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 > 0:00:09- Are you with me? - ..a classic car...- Buckle up.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12..and a goal to scour Britain for antiques.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13- Ooh, sorry!- Ha-ha!
0:00:13 > 0:00:17The aim? To make the biggest profit at auction.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19But it's no mean feat.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- There'll be worthy winners... - Yes!- ..and valiant losers.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25So, will it be the high road to glory,
0:00:25 > 0:00:27or 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!
0:00:37 > 0:00:41Say bonjour to Bucks, in the company of seasoned trippers
0:00:41 > 0:00:44James Braxton and Charlie Ross.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- I was born just down the road here. - Really?- Yeah.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50And when my mother gave birth to me, there was a band outside playing.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53So, is this where you get your musicality from?
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- It must be.- It must be.- It must have come lofting through the window.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57That explains so much.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Auctioneer and am-dram fan Charlie
0:01:00 > 0:01:03made some canny purchases on the last leg.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05I love it, I love it, I love it.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08He fared better than his fellow gaveller James,
0:01:08 > 0:01:10after he bought one particularly
0:01:10 > 0:01:12questionable bit of art.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- Erm...- That's not good, is it?- No.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Wasn't your finest hour, yesterday, was it?
0:01:17 > 0:01:19I entered that auction room with some trepidation
0:01:19 > 0:01:23knowing that my Achilles heel was hanging on the wall.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28For some, it was hideous. To me, it was an uncut jewel.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30A bit like their motor for this trip -
0:01:30 > 0:01:32a classic Alfa Romeo Spider.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- I like the way this car has a voice, this one, doesn't it?- It does.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- Every time you turn the wheel, it blows at you.- Yeah.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42It has a sort of involuntary horn.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44HORN HONKS Gesundheit.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48Despite his disappointing daub, James is still on the up,
0:01:48 > 0:01:54increasing his initial £200 to a modest £259.62,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57while Charlie has narrowly squeaked ahead,
0:01:57 > 0:02:02turning his £200 into £282.46.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- That's no lead.- It isn't, really. - That's just time in the bar.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10After kicking off at Chart Sutton in Kent,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Charlie and James are motoring around the South East,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15moseying up towards the Midlands, and then heading west,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18before eventually making Dorset their destination,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21and a D-Day in Dorchester.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23This time out, they'll be cruising to a Cotswold auction
0:02:23 > 0:02:25at Wotton-under-Edge,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28but they start off sharing a shop in Wendover.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32If I see something I want to buy, if you would prefer it,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34I would have absolutely no compunction
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- in saying, "James, apres vous!" - "Take it."
0:02:37 > 0:02:38Very gallant.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41HORN HONKS
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Nestled at the foot of the Chiltern Hills,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47parts of Wendover were apparently a wedding present
0:02:47 > 0:02:49from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Now it's home to this antiques establishment.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Marvellous. Well done, sir.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- Beautiful driving, James.- Thank you.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Now, I wonder how long their gentlemanly conduct
0:02:59 > 0:03:01is going to last.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- Come on, James. After you. - No, no, no, after you.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- Age before beauty.- Winners first.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08They've barely got through the door.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- Good morning, sir.- Good morning.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- Morning.- Are you the boss? - Yes, definitely the boss.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- Splendid.- James.- How do you do, James?- Good.- Pleased to meet you.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- Dave.- Dave. Hello, Dave. I'm Charlie.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- I'm heading that way. - I'm heading this way.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24And they're off. There's lots of room to roam in here,
0:03:24 > 0:03:27and some genuinely old stuff, too.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Now, James, if you want to get ahead...
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- Hats suit me. - Some people just carry it off.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- Charlie?- Oh, yes!
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Erm, let's get on with it, though, shall we?
0:03:40 > 0:03:45Ooh, I like this. A lead mallet.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48I think that's probably a roofer's lead mallet,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51roofing churches and the like.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Why the bamboo handle?
0:03:53 > 0:03:57If that was an elm or an ash handle, feel the jar,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00but a bamboo would just have a little bit of give in it,
0:04:00 > 0:04:04which would make it much, much easier to use, softer on the hand.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08You're bashing your lead all the time, and I like it.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12The ticket price is £25. Already been reduced, though.
0:04:12 > 0:04:13And I think the handle is original.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17It's quite crude, but it's seen a lot of use.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I think we're going to call for Dave.
0:04:20 > 0:04:21Dave!
0:04:21 > 0:04:22Who seems keen, certainly.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26I love this. I think it's super.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- I don't think it's a priceless antique, I have to say.- How much is it?
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Well, it's £25, which isn't a lot of money.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32It's already come down, but, you know,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I think that would make £15 to £20 at auction.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- It doesn't belong to you, does it? - No, but I'm allowed to negotiate.
0:04:38 > 0:04:4020 quid?
0:04:40 > 0:04:44I'm going to be really parsimonious about this.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46I think it will make 15-20 at auction.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Well, the lowest I could go is 15, really.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52A small amount to pay, but the great thing is,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54there's not a lot of downside.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- I can't lose more than £15. - Exactly. Very good.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- I'll have it.- Good man. Good man.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- Top stuff, sir. Thank you very much. - That's what we like.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04So, Charlie is now a man with a mallet.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Any luck, James?
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I like this. Look. It says "pastry board".
0:05:09 > 0:05:15This ain't no pastry board. It's the base of a Chinese table.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- Tell us more. - So, this is huanghuali.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20This is this rosewood, sort of hardwood here.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24And then you've got this pink marble stone here.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27And it would have had legs. You see the sockets for there.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30These things make quite good money now,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33if you have the whole thing in its entirety.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35But obviously the base is missing.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40And somebody, very resourcefully, has called it a pastry board.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43That's quite a pastry board.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Better pass on that one, then. What else grabs you?
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Looking for something slightly out of place, something unusual.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54That's interesting.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Looks like ceramic. "Early font/fountain."
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Well, I think they're right with the fountain.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01We've got these lion masks here,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04and their mouths are open, so water could come out.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08What it feels like to me is architectural stoneware.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Looks more like worse for wear!
0:06:10 > 0:06:12It's really been bashed around.
0:06:12 > 0:06:13We've got remnants of some glue there.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15I don't know what's going on there.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17What have they got on it? They've got £75.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20If it had a mark of the Compton Pottery,
0:06:20 > 0:06:25or Coldstone or something like that, I'd be all over it like a rash,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27but it's really badly damaged.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Something I might buy at 35.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34I'm going to chance my arm at 35. Otherwise, it's back on the shelf.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39Sounds like a plan. Now, Charlie's got his eye on something else.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Love those Art Deco frames. They are so lovely.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47If they were silver, you know, they would be hundreds of pounds.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52But they're pewter, you know. How saleable are they?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Let's get it out and have a closer look.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59Now, are they reproduction or are they Art Deco?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02They are Art Deco.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Look at those oak backboards. Wonderful!
0:07:07 > 0:07:13Look at that sort of rigid, lightning motif on the top there,
0:07:13 > 0:07:18and these pure Deco panels - the angular panels.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19Art Deco - I love the Art Deco period,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22what I call the Charleston period.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Pretty girls with champagne glasses -
0:07:24 > 0:07:28the old-shape champagne glasses - dancing the Charleston.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31HE HUMS THE CHARLESTON
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Uh-oh, he's off.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38Those frames are priced up at £44 each, or 95 for all three.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40That's a good discount already.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42HE EXHALES
0:07:42 > 0:07:46If I was cruel, like James Braxton, I'd offer a silly price for those,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48but I'm not that nasty.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Or am I? Dave!
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- Gird your loins. - See these three Deco frames?
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- Oh, yeah, they're nice. - Well, they're wonderful.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- I thought, for a moment, they were silver. I almost...- Yeah.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02In some ways, they're better. They don't dull off like silver.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- You don't have to keep cleaning them like you do silver.- Yeah.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Less likely to be stolen.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- Exactly. They're wonderful. - HE LAUGHS
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- Do you want to just ask...? - Yeah. I will, yeah.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- What are you thinking, though? - I'd rather not say because it would be rude.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- Right, I'll go and find out. - Just go and see.- Yeah.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22So, while Dave consults the dealer, James is planning his next move.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25James Braxton, there's a little chess set there
0:08:25 > 0:08:27which reminds me of my youth.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30I was given a portable chess set like that...
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- Yeah?- ..which you could fold into a little box.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35I know, I know, and it retained your position, didn't it?
0:08:35 > 0:08:38And I had such an interest in chess then.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40I won a competition.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- No!- I've got a book at home -
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Prep School Chess Champion, or something.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Excellent. - It's all been downhill since then.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Excellent, excellent!
0:08:48 > 0:08:50You could have been the next Bobby Fischer.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51Ah, Dave's back.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55The lowest she can afford to go is £25 each.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57I think they're fabulous. I'm going to have them.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58Oh, you're a gentleman.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01So, 75 for those, and with that lead hammer,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03you owe the man £90.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- It's been an absolute pleasure. Grab and run.- Cheers.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- Thank you very much. Bye. - Thanks a lot.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10But James is yet to get off the blocks.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13He's still got his eye on that bit of a fountain.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17Now, I spotted this. I'm just in two minds about it.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22It has suffered extraordinary damage.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25It looks as though somebody has taken a sledgehammer to it.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Now, £75...
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- The best I can offer is 30 or 35. - We're going to struggle with that
0:09:32 > 0:09:37because I've spoken to the lady previously about this,
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- and 60 was the lowest she would ever come down.- Oh. Oh, well.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46- Maybe one day, she'll get 60, but not from me!- Right, OK.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49So, while James heads off empty-handed,
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Charlie's taken our route towards Bletchley Park,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56where the Enigma code was cracked in World War II.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59But he's here to discover how British code-breakers
0:09:59 > 0:10:02also dramatically changed the course of the Great War...
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- Michael.- Hello!- Charlie Ross. Lovely to see you.- And you, too.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11..in the company of the grandson of heroic cracker Nigel de Grey.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14He was head of a group which included bright people,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16intelligent people,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19people with special brains who could do decoding.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20Former publisher de Grey
0:10:20 > 0:10:26joined naval intelligence division Room 40 in early 1915.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- So, was Room 40 here or in London? - Room 40 was at the Admiralty.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31So, how many people have we got working, then?
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- About ten, I think. - Really?- Yeah, that was all.
0:10:35 > 0:10:36But by the end of the war,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39that had been multiplied by ten and there were over 100.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44Room 40 and their War Office counterparts in MI1b
0:10:44 > 0:10:48were tasked with trying to decode enemy radio signals
0:10:48 > 0:10:51using code books seized from German vessels.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Where were the codes going to?
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- Through Sweden, Denmark. - Two neutral countries.- Yeah.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57We'd cut all the other cables.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01They only had two running out of Germany, and this was one of them.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04The team, under director William "Blinker" Hall,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07had great success charting the movements of enemy vessels.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10These copies of Jane's Fighting Ships,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13complete with the crosses that indicate a ship sinking,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17offer a graphic reminder of the importance of good intelligence.
0:11:17 > 0:11:23Here, we have a listed frequency of German names that they used.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Started "Auf" down to "Wagon" - 26.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- So, someone's gone through all these things and listed these.- Yes.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- I mean, painstaking work. - Painstaking work.- Hours and hours.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Yes, absolutely. And then, you know, suddenly,
0:11:37 > 0:11:41you hope that you have inspiration, and you can suddenly say, "Ah!"
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- "I've got it!"- Yeah.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Code-breaker Dilly Knox, who managed his best work in the bathtub,
0:11:47 > 0:11:51was just one of the more eccentric residents of Room 40.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53There was no qualification for doing it.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55It was just having the right sort of brain.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- So, they could have been mathematicians?- Mathematicians.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59There was certainly one member of the Church.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- It was the brains they needed. - Yeah.- You know?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05And it hadn't been done before, so there was no training.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07But for all their eccentricities,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10the code-breakers played a decisive role
0:12:10 > 0:12:12when, in January 1917,
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Michael's grandfather intercepted a message from Germany to Mexico,
0:12:16 > 0:12:20which was to help persuade the United States to join the Allies.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23When he partially decoded the telegram,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25he realised how important it was,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29so he rushed to Blinker Hall, who was the boss, and said,
0:12:29 > 0:12:34"Sir, sir, do you want America to join the war?"
0:12:34 > 0:12:36"Yes, of course I do, my boy."
0:12:36 > 0:12:39"Well, sir, I think I might have something here that will help."
0:12:39 > 0:12:42The cable from Foreign Minister Zimmerman
0:12:42 > 0:12:46to his Mexican ambassador promised that the country would regain Texas,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48New Mexico and Arizona
0:12:48 > 0:12:52if they joined Germany in a war against the USA.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55I will read to you from my grandfather's fair copy
0:12:55 > 0:12:57of the decoding of this telegram.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02It says, "We intend to begin, on the 1st of February,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05"unrestricted submarine warfare.
0:13:05 > 0:13:11"We make Mexico a proposal of an alliance on the following terms -
0:13:11 > 0:13:14"make war together, make peace together."
0:13:14 > 0:13:16And, of course, the reason that they're doing that
0:13:16 > 0:13:18is they want to keep the Americans busy
0:13:18 > 0:13:22so that they don't join the war in Europe.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24No wonder America came into the war!
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Once the telegram was published,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30the US public's opposition to participation in the conflict
0:13:30 > 0:13:32was soon overcome,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36and the country declared war on Germany in April 1917.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38If I had been your grandfather...
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- ..the war would have ended much quicker the wrong way.- Well...
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Because I would still be looking at these numbers thinking,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49"What on Earth is this?" Michael, it's been absolutely fascinating.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51I'd like to thank you hugely.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Now, what's the mood in the Alfa?
0:13:57 > 0:14:01Braxton is the name, bargains is the game.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04In high spirits, I'd say, and James needs to be.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07He's drawn a blank so far.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10He's heading into Bedfordshire, and Dunstable...
0:14:11 > 0:14:14..paying a visit to Mannuccis Antiques.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Hello.- Oh, hello. Hi.- James.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Pleased to meet you, James. I'm Richard.- Hello, Richard.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- Mannucci - it's a good name, isn't it?- It is, yes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Could be an antiques shop, could be an ice cream parlour.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Well, maybe you can get a double scoop in here, then.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Something with extra sprinkles!
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Pretty zany, isn't it?
0:14:37 > 0:14:41Nice bit of oak, tile top. It's quite different.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44It's structurally different. It looks quite strong.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47So, that's been made sort of turn of the century,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49and I'm talking about the 1900s here.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Ou est the Jessie J?
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Yes, don't forget about the price tag.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Very discreet. 135.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58It's too much. That should be...
0:14:58 > 0:15:01You know, I should be picking up that for 50 or 60,
0:15:01 > 0:15:02and then I'm in with a chance.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Well, don't worry, James. There's plenty more in here.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Maybe Richard can help.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- Rather impressive fellow here. - What are we looking at?
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- I like the look of this here.- OK.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13An old sea chest.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16It looks as though it's been around a bit, doesn't it?
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- It has.- It's carrying a couple of scars here.- Yes.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20It's not mahogany.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22I think it's a hardwood, and I think we should be smelling.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- We should, yes. - Ah, the Braxton sniff test.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- I'm getting camphor.- Camphor, yes.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Probably for linen, then. Keeps the moths away.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32Hey, I like this. What's this?
0:15:32 > 0:15:36"US ship of the line Pennsylvania. 141 guns."
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- It's got quite a nice shape to it. - It goes up, doesn't it, unusually?
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Do you know what they call that shape?
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Pylon. Like a pylon.- Oh, pylon. OK.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47So, Egyptians liked these pylons,
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- and we adapted it for electricity cables.- Yes.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Cor, every day is a schoolday around here.
0:15:52 > 0:15:53I like that. What's the price?
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- 110.- Do you think we could do better than that, chief?
0:15:56 > 0:15:58I think we could do something, certainly.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- What are we talking? 70? - Ooh, I don't know.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05I'll make a phone call and see what we can do, shall I?
0:16:05 > 0:16:06All dovetail-jointed, as well.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- Stop talking it up, Richard. Get on the phone.- OK.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Patience, James. Let's see what the dealer has to say.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15You have a box, a trunk.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18You've got 110 on it,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21and the gentleman's made an offer of £70.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Can you do that?
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Yeah, all right, I shall tell him. OK. Thanks, Rob.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28What did he tell me to do, Richard?
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Leave the shop? - He said that's fine. You're OK.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Wow! Sold.- Sold.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Looks like the drought is over, then.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- Now the flood.- Any moths, Richard? - No, no. No moths here.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- So, what have we got here? We've got a footstool.- We have.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47And then turn it over.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- Turned over, you've got a lid there. - Oh, we've got a lid!- Oh, yes.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- You've got everything. - All the extras.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- What are you calling this, a footstool?- Yeah.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- For want of a better word. - You need to call it an ottoman.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00And then you can charge James more for it.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- What can you do this for, Richard?- Erm, 45.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- What shall we say?- 30? - I was just going to say 35.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Go on, Richard. You can do better than that.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- 32.- 32, come on. - That meets somewhere in the middle.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- There we go.- The deals are coming thick and fast now.
0:17:15 > 0:17:16Anything else in the vicinity?
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Keep searching. - I'm just sort of looking around.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Keep searching.- Looking around. - Don't let me stop you.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24What's that? That was to put your kettle on, wasn't it?
0:17:24 > 0:17:26It would have gone by the fire, yeah.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28You'd have had your kettle and the various things there.
0:17:28 > 0:17:29Quite fancy, isn't it?
0:17:29 > 0:17:33I don't think I've ever seen such a thick bit of brass in my life.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38The acid test to anything worth buying is weight, Richard.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- Look at that. - HE GROANS
0:17:41 > 0:17:44And the lift. Just straightening up.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Lordy! Mind your back, old bean.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48I tell you what - all these gym memberships,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- what a waste of time.- Who needs it?
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- That's good, isn't it? - It is, actually, yeah.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- What is the price on that, actually? - I'm going to sit down for a minute.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- What does that say?- God! - Are you all right?- The old ticker.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- £50. Look at that. - £50. How much? 50?
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- £50.- 35, Richard. Come on.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- How about 40?- 40. Oh, dear! 38.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Go on.- 38. Come on, put it there.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14That's three large lumps for a combined total of £140.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- That's lovely. Thank you, James. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20And with that little spree over, time to get back on the open road.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Have you noticed you've picked up a bit of countryside
0:18:22 > 0:18:25on your wing mirror? It looks like a mint from here.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27I held it to my nose. I hope it's not a...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- No, I think it's nettle.- Nettle.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31It's dangerous business, this smell test.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32Nighty-night.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Next day, James is still taken with his latest trick of the trade.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42The Braxton lexicon of indicators has now gone up.
0:18:42 > 0:18:48I'm buying purely on sense of smell.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49Did the job, too.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Yesterday, James acquired a smell-tested sea chest,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56an ottoman and a brass fire fender.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00He still has just shy of £120 to spend today.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05I bought three items, one of them an absolute belter.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07No! No!
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Whilst Charlie also sniffed out a couple of goodies,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13acquiring a roofer's lead mallet and some Art Deco picture frames...
0:19:13 > 0:19:15# The Charleston... #
0:19:15 > 0:19:19..leaving him little over £190 to play with.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23Well, I made a little inroad into my substantial profits.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28I just wonder whether I paid a little too much money, but...
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- Excellent! - HE LAUGHS
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Later, they'll be heading to auction at Wotton-under-Edge,
0:19:34 > 0:19:36but first, James is getting dropped off
0:19:36 > 0:19:39at Stoke Bruerne on the bank
0:19:39 > 0:19:41of the Grand Union Canal.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- Right, off you go, old chap. - Off we go.- Have a good trip!
0:19:46 > 0:19:48I think he just did. Oh, dear.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50For goodness' sake, James!
0:19:50 > 0:19:53I think I've mastered it now, Charlie.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Well done.- Bye.- Have a good time.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Canals were the motorways of their day,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59allowing large quantities of goods
0:19:59 > 0:20:01to be transported across the country,
0:20:01 > 0:20:05with the Grand Union connecting London to Birmingham.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09James is meeting a local historian whose family worked on the canals,
0:20:09 > 0:20:10Lorna York.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- Hello. James.- Hello. Lorna. - Hello, Lorna. Lovely to meet you.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18I hear you're the first generation to live on land.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21I am, yes. My father was the last one born on the boats.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- Really?- Yeah, and we go back to the 1790s on the canal.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29The narrow boats hauled everything
0:20:29 > 0:20:31from raw materials to finished products,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34and also provided a living space for the men who worked them,
0:20:34 > 0:20:35and their families.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38You were allowed two adults and two children in this cabin,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42but it would frequently have what they called a butty boat,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- which is an unpowered boat which they would tow.- Yeah.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49In that cabin, you could have another six children in.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Because the boats were where the bargees lived as well as worked,
0:20:53 > 0:20:54they wanted to make them feel more homely,
0:20:54 > 0:20:59and so the art style that we still associate with canals was born.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02The women had come onto the canal more
0:21:02 > 0:21:04and they liked to have some decoration.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07And this was the fashion at the time,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09so the boat people wanted that themselves.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14Known as Roses and Castles after two of its most prominent motifs,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17the pretty floral designs were usually created
0:21:17 > 0:21:18in the boats' builders yard
0:21:18 > 0:21:21by the men who constructed and painted these vessels.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24This is a style of Braunston dockyard,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- just north of here. - I like the ribbons.- And the bands.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- So, this was for cups of tea and washing, as well.- Yeah, and cooking.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- Where would this be placed, then? - On the cabin top.- On the cabin top.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- Yeah.- So, yeah, it would be seen...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Oh, yeah.- ..by lots of people. So, decoration.- Yeah.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41They hadn't got any actual furniture,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44so they embellished everyday things like the water cans,
0:21:44 > 0:21:48the washing bowls, the doors, the cupboard doors,
0:21:48 > 0:21:52so that they had something that was pretty, that they could enjoy.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Fashions in the outside world moved on,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57but because the narrow boat men were an isolated community,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00their traditional design continues to this day.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04How did they get on with the latest sort of neoclassical
0:22:04 > 0:22:05and Art Nouveau periods?
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- No, you didn't.- No. - Don't worry about that one.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11This was still going.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15The museum also has a replica of a typical narrow boat interior
0:22:15 > 0:22:19and our James is keen to squeeze in and take a look.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Mind your head.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24My goodness me, what a space!
0:22:24 > 0:22:26So, four people, potentially, lived in here.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31Two adults and two children, yes. That would be the permitted amount.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- It is tiny, isn't it?- Yes, but everything has got its place.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37So, we've got the range.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- Yes, for cooking, hot water, making the cups of tea.- Yeah.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44This would be your cupboard to store your crockery,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46and when you drop the cupboard door down,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49it becomes a table. This is your bed.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- That's our beds, is it?- Right. - HE LAUGHS
0:22:51 > 0:22:55It would undo and that flap would come down,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57and that would be the bed for the parents.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01It's a double bed, but it's only actually 37in wide.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06- How long would it be? - Well, it's just about 6ft.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Just 6ft.- Yeah.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Most boatmen were not of a tall stature.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Average height was about 5'3".
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Well, Lorna, given the fact that I'm well over 6ft,
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- I don't think the boating life is for me, is it?- Not really, no.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Better stick to the antiques business, James.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24And look, here's a bit of a reminder.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28A boat called Charlie. I can't get away from the man!
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Now, where's the proper Charlie?
0:23:32 > 0:23:34He's steering the Spider south-west
0:23:34 > 0:23:37and he's a little concerned about his rival.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40James is far too chipper today.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43He obviously had a good day buying.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46I just wish he'd buy a few more of those ghastly paintings.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Charlie's making a beeline for Northamptonshire and Brackley,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52which was once one of Richard the Lionheart's
0:23:52 > 0:23:55official jousting sites.
0:23:55 > 0:24:01But with around £190 in his pocket, what will Charlie tilt towards?
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Aha! There's a face I recognise.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- Jim, how are you? - Hello, Charlie. Good morning.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- Good to see you.- You're looking very flowery, very Caribbean.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13This place is quite a size. Easy to get lost in here.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Perhaps a friendly local guide might help.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20I always like a recommendation, Jim. Well, that's a proper table.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- It's lovely, isn't it? - That's George II.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27Pad foot, lovely Honduras mahogany.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Why am I building it up? It's unsaleable today.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- No, it's lovely. - Absolutely unsaleable.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- It's lovely.- What we have to look for here is,
0:24:34 > 0:24:39are the leaves original to the top?
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- They look as if they are, don't they?- They do.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44I'm going to look underneath it because that's the key.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Yes, always good to get under the bonnet.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I've got an odd request. You haven't got a torch, have you?
0:24:50 > 0:24:51We have, yes. I'll get one.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53And as if by magic...
0:24:53 > 0:24:55That's amazing.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- What do you think?- I think the top is absolutely spot-on.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Got some new blocks under there, but so what?
0:25:02 > 0:25:04If I was a couple of hundred years old,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I'd want some new blocks, I should think.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- Lovely.- 18th-century heaven. - I think it's a lovely table.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Well, of course you would. You own it!
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Right, down to the thorny subject of money.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19Tell you what, this has got to be rudely cheap.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23I reckon, at auction, that would make something absolutely absurd,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25like 60-80 quid, which is a joke.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- Yes, it is.- It should be worth £350, but it isn't.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- So, £40 would be a bargain.- Cor!
0:25:32 > 0:25:34I'm probably going to be shown the door in a minute.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38I'm going to say something to you which you're not going to like.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Would £30 show you a profit?
0:25:40 > 0:25:43I can see that Caribbean shirt twitching.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- Well, I want you to beat James... - HE LAUGHS
0:25:46 > 0:25:50- ..so we will do a deal at that. - Are you honestly...?- Yes.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53It's a wonder. You know, even if the auctioneer gives it away,
0:25:53 > 0:25:56I love it, and it's made me think of the good old days, Jim.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- Yes.- Do you think we'll see them back?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- Don't know. Hope so.- Yeah.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- I do. Tomorrow!- Yes! - THEY LAUGH
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Well, fingers crossed, Charlie.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09It might be cheap, but it's still a gamble.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Cor, you've put a skip in my step.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17But whilst Charlie heads off happy, James is about to get shopping.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19His last retail opportunity of the day
0:26:19 > 0:26:23is in the county town of Northamptonshire.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25He's got around £120 to splash about
0:26:25 > 0:26:28and Edora Antiques gives him two floors
0:26:28 > 0:26:30crammed with goodies in which to do it.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32But is he feeling the pressure?
0:26:32 > 0:26:35This is a crucial stage for me.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37I'm in my third shop of my third leg.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40I've bought three strong items already yesterday.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44Now, today, I want profit, profit and profit.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49Sounds like a firm of solicitors! What's tickled his fancy there?
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Now, these are great fun.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54This is figures after a very famous cartoonist
0:26:54 > 0:26:58called Norman Thelwell and this one is entitled Kick Start.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02It's done by Beswick Pottery. Little pony club girls.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07Here's Penelope on her very reluctant Shetland pony.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08How much have we got on this? £60.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12That's about the price of these things.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14I think there were four or five of these figures
0:27:14 > 0:27:17that were produced by Beswick. Very comical.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21But probably a bit of an also-ran in terms of profit.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Keep looking. Charlie, meanwhile,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27has arrived at the Oxfordshire town of Bicester.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31With just over £160 left, what can he find in here?
0:27:31 > 0:27:35- Ian!- Hi, Charlie.- How are you? - Good. How are you?- Nice to see you.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- Have you got anything that might suit me, do you think? - You might find a few bits.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Do make sure to look under everything.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- Look under everything? - There's bits everywhere.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Let's have a look under everything, then.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Right, viewers, what's in there?
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Oh, goody, I love a quiz.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Yes, nothing at all.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55But what was in there? This is a music box.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Well, this is the box for a music box.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Probably made in Switzerland.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02You can see a couple of grooves in here where the movement,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04which was a cylinder movement...
0:28:04 > 0:28:07There would be a lever which moved the cylinder
0:28:07 > 0:28:10so that you got a different configuration of pins
0:28:10 > 0:28:14so it played another tune. Unfortunately, all that is missing.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- It is just an empty box. - And where's the fun in that?
0:28:18 > 0:28:22- But he looks quite jolly. - It's great. Look at it!
0:28:22 > 0:28:27Little toby jug. Most toby jugs are pottery, earthenware.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29It's actually silver plate.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31It's got a bit of age, without a doubt.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35I don't think it's quite Victorian. I think it's probably Edwardian.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36Ian, talk to me about this.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- I've never seen anything quite like this.- It's lovely, isn't it?
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- Oh, no, I think it's ghastly. - See, I love it.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45I love that sort of beaten effect.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49They've always got this rather standard face on them, Toby jugs,
0:28:49 > 0:28:54- all the teeth showing. How much is it?- I'm looking for 45.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Are you? I can't see 45 in there.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00But I'm sure, for you, I can do something. I could do 30.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02- How's that?- Could you?
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Not 25?
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- 28.- Ha! 28!
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- Oh! Is that all right? - That's absolutely fine.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- Are you sure?- Yeah. - Keep that safely.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- Will do.- I need one more thing.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17So, while Charlie continues to peruse,
0:29:17 > 0:29:20is there anything to declare in Northampton?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22This is rather nice. What do they say?
0:29:22 > 0:29:24"Silver gilt cufflinks."
0:29:24 > 0:29:27I like the price - 15 quid.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30So, I think I can just about read those.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Nine carat and silver.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Cufflinks are always a good present.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39They're presents for weddings, presents for christenings.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42They've got a case - that looks rather nice -
0:29:42 > 0:29:45and at £15, that's a purchase.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49Very decisive, James. Best to talk to the dealer.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Sonia, I've found something.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- Ooh, what have you found? - Oh, it didn't take me long.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55I've got a little pair of...
0:29:55 > 0:29:57They're silver gilt cufflinks.
0:29:57 > 0:30:0015 squid. What could you do that for?
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Is there a little discount to help me along my way?
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- I could do 12.- 12?- Mm.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07- How about ten?- How about 11?
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- Sonia's a fighter.- I'll give you 12. I don't want to be mean.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13- Thank you.- 12. Thank you, Sonia.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16What else have you got? Have you got anything tucked behind there, Sonia?
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Something caught your eye, James? - What's that picture?
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- Reveal your goodies. - We know you like your pictures.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23They don't always like him, though.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26OK, clue's in the place - Sandringham Estate.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30- What have you got on that? - Don't faint. It's 145.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- 145.- Mm-hm.- Can we do a deal?
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Give me a price and I'll see if it's good enough.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- 50 quid.- Ooh!
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- As it's you, go on. £50. - Really? 50 quid?
0:30:40 > 0:30:44OK, put it there. Thank you very much indeed, Sonia.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Another lightning purchase - £62 altogether.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52He thinks he's got something good there.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- Ooh, why the long face? - That is not good news.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58I got slightly overexcited in there.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00I looked at farm buildings, Sandringham Estate,
0:31:00 > 0:31:03and I looked at the Prince of Wales, so, Prince Charles.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05I know he's a keen artist,
0:31:05 > 0:31:07and I thought, "Oh, original watercolour.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11"That's worth some money." It's a print! James, it's a print!
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Has no signatures whatsoever on it. When am I going to learn?
0:31:15 > 0:31:18I bought a picture in the last one. That made a tenner.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21This is likely to make another tenner.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24That's the quickest bit of buyer's remorse I've ever seen!
0:31:24 > 0:31:29Back in Bicester, Charlie is being pointed towards a sizeable item.
0:31:29 > 0:31:30- What about the big desk?- What, this?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- Oh, it's beautiful, that. - That's ghastly!
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Got a fair amount of bling on it, certainly.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39Was 595, now 350.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42I mean, that is, you know, French...
0:31:43 > 0:31:45..ghastliness at its best.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Well, actually, of course,
0:31:47 > 0:31:49an 18th-century one would have been rather splendid, wouldn't it?
0:31:49 > 0:31:51You've got me going here.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53I walked straight past that cos I thought,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55"This is just absolutely ridiculous."
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Nice bit of 18th-century French furniture.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00The trouble is, Ian, it's probably about ten years old.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03It's absolutely awful.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05I'm getting the impression he's not a fan.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07If I bought this, I'd be mad.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- How much is it? Go on, give me a death price.- 150.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Hang on, he's not thinking about it, is he?
0:32:13 > 0:32:21I'll be absolutely honest with you. I've got £134.46 left.
0:32:21 > 0:32:28If I gave you £134.46, would you sell me your desk?
0:32:28 > 0:32:32- You are now the proud owner... - No! No! No, no, no!
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- ..of a lovely, French-style desk. - Good grief!
0:32:35 > 0:32:38We're all making dubious decisions today.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41There's no doubt that's the most ridiculous thing I have ever bought.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- It's a lot of desk for the money. - Somebody might like it.
0:32:44 > 0:32:45Well, they might.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48So, the desk and that toby jug clean him out.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- Thank you very much. - I can tell you that
0:32:51 > 0:32:53that is everything I've got in the world.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- Lovely.- Thank you very much indeed. - Thank you very much, Charlie.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Now, back together again. Are we ready for the auction?
0:33:01 > 0:33:06In boxing terms, the corner sponge has been applied,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10the bell is ringing and here comes the sledgehammer left.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Them's fighting words. But first, time for some shut-eye.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Welcome to Wotton, a lovely market town
0:33:20 > 0:33:24nestled beneath a limestone cliff, which is why it's "under-Edge".
0:33:24 > 0:33:27What a lovely day, isn't it? It's a day for profits, Charlie.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- You think so? You're confident, aren't you?- I am.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31I can feel profits.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35I can feel profits, or it was that fried slice I got for lunch.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Charming! After kicking off in Wendover, Buckinghamshire,
0:33:38 > 0:33:43our two have wandered west to Wotton in the Cotswolds.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46Here to sell at Wotton Auction Rooms,
0:33:46 > 0:33:48complete with its own stained-glass window
0:33:48 > 0:33:49and internet bidding.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55James parted with £202 on his five auction lots...
0:33:55 > 0:33:56Wow! Sold!
0:33:56 > 0:34:02..while Charlie blew his whole £282.46 on his five lots.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04But do they rate each other's items?
0:34:04 > 0:34:07This is absolutely beautiful,
0:34:07 > 0:34:09but it just shows you the state of the furniture market.
0:34:09 > 0:34:15£30 for something that would have been in an aristocrat's home
0:34:15 > 0:34:20or a very smart London home during the period of George II.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24He's bought this on weight.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28The gauge is extraordinary, the quality is magnificent,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31but sadly, who needs a fender nowadays?
0:34:31 > 0:34:34How many people have fireplaces in their houses,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37other than James Braxton?
0:34:37 > 0:34:41But what's attracted the attention of auctioneer Philip Taubenheim?
0:34:41 > 0:34:44By pure chance, we've got a big collection of toby jugs in today.
0:34:44 > 0:34:4618th-19th century ceramic Toby jugs.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48This, sadly, doesn't quite come into that range,
0:34:48 > 0:34:51but we will have toby jug collectors in the room, so we've got hopes there.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54We've got a signed watercolour by Prince Charles in today,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56which we think will make 1,000.
0:34:56 > 0:34:57Sadly, this is not that.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00They have bought a print rather than a watercolour,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02which will make just maybe £20.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06The desk will either fly or it will floor.
0:35:06 > 0:35:07If Liberace were here,
0:35:07 > 0:35:09we'd have a really good chance of selling that desk.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Sadly, he's no longer with us.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13They've bought some quite quirky things amongst them,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16and, actually, quirky works well at Wotton-under-Edge.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Oh, these two are all about novelty.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22We're very close to the action here.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- I can really taste the dust. Can you taste the dust?- Mm.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29It's those rugs. I think I might recommend a Hoover.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31There's probably one on sale.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35First up is Charlie's lead basher. It would make a great gavel.
0:35:35 > 0:35:3720 to start. 20. It's at £10.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- That's all right.- £10.
0:35:40 > 0:35:4115, I'm bid. Thank you. At 15, I'm bid.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43And 20, I'm bid. 25, will you?
0:35:43 > 0:35:46At 25, I'm bid. Bid's there at £25.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- £25!- What a splendid auctioneer. Pretty good.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51- At £25, it goes. - GAVEL BANGS
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- Congratulations, sir. - I think you got away with that one.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58Yes, not a bad hammer price there.
0:35:58 > 0:35:59What's coming up next?
0:35:59 > 0:36:01I don't know. Something of value, hopefully.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05Well, it's James's right royal blunder.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09This could be the greatest mistake you've ever made in your life.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12It'd be very funny if I got a profit cos I don't deserve it.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14What will we say? £20 for it?
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Prince Charles' work for £20. 25, I'm bid.
0:36:16 > 0:36:1830, I'm bid. At £30, I'm bid.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20On the wings there at £30, I'm bid.
0:36:20 > 0:36:2435. At 35. No mistake. All considered it, then?
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- At £35, and it's sold. - GAVEL BANGS
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- It could have been a lot worse. - It could have been. Congratulations.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32I think we'll consider that a result, James.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37But you've got your quality items still to come.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Or have you?
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Well, these cuff links are rather nice.
0:36:41 > 0:36:42Go with the nails.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47- £20, I'm bid, thank you. - 20 already! It's a big profit.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51- It's only the start.- 30, I'm bid. - Look at this.- At £30, I'm bid.
0:36:51 > 0:36:52At £30. Not dear, are they?
0:36:52 > 0:36:54- They're lovely. - Happy enough with that?
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- £30, the best we can manage. At 30. - GAVEL BANGS
0:36:56 > 0:36:58That's just about made up for the print.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Not by a long chalk, but James is a trier.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05I have got to win this one to stay in the running.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Otherwise, you're just going to coast home.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11When have you ever known me to coast home?
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Well, there was that one time with the elephant.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16His picture frames are next.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18At £30, I'm bid. 55 online. At 55.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20- That's better.- 55 - that's better. - 55, I'm bid.
0:37:20 > 0:37:2255, I'm bid. 60 in the room, I'm bid.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26At 60, I'm bid. 65, I'm bid. Online bid. At 65, I'm bid.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- 70. New buyer in at £70.- Come on! - £70, I'm bid.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Quite happy with that? No mistake. At £70, and they sell.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- GAVEL BANGS - 70 is the price.- A small loss.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41Ah, but you did love them, unlike some of your other lots.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- Can I withdraw the desk?- No, you may not.- Can I pull out now?
0:37:44 > 0:37:45- No.- Can I phone up the man in the shop
0:37:45 > 0:37:47and sell it back to him for 50 quid?
0:37:47 > 0:37:52Next is James's footstool, or ottoman, if we're being posh.
0:37:52 > 0:37:5430, if you like. At £30 for a low start.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58Ooh, you're in at 30. It cost what? It cost 32!
0:37:58 > 0:38:0245. 50, I'm bid. 55, I'm bid. Online again. 60, I'm bid.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04It climbs, as you can see. 65, I'm bid. 70, I'm bid.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06At 75, I'm bid. At 75.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08A cheap thing for the money at £75.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Yeah, well done. Well done to him.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- All done at £75?- That's all right. - GAVEL BANGS
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Braxton!
0:38:15 > 0:38:19If I may say so, Braxton is back.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Ottoman it is, then. Well done, James.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26HRH print is now a distant memory. I've sponged...
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- I've already forgotten about it. - I've forgotten about it. Who is he?
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Now time for Charlie's toby.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34That's a £20 lot. At £20.
0:38:34 > 0:38:35- Ooh, that's not enough. - That's all right.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38At £20, I'm bid. 25, I'm bid. Thank you.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- Thank you. Come on, sir. - At 25, I'm bid.
0:38:40 > 0:38:4330. It's back in the room. At £30, I'm bid.
0:38:43 > 0:38:44It's still not quite a profit, is it?
0:38:44 > 0:38:4635 anywhere? At £30, I'm bid.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49All done? You happy enough with that at £30?
0:38:49 > 0:38:50And it's sold at 30. 35, I'm bid.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- Ooh!- 35. You're out in the room.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54- Well done, sir!- At £35, I'm bid.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58- No mistake. £35 is the price. - GAVEL BANGS
0:38:58 > 0:38:59Got my money back.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02With a wee bit for the coffers.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05It reminded me slightly of you. It was just...
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- What's the polite way? Portly?- How rude.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13The sea chest now. Can James smell profit?
0:39:13 > 0:39:1580 for the box? 50 for the box, I'm bid.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- Ooh, £50. - Good travelling box at £50, I'm bid.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21- 55.- Ooh, well done. - 55 online. At 55, I'm bid.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24At 55. 60 on my book. At 60, I'm bid. £60, I'm bid.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- Nearly there.- At £60. 65, I'm bid. - Well done.- At 65.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Back in the room now at 65, I'm bid. 70, I'm bid.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33I'm expecting it to be 150, 200.
0:39:33 > 0:39:3580, I'm bid. At £80, I'm bid.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37- Letting it go through, then.- £80.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39- GAVEL BANGS - 80 is the price.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40You're OK, James. You're all right.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42You're just sort of washing along, aren't you?
0:39:42 > 0:39:43I thought that was a biggie.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Yeah, he'd pinned his hopes on that one.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51Sometimes, I don't think people latch onto the story.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53They do not latch on.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57Charlie's bargain table. He loved it. Anyone else?
0:39:57 > 0:40:01Should be 100, but I'll start at... What should we start at? 50?
0:40:01 > 0:40:0240, I'm bid, thank you. At 40, I'm bid.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04- Don't give it away.- £40, I'm bid.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- 45. Thank you, madam, at 45. - Oh, I can't bear this.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- 50, I'm bid.- This is so cheap.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11- It's all right, it's all right. - At £50, I'm bid.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Anybody else joining in? At £50, and it's sold.
0:40:14 > 0:40:15- GAVEL BANGS - 50 is the price.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Charlie, Charlie, don't look despondent.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20It's a profit.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23It is, but no return to the good old days.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24Don't take it personally.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28You are not responsible for the whole of the furniture market.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31I sometimes feel as if I am.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Hey, big fender.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36£30 for it. £30 for the... £30, I'm bid. Thank you.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- Straight in.- Got 30 straight in! - At 30, I'm bid.
0:40:38 > 0:40:3935, I'm bid. 40, can you?
0:40:39 > 0:40:4140, I'm bid.
0:40:41 > 0:40:4345, I'm bid. 50, will you?
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- 50, I'm bid. - It's quality. It is quality.
0:40:46 > 0:40:4855, I'm bid.
0:40:48 > 0:40:5160, I'm bid. 65, I'm bid.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- Keep going. It's the best one we'll see.- Fantastic.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- 75, I'm bid.- Never see a better one. I've never seen a better one.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59- No mistake. At £75, then. - GAVEL BANGS
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Braxton! Braxton!
0:41:01 > 0:41:04See, weight. It's all about weight, mate.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07All that rigorous testing finally paid off.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10Well, I think you've opened up clear water.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12No, I don't think so. You've got the desk.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16It passes the Braxton weight test, at least.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21I am prepared to have a little wager for £1 as to the hammer price.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23- Well, I don't want to be rude... - No, no, no.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26I'm going to go 160.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30- High roller, high roller!- £80.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33I think Charlie's got the jitters.
0:41:33 > 0:41:34£100 to start. Somebody, surely?
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Thank you. At 100, I'm bid.
0:41:36 > 0:41:37We're away. At £100, I'm bid.
0:41:37 > 0:41:43At 110. 120. 130. 140. 150.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- Ooh, hang on.- 160.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50- James, James...- 170. 180.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- Keep going, sir.- 185.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Look at the quality on it. At £185, all done?
0:41:55 > 0:41:59- 190 online.- Ooh! Online, sir.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01200, I'm bid. The room bid's 200.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- 220, I'm bid.- Oh!- No! - Ooh, Mr Braxton!
0:42:04 > 0:42:07240 anywhere? At £220.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- All done at 220. - GAVEL BANGS
0:42:09 > 0:42:11- Down the hammer falls. - Well done, well done, well done.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13Well done.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16The good old days are back, and with that hefty profit,
0:42:16 > 0:42:18their work here is done.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20Let's do the sums, shall we? There's a lot of sums to be done.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- I can't work it out at all. - Leave it to me, Charlie.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28James began with £259.62.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32After auction costs, he made a profit of £39.90,
0:42:32 > 0:42:37leaving him with £299.52 to spend next time...
0:42:39 > 0:42:43..while Charlie started out with £282.46.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47After costs, he made a profit of £45.54,
0:42:47 > 0:42:53so he slightly increases his lead with £328 exactly.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- Oh, the sun is still shining! - I know. It's lovely, isn't it?
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- On my life. - It's all gone horribly wrong.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04Next on Antiques Road Trip...
0:43:04 > 0:43:07- That's Glastonbury Tor.- Where? - Over there. South-southwest.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10..a magical mystery tor...
0:43:10 > 0:43:13I can't even get off the ground, let alone above my head!
0:43:13 > 0:43:15..with several Braxton weight tests...
0:43:15 > 0:43:19You'd need a big, heavy farmer to lift that.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21- Cheers.- ..and a dozen oysters.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23I think it's the best road trip I've ever had.