Episode 4 Antiques Road Trip

The nation's favourite antiques experts, one big challenge - who will make the most profit

buying and selling antiques as they drive around the jolly old UK?

-Oh, you're such a temptress. How much can you sell it to me for?

-Is that your very best?

By the end of their trip, they should have made some big money, but it's not as easy as it sounds.

And only one will be crowned champion at the final auction in London.

This is the Antiques Road Trip.

Our two experts today are James Lewis and David Harper.

Will it be a marriage made in heaven or a fight to the death?

This, for us, is effectively a blind date.

-We've met a couple of times, never worked together, have we?

-Never.

James is a Derbyshire auctioneer who bid at his first auction aged six.

He took an early lead in yesterday's show.

Remarkable.

-I'm shaking now.

-No, I'm very impressed. Well done, James.

David's an antique dealer from Co Durham specialising in furniture.

He's got the ambition to beat James but has he got the nerve?

It's a good sale but I might struggle to make a profit.

I won't make much of a loss but not much of a profit.

They're on the second leg of their road trip in David's classic soft-top.

They started off at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland

and are heading all the way over to Market Harborough in Leicestershire.

They've left Belfast, taking the ferry to Stranraer, and in today's programme

they'll be shopping their way to auction in Kendal in Cumbria.

They're taking the scenic route, seeking out the most remote antique shops to strike some good deals.

Each expert started with £200.

James has taken an impressive early lead and now has £384.24.

But his rival, David, is not far behind him. He's starting today's show with £341.25.

In daft hat and sunglasses, these two clowns have decided to travel incognito.

-I thought it was part of a theme.

-Well, all right, if I'm honest I just think I look pretty good in it.

-I think you look like a pirate.

-A pirate?

Yeah. Just like Johnny Depp, David.

Well, what do you know, they've found a dealer in the middle of nowhere.

Hats off, boys, or you'll scare him.

-Doesn't look very shop-like, but...

-Interesting.

Dennis Hamilton has given up sheep farming and is trying to eke a crust out of antiques.

His lounge is his showroom.

So these highly competitive experts end up trying to do deals with the same dealer at the same time. Yikes!

What sort of money have you got on that?

Erm... I've got £12.50 on that.

What's the ballpark area for you?

-I paid £130 for that.

-Did you? Yes.

On that clock, I've got £1,600.

And what would trade do on that?

Trade price on that would be...

It's too much, it's too much, it's too much.

These Chinese vases should be affordable.

James gives the dealer a history lesson.

In the 1960s, when Chairman Mao was in China,

he stopped all Chinese having things from the Imperial past

and if they were caught with early 18th-century or 17th-century, or even 19th-century, works of art,

they were thrown in jail.

So what a lot of the Chinese people did was, the very valuable things they buried in the back garden

or exported and sold to exporters.

But of course now, the biggest growing market in the world is China,

and what they haven't got is they haven't got things from their own past.

So they're starting to buy things and it's a growing market, and I think they've got a chance.

The shape of the vases is known as double gourd,

and they are reticulated, a Chinese technique which makes it look as if they've got holes in,

but they're actually double skinned.

-I'd take £100 for them.

-Would you be able to do them any less than £100?

-Make me an offer.

I don't want to insult you.

Go on, make me an offer.

They're worth £40 but I'll offer you £55.

55, I didn't pay a lot for them.

-All right, you've got a deal.

-Yeah?

-Yeah, you've got a deal.

-Deal. Fab.

Shame, because I was about to offer you £105, but then again, not to worry.

Dennis wants David to look at a pretty Victorian writing slope inlaid with mother of pearl.

-We've got rosewood, haven't we?

-Yes.

-Then probably lined in mahogany, would you say, James?

-Yes.

Portable writing desks like this provided a flat surface for letter writing

and storage for quills, inkbottles, and paper.

James thinks there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

That should pop out, there you go.

-Well, I'll be...

-Behind there.

Well done.

Most of them have them. I want five gold sovereigns in the last.

-How much is it?

-Nothing springs out.

It's nice, isn't it? I didn't know that happened with the drawers.

David's interested so it's down to the nitty-gritty.

-The least I could let that go for would be £140.

-The thing is,

I've got to sell... No, I can't.

-I don't think it's going to make any profit in a general sale, do you?

-I think it would make 140-180.

Unless it could be drastically cheaper, Dennis. I've got £80.

-No, no.

-Final chance.

£110 and it's a deal, that's it. That's my final offer.

-I can't, Dennis, I'll go £80 cash now.

-£100 and that's it.

£100 or it stays where it stands.

-I'll do £80, Dennis, it's the best I can do.

-No, no.

-Cash in my pocket.

-Can't do it. Can't do it. Sorry, can't do it for that.

If I was buying it for myself, I would, but £20 in this game.

£90, and that's it.

I'm not going any lower on that box.

I tell you what I'll do, I'll stick my hand out now and meet you half way.

85 and it's a deal.

Good man.

I'm happy with that.

Phew, got there in the end but David's playing it real tough.

-Dennis, it's been a pleasure meeting you and to do business.

-It's been a pleasure meeting you all.

There you go, that's 20, 40, 50, and five.

-Thank you very much.

-And thank you very much.

They're heading for Castle Douglas, where they've checked that two shops are open for business.

This time, they're hitting a shop each so that they can guard their tactics more closely.

James likes a Georgian bow front corner cupboard

but it's missing a lot of its decorative edging or moulding.

-How about the bits at the top there?

-No, they're not in.

-No?

-No.

In lovely condition at the height of the market, these were £500-£600, weren't they?

But think it's going to cost more to put it right than it is worth.

I'm not going to offer you something for it because it's worth more than I'd pay you.

For me it would be worth £30-£40, that's all.

-It's a lovely thing and I hope somebody will buy it and love it.

-That's fine.

I don't think the profit is there at the auction to make it worthwhile.

James is determined to beat David at the auction in Kendal, so he's wary of making any mistakes.

Hazel, the long case clock?

Pendulum clocks under 1.5 metres tall are known as granddaughter clocks,

over 1.5 metres and it's a grandmother clock,

and this beauty, which is over 1.8 metres high, is a grandfather clock.

I love the fact that we've got the subsidiary seconds dial and the date dial,

and the twin winding holes there for the eight-day movement.

The painting's in good order, the clock's in good order. What would be your best for it?

Well, can you tell me what your best is, I have to get my money back, so...

For me, I think that would make £350-£400 at auction,

so the most I could give you would be £250.

I don't think I could sell it for £250.

I don't blame you, I really don't.

-I would have to get £350 anywhere for it.

-OK.

James sure means business, he's piling the pressure on dealer Hazel Hall.

He's got £329.24 to spend and he needs to get the best possible price.

For it to stand any chance, it's got to be under £350, it's got to be under there...

so...

to get it up above the £300 mark, how about the clock

and the corner cupboard at £320?

-Just because you're such a nice guy.

-Yeah?

-Yes.

-Fantastic.

-Thank you.

Deal, thank you so much.

Well, I'm taking a big gulp, James.

We'll call that £250 for the clock and £70 for the corner cupboard.

Up the road in Castle Douglas, David's still thinking he'll beat James by spending little.

He's badly underestimated the boldness of his rival.

-I don't have very much money.

-No, I realise that's going to be...

-I mean £200 isn't going to buy that, is it?

-No.

-Out of interest.

-No.

Let's have a look at these vases, what do we know about these?

-I suppose they're handkerchief vases, aren't they?

-Yes, yes.

In the shape of a handkerchief.

-Any damage on them?

-I don't think so.

Does that one ring all right? Give it a ring.

SHE TAPS THE VASE

Playing a tune here, Ann. Maybe we're in the wrong business.

They're more than likely to be Venetian, aren't they? Italian, probably.

Venice, and particularly the island of Murano,

has been a centre of glassmaking for 800 years

and Italian glassware remains highly desirable.

What'd be the best on those?

Um...

Well,

they're 15...

-What about ten?

-What about five?

-Oh, I don't think I could go down as low as that.

-Sure you could if you...

-I don't think so.

-If you really tried.

-No, we would have to stick at ten.

-You're not feeling the pain, Ann, at ten, are you?

-No.

So that's how he's playing it, squeezing the dealer till it hurts.

I don't want to offer less than ten because it starts getting ridiculous,

-7, 8, 9... Go on, ten, I'll have them for ten.

-OK, fine.

-OK, I'll hold that one, thank you very much.

-Pleasure.

Hmm, more vases.

David's bought a pair of vases, James has bought a pair of vases. Copycat shopping, David?

-OK, thank you very much.

-You're welcome.

-And I hope they make you a nice big profit.

-Do you think they might?

-SHE CHUCKLES Do you think they will?

-I hope so.

TILL RINGS

-Oh, that was lovely, what a sound.

-Now that was worth £10, wasn't it?

And with the ping of an antique till still ringing in his ears,

David slopes off for a drive along the Solway Firth coast road,

which takes him past the ruin of Sweetheart Abbey.

It was founded in 1273 by a grieving widow in memory of her husband,

whose embalmed heart she carried around in an ivory casket.

When she died, Lady Devorguilla of Galloway was also buried here

clutching her husband's heart to her bosom.

Just take a look at that.

There are viewpoints all the way along this road, you can enjoy it in a gorgeous classic soft-top,

but when you get out and you look at that,

where else on this Earth would you rather be on a good summer's day

than anywhere like this in Britain?

It's a new day, and with the promise of more shopping ahead,

our intrepid antique hunters are breaking for the Border.

David has spent £95 and still has £246.25.

James has parted with nearly all his money, £375,

and he's only got £9.24 left.

On his way to the next antique shop,

James is stopping off near Annan for a little play

with the dollies in Margaret Lockerbie's incredible collection.

Margaret's passion was ignited with a bridal doll and it, well,

blossomed from there.

She now has 3,500 dolls in her collection.

I think you need to have a bit of an appreciation for dolls to...

Oh, my goodness.

-This is insane.

-It is, but who says sanity comes into it, you know?

There isn't... I do not know a good collector who is sane.

So which is the oldest doll?

The oldest doll is my mother's doll and it's the German one.

-Oh, yes.

-It was my grandmother's doll as well.

This is the bisque head, the classic German with the papier mache joints.

Yes, she was made between 1890 and 1910.

Yes, these are the sort of things that we do see in the salerooms.

Let's have a look at that.

Yeah, Armand Marseille, Germany.

Armand Marseille, a Frenchman,

eccentrically produced dolls in Koppelsdorf, southern Germany,

from about 1885 to 1930.

And Margaret's piece de resistance?

I commissioned a lady to make me the replica of Lady Diana's wedding dress.

-Oh, it's Diana's.

-So there's a 12-and-a-half foot train and veil here, because she scaled it.

Do you know, I've never seen so many dolls anywhere?

Gosh, absolutely amazing.

Wow.

Back on the road, the boys are still heading in the general direction of their next auction.

They drive through the famous Border town of Gretna Green - anyone for a marriage? -

on their way to Cockermouth in Cumbria.

When they get to Cockermouth,

they find a pretty Georgian town on the edge of the Lake District,

famous as the birthplace of poet William Wordsworth.

-OK if I have a quick look around?

-By all means, feel free.

Good. OK, well I tell you what I'm looking for, anything a bit out of the ordinary, quirky.

Quirky? What about Old Bill?

Second War, came from Canada with chocolates in it for the kids at Christmas time.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-Came with chocolates in him?

-Yeah.

He's quirky, but he might be TOO quirky for a general sale.

A general sale, it's like anything, if you get two at it, you've cracked the job.

I know. OK, let's think about him. The thing is, I've got a couple of hundred quid to spend.

Oh, well, no, no...

That's the worst mistake in the world you can ever make, I've just fallen into the worst trap.

Colin, sorry I mean to say I've got £20 to spend.

Aha, typical.

Very flash with your cash, David.

James has got less than a tenner left

but he's still browsing with intent.

What about three Cranberry tumblers for £9?

Little money bank, £9?

You could have that quite nice Art Deco figure for £9.

I don't like her, though.

-You're a very difficult customer.

-I know! I'm so sorry.

How much is your big pot?

To you, with your £9, 65.

Ah a bit above me.

Can't you find any more money than £9?

-£9.33.

-No.

How about a nice pair of jam spoons?

I don't like them.

Oh, they're such a bargain.

-Really you want things which are worth £60, for £9 - that's the problem.

-That's the idea.

-How about that?

-That's a little...

I think probably late Victorian jade.

-Chinese, isn't it?

-Chinese, I would think, yes.

-Little hardwood stand.

Yes, you can have that for nine.

Yeah, I think that's worth £9.

-Yes, OK?

-I think we've got a deal.

-Right, good.

-Fantastico!

-Thank you very much.

Meanwhile, dealer Colin Graham is hoping to lighten David's wallet with a jet fighter lighter.

What date do you think it is?

-It seems a bit newer.

-1954.

Chunky chrome table lighters like this were fashionable

when smoking was in, in the '50s and '60s,

and are now collectible.

What's the absolute death on that, Colin?

-Make it a tenner, Colin.

-No, I couldn't do that.

I was thinking 25.

Give us £20, call it quits.

-Well, it's going to make £20-£40, isn't it?

-It's going to make that, easily.

And on a very good day it might make 60, on a very bad day it might sell for a fiver.

Yeah, that's a gamble you lads are taking.

£20, you've got a chance.

-Go on then, £20.

-Good man.

-All right.

James is all spent up and the boys decide to crack their journey south.

When they reach the banks of lovely Lake Ullswater,

it's time to reveal exactly what they're taking to auction.

First David's writing box, which he paid £85 for.

I bought it because you were raving about it.

Do you know, I wish I hadn't. I really like it. I think it's great.

-I do, I'm very, very happy with this.

-You can see mine as well.

I think they're rare because they're reticulated.

-That's the thing that will sell them.

-I think so.

I'm hoping that the Chinese buyers will love them. What's next?

OK, will they be in Kendal? Well, here we go,

-it's a pair of... grab that one, I think you might recognise what that is.

-Ahh.

-Honest opinion, go on.

-I don't like them.

I don't love them, they're the wrong colour, but the handkerchief vases they're very arty.

They're probably Murano, Italian probably, but they were dead cheap.

-They need to be.

-A tenner the pair.

-Oh, no.

-Oh, come on, they're worth £20 each, aren't they?

-Should be, got to be.

That classy glass should be a winner at the price David paid, surely?

Well, it doesn't take a genius to work these out.

I think I can see what that is.

-Here we go.

-Here we go.

-One deal, this was one deal.

One deal? George III corner cupboard.

-George III corner cupboard and...

-Mahogany.

-Well, I can see the George III clock.

-There we go.

Provincial thing, oak, mahogany. 1808, do you think, about that?

-Possibly 1830.

-Could be bit later because it's provincial, yeah.

But you know, I thought the corner cupboard was tatty,

-that was the first thing I spotted and I thought it was great.

-Yeah.

-But then I decided not to buy it.

-Then I couldn't get the clock cheap enough so I got them both.

-How much money for the pair?

-£320.

-They're very cheap.

-I think they're OK. It's the clock that I wanted but the corner cupboard swung it.

David thinks he's got a good deal on his boy's toy.

-How much was it?

-How much do you think?

-It's a good one.

-Well, they're normally £80-£100, aren't they?

-Well, they can be. I've sold them in auction for as little as 40.

-OK.

-And I've sold them for as much as 125.

-Yeah.

-So that's the limit, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Bargain, 20 quid.

-Oh, my goodness.

-Absolutely fantastic.

-Yeah.

-Well...

-Another one? I thought you were spent up.

I am. I had £9 left and

I didn't want to spend the whole day on the Lakes.

-If this is the biggest profit-maker I'm...

-It's a funny little thing, really.

-Oh, it's Chinese.

-It's Chinese and it's jade.

-Ooh, jade.

And it's probably 1920s, but it's one of those useless ornaments.

I liked the enamel and jade butterfly.

It's sweet, bit of a cloisonne look going on there, isn't there?

Well, at £9

it probably was worth a punt.

What do they think now they've seen what the other one's bought?

I'm now a little bit nervous.

I've spent every single penny that I had so if these items bomb, I'm wiped out.

I've hardly spent any money, but I've got more hope for my things. I'm feeling confident, quietly confident.

It's auction day. A journey touching three countries in the Union -

Northern Ireland, Scotland, and now England -

takes our two experts to Kendal to sell their antiques.

Kendal is one of the gateways to the Lake District.

It's the home of sensible K Shoes and mint cake,

which is a favourite with outdoorsy types because of its high energy content.

Well, for our experts there's nothing like an auction for high energy content.

Despite the great age of the company, 1818 Auctioneers

have very modern regular sales with Internet bidding and fancy screens displaying the lots.

However, this sale isn't specifically for antiques

so the boys are worried that the right buyers won't be here.

Starting this leg of their road trip with £384.24,

James has confidently blown all bar 24p so he's playing a high-risk game.

David had £341.25 at the beginning of this leg and has only spent £115,

so he's banking more than £200.

First up is David's stylish retro lighter.

-20 for this, please. £20.

-£20 start?

£20 start bid, surely? Thank you, sir, £20 bid in the room there,

20... Bidding. 25. You're bidding, sir.

-28... 30 now.

-Come on.

£32... 35 on the internet, I've seen it.

38... 38 in the room, I'm selling against the internet,

it's against you, sir, 38 now. Selling at £38.

-Oh, no.

-It's going, make no mistake.

Good gosh, I just... Well, I'm devastated.

Well, that's taken the wind out of David's sails.

He'd hoped for a lot more.

-'Next, James's little table decoration.'

-£50...

against the internet, against the room, 50,

£40...

I'm asking £40 anywhere,

£30... 30, it's here to be sold, come on, £30...

30. 20?

Surely £20. Anyone on the internet, anyone in China want to bid £20?

£20 anywhere...

Surely £20, I've got a bid at the back there £20, I will sell at £20,

somebody wants a nice decorative item for their bathroom. £20 now.

-I'm selling.

-Come on, wake up.

-It's going...

Oh, no.

Not great then, James.

They both expected higher profits than this.

-I can't believe that made 20 quid and my blinkin' aeroplane didn't make much more.

-Aargh.

James's rather battered corner cupboard is next.

£50... thank you, I have 50, bidding 55...

-55,

-Come on.

-60... 65, 70... 70 now.

-Come on!

-We're on commission now at £70.

-One more.

-Any advance...

-75 fresh bid.

-Yes!

-75 in the room... the lady must like it.

-75...

-She's got taste.

-Selling at £75...

He'll give you a kiss in a minute,

-I don't want to put her off.

-75 now.

Sold to the lady for £75.

David's lovely writing slope is next.

£100... someone here, anything from the internet? No. £100...

Start me again at 50 and we'll work upwards, all over the place, 50...

55, 60... 65. 70... 75.

-Come on.

-80... 80 with the gentleman. Are you bidding at the back? 85.

Bidding... 85 at the back of the room, it's here to be sold.

-Come on, come on.

-85 at the back of the room now...

-selling at £85.

-Go on, no.

-Ow!

-Well, this isn't going according to David's plan.

That was horrible.

A change of auctioneer, and it's James's long-case clock next,

which he bought with the corner cupboard.

What are you starting me today for?

I'll start at £300 only... 300 bid.

320... 320, 340, 360... 380,

380. 400 where now, 400...

420, 420...

I'll take 50, 450, thank you... 450.

-Come on.

-Are we all done this time?

We're going to sell this time at 450.

-Commission buyer.

-Commission bid.

-Phew.

No complaints there.

James bought well and the profit is good.

Another auctioneer and it's James's Chinese vases.

-£70 for them.

-Oh, no.

-£50.

-Come on.

-Surely £50?

£30 we go, thank you, £30 bid...

-£30.

-No way.

-At 30... £30, 35...

-£40 with me... £40.

-No way.

45, thank you...

£50 still on commission, 55...

60, £60 on commission...

At £60, any further interest at £60?

The way things are going,

in all honesty that could have been an awful lot worse.

Less commission, it's not going to amount to a profit, I'm afraid.

Now it's David's glass vases, which he's selling separately.

We'll start with me at £20. £20 on commission.

-Ooh.

-£20... 22, 25... 28.

-Yes.

Commission's out, 28...

30, thank you sir, 32. 35?

-35 in the room.

-That's more like it, that's more like it.

-35...

Any further interest at £35?

Well, that's a brilliant return on a fiver.

Now the other one.

35 again, sir... 35, £20 then...

Thank you, sir, £20 bid...

-22, 25... 28.

-Yes, yes, come on.

-30...

-£30.

-Come on.

-£30 on the front row... at £30.

-I can't believe what these are doing,

-No.

-The world is mad, but I'm not bothered.

-£32 at the back... £32.

Excellent.

-A pair of 1950s mottled glass vases.

-They're beautiful, what's wrong with you?

-They've just made more

-than a pair of 19th-century Chinese porcelain vases.

-Get in there, that's what I say.

Another excellent profit.

Good idea to sell them separately.

It's all down to who's buying on the day.

James has made some big money,

£200 profit on his clock before commission, but David is not a happy bunny.

I feel fed up. I'm really genuinely trying to put a brave face.

I mean the two vases did really well, surprisingly well, and it helped me,

but my first two sales, James, were absolutely devastating.

-Well, I was thrilled with the clock...

-I know.

-and the corner cupboard combined.

I bought them for £320, sold them combined for what... £520.

-Amazing.

-£200 profit, that's great.

James started this leg of the road trip with £384.24.

After paying commission, his profit was £116.64

so his new total is a massive £500.88. Wow.

That has stretched his lead significantly.

David will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to catch James up.

He started this leg on £341.25.

After paying auction costs, he made a profit of only £42.22,

so he's now got £383.47.

-Righty-ho.

-Well, off to old Yorkshire, I believe.

-Keys for me.

-Oh, no, please.

-Come on.

That was risky.

Well, risky you driving, mate, that's what's risky.

The next leg of the road trip takes our experts to Yorkshire,

where the shopping is easy.

I love little bits and pieces.

But then, it's one disaster...

If you're right, James, then I've learnt.

..after another.

The news is not good.

That's all to come later, but first they're back on the road

and it's not all a bed of roses.

They don't always see eye to eye, these chaps.

Do you agree on date... late 19th century?

-No. Now, this isn't fair!

-Honest opinion, go on.

I don't like it. I don't like it.

David is an antique dealer from County Durham, who loves classic cars and quirky furniture.

That colour comes from 200 years of use. I could lick it!

James is an auctioneer from Derbyshire,

who has also been known to dribble when he sees yummy antiques.

Oh, my God!

I've got tingles going all over my body. I just absolutely love it.

There's a thought. Each expert started with £200.

James won the first two legs and is now on a massive £500.88.

But David is determined to beat him.

His starting budget of £200 is now up to £383.47.

So, it's the next leg for our zoot-suited road trippers,

and there's everything to play for.

They started off at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland

and are heading all the way over to Market Harborough in Leicestershire.

They've left Kendal, and in today's programme,

they are taking a very scenic shopping loop through Yorkshire,

before going to auction in Liverpool.

On their way to Gargrave, they stop to check the route next to the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct.

This stunning feat of Victorian design and engineering

across the Ribble Valley has 24 arches and took four years to build.

Suddenly, the local farmer is zooming towards them on his quad bike.

He wants to know what these two oddballs are doing, but there's a twist.

-You're an antique dealer?! David Harper.

-Nice to meet you.

-I'm Leonard Handley.

-Great to meet you. Where are your antiques?

They're in the York Antiques Centre.

What kind of things are you dealing in?

Small wooden boxes, treen, 19th century, 18th, 19 century items,

and porcelain as well.

With a promise to pop in and maybe do some business when they get to York, our plucky experts move on.

They pull into Gargrave, where there's a choice of antique shops in the high street.

-How about a bit of a hunt around?

-Lovely old sweet shop there.

-Fantastic.

-I can see this boot being filled with sweets in about 30 minutes.

-I'll go that way, you go that way. Meet back here for lunch. Half an hour?

-OK.

Simon Myers wants to share something special with fellow dealer David.

How are you on Japanese furniture?

I'm probably better on Japanese ceramics, but I'll have a look. What have you got?

As is often the case, the most interesting bit's in the kitchen.

He has taken him through to the back of the shop to see an exquisite new piece he is very excited about.

It's an elaborate version of a table that would have been used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

So how do you see it... late 19th century?

-No, about 1800.

-You see it earlier?

-Yes.

-Do you?

-Yeah.

Actually, I've got to say it is so precise, like something out of an old Rolls Royce.

It is incredible.

And all this is thick gold foil.

All carved and then mother of pearl.

Mother of pearl. Look at the way the drawer fits...

it almost looks like

-it is a make-believe drawer because it is so precise.

-Absolutely.

It just blends in. I love the leg.

Yeah. I thought it was based on an elephant's trunk.

-You are right.

-That's what they have drawn it from, isn't it?

But it is such a pleasing,

-harmonious thing.

-Dare I ask what sort of money?

Yeah, go on, clear your throat!

No, I'm not clearing my throat because of that, because I don't really quite know.

I think it's probably about £3,500, which I don't think is out of the way.

I don't. I've got 350 quid.

Yes.

Maybe you could pay it off in instalments, David. Try something more affordable, eh?

DING!

I've just rung the bell, Simon.

That rings well.

What's trade on this?

-What is it, late 19th century?

-Yes.

And the style, what style would you describe that as?

Well, it's famille verte. It is a copy of a K'ang-hsi sort of plate, isn't it?

K'ang-hsi famille verte began being produced in the late 17th century

and takes its name from the distinctive shades of green the Chinese artisans used.

19th century copies like this one are more common.

It's decorative, it's got three hairline cracks in it.

Because I am a believer in leaving a profit for the next man, £50.

£50? Um...

It's got a nice weight, hasn't it?

-It looks good.

-Could it be 25, Simon?

Take the shop! Give me £30, go on.

-30 quid?

-Yes, go on.

-Happy?

-No.

-Good.

I'm happy if you're happy.

I'm happy if you're happy. Exactly, making each other happy.

That's what antique dealers do best.

Yeah, right, David. Pass me the sick bag.

James is down on bended knee praying for a bargain, I suspect.

I'll go to my comfort zone and ask about the snuff boxes.

When he says comfort zone, he's not joking.

James has a personal collection of over 1,000 snuff boxes.

-How about this little one?

-The little papier mache one.

I'll just look at the condition of that one.

A little bit of damage there. £25.

-1820s, isn't it?

-Yes.

Just that little problem, yes.

-25, OK.

-Yup.

-How about the little box?

-I'm not entirely sure about the box. I don't know if it's Indian or...

Quite nicely engraved, a bit primitive.

How much is that one?

£65.

OK.

There's nothing I can find to make a profit so far.

What about the little Staffordshire enamel?

Unfortunately damaged, but incredibly cheap... £30.

18th century.

And from snuff boxes to patch boxes.

A couple of hundred years ago, people use to carry around a spare stash of fake beauty spots,

or patches, in boxes like this.

The mirror inside was crucial to help you place it correctly

because where you put your beauty spot had a meaning.

For instance, at the corner of the eye might signify passion.

-How about the other one?

-Similarly damaged.

Again, an 18th century Bilston enamel.

The largest and most famous production of decorative enamel boxes was in Bilston, Staffordshire,

which started in the early 1700s.

-30 quid?

-Yup.

What could you do those for?

-50 for the two.

-No.

40 and you've got a deal.

-45.

-I don't think I'll make a profit.

-You'll pull it out.

I won't, not after commission.

-I won't.

-OK. Go on.

-£40?

-Yes.

-Deal.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

They are pretty, but it's a shame they're not perfect.

So, the massive total of £20.

Keep rolling, keep rolling. Thank you very much, James.

On to Harrogate, an antiques hot spot,

where our very own David often comes to wheel and deal.

Right, well, two centres I think, James, first.

Bearing in mind this is my part of the world.

It is, I bet you know all these dealers. You're going to get real bargains, aren't you?

I only know one or two, that's all. There's one up there.

James disappears off to one of the largest antiques centres in the north of England.

Just when he's thinking it might all be out of his price range,

he spots a lonely old ceramic frog that, like James,

comes from Derbyshire.

This is interesting.

It is ugly, it's not that early - it's probably 1930s - and it's a frog.

It hasn't got any great qualities in the moulding,

but it's interesting because it's called Lawley on the ticket,

but it is not Lawley.

It is Lovatt's Langley Ware, and that was made about ten miles from where I live.

The interesting and unusual frog was made by a pottery

better known for producing useful household items, like tableware and ink bottles.

Now, you'll probably shout at me for this, but that's made in Derbyshire,

close to me, and as a memory of home, what would your best deal be?

I've been learning from David Harper, you see. He's a dealer,

-and he always knocks the prices really low.

-Well...

I'll do what he does.

How about £5?

It is ridiculous, I know. That was to soften the blow.

-Ah, OK.

-How about 18?

-I think we can do that for you.

-Really?

-Yes, absolutely.

-It works!

No wonder Harper gets such bargains!

-Really?

-Yes, absolutely.

-Let's do it.

-Fantastic.

Let's hope it turns into a handsome prince - I mean profit - at the auction.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you, James.

-Thank you.

David has gone to see a dealer he knows, Paul Wetherall.

Mr Wetherall. Tell me, what have you got?

-What are you looking for, furniture?

-Furniture would be fine.

That's a nice Georgian table, how much is that?

-£2,500.

-Yeah. I've got £350 or thereabouts.

Right, goodbye.

There's a little bowl there,

a Crown Derby bowl.

David is looking interested.

Royal Crown Derby is highly prized and collected the world over.

-Is that the Imari pattern?

-Yes.

-What have you got on that?

-£150.

-Any damage?

-No, no, it's immaculate.

It's actually funny, because that's the Imari pattern

based on the Japanese Imari, but that is actually a better quality

-than the original Japanese Imari. It is a bit bonkers, isn't it?

-It is.

In the early 17th century, Imari was from a particular part of Japan

and got its name from the port it was exported from.

Nowadays, Imari is a term used to describe a palette

and decorative form or style.

What date have we got on this? Royal Crown Derby.

It would be 20th century.

DING!

-I say, that sounds good, doesn't it?

-It does.

It might be too dear, Paul, for me. What is the absolute best trade on that?

What do you want to give me for it?

-Do you really want to know that?

-Not really.

Because I'll tell you what I really want to give for it.

-I would love to give 50 quid for it, but it's not going to happen.

-It's not going to happen.

I'd like to pay 80 quid for it.

-Make me a sensible offer.

-85.

-120.

-Haven't we said 120 already?

-No, 150. That's the ticket price on it.

-Did you? Oh, I thought you said 120.

-90 quid?

-£100 and you've got a deal.

100 quid. What's that going to do in sale? It should be a profit.

There should be a good profit in that.

Go on, then, 100 quid.

-It's yours.

-Good man.

David seems to have got himself a great deal there.

The boys are rounding off their day with a cuppa in Betty's Tea Rooms.

In this Harrogate institution, with its distinctive wrought iron canopy,

they've been serving the nation's favourite brew since 1919.

With two purchases each under their belts, David and James are on the road again.

James has been unusually frugal so far,

having parted with £18 for the Langley Ware frog,

and £40 for a pair of Georgian patch boxes.

That leaves him with a hefty £442.88 in his wallet.

David has gone potty on porcelain with the Chinese plate,

which only cost him £30, and the Royal Crown Derby bowl, for which he paid £100.

That means he has £253.47 left to spend.

James and David are leaving Harrogate and heading for York.

York is one of our most ancient and beautiful cities,

important to the Romans, the Anglo Saxons, the Vikings

and now the Antiques Road Trippers.

They are immersing themselves in culture, taking a stroll down the historic Shambles.

Look at the way the houses are almost touching.

There can't be any more than three or four feet between each house.

-There's not much privacy there, is there?

-No. Could be very interesting.

-Looking into each other's bedrooms!

-If you had a good-looking neighbour!

But look at that depth of the street, James. You see where the carts used to go.

-Oh, yes.

-Do you know why it's so deep?

It's the butcher's alley, isn't it?

Yes, 26 butchers down here one time.

Twice a week they would slop out, chuck all the waste...

all the blood, guts and gore

onto the street and then wash it down the lane.

Imagine the stench.

And then up here people would open the windows and chuck out their toilet waste,

so you would have to dive under, let it land, and then continue again.

-It would be good fun aiming it at the people you didn't like!

-Yes!

They're splitting up again to shop.

-That has got to be yours.

-That is my cabinet.

David is catching up with Leonard, the farmer from the Ribblehead Viaduct.

He is looking a bit more like an antique dealer now, though.

You'll have to help me out here.

What you have got that stands you really handy

-that's quality, quirky, could make a profit? What have you got?

-Quality, quirky and could make a profit.

I mean, what about the little mouse vesta.

-Yes...

-It's funny, isn't it?

It puts a smile on your face.

Yes. Late 19th century vesta case.

The head opens up.

-Then you bung your matches in there.

-The matches go in there.

Just turn it over so we can see the bottom.

The match strikes on the base there.

Isn't it good? He's really sweet.

What would be the absolute death trade on him?

You could have that for £50.

While David mulls it over, James has made another shopping decision.

We will see what he bought later.

-A quirky nutcracker has caught David's eye.

-He is nice, isn't he?

How does he work, then?

Is that about 1850?

1850, 1870. You put the nut in there.

This screws up and cracks the nut.

Oh, I see, got you. Is it fruit wood?

It's walnut.

Is that supposed to screw in there?

-Yes.

-It needs a bit of oil on it.

-It needs a little bit of wax on it.

Yes, that's a nice thing. Crikey.

Trade on him?

150.

They are quite rare.

I'm worried it doesn't work.

Can we blag a bit of wax?

-I'll grab a bit of wax, see if we can get it working.

-OK.

-Just give me one moment.

-All right.

This is the one I want.

Bung a bit more on, for goodness' sake!

Don't skimp it.

Are you sure you've got enough?

Yeah. There you go.

-You know where I am. It's got to be 80.

-Yeah.

Shall we try 90? Are we getting close at 90?

80 would be better. Did I bid 80? I can't remember, Leonard, you're confusing me.

I tell you what, why don't we split the difference between 80 and 90?

What's that, 82? You'd go at 85?

-I'll go at 85.

-Yeah? Happy with that? OK.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

The experts have agreed that they don't want to spend any more money,

so they are ready to divulge their purchases to each other. And what a spot they have picked.

Next to the iconic York Minster, one of the great cathedrals of the world.

James is kicking off with his patch boxes.

-There we go.

-A patch box.

-Yup, two of them. Oh, it's got the mirror.

Yes, both of them have got the mirrors, which I love.

They have both got bits of damage but almost all of the ones I see in the auction rooms

have either got some damage or they've been restored at some stage anyway.

They always are, and that's a lovely pink Georgian enamel, isn't it?

-What did you pay for them?

-What do you think they're worth?

-50, 60 quid the pair.

-Right, well, I paid £40 for them.

Very nice. Right, here's mine.

You might like this or you might not.

It's quite heavy.

-That is fantastic.

-Do you like it?

I love it. Famille verte.

A good weight to it. A nice ring.

Might help if I do that.

CLOCK CHIMES

Oh! Perfect!

That's me, that.

-That is outstanding.

-Do you like it, really?

I love it, I absolutely love it.

-Do you agree on date... late 19th century?

-No.

Do you think it's a little earlier?

-Yes.

-Good, I thought it might be. I am erring on the safety side.

-1830, 1850.

-Even better.

-What did you pay for it?

-Not very much.

-Go on.

-Do you want to guess?

-No, tell me.

-30 quid.

-Trade price.

-30 quid?!

Judging by James's reaction, David should do very well with his charger.

This next one,

you'll either love it or hate it.

I've got to say I hate it, but I don't care because if there's money in it, it doesn't matter.

It's not me. Langley, yeah.

It's not me at all.

-But they are collected, aren't they?

-They are. It could be 1920s, 1930s.

They were designed to go outside, so a lot of them are damaged.

That one's got a crack on the side, but I've sold them for £100 damaged

-and I've sold them for £150 perfect, so...

-Well, well, well, I say. He's growing on me.

-I think he's quite cute.

-He was 18 quid.

-Well, he's a bargain!

Right, you may wonder what's in my pocket.

-I was wondering just that!

-You are going to love this. You are going to absolutely adore it.

-That...

-You've got to love it.

-I don't like it.

-I know you love it.

-I don't like it.

-You don't like it?

-I don't like it.

-You adore it. You're dreaming about it already.

-No, I don't like it.

-You're lusting after it.

-I love it.

-I think that's fantastic.

-Isn't it gorgeous?

£80 to £120.

I paid £85.

That's auction estimate £80, £120. I wouldn't be surprised if you made £150.

That's what I'm really hoping for, £150.

Next it's the speedy purchase James made earlier in York.

A decorative Victorian silver tray.

-Oh!

-You weren't expecting that, were you?

-I wasn't expecting that.

-Neither was I when I first saw it.

-I thought it was silver plate.

The hallmark, which is larger than usual, proves it is solid silver.

London maker. But it doesn't feel silver to me.

What is it?

I just think it's really unusual. Because it's got the deep sides, it's not a salver,

it's a tray, so that makes it more saleable. And it's solid silver.

I gave it a quick balance on the scales and it is 18 ounces.

-What are they paying an ounce these days?

-£6.67.

-What's that, then?

-That's scrap.

That's £120 scrap value.

-OK, it's got to be 150, 180, has it not? Or even more.

-I think so.

-What did you pay for it?

-85 quid.

It's a bargain, it's an absolute bargain.

I think so. That's my best buy, I think.

Next up is David's bowl.

It's no surprise that James, the man from Derby,

is a world class expert on Royal Crown Derby, and he's just dropped a bombshell.

He thinks this bowl is a fake,

a very clever copy that was probably produced in the Far East.

The things that make me feel uneasy -

it's meant to be 1128 pattern with the filled gold.

The mark is pale.

The mark of this period of Royal Crown Derby

is a little bit more vibrant, a little bit darker.

The body is very white and quite shiny.

-What, on this one?

-On this one.

It's almost glassy.

And I don't feel this is the right body for Royal Crown Derby. I don't think it is the right porcelain.

The gilding is hand done around here.

On Royal Crown Derby, that part of the gilding on these bowls isn't hand done.

I was under the impression that now they are all transferware,

but in those days and even in the '80s, they were finishing it by hand.

Yes, in some individually made pieces they were, but in these, I don't think it's right.

-So?

-I feel the gilding is too garish and too bright,

a little bit too shiny. It's all about opinions and I just...

I'm not happy with it, but you might find somebody that is.

It takes someone with James' experience and expertise to spot fakes as good as this.

However, David wants to send it back to the manufacturers to get their opinion.

I think I need to take it to a couple of specialist dealers and speak to Royal Crown Derby.

If you're right, James, I've learnt a big lesson and I'll take it back to the dealer

-and he'll happily give me my money back, and I'll just have two items in the sale.

-If it's right, £400.

I paid £100 for it.

If it turns out to be a fake, it will be a real blow to David,

missing out on what might have been a big profit.

It's auction day. This leg of the trip, which started in Kendal,

is finishing in Liverpool, where the experts will sell their items.

Liverpool,

famous for the Liver Building, football and some '60s boy band.

David sent his bowl to Royal Crown Derby.

They've confirmed it is a fake and did tests to prove it.

He accepts their verdict and is phoning the dealer to give him the bad news.

Look, mate, I sent it off to Royal Crown Derby. It's devastating, but they have actually impounded it.

They are quite certain it's a fake.

No, I realise that.

No, I know, Paul, what can I do?

I'm sure you're entitled...

Yes.

No, well, that's very honourable of you.

The dealer is very upset to hear it's a fake, but has agreed to give David his £100 back.

That is jammy! It's time they got to the auction now.

John Crane launched Cato Crane 25 years ago, and holds weekly collectors' auctions.

As if David's bowl wasn't disaster enough, their day is about to get much worse.

Both experts are in for a terrible shock.

David's plate and James's frog have been broken in transit.

-I can't believe this.

-It came like this.

Oops, that's our fault.

The boys didn't pack them, we did,

so we're going to have to pay them out at the auctioneers' valuation.

A fair valuation because it could have made more, John, that's the thing.

It could have made less. I think £300 would be a fair valuation.

That'll teach us to pack things properly next time!

The auctioneer also recognised the potential of James's frog and valued it at £120.

So our poor packing calamity has worked out rather well for these two.

David spent £215 and James spent £143.

But as things have turned out, they have only got three items remaining between them to sell.

First up, it's David's only lot... the nutcracker.

A lovely, lovely thing. Nicely carved, really, really good.

So there we go, where do we start?

£20 for it? 50 if you like, I don't mind. I have got a bid here at £50.

I will take 60 on the phone,

70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140...

140 is bid. I have got 150 here.

Would you like 160? 170, 180?

180 is bid. 190 at the back.

200. £200. And five? I can go to £210.

I am now out on commission. 210 with you. It's your bid.

210 is bid.

Any further bid in the room? 210 on the telephone, £210 now, selling.

Well done. Well done, well earned.

-Thank you.

-Amazing profit.

It just shows what can happen when two people really want something.

Next it is James's rather damaged little enamel boxes.

What do we say on these? What do you make of them?

20 is bid. I will take 25.

25?

£20 is bid. Are we going to sell for £20?

25, I've got 30.

£35, £40. 45? Come on, one more, sir. £45.

Can we sell at £45?

Are we all done at 45?

It is going, last time, yes.

£45.

That's really disappointing.

After commission, that's a loss.

Finally, James's silver tray,

which he's hoping will do a lot better than those patch boxes.

Several bids on this, ladies and gentlemen. Several bids on the book.

-What do we say, £50?

-What?!

£50 is bid. £50 is bid.

I will take £60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110... 110, sir.

I have got 120 and it is a bid, sir.

120, 130, 140, 150?

I have got 140 with me. 150... £150.

I am selling at £150. £155, £155.

All done this time?

All done at £155.

-Well done, matey.

-Thank you.

-Well done.

-I think it was worth that.

-It was.

Bang on. It made exactly what it was worth.

Thanks to the auctioneer's liberal valuation on their broken items,

these two have done surprisingly well.

James started this leg of the road trip with £500.88.

With a generous valuation on his broken frog

and having paid auction costs on his other two lots,

he has made £127.54 profit,

so his fund has swollen to £628.42.

But David has overtaken him.

He started this leg on £383.47.

Having got his £100 back for the fake bowl,

his very high valuation for the plate,

and having paid commission on the nutcracker,

he's got an astonishing £731.60.

Well, every cloud has a silver lining.

David's in the lead for the first time.

In the next episode, avoiding mishaps,

the Rocky Horror road trip takes them towards Nantwich in Cheshire.

David tries a new look.

-Suits you.

-I'm keeping it on.

And James meets an old friend.

Hello.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd