?
0:15:58 > 0:16:03To you, with your £9, 65.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Ah a bit above me.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Can't you find any more money than £9?
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- £9.33.- No.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12How about a nice pair of jam spoons?
0:16:12 > 0:16:14I don't like them.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Oh, they're such a bargain.
0:16:16 > 0:16:22- Really you want things which are worth £60, for £9 - that's the problem.- That's the idea.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- How about that?- That's a little...
0:16:26 > 0:16:30I think probably late Victorian jade.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- Chinese, isn't it?- Chinese, I would think, yes.- Little hardwood stand.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Yes, you can have that for nine.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Yeah, I think that's worth £9.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- Yes, OK?- I think we've got a deal.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- Right, good.- Fantastico! - Thank you very much.
0:16:43 > 0:16:51Meanwhile, dealer Colin Graham is hoping to lighten David's wallet with a jet fighter lighter.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53What date do you think it is?
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- It seems a bit newer.- 1954.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Chunky chrome table lighters like this were fashionable
0:16:59 > 0:17:01when smoking was in, in the '50s and '60s,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03and are now collectible.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07What's the absolute death on that, Colin?
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- Make it a tenner, Colin. - No, I couldn't do that.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13I was thinking 25.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Give us £20, call it quits.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Well, it's going to make £20-£40, isn't it? - It's going to make that, easily.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24And on a very good day it might make 60, on a very bad day it might sell for a fiver.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Yeah, that's a gamble you lads are taking.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30£20, you've got a chance.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- Go on then, £20.- Good man.- All right.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43James is all spent up and the boys decide to crack their journey south.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46When they reach the banks of lovely Lake Ullswater,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49it's time to reveal exactly what they're taking to auction.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54First David's writing box, which he paid £85 for.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56I bought it because you were raving about it.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Do you know, I wish I hadn't. I really like it. I think it's great.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- I do, I'm very, very happy with this. - You can see mine as well.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07I think they're rare because they're reticulated.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- That's the thing that will sell them.- I think so.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13I'm hoping that the Chinese buyers will love them. What's next?
0:18:13 > 0:18:16OK, will they be in Kendal? Well, here we go,
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- it's a pair of... grab that one, I think you might recognise what that is.- Ahh.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Honest opinion, go on. - I don't like them.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29I don't love them, they're the wrong colour, but the handkerchief vases they're very arty.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33They're probably Murano, Italian probably, but they were dead cheap.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- They need to be.- A tenner the pair.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- Oh, no.- Oh, come on, they're worth £20 each, aren't they?- Should be, got to be.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43That classy glass should be a winner at the price David paid, surely?
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Well, it doesn't take a genius to work these out.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48I think I can see what that is.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- Here we go.- Here we go. - One deal, this was one deal.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53One deal? George III corner cupboard.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- George III corner cupboard and... - Mahogany.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- Well, I can see the George III clock.- There we go.
0:18:59 > 0:19:05Provincial thing, oak, mahogany. 1808, do you think, about that?
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- Possibly 1830.- Could be bit later because it's provincial, yeah.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12But you know, I thought the corner cupboard was tatty,
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- that was the first thing I spotted and I thought it was great.- Yeah. - But then I decided not to buy it.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- Then I couldn't get the clock cheap enough so I got them both.- How much money for the pair?- £320.
0:19:21 > 0:19:27- They're very cheap.- I think they're OK. It's the clock that I wanted but the corner cupboard swung it.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31David thinks he's got a good deal on his boy's toy.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- How much was it? - How much do you think?
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- It's a good one.- Well, they're normally £80-£100, aren't they?
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- Well, they can be. I've sold them in auction for as little as 40.- OK.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- And I've sold them for as much as 125.- Yeah.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- So that's the limit, isn't it?- Yes.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- Bargain, 20 quid.- Oh, my goodness.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- Absolutely fantastic.- Yeah. - Well...- Another one? I thought you were spent up.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56I am. I had £9 left and
0:19:56 > 0:20:00I didn't want to spend the whole day on the Lakes.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- If this is the biggest profit-maker I'm...- It's a funny little thing, really.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Oh, it's Chinese.- It's Chinese and it's jade.- Ooh, jade.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10And it's probably 1920s, but it's one of those useless ornaments.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13I liked the enamel and jade butterfly.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17It's sweet, bit of a cloisonne look going on there, isn't there?
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Well, at £9
0:20:19 > 0:20:21it probably was worth a punt.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24What do they think now they've seen what the other one's bought?
0:20:24 > 0:20:27I'm now a little bit nervous.
0:20:27 > 0:20:33I've spent every single penny that I had so if these items bomb, I'm wiped out.
0:20:33 > 0:20:40I've hardly spent any money, but I've got more hope for my things. I'm feeling confident, quietly confident.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46It's auction day. A journey touching three countries in the Union -
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Northern Ireland, Scotland, and now England -
0:20:49 > 0:20:54takes our two experts to Kendal to sell their antiques.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Kendal is one of the gateways to the Lake District.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04It's the home of sensible K Shoes and mint cake,
0:21:04 > 0:21:08which is a favourite with outdoorsy types because of its high energy content.
