Episode 7 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 sore.

-This is going to be an epic battle.

There will 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.

-Sorry.

This is the Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah!

There's an undeniably salty tang to today's adventure

featuring the Road Trip's oldest hand

and its newest recruit.

-Look at that. Portsmouth.

-Oh, wow!

Can you see Portsmouth?

-That's amazing.

-There is a wonderful building there, the Spinnaker Tower.

-Can you see it?

-I see it. I see it.

-Isn't that absolutely wonderful?

That's beautiful. What a beautiful view, what a vista.

A lot of naval history down there.

Yes, "naval-gazing" in a 1970s Triumph TR6 are auctioneers

Natasha Raskin and Charlie Ross.

-Look at that cannon.

-Wow.

Do you know, that's what I want to buy today.

-I knew you were going to say that.

-Not that size,

but I'd like to buy a cannon.

Well, why not?

Because Charlie from Oxfordshire, a veteran Road Trip campaigner...

Long way up, short way down. That's what they say, isn't it?

..certainly bagged victory through militaria at yesterday's auction...

Yes. Come on!

..while Glaswegian newbie

and style icon Natasha got off to a mixed start on her Road Trip debut.

Oh!

Very mountain style. I love it.

In fact, our fine art specialist did well on almost everything.

But there were a few losses.

That should have made £100.

Not that that'll dim Natasha's sunny disposition for long.

SHE LAUGHS

What are you giggling at? You giggle all the time.

Just before the auction that lady said to you yesterday,

"You're such a gentleman".

Then she said, "And you're a giggler!"

THEY LAUGH

They both set out with £200,

but Natasha has already gone backwards to £185.78.

Whilst Charlie has forged ahead to a healthy total of £293.06.

# We sail the ocean blue

-# And our saucy ship's a BOTH:

-Beauty

CHARLIE: # When at anchor we ride

-# On the Portsmouth BOTH:

-Tide

# We've plenty of time for play Ahoy

-BOTH: #

-Ahoy!

-#

Steady on.

Our voyage begins in Cornwall at Falmouth and heads east,

virtually circumnavigating southern England before dropping

anchor over 900 miles later at

Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

Today we're making for an auction in the Hampshire village

of Swanmore, but starting out in the famous naval city of Portsmouth.

# I am the ruler of the Queen's Navy

# The Pass Examination did well for he

# That now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navy. #

That's superb! We'll have you in the next production!

SHE LAUGHS

Portsmouth's been the home of the Royal Navy for over 500 years.

It was from here that Nelson set sail for the Battle of Trafalgar

and in 1944 Portsmouth was the D-Day embarkation point

for many Allied troops.

Now, time for the crew of the good ship TR6 to sally forth. Go for it.

-In you go.

-Thank you so much. Hello.

Hello, there.

-And here's the boss. Hello.

-Hello.

-Andrew, isn't it?

-That's right.

-Hi, I'm Tasha.

-Hi, Tasha.

-Lovely to meet you.

Located in a Grade I listed building that once stored

supplies for the Navy, this shop almost feels like a museum.

Look at that.

South Wales Borderers. Isn't that fabulous?

And this, a flying helmet and goggles.

But Andrew's fine collection of militaria with a nautical bent

is a little too specialised for some.

I'm a bit scared of this shop. I don't know anything about it.

Relax, Natasha.

Just enjoy yourself, kid.

Charlie certainly is.

A bit of history.

"HW Edwards, Middlesex Yeomanry."

And he kept his hat in that.

I don't know what to do. They've got so much stuff.

They've got everything.

They've got militaria maritime, Asian bronzes,

ceramics, Royal Doulton...

Deep breaths.

What am I going to find? What am I going to find?

Well, in Charlie's case, the tried and trusted, it seems.

Swedish Fire Brigade. That must be rare, mustn't it?

They can't have many firemen in Sweden.

Lots of trees, Charlie.

That's...

What about that? That's sensational. That's pretty swish, isn't it?

It's got a badge on it, too. What's this? Is this the Russian VC?

Oh, yes, absolutely(!)

HE LAUGHS

-For somebody to dress up in.

-Yes, and if you like Adam Ant!

A metal badge here. Would that signify rank?

-Is that a Russian sergeant there?

-I guess it is a sergeant, yes.

I'll tell you what.

If I manage to buy this you'll have to do the catalogue description

cos you could go about four pages on that, couldn't you?

-How's your Cyrillic?

-My Cyrillic's quite good actually.

You get the job then.

Cyrillic? Nice one.

That's fantastic.

Still, it looks like he might be staying in mufti today.

Natasha, meanwhile, continues to fret.

I think I want to be at the front of the shop near the owner.

But Charlie is hogging this man. He has got him in his grasp.

Have you got something that's come through the door, you know,

-for the money, as it were?

-I bought this over the counter yesterday.

-It's not Capodimonte, is it?

-It is.

-Agh!

-I know. I thought that as well.

-Yes.

-But it's 19th-century Capodimonte.

Established in Naples in 1743, Capodimonte soon acquired

quite a reputation and is recognisable

for its densely moulded figures and flowers in alto-relievo.

-Almost Meissen-esque isn't it, here?

-Yes.

It's got quality to it. That's just come through the door, has it?

-Yes.

-What, just like that?

-Yes. Paid 100 for it.

I suppose you just want it as a very small working profit?

Absolutely. That's fine with me. To make £15 on it, that's fine.

-I saw similar online...

-Look at me.

-..for 750.

Blimey.

While Charlie ponders his porcelain, Natasha,

badly needing to catch up, has finally found something.

Look at this. What have we got here?

"Tunic dress for the 2nd Regiment of Foot."

That's quite nice, isn't it? Is that dandruff or is that just dust?

It's just dust. That's quite nice, isn't it? I'd wear that.

That's really wearable. I kind of want to try it on.

It's a good fit.

That is chic.

-Charlie?

-Hello.

-What do you make of that?

That's sensational!

How good is that? So, 1930s, it says here.

Comes with trousers with everything on them.

Well, go and put the trousers on! Come on!

-Each of those buttons is a work of art. It's got no moth either.

-No.

I'll tell you what. If you walk up and down the auction wearing that...

Oh, yes, that would make a fortune.

Oh, yes, I think it would make 500 quid.

Why is it so cheap compared to everything else in the shop?

It's far too cheap. I think it should be 215, shouldn't it?

-It could go that way, yes.

-Is this less collectable, really?

-Is it because of the age of it?

-It's the age, yeah.

-OK.

So I'm thinking that whilst £115 is still really cheap,

I'd quite like to buy this uniform.

-I'm going to leave this while you negotiate.

-Charlie.

-Oh, my goodness.

-I can't possibly be around.

What do you think? Could I get it in two figures?

-I'll do it for 90, OK?

-You'll do it for 90?

-Yes.

I think I might do it. I think I'm going to do it.

Charlie had such good success yesterday.

I wanted to buy something that was up your street when I was in your shop.

-OK.

-Let's do it. My goodness.

-Lovely.

-That was a huge amount of my money, though.

-Is it?

That's a huge chunk.

But Charlie told me to spend big and he's my guide.

Did he really? It's almost half her budget.

But if it does as well as Charlie's she'll be all right.

He, meanwhile, has headed further into the depths.

Here we've got a wonderful case of fish.

We've got a pike, and we've got a trout.

I don't know what that is.

It looks rather nice to eat whatever it is.

The ticket price is £300. Wow!

-Andrew?

-Mm?

-Could I borrow you?

This is quite fun because they're nearly always mounted singly,

-aren't they?

-Yes.

-It's really nice to have a collection. A pike?

-Don't ask me.

-A trout?

-A fish, a fish, a fish and another fish.

-No, there's a pike and a trout. What's that down there?

-Is it chub?

Chub. Possibly a chub. It's got a bit of age, too, hasn't it?

-It's probably Edwardian.

-Yeah. About 1900 with that black ebonised...

Yes. It'd be nice to find a little label there, wouldn't it?

-Absolutely.

-Caught by hook and what-have-you.

It's quite fun that.

If I pulled out 150 crispies would that excite you?

Are you a sort of...?

-I could do two on it. Two.

-Two?

-Yeah.

That's the third thing I've seen I've liked.

How much would you like for the shopful?

What's that got to do with the price of fish, Charlie?

So, what's it to be?

Do I want to spend £200 on something I really like, on fish,

and do my money, or do I want to go

for a bit of 19th-century Capodimonte which I don't like?

And, although I don't like it,

I just think somebody might pay money for that.

Why am I coming into a wonderful militaria establishment

and going out with a portrait of myself sitting on a barrel?

So, £115...

I'm going to have that. That's very generous of you. Thank you very much indeed.

£115? Charlie's spent quite a bit already, too.

Natasha, meanwhile, has headed elsewhere in Portsmouth.

South, I'd say, to Southsea.

-Robbie? Hello.

-Pleased to meet you. And your name?

-I'm Tasha. Lovely to meet you.

-Pleased to meet you.

-How are you?

-Yeah, fine.

-Good.

-Lovely weather.

-Lovely weather.

-I brought it with me from Glasgow.

-I know that's a lie.

Robbie's shop is certainly quite different

from the one she was in earlier - a bit shabby chic, dare we say?

And perhaps a tad more affordable.

-I'll have a root around.

-Have a root around.

I'll try and help you as much as possible.

I should let you in on a secret. I don't have very much money.

-You think I'm just saying that. I actually don't.

-They never do.

Right, OK, here we go.

No, Robbie, she means it.

Less than £100 now. Charlie would like those.

I want it, I want it, I want it.

Oh, yes.

The thing that I like in here is going to cost me

an arm and a leg, so I don't think you're going to go for it at all,

-but I love the cologne bottle.

-Yes.

-I love it.

That's a period one, but we can't...

It smells really nice, but we can't get the stopper out of the top.

-OK.

-But it's fabulous.

-It's fabulous.

And it's full of its original cologne.

-That's not just coloured water?

-No, it's cologne.

-It's not just for display purposes?

-No.

-What's the price on it?

-£40 is the best I can do on that.

-£40.

What about the Tunbridge ware box? That is absolutely gorgeous.

The stamp box. I can do that for £30.

£30. It's all adding up. It's all adding up. OK.

Yes, it is.

You should have come here first when you had a big budget.

I know, I'm a plonker. But there are some interesting things.

I do really love the cologne though.

And the other thing I saw when I walked in - tools, the big tools.

The farm tools. How long have you had those - years?

-Do you want to get rid of them?

-No, they came yesterday.

-Get away from me, yesterday(!)

-But you're welcome to have a look

and I can sort you a deal out. There's one bit in there

I don't know what it is so you might be able to tell me.

-Let's have a look.

-Sounds intriguing!

I have to say it brings a smile to my face

that you're asking me what this is.

I'm not from the country but, look, it spins both ways.

It's suffering a bit from woodworm, isn't it?

Someone must know what that is.

I'd say it was a flail or thresher,

to separate the wheat from the chaff.

I really like these. I think they're quite good fun.

-What do you think? I'm steering away from naval items.

-That could sell.

That could sell. What about the whole lot?

How many bits? 50 quid.

-Oh, jeez!

-That's cheap.

What was I doing this morning, spending all my money?

£40 the lot and that is me on the floor.

If you can't earn a profit out of that...

There's five bits. Look, every bit of it's old.

-Lovely fork.

-I know.

And if they don't sell you can take them home

and start an allotment or something.

He's good, isn't he?

If you try and get something else, a couple of bits you like,

-I'll see what I can do for the whole lot for a deal.

-OK.

Right, OK, I'm going to have a think about it.

Take my thinking stick.

OK, whatever the stick thinks, we're definitely getting somewhere.

There's the tools for £40, or the perfume bottle for £40,

or the stamp box for £30, or, like Robbie says,

there could be a parcel.

-This is just...

-That's fabulous, that is.

Do you know, that is exactly the word. Fabulous.

It makes me think of a department store

-cos it's big enough for a display.

-Look, "Galeries Lafayette".

Galeries Lafayette is the place to go in Paris to buy perfume

and, really, it is the top, top, top place in Paris.

And you've got it in Southsea.

Exactly!

This couldn't be more different because here is a stamp box.

The only thing is I noticed a little crack here.

We've got a loss here.

I'd have a little crack if I was the age of that.

-Not the end of the world, is it?

-No.

-But it is lovely.

I mean this really delicate parquetry.

-Very fine work on the top.

-It's unbelievable, isn't it?

So those two are contenders.

And then, again, on a totally different scale, the tools.

I'm back to the tools and my thinking stick.

And they're a good seller, the tools.

I think you'd do well over there. I'll tell you what I can do for you.

-I'll chuck the shoeshine box in over there...

-A shoeshine...

Which is lovely. You'll get £10 to £20 on that, hopefully.

I can do the whole lot for you and that would be £80.

-That's the best I can do.

-No, you can't.

-That's the best I can do.

-For all of those things?

-All those bits.

Blimey, Robbie, are you sure?

-I think we should do it. Robbie. Oh, my goodness.

-You will do well.

You will have a profit. You'll have a profit.

-I can't believe you've done that. Is it because I'm from Glasgow?

-Yes.

Well, it's not often that someone bravely blows

almost all their cash on day one.

What's more, I've never had the chance to say,

"Exit with thinking stick".

Cheerio.

Charlie, meanwhile,

has motored further along the historic harbour-side

in search of a lift to one of Portsmouth's

more forbidding landmarks.

-You must be Mark.

-Hello, Charlie. Nice to meet you.

-Hello. Lovely to see you.

-Step on board.

Charlie's off to visit one of the four Solent forts

built in the 19th century to protect the port

from sea attack and bombardment.

So what are these forts?

Well, they were put in place by Lord Palmerston

against the possible threat of Napoleon III.

Full 360-degree firing batteries designed to repel the French.

-We were that worried about the French invading, then?

-Very much so.

Lord Palmerston felt if Portsmouth fell

the rest of the country would follow.

They had to protect Portsmouth and that was at all costs.

Do we have any historical evidence

that old Napoleon was attempting something?

Sadly not, it looks like...

We look back on the history books and he never intended to,

so they got the lovely nickname of Palmerston's Follies.

Prime Minister Palmerston had passed away by the time the forts

were eventually completed in 1880 and, although they were fully

manned and armed, they were never actually used in anger.

-That's one of the forts there?

-That's right,

that's Spitbank Fort right there.

We've converted that into a luxury hotel.

-Well, we might stop off there on the way back.

-Glass of champagne?

The forts were deactivated after World War II

and eventually closed in the 1960s.

Charlie's heading for Horse Sand Fort, which,

closed to the public, remains very much as it was -

forbidding.

Now, this is fascinating for someone like me.

-We love our antiques to be untouched.

-You've come to the right place.

Yes, 1967 was the last time this fort was occupied.

Crikey.

And we're looking now to convert it to a living museum.

We're looking to have the different cannon, the different era...

-And a gun comes out each of these portholes?

-That's exactly right.

The fort, which cost £424,694 to build,

was constructed, like the others, by means of gigantic

carved granite blocks dropped directly onto the sand bank.

-Is it one of those "don't look down" moments?

-Yeah. Think light thoughts.

That's why I didn't have breakfast.

The first blocks were placed by divers,

then gradually built up above sea level.

It doesn't sound that firm a foundation,

but they've not moved since.

-What's this, a storage tank of some sort?

-It's actually the front door.

What?!

It's an iron door, over 15 feet thick.

It's several tonnes. and it was designed to be rolled out

-and plug the door that we just walked through.

-Amazing.

Do you know, in a funny sort of romantic way,

it's rather a shame that Napoleon III didn't invade.

It would have been nice to see.

Yeah, they'd have had a lot of fun on here, wouldn't they?

They were certainly prepared.

With artesian wells from which to draw water from beneath the

seabed and a plentiful supply of fish, the fort,

with around 600 men on three floors,

even had the means to make small arms.

We've actually got a set of the bellows brought across

from Spitbank, but they are original.

They're wonderful, aren't they? Fully working.

Are they for sale?

Although the forts never saw action,

the deterrent they provided to any would-be invader was undeniable.

-What sort of range would that travel, do you know?

-Up to a mile.

-Up to a mile?

-Yeah.

-Any accuracy?

-Pretty good, actually.

-Really?

-They were rifled, as well, so they would be able to...

-Oh, really?

-Yeah.

-And would they had been made on the fort, as well?

No, they wouldn't. They'd have been shipped over, because

-if you try and lift it, you can understand why.

-Cor, blimey!

-It IS heavy.

-Deceptive, isn't it?

-You'd know if that hit you, wouldn't you?

-Yeah.

Just designed to pierce and sink ships, that was it.

There was no ballistics, it didn't explode on impact, it would just go

-straight through the hull into the bottom of the sea.

-Sink the ship!

And perhaps the best place to understand exactly how the forts

were designed to protect the dockyard is from the roof.

Wonderful, a roof garden.

Because Horse Sand and the rest are just the most visible parts

of the defences the Victorians cunningly devised.

So the shipping going into the harbour goes there, does it?

That's right, so they actually have to come round the fort this way,

because, in fact, there's a submarine barrier.

-And those markers mark the submarine barrier.

-Which is still there?

That's right. At low tide, it's only about six foot beneath the surface.

So if they tried to come in that way, submarine barrier would get them?

-That's right.

-And if they come in this way, they'd be shot to bits?

-Between the two forts.

-You couldn't win, could you?

-Perfect location.

Meanwhile, back on terra firma, Charlie's young rival

is experiencing an altogether different version

of life beside the sea.

Wonderful, coconut ice cream. Local, coconut ice cream.

What more could you want on this glorious day on the beach?

Sitting here keeping an eye out for Charlie.

I'm sure we'll see him soon. In a life ring.

Huh. I wonder who'll be sunk at the auction, then, eh?

Nighty-night.

Next morning, Natasha - who's only recently passed her test -

-is behind the wheel. Watch out.

-Oh, where's the break?

Where's the break?

Relax! I'm fairly sure she's joking, Charlie.

Yesterday, the new girl, in a bold bid to make up ground,

grabbed whatever her shops had to offer, acquiring some scent,

a stamp box, a shoe shine box, some farming tools and a uniform,

-for the grand total of £170.

-Hello.

What do you make of that?

Leaving just £15 left over for anything else she might fancy.

While Charlie made only one buy, although it was a bit pricey...

Somebody might pay money for that.

..splashing out £115 on a Capodimonte mug,

which means he still has almost £180 left to spend today.

Good old boy.

Later, they'll be making for an auction in the village of Swanmore,

but our next stop is at Lower Upham.

I love barns!

Have you ever driven into one?

No, I don't want to drive into a barn.

-Ladies first.

-Thank you.

-Madam.

OK, let's go into a barn.

Aye, aye, ladies first. He's up to something. Look out...

You go and look round.

-Hello, hi, I'm Natasha.

-Roy.

Roy, lovely to meet you. What a fabulous place.

Yes, it is, Natasha.

So good, that Charlie's not made it through the door yet.

Rather a nice cast iron fireback.

Now, although it has a date on it of 16-something...

Cor, blimey!

..it's probably 1890.

It might even be into the 20th century.

I can't get it back.

-HE GROANS

-Careful, Charlie.

Inside, there's a lot of very nice furniture. Reasonable prices, too.

But, when you've only got £15 to spend, you have to

think outside the box.

I don't know if I were to add that, for example, to my Tunbridge ware

stamp box, would it do anything to the lot?

Would it simply dilute it, would it add anything to it?

I don't think it would add anything to it. Although, inside

it says 12 quid, which is nothing.

I think I'll leave that alone.

Charlie, now back with us,

has meanwhile found some encouraging signs.

Now, this is quite interesting.

There's a crisis here amongst the management.

Arts and crafts hall stand, £280.

On the other coat hook, arts and crafts hall stand..

..£150.

Which would you like?

I think we can all agree on that one.

-Natasha, however, may be about to save her £15.

-Charlie!

-Hello?

How are you getting on?

I might be getting on jolly well.

I had a good look around, but I don't think there's

anything for me, Charles.

-Really?

-No.

-Have you met the owner?

-Oh, Roy. Yes, I have met Roy.

-Is he nice?

-He seems very flexible.

Oh, I love someone who is flexible. Bye-bye.

So, then there was one, and, strangely enough, after all

that talk of finding something nautical by the seaside...

I'd quite like a ship's wheel.

It's got no price on it.

If that ship's wheel was in Portsmouth, it would be £150.

Probably.

It might be cheaper up here. But we'll ask.

What's his name? Ron, I think.

-Roy!

-Roy! Roooooy!

Don't wear it out, Charlie.

How are you, Roy?

-I'm very well indeed. Loving your shop, Roy.

-Thank you.

Now, I almost tripped over an enormous cast iron fireback

coming in here. Is it for sale? It hasn't got a price on it.

£40.

It's quite cheap per pound, isn't it? Per pound weight.

-And there's a ship's wheel here. Is that...?

-That one can be £60.

-That's not much money, is it, really?

-No, no.

So, there's that and the print.

Would you like to come and have a look at the print with me?

You might be able to educate me.

It was this.

-Yes, it's a nice, early one.

-It is early, isn't it?

1733, as far as I can see. Titchfield Abbey.

So it's not far from here.

-About six miles.

-There's more...

William Waynfleat, who was Bishop of Winchester.

They go nice together, actually, don't they?

If I made you an offer for the fireback, the ship's wheel

and the two prints, could there be a bit of a bulk buy?

I think that we possibly could do something.

It would be too cheeky to say 80 quid, wouldn't it, for the lot?

-Yes, I think it would be.

-Yeah, I thought it would be. Hmm.

Where do you see yourself coming to?

-100.

-Do you? I thought you were going to say that. 100 for the three.

Would you show me the door if I said 90 quid?

95.

I love your flexibility.

I can't say no, I think that's a really, really generous offer.

-Are you happy with that?

-Absolutely.

-You sure?

-Yep!

I think that's fantastic. Thank you very much.

So, that's £20 for the prints, £50 for the ship's wheel

and £25 for the fireback.

Fast work, Charlie.

Now, where's that Natasha slipped off to?

I think we can rule out shopping.

On our way to Winchester, the county town of Hampshire.

Oh, this is gorgeous.

She's come to visit a museum dedicated

to some of our bravest fighting men.

-Hello, hi. Gavin?

-Hello, Natasha.

-Natasha, exactly.

Lovely to meet you.

The story of the Gurkhas begins with the Anglo-Nepalese War

in the early 19th century.

The tiny, mountainous kingdom came face-to-face

with the might of the East India Company

and such was the tenacity with which its soldiers fought

that, afterwards, they were encouraged to serve FOR the British.

Then, during the Indian mutiny in 1857,

the Gurkhas' reputation was firmly established.

After mutineers had seized Delhi, Ghurkhas of the Sirmur Battalion

stayed loyal and trustworthy to the British in the Indian armies

and fought side-by-side gallantly and bravely

against the mutineers, fighting off substantial and huge attacks.

Major Charles Reid, who was the officer commanding the Gurkhas

at the siege of Delhi, he was carrying that very telescope

when a mutineer's shell exploded above his head,

sadly killing the Gurkha who was standing next to him.

But, as you can see, it is carrying the scars of battle to this day.

When news of their bravery reached Britain,

our country's love affair with the Gurkhas began.

Military honours were soon awarded and the Gurkhas,

with their trademark weapon, became part of the new British Indian Army.

Tell me more about the weapons,

because I see at the back there a kukri knife.

Used for a variety of purposes.

A Gurkha soldier obviously uses it as a weapon.

Back home, in his homeland,

he would use it for a variety of domestic activities.

During the latter half of the 19th century,

Gurkha regiments fought in most of Britain's campaigns

and during both World Wars

more than 200,000 men served with distinction.

What's on this table, you've plucked a few from the cabinets.

I have indeed. This particular

Victoria Cross was the first to be awarded to a Ghurkha.

Until 1911, Gurkhas were ineligible for this award

and the First World War saw the first award of a Victoria Cross.

Rifleman Kulbir Thapa left the British trenches

and attacked the Germans.

Sadly, his comrades were all killed and wounded.

He managed to make it to the German front line, crossed the line,

found a wounded soldier of the Leicestershire Regiment,

brought him back to relative safety, went back,

saved two more Gurkha's lives, brought them back

and then went back out again in broad daylight under heavy fire

to bring in the wounded Leicestershire man.

On the back, you will see his name engraved and the date of his award.

-Oh, my goodness.

-And remember that Gurkha regiments have won 26 VCs...

-In total?

-In total. 13 to Gurkhas and 13 to British officers.

-Oh, my goodness.

-Amazing total.

When India won independence in 1947,

the Gurkha regiments were split between the Indian

and British armies and, 200 years after they first demonstrated

their bravery by fighting against Britain, they're still serving.

-This is our latest acquisition.

-Oh, really? Wow.

And this was presented to us by Lance Corporal Tuljung Gurung

-of 1st Battalion, the Royal Ghurkha Rifles.

-OK.

And this is the combat helmet and kukri that he carried.

When, recently in Afghanistan, he was attacked by Taliban fighters

who fired at him in his sentry post,

a round hit him in the front of the helmet and exited at the back.

This knocked him backwards.

He came round to find a grenade bouncing

across the floor of his post.

He picks it up, throws it out, it explodes and knocks him back again.

He then comes round again to find a Taliban insurgent

inside his sentry post,

so he takes out his kukri, fights off the Taliban.

The two of them tumble out of their sentry post onto the ground

-and another Taliban comes in to join the fight.

-Oh, my goodness.

Lance Corporal Tuljung beats them both off with his kukri

and they flee into the distance.

That is the most unbelievable story but, strangely, after all these

things I've heard about Gurkhas, totally believable.

-For that action, he was awarded the Military Cross.

-That is...

Do you know, that gives me the chills.

Can you imagine what that felt like? And did he survive?

He did indeed.

The bullet entered the front of the helmet, exited at the back

and just missed the top of his ear, so he was really fortunate.

Lance Corporal Gurung remains on active duty,

one of almost 3,000 Gurkhas in today's army.

What a hero. What an absolute hero.

Now, let's have a look at our Charlie.

With one shop left to go, our hero.

He's taken the route both south and east towards Wickham,

birthplace in the 14th century of William of Wickham,

who became a Bishop of Winchester -

not to be confused with William Waynfleat,

the one whose picture Charlie bought earlier.

-They like their Ws round here, don't they?

-Hello, I'm Charlie.

-I'm Liz.

-Hello, Liz.

-I like the bunting.

-Thank you.

-It's coronation day. It's very exciting.

-I'll have a look around, if I may.

-Yes, certainly.

What's here for King Charlie, then? Some nice things, certainly.

But he's already picked up a few items.

I like it when you've crossed out one price and put another one in.

As long as it's lower.

Huh. He's still got £83 left to spend, too.

Look at that.

American Frohse Anatomical Charts.

I wonder what date that is? Edwardian?

Gosh, isn't that extraordinary?

That's what we all look like when you strip us down, isn't it?

You speak for yourself.

-It is free, it's got no price.

-It is over 100.

-Is it?

-But I can call him, if you like?

I'm not really going to be around the £100 mark.

-If you would like to ring him up?

-Certainly, yeah.

I think that would be super. Just get a sort of feel for it. I'll carry on looking around.

-Ah, actually, he's here.

-What?

-He's here.

-As if by magic?

-He's turned up, yes.

-Hello, sir.

-Hello.

-And you are?

-I'm Nick.

-Hello, Nick. I'm Charlie.

-Hi, Charlie.

-You lucky man.

-Yes.

-You own that?

We do, yes. Me and my business partner do.

-You and your business partner.

-Yeah.

-Which is which?

I'm the one with the beating heart.

Where did you get it from?

I got it from a retired GP.

-We like it cos it draws people into the area.

-Immediately.

He doesn't seem anxious to sell, Charlie.

-The rock bottom on it would be about 140 for us.

-Would it? Yeah, yeah.

Ah, well. Time for that keen eye to look elsewhere.

Oh, is that a thatcher's needle?

-Isn't it in super condition?

-Yes. I thought you'd like it.

You know what I like - quirky things. I think that's lovely.

Not quite sure how you work it. What you do with your thatch.

-I think you thread something...

-Put the cord in there?

-Yes.

-Yes.

-..and hook it over the thatch.

-Hook it over the thatch.

-Catch it there and pull it back, yeah, so it binds the thatch.

-Yes.

There is something here that's fab but I'm not quite sure what it is.

-A vacuum pump.

-Yes.

A piece of laboratory equipment, possibly.

Well, you wind the wheel...

WHEEL RASPS

I beg your pardon?

WHEEL RASPS

..and that cylinder produces a vacuum coming out of here,

so it's to suck air out of something.

Who does it belong to?

-A guy called Steve.

-Steve.

-I can ring him.

He might be able to tell us a bit more information about it.

He's already reduced the price, I can see here.

It's come down from 65 to 50.

He's already getting desperate, isn't he?

Sounds like Steve's about to get a call.

Hello, Steve. Charlie Ross here. How are you?

I've been looking at your things.

I love your thatcher's needle. Isn't that a lovely thing?

It's beautiful. Well, Liz has shown me how to use it.

She's obviously done a bit of thatching in her time.

Almost more interesting for me is your extraordinary vacuum pump thing,

which is quite fun.

But why would you want to suck the air out of something?

Any idea? Stop laughing.

Looking at the label, you've already got fed up with it, I can see that.

Is it on an inexorable plunge downwards?

Hey, he may not know how it's used, but he's certainly keen.

Oh, but I will go on to my knees,

I'm prepared to do absolutely anything to do a deal.

How's that?

Shall I confirm it?

Yes, yes, hang on, she's just going to prove to you

that's what I'm doing.

Hello, Steve. Yeah, Charlie is on his knees.

If I actually lay down, would you...

could you go to 40?

Is that really necessary, Charles?

That's really kind. I will give Liz 40 quid cash

and relieve you of your pump,

and I'll just keep my fingers crossed for the auction.

Thank you very much indeed, Steve. All the best. 40 quid. Done a deal.

It was an awful lot of kneeling for a tenner, Charlie.

Thank you so much. It's been wonderful.

Nice to meet you.

Shopping done, it's time to take a look at what they bought.

With Charlie acquiring a pair of prints, a ship's wheel,

a fire back, a tankard, and a vacuum pump for a total of £250.

While Natasha spent just £170 on a uniform,

a shoeshine box,

a scent bottle,

a stamp box, and some farming tools.

So, what's the verdict?

Natasha has done a lot better this time.

She's learning fast, isn't she?

That collection of agricultural implements, I think,

are a steal at £45.

I think they'll at least double her money on that.

I think Charlie has gone very traditional this time

with those prints of the Archbishop and the Abbey

and he's got that ship's wheel.

He's gone down quite a conservative route.

But I think my fun farmers' tools are a little bit out there

and my cologne bottle, and my uniform -

if that does as well as Charlie's tunic then I'm in with a winner.

Cos Roscoe had a tunic that did well, what do you do?

Don't go out and buy a tunic -

not if it's a 20th century tunic and not if it costs £90.

There's going to be a bit of a loss on that.

After setting off from Portsmouth,

our experts are now heading for an auction in Swanmore.

Do you know what the name of the auction is?

-We're going to Pump House Auctions.

-And what have I bought?

-A pump!

-Yes.

Well, it could work, Charlie.

Absolutely gorgeous building. Look at this.

-Can you come and help me out?

-Yes, of course I can.

-Welcome to the Pump House.

-Wait till you are my age, my dear.

So, what are their chances at this establishment?

Let's hear from auctioneer Dominic Foster.

The British Army uniform,

the Regiment of Foot, is very collectable.

Military items are very sought after.

The old vacuum pump is quite an interesting item.

Scientific instruments are very collectable.

Maybe £60-£80, again. Maybe £100, if we're lucky.

Encouraging. Looks like the weather could have helped

attract a decent crowd, too.

It's mobbed, Charlie. It's mobbed. They have all come to see you.

They may have come to see me,

but they haven't come to buy my things, have they?

Well, maybe Charlie's pictures. Will they be a local hit?

You bought something from Hampshire.

-The south-east of Titchfield Abbey in Hampshire. Where are we?

-Hampshire!

-And a framed, glazed print of William Waynflete, Bishop of...

-Winchester!

Couple of bids here. 12, 14 here. 16 anywhere? 16, 18, 20, 22. 24?

No? At 22. 24 anywhere?

24, 26, 28,

30, and two...

-Look at you!

-34?

At 32. 34 anywhere?

There are some sophisticated buyers in this saleroom.

Selling at £32, then?

Your number?

Holy profits, Charlie.

You're too clever. You're so good, you're so good.

Natasha's turn. Her bargain half bottle of scent.

Do you do this with all your lots -

-get given them because you look rather attractive?

-No.

Because I looked like I needed help.

A couple of bids, 20,

I've got 25, 28 is there...

28. There is 30. 32? 34.

I can't see you.

34. 36, 38 anywhere?

38, 40.

There's a voice from under a table.

44, 46,

48, 50?

No, at 48 here. 50 anywhere?

At 48, then. Yours, sir.

Yes. It smells good to me.

It does indeed and if you don't like it you can always use

Charlie's vacuum pump to get rid of the pong.

-I've got 40, 45. 48 anywhere?

-Right, you're in.

48 anywhere? 48 there.

Is 50 anywhere? 50 there is. And two?

52. 55 anywhere?

55, £55.

58 anywhere?

Selling for £55.

-Pow!

-That is genius. 55 quid.

Getting onto his knees definitely paid off.

I wonder what he's doing later? I might take him to the pub.

You're taking me out for dinner.

THEY LAUGH He overheard that!

'Talking of good deals, how about Natasha's £5 shoeshine box?'

I've got again a couple of bids for 12, I've got 14, 16 anywhere?

-Keep going!

-Steady.

16, 18, 20, 22?

At £20. Two anywhere?

22, 24.

26, 28,

30, 32,

34?

At 32. 34 anywhere?

No? Sell it for 34.

36, 38.

Yes? 40?

And two.

44, 46 anywhere, then?

Selling at £44.

Yes!

Nobody can beat those profits, surely?

Though the auctioneer does have high hopes for Charlie's wheel.

-50 for it. 50 bid.

-50 is bid!

Are we on the ship's wheel?

And five. 70?

-Come on.

-And five.

-It's all go. Yes!

-I want a free ship for this money.

90. And five?

Nope, at £90.

Five anywhere?

Selling, then, at £90.

One more.

Yes! That's all right.

It certainly is.

What about Natasha's little Tunbridge stamp box?

£50 for it somewhere? 50 for it?

Nope? I've got 40 here, then. Five anywhere?

Oh, he's got 40 quid on it.

45 there is, 48 anywhere? 48.

50? At 48 with me. 50 anywhere?

50 there.

Do you know, I'd rather be hit by your thresher.

And that's still to come.

At £56. 58 anywhere?

This is exciting. £56!

Thank you!

This is really quite some auction, you know.

Charlie's fire back's next.

£80 for it somewhere? 80 bid.

Oh, straight in. Straight in at 80.

85 anywhere? At £80.

85 there is. 88? 88.

-90 anywhere?

-Come on.

-At 88. No? Selling then...

-88! Two fat ladies.

£88. Yours, sir.

Wow, everything has made a profit so far

but will Natasha's uniform do as well as Charlie's did?

She's decided against modelling it, I see. Shame.

-Here we go. Regiment...

-Is this yours already?

£40 for it somewhere? 40 for it?

This could be a problem.

30 if you like, then. 30 for it. 30 bid. Two is there?

32, 34...

We need this to make more.

You've just bought it, dear.

At £38, then.

Oh, no.

No, no!

Ouch! Her risky lot cost her dear.

-Oh, no.

-Learn.

Take it as a lesson.

My pump did all right, but don't go out and buy a pump next time.

Probably best not to buy one of these, either.

Even Charlie's not keen.

The best thing that could have happened to my Capodimonte

is that they dropped it and I'd claim the insurance.

I've got bids. 30, I've got £35 here.

-It can climb.

-HE MUTTERS

40 there is. And five anywhere?

45 there is. 50?

Come on, it must be worth more than this.

55, 60.

58 if you like, sir?

58.

-Good boy.

-Come on!

Selling then at £58.

-Ooh.

-HE SIGHS

Now the old hand's dropped a clanger, too,

but if Natasha's tools can make just a modest profit

she'll carry the day.

What do you think your tools will make?

I'm going to say £50. I'm going to make a fiver.

I'll have a little sportsman's bet with you.

What do you reckon?

I'll bet you a soft drink that these make £100.

-I've got 35 and I've got 45 here.

-See!

-50 is there.

Is 50 anywhere?

-No, see!

-50 there is, and five?

I've got 60. And five anywhere?

-At £60 then...

-See, see!

A bit closer to Natasha's assessment than Charlie's,

but good news all the same.

I'm going to buy you that soft drink that you so richly deserve.

So, the new girl wins today's contest and gets back in the game.

Charlie, who started out with £293.06,

made - after paying auction costs -

a profit of £14.86,

leaving him with £307.92 to spend tomorrow.

While Natasha, who began with £185.78,

after paying auction costs made a profit of £31.72.

Still in second place but catching up fast.

-Well done.

-We did it.

I couldn't have been thrashed by a lovelier girl.

Thank you so much. I can't believe it.

-I'll take you away.

-It feels nice. You must be used to this feeling.

You've learnt how to do it now, haven't you?

Oh, there'll be no holding you. One tip, no more tunics.

No more tunics.

Full steam ahead, eh?

Next time on Antiques Road Trip,

our experts unearth big bargains...

Ohh! You know how to excite an old man, don't you?

..and tiny treasures.

Come on, giddy up. They are the best things I've ever seen.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd