Episode 1 Antiques Road Trip

It's the nation's favourite antiques experts.

That's cracking.

With £200 each...

Wonderful.

..a classic car and a goal - to scour Britain for antiques.

-That's exactly what I'm talking about.

-I'm all of a shiver!

The aim? To make the biggest profit at auction, but it's no mean feat.

-No brainer.

-Going, going, gone.

There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

So, will it be the high road to glory...

-Push!

-..or the slow road to disaster?

How awfully, awfully nice.

This is Antiques Road Trip!

Yeah!

Today, we witness the blossoming of a brand-new road trip

relationship for two antiquos.

Anita Manning and Raj Bisram.

Raj, the sun is shining, the sky is blue.

-Are you ready for a new adventure?

-I certainly am.

Good-oh.

Anita is the road trip queen bee, with a passion for Scottish art

and, of course, jewellery.

Who could resist rummaging through that lot there?

Raj is a relative Road Trip newbie,

but as a former army fitness instructor and champion skier,

he takes the competition very seriously.

We're moving in for the kill now.

Blimey. They'll be cruising the country

in this rather snazzy 1978 Triumph Spitfire.

Anita and Raj begin their journey with £200 each.

Departing from Wisbech in Cambridgeshire,

they'll explore Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex,

then head south, to Kent, Surrey and Sussex,

before finishing at their final auction, in Bolton, Lancashire.

Phew. But the very first calling point

is at Wisbech in Cambridgeshire,

with their opening auction taking them to Beeston in Norfolk.

Well, well, well, here we are.

You've got a pocket full of money.

-Wish me luck, Anita.

-Good luck, darling.

-OK. Oh, lovely!

-See you later.

Granny's Cupboard Antiques

has been running for 30 years and is owned by Richard.

-Hello, there.

-Hello.

-Hi, Richard, isn't it?

-Hi, I'm Raj.

-Nice to meet you.

It's so lovely to come into a shop full of antiques, proper antiques!

Richard specialises in small antiques,

sourcing them from walk-in customers,

house clearances and from his travels.

Have you got any bits of jewellery, Richard?

There's a few bits I've actually just been pricing up.

That's a nice silver bit of Art Nouveau, enamelled.

-Quite like that.

-Yeah.

-That's a nice piece of jewellery, isn't it?

This is a really lovely piece of Art Nouveau jewellery.

It's a really nice little brooch,

it's got mother of pearl in it and I really like the design.

There's £28 on the ticket.

What could you do that for, Richard, please?

-24.

-24.

Could I get you down to a nice round 20?

-No.

-Ha!

No? Fair enough. Can we split the difference at 22?

-We can.

-We have a deal.

22. I've got my first item on this trip.

Cheeky! Playing the jewellery queen at her own game, eh?

What will Anita think?

1930s ladies purse.

It's in excellent condition.

These actually have become quite collectable these days.

If I can get that at the right price,

that's definitely a little buy.

Anita would be very pleased with me.

With no price on the label, it's back to Richard.

-It's quite nice condition.

-It's very good condition, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-Very, very cheap.

-You can't argue with that price.

-No, I can't, no.

-I'm not even going to ask for any discount.

-No!

-What could it be?

-It could be a tenner.

-You can't go wrong with that.

-It's a sale.

Raj has found himself an Art Nouveau brooch and an early 20th century

ladies' purse for £32.

Back to Anita now, and she's tootled to Tottenhill near King's Lynn,

for her first shop of the trip.

The Antiques Emporium has a rather fine collection of goods,

but, as usual, the cabinets are calling Anita.

These pieces of agate, or pebbles,

are found in the streams and beaches of Scotland.

They were collected and taken down to the New Town in Edinburgh

and polished and made into these lovely brooches and bracelets.

And this, it's a little pillbox.

Isn't that bonnie? Look at this striped agate here.

The colours are wonderful.

I was hoping that it might be gold, but it's not gold.

This probably dates from the late 19th, early 20th century.

But it's still functional in our modern days today.

One to consider?

And what we have here is a little miniature chamber candlestick.

It's pretty.

The handle, the base, the tub here,

all have a very nice detail.

Any more?

Now, this chain here is really what we will call, perhaps,

a fancy link chain.

But it's the type of thing that...

a Victorian gentleman would wear.

This would go through his buttonhole here

and this very nice fob, with the citrine glass stone,

would sit outside.

I really like this one because it's quite unusual.

And I would like to have a go at it.

This chain is known as an Albert, named after Prince Albert,

who wore this style of watch chain in the early 19th century.

So Anita has a few options. Jane's in charge.

Let's have a chat, shall we?

Jane, I've found three things which I liked.

-OK.

-But there's one thing that has intrigued me.

-Right.

-And it's this thing here.

-Right.

-I believe that it is something

that they used to use for spooning out and stirring pig swill.

Pig swill? Right. Not porridge?

Or porridge!

-I'm going to call it a porridge stirrer.

-OK.

-How much is that?

-I think we could do £20 on that.

Could you do those...

The three, the porridge stirrer and the two wee...

yellow metal things for 40 quid?

Both the pillbox and the Albert chain are marked up at £30 each.

Oh, you're pushing me there, Anita!

Well, just say "no" and throw me out of the door.

Could we say...50?

£50 for the three things?

-Yeah.

-Put it there.

Thank you.

And Anita's bagged herself a Victorian Albert,

or watch chain, for £20,

an agate pillbox for 25

and a four-foot rustic wooden spoon for £5.

-I'll place them in there really carefully.

-Hi-ho, hi-ho...

..it's off to auction I go.

Good luck, Anita!

Raj, meanwhile, has made his way south of Wisbech, to Littleport,

just outside Ely, which lies on the River Great Ouse.