0:21:08 > 0:21:14Well, for our experts there's nothing like an auction for high energy content.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19Despite the great age of the company, 1818 Auctioneers
0:21:19 > 0:21:25have very modern regular sales with Internet bidding and fancy screens displaying the lots.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28However, this sale isn't specifically for antiques
0:21:28 > 0:21:31so the boys are worried that the right buyers won't be here.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36Starting this leg of their road trip with £384.24,
0:21:36 > 0:21:41James has confidently blown all bar 24p so he's playing a high-risk game.
0:21:42 > 0:21:49David had £341.25 at the beginning of this leg and has only spent £115,
0:21:49 > 0:21:53so he's banking more than £200.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59First up is David's stylish retro lighter.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- 20 for this, please. £20.- £20 start?
0:22:03 > 0:22:07£20 start bid, surely? Thank you, sir, £20 bid in the room there,
0:22:07 > 0:22:0920... Bidding. 25. You're bidding, sir.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- 28... 30 now.- Come on.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16£32... 35 on the internet, I've seen it.
0:22:16 > 0:22:2038... 38 in the room, I'm selling against the internet,
0:22:20 > 0:22:23it's against you, sir, 38 now. Selling at £38.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- Oh, no.- It's going, make no mistake.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31Good gosh, I just... Well, I'm devastated.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Well, that's taken the wind out of David's sails.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36He'd hoped for a lot more.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- 'Next, James's little table decoration.'- £50...
0:22:41 > 0:22:43against the internet, against the room, 50,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45£40...
0:22:45 > 0:22:48I'm asking £40 anywhere,
0:22:48 > 0:22:52£30... 30, it's here to be sold, come on, £30...
0:22:52 > 0:22:5630. 20?
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Surely £20. Anyone on the internet, anyone in China want to bid £20?
0:23:00 > 0:23:02£20 anywhere...
0:23:02 > 0:23:08Surely £20, I've got a bid at the back there £20, I will sell at £20,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12somebody wants a nice decorative item for their bathroom. £20 now.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- I'm selling.- Come on, wake up. - It's going...
0:23:15 > 0:23:16Oh, no.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Not great then, James.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22They both expected higher profits than this.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27- I can't believe that made 20 quid and my blinkin' aeroplane didn't make much more.- Aargh.
0:23:28 > 0:23:34James's rather battered corner cupboard is next.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38£50... thank you, I have 50, bidding 55...
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- 55,- Come on.- 60... 65, 70... 70 now.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- Come on!- We're on commission now at £70.- One more.- Any advance...
0:23:45 > 0:23:50- 75 fresh bid.- Yes!- 75 in the room... the lady must like it.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- 75...- She's got taste. - Selling at £75...
0:23:53 > 0:23:54He'll give you a kiss in a minute,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- I don't want to put her off.- 75 now.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Sold to the lady for £75.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07David's lovely writing slope is next.
0:24:07 > 0:24:12£100... someone here, anything from the internet? No. £100...
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Start me again at 50 and we'll work upwards, all over the place, 50...
0:24:16 > 0:24:2155, 60... 65. 70... 75.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- Come on.- 80... 80 with the gentleman. Are you bidding at the back? 85.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29Bidding... 85 at the back of the room, it's here to be sold.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- Come on, come on. - 85 at the back of the room now...
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- selling at £85.- Go on, no.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39- Ow!- Well, this isn't going according to David's plan.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41That was horrible.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44A change of auctioneer, and it's James's long-case clock next,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47which he bought with the corner cupboard.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49What are you starting me today for?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51I'll start at £300 only... 300 bid.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56320... 320, 340, 360... 380,
0:24:56 > 0:24:58380. 400 where now, 400...
0:24:58 > 0:25:00420, 420...
0:25:00 > 0:25:03I'll take 50, 450, thank you... 450.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- Come on.- Are we all done this time?
0:25:06 > 0:25:09We're going to sell this time at 450.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- Commission buyer. - Commission bid.- Phew.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14No complaints there.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17James bought well and the profit is good.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21Another auctioneer and it's James's Chinese vases.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- £70 for them.- Oh, no.- £50.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27- Come on.- Surely £50?
0:25:27 > 0:25:29£30 we go, thank you, £30 bid...
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- £30.- No way.- At 30... £30, 35...
0:25:33 > 0:25:37- £40 with me... £40.- No way.
0:25:37 > 0:25:3845, thank you...
0:25:38 > 0:25:41£50 still on commission, 55...
0:25:41 > 0:25:4460, £60 on commission...
0:25:44 > 0:25:48At £60, any further interest at £60?
0:25:49 > 0:25:50The way things are going,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54in all honesty that could have been an awful lot worse.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58Less commission, it's not going to amount to a profit, I'm afraid.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02Now it's David's glass vases, which he's selling separately.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05We'll start with me at £20. £20 on commission.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10- Ooh.- £20... 22, 25... 28.- Yes.
0:26:10 > 0:26:11Commission's out, 28...
0:26:11 > 0:26:1430, thank you sir, 32. 35?
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- 35 in the room.- That's more like it, that's more like it.- 35...
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Any further interest at £35?
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Well, that's a brilliant return on a fiver.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Now the other one.
0:26:28 > 0:26:3135 again, sir... 35, £20 then...
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Thank you, sir, £20 bid...
0:26:33 > 0:26:38- 22, 25... 28.- Yes, yes, come on. - 30...
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- £30.- Come on.- £30 on the front row... at £30.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43- I can't believe what these are doing, - No.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47- The world is mad, but I'm not bothered.- £32 at the back... £32.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Excellent.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56- A pair of 1950s mottled glass vases. - They're beautiful, what's wrong with you?- They've just made more
0:26:56 > 0:27:01- than a pair of 19th-century Chinese porcelain vases.- Get in there, that's what I say.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Another excellent profit.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Good idea to sell them separately.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10It's all down to who's buying on the day.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12James has made some big money,
0:27:12 > 0:27:18£200 profit on his clock before commission, but David is not a happy bunny.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22I feel fed up. I'm really genuinely trying to put a brave face.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26I mean the two vases did really well, surprisingly well, and it helped me,
0:27:26 > 0:27:30but my first two sales, James, were absolutely devastating.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34- Well, I was thrilled with the clock...- I know. - and the corner cupboard combined.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38I bought them for £320, sold them combined for what... £520.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40- Amazing.- £200 profit, that's great.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46James started this leg of the road trip with £384.24.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51After paying commission, his profit was £116.64
0:27:51 > 0:27:55so his new total is a massive £500.88. Wow.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58That has stretched his lead significantly.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02David will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to catch James up.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06He started this leg on £341.25.
0:28:06 > 0:28:12After paying auction costs, he made a profit of only £42.22,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15so he's now got £383.47.
0:28:16 > 0:28:21- Righty-ho.- Well, off to old Yorkshire, I believe.- Keys for me.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23- Oh, no, please.- Come on.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25That was risky.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Well, risky you driving, mate, that's what's risky.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34The next leg of the road trip takes our experts to Yorkshire,
0:28:34 > 0:28:36where the shopping is easy.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38I love little bits and pieces.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41But then, it's one disaster...
0:28:41 > 0:28:43If you're right, James, then I've learnt.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45..after another.
0:28:45 > 0:28:46The news is not good.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53That's all to come later, but first they're back on the road
0:28:53 > 0:28:55and it's not all a bed of roses.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00They don't always see eye to eye, these chaps.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Do you agree on date... late 19th century?
0:29:02 > 0:29:06- No. Now, this isn't fair! - Honest opinion, go on.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08I don't like it. I don't like it.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13David is an antique dealer from County Durham, who loves classic cars and quirky furniture.
0:29:13 > 0:29:19That colour comes from 200 years of use. I could lick it!
0:29:19 > 0:29:20James is an auctioneer from Derbyshire,
0:29:20 > 0:29:26who has also been known to dribble when he sees yummy antiques.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Oh, my God!
0:29:28 > 0:29:33I've got tingles going all over my body. I just absolutely love it.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38There's a thought. Each expert started with £200.
0:29:38 > 0:29:44James won the first two legs and is now on a massive £500.88.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47But David is determined to beat him.
0:29:47 > 0:29:53His starting budget of £200 is now up to £383.47.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58So, it's the next leg for our zoot-suited road trippers,
0:29:58 > 0:30:01and there's everything to play for.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05They started off at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
0:30:05 > 0:30:09and are heading all the way over to Market Harborough in Leicestershire.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12They've left Kendal, and in today's programme,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16they are taking a very scenic shopping loop through Yorkshire,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18before going to auction in Liverpool.
0:30:18 > 0:30:25On their way to Gargrave, they stop to check the route next to the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28This stunning feat of Victorian design and engineering
0:30:28 > 0:30:34across the Ribble Valley has 24 arches and took four years to build.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Suddenly, the local farmer is zooming towards them on his quad bike.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42He wants to know what these two oddballs are doing, but there's a twist.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46- You're an antique dealer?! David Harper.- Nice to meet you.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- I'm Leonard Handley.- Great to meet you. Where are your antiques?
0:30:49 > 0:30:52They're in the York Antiques Centre.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55What kind of things are you dealing in?
0:30:55 > 0:31:01Small wooden boxes, treen, 19th century, 18th, 19 century items,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03and porcelain as well.
0:31:04 > 0:31:11With a promise to pop in and maybe do some business when they get to York, our plucky experts move on.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16They pull into Gargrave, where there's a choice of antique shops in the high street.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- How about a bit of a hunt around? - Lovely old sweet shop there.
0:31:19 > 0:31:25- Fantastic. - I can see this boot being filled with sweets in about 30 minutes.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30- I'll go that way, you go that way. Meet back here for lunch. Half an hour?- OK.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38Simon Myers wants to share something special with fellow dealer David.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40How are you on Japanese furniture?
0:31:40 > 0:31:44I'm probably better on Japanese ceramics, but I'll have a look. What have you got?
0:31:44 > 0:31:48As is often the case, the most interesting bit's in the kitchen.
0:31:49 > 0:31:55He has taken him through to the back of the shop to see an exquisite new piece he is very excited about.
0:31:55 > 0:32:01It's an elaborate version of a table that would have been used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03So how do you see it... late 19th century?
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- No, about 1800.- You see it earlier?
