0:00:02 > 0:00:05It's the nation's favourite antique experts.
0:00:05 > 0:00:06What about that?
0:00:06 > 0:00:11With £200 each, a classic car and a goal to scour Britain for antiques.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Can I buy everything here?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15The aim - to make the biggest profit at auction.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17But it's no mean feat.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18Feeling a little sore.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20This is going to be an epic battle.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28So, will it be the high road to glory or the slow road to disaster?
0:00:28 > 0:00:30- The honeymoon is over.- I'm sorry.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32This is the Antiques Road Trip!
0:00:36 > 0:00:39We're back on the road with two of our favourite auctioneers,
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Mark Stacey and Charles Hanson.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44They're halfway through their trip,
0:00:44 > 0:00:47but so far their car has been causing nothing but grief.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- Foot on brake! - I'm not on the brake!
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Huh! So, we swapped the Austin Nash Metropolitan
0:00:55 > 0:00:58for a 1973 convertible VW beetle.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01To begin with, we've got leather seats.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05I like the colour. My legs feel nice and stretched out.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07We aim to please.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Auctioneer Mark Stacey is a sucker for ceramics,
0:01:10 > 0:01:14and when he unearths a gem, by gad, he's going to get it.
0:01:14 > 0:01:15I shall give you a cuddle,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18because that might mean bigger discounts.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24And eccentric auctioneer Charles Hanson
0:01:24 > 0:01:26likes a good sing while he works.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- BOTH:- # It's raining men... # - CHARLES LAUGHS
0:01:28 > 0:01:30# We'll be coming round the corner... #
0:01:30 > 0:01:32# Driving along in my automobile... #
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Oh, crikey.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Our two experts each kicked off with £200.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44We're now two trips down and, on today's third leg,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47the gap is widening, with over £95 between them.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52Mark's scent bottle and rather random fruit and veg lot did well,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55giving him £287.06 to spend today.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58But the leader of the pack is Charles.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00All of his items made big money,
0:02:00 > 0:02:05banking him £382.30 for his next shopping spree.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07We're rubbing along nicely, aren't we?
0:02:07 > 0:02:11I think the road trip... It is very much just the two of us.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12# Just the two of us
0:02:12 > 0:02:13# It's you and I... #
0:02:13 > 0:02:15MUSIC: Just The Two Of Us by Bill Withers
0:02:15 > 0:02:16Here we go again.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19# We can make it if we try
0:02:19 > 0:02:21# Just the two of us
0:02:21 > 0:02:23# Just the two of us... #
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Our two connoisseurs of the collectable
0:02:25 > 0:02:27have a mammoth mission to complete.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30From the north of England, down through the east
0:02:30 > 0:02:32then zigzagging down to the south,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35up to the West Midlands, down, up, down,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38and then up again, ending in Flintshire in Wales.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Leg three begins in Leominster in Herefordshire
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and winds up in Itchen Stoke near Winchester.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49The traditional town of Leominster,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53dating back to the 7th century, is an antiques and curios dream.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58This landscape for me is a magnet for unearthing fertile riches.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Charles, you've certainly unearthed a lot of riches.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04You're £100 ahead of me.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08You can happily find a good object, which can clear £100
0:03:08 > 0:03:10and it can be game on again.
0:03:10 > 0:03:11How very true.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Try and stay away from the knobbly, from the knick-knack.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- Buy with a Stacey-esque.- Yep.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Charles, I can tell you now,
0:03:19 > 0:03:24all your little pearls of wisdom are getting lodged up here, Charles.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25I'm not sure I believe it.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Both of the chaps are starting in Leominster today.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32But to spare Mark any more advice, they're splitting up.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Mark's first stop is Beech Antique Centre in the heart of the town.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44What I'm looking for, really,
0:03:44 > 0:03:46is something that I haven't seen before...
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and might actually make a profit, you know?
0:03:49 > 0:03:53They focus on buying and selling 17th and 18th century oak furniture,
0:03:53 > 0:03:58so it might help Mark to stay away from the knobbly knick-knacks.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Good Lord! That's rather interesting.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01Or not.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03It's carved pine, I think.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06But you've got a sort of cross
0:04:06 > 0:04:10and a mallet and other implements, and even a little stepladder.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Made by Captain Hickman Flannery...
0:04:16 > 0:04:20..July, 1897, and it's signed on the cork.
0:04:20 > 0:04:21I think I love it.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24It's certainly unusual.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27It's perhaps South African with a mallet and ladder,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29which could be mining tools.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Sally Hyam's been helping run the business here for six years,
0:04:33 > 0:04:37so she's the only one Mark will need to win over to get a good deal.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Sally, I've found this ridiculous thing...
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- Right.- ..and I think it's wonderful.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Could you let me have that at a really good price?
0:04:44 > 0:04:46What does the ticket say?
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Well, it says a very modest 38, but I'd like it...
0:04:49 > 0:04:50What would you like it to be?
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- Well, I'm going to be very cheeky... - Go on, then.- ..as I often am.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59I'd love to get it for £10. You bought it cheaply, didn't you?
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- Yes. Oh, the eyes told it. - A little bit more than ten.
0:05:02 > 0:05:0311?
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- 12.- £12?
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Come here and give me a hug. I love it, I want it.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16So, that's £12 - less than two thirds of the asking price -
0:05:16 > 0:05:21for the late 19th century bottle containing carved wooden implements.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- Let me give you some money. - I hope you do well with it.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27I'm not sure he's taken Charles's advice on board,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29but that may not be a bad thing.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Meanwhile, Charles is just round the corner at One Drapers Lane,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35run by Jayne Richards.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- Good morning.- Good morning. - How are you?- Very well, thank you.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41Just two years old,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45the shop's eight dealers specialise in all things retro and vintage.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48But Charles wants to ensure that any cash
0:05:48 > 0:05:50he splashes is going to pay off.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53I'm going to call the auction house, find out what they're selling
0:05:53 > 0:05:57on the day we're going to make sure what I buy is going to sell well.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01My name's Charles and I was just wondering is it an antique sale?
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Could it be...?
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- 'It is. It's a two-day fine art sale.'- Goodness me.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09I suppose what you're saying to me,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12buy highbrow, buy heavyweight...
0:06:12 > 0:06:17Thanks a lot. Thanks for your time. Bye-bye.
0:06:17 > 0:06:18Wow!
0:06:18 > 0:06:20So, we're buying for a big sale,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23so I need to really buy big things and quite expensively.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Clever move, Mr Hanson. So, big and expensive is the plan.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Perfect as he's got almost £400 to play with.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Jayne, this is quite interesting.
0:06:34 > 0:06:41Erm, Charles...? It's small print with a ticket price of £9.
0:06:41 > 0:06:42It's quite early, isn't it?
0:06:42 > 0:06:47By the boarding back, it's got to be pre-1900.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51It's awfully stained and you can see here...
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- It's essentially an engraving, isn't it?- It is, yes.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- What's the very best on that, Jayne? - I'll take £4.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00It's just absolutely worn out, isn't it?
0:07:00 > 0:07:07Would you take, for example the princely sum of 300 pence?
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- Yes, you can have it for 300 pence. - It sounds better, right?
0:07:12 > 0:07:15I'm really chuffed, because it's a really early print.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19I'll do some homework to determine how early this print is.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25It seems like Charles's plan is already out of the window.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29But he could be onto something with his early print for a paltry £3.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Thanks a lot, Jayne. I'm so grateful. Thanks a lot.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34Thanks very much.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41Next stop for Mark is just 14 miles south in Hereford
0:07:41 > 0:07:44in the centre of Herefordshire.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46This gorgeous market town
0:07:46 > 0:07:50was once home to film director and voice of Yoda - Frank Oz.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Hopefully, the force will be strong for Mark at his next shop,
0:07:56 > 0:07:57Hereford Antiques Centre.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01And today Sandra Spratling is holding the fort.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- Hello.- Hello, Mark.- How are you? - I'm fine, thank you.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18Mark's spent just £12 of his £287 budget so far.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21So much to look at. I love it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26And it looks as though he's now sticking to Charles's advice.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31I found this little table.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35It's mahogany, it's got this sort of demi-lune shape at the front
0:08:35 > 0:08:37with a carrying box attached.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41It's actually a butler's table - he puts the cutlery in here,
0:08:41 > 0:08:46the plates on there, and he can carry it off to the kitchen.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49The shape, primarily, is Georgian.
0:08:49 > 0:08:55This is an Edwardian revival piece, so this was made around 1900, 1910.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58It's priced up at £165,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00but Mark's already spotted something else.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05It's a portrait of a young gentleman.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Well, the first thing to say is it's an oil on board.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15And that backing's later.
0:09:15 > 0:09:16It's probably about...
0:09:19 > 0:09:22..I suppose, 1850, 1860.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26With two potential options, both owned by dealer Richard,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Mark needs to get on the phone for the best possible price.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Good afternoon, Richard. There's a little tray top table
0:09:34 > 0:09:38and also you've got an oil painting of a young gentleman.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Oh, lovely. £90. And the painting?
0:09:44 > 0:09:46120.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48And I'm thinking about these, Richard,
0:09:48 > 0:09:49and that's really generous of you.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Mark takes one last look around, but his mind is made up.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Sandra, I think I'm ready to make a decision.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Is there any chance I can do it for around 200?
0:10:00 > 0:10:02So it's another call to dealer Richard
0:10:02 > 0:10:04to try and get him down a bit further.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08You had a word with Mark, I think he was interested in the picture
0:10:08 > 0:10:13and tray top table, which comes to 210. Can you do 200?
0:10:13 > 0:10:14Begging.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Please, please, please.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Please, please, please.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20OK. Lovely. Thank you. Bye.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- Yes, he will, indeed. - Oh, that's wonderful.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Thank you so much, Sandra. - That's all right.
0:10:27 > 0:10:2820, 30...
0:10:28 > 0:10:32He's bought both a 19th-century oil portrait for £120,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35and the Edwardian butler's tray table for £80.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Just a few minutes away, Charles has reached the city's stunning
0:10:43 > 0:10:45centre point, Hereford Cathedral.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48It houses two of the most significant
0:10:48 > 0:10:50documents in British history.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54One was responsible for mapping out our understanding of the globe,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57at the time, and the other for forming foundations of
0:10:57 > 0:11:01not only English law, but legal systems around the world.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Charles is here to meet Canon Chris Pullin
0:11:04 > 0:11:06to learn more about these precious relics.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Hello there, Charles.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10I'm Chris Pullin, the Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13It's fantastic to be here. You just feel and ooze the history,
0:11:13 > 0:11:15don't you, of this place?
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Well, there's been a cathedral here since at least the 8th century.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23And it's been demolished and rebuilt several times over the period.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25What is standing from what era?
0:11:25 > 0:11:30Principally, really, the 12th and 13th centuries.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34That's the main bit that you'd be seeing.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37It's wonderful. It really is special, isn't it?
0:11:37 > 0:11:42But even more special is what the cathedral holds in its archives.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45The Mappa Mundi, meaning "cloth of the world",
0:11:45 > 0:11:47is a unique British work of art.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52It's the largest surviving complete medieval map of Earth.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56It not only records how 13th century scholars viewed the world
0:11:56 > 0:12:01in geographical terms, but also anthropologically and theologically.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Chris, there's some things I see which are really quite magical.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07I think this object goes beyond that. Please tell me about it.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10It's made in about the year 1300.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12A single calfskin.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15The whole map revolves around Jerusalem.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18It's a spiritual map as much as a geographical map.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22The first thing to understand about it is that East is at the top.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- The UK is down there.- It's putting it that way round, isn't it?
0:12:25 > 0:12:28It's more of a pictorial encyclopaedia
0:12:28 > 0:12:30than your typical world map,
0:12:30 > 0:12:34and would have been mind-blowing to the everyday man at the time.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Its 500 drawings show towns, biblical events, the natural world
0:12:38 > 0:12:43and people, all presided over by an image of Jesus Christ.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47So, in the year 1300, what did this represent to the medieval man?
0:12:47 > 0:12:50It represented all kinds of things.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53It was a compendium of knowledge.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56It's such a work of art, Chris. Do we know who decorated it?
0:12:56 > 0:13:00Well, it was made by at least four people.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04We can tell that from the way in which it's been brought together.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06And the detail. I can see Glastonbury, for example,
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- and Lincoln.- Yes.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Looking at some of the castles and forts,
0:13:11 > 0:13:15hence why...that's a reason you can date it so accurately?
0:13:15 > 0:13:19It is, because it has on it Carnarvon and Conway,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- and we know that they were built in the 1280s.- Right.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25And Berwick is the key, because
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- Berwick, 1296...- Yes. - ..Edward I takes Berwick
0:13:29 > 0:13:32and makes a fortified town. It's very prominent on the map here.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- Yes, yes. Would it have been more vibrant in its day?- It would.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39It would have been absolutely glowing with colour.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- The red of the Red Sea stands out... - Yes.- ..and the red lettering,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- that's survived better than any other colour on the map.- Yes.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- It's a map which has it all, really, isn't it?- It does.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50Everything's there.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Hereford Cathedral is also fortunate enough
0:13:55 > 0:13:57to possess another priceless artefact.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00The Magna Carta, meaning the Great Charter,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03is one of the most momentous and celebrated documents,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06not just in British history, but throughout the world.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10This iconic text influenced both English common law
0:14:10 > 0:14:13and the American Constitution.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14I can't believe it.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18We've gone back to 1300 and now we're going even further back,
0:14:18 > 0:14:21to the year 1217.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Well, this has been at Hereford Cathedral
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- since it arrived in 1217.- Oh!
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Cathedrals were places that copies of Magna Carta were sent to
0:14:31 > 0:14:35because they were reckoned to be secure and neutral.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39The original 1215 Magna Carta was dismissed very quickly
0:14:39 > 0:14:43and was replaced in 1217 with this version -
0:14:43 > 0:14:46one of only four in existence.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48This peace treaty, issued by royalty,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51set out the basis of our human rights.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53What did it spell out to people?
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Well, it meant all kinds of things
0:14:55 > 0:14:57that, to us, would be irrelevant today.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59But the really important things for us
0:14:59 > 0:15:04are that people were not to be denied justice.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08People couldn't be denied their liberty, or have their goods
0:15:08 > 0:15:12seized or anything, except by lawful judgment of their peers.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14This, to me, looking at it,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16for its age is in super condition.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- It is in good condition?- It is.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21It's the best preserved 1217 Magna Carta.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24I thrive on handling real history,
0:15:24 > 0:15:28and to come here today to see objects which go so far back,
0:15:28 > 0:15:33but which are in such good condition still, is really quite amazing.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36I'm just so grateful to have had this chance to come and see you.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38It's been a real pleasure, Charles.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Although laws have evolved,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44the Magna Carta is accepted as the beginning of our legal system,
0:15:44 > 0:15:49with three clauses still in effect 800 years after they were written.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53And its legacy, standing for the rights and freedom
0:15:53 > 0:15:56of individuals, can be seen across the world today.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00On that note, with shopping done for the day,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02it's time to call it. Night-night, fellas.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Good morning, one and all, and what a lovely morning for Mark
0:16:10 > 0:16:13to take over the controls of the VW Beetle.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17# Always look on the bright side of life...#
0:16:17 > 0:16:20THEY WHISTLE AND HUM
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Indeed.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26The chaps are certainly in fine spirits, this morning.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Any strategies for today, Charles?
0:16:28 > 0:16:31If I don't go big, and I don't play the game,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- I'd rather lose the whole lot... - Absolutely.
0:16:34 > 0:16:35..because it's our journey.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38And I'd like you to lose the whole lot, so please do.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Despite planning to buy big and expensive,
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Charles spent a miserly £3 on a 17th-century hand-engraved
0:16:48 > 0:16:53apostle's print, leaving him with almost £380 to lavish today.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Mark did the opposite, picking up a 19th-century bottle
0:17:00 > 0:17:02and Edwardian butler's tray table,
0:17:02 > 0:17:07and a 19th-century oil portrait for £212,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10giving him just over £75 left.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- BOTH:- # The minute you walked in the joint
0:17:12 > 0:17:15# I could see he was a man of distinction
0:17:15 > 0:17:18# A real big spender
0:17:18 > 0:17:20# Good looking So refined... #
0:17:20 > 0:17:22# Hey, big spender... #
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Our experts have already done some distance.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28After launching from Leominster,
0:17:28 > 0:17:32they are now in the suburbs of Birmingham, in Moseley.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33Set over three floors,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Moseley Antiques Emporium pride themselves on buying
0:17:36 > 0:17:40interesting stock, so it could be Charles's turn to spend big today.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Here we are, Charles. Good luck.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46One big day of shopping, OK, give me a high-five. Come on! Let's go.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- See you later.- See you later! Bye!
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Owner Maurice Melding has been running the place for over 22 years.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- Good morning. How are you? - All right, Maurice.- Maurice?- Yes.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- M-A-U-R-I-C-E?- That's right. - Not in a Morris Minor.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Good to clear that one up.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Now, all Charles needs to do is spend, spend, spend.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12What I do quite like is this novelty item, here.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15It's a playing card, uh...something.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17There we are. And it's £25.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Maurice? What's the best on that, novelty value?
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Uh...25.- 15 quid?
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- Yeah, go on. - Thanks, chief. £15.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28It's novelty, it's neat.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Just there is a hallmark that's marked Birmingham
0:18:32 > 0:18:36from the year 1916, 1918.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38So, in fact, what it is
0:18:38 > 0:18:45is a George V silver and ebonized mounted playing game card counter.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49I presume. £15, I'm over the moon.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Not exactly big and expensive, yet again.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- That's a nice box, isn't it? - Yeah, lovely.- That's pretty.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- No asking price - how much? - I think there's one inside.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- 49.- Yeah, 49.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06What we've got here is a really attractive stationery,
0:19:06 > 0:19:11could have been a jewellery box. It's in mahogany with really rich colour.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15I think the interior, sadly, is missing a shelf tier, isn't it?
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hence the price. - It's decorative.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21I think the quality is really good.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- Could be 1880. Could be 1890. - Yeah, yeah.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26I've just caught, in the corner of my eye,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28together with this box.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Which is 29.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33This box is wonderful
0:19:33 > 0:19:37because this box was sent over in many a ten thousand...
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- That's right, yeah. - ..to all our service men, troops,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44during World War I and, at Christmas 1914,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47given by our great Queen Mary,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50of course, wife to George V,
0:19:50 > 0:19:51was this tin.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55And when it originally went over to the trenches,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57or to the fields of France or Belgium,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- it would have had within... - Cigarettes.- And chocolate.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- Yes.- If I said to you, Maurice, you've got to make money,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- £20?- Oh, no.- How much?
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Rock, rock bottom...- Yep. - ..on both, it's going to be 35.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- On the two together?- On the two.- 30?
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Go on, I'll do it.- Are you sure? - Yep.- Look at me.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- Look at me, happy?- Yes. - For £30, I've bought these two.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- So thanks so much, Maurice. - Thank you.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28Looks like Charles has struck lucky here and he's still not done.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- That's quite sweet, isn't it?- Yes.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- What's that, Chinese? Persian? - Could be.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34- Iranian?- Yeah.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39That's quite nice, just because it's quite well embossed.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41That's quite nice as well. Little caddy spoon.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Little caddy spoon, exactly. - Is it silver?- Yeah.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45Wow.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49In the late 18th century, when tea was a luxury,
0:20:49 > 0:20:53the caddy spoon was a tea drinker's most important utensil.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57It was used for measuring tea from the caddy into the pot.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00First, the spoon's materials were rather pricey
0:21:00 > 0:21:04but, as tea became cheaper, so did its accessories.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06And this caddy spoon...
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- is probably the same age as this little dish.- 1900? Definitely, yeah.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Give me a one-stop price...
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- for the two together.- Yeah, 20 quid.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16£20, I'll take the two of them together.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19And, finally, Charles is finished. For now, anyway.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23He's landed himself with a George V games counter
0:21:23 > 0:21:25a late 19th-century desk box,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28a First World War Queen Mary box
0:21:28 > 0:21:32and a turn-of-the-century caddy spoon and dish, all for just £65.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- That's me done. Thanks a lot. - Thank you.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Meanwhile, Mark has made his way into Birmingham,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42its name meaning, "home of the people".
0:21:42 > 0:21:44But Birmingham also has been home
0:21:44 > 0:21:47to some of our most innovative inventions.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51From the first photocopier to the stand-alone stove.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Today, Mark is off to hear about the evolution of an everyday
0:21:54 > 0:21:58object which revolutionised writing around the world.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01The pen nib opened up writing to the poorer classes.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Women were crucial to this pioneering industry,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07which advanced education and literacy in society.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10And guide at The Pen Room, Larry Hanks,
0:22:10 > 0:22:11is here to tell Mark more.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- Good morning. Larry, isn't it?- Yes, good morning, Mark.- How are you?
0:22:15 > 0:22:16Nice to meet you.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20The earliest forms of writing date back to 3,000 BC,
0:22:20 > 0:22:25when ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians used reeds.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Around the 7th century, they were replaced by goose or swan feathers
0:22:29 > 0:22:32called quills, which were popular until the 1800s.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34I'm guessing, actually,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38the population at large wouldn't have been using a quill pen?
0:22:38 > 0:22:40No, they couldn't. They hadn't got the skills,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42or they couldn't read or write. But if you want to have a go,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- we've got a quill pen here and some ink.- Oh, God.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Now, writing with a quill, you've got to be very delicate.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- You don't have to put a lot of pressure on it.- All right, so,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- you hold it.- Dip it in and have a practice.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- Well, I'll try my name first, shall I?- Yeah.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Gosh, it's like writing as a child.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- It doesn't hold quite so much ink as an ordinary nib.- No,
0:23:04 > 0:23:05well, that's terrible, isn't it?
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I mean, that's pretty shocking.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Quills had to be sharpened every few lines,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15so there was a need to create something easier to use.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18It's difficult to pinpoint exactly who invented the pen nib,
0:23:18 > 0:23:22and when, as various metal implements have been used
0:23:22 > 0:23:25throughout history. But the first time steel pen nibs
0:23:25 > 0:23:29were made in bulk was in Birmingham, in the 1820s.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32There must be one person that came up with this brilliant idea
0:23:32 > 0:23:35of a manufactured nib. Is that right?
0:23:35 > 0:23:39It was John Mitchell and William Mitchell and Joseph Gillott,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42came down from Sheffield in the early 1800s,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45and they'd all seen that people were struggling to make pen nibs,
0:23:45 > 0:23:49and they'd been very clever, you know, mechanically.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51They worked out how they could do it on a hand pressing.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Within a relatively short period of time,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- that must have been quite a big business in those pen nibs.- Oh, yes.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02- In Birmingham, there was up to 7,000 people employed.- Good Lord.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04The majority of the workers were female,
0:24:04 > 0:24:07as they had nimble hands and were cheap labour.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12Like Mark, today, they used a number of hand presses,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15pushing and pulling them to cut, pierce, stab,
0:24:15 > 0:24:18shape and slit the steel to form the nib.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Would a woman have started the process there
0:24:21 > 0:24:22and gone all the way down?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25No, they sat at their own press.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27And you were paid by the lot.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29A minimum amount that a woman had to do in a day,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32that varied from factory to factory.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36It varied from 15,000 a day to 18,000 a day.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39In order to fulfil strict quotas,
0:24:39 > 0:24:43the factory enforced rules to ensure maximum production.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47No talking, no singing, no wasting materials and no tardiness,
0:24:47 > 0:24:49or pay was docked.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52After a while, they realised that women could multitask,
0:24:52 > 0:24:54they can talk and work,
0:24:54 > 0:24:57so the workplace became a lot happier.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01In the early days, they were fined if they were caught talking,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03a ha'penny or a penny, and when they were earning...
0:25:03 > 0:25:07the top woman worker was only earning 120p a week,
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- you could say that was quite severe. - Quite a lot of money, isn't it?- Yes.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14At its peak in the 19th century, there were more than 100 companies
0:25:14 > 0:25:20making pens in Birmingham, producing up to 70% of the world's pen nibs.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22There was a saying in Victorian times that,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25wherever you were in the world, if there was a group of people
0:25:25 > 0:25:28writing with steel nibs, three quarters of those people
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- would be writing with one that was made in Birmingham.- Wow.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34That's a great achievement for Birmingham.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Ultimately, sales of steel nib pens declined.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40The final nail in the coffin came
0:25:40 > 0:25:44with the invention of the cheaper ballpoint pen
0:25:44 > 0:25:47by Hungarian Laszlo Biro in 1938.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51But there are still some who prefer traditional pens,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54with calligraphers and animators favouring the more flexible,
0:25:54 > 0:25:56versatile steel nib.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Larry, thank you so much. I found it fascinating.
0:26:00 > 0:26:01Thank you for coming.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08Charles, meanwhile, is bound for the village of Belbroughton,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10in Northern Worcestershire.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15It's home to the newly-opened Sims Vintage,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18and Charles is here to meet owner Phil Sims.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19- Hello.- Hi, Charles.- How are you?
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Charles, it is Charles!- Yeah, I thought I recognised you.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- Get out of here! And your name is?- Phil.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26And Phil has something in the back
0:26:26 > 0:26:29he thinks could warm Charles's cockles.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31It's something a little bit different.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- It's a queen's muff warmer.- It is.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38We think of, obviously, the ladies who wore that...
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- Is that right? The muff was worn... - To keep the hands warm.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44So, it was like one long sleeve. wasn't it?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- Yes, that's right. - You put your hands in like that.- Yes.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50And this was almost a hot water bottle for the muff.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- I've never, ever, ever seen a muff warmer.- No.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58What's quite remarkable is the fact that...
0:26:58 > 0:27:01it's in good condition. And your price is...?
0:27:01 > 0:27:03- £75.- Yes?
0:27:03 > 0:27:05While Charles ponders the price,
0:27:05 > 0:27:09he wants to see if he can spy anything else.
0:27:09 > 0:27:10These are nice.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13What's caught my eye with these...
0:27:13 > 0:27:15field glasses, binoculars,
0:27:15 > 0:27:20is the fact that the case is so attractive.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23There's a case - slightly tired,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26ripped back strap.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30That's good quality, so you hope, within this
0:27:30 > 0:27:33really nice quality case, will be a good pair of glasses.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36And these are marked "Archer of London".
0:27:36 > 0:27:39My only concern is they don't fit in the case.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Perhaps try them the other way round, then, Charles.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Unless they go in that way.
0:27:44 > 0:27:45'Atta boy.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50The amazing thing is they're only £5.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54Phil specialises in antique photographs and postcards,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57and has a collection Charles might be interested in for the auction
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- just outside Winchester. - These are great.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03We've got a Winchester entrance, there, to the Cathedral close.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07The Winchester Great Hall. These are wonderful, Phil.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11- What's your best price? - For 40 cards and the album?- Yeah.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- £40.- Really?
0:28:13 > 0:28:15That's got to be good, hasn't it?
0:28:15 > 0:28:17CLEARS THROAT AND WHISPERS
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- £20?- £30 would be really good.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23- £25?- Go on, then.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27I'll buy these, and if I said to you, "How much is your muff warmer?"...
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- Do me 45 and it could be yours. - You shouldn't say that to me.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- Would you take 30 for it? - No, I couldn't.- No?
0:28:34 > 0:28:36You wouldn't do 35?
0:28:36 > 0:28:39I'll take the muff warmer. Thanks a lot.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43£35, I just think it's really interesting.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Charles is notching up the purchases in this shop.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50But, before he bids farewell, he has his eyes on one last item.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53- The binoculars.- What's the best price on these?
0:28:53 > 0:28:57- It's- £4. £4, that's your very, very best?- They're £3.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00- Oh, don't say that! - A wonderful set.- Are you sure?- Yes.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03£3, I'm going to say I'm going, going,
0:29:03 > 0:29:05gone with my six slots for the auction.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Winchester, here I come.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Beware Winchester - Charles will be bringing an Edwardian
0:29:10 > 0:29:13muff warmer, the early 20th-century binoculars and case
0:29:13 > 0:29:18and a set of Winchester postcards, costing £63 altogether.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24Not exactly a spending-lots-of-money as planned moment.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- That's fantastic.- I'm so delighted.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- And thank you for your time, today. - Thank you.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Out on the open road, Mark has made his way just a few miles
0:29:36 > 0:29:39north to Halesowen in the West Midlands.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Halesowen was traditionally a nail making town,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47making use of local coal resources.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Mark's heading into Yesterday's World,
0:29:49 > 0:29:53on the hunt for his final items.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Well, this is cluttered with stuff, isn't it?
0:29:55 > 0:29:58So, hopefully, amongst all this is something I can take to auction,
0:29:58 > 0:30:01make a profit and finally be in the lead.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05That's the spirit and with owner, Jean Dunn, on hand,
0:30:05 > 0:30:07to help Mark spend some of his £75,
0:30:07 > 0:30:12he wastes no time in seeking out potential options.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Could I look at those candlesticks?
0:30:14 > 0:30:16We're going to Winchester, of course,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18and Winchester's quite an old town.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20These are a pair of...
0:30:20 > 0:30:24They say bronze, and they've got quite a good weight to them.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27They're medieval revival pieces, I think.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29If we look at the gentleman and the lady,
0:30:29 > 0:30:33they look very 14th, 15th century, don't they?
0:30:33 > 0:30:35They're quite nicely cast.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Not the best in the world but it's nice to have a pair of them.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39Indeed, Mark.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41After a bit more rummaging about,
0:30:41 > 0:30:45the candlesticks aren't the only thing to have caught his eye.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- To me, this is a letter opener, isn't it, Jean?- Yes.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53In the period, you would put that into the envelope,
0:30:53 > 0:30:55slice it open cleanly.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Knives had been a common desk accessory for cutting paper
0:30:58 > 0:31:03since the Regency period, but it was only when envelopes came into use
0:31:03 > 0:31:05in the latter part of the 19th century
0:31:05 > 0:31:07that the letter opener was born.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09What sort of price would you be looking for?
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Well, I haven't looked to see if there's any hallmarks on it yet.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15I don't think it will be silver.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Usually, I get about a fiver for those.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19I think it's quite nice, actually.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22To me, it has all the hallmarks of the Art Nouveau period.
0:31:22 > 0:31:251890 to 1905, something like that.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29Silver-plate, I think, and there's a little bit of wear on it,
0:31:29 > 0:31:33but if you'd been around 110 years you'd have some wear on you.
0:31:33 > 0:31:39I'll tell you what, I'm interested in this and maybe the candlesticks.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42What's your lowest price on the candlesticks?
0:31:42 > 0:31:43I could do you 45.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46That would be 50 for the two?
0:31:46 > 0:31:48If I had the letter opener? £50 for the two.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50I think we've got a deal.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53So, for £50, Mark has bagged himself
0:31:53 > 0:31:56both the silver-plated Art Nouveau letter opener
0:31:56 > 0:31:59and a pair of bronze candlesticks.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Thank you so much, it's lovely to meet you,
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- and there's your £50. - Thank you.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08And that is Mark's shopping wrapped up with five fabulous lots.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12As well as the silver-plated letter opener and bronze candlesticks,
0:32:12 > 0:32:16Mark has a 19th-century bottle, the oil on board portrait,
0:32:16 > 0:32:21and the Edwardian revival butler's tray table, all for £262.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Charles spent just under a third of his budget, buying low-cost
0:32:25 > 0:32:26and spreading the risk.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31His £131 secured him six hearty lots,
0:32:31 > 0:32:35made up of the Edwardian muff warmer, the Queen Mary box
0:32:35 > 0:32:39and binoculars, games counter, silver caddy spoon and dish,
0:32:39 > 0:32:43the 17th-century print, the desk box and a set of Winchester postcards.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48So, what do they think?
0:32:48 > 0:32:49I love the mahogany box.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52It's got a really good colour and it's in untouched condition.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Another clever buy, actually,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57was the black-and-white postcards of old Winchester.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59I distinctly remember him saying,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02"Mark, I'm not buying any of these cheaper lots,
0:33:02 > 0:33:03"I'm going big and bold."
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Exactly how have you done that on these prices, Charles?
0:33:06 > 0:33:10I really like the oil painting, I think it's charming.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Good job, Mark, big spend, hats off to you.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17I love your Sheraton revival butler's stand,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20I think it's superb. It was expensive.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24Of course, that could be a clanger and make about £40.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Well, all will soon be revealed.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32Our two road trip rivals began their journey 236 miles ago in Leominster
0:33:32 > 0:33:35and now they're about to reach Itchen Stoke near Winchester.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- It's going to be an exciting day, Mark.- I think so.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Hand on heart, with this auction, you found the gold nuggets.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47You've won the last two auctions and you have that Midas touch.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49You are...
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- HE SINGS:- # Goldfinger
0:33:51 > 0:33:53# The man with the Midas touch
0:33:53 > 0:33:55# A spider's touch... #
0:33:59 > 0:34:01The small village of Itchen Stoke
0:34:01 > 0:34:04is home to Andrew Smith & Son, auctioneers.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07The family run business dates back to 1793
0:34:07 > 0:34:10and is now located in a Grade II listed barn.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12Well, this looks lovely.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14I'm quite impressed, Mark. I'm actually quite daunted.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17That sun is burning off the chill.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- No, Mark, I think it's a sign of quality, this saleroom.- Is it?
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- And you've bought quality. - You've bought some items, as well.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Yes, but I feel you're here to win.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29I feel the comeback is now on.
0:34:29 > 0:34:30It starts now.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34The guy with the gavel today is auctioneer Nicolas Jarrett
0:34:34 > 0:34:37who has already appraised our experts' selection.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Slightly eclectic mix.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42It's a good picture. I like the face.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44I suppose my favourite is probably the table, actually.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46I think it's a lovely piece.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48The Queen Mary box and binoculars,
0:34:48 > 0:34:51I think that's rather a good little man's lot.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54The 17th century print, I don't love it, I have to say.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59So, as Charles predicted, his items could be rather hit and miss,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02giving Mark the chance to take the glory
0:35:02 > 0:35:05with some of auctioneer Nicolas's potential picks.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09But Charles is getting things going with his muff warmer.
0:35:09 > 0:35:15I'm going to start you here with clear bids at £12. 12 I have.
0:35:15 > 0:35:1715, can I say?
0:35:17 > 0:35:20At £12. 15, 17, 20.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- At £20.- Good man, thanks a lot.
0:35:23 > 0:35:2422 now.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28- On the internet, go on! - 25 I have on the net now.
0:35:28 > 0:35:3027, do you mean, sir?
0:35:30 > 0:35:33At 27, it's the gentleman's bid. All done?
0:35:33 > 0:35:35At £27.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36Yes, here!
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Sorry, 30 I have. At £30.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- Came in at the last minute at 30. - Thanks a lot.
0:35:41 > 0:35:46- He's beaten all others at £30 to be done.- Thank you, sir.
0:35:46 > 0:35:47I lost £5.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49A small loss for Charles.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Sometimes you buy the quirky and it goes wrong.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53It does, Charles.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57But Charles's next item is one of auctioneer Nicholas's picks,
0:35:57 > 0:36:00the Queen Mary box and the cased binoculars.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03I think the tin is worth £30 all day long.
0:36:03 > 0:36:08I bought the tin and a World War I period pair of binoculars for £18.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10- Oh, that's cheap.- It is cheap.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12- That's a good profit.- It is cheap.
0:36:12 > 0:36:1610 I have. 12, 15, 17, 20.
0:36:16 > 0:36:17At £20, are we done?
0:36:19 > 0:36:21£2 profit, Charles.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24At least he's clawing a bit of money back.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- I'm frightened.- If you're frightened, imagine how I feel.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31They're taking this seriously.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Mark's first lot, the letter opener, only cost him a fiver,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37so definitely has profit potential.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39- £20, can I say?- Come on.
0:36:39 > 0:36:4120 I have.
0:36:41 > 0:36:4422 on the net. 25, new bidder. 27.
0:36:44 > 0:36:45It's going to fly.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48At 30. 32?
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- It should make a lot more than that. - On the net at £32.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56It's a good, positive start. It's a good start.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59In fact, it's a great start with a substantial profit.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Now it's back to Charles with his silver selection.
0:37:03 > 0:37:0520 I have on the net.
0:37:05 > 0:37:0922, 25, 27...
0:37:09 > 0:37:10Yes, 27. 30?
0:37:10 > 0:37:14At £27 on the net. 30, new bidder.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Finished at 30.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19And that's another loss for Charles.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23It was a preserve spoon, a decanter and an Indian dish.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Charles isn't often stuck for words.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29If Mark does well with his candlesticks,
0:37:29 > 0:37:31he could be on the road to victory.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34In my saleroom, I would put 80 to 120.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37They could do really well, these are decorative. I hope they do well.
0:37:37 > 0:37:4120 I have, thank you. 22? At £20.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44We have a bid at £20. Anybody else in?
0:37:44 > 0:37:47At £20, all done at £20?
0:37:48 > 0:37:52Any gain I've made so far, I've just lost.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Don't be too smug, Charles, that's a £25 loss for Mark.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Next, it's Charles's print.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03He's since found out it's a 17th-century hand engraved
0:38:03 > 0:38:06apostles print, so at £3 it could be a steal,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09even if auctioneer Nicholas wasn't keen.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- Sometimes, for three quid... - Oh, you can't go wrong for £3.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14..it's great to buy history on a budget.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17£10, somewhere, surely, for this? £10?
0:38:17 > 0:38:18Oh, I don't believe it.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20£12. £14.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22£15, all right.
0:38:22 > 0:38:23- It's cheap, it's cheap.- £17.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25£20.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- It's so cheap!- £22. £25.- It's so cheap!- Charles!
0:38:30 > 0:38:32£27. £30.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37- Yes, it's really cheap. Pay £60 for it.- £32.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- It's so cheap.- Done at £32.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41It's a hard game, isn't it?
0:38:41 > 0:38:46Well, it's certainly a funny old game and a great profit for Charles.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- Well done, £29 profit. - Can't complain!
0:38:48 > 0:38:53Next to go under the hammer is Mark's 19th-century bottle.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58I have to start to declare bids at £22. £25, can I say now? No?
0:38:58 > 0:39:01It's an unusual thing, I thought it'd do better than this.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06£22 then, with me. At £22, and I'm selling at £22, all done.
0:39:06 > 0:39:07GAVEL BANGS
0:39:07 > 0:39:10That's a bargain. I'll tell you what, if I'd seen that for £22,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13- I would have snapped it up. Wouldn't you?- Ditto.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15It's another profit in the bank for Mark.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20Now it's over to Charles again, with his late 19th-century desk box.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- £10 I have. At £10. £12, can I say now?- Oh, no, I'm in trouble.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26- That's a cheap box, for a tenner, surely.- It's a cheap box.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28They're all in now, £12, £15.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30- £18.- It's a cheap box, Mark.- £20.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- It's so cheap.- £22. £25. £27.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35£30. And two? £35.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- One more.- £37.
0:39:38 > 0:39:39£40.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44And two. No? At £40 then, online at £40.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- At £40.- £40?- All finished at £40.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Thank you, that's very kind. That's good, isn't it?
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- Well done, Charles, £25 profit. - Put it there. Give me a high-five.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Yep, well done, 25 quid.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57And that could mean Charles is back in the game.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Mark took a risk on his next item.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03He spent big so needs to win big to stay in the race.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Auctioneer Nicholas thinks it could be a winner.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09I would actually estimate it at two to three hundred.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- £50, thank you, at £50 I have... - It's going up.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- At £50? On the net at £50.- No, it's not, Charles. 50 quid on the net.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18That's cheap. At £50 and five can I say now?
0:40:18 > 0:40:19Yes, it's very cheap.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- Good portrait there for £50. Got a good smile.- Ha, ha.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25At £50. £50, and online at £50.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26GAVEL BANGS
0:40:26 > 0:40:27Disaster!
0:40:27 > 0:40:30So I've just lost £70 on that.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33CHARLES LAUGHS Oh, no.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36No, it's really amusing.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38I don't think Mark's finding his loss very funny.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41But he could be having the last laugh
0:40:41 > 0:40:44if Charles' final item, the Winchester postcards, bomb.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47I have to start you here at £22.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49Oh, God, you're close already, Charles.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52£25, can I say? It's with me at £22. £25, can I say now?
0:40:52 > 0:40:54- Come on!- At £22.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- Oh, no.- £22, then, I have here. At £22.
0:40:58 > 0:40:59- Oh, I say.- Clearly not.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01At £22, going to sell.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08And a third, albeit small, loss for Charles.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13Last but not least, it's Mark's star buy, the butler's tray table.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16If it does as well as he and the auctioneer Nicholas think,
0:41:16 > 0:41:17Mark could finally beat Charles.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Can I just say one thing to you?
0:41:19 > 0:41:21- Please do.- You deserve some luck.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Well, I deserve it, but I don't think I'm going to get it.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26£40 then. Surely, £40 for this?
0:41:26 > 0:41:28It's not looking great for Mark.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32Oh, don't be ridiculous. £20 I have. Is that as far as it's going?
0:41:32 > 0:41:34£22, £25, £28.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36£30? £28 here. £30.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40And two. £35. £38?
0:41:40 > 0:41:42£35, then, lady's bid here at £35.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44All done at £35?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46£38 on the net.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49£40 due me. And two.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51£45? £42 then.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- I think this is cheap, but I am selling at £42.- I know it's cheap.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- Don't think it is.- At £42, all done, at £42.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03That's a whopping £38 loss, and a huge blow for Mark.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07But some of these auction-goers snapped up some real bargains today.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Charles, you've done it again. Well done. I'm very pleased for you.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- Let's go to Stratford. - Let's go to Stratford.
0:42:13 > 0:42:18Mark began today's leg with £287.06.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23After his three expensive lots lost money, as well as auction costs,
0:42:23 > 0:42:27he's now down £125.88,
0:42:27 > 0:42:31leaving him with £116.18 for the next stretch.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Charles was already ahead, with £382.30.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41He's had a mixed day, but after auction costs he's still
0:42:41 > 0:42:47made a profit of £11.68, so Charles is the winner again with £393.98.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53You've done it again, Charles. You've done it again, well done.
0:42:53 > 0:42:54I got lucky.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56Well, I don't know what it was, Charles,
0:42:56 > 0:43:00but I'm so devastated, I couldn't even possibly drive this car.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Look at me! Come here, give me a hug!
0:43:03 > 0:43:04Aw, bless.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10Next time, our experts get on like a house on fire.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14But when it comes to shopping, Mark Stacey takes it very seriously...
0:43:14 > 0:43:15HE SHOUTS
0:43:15 > 0:43:19..and Charles Hanson psyches himself up for another auction battle.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22You've got to be strong-armed in the auction!