Episode 10 Antiques Road Trip

It's the nation's favourite antiques experts...

What about that?

..with £200 each, a classic car and a goal

to scour Britain for antiques.

Can I buy everything here?

The aim - to make the biggest profit at auction -

but it's no mean feat.

Feeling a little SAW.

This is going to be an epic battle.

There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

So, will it be the high road to glory or the slow road to disaster?

-The honeymoon is over.

-I'm sorry.

This is the Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah.

It's been a triumphal week in the company

of Natasha Raskin, Charlie Ross and a TR6.

Look at this scenery, Charlie. We spend our lives in leafy lane.

Can that be the name of our memoirs? Our Life In A Leafy Lane.

My Leafy Lane by Natasha Raskin.

Back in her hometown of Glasgow, Natasha's an auctioneer

and an expert on Scottish contemporary art.

-I don't know if I've lost the plot. My goodness, should we do it?

-OK.

She's also just passed her driving test.

Would you like a car like this?

Oh, come on, driving around the streets of Glasgow in this?

-I'd be pelted with eggs.

-I disagree.

-I think you'd be surprised who you might pull.

-Oh, Charlie!

Charlie Ross from Oxfordshire has had a licence for ages...

I was a young man when I started out.

..and he's been an auctioneer

and a road trip doyen for almost as long.

The reason why I will never drive this car again

is because then there would be the risk

of having an alternative passenger.

And never again will I be able to have a passenger as wonderful,

as celebrated, as handsome as you.

Oh, be still my beating heart.

Thankfully, sentiments had little to do with our new girl's

spirited performances this week...

-Fresh bidder.

-I give in.

..as she's piled on the profits with some canny buys.

I start the bidding at £80.

What?! Oh, sorry. Sorry.

Charlie started out with £200

and, after the ups and downs of four auctions,

he now has £236.02.

While Natasha, who also began with £200,

has recovered from a tricky start to at last take the lead

with £292.84.

Because I was winning at the beginning of this trip...

and slowly but surely I've been going down the sink.

Do you know? I was not expecting to end up in front, Charlie.

-I don't know how I feel about it.

-No.

-I'd rather see you in front.

Really, Natasha?

Our journey began in Cornwall, at Falmouth,

and headed east taking them

to most of southern England along the way before ending up,

over 900 miles later, at Stansted Mountfitchet.

Later we'll be heading for that climactic auction in Essex,

but were starting out in Leicestershire at Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

-Drop me off in heaven.

-Give us a kiss. Mwah.

You drive carefully when I'm not with you.

-I've never seen such an exotic array of stock.

-Have fun!

Ah, down the alleyway.

-Good morning.

-Good morning, Charlie.

-It's James, is it?

-Yes, nice to meet you.

-Nice to see you.

Is there anything you particularly like or deal in? What's your...?

-Anything I can sell.

-Well said. Including vestments, it seems.

Good Lord, where did you get that from?

-It came from a recent estate clearance.

-Really?

-Yeah.

God, it's absolutely fantastic.

It'd be wonderful for a little bit of amateur dramatics, wouldn't it?

-Yeah, yeah.

-Can I try that on?

-Certainly, feel free.

What was the house like where you got this from?

Did they walk around in these sort of clothes?

No, I believe they were into Civil War re-enactment.

-It's slightly tight. James, would you mind?

-No, certainly.

Thank you very much indeed.

He looks the part.

-Very regal.

-Isn't it?

The king of the car park.

What do you think?

Slightly small, isn't it?

No, just far away, Charlie.

Is it unbelievably reasonable, James? Or is it...?

-I could do it for 20 quid.

-I'm quite tempted by that.

So we see.

-I'll keep this on, if I may.

-Yeah.

-I feel rather comfy in this.

It's a surplus.

I shudder to think what he's going to come up with next.

Meanwhile, Natasha's heading for her first shop,

motoring north into Derbyshire and Melbourne.

Not as sunny as its namesake, obviously,

although the travel agent Thomas Cook was born here in 1808.

Here I come.

-Hello, hi.

-Pleased to meet you.

-Hello, hi, I'm Natasha, nice to meet you. Helen, you must be.

-Yes, yes.

Lovely to meet you. What a fantastic shop, it looks burgeoning.

As in, put forth new shoots?

Natasha, with her lucky silver shoes,

certainly seems to be sprouting a competitive streak.

I am in the lead now and I'm quite significantly in the lead,

actually, I think by 50 quid or something.

So I think if I let it all go now, I don't know...

You'd never hear the end of it, would you?

Maybe so but don't get too tense, love, whatever you do.

Something will turn up.

£48, and it's just the oddest thing I've ever seen but I quite like it,

but I don't know why. It's described as Gothic style,

I don't know if it really is Gothic style.

On reflection...

It's got a nice turned wooden handle

and then it's got this pierced brass fixture in a... What?

One, two, three, four, five, six... An octagonal shape.

I want to buy something nice, but it's too weird I think.

Not as weird as Charlie in a frock.

-What is that?

-I believe it's a cheroot cutter.

German, circa World War I.

I've never seen anything quite like it.

Oh, I see, you put the end of your cheroot in there.

-What's it made from?

-I believe it's brass.

It's brass, is it?

The ticket price is £55.

Is there much leeway in the price or did it cost you an arm and a leg?

-I paid a fair bit for it.

-Did you?

-I could dock a tenner off it.

And that would be about it, would it?

Duly noted. Now, from cigars to jam.

-Handsome, isn't it?

-It is, yeah.

Quite late, I think.

I believe, through a bit of research, it's 1939.

What have you done, just put a silver-plated spoon in there?

-No, I believe the spoon's silver as well.

-Is it?

-But nothing to do with this. Or is it?

-It's the same maker.

Good Lord, it is! HHP. I thought H and H would be Hukin & Heath,

but I don't know who HHP are.

Henry Hodson Plante, actually,

silversmiths of London and Birmingham.

I could enjoy my jam out of that.

65. Is there much leeway on that or is that a slender profit

like the cheroot holder?

-I can move on that one.

-Can you?

Well, that would make an old man in a silk gown very happy.

30 quid is not doable, or is it? I would pay £30 for that.

-I was thinking 40.

-Were you?

But I could meet you in the middle at 35.

I'm getting on famously here.

-I'm going to clear your shop in a minute, James.

-Please, feel free.

Brisk business. How are things in Melbourne?

I have to say, I quite like this saucepan.

-It's a nice big lump, isn't it? Is it OK to take it down?

-Yes, sure.

I'll tell you what... Oh, it's a shame

it's so oxidised inside, but it's such a lovely thing.

What kind of age do you reckon that is?

Probably more 20th century than 19th, would you say?

-Yeah, probably turn-of-the-century, round about then.

-Yeah.

So it's a jam pan. Oh, I thought it was more of a, sort of a...

I don't know what I really thought it was.

Oh, so it's specifically for jam.

I quite like it but I've just had a wee shufty at the price -

I'm a little bit afraid of it.

£48, I mean, gosh...

Have you got a lot of leeway on this piece?

I have got a little leeway, so we could do you a better price.

Oh, you do?

-I mean, I'd ideally love to get that from you at around £20 or so.

-£20?

-That's a little bit low from 48, I think.

-It is.

We could perhaps do a deal around £30.

Oh, I don't know, gosh.

I mean, we do have some slightly later copper at the door -

there are some cheaper bits. I don't know if you noticed as you came in.

I didn't, no.

Let's have a look outside, then.

I mean, this is quite a big basin, as well.

-I mean, it's obviously a 20th century one.

-Yeah.

I am quite into the hand-planished vibe

but, I mean, you can see the sheen on it here.

That's more of a repro thing, isn't it?

-Yeah, they are later...

-I quite like these down here.

These are quite fun. Large copper pan.

I don't know, I do prefer the jam pan. It's really nice.

What do you reckon? What if I just said to you, Helen,

please could I have the jam pan for £28?

-Yes, I would say deal.

-Go for it? Oh, Helen, OK!

So, with £28 for the pan she discovered first,

she's off the mark.

Right, one down.

Charlie's got quite a few items reserved,

but he's not actually parted with any cash yet.

Oh, I keep seeing things.

They're rather sweet. Pair of salts. They're free, I see.

Got no price on them. Aren't they pretty?

Can they be ever so cheap?

Yeah, I could do those for £10.

Come on, Charlie.

If I rolled up the jam pot

and the salts as a sort of job lot, would you take 40?

A bit of a swallowing going on there, or is that a bit tight?

-No, I could do that.

-Could you do that for £40?

Was that a deal? I think it was.

I'm still intrigued by your World War I cheroot cutter.

And, you're still wearing that frock.

-It was 55. You could do a tenner off it, could you?

-Yeah.

-45.

And that's the "Good night, Sooty" price, is it?

Other puppets are available.

-I'd be happy to do it for 40, I paid 40 for it.

-Did you?

-You bought it fairly recently, didn't you?

-I bought it yesterday.

Oh, generous, James.

I'm still quite taken by your outfit.

How much was it? 20 quid?

-20 quid, yeah.

-So that would be around 100 quid, wouldn't it?

-If we said 90 for the group...

-Would you do that?

-Yeah.

-90 quid!

Put it there.

So, what with a cigar cutter, a jam pot, some salts

and a curious outfit, he's acquired an awful lot already.

Thank you very much.

I'll tell you what, before you go, for an extra fiver

to complete your outfit... HE LAUGHS

I can't resist them.

Lordy. Let's leave our little pilgrim in Ashby, shall we?

And follow Natasha instead.

Tootling her Triumph toward Donington Park

on the racing circuit,

which hosted one of the most exciting Grand Prix of all time.

Kevin, lovely to meet you, I'm Tasha. How are you?

-I'm very well, how are you?

-I'm amazed!

Look at where we're standing. We're at the start line.

Welcome to Donington, I'll give you a tour round.

-Let's go.

-Oh, please do. Yes!

Donington first became a racetrack over 80 years ago

and amongst the crowds who attended the thrilling

races of the late '30s was Kevin's father, Tom Wheatcroft.

Many years later in 1971, Wheatcroft,

now a successful businessmen, sited his incredible Grand Prix

collection here at England's first permanent park circuit.

I'm absolutely amazed by the number of cars

and the number of halls here. It just goes on and on.

We could fill it again. There's 150 cars here...

And it's unbelievable.

..spanning pre-Second World War right until maybe three years ago.

And your father was someone who had amassed a good amount of money

in their career and they'd always been passionate

about driving and they thought,

"What better way of spending my money than on beautiful cars?"

The collection is a must for all fans of motor racing and

includes cars once driven by some of the greatest drivers of all time.

But unfortunately the track, which first inspired Kevin's father,

hadn't actually hosted a race since the advent of World War II.

Donington was closed down because the war department

housed military vehicles here.

They couldn't move out quick enough after World War II, so Donington

never had its post-war chance of operating the Grand Prix again,

hence it went to Silverstone.

Wheatcroft set about changing all that, rebuilding the derelict

circuit so that in 1977 they began racing here again.

He'd also, by that time, become a respected sponsor and team owner.

He would've loved to have been a driver but by the time he had

got the wherewithal to afford it he was too old to do it.

And within a very short time he entered just about every

Formula from Atlantic, Formula 3, Formula 2, Formula 1

and then ending it as a constructor of his own chassis.

But Tom's ultimate ambition was for Donington to once more stage

motor sport's most prestigious event,

something he achieved in 1993.

This was the car Senna won the 1993 European Grand Prix,

here at Donington in,

-against massive odds and set some unbelievable records.

-That amazing.

Fastest lap even though he was in the pit lane.

Passed five of the best drivers in one lap in torrential rain.

-Oh, my goodness.

-I mean, this helped cement the legend of Senna.

Senna wrote to Tom and I after the event saying

that, in his opinion, it was his greatest victory.

Oh, your dad must have been so over the moon.

Yeah, it can't get any better than that, can it?

It was the crowning achievement of a life in motor racing.

Tom Wheatcroft, who passed away in 2009,

had done the old circuit proud.

How would you feel about me taking a little lap around the track?

I wouldn't mind. I don't know what McLaren would think.

Not in this car! In the Triumph TR6 I've got parked outside.

I think that's the best thing you could do.

Just don't expect any records to be broken today, though.

I can't believe that we're doing this! It's like Senna '93.

And here we are, what, clocking 20. 20mph.

Don't worry, I'll be home in three weeks.

Come on, driving instructor, why did you fail me twice? There we go.

We're clocking 30 now.

Oh, the famous rivalry between Raskin and Ross,

her famous team-mate.

Ah, but he's stuck in a lawnmower.

I don't think Lewis Hamilton has too much to worry about, do you?

Oh, my goodness, she's done it, she's beaten everyone!

She's beaten Charlie Ross!

Charlie, meanwhile, has gone for a burton. Well, to Burton, actually.

Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire, intent on acquiring

yet more lots. Good man.

-Is it Jim?

-It is, yes.

-Charlie, nice to see you.

Introductions complete, Jim has a lot of nice furniture

here but Charlie, for once, had other ideas.

I did spot that which is not Roscoe, really, but it's quite a fun thing.

Yeah, nice, kitchen clock.

Because it's not battery-operated, is it?

No, no, it's proper movement.

It's a proper job. It's a typical English drop-dial, or even

American drop-dial wall clock and that's Bakelite, isn't it?

-Yeah, Bakelite plastic.

-But it's got a proper wind mechanism.

-Yeah, that pulls up...

-Look at that.

-I can find you a key for that, so you've got a key.

-Could you?

-Yeah.

-Very 1950s.

-What can you hear, Charlie?

It's very 1950s and the saleroom said to me

that they could sell things from the 1950s

better than they could sell antiques.

Oh, so there's been a sneaky call, eh?

Charlie's getting all competitive too.

-Quite fun.

-Yeah.

-35 quid on that. I'll do you 20 quid on it.

-20 quid?

-Yeah.

-20 quid to include a key?

-Yeah.

That's the quickest deal I've ever done.

-Thank you very much, sir.

-All right, mate.

20 quid, I'll give you 20 quid now for that.

Another little deal quickly sealed.

But upstairs there's potentially, at least, some even bigger bargains.

Good grief.

Rummage, I should say.

I think he's decided it's a case of never mind the quality.

Good grief, it's silver. That's a nice bit of wirework there.

Really, Charlie?

Bit ordinary, but...

I think the answer here is to make up a box of goodies.

Instant ancestor.

Check.

Jim would be pretty thrilled to be rid of that, I think.

It's like going round a supermarket.

Time to see Jim at the checkout. Er, loyalty card, sir?

Right, asparagus jelly mould - lovely item.

TILL BEEPS

-The trouble is it's bust.

-It's had a life.

It's had a life? Yes, so have I.

-Soapdish.

-I think it's an onion pattern.

-Widecombe Fair.

-Yeah.

I'd like to call that an Imari bowl, I suppose it is.

-TILL BEEPS

-Teapot, Chinese.

-This optimistic portrait.

-TILL BEEPS

-Plated salt.

-A bit of plate, yeah. TILL BEEPS

You like that one, don't you? TILL BEEPS

-Old frame but it's very modern.

-It is a bit modern, yeah.

So, what's this little basketful likely to cost?

That lot? 50 quid.

Good lots for that. And I'll throw the basket in.

-30 quid.

-I couldn't do it. Meet you halfway, 40 quid.

You know, at 40 quid, that lot might make a profit.

-Lob them in. Are you happy with that?

-Yes, I am.

Yeah, frankly, you never want to see them again, do you, really?

Well, let's hope someone else is a bit more enthusiastic.

Ten items to be auctioned as one lot.

I have to say, in Jim's favour, the price was right.

Charlie desperately wants to win.

They're still the best of friends though, I think.

Oh, Charlie, it has been so great getting to know you.

# Getting to know me?

# Getting to know you

# Getting to know all about you... #

SHE MIMICS A PIANO

# Getting to like you

# Getting to hope you like me

-# Yes, I do

-Yes, I do. #

Night-night, then.

Not only is Natasha in the lead but her driving's come on too.

You started virtually as a learner,

you've ended up as Mrs Stirling Moss.

-You should have seen me on that track, Charlie.

-I know.

-You should have seen it.

-I'd have been worried for your safety

and probably mine.

Charlie's almost in the home straight.

After his lightning start, he picked up a preserved pot and some salts,

a Bakelite clock, a cigar cutter, a cape and some shoes,

plus a whole basket of sundries.

How much for that lot?

Total cost £155, leaving him just over 80 available for today.

While Natasha hung onto her cash,

parting with a mere £28 for a jam pan...

It's quite a good lump.

..which means she still has over £260 left.

-What did you buy yesterday, one lot?

-One lot.

-One miserable little lot?

-Well, it was...

-Don't tell me what it is but how much did it cost?

-It was weighty.

-SCOTTISH ACCENT:

-Weighty? Weighty!

I've bought something that's weighty.

Later they'll be making for the deciding auction

at Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex,

but their next stop is in the County of Lincolnshire at Stamford.

The historic town on the River Welland,

noted for its medieval churches,

its ancient coaching inns and its antique shops.

-Well, goodbye, my petal.

-Enjoy yourself.

-Wish me luck.

-Spend badly!

-I don't want any more profits from you.

-Bye, Charlie.

Never mind Charlie, he's all right,

it's you who's got a fair bit of shopping left to do.

-Oh, hello, good morning.

-Hello.

-Hi there, I'm Natasha.

-I'm Lucinda, nice to meet you.

-Good morning, Lucinda.

This is fabulous, this is huge.

Yes, it is on the large side,

but strangely our Natasha doesn't seem too bothered about that.

I always get a bit overwhelmed when everything is very traditional

and beautiful and finely polished because it's too refined,

whereas when you've got stuff that's quirky and a bit mad

and needs a bit of a polish

and just is totally bonkers, it just gets people talking in the saleroom.

It's like this massive brass horse. Actually, that's quite cool.

He's huge. Oh, well, he's £225, so we'll steer clear but he is...

That is exactly the kind of thing that would get people

talking in an auction.

Yeah, we get the idea.

There's a sale on, too. Any quirk in that, I wonder?

That is so sweet. Novelty toast rack.

That has to be Carlton Ware. Carlton Ware. It is Carlton Ware.

And this is so cute because it is wee geese and they're picking up

a worm and they're picking up the same worm. It's too sweet.

Looking closely at it there, this one has been off

and the rest of them are absolutely fine,

but is that not just so gorgeous?

Not sure about that but it's quirky and it's reduced to just £6.25.

Now, that's very Natasha.

I like this. Oh, it's so modern

and it is really 20th-century design.

I bet it's comfy.

Oh, it's actually really good because, look at that, if you had

your laptop or something in front of you, you can't slouch.

This is the original posture chair, I'm telling you, that's amazing.

We'll have to take your word for that.

£58. Not the scariest thing I've ever heard in my life.

People just go wild for these in the auction.

She'll be getting everything here at this rate.

This is a pretty cool bamboo bookcase.

That has real appeal to it, what a real cool item, I love it.

And what I like about it is the height

because it's that perfect bookcase height where you can

put your items in the main body of it,

but you can also put items on top.

I don't think that's especially unique.

Oh, late 19th century bamboo bookcase.

Careful, Natasha, it may be an antique.

£57.50. If I could shave off a few quid,

I think I'd be quite happy with that.

So, three practical items on her list so far.

Not sure how those function though. Balance?

Look at these. These are so joyful.

They've got that Edwardian look, but they're not.

They're more sort of '70s/'80s.

They've got that mimic of diamonds, the paste,

so popular in costume jewellery and they've got a long,

kind of lyre shape. They're really attractive.

They are just instant glam.

They take you from the office to cocktails in three seconds flat.

Now, it's paste, so that's a technique

that's used to mimic the look of diamonds,

but these are quality paste because don't they sparkle?

I reckon they could make £40-50 at auction, easy.

And I really hope there's a little bit of leeway on the price.

I'm looking straight at it, it's £18,

but if I could get those for £10-12,

oh, my goodness, we're onto a winner.

Quite a pile. Time to talk to Tina.

Shall we start with these?

So, earrings, have a price on them of £18.

We could do those for £15 four you.

-For £15, and that's the very best price?

-That's a really good buy.

And this one, everything from this stall is reduced to half price.

That would work out at £6.

The only thing that I noticed about it was that it's come off.

This total side, here, has come off.

I know it's awfully cheeky,

but I just wondered if it would be possible

-to have the toast rack for a fiver.

-Yeah.

All very convivial so far.

Next up is our chair.

I really like the chair,

so I wonder if it would be possible to shave off a good few pounds?

-For you, £40.

-£40?

It'll give you a really good start because it's a good buy.

That's amazing. Thank you so much.

The last thing is a bookcase which is in at £57.50, specifically.

What would be the very best price on that? Because I don't know...

-£50, really.

-You think 50?

It would usually be about £52 but we can do that for about £50.

We couldn't say £45?

£50, really, is on that one. It's a really good buy.

Tina's sticking on that, so £110 for the lot, then.

Shall we do it?

All four items. Tina, you are so great.

No messing about.

There's a definite spring in her step today.

Now, how's Charlie?

Enjoying a solo spin in the TR6

towards Deene Park in Northamptonshire,

the home of the man who led

the most notorious cavalry charge in British military history.

-Good morning.

-Good morning and welcome to Deene.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Hello, Robert Brudenell.

Robert. Charlie Ross. Hello, Charlotte.

This is absolutely magnificent.

It's been in the Brudenell family now for 500 years...

with the same name.

-With the same name?

-Yes, the first Robert Brudenell

came in 1514 and here we have the latest Robert Brudenell.

Our guide Charlotte can tell you that several have also been

Earls of Cardigan.

Our story rests with the seventh Earl, James Brudenell,

a Victorian military hero forever associated

with the 19th century Crimean War and the Charge of the Light Brigade.

How much history is in this room?

Yes, we've collated here all the memorabilia

from the seventh Earl of Cardigan and Balaclava.

What sort of a chap was he?

I think he was dead arrogant and dead spoiled.

He always wanted to join the army

and I think probably has parents weren't frightfully happy

about that, being the only son,

-but he bought a commission in one regiment for £35,000...

-What?!

-..which was a lot in those days.

-£35,000, then?

He then unfortunately was kicked out of that regiment.

What, for bad behaviour?

Oh, there were duals fought and various incidents.

The Earl wasn't discouraged however

and he soon managed to get back into the Army.

His love life was pretty colourful too,

including stealing his best friend's wife

and then getting hitched to his much younger mistress Adeline de Horsey.

-She's a very, very beautiful woman.

-She's stunning, isn't she?

But she was never accepted at court

because Queen Victoria didn't really approve of the marital situation.

Every inch a Victorian aristocrat,

the Earl famously lavished huge sums

on kitting out his cavalry regiment with stylish uniforms

and cherry picker trousers. And when he travelled to the Crimea,

the Earl and his horse Ronald sailed by private yacht.

It's no wonder he appears as a bit of a villain

in several of the Flashman novels.

Which one would he have worn in the battle?

I'm told that he would have worn this one

with the fur collar on the top.

He'd have worn this hat here with the cockade on the top.

That's splendid.

And he would have had the sword, the middle one, there.

He didn't actually use it to kill anybody

during the Charge of the Light Brigade,

but it would have been by his side.

On 25th October 1854,

Lord Raglan, the overall commander at the Battle of Balaclava,

ordered light cavalry to rescue some guns from retreating Russian forces.

But, because of a tragic miscommunication,

the men were sent instead against a different, well-defended position.

Lucan said to Cardigan, "You must lead this charge."

And Cardigan said, "But the Russian guns are in front of us."

And he said, "We have to obey orders."

So Cardigan set off through the charge with the

immortal words of "Here goes the last of the Brudenells."

600 of them.

-600 of them, yes.

-"Ours is not to reason why..."

Indeed, "Ours but to do and die."

-Two-thirds of them didn't come back.

-Two-thirds?

They had a double whammy because up they went through the valley being

shot at by the Russians either side, and then the Russian guns at

the end and then, they came back, so they had the same salvo coming back.

It was quite remarkable that any of them survived, really.

Despite utter failure, the Charge, as immortalised by Tennyson,

was celebrated for its valour.

And the man who obeyed orders became the hero of Balaclava.

The Earl was mobbed on his return

and soon invited to Windsor to tell his story.

Plus, the cardigan, a knitted waistcoat modelled on what

he'd worn at the Crimea, became highly fashionable.

At Deene Park, they have several of the trophies he was awarded.

Gosh, here it is, the sword.

It's a remarkable piece of workmanship, isn't it?

It's exquisite, isn't it?

And that image, there,

of him charging is extremely atmospheric, isn't it?

It's that picture that we have up there, isn't it?

-It is, and I think the poem sums it all up rather well.

-Tennyson's poem.

-I've got a copy of it here.

-Have you?

-Yes.

"Forward, the Light Brigade,

"charge for the guns, he said.

"Into the Valley of Death rode the 600."

Which all seems a very long way from Peterborough.

The Cambridgeshire city that's Natasha's latest destination.

Looks like she's not too bothered about the shops though.

More intent on a bit of R&R. Come on, girl, get your skates on.

Every day on this trip all I've been doing is worrying, worrying,

worrying and making snap decisions and panicking in the next shop.

Day five, finally get the hang of it, everything done and dusted

in a couple of hours and now,

here I am running around on some ice skates.

Why did I not do this earlier?

I just hope she won't regret an afternoon at the rink

come the auction.

Meanwhile, her rival is hard at it.

Taking our route

towards the Northamptonshire town of Wellingborough,

with just over £80 left in his wallet.

Hello.

-Hello there.

-Is it Nick?

-It is, how are you?

-Charlie, nice to see you.

-And you.

-What is that?

-It's fantastic.

-It's a Harley?

-It is, yes, it's fairly well to scale.

-Not very practical, though.

Unlike the umpteen telephones, which Nick's shop can boast of.

They all worked...once.

Look, there's an original Monet. That's fantastic.

Oh, no, it's not, it's van Gogh.

In fact, it's a combination of the two, I think.

I think that's van Monet.

Well, that didn't make much of an impression.

Maybe he does crave utility after all.

-There's something of a scale flavour here, isn't there?

-There is.

-Do you like weighing things?

-Not particularly, no.

I had to buy a job lot.

I actually wanted that set and the set behind the doors, there.

The lady who had them used to cater for antique fares

and would pick them up over a 20-year career.

-How many did you buy?

-28.

Now that's what you call economy of scale.

I think Charlie might be onto something here, let's weigh it up.

There's even more scales. Love these Salters.

Wonderful brass dial on those.

God, they weigh a tremendous weight, up to 100 pounds.

Now, we know that they came for nothing, don't we?

Well, we like to think they did.

-Nick?

-Yeah.

-Are they ever so cheap?

-No, nothing is.

-Are they not?

How much are they?

I think there's about £35 on them,

which isn't a huge amount of money bearing in mind the age.

Bearing in mind the age...

They're older than I am!

-Something had to be.

-Good point, Nick.

-These are number 15, by the way.

-They are.

I was hoping they were £15, that was the trouble.

-That would be a little bit too generous, I think.

-Would it?

I can probably get to £25 but I think £15's too far.

I could put them with my wonderful Smiths Bakelite drop dial wall clock

from the 1950s.

Ah, that is useful. A sort of kitchen combo.

Hang on, there's a compact version too.

There's a baby brother of those ones.

I think choice could be a problem here.

Those are quite fun too.

A little bit later but very...

What do we think, very First World War?

Between the wars I would have said.

Between the wars, yes.

You could actually use those, they're a lot less hard-core.

How much are those ones?

They're around £35. Obviously there's a little bit of movement.

-This is a standard starting price here, I can feel it.

-There is, yes.

I'll be honest with you, I think they'll make £20-30 at auction.

-Could you make 20?

-20 quid.

Can you do £15?

I'm sure we could do something, sir. Well done, sir.

Top man! No, well done you, sir!

In fact, I'm so thrilled, I'll pay you now.

So, with the formalities all but concluded,

let's have a look at their buys.

Natasha spent just £138 on jam pan,

some earrings,

a toast rack,

a book case and a swivel chair.

While Charlie parted with £170 for a cigar cutter,

a cape and shoes,

a preserve pot and salts,

a basket of various items and a Bakelite clock and some scales.

What did they make of all that?

Charlie's cape is genius, it's absolutely genius.

These costumes sell so well at auction.

Someone is easily going to pay much higher

than the £15 Charlie has paid for that.

That is going to be his star lot for sure.

Now that chair is good.

I think it's ghastly but, of course,

the more ghastly I think it is, the better it'll sell.

It could make £100, in which case, good night, Roscoe

After setting off from Ashby-de-la-Zouch,

our experts are now heading for Stansted Mountfitchet

and their final auction together.

-I'm welling up.

-Don't well up, don't cry, because if you cry...

You soppy pair.

Hard to believe that this quaint Saxon settlement

is just four miles away from the busy Essex airport

of that same name.

-Shall we do it?

-Shall we take the keys out?

-Yes.

-Somebody might run away with our car.

-Oh, sorry.

I'm glad you're here.

Sworders have been in business around here since 1782,

so I'm sure Charlie and Natasha are in capable hands.

How does auctioneer Richard Harrison rate their lots, though?

The silver top preserve pot is very nice, I quite like that myself.

Stylistically, it's very simple, very plain.

And the two Victorian shell salts, again, just nice, neat little

things, can fit anywhere, so hopefully they'll find a good home.

The swivel chair is something very much in vogue

and very fashionable now.

That's the sort of thing that just might attract two buyers who

have just got the perfect place for it, so that might do quite well.

That should please Natasha.

-Are you sitting comfortably?

-No.

Then I'll begin.

Looks like we already have, with Natasha's sparkling earrings

-but I'm not sure they've noticed.

-At £25, is bid.

At £25, I'm bid, I'll take 30 now.

-What lot number's he on, any idea?

-I don't know.

-30...

Good grief, it's one of yours!

35 is bid, I have 40, 45.

At 45, I'll take 50, anyone else now? Selling at £45.

We missed your earrings. They've been sold.

Yes, and for a very good profit too.

Pay attention. Pay attention.

About time. Charlie's preserve pot and salts next.

-Who's going to start us? £30.

-Yes, 30...

-Straight in at 30 when they saw the boys.

-Straight away.

-£30 is bid.

£30 is bid, got one bid here, 35. 40, 5, 50.

£50 is bid, right in the middle. Selling at £50...

-There's somebody over here, sir!

-55...is hiding.

-At 55, all going to finish then.

-Well spotted!

Good job I pointed that out.

More profits. We've started well.

Next, it's Natasha's bargain toast rack.

Let's hope the worm won't put them off.

£20 for this. 20 bid.

£20 is bid. Do I see 5 anywhere else now? £20 for the toast rack.

Maiden bid, then. At £20, all done at £20?

All done?

One bid! Have you ever thought of printing money?

The new girl still has a commanding lead.

I wonder what Charlie's kitchen lot can do?

It might not be your clock,

it might be your scales that tip you over the edge.

No... Very good.

Retro fashion. Shall we start this at £30? £30, 20...

-These are going to be a disaster.

-Sea of blank faces. £20 is bid here.

£20 is bid, we're off the mark. 5.

30. 35. 40.

-£40 is bid.

-£40!

You're in profit!

All done?

-Yes!

-Was that 40?

-40.

Weighs in at a loss after auction costs, I'm afraid.

Now, for his supermarket sweep.

Who'll start me off at £30? £30 is bid.

-30's bid!

-Shh-sh, steady.

£30 is bid, do I see 5? At £30, I'm bid.

Single bid here at £30. 5, 35.

-40.

-Oh, we can do better than 40.

Selling at £40. All done at 40. All done?

-Ah, I thought you had a bid.

-40.

So, no hidden gems there then.

He won't catch her up at this rate.

Let's get jamming. Natasha's pan.

I'm quite into these jam pans,

we call them, in Glasgow, a jeelly pan.

-A what?

-A jeelly pan.

-A jeelly pan!

-Yeah.

Who's going to start us? £30 for it.

£30. Quiet night in, polishing it.

20 then. That's tempted you, £20 is bid.

£20, that's a serious result.

£20 is bid. I'll take 5 anywhere else now.

Selling at £20, all finished then at £20. All done at 20.

-Oh, 20.

-That's not a great result, is it?

-It's not.

Jammy for one East Anglican preserve maker though.

What about the am-dram set?

Ready for panto season, who's going to start me? £30. £30 for it.

Come on. Come on.

Any interest? 30.

-£30 is bid.

-Yes! Told you.

£30 is bid on my right. Do I see 35 anywhere? At £30, is bid.

-35 anywhere else now? I'm going to sell at the maiden bid.

-One bit.

£30, all finished then? At £30.

£30!

Is it destined for a tragedy or a farce, I wonder?

Natasha made great claims for the postural benefits of this chair.

Retro furniture, £30.

30.

-£30, £20 then.

-Oh, no.

5, 30. It would go well with your robe.

-£30 is bid.

-Don't worry, don't worry.

Do I see 5 anywhere else now? Good looking chair there.

£30 is bid, 5. Anyone else now?

We're selling, then, at £30. All finished at £30.

No! No!

You've fallen off your horse!

There haven't been many losses this week

but that one will definitely encourage Charlie.

Charlie, this is tight, this is tight.

It is getting tighter.

-BOTH:

-Ooh!

Bamboo bookcase, just the right height, too.

What drew you to the bamboo bookcase?

Can I tell you? It's really mean.

-Go on, tell me.

-When you did your road trip with Christina,

-you splashed out on some bamboo. You've told me.

-£150.

-And you were ahead.

-I was.

-And then you fell behind.

-I did.

And I'm really nasty because I thought...how funny it would be if

I were to win and bamboo was your nemesis, yet again.

Who's going to start me? £40.

-Yes, come on.

-For £40, for 30 then.

50 for it. You paid 50.

Oh, no, darling, no-one's bidding. No-one is bidding.

20 then. Bookcase at 20.

There's got to be somebody out there that still reads. £20 is bid.

-How much?

-20. Oh, darling. Bamboo's going to be my nemesis!

At £20, 5 anywhere now. All finished? 25.

5!

In the doorway at 25, 25 is bid. We're selling then at £25.

Oh, dear.

-25 was it?

-Yeah.

-Well, that's not so good, is it?

-It's not great, is it?

Quite, Charlie. It's down to the very last lot.

I've done some rough calculations.

I would say that my cigar cutter

has got to be getting on for £100, really.

It's a big ask but you never know.

-Shall we both stand for this last lot?

-I don't know.

In memory of our road trip.

-Charlie.

-For the first time in my trip,

I can confess to being nervous.

-Are you nervous?

-Who wants to start me at £30?

£30 for it, £20 for it.

Any interest at £20? Is bid, lady's bid £20, 25, Nigel.

25, 30, 35, 40,

45, 50.

55, 60, 65.

£65, desperate voice sounding there.

At £65, where's 70?

-Gentlemen's bid at £65. 70, anyone else?

-One more.

Selling at £65.

Good, but not quite good enough. Although Charlie does win today.

Number of road trips - one. Number of wins - one.

I should quit while you're ahead. Come on.

Nonsense.

Let's hope our debutant will one day be a seasoned Tripper.

Charlie, who started out with £236.02 made,

after paying auction costs, a profit of £18.60,

leaving him with £254.62.

While Natasha began with £292.84

and after paying auction costs,

made a loss of £23.20,

but she wins the week with £269.64.

All profits go to Children In Need. Well done, Natasha.

You're good at this game, aren't you?

Thank you. I've had such a blast.

Yes, there's a new name on the Road Trip Hall of Fame.

Good auctioneer...

-Great auctioneer.

-..but not quite good enough.

Don't say that, Charlie.

-Don't be a sore loser.

-Well done.

-Thank you for everything.

-Brilliant.

Thank you, everyone.

And thanks to you two, it's been quite a week.

Argh!

-Argh!

-Oh, my God!

It's got that real G plan, Danish kind of feel.

Yeah, Charlie's on his knees.

Get away.

Farewell, folks.