0:32:06 > 0:32:08- Yes.- Do you?- Yeah.
0:32:08 > 0:32:14Actually, I've got to say it is so precise, like something out of an old Rolls Royce.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16It is incredible.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18And all this is thick gold foil.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21All carved and then mother of pearl.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Mother of pearl. Look at the way the drawer fits...
0:32:24 > 0:32:26it almost looks like
0:32:26 > 0:32:30- it is a make-believe drawer because it is so precise.- Absolutely.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33It just blends in. I love the leg.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Yeah. I thought it was based on an elephant's trunk.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- You are right.- That's what they have drawn it from, isn't it?
0:32:41 > 0:32:44But it is such a pleasing,
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- harmonious thing. - Dare I ask what sort of money?
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Yeah, go on, clear your throat!
0:32:49 > 0:32:54No, I'm not clearing my throat because of that, because I don't really quite know.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58I think it's probably about £3,500, which I don't think is out of the way.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00I don't. I've got 350 quid.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Yes.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08Maybe you could pay it off in instalments, David. Try something more affordable, eh?
0:33:10 > 0:33:11DING!
0:33:11 > 0:33:13I've just rung the bell, Simon.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15That rings well.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20What's trade on this?
0:33:20 > 0:33:22- What is it, late 19th century?- Yes.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25And the style, what style would you describe that as?
0:33:25 > 0:33:30Well, it's famille verte. It is a copy of a K'ang-hsi sort of plate, isn't it?
0:33:31 > 0:33:35K'ang-hsi famille verte began being produced in the late 17th century
0:33:35 > 0:33:41and takes its name from the distinctive shades of green the Chinese artisans used.
0:33:41 > 0:33:4419th century copies like this one are more common.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47It's decorative, it's got three hairline cracks in it.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55Because I am a believer in leaving a profit for the next man, £50.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59£50? Um...
0:33:59 > 0:34:01It's got a nice weight, hasn't it?
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- It looks good. - Could it be 25, Simon?
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Take the shop! Give me £30, go on.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- 30 quid?- Yes, go on.- Happy?
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- No.- Good.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16I'm happy if you're happy.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19I'm happy if you're happy. Exactly, making each other happy.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21That's what antique dealers do best.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25Yeah, right, David. Pass me the sick bag.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29James is down on bended knee praying for a bargain, I suspect.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32I'll go to my comfort zone and ask about the snuff boxes.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35When he says comfort zone, he's not joking.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39James has a personal collection of over 1,000 snuff boxes.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- How about this little one? - The little papier mache one.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44I'll just look at the condition of that one.
0:34:44 > 0:34:50A little bit of damage there. £25.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- 1820s, isn't it?- Yes.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Just that little problem, yes.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- 25, OK.- Yup.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03- How about the little box? - I'm not entirely sure about the box. I don't know if it's Indian or...
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Quite nicely engraved, a bit primitive.
0:35:05 > 0:35:06How much is that one?
0:35:06 > 0:35:08£65.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10OK.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12There's nothing I can find to make a profit so far.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15What about the little Staffordshire enamel?
0:35:15 > 0:35:19Unfortunately damaged, but incredibly cheap... £30.
0:35:19 > 0:35:2118th century.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24And from snuff boxes to patch boxes.
0:35:24 > 0:35:30A couple of hundred years ago, people use to carry around a spare stash of fake beauty spots,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32or patches, in boxes like this.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36The mirror inside was crucial to help you place it correctly
0:35:36 > 0:35:40because where you put your beauty spot had a meaning.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45For instance, at the corner of the eye might signify passion.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48- How about the other one? - Similarly damaged.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Again, an 18th century Bilston enamel.
0:35:51 > 0:35:58The largest and most famous production of decorative enamel boxes was in Bilston, Staffordshire,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00which started in the early 1700s.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02- 30 quid?- Yup.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04What could you do those for?
0:36:04 > 0:36:06- 50 for the two.- No.
0:36:06 > 0:36:0840 and you've got a deal.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- 45.- I don't think I'll make a profit.- You'll pull it out.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14I won't, not after commission.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17- I won't.- OK. Go on.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- £40?- Yes.- Deal.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25They are pretty, but it's a shame they're not perfect.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30So, the massive total of £20.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Keep rolling, keep rolling. Thank you very much, James.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37On to Harrogate, an antiques hot spot,
0:36:37 > 0:36:42where our very own David often comes to wheel and deal.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47Right, well, two centres I think, James, first.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Bearing in mind this is my part of the world.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54It is, I bet you know all these dealers. You're going to get real bargains, aren't you?
0:36:54 > 0:36:56I only know one or two, that's all. There's one up there.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03James disappears off to one of the largest antiques centres in the north of England.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07Just when he's thinking it might all be out of his price range,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11he spots a lonely old ceramic frog that, like James,
0:37:11 > 0:37:14comes from Derbyshire.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15This is interesting.
0:37:15 > 0:37:21It is ugly, it's not that early - it's probably 1930s - and it's a frog.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24It hasn't got any great qualities in the moulding,
0:37:24 > 0:37:30but it's interesting because it's called Lawley on the ticket,
0:37:30 > 0:37:31but it is not Lawley.
0:37:31 > 0:37:37It is Lovatt's Langley Ware, and that was made about ten miles from where I live.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42The interesting and unusual frog was made by a pottery
0:37:42 > 0:37:47better known for producing useful household items, like tableware and ink bottles.
0:37:49 > 0:37:55Now, you'll probably shout at me for this, but that's made in Derbyshire,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59close to me, and as a memory of home, what would your best deal be?
0:37:59 > 0:38:03I've been learning from David Harper, you see. He's a dealer,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07- and he always knocks the prices really low.- Well...
0:38:07 > 0:38:08I'll do what he does.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10How about £5?
0:38:10 > 0:38:13It is ridiculous, I know. That was to soften the blow.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- Ah, OK.- How about 18?
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- I think we can do that for you. - Really?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20- Yes, absolutely.- It works!
0:38:20 > 0:38:22No wonder Harper gets such bargains!
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- Really?- Yes, absolutely.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- Let's do it.- Fantastic.
0:38:28 > 0:38:33Let's hope it turns into a handsome prince - I mean profit - at the auction.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- Thank you very much. - Thank you, James.- Thank you.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41David has gone to see a dealer he knows, Paul Wetherall.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45Mr Wetherall. Tell me, what have you got?
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- What are you looking for, furniture? - Furniture would be fine.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50That's a nice Georgian table, how much is that?
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- £2,500. - Yeah. I've got £350 or thereabouts.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Right, goodbye.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57There's a little bowl there,
0:38:57 > 0:38:59a Crown Derby bowl.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01David is looking interested.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05Royal Crown Derby is highly prized and collected the world over.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- Is that the Imari pattern?- Yes.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- What have you got on that?- £150.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12- Any damage?- No, no, it's immaculate.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15It's actually funny, because that's the Imari pattern
0:39:15 > 0:39:20based on the Japanese Imari, but that is actually a better quality
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- than the original Japanese Imari. It is a bit bonkers, isn't it?- It is.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29In the early 17th century, Imari was from a particular part of Japan
0:39:29 > 0:39:33and got its name from the port it was exported from.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38Nowadays, Imari is a term used to describe a palette
0:39:38 > 0:39:41and decorative form or style.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45What date have we got on this? Royal Crown Derby.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47It would be 20th century.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49DING!
0:39:49 > 0:39:52- I say, that sounds good, doesn't it? - It does.
0:39:52 > 0:39:57It might be too dear, Paul, for me. What is the absolute best trade on that?
0:39:57 > 0:39:59What do you want to give me for it?
0:39:59 > 0:40:02- Do you really want to know that? - Not really.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Because I'll tell you what I really want to give for it.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09- I would love to give 50 quid for it, but it's not going to happen. - It's not going to happen.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11I'd like to pay 80 quid for it.
0:40:11 > 0:40:17- Make me a sensible offer.- 85.- 120. - Haven't we said 120 already?
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- No, 150. That's the ticket price on it.- Did you? Oh, I thought you said 120.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23- 90 quid?- £100 and you've got a deal.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26100 quid. What's that going to do in sale? It should be a profit.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29There should be a good profit in that.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Go on, then, 100 quid.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- It's yours.- Good man.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37David seems to have got himself a great deal there.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42The boys are rounding off their day with a cuppa in Betty's Tea Rooms.
0:40:42 > 0:40:47In this Harrogate institution, with its distinctive wrought iron canopy,
0:40:47 > 0:40:52they've been serving the nation's favourite brew since 1919.
0:40:56 > 0:41:02With two purchases each under their belts, David and James are on the road again.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05James has been unusually frugal so far,
0:41:05 > 0:41:09having parted with £18 for the Langley Ware frog,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12and £40 for a pair of Georgian patch boxes.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17That leaves him with a hefty £442.88 in his wallet.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23David has gone potty on porcelain with the Chinese plate,
0:41:23 > 0:41:27which only cost him £30, and the Royal Crown Derby bowl, for which he paid £100.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32That means he has £253.47 left to spend.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39James and David are leaving Harrogate and heading for York.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44York is one of our most ancient and beautiful cities,
0:41:44 > 0:41:48important to the Romans, the Anglo Saxons, the Vikings
0:41:48 > 0:41:50and now the Antiques Road Trippers.
0:41:50 > 0:41:55They are immersing themselves in culture, taking a stroll down the historic Shambles.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Look at the way the houses are almost touching.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01There can't be any more than three or four feet between each house.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- There's not much privacy there, is there?- No. Could be very interesting.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- Looking into each other's bedrooms! - If you had a good-looking neighbour!
0:42:08 > 0:42:12But look at that depth of the street, James. You see where the carts used to go.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- Oh, yes. - Do you know why it's so deep?
0:42:14 > 0:42:16It's the butcher's alley, isn't it?
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Yes, 26 butchers down here one time.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Twice a week they would slop out, chuck all the waste...
0:42:22 > 0:42:24all the blood, guts and gore
0:42:24 > 0:42:26onto the street and then wash it down the lane.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Imagine the stench.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33And then up here people would open the windows and chuck out their toilet waste,
0:42:33 > 0:42:37so you would have to dive under, let it land, and then continue again.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- It would be good fun aiming it at the people you didn't like!- Yes!