Raj is here to check out a relatively-new antiques haven,

run by Andrew. Hi, Andrew.

-Hello, Andrew.

-Hello, Raj.

The Salvage And Trading Post

has a plethora of antique collectable and vintage treats

for Raj to check out.

Andrew. I wonder, could I have a look at some of the things

in your cabinet, please?

Is there anything in particular, Raj?

I'd like to see the butter knife.

Cheese scoop, as you call it.

That's an unusual thing.

It is. Unfortunately, the box is damaged on that,

but, as you rightly say, the scoop is an unusual one.

This is like a butter knife, but with a little horn handle.

Yes. Yes, I think the collar is actually silver hallmarked,

-and it's "Sheffield, 1906."

-Hmm.

Are the rest of them hallmarked, as well?

-No, I believe the others are plate.

-Yeah.

What could you do this for?

Well, the ticket price is 38.

I'm prepared to say £30?

It's a bit too tight for me.

-I'll take 25.

-OK.

Well, let me put it there for the moment, OK, if I can?

And just think about that.

Andrew thinks he's got something else to Raj's taste.

This is the 101st edition of the Streeter & Co.

As I understand it, it's actually a gold leaf illustration,

which is...

-quite a rare...

-It's a lovely little book.

This was originally a shop in London, in Bond Street.

And they sold really good quality jewellery

and small artefacts and this is basically their catalogue.

The illustrations are gorgeous. Absolutely love it.

How much have you got on this?

165.

Hmm.

Yeah, if I were to buy these two items...

If I were to say £60 for the two.

£60 for two?

I'm not going to argue with you at all, Andrew.

-I'm going to shake your hand.

-Thank you, Raj.

-60? Fantastic.

Very well done.

So, that's two cracking gems for Raj. A 1940s butter knife,

cheese slice and pickle fork set

and a rather unusual jewellers' gems' book,

both for £30 each.

It's home to bed, you two. Nighty-night.

It's a new day and our experts are back, tearing around

in the Triumph Spitfire.

Do you like the wind in your hair, Raj?

I...

I love the wind in my hair.

Hey, a bit below the belt, Anita!

With the auction in Beeston in sight,

this perky pair must first head to their next destination,

Fakenham in Norfolk.

Anita's here to call at Fakenham Antiques And Collectables,

run by Sandy. Look out.

-Good morning, Anita.

-Hi.

-How are you?

Anita is armed and ready and dangerous with £150 to spend.

Straight to the glass cabinets this time.

There's a surprise.

And this time, it's colour that's pulling my eye.

These are 1930s napkin rings.

They're made of Bakelite.

They do have that vintage look

that young people are looking for today.

Now, this is a set of six here and I quite like them.

Lovely! Ticket price is £28. Stand by, Sandy.

I like these, I think they're quite stylish.

-They're pretty, aren't they?

-Yes.

-I think that this is perhaps been part of a bigger set...

-Set, yeah.

..because I would have liked more variety in the colours,

because we've got three green ones there.

I could do them for 18.

-Could we do them for 18?

-Yeah.

-Let's go for it.

So, that's £18 for the 1930s Bakelite napkin rings.

Straight in her pocket.

-It's been lovely being here.

-Lovely having you, Anita.

-Bye-bye.

-Bye-bye now.

Meanwhile, Raj is travelling ten miles north,

towards the attractive town of Wells-next-the-Sea,

so called due to its historic proximity to fresh springs.

Get it?

Landscape's very, very flat.

It's a little bit like Kent, where I'm from,

but this is obviously much flatter.

Raj is heading to a magnificent stately home, to learn about

an agricultural pioneer

whose ground-breaking techniques helped form the future

of Britain's farming industry.

Raj is here to meet Holkham Hall's manager, Sharon Cheshire.

-Hello, Raj.

-Hi, Sharon.

What a fantastic place!

It's quite impressive, isn't it?

Soon after Holkham was built,

the population soared and demand for food was growing,

calling for what some say was an agricultural revolution.

This neo-classical mansion

was at the heart of this innovative agricultural transformation.

Wow. What an amazing portrait of the man.

Done by Gainsborough, as well.

Yeah. Thomas William Cook, Cook of Norfolk.

The man who took over Holkham Hall.

He inherited it at the end of the 17th century.

It was about 30,000 acres at that time

and it was already a well-running and well-developed estate,

but because the things were being planted year after year,

the crops were starting to deteriorate.

So he knew that, to take the estate forward,

he would have to look at new methods of developing the land.

A century earlier, British statesman Charles Townshend

developed a crop rotation system, whereby wheat, turnips,

barley and clover were cultivated in succession,

preventing soil exhaustion

and earning him the moniker, "Turnip Townsend".

Cook built on that idea and other revolutionary techniques,

such as cross-breeding animals, to improve quality and seed drilling,

introducing them to Holkham.

There was lots of tenant farmers on the estate

and each ran their own areas,

but he encouraged them to sign documents to say they would stick

with his plan, so that they would all work together.

And obviously, having a house like this, where you can have

amazing parties, bringing all those people in, does help.

Despite also working as an MP for Norfolk,

charismatic Cook invested time,

energy and money in expanding Holkham's farming and reputation.

This is a very elaborate trophy.

Beautiful engraving on it.

-Holkham Sheep Show.

-Yeah.

-Yeah. It would have been one of the trophies

given for the breeding of cattle.

Each year, Cook hosted three-day shearing events,

a forerunner of county shows.

Well, this is another first for me.

These events attracted people from across the nation to share their

expertise, learn from others

and win prizes for the best animals on the show.

There was even a trophy for the fastest shearer.

Can I let you finish it off?

Probably for the best. Has it still got any legs?

I hope I wasn't too baa-d!

Oh, dear.

The care and passion Cook showed for agricultural development meant that,

after his death in 1842, his tenants funded a memorial in his honour.

Sharon, tell me about this amazing monument.

The monument is 120 feet high with various symbols and plaques going

around it, that basically tell a story of what he was involved in

throughout his life. Part of it represents his political career,

but it's mostly about what he achieved in agriculture.

From selective breeding in animals,

to improving crop rotation techniques,

over 170 years after Thomas William Cook's death,

his principles are still being used and the impact of his

ground-breaking achievements live on.

Back with Anita again, who's ventured inland to Holt,

Anita is here to visit an old haunt, owned by Mandy.

-Ah, Mandy!

-Hello!

-It's lovely to be back again...

-Nice to see you again.

-..to your antiques centre.

Mandy's been at Shire Hall Lane Antiques Centre

for five years now, and as Anita's trod on these boards before,

she knows her way around.

Raj, how's your blood pressure?

Cheeky!

I love figure groups. I love sculpture.

And I'm sort of drawn to this figure group here.

It's of, I would imagine, two sisters here

from maybe the '20s or the '30s,

and they've got that characteristic short bobbed hair.

It's made of plaster.

So it's not a fine thing, but it has this lovely,

lovely terracotta colour here,

which I find very appealing.

If we look at it, we've got a wee bit of damage there,

a little foot has been off.

And there's a bit of damage on the toe there.

It's only £28.

Oh, Mandy!

Yes?

Mandy, I've been drawn to this little figure group here.

OK.

It reminds me of me and my sister,

and we had both these bob haircuts when we were young.

Are you able to do anything about the price?

-How does 22 sound?

-22?

-Yes.

Mm-hm. Could it be bought for 20?

-Go on, you've twisted my arm.

-OK, that's great.

-Is that all right?

-Thank you very, very much.

-No problem.

So that's an even 20 for a terracotta figure group

of two sisters, without a toe.

-Thank you again.

-Thanks, bye-bye.

Now, it's back to Raj again,

who's joined Anita in Holt

to check out Mews Antiques Emporium, run by Andrew.

-Hello, there.

-Hello, Raj.

-Andrew, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Nice to meet you.

-And you.

There's lots of rooms here, I think.

Yes, you're very welcome. There's eight rooms upstairs.

Spread over two floors,

this antiques collectables and vintage store has

lots of nooks and crannies for Raj to explore. Going down?

Well, I've got about £100 left.

And I really want to make a good profit.

I'm happy to spend it all, but I've got to find the right thing.

Go on, then, do it!

-Andrew.

-Yes? I wonder, is it possible I could have a look

-at that silver picture frame there?

-Yes, of course.

-A nice frame.

-It is a lovely, lovely frame, but

-the silver...

-It's such a shame...

-..is missing, because that is a beautiful frame.

In perfect condition, a frame like this could make upwards of £100.

This damaged frame, though, has a ticket price of £49.

But Raj wants Andrew to see if the dealer can do any better.

Nice tulips.

Your silver frame, which has got a small amount of damage on

the right bottom there,

the cost is £49.

What's the best we can do on that one?

OK. Yeah, I understand. Thank you very much.

Time to break the news to Raj.

-What did he manage to say?

-Well, 35.

Is that the very best?

Well, the very, very best would be 30.

30? I'm going to shake your hand.

30, we have a deal.

So that's £30 for the 1920s silver photo frame.

-Thank you very much again, Andrew.

-Thank you.

-A pleasure.

Where's the tulips gone? Oh, there they are. Good. And shopping's complete!

So let's have a little peek at the purchases.

Including his frame, Raj shelled out £122 on an Art Nouveau brooch,

a ladies' cloth purse, a butter knife, cheese slice and pickle fork set,

as you do, and a rare gems book.

Anita spent £88 on an Albert guard chain,

an agate pillbox,

a giant wooden spoon,

a set of Bakelite napkin rings and a terracotta figure of two sisters,

one missing a toe.

I'm wondering if Raj has been influenced by me

in the things that he's bought,

because there is definitely a feminine influence there.

I think the wooden spoon's going to do really well.

I think this would cause quite a stir.

Oh, lordy.

And whizzing away from Wisbech,

our experts are now cruising their way through the Norfolk countryside,

headed for their first auction in Beeston.

-Well...

-Here we are.

Here we are, Anita.

The first auction.

Exciting, darling, exciting!

The family-run Townsend Auction Galleries

have been open for 20 years.

Their antiques, fine art and jewellery sale today

will be led by veteran auctioneer David Palmer.

My favourite item is the wooden spoon, it's brilliant.

It has a presence.

This is a spoon that appeals to this county.

The 1920s French purse,

this was created before the French became fashionable and chic.

It looks to me as though someone has chopped a bit out of an old sofa and used that.

Time to see whether the auction-goers of Norfolk agree.

There's internet bidding here, too. So it could get exciting.

Here we are, darling.

The moment of the moments of truth!

First auction.

First up is Anita's Albert guard chain.

A rather nice piece, this.

Appreciated much in Scotland, I believe these items are.

Ten, 12, 15, 18, 20.

22, 25, 28, 30 over here. 30.

At £30 now. 35, 38, 40.

40 in the room.

The room at 40. In the room at 40 now...

Are you back in? I'll take your two, sir. He'll give you a kiss!

-42.

-£2 for a kiss!

That is that at 42.

An incredible profit, straight off the blocks.

-Doubled my money.

-You doubled your money and more.

No pressure on Raj, then, for his Art Nouveau brooch up next.

Oh, wonderful lot!

Wonderful, wonderful lot, this is!

Tenner for it? Ten for it. Ten, 12, 15.

At 15... 18, 20 22,

at 22. 25, 28, 30, 30, 32 over here.

32, 35.

Keep it going! 40. 45, 50, 55.

60, stick with it, go 60.

60. And five again, 65.

At 65, here in front at 65.

70, 75.

It's in the room at 75, are you back in at 80?

-80, over there at 80.

-Could be, could be, could be.

I sell the far end at 80.

All done at 80.

-Hooray!

-Thank you!

Crikey Moses, Raj has almost quadrupled his money

on his first item!

£80, that is brilliant.

Can Raj's butter knife set do just as well?

A tenner for it? Straight in at 10. Tenner bid, at ten, take two.

12, 15, 18, 20, 22,

22, 25,

28, over there at 28 now.

30, back at 30.

32, 32.

All done at £32.

It's not a profit after auction costs, sadly.

-Still a profit.

-You have to be grateful it's a profit.

Next up is Anita's agate pillbox.

Ten, 12, 15, 18, over there at 18.

20, 22, 25, 28, 30.

They're going, they're going!

35 here.

38. 40, 45? 40.

It's 45, new money at 45.

50, and again 55?

-55.

-Wow!

-60. 65?

At 60, I sell against you at 60.

-65!

-Yes!

I sell then at £65.

-Wow, that is a...

-I'm happy with that!

I mean, who wouldn't be? Anita's more than doubled her money again.

Fantastic, fantastic!

Now we're back for Raj and his silver frame.

30, and £30 now, take a two.

32, 35, 38.

38, and 40.

40. 45, at 45, stick with it, madam.

At 45, 50!

Stick with it, 55? At 55, make him pay, madam!

At 55, are you in at 60?

-Don't give in now!

-60!

65? At 65 now?

At £65, all gone at 65.

Raj has more than doubled his money, too.

What an auction, eh?

And that was the one that we were worried about.

Next up, it's Anita's terracotta figure group.

Tenner for it? Tenner bid, ten, 12. 15, I've got. 18 off you.

18, over there at 18 now.

And I sell it at 18, 20.

At 20. 22 now, at the back at 22.

Back of the room at 22.

All done at £22.

After auction costs, that's a small loss for Anita.

I'm disappointed.

I shouldn't be, but I am disappointed.

-I am, that was worth more!

-Well.

Let's see if Raj's ladies' purse can do any better.

Auctioneer David didn't hold out much hope.

Ten. I've got ten in the room.

Further bid off the net. At ten, take two, 12.

15? Are you all together?

15 with her, then, 18 off you.

15 the lady. 18, 20.

22 down here.

25, 30, lady at 30.

On the sofa at 30, selling at 30.

Crikey! Raj is on fire today with his fourth consecutive profit.

You've trebled your blooming money!

Let's see if Anita can do the same

with her rather jazzy Bakelite napkin rings.

20, 22, 25.

25? 28, 30,

30. 32, 35. 35.

38, 40, 45.

At 45, one more will get it.

-Just one more and you'll get it.

-Come on!

50, there at 50.

At 50, you sure?

Standing at the back at 50, no-one else?

Done and finished at 50.

-Yes!

-That's it, 50. Brilliant, well done.

Crikey, it could be a close call, this one.

I've still got my star lot to come!

It's all down to the two last items,

the first of which is Anita's giant spoon.

I can't wait for this!

Start me at a tenner. Ten, I'm bid.

At ten, take two, ten, 12.

At 12 now, 15, 18, 20, 22, 20 over there.

22? 25.

28, 30, 32?

35, 35 here. 38? 38.

40, 45,

at 40, the bids are at 40.

-It's worth more than that!

-This is cheap! At 40.

Come on, it's worth more than that, look at the size of it!

45. 42, 45,

over at 45. Make it 48?

Go 48, she'll go 50, you know she will.

46, now 50.

With the lady at 50.

I'm selling at 50, I'll take the two again.

At 50, done at 50.

That's good, well done.

Last but not least is Raj's beautiful gems book.

Now, can he make it five profits in a row?

20, 25, 30, 35, 40...

There's more bidders at the back.

60, 65, 70, 75, 80...

75, I sell...

80, 85.

At 85... 90 over here.

95?

At 90. It's in the room at 90.

Net, where are you now?

95. 100, room at 100.

In the room at 100.

Look at that smile!

110, 120 room.

The internet's in as well.

140. Net?

Come on, net, 150.

Sir, don't let the net get it!

Goes then at 150, all done at £150 on the net.

-Wow!

-A good buy, well done!

My goodness, an unbelievable £120 profit.

Amazing job, Raj. You are a gem.

-Happy, happy, happy?

-Yeah.

-I like to see you happy!

-Happy, I'm a happy Raj, I'm a happy Raj.

Anita began with £200, and after auction costs she's made £99.78,

leaving her with a lovely £299.78 to spend next time.

Raj started with the same amount and after taking auction costs into

account, he made £170.74.

A staggering £370.74.

Plenty of cash for our top auctioneering twosome

to spend as we head into another day and another leg.

Well, Raj, we've got plenty of dosh in our pockets.

We did so well yesterday.

Is it the big spend today?

Well, I think so.

Today's leg begins in Sheringham in Norfolk, with their second auction

taking them south to Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex.

So, Raj, you're full of beans today,

but there's a special reason for that.

-I believe it's your birthday, darling?

-It is indeed, it is indeed.

# Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you

# Happy birthday, Mr Bisram...

-# Happy birthday to you!

-Happy birthday to you. #

-Whoa!

-Oh, lovely.

Who needs Marilyn Monroe, eh?

Here we go.

Oh, this is lovely.

-Raj, they've put out the bunting for us.

-What more could you want?

Anita's first shop today is

Sheringham Collectables, run by Barry. Hello!

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hi, I'm Anita.

-Hello, Anita.

-This is just looking absolutely wonderful.

I think I'm going to have to take my bonnet off and my gloves off.

She definitely means business, this woman.

From glassware to china, jewellery and militaria,

the shop sells all things collectable.

This is quite an interesting wee item.

It's a top-hat brush.

It is hallmarked silver and it is embossed with the family

at the table eating, drinking.

So, it's a nice domestic scene.

I think I might have a go at that.

But first, Anita's got her eye on those cabinets again.

Could I have a look at the enamelled dressing table set

and also the Masonic locket?

Well, there's the Masonic locket.

Thank you.

I rather like the look of this.

At the front, we have the dividers,

which are a Masonic symbol, and this rather attractive cornucopia.

It belonged to Brother William Jones in 1944.

It's fully hallmarked at the bottom

and, though it might have a limited appeal, I like it.

One to consider. Now, what about that dressing table set?

So, the important thing about, er...enamelled ware

-is that it shouldn't have any damage, really, isn't it?

-Yes.

-A bit of damage on the mirror.

-That's a shame,

because the mirror's probably one of the most important pieces.

-Yes.

-And we've got some damage there.

-Damage there.

-But it's a rather pretty pattern, with

-the garlands of flowers...

-Yeah.

-..and the brush has got a kind of

wee scuff on it as well. So I've got...

..three pieces with damage.

Anita's rather keen on this dressing table set, marked up at £45,

the Masonic pendant at 30

and the top-hat brush at 38, totalling £113.

So, can she get a deal for the three?

Could we be anywhere near £50 on these?

Um, how about 55?

-55. I think that's smashing.

-Yeah?

-I'm happy with that.

So that's £55 for the three.

A marvellous £58 off for Anita.

Meanwhile, Raj is in the former weaving town

of North Walsham to visit...

Wait a minute, where's he going? The garden centre?

I've just stopped at a garden centre.

It's not really the place you look for antiques, but you never know.

Blimey, what's he up to now?

A sack of peat? A phone box?

That's exactly what I'm talking about.

Something that's a bit unusual

that you wouldn't find in a place like this - an old telephone box.

Ring-ring! How's that, eh?

Ben's the man to call today. Hello, Ben.

-Hi.

-Hello!

-Are you the owner?

-Yes, I am.

-This is fantastic.

-This is just the thing I'm looking for.

-OK.

Give me an idea what kind of money you would be expecting for it?

Um...1,000-1,500?

-I've got about 300... Just over £330.

-Right, OK.

Is there any way we're going to be able to do a deal?

I don't think I could do it for that.

But Ben thinks he might have something else

that might tickle Raj's fancy.

Right, I managed to dig out an old apple picker.

Um, we tend to get items like this to put out on display.

You know, it's a nice piece of...

old agricultural collector's item, really. How much can you do it for?

-£10?

-£5 and we've got a deal.

-Yeah, OK, we can do that.

-Yeah?

-Yeah, sounds good.

-We have a deal.

-A lovely job.

-Thank you, Ben.

And that is Raj's first buy of the trip.

An apple picker bag for a fiver.

Back with Anita now, who's made her way to Stalham,

the northern gateway to 125 miles of navigable waterways

known as the Norfolk broads.

But Anita's here to navigate her way around more familiar territory

and local antique delights

at Stalham Antique Gallery, run by Mike.

-Hello!

-Oh, hello.

-Welcome to Stalham.

-Oh, it's lovely, lovely, lovely to be here.

How lovely! With over 35 years in the trade,

Mike has a passion for pieces from the 17th to the 19th century.

Well, this just looks like the teddy bears' picnic!

Isn't this absolutely delightful?

This little chair, I like particularly.

It's a little child deckchair, or steamer chair.

It's probably from the late 19th, early 20th century.

A wee bit of damage there, which is a wee bit worrying.

But I also like this lovely pokerwork table

that all the teddy bears are sitting around.

Now, this is early 20th century,

and here we have an image of a pretty girl.

The little table has bobbin turned legs,

and further pokerwork decoration on the understage.

People like miniature things.

With no price on it, Anita calls Mike over.

Is this something that I could buy for not a lot of money?

I think it's worth about £100, but, to you, maybe a bit less.

I'd like you to beat your competitor.

-Oh, thank you, darling!

-So I think, today, we'll say £40.

-Will we say 40?

-SHE GASPS

That is a wonderful deal.

-Have we got a deal?

-We've got a deal.

Scorching. That's £40 for the late-19th-century pokerwork table.

Meanwhile, Raj has made his way half a mile further down the road to

a more traditional Road Trip stop in North Walsham,

at Timeline Antiques Centre, run by Michael.

Hello. Michael?

-Hello, Raj.

-Hi, nice to meet you.

The centre is home to several different dealers,

stocking both small and large antiques.

I'm wondering if I could maybe put Anita in these?

I don't think she'd appreciate it, really.

No, me neither. Best move on.

I've seen a really nice pair of scallop-rounded dishes, Crown Derby,

which I quite like as well, in one of these cabinets here.

Raj calls on Michael's assistance to take a closer look.

These are nice, and are they in perfect condition?

This one feels like it is.

For their age, they're in really good condition, yeah.

-Talking about 1806...

-Yeah!

-..that sort of date.

Yeah, they're nice, I quite like them.

The ticket price is £78.

What can you do these for, Michael?

-Because I bought them well...

-Mm-hm?

-..um, I could let those go for £30.

I would normally say, "Can you do a little bit better?"

because it's just in my nature, OK?

But, on this occasion, at £30...

..I'm going to shake your hand.

-That's wonderful, thank you.

-Thank you very much indeed, Michael.

That's a fair, fair price, so...lovely!

But Raj isn't done just yet. Oh, no.

Have you got anything that's apple-related?

Weird question.

-Er...

-Because I'll tell you why. I've bought a lot already.

It's just a simple apple picker, and I wanted to know if I could buy

anything that was apple-connected to put with it to bulk the lot up.

I've got a preserve pot in the shape of an apple.

Oh, you could be onto something.

Yep, a silver-plated EPNS apple sauce pot.

Yeah, it's not a lot of money. I mean, what could you do that for?

A fiver?

A fiver? Yes, I'll have that as well.

-Well done.

-Thank you very much indeed.

So that's £35 for a pair of early 19th-century scalloped Derby dishes

and an apple preserve pot.

On that fruity note, it's time to get some shut-eye, Antiquers.

Nighty night.

Wakey-wakey, rise and shine!

It's another beautiful day for treasure hunting.

# On the road again, Raj! We're on the road again

# We're on the road We're on the road

# We're on the road again! #

And in high spirits.

This morning, the jolly duo are

taking the Triumph Spitfire to Norwich,

Norfolk's county town.

Based just outside Norwich city centre is East Anglia's largest

dealer-based antiques and collectables centre -

Looses Emporium.

Patrick is at the helm today.

-Hello, Patrick, is it?

-Yes, it is.

-Hi, Raj, nice to meet you.

-Nice to meet you.

-What a place!

-It is.

It looks enormous!

It is. With plenty to peruse,

and Raj has just over £330 in his back pocket.

These fairground, these... Old 1940s, I guess?

Yeah, probably a little bit earlier, some of them.

-I know they're collectable.

-They are collectable at the moment, yeah.

They don't often come on the market.

-RAJ SIGHS

-I'd do you one for £200.

That's what they cost me, each.

I mean, I have to say,

I am tempted by them, they are slightly different.

I mean, actually, I just noticed that...

-That motorbike one.

-Yeah, that's the one I'd want.

You see, then, if I bought something like that,

then I'd be looking for two different markets,

not only the fairground market, the decorative market...

-Mmm, motorbike people.

-..but also the motorbike people, as well.

It's a little bit risky for me, but will you take £150 cash for them?

I can do 180.

What about split the difference - 160?

-I can't risk too much.

-Go on, then.

-160?

-Go on, then.

-We've got a deal.

-Got a deal.

Very kind, Patrick. Anita was right.

It seems Raj is spending big today and he's not finished yet.

It's dealer Roy's turn now.

Is it possible I could have a look at this, I guess, paper knife,

-I think you'd call it?

-Are you over 18?

-I'm over 18!

Only just, though, only just.

In your dreams!

Yeah, what I noticed, and it is as well,

-is the engraving here of the tennis player.

-Mm-hm.

-Unusual.

-It IS unusual.

-I would guess, from the blade, probably '60s or '70s.

-OK.

-Not a particularly old piece, but unusual.

-No.

-It is unusual. I mean, it's a great maker.

-Mm-hm.

-Wilkinson.

-That is definitely quite a nice quality item.

-Yeah.

What could you do this for?

Erm...the very best would be 40. And that's half-price.

Could I possibly offer you 35 for it?

It would be cash.

-Yes.

-Yes?

-At £35...

-Leaving me a little bit of meat on the bone, as they say.

I'm going to shake your hand.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-No problem.

-Thank you very much.

So that's £35 for the engraved paper knife

and 160 for the early 20th-century fairground motorcycle ride.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Thank you.

-Thank you for showing me around.

-That's all right. I hope you do ever so well with it.

Still in Norwich, Anita's here to find out

about a little-known local lad

who was once an entertainer and film star, famous the world over.

To tell Anita more about this forgotten pioneer

of stage and screen is local historian and author Philip Yaxley.

-Hi, Philip.

-Lovely to see you, Anita.

It's lovely to be here in this wonderful square,

with Norwich Cathedral here and the marvellous Norwich School.

William Vernon Blyth was born in 1887.

After attending Norwich School,

he sought fame and fortune as a magician and comedian in London.

His sister, Coralie, was already big in the West End theatre scene,

but in 1906, she went to America and took 19-year-old Vernon along.

He got a small part in one of her plays, leading to other roles,

which not only impressed his peers,

but also wannabe actress, Irene Foote,

who went on to become his wife.

Was he successful at that time before he met Irene?

He was becoming more and more well-known on the Broadway stage.

They got married in May 1911,

and they became more and more successful.

Vernon Castle, as he was now known, and wife, Irene,

went on to act in Paris.

Whilst there, they made the move

from acting to dancing, after getting a slot

at elegant Parisian dining and dancing revue Cafe de Paris.

At the time, intimate animal-named dances, like the turkey trot,

were all the rage, but the Castles tamed these dances,

refining and popularising them.

When they returned to America, their careers continued to skyrocket.

1914 was a very, very big year - the pinnacle of their success.

They issued the bestselling book, Modern Dancing.

And they did a whirlwind tour of American cities, 35 -

some people call it 32 - cities in 28 days!

And, everywhere they went, there were big banners,

"The Castles are coming, hooray, hooray!" and big crowds!

Equate it to the Beatles in 1964.

They were young, they were talented, they were beautiful,

and everyone wanted to copy what they were doing.

Yes, with all their endorsements and fashion,

they weren't just the Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire of that time,

but heavens they were, but they were also the Posh and Becks.

Vernon wrote a film, called The Whirl of Life.

A huge hit, both at home and abroad,

even Fred Astaire admitted Vernon was his dancing inspiration.

To tell and show Anita more is

professional ballroom dancer Sasha Zagovsky.

Tell me what the popular dances of that time were.

Well, really, as a reaction to the stiff formality

of the Victorian age, the animal dances had become very popular,

and we had everything from the bunny hug

to the chicken scratch to the kangaroo hop.

The one that survives to today, of course, is the foxtrot.

The Castles refined all of these dances

and made them much more acceptable.

Give it a go, then, Anita. If I can do it, anyone can.

Eight steps.

And then, from there, achieve a rotation.

Not one I ever did on Strictly.

-We breeze along happily, as Vernon Castle says in his book.

-Great fun!

You back away from each other. You run around me, Anita.

We wind up, I turn to meet you, we do a lovely little dance pose.

-Aw!

-SHE LAUGHS

Seven!

So what influence did they have from that time up to today?

Really it's the idea of style, polish, poise,

elegance and technique.

All of those things! Really, without the Castles,

we wouldn't have ballroom dancing today, and probably no Strictly.

And that would be a shame.

Vernon died in 1918, serving his country in World War I.

Irene retired from public life a few years later, but lived until 1969.

Just over 20 years after Vernon's death,

their story was memorialised when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

starred in The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle.

This local Norwich boy may no longer be well-known,

but without him pioneering a clean-cut but fun dancing style,

ballroom dancing wouldn't be what it is today.

In the meanwhile, Raj has whizzed southwest of Norwich to Wymondham.

He's here to check out a local gem, Market Cross Antiques, run by David.

-Hello there.

-Hello, how are you?

-David, is it?

-It certainly is.

-I'm Raj.

-How'd you do?

There's three showrooms' worth of stock to choose from.

What have you got there?

This is a piece of West German pottery.

At the time, it wasn't very, very popular,

but it seems to have become more and more popular now.

It's got a ticket price of £35 for it.

There's a few bob in it.

One to think about. Maybe try another room.

These are a little bit different, a pair of saddles.

One for me, one for Anita. We could go riding off into the sunshine.

Time to find David.

-I've seen the pair of saddles.

-Oh, yeah?

You've got £20 on each. What's the best?

I'd do the pair for 20.

-The pair for 20?

-That's gotta be cheap.

Could I squeeze you to 15 for the two?

-Yeah, go on.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

-I want you to be happy as well.

-Yeah.

-Yeah? Are you sure?

-Yeah.

Yee-ha! That's £15 for the two old leather saddles.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-I hope you have some luck with them.

Back with Anita now, who's making her way to Panxworth,

with just over £200 to spend

at her final stop of the day.

Frankly Frank's the man in charge, so here we go.

Hello, I'm Anita.

-Hi, Frank, nice to meet you.

-Oh, it's lovely to meet you too.

This is an astonishing place.

The centre combines architectural salvage with antiquities and curiosities.

Plenty to pique Anita's interest and, yes,

she's already found something.

There are so many things in here which are huge and heavy.

But this is a nice, wee chest.

It needs a bit of TLC

but it's a good, honest, wee 19th-century piece here.

It's made of pine and it has these

iron strapping affairs here.

And look! Two wee carrying handles.

Isn't that sweet?

With no ticket price, it's time to call Frank.

Frank!

I've spotted this wee miniature chest here.

Oh, yeah, a lovely little pine box.

Uh-huh. There is no price on it just now.

What I'd like to pay for it is £20.

Is that coming anywhere near

what you're...?

We have it listed online for 65.

-Erm...

-65. Oh, but it's still online at 65.

-It hasn't sold.

-You're quite right.

I can meet you at £30.

Could you come down even a wee bit more?

Just a wee bit more to 25?

How about we split the difference?

-27.50.

-27.50.

-Put it there.

-It's a hard bargain.

Thank you, thank you.

Deal done. £27.50 for the miniature pine chest.

-Thank you very much.

-You're welcome. Good luck at the auction.

And, with that, shopping is complete.

Let's take a peek at our experts' treasures.

Along with the pine box, Anita bought a Masonic pendant,

a top-hat brush, an enamelled dressing-table set,

and a Victorian pokerwork table for £122.50.

Raj spent £250 on an apple picker bag and preserve pot,

a pair of 19th-century Derby china dishes,

an early 20th-century fairground ride, an engraved paperknife,

and two old leather saddles.

So, what do they think?

I think Raj has bought really well this time.

I love those Derby dishes.

A pair. They're the right period. He's got to double his money.

The silver and enamelled dressing-table set is definitely good quality

but I've spotted a little bit of damage. So we'll see how that goes.

Well, let's find out.

After starting in Sheringham, Norfolk,

Anita and Raj are now nearing their second auction in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

Try and say that quickly!

Looks spectacular, doesn't it?

-Lots of cars as well.

-Yes, it does. Oh, it's going to be busy, Raj.

Oh, it is going to be busy for sure.

OK, here we go. Well, good luck today.

Let's go and make some money.

Today's gal with a gavel is Prudence Hopkins.

The pokerwork table is a very nice lot.

It's interesting and hopefully, it will do well on the day.

The fairground motorcycle is my favourite lot.

I think it's an interior piece, so I think that's our winner.

Take your seats. It's time to see what both the local clientele and

internet bidders think.

First up is Anita's Masonic pendant.

I'm straight in at £20.

£20 is bid.

-Already, fantastic.

-Do I see 25 anywhere?

£20 is bid.

25 is yours, sir.

£25 now in the room.

-Another one.

-We'll sell it, then, at £25. Make no mistake.

It's a solid profit, straight off the bat, for Anita.

A little profit on it.

We knew it wasn't going to fly but at least it's paid for its lunch.

Sticking with Anita, it's her silver top-hat brush.

Pretty thing, this one.

£20 for this one.

20.

-Oh, no, they don't like it.

-Ten, then. Take it away today.

£10 for this one.

£10 is bid. Thank you. 15 now on the internet.

20. 25 to bid, internet.

-Yeah.

-I have £20.

£20 in the room, then.

25 now on the internet.

30?

£25, then.

On the internet, they'll take it at 25.

It's another profit for Anita.

I thought it might go a little further.

Listen, you've sold two things and you made a profit on each one.

If I get to that position, I'll be happy as well, OK?

Well, let's see, eh, as Raj's Derby dishes are next.

£20 for these.

20...£20 is bid.

Thank you. Do I see five anywhere?

£20 is now bid.

The room goes silent.

We will sell them, maiden bid at 20.

Oh, dear. That's got to hurt.

Does my face looked disappointed?

-Yup.

-£20?

I know.

£20? Did I hear right?

Afraid so, fella!

But maybe his apple picker bag and preserve holder will do better.

20 for this.

-Come on!

-Ten, then, take it away today.

£10.

£10 today.

Five, then.

-£5. Any interest? £5. Thanks, sir.

-Do they grow apples in Essex?

Do I see ten anywhere?

We'll sell it, then, at £5, maiden bid.

Second loss for Raj. Ouch!

Oh, darling...

I must be still asleep.

OK? I'm going to wake up in a minute, aren't I?

Let's go back to Anita and see if she's still on her lucky streak

with her pokerwork table.

£40 for this one.

£40 is bid.

Thank you. Do I see five? 45.

-Straight in at 40.

-Straight in at 40.

-Straight in at 40.

50...

55. 60.

£60 now with the lady. 65, new bidder.

Well done again.

-70.

-70?

-75.

80.

85.

90.

-Yes!

-£90, then, with the lady...

Well done. Well done.

I'm coming shopping with you.

Take it away today at £90.

Great stuff. Anita's more than doubled her money.

You certainly are brilliant.

Maybe Raj's luck will turn with his engraved paperknife.

And I can start the bidding straight in at £25.

£25 is bid.

-Paid 35 for it.

-Do I see 30 anywhere? 30.

35 with me.

-Come on.

-40, sir.

-Yes.

40 is yours.

£40, then, in the room.

It's quiet, everyone else.

We'll sell it at 40.

There's still time to claw back some profits, Raj.

Back with Anita, now, for her miniature pine chest.

Start me off. £30.

£30 on the internet.

-£30 straight in.

-Done it!

-Do I see five anywhere? £30 straight in.

We'll sell it to the internet, make no mistake, at £30...

That should have done better. Bad luck, Anita.

Now, can Raj ride off with some profits with his two saddles?

Start me off. £20 for the two saddles.

20. Ten, then, take them away today.

-Struggling a bit, darling.

-£10 is bid.

-Thank you. Do I see 15 anywhere?

-Got ten.

-£10 is now bid.

No, they're not going to sell for a fiver each.

15 to take them away. Selling, then, maiden bid at £10.

Blimey! That's the third loss for Raj.

Look at them, they are very happy. Look, they're going,

"Can't believe we've got those two saddles for £10."

Yeah, well, that's the auction.

-Well...

-A day out at the auctions.

Next, it's Anita's final item.

The enamelled dressing-table set.

Start me off - £20 for this.

-20 straight in.

-20 is bid.

-Yes.

-Thank you, sir.

-Yes.

-25 now on the internet.

30, sir. 30.

35. 40.

-Good.

-45. 50.

-Yeah.

-55, 60...

-Oh.

65. 70.

£70. 75, now, on the internet.

80 to bid, sir?

-£80 for the gentleman in the room.

-Yes.

-Wow!

-Yes.

85 on the internet.

-90.

-Yes.

-It's still going.

-95.

-Yes.

100.

110.

-Yes.

-Ooh. Wow.

-120 to bid.

120. 130 to bid, internet.

130.

-I don't believe it. I don't... Oh, yes.

-140.

In the room, if you're all done and out, at £140...

Incredible. That's seven times what Anita paid for it.

-What a result.

-Vroom, vroom...

You've caught up already.

Oh, my goodness.

Well done indeed.

It all comes down now to Raj's last item -

his biggest spend and riskiest buy.

-Here we go.

-I have a run of bids on this.

I have to be in at £140.

-Yes!

-All right, it's not a profit.

-£140 is now bid.

-Not a profit yet.

Do I see 150 anywhere?

-100 and... 150, 160...

-Yes.

170 to bid, internet.

170. 180.

190 to bid. 190 now on the internet.

-200 in the room.

-Yes.

-£200 in the room.

220. 240.

260 to bid.

260. 280.

300.

£300, then, on the internet.

-If you are quiet in the room...

-Well...

-..we'll sell it at £300.

Yeah, that's OK.

Amazing. Certainly a clever buy from Raj, almost doubling his money.

-Are you happy, darling?

-Yes, I'm happy with that.

-Oh...

-Yes, I'm happy with that.

-Oh, that's wonderful.

Yes, that's good. I'm happy with that.

Definitely happy.

And so he should be, but is it enough?

Raj set off this leg with £370.74.

Post-auction costs, he's up £57.50,

giving him £428.24.

Anita began with £299.78,

and after auction costs, she made £131.70,

making her today's winner with £431.48.

Good going, girl.

Well, well done, Anita.

Well, that was so, so...

-Exciting wasn't it?

-..exciting.

Well done, you're in front now.

Oh, not just snapping at your heels.

A wee, wee bit in front.

-You certainly are.

-Well, Raj,

what's going to happen next?

Let's go off to the next one!

Can't wait. See you soon, chaps.

Next time, our auctioneers continue their south-east adventure.

Are we going round in circles, here?

Raj goes gaga for all things antique.

My eyes are starting to sparkle.

And Anita Manning goes all out for a deal.

I love you too.