0:00:02 > 0:00:04It's the nation's favourite antiques experts...
0:00:04 > 0:00:06- What a job! - ..with £200 each...
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- Are you with me? - ..a classic car...
0:00:08 > 0:00:09Buckle up.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12..and a goal - to scour Britain for antiques.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13- Oh, sorry.- Ha-ha!
0:00:13 > 0:00:16The aim - to make the biggest profit at auction.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19But it's no mean feat.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- There'll be worthy winners...- Yes!
0:00:21 > 0:00:22..and valiant losers.
0:00:22 > 0:00:27So will it be the high road to glory, or the slow road to disaster?
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Have a good trip!
0:00:29 > 0:00:31This is the Antiques Road Trip.
0:00:34 > 0:00:35Yeah!
0:00:38 > 0:00:42Say hello to Sussex, God's country,
0:00:42 > 0:00:45and the further adventures of two auctioneers in an Alfa Romeo.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- How's the mother ship running today? - Lovely. She's first-rate.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Yes, Nellie the Alfa is doing just fine,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56as are Charlie Ross and local resident James Braxton.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Sussex is best in the sunshine.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00We get an inordinate amount of sunshine in the south.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- Do you?- Yeah. Nourishes everything.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06I'm waiting for a good year for conkers.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Aren't we all, mate! I once had a niner.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Charlie, from Berkshire, is an auctioneer...
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Going, going, gone.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16..with a fondness for furniture and items of quality...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19S Mordan & Co, London.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22I love that. Oh, sorry.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26..while bamboo connoisseur James is also a gaveller,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28and has a thing about heft.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32The Braxton barometer of quality is always weight
0:01:32 > 0:01:33and that feels quite heavy.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36And after just one auction, he's leading the way.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38Oh!
0:01:38 > 0:01:40I was very impressed with your performance yesterday.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42I was very impressed with yours.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Really? I think that's just being kind,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48because James's bronze serpent was definitely the best in show.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Are you going to be sitting on your £300, gloating?
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- No, you've got to speculate to accumulate.- To accumulate.
0:01:55 > 0:01:56Very true.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59After starting out with £200,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03James is currently the proud custodian of £300.46...
0:02:04 > 0:02:08..while Charlie, who also began with a £200 stake,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11has grown it by just £4.66.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13What's your tactic?
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Well, I'm going to be harder. Yes, I'm too kind.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17You're too kind.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21"How much is that?" "£30." "You wouldn't take 35, would you?"
0:02:22 > 0:02:26After kicking off from Chart Sutton in Kent,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Charlie and James will be motoring around the south-east,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32moseying up towards the Midlands and then heading west
0:02:32 > 0:02:36before eventually making Dorset their destination
0:02:36 > 0:02:37and a D-Day in Dorchester.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41Today's itinerary includes a visit to a Berkshire saleroom
0:02:41 > 0:02:45in Wokingham, but begins in the West Sussex town of Petworth.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Antique heaven...
0:02:51 > 0:02:53..where James is about to get first dibs...
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- Pleasure to be your driver. As always.- Pleasure.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Really kind.
0:02:58 > 0:02:59..buses permitting!
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- Make another whopping profit, won't you?- Will do.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05Petworth's a bit of a magnet for antiques.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Hello. James.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- Hi, pleased to meet you. Catherine.- Hello.- Hi!
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- This is lovely, isn't it? - Oh, thank you.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14So with those profits burning a hole in his pocket,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16what will James plump for?
0:03:17 > 0:03:21I love this. I've always liked these Paisley shawls.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23So made in Scotland,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27outside Glasgow, and weaving at its finest.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Lovely colours. Looks undamaged, no moth.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32But this is real Arts & Crafts, this is something
0:03:32 > 0:03:35William Morris might have had in Kelmscott Manor in his home.
0:03:35 > 0:03:41I would be all over this like a rash if it was a sort of 100-150.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43It's 265.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46It's not a bad price if I was buying this for the home,
0:03:46 > 0:03:50but I would be looking at a loss at auction, so I'm going to walk away.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54But while James has been pondering the Paisley,
0:03:54 > 0:03:56what's his friendly rival thinking?
0:03:56 > 0:03:59I'm lagging behind Braxton.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Story of my life, really.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03But I'm going to be harsher today.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08I must try and let my head rule my heart.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Well, that'll be a first. I think he's going to turn over a new leaf
0:04:11 > 0:04:15when he arrives at the market town of Arundel on the river Arun.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20Town motto? Steadfast in ancient virtue.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Should suit him down to the ground!
0:04:22 > 0:04:25This looks like the sort of shop I want to be in
0:04:25 > 0:04:26for the rest of the day.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Aha! Are you the boss, sir?
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- I am indeed, sir. Are you David by any chance?- I am indeed.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- Nice to meet you.- Charlie. How do you do? Really nice to see you.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35My word!
0:04:35 > 0:04:37I think they've both rather fallen on their feet today.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42Militaria might not be his sort of thing, but there's a lot more than that in here.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Some rather nice Chinese hardwood tables.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47There's two there...
0:04:47 > 0:04:51..and we'd like to see a third, and they're pretty saleable nowadays.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53They've got enough age.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57They're 20th century, but quite collectable and very useful.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59And in fact, over there...
0:05:00 > 0:05:02..is the third one.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06David, sir, I take it that that belongs to that and that.
0:05:06 > 0:05:07They are a set.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Unfortunately, the cost of the restoration's put the price up,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- so they are £350. - Yes, fair enough.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15I can't do that, but I like them.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18So, where's the new improved Charlie, then?
0:05:18 > 0:05:20I'm looking for something to be mean with, really.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- What a splendid telescope. - You can be terribly mean with that.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28- It's 100 quid.- W Otway & Co Ltd, Ealing, London, 1940.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31I wonder what that's seen in its time.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36David's bargain price is still half of Charlie's budget, of course.
0:05:36 > 0:05:37I see no ships.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Only hardships and enormous Braxton profits...
0:05:42 > 0:05:44..on the horizon!
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Speaking of which, how are things in Petworth?
0:05:49 > 0:05:53No snakes, but any number of other zoological renderings.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Ten or 20 years ago, I would've walked past this picture,
0:05:58 > 0:06:03probably saying something like ghastly, or vulgar.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Well, you don't have to buy it!
0:06:05 > 0:06:08This is the sort of thing that is painted around the Sacre-Coeur
0:06:08 > 0:06:11in Paris, by all those artists with easels.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15It's a typical piece, quite quickly done
0:06:15 > 0:06:17and it's a very stylised design.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22You think of great stylised British artists like, for instance, Lowry,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25or Piper, or Sutherland.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28All these sort of people had a very strong style.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30I think it might be growing on him.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33You've got these great vertical and horizontal lines
0:06:33 > 0:06:39that form a very good framework in which the artist just puts
0:06:39 > 0:06:43blobs of colour, and your brain does the rest. It's signed.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45It's on canvas.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48People quite like these bright ones
0:06:48 > 0:06:50and, my word, this has got a surface.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52This is almost three-dimensional.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56I can feel huge blotches of paint there.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58And it's dry, too - just!
0:06:58 > 0:06:59What have they got? £120 on it.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05If I could get this between 50-80, I think this is a definite candidate.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Time for Catherine to make a call.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- Catherine? - I'm ringing up about the lovely...
0:07:11 > 0:07:13It's a Paris scene, by Saad.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16A thing we would have thrown in the bin ten years ago.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18I've got the charming James Braxton here.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Help me out, please. What can you do?
0:07:20 > 0:07:22He can go low for you.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- £80.- 80, OK.- Which is... - That's tempting, isn't it?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27A nice chunk off.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29So that gives me thought.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Yes. Can I make that thought into a decision by
0:07:33 > 0:07:36just shaving it down a little bit more for you, and saying 75?
0:07:36 > 0:07:3975. Yeah, go on, I'll buy it.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Thank you, Catherine.- Thank you. - Thank you.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Well, I'm not sure he really likes it,
0:07:44 > 0:07:45but he's now the proud owner.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Seems to have left his panama hat behind, though.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Now, what's around in Arundel?
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- There we are, an ancient crib. - Crib!
0:07:56 > 0:07:59That's got some age. It's 19th century, isn't it?
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- Quite nice. Folk art.- Yeah.
0:08:02 > 0:08:03It's in pretty good order.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05I think it's just pine, isn't it?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Got its original rockers on, which is quite splendid.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10How does its rock?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Look at that. It's like a good pendulum, isn't it?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16I think we might be getting somewhere.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18How much is this exceptional crib?
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- £50?- Is it?
0:08:20 > 0:08:22You said that with a question mark at the end!
0:08:22 > 0:08:24It's more in anticipation of a bid.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Well, I think it would be estimated at auction...
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- Tell me.- £30-50.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30How about £30?
0:08:30 > 0:08:32I'll give you 25, sir.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- 25?- That's my last offer.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- 25 it is.- You shook my hand.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39You're happy with that.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Rocking good deal.
0:08:41 > 0:08:42What else has David got?
0:08:42 > 0:08:45How about an old model boat at a very good price?
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Well, an unbelievably good price.
0:08:47 > 0:08:48- I mean...- 75 quid.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Oh, now steady, steady!
0:08:51 > 0:08:53It's too big for the bath.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54Could be a sale.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- I think probably 1950s. - I think you're absolutely right.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Am I? It's just post-war.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01It's got quality, it's got size.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04It's got all its rigging. Have you got all your rigging?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- Most of it's in place.- Good man.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Mr Braxton's blown away most of my rigging in the auction.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12But that was before Charlie Mark II, eh?
0:09:12 > 0:09:15You're going to rue the day I turned up in Arundel.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- I'll brace myself. - I want to pay £35 for your boat.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Would that be cash, sir?
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Oh! Cash! Absolutely! Oh, my goodness me!
0:09:24 > 0:09:27What was that he said about spending the day here?
0:09:27 > 0:09:29It's modern, isn't it?
0:09:29 > 0:09:31It's probably '50s or '60s.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- Do you think it's as early as that? - All right, it's modern, then.
0:09:34 > 0:09:35- Chinese?- I think so.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Rattan storage basket.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39You can put your linen in there.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Well, I think it was for taking food into the palace.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44I think you had soups in the bottom.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Yeah.- And maybe lighter snacks, maybe prawn crackers in the top.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51It's a prawn cracker container!
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- It is a prawn cracker container. - Magnificent!
0:09:53 > 0:09:57No ticket price, but apparently, Maisie, David's mum, can do a deal on these.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- Mother!- Aw, you're there.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- Hello.- I found this upstairs.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05It's modern, it's Chinese and it's got a hole in it.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07So you'd rather not pay much, then?
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- £25? - I want to pay £10 for it, Mum.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- 15.- Oh, Mother, I want to pay ten for it.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- What do you think? Ten?- Well, if you think it can go, let it go for ten.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- I think that's good. - All right, that's a good idea.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Mother, may I kiss your hand?
0:10:22 > 0:10:24# I kiss your hand, madam... #
0:10:25 > 0:10:26Thank you so much.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29I shall live off of this experience for months.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Not as much as I will!
0:10:31 > 0:10:36# Maisie, Maisie, give me your answer do!
0:10:36 > 0:10:40# I'm half crazy all for the love of you. #
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- Crazy is the word.- Is it? - Something like that.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45I'm going to be paid now, Mother.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Yes, you'll be eating tonight.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49£70 spent.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- Do you want to let me out? - Naturally.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54While Charlie takes his leave, and baskets...
0:10:57 > 0:11:01..James is headed into the nearby South Downs,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04close to the little village of Bignor,
0:11:04 > 0:11:08to see some of the finest Roman mosaics ever found in Britain,
0:11:08 > 0:11:11in the company of museum assistant Elizabeth Harling.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- Hello. James. - Hello, I'm Elizabeth.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- I love mosaics.- Lovely. Well, come on this way.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- We've got quite a few nice ones to show you.- Thank you.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23The remains of the Bignor Roman Villa were discovered in 1811,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27when a local farmer unearthed one of the stones with his plough.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33It's a lovely spot. I can see why a Roman might want to live here.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Archaeologists soon started their excavations.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38I'm amazed how intact they are.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41We're quite lucky. It has always been farmland.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43There wasn't any building on top.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46So when was this Roman villa constructed?
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Well, it actually happened over stages. The first building,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52which only consisted of about five or six rooms,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55appeared in about 190, so the Romans were already well established.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Is that AD or BC?
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- AD.- AD. - But then, as they made more money,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03they were able to improve their buildings.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06We see a more substantial stone structure,
0:12:06 > 0:12:10then, when you get to rooms like this, we're looking about 300AD.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Who would have been in here?
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Because this was quite late in the Roman occupation of Britain,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19there was time for Romans to integrate,
0:12:19 > 0:12:24and for British people to take on the Roman way of life themselves.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- Right, right.- So we think that this was one of those families.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32What was this room used for?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34The Romans would have known it as a triclinium.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Triclinium. God, what a name!
0:12:37 > 0:12:39That is a dining room.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42When the Romans first began to settle in Britain,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45they brought mosaic craftsmen with them.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50Later generations, however, produced their own home-grown mosaicists.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Is that a signature or something?
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- We believe it is. - That's IR, is it?
0:12:54 > 0:12:58You're close. It's an R but the first letter is actually a T.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- T, OK.- If you look, the top is a little bit longer,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04a little bit wider than the bottom, but if you look very carefully
0:13:04 > 0:13:06at the back of the I, you'll see three little lines
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- just coming off the back. It's an E.- Oh!
0:13:09 > 0:13:12So is that the signature of our mosaic artist?
0:13:12 > 0:13:14We think it is.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17We believe his name was Torentius.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Why a dolphin?- Oh, well,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Romans saw the dolphin as a sign of prosperity and good luck.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26There was a story of Arion,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30who, having been thrown into the sea by robbers,
0:13:30 > 0:13:34was saved by climbing on a dolphin's back and swam back to shore.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39Almost every mosaic at Bignor reflects some aspects of Roman mythology,
0:13:39 > 0:13:43from the depiction of Medusa in the bathhouse to protect
0:13:43 > 0:13:46the bather's clothes with her head of snakes,
0:13:46 > 0:13:50to their most revered deity on the floor of the winter dining room.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54This is a fabulous mosaic, but who is this figure here?
0:13:54 > 0:13:59Oh, this is Venus, goddess of love and beauty.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01And as you can see, surrounding her
0:14:01 > 0:14:04we've got this beautiful ornate pattern here with leaves.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06She's flanked by some birds...
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- Yeah.- ..just here, and these are very unusual,
0:14:09 > 0:14:13and it gives us a little clue as to the wealth and status
0:14:13 > 0:14:18of the family here because the material used is glass.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Ah, Roman glass!
0:14:21 > 0:14:24It is probably one of the most expensive materials you could use
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- in your mosaics.- It's in remarkable condition, really remarkable.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33Of course, Venus has a little trick up her sleeve.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36If you walk around this way, just keep an eye on her as we go.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39You'll see she follows you as we move.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Ah!
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Looking for earthly faults.
0:14:44 > 0:14:45Isn't that lovely!
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Now, here's a clue as to where our other Tripper has got to.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59# I do like to walk along the prom, prom, prom
0:14:59 > 0:15:04# Where the brass bands go tiddly om-pom-pom. #
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Yeah, Charlie's on the front in Bognor Regis.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09From Bignor to Bognor,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12endorsed by George V, and now antiques royalty.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Oh! I'm too old for sports cars.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19You're never too old, Charlie.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23That's interesting. Having just bought and sold, at a profit,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26one bronze bowl with a false bottom,
0:15:26 > 0:15:29this appears to have a replacement bottom.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31It's uncanny how often that happens.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35It is considerably larger, it's probably the same era,
0:15:35 > 0:15:371900 or thereabouts.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42I think the stand is, if I may say so, considerably later than
0:15:42 > 0:15:46the bronze bowl itself. It's quite well decorated.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49Who knows? It hasn't got a price on it.
0:15:49 > 0:15:50Perhaps it's cheap.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- Aha! Are you the boss?- I am.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55- Hello.- Pleasure to meet you, Charlie.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- Nice to see you. You are Stephan? - I am Stephan.- Lovely to see you.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03As I was coming in, I saw a bronze pot with a replacement bottom.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Yes.- Is it cheap, or did you have to pay blood for it?
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Well, I did get it slightly cheaper than I would have done
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- if I didn't have the plastic bottom. - I think so, yes, yes.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13The price for you, Charlie, would be 65.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15You're tempting me, Stephan.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17You are tempting me.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Something else with an oriental flavour, Charlie?
0:16:20 > 0:16:22There's a bit of Braxton bamboo.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Decorated with mother-of-pearl?
0:16:24 > 0:16:25Yeah, and Shibayama work.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29Named after the town in Japan where it originated.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Look at that. You can tell it's bamboo, can't you?
0:16:31 > 0:16:38Shibayama work is applied or inlaid into wood, usually mother-of-pearl.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Sometimes gold, sometimes silver for their luxury items.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Usually, half the bits are missing.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46This looks remarkably complete, Stephan.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48It is. I think there's one small flower missing.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- Is there?- Yeah, and you'd have to look hard to find it.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55I'll take your word for it, Stephan. Do you know what is rather lovely?
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Is the quality of her hand. How much is that, sir?
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- That could be...- "For me," he said. - That, for you, that can be...
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Let me see. That could be 65.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07That's today's price, isn't it?
0:17:07 > 0:17:08Seems to be.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Anything that's not £65, we wonder?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Wow! Black Forest.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15A Bavarian delight.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18A novelty nutcracker.
0:17:18 > 0:17:19That's splendid.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Walnut?- Walnut and hand-carved.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Circa 1900, 1910.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27What looks like original glass eyes.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Stephan, what's the price on your nutcracker?
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- 75. - I would be happy to pay £50 for it.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Remember, this is the new and improved Charlie.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Is there any leeway on the bronze bowl with the new bottom?
0:17:41 > 0:17:45If you buy the two, we can do the two for £100, cash.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Cogs whirring. Charlie!
0:17:48 > 0:17:50You're an auctioneer. It's sold!
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Thank you. Time for a dither.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Life is never easy.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Life is jolly complicated.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59I'm in a real quandary here.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01I love that nutcracker.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03I want to pay £50 for it.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05I don't think Stephan wants to sell it to me for £50
0:18:05 > 0:18:08unless he can shift something else on -
0:18:08 > 0:18:10vis this Chinese bronze bowl.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12But what did Braxton say?
0:18:12 > 0:18:13"You've got to be hard!
0:18:13 > 0:18:16"Charlie, drive a deal."
0:18:18 > 0:18:19Yes, Mr Braxton.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Gird your loins.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I'll be blunt. If I offered you £80 for the two of them,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26would it show you a profit?
0:18:26 > 0:18:28£90, £90 sees me a profit.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- £90?- £90. - That's very kind of you.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Thank you very much indeed.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36So £45 for the jardiniere and the same for the nutcrackers.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Thank you very much!
0:18:40 > 0:18:42I love it, I love it, I love it.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45I don't love it, but it's cheap.
0:18:45 > 0:18:46Someone needs to lie down!
0:18:48 > 0:18:49Nighty night!
0:18:51 > 0:18:55Another day, another very nice county.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59We tend to associate Surrey now with the M25, which is a shame.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03And a lot of Surrey, which people don't realise, is incredibly rural.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05He's right. Look at that.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07An otter. Well done, well missed.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Yesterday, Charlie was as quick as that otter in getting off the mark,
0:19:12 > 0:19:16acquiring a crib, a model galleon, a nutcracker,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19bronze bowl and some rattan baskets, as you do...
0:19:19 > 0:19:23It's modern, it's Chinese and it's got a hole in it.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27..leaving him with just under £45 in his wallet.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30James bought just a painting...
0:19:30 > 0:19:33A thing we would have thrown in the bin ten years ago.
0:19:33 > 0:19:39..which means he still has over £225 to spend on this fine day.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43We should be in Lycra, shouldn't we, Charlie, cycling somewhere?
0:19:43 > 0:19:46James, the thought of you in Lycra, with great respect,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48has put me off my buying.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Yeah. The great thing about Lycra, it's very supportive.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52So they say.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57Later, they'll be burning rubber towards Berkshire at an auction in Wokingham but,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00before that, we're heading straight into Compton.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02That's the one in Surrey.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Nestled in the North Downs, and just outside the village...
0:20:05 > 0:20:07You're not just leaving me here?
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Well, a walk is always good for your waistline.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14You ought to try one one day.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Ooh! Cheeky beggar!
0:20:16 > 0:20:19So while James goes in search of the A3,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23Charlie's come to Compton to seek out an Arts & Crafts masterpiece
0:20:23 > 0:20:26in the company of Assistant Curator Cicely Robinson.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27What's all this about?
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- Morning.- Good morning. - What a lovely place to meet.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- Hello.- What are we looking at?
0:20:32 > 0:20:36This is the Watts Chapel, which was designed and built by Mary Watts.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Mary was the wife of George Frederic Watts, the famous Victorian artist.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- Wonderful. May we have a closer look?- Yes.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48Mary Watts moved to the village with her husband George in the early 1890s
0:20:48 > 0:20:52and when the local council decided to set up a new cemetery
0:20:52 > 0:20:55close to their home, the couple offered to create this chapel.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59It must be unique, this building.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03It is. Mary was influenced by a number of things she'd encountered
0:21:03 > 0:21:06during her lifetime. For instance, she was brought up in Scotland,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- so there's quite a strong Celtic influence...- Yeah.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12..and she also travelled to Egypt with George Watts for their honeymoon,
0:21:12 > 0:21:16so there's an element of Egyptian symbolism within it, as well.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Quite a way to go for a honeymoon in those days.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19Yes, quite an exotic adventure.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22There's also an Italianate look to the top,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24because the shape is unusual, isn't it?
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- Absolutely.- It is formed from a circle intersected by a cross,
0:21:28 > 0:21:32which has origins in early Christian and pre-Christian symbology.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37Although the chapel is unquestionably Mary's masterpiece,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41almost every Compton resident had a hand in its construction and decoration.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46Mary and George both believed in this sort of "art for all" ethos.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Mary would hold clay modelling classes at her home and she would
0:21:49 > 0:21:53teach the local villagers some basic clay modelling skills.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56They would then be shown how to model these decorative patterns
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- for the exterior.- So you might have one tile done by Mrs Jones
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- and one by Mrs Bloggs and one by...? - Exactly.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Work began in 1895, using a seam of local clay
0:22:08 > 0:22:12and the building, which remains a working village parish chapel,
0:22:12 > 0:22:14was completed almost ten years later.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Goodness gracious me!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Who could ever have thought from the outside
0:22:25 > 0:22:28that this is what I was going to find inside?
0:22:28 > 0:22:30The colours!
0:22:30 > 0:22:31The vibrancy!
0:22:33 > 0:22:36It's just spellbinding.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41This is a meeting of Heaven and Earth.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44In the centre of the ceiling we have this eternal circle
0:22:44 > 0:22:46with no beginning and no end.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Then the walls and ceiling are covered in angels.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Closest to God, we have these seraphs,
0:22:52 > 0:22:55the highest order of angels, that are dressed in red,
0:22:55 > 0:22:59and then we come down to this lower tier of winged messengers,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01and then, finally, the earthly realm,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04which is shown by the beautiful little flower details,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07which were actually made by the local village children.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08Really?
0:23:08 > 0:23:12Beneath the altarpiece, which was George's sole artistic contribution,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15is an acknowledgement of the villagers' work.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18And the people of Compton. That's nice, isn't it?
0:23:18 > 0:23:22It's dedicated to the memory of all who rest near its walls.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26The overall effect is a wonderful, wonderful quality and yet,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29if one looks at the figures individually,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32there is a delightful amateur feel to it.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37It does show that it was done by local people who weren't professional artists.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42GF Watts died in 1904, shortly after the chapel was completed.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Mary passed away in 1938, but for over 50 years,
0:23:46 > 0:23:50the Compton Potters Guild was a successful local business.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Their products sold at London stores such as Liberty & Co.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Mary really believed that anyone, given the opportunity,
0:23:58 > 0:24:02could create something beautiful and that everyone needed a craft
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- through which they could express themselves creatively.- Yeah.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Now, whither James at the wheel of the Alfa,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17with over £225 left to spend?
0:24:17 > 0:24:21He's taken our route towards Hampshire and Alton,
0:24:21 > 0:24:25where local resident Jane Austen wrote Persuasion.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Could have been about the art of buying antiques, of course.
0:24:29 > 0:24:30Breathe in.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- Hello.- Hello.- James. - I'm Rob.- Good to meet you, Rob.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35This is a lovely shop, isn't it?
0:24:35 > 0:24:37It is tiny, isn't it?
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- I've just been sort of trying to measure it like this.- Yes.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Ah, the Braxton height test. Anyway...
0:24:42 > 0:24:44It's rather sweet.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46It's got quite a nice timber here.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49This sort of blockiness suggests Art Deco.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53The dog here, he looks a very fine sort of hunting Labrador,
0:24:53 > 0:24:58quite stylised. He's sort of Art Deco in shape and it's quite heavy.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00I think it passes.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03You look at that and you immediately dismiss it as being spelter
0:25:03 > 0:25:07or something, but the weight might suggest something else.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09And it's rather nice.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Well, I look at the price tag and it's not a bad price tag.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Something to think about.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Take me anywhere and I'll find the petrol money.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18He's not finished, has he?
0:25:18 > 0:25:21When I walked in, I noticed we had this bench.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Everything has merit.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28The timber is oak but what attracted me to it was the grain.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33You've got this rather nice grain here and sometimes people refer to this as silvering.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35It comes from quartersawn timber.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39You think of the cross section of a fallen oak tree, like that,
0:25:39 > 0:25:43and you put it through a sawmill and most people just cut planks,
0:25:43 > 0:25:48planks like that but quartersawn, you cut it in quarters, so segments.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50So you go chop, chop, chop, chop, chop.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53And then, chop, chop, chop, chop. And by doing that,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55you get this fabulous grain.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Looks like 1930s.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58No price label?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Solidly made, a bit utilitarian.
0:26:01 > 0:26:02We've got metal things here.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05It looks a bit institutional, doesn't it?
0:26:05 > 0:26:09You could put that under a window and it's a really nice little resting place.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Stools are brilliant for your posture.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16You know, me being a yogic master, loves the stool.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19You know, my back can find its natural form.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Uh-oh. I think he's meditating on an offer.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Rob, I found two items.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- OK?- Pretty little model of the dog.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- Yes.- And your oak bench outside. - Oh, right. OK.
0:26:31 > 0:26:32I couldn't find a price tag on the oak bench.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- No.- I'd probably be looking for about 20.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- 20.- Do you know, exactly the figure I thought.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40So you've got 20 on the bench.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43You've got 20 on the hound.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45- Could you do 30?- I'll do 30.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- 30. I'm going to peel it off now, chief.- OK.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Something Miss Austen almost certainly never said...
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Rob, thank you very much indeed.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55..but she might be on a £10 note.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59So, £15 for the dog and 15 for the bench.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Time for our pair to team up again.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04This is just the spot for the car to break down.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07I know. We would break open the picnic, wouldn't we?
0:27:07 > 0:27:09I don't think we've got one.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Well, fingers crossed, then,
0:27:11 > 0:27:15as we head back over the Surrey border, without so much as
0:27:15 > 0:27:19a Scotch egg, into Haslemere. They'll be shopping two by two.
0:27:24 > 0:27:25Look at me when I'm talking to you.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Anything of note, Charlie?
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Oh, I say!
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Wicker furniture or bamboo.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Very Braxton.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37More or less bamboo.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41If Braxton doesn't buy that, I'll eat my hat!
0:27:43 > 0:27:44Ah, the man himself.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46James, what are you doing?
0:27:46 > 0:27:49I'm in union with my machine.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- Have you ever been spinning? - No, I've never done any spinning.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- No.- I'm more a potter's wheel man.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- Same action.- Lordy!
0:27:57 > 0:28:00Bringing it up, getting in.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03I think buying something might be a better idea, James.
0:28:03 > 0:28:04Ah, the proprietor.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- Hello. James.- Hello, James. Nick. - It's really lovely.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- I love all your rugs.- Thank you.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Now, Nick, I've come here for furniture.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16Well, you've come to the right place, but there's naught like a novelty.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19I've just noticed the thing on the top there.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21You'll be noticing the graffiti on the top.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Oh, yes!- It suggests it's a printer's cabinet
0:28:25 > 0:28:29and they've used the type set to decorate the top.
0:28:29 > 0:28:30How interesting!
0:28:30 > 0:28:33And there's some on the door, as well.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36What does it say on the front?
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- Sprint. - It says N-E-SPRINT, doesn't it?
0:28:39 > 0:28:41That'll be newsprint, James.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- Fleet Street.- Fleet Street. - Oh, that's fun.- So there we go.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47The ticket price is £320, though.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48That's a fabulous item.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Really interesting to see, but I'm not going to buy it.
0:28:52 > 0:28:53On we go.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57What have you got, sort of south of 100?
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Good idea. Now, is it just me or does he look like Charlie?
0:29:03 > 0:29:05That's intriguing.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09"A vintage Eastern hand-hewn hot stone griddle,
0:29:09 > 0:29:11"originally used in cooking.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13"A fascinating relic of kitchenalia."
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Well, it is.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19"I use mine for storing eggs and ripening tomatoes."
0:29:19 > 0:29:21It's rather a charming thing.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26It's just impossible to tell how old it is.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28It's only £45.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33But I don't think it's going to go with either a boat or a nutcracker.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Back to the furniture. Part two.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38A mid-Victorian four-legged stool.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- Yeah.- Slightly dished top.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- And there's another similar one over there.- OK.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46And in terms of your budget, they could both be within budget.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49That's got a nice elm seat on it, granted.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52It's got a very Victorian turned leg, though.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- And the stretchers are right, are they?- Yes.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58If I saw that in a shop, I'd expect to see around 50 quid on it.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00What's that priced at?
0:30:00 > 0:30:03It's priced at 110.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06In fact, they're both 110.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08And your reasoning for 110?
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Both of these stools belong to my colleague Stewart,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13so I don't know how much he paid for them, but...
0:30:13 > 0:30:17So something like that, could that go as low as 60 or not?
0:30:21 > 0:30:22The Braxton wait-and-see test. Ssh!
0:30:25 > 0:30:27I don't know.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- Yes.- Could it?- I think we could probably do that.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31OK, I'll buy that for 60, Nick.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34One wee stool for a much-reduced price.
0:30:34 > 0:30:35Charlie?
0:30:36 > 0:30:38What is this?
0:30:38 > 0:30:40I think it's a glove. Of course it's a glove.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43What sort of glove? It's incredibly thick gauge.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47I thought possibly its a fives glove.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51I used to play fives at school, an extraordinary game.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53There we go.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57It's a 19th-century hedger's glove.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Well, of course. If you were layering hedges,
0:31:01 > 0:31:05you would need something that would be thick enough to fend off
0:31:05 > 0:31:08the barbs of all sorts of bushes, particularly hawthorn.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11I mean, can you imagine layering a hawthorn bush?
0:31:11 > 0:31:13You would need a glove like this.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15I think it's fascinating.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20It's old, it's gnarled, and it's a real statement of history.
0:31:20 > 0:31:21£70.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24Well, I couldn't tell you whether that is expensive
0:31:24 > 0:31:26or whether it was cheap. Should I buy it?
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Probably not.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32I think he's happy enough with what he's bagged already
0:31:32 > 0:31:34but what about his prediction?
0:31:34 > 0:31:36That's rather fun. It's sort of...
0:31:36 > 0:31:40It's bamboo in nature but I think this is more wicker.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Sounds like he's hooked, Charlie.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45It has this sort of Japanned look about it.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47This is simulating a lacquer top here.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50I think that's probably miniature furniture,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52possibly doll's house furniture.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55It's got a very organic look to it,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58which would suggest latter part of the 19th century.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00That Japanese aesthetic.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03It's rather fun. It's got some age, hasn't it?
0:32:03 > 0:32:04What's the price on it?
0:32:04 > 0:32:07£40. Yeah.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08That's sort of affordable.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12Nick, this is a rather charming little group, isn't it?
0:32:12 > 0:32:15We presumed it was doll's house furniture, but
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- when you imagine the scale...- Yeah, I think it's a bit big, isn't it?
0:32:18 > 0:32:20It is. It's far too big.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24Maybe it was to illustrate a new range or something, I don't know.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Sort of travelling salesman stock.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29What could you do on something like that?
0:32:29 > 0:32:34Well, we're asking 40, so you could twist my arm and we could say 30.
0:32:34 > 0:32:3730? I'll buy it at 30, Nick.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- Excellent.- Thank you very much indeed.- Thank you, James.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41So Charlie's hat is safe.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43And their buying's now complete.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Time to get ready for that auction.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49Two of my objects pass the Braxton weight test.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50You're bound for success.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54They're also bound for Wokingham, but first, shut-eye.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00It's high noon, Berkshire style,
0:33:00 > 0:33:05in the town that takes its name from a Saxon chief called Wocca.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07I think it's your turn to shine, isn't it?
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- I've got to play catch-up today. - Rubbish, Charlie.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- I have.- Lose honourably.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14I'm way behind. What do you mean, lose honourably?
0:33:14 > 0:33:16How dare you!
0:33:16 > 0:33:19After starting out way back in Petworth, West Sussex,
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Charlie and James have nudged their way north towards Wokingham,
0:33:23 > 0:33:27at Martin & Pole, auctioneering since 1846 -
0:33:27 > 0:33:29with internet bidding now, too.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35James parted with £195 for his five auction lots....
0:33:36 > 0:33:39Take me anywhere and I'll find the petrol money.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42..while Charlie... Whoops! ..spent a bit less -
0:33:42 > 0:33:45160 on his five lots.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Thank you very much!
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Now, I know Charlie has put some store in this.
0:33:51 > 0:33:52It looks very alpine, doesn't it?
0:33:52 > 0:33:55It's got these lovely horns, but what's very attractive about it
0:33:55 > 0:33:57is the green eyes.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01Now, goats, I think, have these very horizontal-like pupils.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05This one's been given a more friendly human touch. Probably a profit.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08James loves a dog.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10I think he's done well here.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13No age, but it's got quality and, of course,
0:34:13 > 0:34:15it passes the Braxton weight test.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18And I think it was described as spelter.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22This isn't spelter. It's cold, it's heavy. It's bronze!
0:34:22 > 0:34:25I like this. This has a rather friendly touch about it.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Who can not love an elephant? It hasn't just got one,
0:34:28 > 0:34:32it's got two elephants on this lovely bronze bowl.
0:34:32 > 0:34:33The stand is nice.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36It's not the correct stand, but it's still a stand.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39I don't think Charlie paid a lot of money for it.
0:34:39 > 0:34:40Definite profit.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Exhibit number one,
0:34:43 > 0:34:45James's oil painting.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49The best thing I can say about this oil painting is that it is Paris.
0:34:49 > 0:34:55Gay Paris. I think he was IN SEINE buying this picture,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58because I think it's going to lose money.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00I think he paid £75.
0:35:02 > 0:35:03Rather him than me.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Cocky!
0:35:05 > 0:35:09Right, let's hear the impartial thoughts of auctioneer Matt Pole.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12When it first came in, we thought it was a nice little bench.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15We didn't think it was terribly exciting, but it had a lot of
0:35:15 > 0:35:18interest in it. I think we should have a good sale for that.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21The most unusual item that we wouldn't normally sell
0:35:21 > 0:35:24is probably the Chinese baskets. Of all the items,
0:35:24 > 0:35:28probably the child's furniture is my favourite. It's really sweet.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31I think that should create quite a bit of interest.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Plenty of reasons for those two to be cheerful, then.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Do you know, James, walking through that crowd with you,
0:35:37 > 0:35:38it felt like my wedding day!
0:35:40 > 0:35:41Congratulations!
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Here's Charlie's first issue.
0:35:43 > 0:35:44Brace yourself.
0:35:44 > 0:35:4620, then. At £20.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48Any interest at £20?
0:35:48 > 0:35:49Thank you, at £20.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52In the room now. 20. Any more at £20?
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- I've got 22 on the internet. - Ooh, the internet.
0:35:55 > 0:35:5725 in the room. I've got 30 on the internet now.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00- 32 in the room. - For me, James, I can tell you,
0:36:00 > 0:36:02this is a hugely exciting moment in my life.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04- 35!- 38 now in the room.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06In the room at 38. 40 on the internet.
0:36:06 > 0:36:0742 in the room.
0:36:07 > 0:36:08At £42 now.
0:36:08 > 0:36:1045 now on the internet.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- Any more?- Be still my beating heart. - At £45, are we all done at 45?
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Very good. Congratulations.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20May I say, James, the fightback starts here!
0:36:20 > 0:36:22That's the spirit, Charlie.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Very impressed.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26I'm feeling good now.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Now, the auctioneer was quietly hopeful about James's bench.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34- Quick, here it is.- With me at £35.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- 38, anywhere?- James! - With me at £35.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- I'll be selling at £35. - Keep going, sir.- 38, 40.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42- Keep going, sir.- 42 with you now.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- James, you're on fire. - 42...and five, sir.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47So are we all done? At £42, then.
0:36:47 > 0:36:4945 on the internet.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51Everything's making 45!
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Any more? £45.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- Oh, congratulations.- Thank you.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Bench makes mark.
0:36:58 > 0:37:0045. That's a brilliant bit of work.
0:37:00 > 0:37:0245!
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Can Charlie's baskets achieve such heights, we wonder?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08At £40. Any interest at £40?
0:37:08 > 0:37:1030? At £30.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Oh, dear. Go on, madam, put your hand up.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14At 30. I've got 30 on the internet.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- Oh, phew!- £30 on the internet now. Any more at 30?- Still a profit.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20I'll be selling at £30. 32 now on the internet.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- 32. 35 now.- Come on, internet.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Any more at 35? 38 now.
0:37:24 > 0:37:2640. At £40 on the internet.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- 42 now on the internet. - Oh, look at this internet.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- This internet!- I love the internet. - At £45.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35You can all go home. It's all on the internet. It's at £45.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37At £45, then, are we all done?
0:37:38 > 0:37:40- That'll do.- That's very good.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42China has been very good to Charlie.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44That wasn't in the script.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46It wasn't. It wasn't.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48An unscripted profit.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Over to James. That four-legged stool.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Start this with me at £35.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57It's a chunky start, it's a chunky start.
0:37:57 > 0:37:5938, 40, 42, 45.
0:37:59 > 0:38:0148, 50.
0:38:01 > 0:38:0355, 60.
0:38:03 > 0:38:0565 with you now.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- £65 in the room now.- James!
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- Oh, James!- Any more at £65?- 65. - There's no holding you, is there?
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Are we all done, then, at £65?
0:38:14 > 0:38:15Give that man a cream bun!
0:38:15 > 0:38:18A four-legged stool never lets you down.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Well, I've broken the rhythm.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24You have. It's going inexorably upwards.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Now, for the second auction on the trot,
0:38:27 > 0:38:31we present Charlie's brass bowl with replacement bottom.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Don't underestimate an elephant.
0:38:33 > 0:38:34Power of the trunk.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36£100 anywhere, for this lot?
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- 100.- £100 anywhere?
0:38:38 > 0:38:40Any interest at £100? 100 I have.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41£100 on the internet.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- Well done.- Any more? At £100.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Are we selling at £100?
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- Don't sell!- Are we all done, then? £100.- Move it along!
0:38:49 > 0:38:50All done.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54When it sold at a maiden bid, do you think, as an auctioneer...
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Come on, don't get greedy!
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Quite. It's a jumbo profit.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01It's almost YOUR standard, isn't it?
0:39:01 > 0:39:04James's seating for the little people is next.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07Start it with me at £25.
0:39:07 > 0:39:0828 anywhere?
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- With me at 25. 28. - Don't worry, James.
0:39:11 > 0:39:1432 with you now. At £32 in the room now.
0:39:14 > 0:39:15Any more at £32?
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Come on, they can make a bit more than this.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20I'll be selling at £32. 35. 38.
0:39:20 > 0:39:21At £38.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23I bought them for 30, didn't I?
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Are we all done, then? £38.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30It's a sort of not wash your face,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33it's a sort of small wash with cold water.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Never mind. It's still a profit.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39All I'm pleased about now is that you bought them and I didn't, really!
0:39:39 > 0:39:40Galleon time.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43What can Charlie's cut-price vessel do?
0:39:43 > 0:39:46I think maximum speed three knots.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- With a very good wind. - With a very good wind!
0:39:49 > 0:39:51£50 anywhere for this lot?
0:39:51 > 0:39:54£50 anywhere? Any interest at 50?
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- 40 I'll take. - 40! I should think you will.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Any more at 40? At £40.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01- 40.- Are we all done, then?
0:40:01 > 0:40:02£40. Any more?
0:40:04 > 0:40:07I've been holed below the waterline.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Yes. It won't look so buoyant after costs.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13You've lost the price of an open sandwich now.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16James's bronze Bonzo next.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- 30, then.- That's all right.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20- You only paid 15.- Going down. £30.
0:40:20 > 0:40:2120, then.
0:40:21 > 0:40:2420 I have. At £20.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- That's a profit, James. It's a profit.- At 22 against you now.
0:40:27 > 0:40:2925. 28. 30.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- Go on, 32.- At £30.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35£30. I'll be selling, then, at £30.
0:40:35 > 0:40:36- Oh, dear.- All done, then at 30.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Dear, oh, dear. That's not what I was hoping for.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42It did double your money, however.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44It's all on the nutcracker now, isn't it?
0:40:44 > 0:40:46- And the oil painting.- Oh!
0:40:46 > 0:40:49But first, who'll get Charlie's goat, eh?
0:40:49 > 0:40:53The ram is a symbol of lust.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54Lust!
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Well, it does crush nuts!
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Starting with me at £50. 55, anywhere?
0:40:59 > 0:41:01It's with me at £50.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- Any further offers at £50? - I heard a gasp around the room.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05I'll be selling at £50. 55 on the internet.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- Yes, come on.- 60 with me. - Come on. Come on.- At £60.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10- It's got a commission bid. - Any more at 60?
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- Yeah, yeah.- I'll be selling at £60 if we're all done.
0:41:13 > 0:41:14At £60.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16An absentee bid of £60.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20A ramma-damma-ding-dong.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Certainly puts the bop in the bop shebop-shebop!
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- You're in profit.- Yes.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27And I've got one card yet to play.
0:41:27 > 0:41:28You have, your big one.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32Yes, it all hangs on James's pricey painting.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35There is only one thing wrong with this picture.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38It failed the Braxton weight test.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39£20 anywhere for this one?
0:41:39 > 0:41:41- £20 anywhere?- Straight in at 20.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44At £20, any interest at £20?
0:41:44 > 0:41:45- Oh, he's not getting...- Ten, then.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- Ten I have, thank you, at £10 in the room now.- Sacre bleu!
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- Any more at £10?- I think the expression is sacre bleu!
0:41:50 > 0:41:52It's all right, small seeds.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54So £10, then.
0:41:54 > 0:41:55It's with you at £10.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00- Um...- That's not good, is it?- Oh.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Looks like the world isn't quite ready yet for James's art.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05I don't want to dwell on it.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08Charlie, I think we should go outside and do some figures.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11But I would just say, can I just say one word?
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- Congratulations. - Thank you very much.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Do you know, I think I may have won the second heat!
0:42:16 > 0:42:18You're not wrong, Charlie!
0:42:20 > 0:42:25James started out with £3.46 and, after auction costs,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28he made a loss of £40.84.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31So he now has £259.62...
0:42:33 > 0:42:37..while Charlie, who began with £204.66,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41made, after costs, a profit of £77.80.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46So he's our new leader with £282.46.
0:42:46 > 0:42:47Cheer up!
0:42:49 > 0:42:51I've got to hand it to you.
0:42:51 > 0:42:52THEY CHUCKLE
0:42:52 > 0:42:54One-all!
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Next on Antiques Road Trip, we get ready to rumble.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00The corner sponge has been applied,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04- the bell is ringing...- And here comes the sledgehammer left.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07James does antiques aerobics...
0:43:07 > 0:43:10I tell you what, all these gym memberships, what a waste of time!
0:43:10 > 0:43:12..and Charlie hits the canvas.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16Do you think if I ask for a gin and tonic, one will come through that door?