0:42:42 > 0:42:44They're splitting up again to shop.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- That has got to be yours. - That is my cabinet.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51David is catching up with Leonard, the farmer from the Ribblehead Viaduct.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54He is looking a bit more like an antique dealer now, though.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56You'll have to help me out here.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59What you have got that stands you really handy
0:42:59 > 0:43:04- that's quality, quirky, could make a profit? What have you got?- Quality, quirky and could make a profit.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07I mean, what about the little mouse vesta.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09- Yes...- It's funny, isn't it?
0:43:09 > 0:43:12It puts a smile on your face.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15Yes. Late 19th century vesta case.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18The head opens up.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- Then you bung your matches in there. - The matches go in there.
0:43:22 > 0:43:24Just turn it over so we can see the bottom.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26The match strikes on the base there.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28Isn't it good? He's really sweet.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31What would be the absolute death trade on him?
0:43:31 > 0:43:33You could have that for £50.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40While David mulls it over, James has made another shopping decision.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44We will see what he bought later.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48- A quirky nutcracker has caught David's eye.- He is nice, isn't he?
0:43:48 > 0:43:50How does he work, then?
0:43:50 > 0:43:53Is that about 1850?
0:43:53 > 0:43:571850, 1870. You put the nut in there.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00This screws up and cracks the nut.
0:44:00 > 0:44:04Oh, I see, got you. Is it fruit wood?
0:44:04 > 0:44:06It's walnut.
0:44:06 > 0:44:07Is that supposed to screw in there?
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- Yes.- It needs a bit of oil on it. - It needs a little bit of wax on it.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14Yes, that's a nice thing. Crikey.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Trade on him?
0:44:22 > 0:44:24150.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28They are quite rare.
0:44:28 > 0:44:30I'm worried it doesn't work.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32Can we blag a bit of wax?
0:44:32 > 0:44:37- I'll grab a bit of wax, see if we can get it working.- OK. - Just give me one moment.- All right.
0:44:37 > 0:44:38This is the one I want.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42Bung a bit more on, for goodness' sake!
0:44:42 > 0:44:44Don't skimp it.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47Are you sure you've got enough?
0:44:49 > 0:44:51Yeah. There you go.
0:44:51 > 0:44:56- You know where I am. It's got to be 80.- Yeah.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59Shall we try 90? Are we getting close at 90?
0:45:00 > 0:45:0480 would be better. Did I bid 80? I can't remember, Leonard, you're confusing me.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07I tell you what, why don't we split the difference between 80 and 90?
0:45:07 > 0:45:11What's that, 82? You'd go at 85?
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- I'll go at 85. - Yeah? Happy with that? OK.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21The experts have agreed that they don't want to spend any more money,
0:45:21 > 0:45:26so they are ready to divulge their purchases to each other. And what a spot they have picked.
0:45:26 > 0:45:32Next to the iconic York Minster, one of the great cathedrals of the world.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35James is kicking off with his patch boxes.
0:45:35 > 0:45:40- There we go.- A patch box.- Yup, two of them. Oh, it's got the mirror.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43Yes, both of them have got the mirrors, which I love.
0:45:43 > 0:45:47They have both got bits of damage but almost all of the ones I see in the auction rooms
0:45:47 > 0:45:51have either got some damage or they've been restored at some stage anyway.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54They always are, and that's a lovely pink Georgian enamel, isn't it?
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- What did you pay for them? - What do you think they're worth?
0:45:57 > 0:46:00- 50, 60 quid the pair. - Right, well, I paid £40 for them.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03Very nice. Right, here's mine.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06You might like this or you might not.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09It's quite heavy.
0:46:09 > 0:46:10- That is fantastic.- Do you like it?
0:46:10 > 0:46:12I love it. Famille verte.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14A good weight to it. A nice ring.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18Might help if I do that.
0:46:18 > 0:46:19CLOCK CHIMES
0:46:19 > 0:46:21Oh! Perfect!
0:46:21 > 0:46:24That's me, that.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- That is outstanding. - Do you like it, really?
0:46:27 > 0:46:28I love it, I absolutely love it.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31- Do you agree on date... late 19th century?- No.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33Do you think it's a little earlier?
0:46:33 > 0:46:38- Yes.- Good, I thought it might be. I am erring on the safety side.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- 1830, 1850.- Even better. - What did you pay for it?
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- Not very much. - Go on.- Do you want to guess?
0:46:44 > 0:46:46- No, tell me.- 30 quid.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- Trade price.- 30 quid?!
0:46:49 > 0:46:54Judging by James's reaction, David should do very well with his charger.
0:46:54 > 0:46:55This next one,
0:46:55 > 0:47:00you'll either love it or hate it.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04I've got to say I hate it, but I don't care because if there's money in it, it doesn't matter.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08It's not me. Langley, yeah.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10It's not me at all.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13- But they are collected, aren't they? - They are. It could be 1920s, 1930s.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17They were designed to go outside, so a lot of them are damaged.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20That one's got a crack on the side, but I've sold them for £100 damaged
0:47:20 > 0:47:24- and I've sold them for £150 perfect, so...- Well, well, well, I say. He's growing on me.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27- I think he's quite cute.- He was 18 quid.- Well, he's a bargain!
0:47:27 > 0:47:30Right, you may wonder what's in my pocket.
0:47:30 > 0:47:35- I was wondering just that! - You are going to love this. You are going to absolutely adore it.
0:47:35 > 0:47:36- That...- You've got to love it.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38- I don't like it.- I know you love it.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40- I don't like it.- You don't like it?
0:47:40 > 0:47:44- I don't like it.- You adore it. You're dreaming about it already.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48- No, I don't like it. - You're lusting after it.- I love it.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50- I think that's fantastic. - Isn't it gorgeous?
0:47:50 > 0:47:52£80 to £120.
0:47:52 > 0:47:54I paid £85.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57That's auction estimate £80, £120. I wouldn't be surprised if you made £150.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00That's what I'm really hoping for, £150.
0:48:00 > 0:48:04Next it's the speedy purchase James made earlier in York.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10A decorative Victorian silver tray.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13- Oh!- You weren't expecting that, were you?- I wasn't expecting that.
0:48:13 > 0:48:17- Neither was I when I first saw it. - I thought it was silver plate.
0:48:17 > 0:48:22The hallmark, which is larger than usual, proves it is solid silver.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26London maker. But it doesn't feel silver to me.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28What is it?
0:48:28 > 0:48:32I just think it's really unusual. Because it's got the deep sides, it's not a salver,
0:48:32 > 0:48:36it's a tray, so that makes it more saleable. And it's solid silver.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39I gave it a quick balance on the scales and it is 18 ounces.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42- What are they paying an ounce these days?- £6.67.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44- What's that, then?- That's scrap.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46That's £120 scrap value.
0:48:46 > 0:48:51- OK, it's got to be 150, 180, has it not? Or even more.- I think so.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53- What did you pay for it?- 85 quid.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55It's a bargain, it's an absolute bargain.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57I think so. That's my best buy, I think.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00Next up is David's bowl.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03It's no surprise that James, the man from Derby,
0:49:03 > 0:49:09is a world class expert on Royal Crown Derby, and he's just dropped a bombshell.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14He thinks this bowl is a fake,
0:49:14 > 0:49:18a very clever copy that was probably produced in the Far East.
0:49:18 > 0:49:20The things that make me feel uneasy -
0:49:20 > 0:49:23it's meant to be 1128 pattern with the filled gold.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26The mark is pale.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29The mark of this period of Royal Crown Derby
0:49:29 > 0:49:32is a little bit more vibrant, a little bit darker.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35The body is very white and quite shiny.
0:49:35 > 0:49:37- What, on this one?- On this one.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39It's almost glassy.
0:49:39 > 0:49:44And I don't feel this is the right body for Royal Crown Derby. I don't think it is the right porcelain.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48The gilding is hand done around here.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52On Royal Crown Derby, that part of the gilding on these bowls isn't hand done.
0:49:52 > 0:49:56I was under the impression that now they are all transferware,
0:49:56 > 0:49:59but in those days and even in the '80s, they were finishing it by hand.
0:49:59 > 0:50:05Yes, in some individually made pieces they were, but in these, I don't think it's right.
0:50:05 > 0:50:11- So?- I feel the gilding is too garish and too bright,
0:50:11 > 0:50:15a little bit too shiny. It's all about opinions and I just...
0:50:15 > 0:50:20I'm not happy with it, but you might find somebody that is.
0:50:22 > 0:50:26It takes someone with James' experience and expertise to spot fakes as good as this.
0:50:26 > 0:50:32However, David wants to send it back to the manufacturers to get their opinion.
0:50:32 > 0:50:36I think I need to take it to a couple of specialist dealers and speak to Royal Crown Derby.
0:50:36 > 0:50:41If you're right, James, I've learnt a big lesson and I'll take it back to the dealer
0:50:41 > 0:50:45- and he'll happily give me my money back, and I'll just have two items in the sale.- If it's right, £400.
0:50:45 > 0:50:48I paid £100 for it.
0:50:48 > 0:50:53If it turns out to be a fake, it will be a real blow to David,
0:50:53 > 0:50:55missing out on what might have been a big profit.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02It's auction day. This leg of the trip, which started in Kendal,
0:51:02 > 0:51:07is finishing in Liverpool, where the experts will sell their items.
0:51:07 > 0:51:10Liverpool,
0:51:10 > 0:51:16famous for the Liver Building, football and some '60s boy band.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19David sent his bowl to Royal Crown Derby.
0:51:19 > 0:51:24They've confirmed it is a fake and did tests to prove it.
0:51:24 > 0:51:29He accepts their verdict and is phoning the dealer to give him the bad news.
0:51:29 > 0:51:34Look, mate, I sent it off to Royal Crown Derby. It's devastating, but they have actually impounded it.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37They are quite certain it's a fake.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40No, I realise that.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43No, I know, Paul, what can I do?
0:51:43 > 0:51:45I'm sure you're entitled...
0:51:45 > 0:51:47Yes.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49No, well, that's very honourable of you.
0:51:49 > 0:51:55The dealer is very upset to hear it's a fake, but has agreed to give David his £100 back.
0:51:55 > 0:51:59That is jammy! It's time they got to the auction now.
0:51:59 > 0:52:06John Crane launched Cato Crane 25 years ago, and holds weekly collectors' auctions.
0:52:08 > 0:52:14As if David's bowl wasn't disaster enough, their day is about to get much worse.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17Both experts are in for a terrible shock.
0:52:19 > 0:52:23David's plate and James's frog have been broken in transit.
0:52:23 > 0:52:28- I can't believe this. - It came like this.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30Oops, that's our fault.
0:52:30 > 0:52:31The boys didn't pack them, we did,
0:52:31 > 0:52:35so we're going to have to pay them out at the auctioneers' valuation.
0:52:35 > 0:52:39A fair valuation because it could have made more, John, that's the thing.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43It could have made less. I think £300 would be a fair valuation.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46That'll teach us to pack things properly next time!
0:52:48 > 0:52:55The auctioneer also recognised the potential of James's frog and valued it at £120.
0:52:55 > 0:52:59So our poor packing calamity has worked out rather well for these two.
0:53:03 > 0:53:08David spent £215 and James spent £143.
0:53:08 > 0:53:14But as things have turned out, they have only got three items remaining between them to sell.
0:53:14 > 0:53:18First up, it's David's only lot... the nutcracker.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21A lovely, lovely thing. Nicely carved, really, really good.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23So there we go, where do we start?
0:53:23 > 0:53:28£20 for it? 50 if you like, I don't mind. I have got a bid here at £50.
0:53:28 > 0:53:30I will take 60 on the phone,
0:53:30 > 0:53:3770, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140...
0:53:37 > 0:53:40140 is bid. I have got 150 here.
0:53:40 > 0:53:44Would you like 160? 170, 180?
0:53:44 > 0:53:47180 is bid. 190 at the back.
0:53:47 > 0:53:52200. £200. And five? I can go to £210.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56I am now out on commission. 210 with you. It's your bid.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58210 is bid.
0:53:58 > 0:54:05Any further bid in the room? 210 on the telephone, £210 now, selling.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07Well done. Well done, well earned.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09- Thank you.- Amazing profit.
0:54:09 > 0:54:13It just shows what can happen when two people really want something.
0:54:13 > 0:54:18Next it is James's rather damaged little enamel boxes.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20What do we say on these? What do you make of them?
0:54:20 > 0:54:2220 is bid. I will take 25.
0:54:22 > 0:54:2425?
0:54:24 > 0:54:28£20 is bid. Are we going to sell for £20?
0:54:28 > 0:54:3025, I've got 30.
0:54:30 > 0:54:34£35, £40. 45? Come on, one more, sir. £45.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36Can we sell at £45?
0:54:36 > 0:54:38Are we all done at 45?
0:54:38 > 0:54:41It is going, last time, yes.
0:54:41 > 0:54:42£45.
0:54:42 > 0:54:46That's really disappointing.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49After commission, that's a loss.
0:54:49 > 0:54:51Finally, James's silver tray,
0:54:51 > 0:54:54which he's hoping will do a lot better than those patch boxes.
0:54:54 > 0:54:57Several bids on this, ladies and gentlemen. Several bids on the book.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00- What do we say, £50?- What?!
0:55:00 > 0:55:02£50 is bid. £50 is bid.
0:55:02 > 0:55:10I will take £60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110... 110, sir.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12I have got 120 and it is a bid, sir.
0:55:12 > 0:55:13120, 130, 140, 150?
0:55:13 > 0:55:20I have got 140 with me. 150... £150.
0:55:20 > 0:55:26I am selling at £150. £155, £155.
0:55:26 > 0:55:28All done this time?
0:55:28 > 0:55:30All done at £155.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33- Well done, matey. - Thank you.- Well done.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36- I think it was worth that.- It was.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38Bang on. It made exactly what it was worth.
0:55:38 > 0:55:43Thanks to the auctioneer's liberal valuation on their broken items,
0:55:43 > 0:55:46these two have done surprisingly well.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52James started this leg of the road trip with £500.88.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55With a generous valuation on his broken frog
0:55:55 > 0:55:57and having paid auction costs on his other two lots,
0:55:57 > 0:56:00he has made £127.54 profit,
0:56:00 > 0:56:06so his fund has swollen to £628.42.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10But David has overtaken him.
0:56:12 > 0:56:16He started this leg on £383.47.
0:56:16 > 0:56:19Having got his £100 back for the fake bowl,
0:56:19 > 0:56:23his very high valuation for the plate,
0:56:23 > 0:56:27and having paid commission on the nutcracker,
0:56:27 > 0:56:30he's got an astonishing £731.60.
0:56:31 > 0:56:36Well, every cloud has a silver lining.
0:56:36 > 0:56:37David's in the lead for the first time.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45In the next episode, avoiding mishaps,
0:56:45 > 0:56:50the Rocky Horror road trip takes them towards Nantwich in Cheshire.
0:56:52 > 0:56:53David tries a new look.
0:56:53 > 0:56:55- Suits you.- I'm keeping it on.
0:56:55 > 0:56:57And James meets an old friend.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59Hello.
0:57:09 > 0:57:12Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd