0:00:02 > 0:00:05The nation's favourite antiques experts, £200 each and one big challenge.
0:00:05 > 0:00:11- Testing, testing.- Who can make the most money buying and selling antiques as they scour the UK?
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Do I see 80? 75?
0:00:14 > 0:00:17The aim is to trade up and hope each antique turns a profit,
0:00:17 > 0:00:21but it's not as easy as it sounds, and there can only be one winner.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- Come on, let's go. - So will it be the highway to success
0:00:24 > 0:00:28- or the B road to bankruptcy? - Job done.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- I'm now broke. - This is the Antiques Road Trip.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46Our two antiques experts this week are Charles Hanson and Jonathan Pratt.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54Charles Hanson began his career at Christie's and is passionate about early English porcelain.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01That's a nice little piece of Crown Devon. Crown Devon, lustre, you think of Wedgwood.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Same sort of period. £12.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05It's such a bargain.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07CRASHING
0:01:07 > 0:01:08Lordy!
0:01:09 > 0:01:10It WAS a bargain.
0:01:10 > 0:01:16Auctioneer and gemologist Jonathan Pratt doesn't mind getting dirty in the pursuit of hidden treasures.
0:01:16 > 0:01:23He likes a laugh and he's also extremely thin.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26There we go. Soot.
0:01:27 > 0:01:33Charles starts this trip with a very respectable £259.17.
0:01:33 > 0:01:39Jonathan begins this leg just behind Charles with £249.07.
0:01:39 > 0:01:40So it's all to play for.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50This Road Trip is around spectacular Northern Ireland and Northwest England.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55On this leg, Charles and Jonathan are back
0:01:55 > 0:02:00in Blighty, starting in Liverpool and heading for auction in Runcorn.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Today, Liverpool is better known as the birthplace of...
0:02:06 > 0:02:11Yes, you've guessed it, those four lovable mop tops, the Beatles.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15But during the 19th century, it was the second-most important city
0:02:15 > 0:02:17of the British Empire, after London.
0:02:17 > 0:02:2240% of the world's trade passed through its docks.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26So our two chaps have come along to its most famous, Albert Dock.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31A World Heritage Site with the largest single collection
0:02:31 > 0:02:35of Grade 1 listed buildings anywhere in Britain.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42But our boys seem more interested in mucking about than in Liverpool's
0:02:42 > 0:02:44rich heritage.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Enough mucking about, chaps, time to work. Like girls.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59First stop for Charles is aptly named Tunnel Antiques.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04This is like the golden age of the antiques market, 30 years ago.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Things are stacked really high, it's dark,
0:03:07 > 0:03:12you can't quite make out what you're buying, but all the better to find the real bargains.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14It's called the Tunnel. We can see why.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21Across town, Jonathan is wondering where he should start.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Is everything for sale, even like bits of metalware and things like that?
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- Yes. All these items.- If I saw like a really good looking door knocker or something...
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- Yes, they're there... - They're there to be sold.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Circa 1900, mahogany with chequered banding on the edges.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Could be used for a piano stool.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Although the auctioneer has said
0:03:44 > 0:03:46best not to buy furniture.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Anyway.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53Good thinking, Jonathan, for planning ahead and finding out
0:03:53 > 0:03:57from the auctioneer at Runcorn what sells and what doesn't.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Back in the Tunnel, something polished catches Charles' eye.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03I like this, Paul.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- Great colour, love the dish-top, Paul, and of course, it's a snap top, isn't it?- Snap top.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10So what you do, snap top table, like that,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12up it goes. Look at that.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18The snap top table is on a latch, allowing it to be tilted up
0:04:18 > 0:04:23after the tea ceremony and the table put away until the following day.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27And it's a snip, or a snap, at £150.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31So we're talking 1775. We're going back to mad King George III.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34It just oozes quality and age, doesn't it?
0:04:34 > 0:04:37I'll take £100. Not even a pound a year.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Paul, I'm very tempted with that table because
0:04:40 > 0:04:44I like it. And my taste, sometimes, has to outweigh commercial gain.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48Isn't this a competition, Charles?
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- Paul, you know the Ashanti table? - The Ashanti stool can be £50.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- Is that period?- That's a period one.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- So, Paul, tell me about it. - It's an Ashanti stool.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04From?
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Africa.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08Yes. Allow me to enlighten you.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Geography lesson number one.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14The Ashanti are a major ethnic group in Ghana.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18By the 18th century, their kingdom covered most of the country.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21To them, a stool was spiritual as well as practical.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Literally, the seat of the owner's soul.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- Best price?- 50 quid.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Oh, come on, Charles, buy something!
0:05:32 > 0:05:33That's a good chair, isn't it?
0:05:33 > 0:05:35From 1830.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- £25, is that right? - It can be 20 quid.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40£20? For a William IV chair.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- It's nothing, is it?- It's nothing. - You say a leg's been...? - A leg's been glued on.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50Goodness gracious me, Paul. See, I think that's a fairly safe bet, but I want to buy something bigger.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Something chancy and not safe? - Exactly. I want to, Paul,
0:05:53 > 0:05:59either go out in a blaze of glory or go out...in a blaze of glory.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05But Jonathan isn't quite ready to throw caution to the wind.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10I've honed in on this because it sells where I am quite well. It's a small, functional piece of furniture.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13It's got some age. It's about 100 years old, thereabouts.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Furniture made out of bamboo
0:06:15 > 0:06:17first became fashionable in the 18th century.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20It appeals because it's exotic.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Westerners have long had a passion for all things oriental.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31This could be one of those that some people say, "What a load of junk".
0:06:31 > 0:06:35But the price label on that says £22.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40This, down in my saleroom, would make £50 to £60.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44"Don't buy furniture, don't buy furniture. Don't buy furniture."
0:06:44 > 0:06:50That's right, Jonathan, that's exactly what the auctioneer said.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55But Charles doesn't seem to know that because what he's doing is...
0:06:55 > 0:06:58So if I bought the mahogany table and the stool...
0:06:58 > 0:07:01I'll do you the two for £120.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09OK...
0:07:09 > 0:07:11He's my friend. Paul, you're a mate.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- I'll think about it. Bye.- Oh, it's not like you to dither, Charles.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22I do like the stool, I like the table. They're two lovely items,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25and they'll stand well in the saleroom, but in Runcorn, who knows?
0:07:25 > 0:07:29I will give the auctioneer a call next and just get his line of thought
0:07:29 > 0:07:31on what sells well.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Good idea, Charles.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37A few streets away, Jonathan is being decisive.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Your price on there is £22, and so your very best price...?
0:07:40 > 0:07:4218.
0:07:42 > 0:07:4518... 15.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49I think 18 is quite reasonable, considering I started off at 22.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- I think 15's even more reasonable. - You're bound to say that, aren't you?
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- 15 cos I let you down. - Brilliant, thank you very much.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Before you change your mind. Great, thank you very much.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Well done, Jonathan, the first purchase of the day.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Now it's time for our two chaps to swap shops, if you know what I mean.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Are you all right? - I've just been to an amazing shop.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Unbelievable shop. You will love it.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13It is just stacked high, it is rolling back to the '70s.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- You will go wild.- I think you'll enjoy this place.- I can't wait.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19And almost immediately something catches Charles' eye.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26A late Victorian examination couch. Isn't it great?
0:08:26 > 0:08:30120 years old and if you had to be examined, for whatever reason,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35you might be on this. And you dread to think what would have happened.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36Oh, Lord.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Actually, Charles, it's early 19th century.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41But you're right about one thing,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44it wasn't a good time to be sick back then.
0:08:44 > 0:08:50Medicines were often preparations of mercury, arsenic and iron,
0:08:50 > 0:08:54while bleeding and leeches were routinely prescribed.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Not much fun, eh?
0:08:56 > 0:09:01It's period, it's mahogany. For £125,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03it isn't bad really, is it?
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Are you actually thinking of buying something, Charles?
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- What have I got on it?- 125. What's the best price on it?
0:09:11 > 0:09:13I'll take 100.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16The woodwork's in good nick. It's not loose, it's not broken.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- There are no tears in the material. - Yes, yes.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21So if you're going to try any harder, no, sorry, that's it.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- That the death. - And when a man says the death,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26that's the death, isn't it?
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- It is.- I was hoping for a figure nearer 60, and I'd love to buy it,
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- but I've got to hold out for a bit less.- It has been here for a year.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40If we can settle at 90, you will have squeezed me like very few people ever manage to do.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42£90 is a very good offer.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46I'm likely, tomorrow, to give you a call and inquire, OK?
0:09:46 > 0:09:49So, the Young Pretender still can't make up his mind.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Come on, Hanson, where's your
0:09:53 > 0:09:57hardened edge in buying antiques? Where is your decisiveness?
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Yes, Carlos, that's exactly what I was thinking.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08Down the road, Jonathan's not having much luck either.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13I'd like to see some, I don't know, a lot more small stuff.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20You know, you just can't make money out of this sort of thing at auction, so...
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Unable to come to a decision over four potential buys,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Charles takes some time out to visit one of Liverpool's
0:10:28 > 0:10:30more sophisticated venues.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34This is the Philharmonic Dining Rooms,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38or, as it's known locally, the Phil.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42It opened in 1898 opposite Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall
0:10:42 > 0:10:46and quickly became a popular venue for concert-goers.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50John Lennon once complained that
0:10:50 > 0:10:54not being able to drink here was one of the prices of fame.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58Today, it's still a restaurant and bar and Charles has managed to sneak in before it opens
0:10:58 > 0:10:59to have a quick look.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04But there's no-one here except Ruth Roberts, the cleaner.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08And she offers to show him around and give him a quick polish up while
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Charles gives her a history lesson.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- The adornment is unbelievable. - It's beautiful.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17To think that these have been, I suppose, hand-touched and polished
0:11:17 > 0:11:22over the last 110 years, and they're all hand embossed with the fish here.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27The design is all so evocative of a return to nature.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32As art nouveau designers adapted motifs from the natural world,
0:11:32 > 0:11:38nature and modernity came to mean almost the same thing.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41But the most spectacular thing about the dining rooms
0:11:41 > 0:11:44is not its chandeliers or its sumptuous bar,
0:11:44 > 0:11:51but an altogether more modest little room. In fact, the smallest room in the Phil.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53These are the listed toilets you were talking about.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57I can smell it. The urinals really are something, aren't they?
0:11:57 > 0:12:00These are Grade 1 listed loos.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05You might think that only a stately home could be considered to have
0:12:05 > 0:12:11loos of exceptional architectural and historic interest, but in fact,
0:12:11 > 0:12:17any element in a building can be listed, even these...bogs.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20You look at the marble, it really is...
0:12:20 > 0:12:24quite different. It's of that late Victorian art nouveau grandeur.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- Look at the cistern!- I know, yeah. - Look at that.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32And you've also got the original... Oops, almost fell in then, crikey!
0:12:32 > 0:12:33It's a bit slippy down here.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35And if I was an Edwardian gent...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40I would want to come in here all the time.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42As interesting as the loos are, Charles,
0:12:42 > 0:12:44it's time for Ruth to get back to work. I think she's a bit flushed.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Meanwhile, Jonathan's leaving Charles behind in Liverpool
0:12:49 > 0:12:53and is heading towards the pretty seaside town of Southport.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It's a chance for him to get one over his old chum.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Thank you very much.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- Ah, here we are.- Yeah, yeah. Have a wander round, see what you think.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07Almost immediately, Jonathan spots something.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11What I want to look at, what catches my eye, is that there.
0:13:12 > 0:13:20This is 18th century, John Pitt of Leeds.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25It's an etui, or small case, as it's more commonly known.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30This is shagreen, which is believed to be green-stained sharkskin but
0:13:30 > 0:13:32they used various different
0:13:32 > 0:13:37things like catfish and ray, whatever, just to produce it.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40It probably belonged to a draughtsman.
0:13:40 > 0:13:41Mm, very nice.
0:13:41 > 0:13:49In here you've got a compass and a little ivory ruler.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51It's a pretty little thing.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53I bet you that's...
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Crikey, I bet he's asking over £300 for that.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01These things are really quite collectible. What would I get for that at auction? I'd probably get...
0:14:01 > 0:14:06Well, £200-£300, I suppose.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07How much is it?
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Normally I'd ask like 125 for that.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- Oh, right, OK.- But I'd probably do a deal with you, around what, say £80?
0:14:18 > 0:14:2070, you've got a deal?
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- You've got yourself a deal.- There we go.- Let's hope you do well with it.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Thank you very much. I like that, actually.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- Yeah, it's beautiful.- Cor! No wonder you're smiling, matey.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38Back in Liverpool, Charles's first stop is dealer Trevor Duswell.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Let's hope he does well for Charles.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Wow! What an antiques centre, there's great balls of light.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48There's a growing plantation down there.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52It has a great Far Eastern theme, which is my area of interest,
0:14:52 > 0:14:58oriental, Japanese, Chinese artefacts, ceramics, glassware...
0:14:58 > 0:15:03Very nice. It's a jug.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07It's made by Maling, who were an important factory.
0:15:08 > 0:15:14It's £32 but look, a nibble here, a chip there, two chips and it's
0:15:14 > 0:15:16going to affect market value.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20So I'm leaving it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:27Jonathan, who's still in Southport, is on the hunt for another bargain.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30They may interest you, these perfume bottles.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32They always do well in auction.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Oh, I didn't see those.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38Coty. So it's Chypre de Coty.
0:15:38 > 0:15:44The French company Coty has been in business for more than 100 years
0:15:44 > 0:15:48and built its success on offering perfume, then considered a luxury
0:15:48 > 0:15:50product, to the mass market.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Because these would be around the '30s.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Yes, I would imagine the '30s.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Still smells nice. - It does, actually. How much is this?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06I could let you have that for £40.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- I think it's certainly... You can see there was one in the middle. - Yes.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13They most definitely would've had three bottles the same height.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- But then you'd be asking like £150 for something like that.- Yeah.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Time to put those haggling skills
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- into practice, Jonathan. - Unless you'll do
0:16:24 > 0:16:28the etui and the bottles for £100,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31I'll just take the etui.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- OK, we'll do it for £100. Why not? - Yeah, that makes it nice and simple, there you go.- OK.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39Great, Jonathan's now bought the draftsman's case and the bottles.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44Charles has yet to buy anything.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48What we've got here is a tiny... I think it's a spoon tray, isn't it? It is a spoon tray.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Part of the tea ceremony when you'd obviously take your expensive,
0:16:51 > 0:16:56exotic, mystical, magical cup of tea or tea ball of tea,
0:16:56 > 0:17:00and of course you'd rest your silver spoon in here once you've obviously
0:17:00 > 0:17:03stirred the magical formula.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08This spoon tray is Chinese and was made around 1700.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12We in England didn't discover making porcelain until about 1745 at Bow
0:17:12 > 0:17:16and at Chelsea in London and this secret had been the secret of the Chinese
0:17:16 > 0:17:21for 1,000 years previous. There we go, that's history, isn't it?
0:17:21 > 0:17:23If this could talk,
0:17:23 > 0:17:24wok it tell us?
0:17:24 > 0:17:29It would tell you, Carlos, to get a move on and start spending.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- What's the best price on him, please? - What price on there? - £25 is the asking price.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37Very best for you today, £18.
0:17:37 > 0:17:44£18, it's history, and you know what, I'll buy it. Thanks for the memories.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48Well done, you finally made up your mind about something.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53But you still have £241.17 left to spend and the shops are beginning to shut
0:17:53 > 0:17:56and you still haven't phoned the auctioneer.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02My time is now quite critical, I am panicking, I'm running...
0:18:02 > 0:18:06I literally have half an hour to find...
0:18:06 > 0:18:08I want three objects and
0:18:08 > 0:18:12I'm going back to where it all began, in the Tunnel.
0:18:15 > 0:18:23Ah, Paul. What I like in your boutique is the mahogany table.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Nice table, isn't it? Sorry.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27That's the table there, Paul, one sec.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31I also like that small chair.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Paul, that's the chair there.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38All right.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- That's a chair. And the other thing I like is the stool, of course.- Right.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54£140.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- 140 quid.- £140.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Nice lots, would you do it all in for 120?
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- Sold.- Sold, done, deal. 120. Sold.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06And he's not done yet.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Keep trotting.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10The plan now is coming together.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I've bought three items for £120.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17I spent £18 on my Chinese spoon tray, 148.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23My last purchase will be the £90 examination table. Hi, Selwyn.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Oh, hiya.- Here's £90.- Marvellous.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Make sure it's all here.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- OK, marvellous. - And you've saved me. Hopefully... - Hopefully you'll do well with it.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Isn't there something that you've forgotten to do, Charles?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41I'm going to give the auctioneer a call,
0:19:41 > 0:19:45just to find out obviously what's going to sell well in Runcorn.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48So whatever I do, don't bring furniture.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Absolutely not.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Right.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03And the only other thing is don't buy oriental ceramics. Fine.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08So buy anything apart from oriental ceramics or furniture.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13Great. I can't wait. Mr Bain, the auctioneer, said, "Charles, one thing
0:20:13 > 0:20:18"you must stay away from, which don't sell at all well, there's two things,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21"only two things - oriental ceramics
0:20:21 > 0:20:24"and furniture."
0:20:24 > 0:20:26And what have I bought?
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Four items of furniture and an oriental dish.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33I could be in trouble.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35I can't believe it.
0:20:35 > 0:20:36Oh, dear, Charles.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Well, with the shopping all done,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42let's see how wisely they've splashed their cash.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43Jonathan spent a modest
0:20:43 > 0:20:48but confident sum of £115 on three items -
0:20:48 > 0:20:52an early 20th century bamboo case...
0:20:52 > 0:20:56..a 1930s perfume box and bottles.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00And a late 1700s shagreen etui case.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Charles spent nearly twice as much,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06splurging a princely sum £223 on five items.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08He bought a William IV mahogany chair,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12an early Victorian doctor's examination couch,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15an African Ashanti stool, a George III tea table,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18and finally, a Chinese porcelain spoon bowl.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Now honestly, chaps, what do you make of each other's items?
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Charlie's purchases, crikey...
0:21:28 > 0:21:32I think with regard to the bamboo cabinet, I wouldn't touch it.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I'm just hoping up here it won't do very well.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40I think that bench is going to crash and burn, I really do.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43My goodness me. Jonathan Pratt has bought one beauty.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48That's the etui. His blew me away. That's life. You win some, you lose some.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51But has he blown you away?
0:21:51 > 0:21:52Only time will tell.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00It's been a most enjoyable road trip.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Our two chaps started off in bustling Liverpool and stopped off
0:22:04 > 0:22:06in scenic Southport.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08And now Charles and Jonathan are
0:22:08 > 0:22:11rolling in to Runcorn for auction day.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16OK, well done.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17This is where it happens.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19This is where
0:22:19 > 0:22:22the theatre of dreams begin.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Where does he get these lines from?
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Lloyd Cameron And Partners
0:22:27 > 0:22:33are one of Cheshire's leading auction houses and today it looks like a packed house.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38The auction is about to begin and the tension is palpable.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42First up is Charles' William IV
0:22:42 > 0:22:46mahogany chair, which cost a trifling £20.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Up she goes. That's the one there.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49Start me at 20.
0:22:49 > 0:22:5220 I'm bid, thank you. 22 over there.
0:22:52 > 0:22:5425, 28, 30,
0:22:54 > 0:22:5832, 35, are we all in at 35?
0:22:58 > 0:22:59Selling at 35...
0:22:59 > 0:23:05Not bad, Charles. Not bad at all. Who says furniture doesn't sell?
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I have confidence, as I said.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Next is the bamboo bookcase.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Charles didn't like it, but what will the bidders think?
0:23:13 > 0:23:15£30 to start me.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- Steady. Steady.- Come on.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Start me at 10, then. 10.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21A tenner I've got.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23£12 next.
0:23:23 > 0:23:2512 over there. 15. 18.
0:23:25 > 0:23:3020. £20. Anyone else joining in?
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Selling at 20...
0:23:34 > 0:23:36And that's one up to you, Jonathan.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41A small profit after commission, but a profit nevertheless.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43- That's a £1.50 profit for me. - That's OK.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Can Charles prove the auctioneer wrong once again
0:23:49 > 0:23:52with his George III tripod table?
0:23:52 > 0:23:54£50, it's got to be worth £50.
0:23:54 > 0:24:0055, 60, 65, 70 with the lady.
0:24:00 > 0:24:0475 at the back, thank you, sir. 80.
0:24:04 > 0:24:0685, keep it going. 90.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07Selling at 90, then.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09- Good auctioneer.- Well done, Charlie.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14- I'm pleased.- And that's another handsome profit for you, Mr Hanson.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18Will this be third time lucky for Charles with his £90 couch?
0:24:19 > 0:24:23Or will he, as Jonathan thinks, crash and burn?
0:24:23 > 0:24:26This is a star lot, I suppose.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27Quite right, well said.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Start me at £80. 80 anywhere?
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Start me at 50, then.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- Come on, it's worth 50. - No, it's not.
0:24:34 > 0:24:3630, if you wish.
0:24:36 > 0:24:3930 I've got, 30 I've got.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- Oh, dear. - They're all looking at the floor.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42I'm going to lie down.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44I need a lie down.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- 30 I've got. Last chance.- Please. - 32.- Thank you.
0:24:47 > 0:24:55- 40, 42, 45, 48. What do you mean, "No"? Let's keep it going.- Come on.
0:24:55 > 0:24:5750 with the lady.
0:24:57 > 0:24:5955, 60,
0:24:59 > 0:25:0160 I've got.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03There, you see, 60. It's yours, madam.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08Ouch! Charles, that's completely wiped out your profit on the
0:25:08 > 0:25:11tea table. Quick, take some tablets.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13I don't think I should've bought it.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16After Charles' poor showing, Jonathan's hoping for the sweet
0:25:16 > 0:25:19smell of success
0:25:19 > 0:25:21with his Coty perfume bottles.
0:25:21 > 0:25:2420 I'm bid. Thank you, madam. 20 I've got. We're away.
0:25:24 > 0:25:2722 in the corner. 25. 28.
0:25:27 > 0:25:3130. 32. 35. 38.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32That was a bid, yes.
0:25:32 > 0:25:3440. I'm on a roll. 40 I've got.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Are you sure, at £40, all done?
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- That's £10.- It is £10.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44And that's another small profit for Jonathan.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Next up, Charles' Ashanti stool, which he's counting on.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52And even Jonathan thinks it could do well.
0:25:52 > 0:25:53My stool. What do you think?
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- No chance.- He says no chance.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Interesting thing.
0:25:57 > 0:25:5930? Start me at 20, then.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- Don't all rush at once. - Can't believe this.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Start me at 10, then. 10 I'm bid over here. 12 there.
0:26:04 > 0:26:0615 over there. 18 there.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- He'll carry it to the car for you. - I'll carry it to the car for you.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12£18. Last chance, selling at 18...
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Oh, no.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19- £18.- And that's Charles' second loss of the day.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24But can Charles redeem himself with his rare Chinese spoon rest,
0:26:24 > 0:26:29despite the auctioneer telling him not to buy Chinese porcelain?
0:26:29 > 0:26:30Start me at 30, then.
0:26:30 > 0:26:3230 bid. 30 I have.
0:26:32 > 0:26:3532 there, 35.
0:26:35 > 0:26:3638. 40.
0:26:36 > 0:26:4042 over there. 45. You have competition.
0:26:40 > 0:26:4148. 50.
0:26:41 > 0:26:4450 at the front, then. Are we all done at £50?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Selling at 50...
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- Thank you very much.- Well played. - And there's nothing wrong
0:26:50 > 0:26:52with that profit.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Now it's Jonathan's etui case.
0:26:55 > 0:27:00He bought it for £70 and thinks it is worth four times that.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03But is that just wishful thinking?
0:27:03 > 0:27:05- Here we go.- Are you nervous?
0:27:05 > 0:27:06I'm very, very nervous.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11110. 120. 130. 140.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14150. 160. 170. 180.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18190. 200. 210. 200...
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- Keep going, keep going, keep going. - Who's not bid yet today?
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Stick your hand up, someone!
0:27:23 > 0:27:27200 over here. 210, new bidder.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29220. 230. 240.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34250. 260. All done at 260?
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- Get in there! - Well played. Brilliant. Well played.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42And that's a staggering profit of £190,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45propelling Jonathan into the lead.
0:27:45 > 0:27:4730. 32. 35. 38...
0:27:47 > 0:27:53A jubilant Jonathan started today's show with £249.07.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57After paying the auctioneer's commission, he's made a substantial
0:27:57 > 0:28:00profit of £148.61 and takes
0:28:00 > 0:28:03£397.68 forward to the next leg.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08Charles certainly paid for not calling the auctioneer earlier.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12He started today's show with £259.17.
0:28:12 > 0:28:17He made a loss of £19.59 after commission and takes
0:28:17 > 0:28:20£239.58 forward to the next Road Trip. He looks so young, doesn't he?
0:28:20 > 0:28:25Your etui completely ruined my day for the right reasons.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28It's crucial for Charles to rein in his impulses
0:28:28 > 0:28:32and spend wisely if he wants to stay in the game.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35It's spend, spend, spend.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38It's win, win, win. I've got no regrets.
0:28:39 > 0:28:46This road trip is around spectacular Northern Ireland and North West England.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50On this leg, Charles and Jonathan are in Blighty,
0:28:50 > 0:28:55starting in Chorley and heading for auction in Lytham St Annes.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Chorley is a pretty little market town.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00We're in Chorley, Charlie.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- Chalky Charlie.- Chorley, Charlie. We're in Chorley, Charlie.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07For one weekend each year, French traders cross the channel
0:29:07 > 0:29:10to sell their produce in the town, lettuce and that
0:29:10 > 0:29:13and Chorley's merchants return the favour.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17So the French are now acquainted with the delightful Chorley cake.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22It's like an Eccles cake but from Chorley.
0:29:22 > 0:29:28With £240 pocket, first stop for Charles is dealer Andrew Baxendale.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- Hello, sir. Good morning. - Hello. Good morning.- How are you?
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- I'm very well, thank you. - You have plenty of books here.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- We have one or two. - It's so important, I think,
0:29:37 > 0:29:42to see objects which are evocative of a period.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46And look at this. Andrew, I would think the 1970s, '60s?
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- I would say early '70s.- Early '70s.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54I was almost born in the early '70s, Andrew, and that was a time when really we were quite psychedelic,
0:29:54 > 0:29:59weren't we, in the early '70s we were just past those great swinging times.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04- I quite like this bowl. It's like a stained glass window, isn't it, gone wrong?- It's gorgeous.
0:30:04 > 0:30:10Of course made by Poole and Poole really at this time, were market leaders in design.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Poole Pottery ceramics were inspired
0:30:13 > 0:30:19by artists such as Mondrian, Warhol, Matisse and Pollock.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Each piece is pretty much unique.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Andrew, I reckon you're going to say to me,
0:30:24 > 0:30:31"Charles, that Poole bowl is £45."
0:30:31 > 0:30:32I was actually going to say 40.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- Were you really?- Yes. - Andrew's saying 40.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37I said 45. Maybe I've...
0:30:38 > 0:30:41..done myself out of a buy.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- I'll take 45.- Yes.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47I like that very much but again I've got to think about my commercial eye,
0:30:47 > 0:30:51commercial eye, not the Hanson eye which is just buying things he likes.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Indeed, Charles.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58There are few antique shops in Chorley so Jonathan is taking his
0:30:58 > 0:31:02£397 and heading north to another attractive market town...
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Leyland.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09He's off to an antique shop called Old Corn Mill.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14Almost immediately, he's attracted by something BIG and brown.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19People dismissively say it's brown furniture but you walk in and these are all things you can use.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23I'll probably stay in here for a while and I'll hopefully find something.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25This is good fun. This is nice.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Down the road, it looks like Carlos is getting stuck in.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31I think they call them friendship books.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- Friendship books.- Yeah.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38Back in the heyday, back in the early 20th century, even back during the years of the Great War.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42Look at this here. 26 September 1916.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Where were you then, Andrew, eh?
0:31:44 > 0:31:46A twinkle in my granddad's eye.
0:31:46 > 0:31:53Today, we think of autograph albums as pages filled with celebrity scrawls.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58Back then, they were reminders of people who really meant something to the owner.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03And their blank pages would be filled with drawings, affectionate little notes and poems.
0:32:03 > 0:32:09"Many a ship has been lost at sea through want of paint,"
0:32:09 > 0:32:11can't read that one, "And rudder."
0:32:11 > 0:32:16"Many a girl has lost her boy through talking to another."
0:32:16 > 0:32:22I enjoy social history and to tap into personal social sentiment, it really captures the essence
0:32:22 > 0:32:26of our country. If I bought the four together as a lot,
0:32:26 > 0:32:31- I might be tempted. Andrew, your best price on these today would be?- £50.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35They could make 50 but knowing the market for autograph books,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37we've sold them in the past and they can make little
0:32:37 > 0:32:40and sometimes my social enjoyment outweighs their market worth and
0:32:40 > 0:32:45really I need to be thinking what'll make money because I've got to try and beat Jonathan Pratt.
0:32:45 > 0:32:50I'm so glad you're remembering it's a competition, Charles!
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Back in Leyland, Jonathan has found something else to tempt him.
0:32:56 > 0:33:02Of all the things in here I like the most is this little chair. It's a great shape, for starters.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05You've got this sort of stylised fleur-de-lis
0:33:05 > 0:33:09but you've got it painted with peacocks' feathers.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Gives you that sort of feel of the French art nouveau.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15You've got mother of pearl inlay, coloured lacquer,
0:33:15 > 0:33:16gilt-highlighting.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19Good shape on the legs and it's coloured throughout.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21And it is made of...
0:33:21 > 0:33:24papier mache.
0:33:24 > 0:33:29Papier mache literally means chewed-up paper in French.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33To make this chair, sheets of paper would be soaked
0:33:33 > 0:33:38in a solution of water and glue and crafted over a wooden frame.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42And it costs a respectable £195.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48I would only be interested really in going to about,
0:33:48 > 0:33:52crikey, and it pains me to say even that, probably maximum 130.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57I tell you what, it's your first time round, isn't it?
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Oh, yeah. I've got many years to come.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- I'm only a young man. - Go on then.- Thank you very much.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- OK.- All right, cheers. - I hope you do well.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Impressive haggling, Jonathan.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09Done like a true professional.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Anybody'd think you were an expert.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Maybe I can find some help in here.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17What's it say? I wonder if my chair's in here.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Maybe not...
0:34:21 > 0:34:27As Jonathan splashes his cash, Charles is still in Chorley and on the hunt for a bargain.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Is that a nice oak-carved hall stand?
0:34:30 > 0:34:31I'm not quite sure.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Someone said it could have come from a church to put candles in.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39- Oh, it is. It's a candle box. You're right.- About 1913. - Beautifully carved in oak.
0:34:39 > 0:34:45Boxes like these would be used to store candles in the 17th century, sometimes four candles!
0:34:45 > 0:34:49But this 20th century example is more decorative than practical.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Best price.
0:34:51 > 0:34:57- 18.- £18. I don't like to leave without buying anything at all.
0:34:57 > 0:34:58Then why don't you try buying something?
0:35:00 > 0:35:04I like the candle box.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08The autograph albums are superb. OK, Andrew, give me a price for the two together.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- Best today.- Yes, sir.- 50 quid.
0:35:10 > 0:35:15Got to go for them because I'm quite a way behind my rival now
0:35:15 > 0:35:18and I'd probably say...can I pay £30?
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- For them both? - For the cash. Cash buy for both.
0:35:21 > 0:35:2335, you've got a deal.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26I'll meet you halfway at £32.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Go on.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Andrew, you're a good sport.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33It's great to meet a true rose in Lancashire.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38Strong in the arm. A bit thick in the head but that's a good price.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40I really appreciate it. That's very good.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45So I've bought four albums for, let's call it £22,
0:35:45 > 0:35:47and a candle box for ten.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50God willing, on a good day, Hanson's off to a great start.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56Brave words, Charles, but it's early days yet.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01I do like that and actually that is rather pretty.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Sussex Goldsmiths of Brighton.
0:36:04 > 0:36:10Christmas 1910. I saw that because of plated siphon stands, that's a very, very pretty example.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13This is 1880, 1890.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17English arts and crafts' interpretation of the art nouveau.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21While siphon stands were quite common, they were normally
0:36:21 > 0:36:26neoclassical in style which makes this example rather unusual.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- What is the best price on that? £50 it says.- 10%, how's that?
0:36:30 > 0:36:3110%. 45 quid.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- How far out are we? - I'd want to be £30.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38- I don't know if she'd do that.- No.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41I could always give her a quick ring. You've got £50 on it.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45They were wondering what the best you can do on it.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47They've offered 30 for it.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Jonathan, how's 38?
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- 38. No. Sorry.- Yeah.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55She says if you're going to squeeze, I'll let you have it.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58- £30. OK. Brilliant. - Yeah, I think you'll do well on that.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- Thank you very much. - I hope so anyway.- Well, you know.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03I hope so, too, Jonathan!
0:37:05 > 0:37:09Jonathan's shopping in Leyland is now complete
0:37:09 > 0:37:14and he continues south to the pretty little village of Eccleston,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17to an antiques shop like no other.
0:37:25 > 0:37:26Blimey.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Gee whiz, actually, this is quite surprising, I have to say.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32This is a pretty amazing place.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37There are three warehouses with over 250 different units,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40selling everything from antiques to curios and memorabilia.
0:37:40 > 0:37:47I don't think I've actually seen a place so overwhelming, actually,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49with stuff everywhere.
0:37:49 > 0:37:55Whilst Jonathan loses himself amongst the antique stalls,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59Charles is still in Chorley and taking his chances at Heskin Hall.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02It's a fine example of Tudor architecture
0:38:02 > 0:38:08and while it might look like a stately home, it actually houses the North West Antiques Centre.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10- Afternoon to you. - Hello. Good afternoon.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14- Nice to see you.- Are you the lady of the house?- I am, indeed. - What a fantastic place to be.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- We like it.- I can go through here, can I?- Yes, certainly.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Look at a few objects and if I see what I like, I can see you?
0:38:20 > 0:38:22- Just give me a shout. - Thanks, awfully.
0:38:22 > 0:38:30- You're very welcome. - But will Charles, who still has the princely sum of £207.58 left,
0:38:30 > 0:38:34be able to find himself any more bargains?
0:38:34 > 0:38:39We want the true antique, the definition being 100 years old if we can find it.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41A lot of these items are collectable.
0:38:41 > 0:38:47The 1920s, '30s, decorative-style sells, but this is more me.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50Oriental porcelain is one of Charles' areas of expertise.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55Here we've got a very, very nice Chinese 18th century plate.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00It's wonderful, it's 1760, it talks history and for £65,
0:39:00 > 0:39:05it seems relatively inexpensive, but these were mass produced in the 18th century and really
0:39:05 > 0:39:11one would want to pay no more than £25 and really to discount it to £25
0:39:11 > 0:39:13is really asking too much.
0:39:13 > 0:39:20It's a shame because it's the one antique I've really found to date that I like which is in budget.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28I'm beginning to think I've drawn the short straw
0:39:28 > 0:39:33because the exterior is marvellous but on the inside, no disrespect,
0:39:33 > 0:39:36there's nothing for me at all, and I'm surprised because normally,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39there's always one or two items which will spring out.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42At the moment, here, there's nothing at all.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48Back in Eccleston, Jonathan does find something he likes.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51It's this little ball with the flame on the top.
0:39:51 > 0:39:57It's a cigar lighter in the shape of a grenade which would have been used at a regimental dinner
0:39:57 > 0:39:59or presented to a retiring officer.
0:39:59 > 0:40:04- It's possible that there would have been a wick in the end of that. - Right.- You fill that full of fuel.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07And then you unscrew it and it comes out with a wick
0:40:07 > 0:40:10and then you light your cigars from it.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11It's by Zimmerman's.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13It's a Birmingham mark.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15What is the best price on that?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18It does look like someone's tried to use it as a grenade.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21It's got a few little dents there.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Considering its condition, say about 90 quid.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Is that your very best? £75?
0:40:27 > 0:40:28Call it 80.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- Call it 75.- Call it 80.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36I'm going to put it back in unless you say £75.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41- Go on, then.- OK. Well done. Thanks very much.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Well I say, Jonathan, you're getting rather good at this negotiating lark.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Next up, Charles and Jonathan are heading confidently for Preston.
0:40:51 > 0:40:57An early 18th century writer once described it as a pretty town with
0:40:57 > 0:41:02an abundance of gentry in it, commonly called proud Preston.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07First stop for Jonathan is Stonyhurst College,
0:41:07 > 0:41:11a marvellous Grade I listed building which just happens to be a school,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13so make sure you're not naughty.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Jan Graffius, the curator, is giving him a tour.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- Hi there. - Hello. Hi.- Nice to meet you, Jan. - Nice to meet you. Hi, I'm Jan.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Stonyhurst College is often referred to as the Eton for Catholics.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author and creator of Sherlock Holmes, was a former pupil.
0:41:32 > 0:41:39It was established in 1593 and moved here to Stonyhurst Hall in 1794.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44What makes the school so special is its vast collection of artefacts,
0:41:44 > 0:41:51many of which were brought back from abroad and donated by Jesuit missionaries and former pupils.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55There's ecclesiastical silver and religious works of art,
0:41:55 > 0:41:59outstanding natural history exhibits and even an ancient Egyptian mummy.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Stonyhurst Hall also has an impressive collection of books.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09This is the Arundel library.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13It was the gift of a former pupil, James Arundel of Wardour,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16who had a very special library and he left it to the school in 1835.
0:42:16 > 0:42:21It sort of also became a natural home for a lot of the other
0:42:21 > 0:42:23strange and unusual artefacts.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25"Where do we put it? Oh, put it in the library."
0:42:25 > 0:42:29Yeah. Yeah. It's a good home for it.
0:42:29 > 0:42:36Many of these artefacts also tell the story of the most significant periods in English history.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41This hat and the smaller one beside it both belong to Sir Thomas Moore.
0:42:41 > 0:42:47Moore was a lawyer, scholar and trusted confidante of Henry VIII.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49He was also a devout Catholic
0:42:49 > 0:42:53and one of the most influential men in England.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58This was his when he was a young man before he became a great statesman.
0:42:58 > 0:43:03The hat was discovered in Rotterdam after Moore had been executed for
0:43:03 > 0:43:08refusing to recognise Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13And then here we have a night cap.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16He's come a long way from this, hasn't he?
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Yes. This would have originally been a really nice bright strong red.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22None of these are the hats he was wearing when he was...
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- taken to the scaffold? - Sadly not, no.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29- I think the etiquette is to go bareheaded.- Oh, is it?- I think.
0:43:29 > 0:43:34As well as priceless objects, there are also priceless books.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37One of our most special books...
0:43:37 > 0:43:40And a famous portrait, obviously.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42Yes. Yes. And a famous book.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45This is our first folio.
0:43:45 > 0:43:49In other words, it's the first collected edition ever printed
0:43:49 > 0:43:51of William Shakespeare's plays.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55So this is quite rare that...
0:43:55 > 0:43:58- you can get this close to it.- Yes.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02The folio was edited by two of Shakespeare's fellow actors
0:44:02 > 0:44:04and published seven years after he died.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08The lovely thing about it is that the two actor friends of Shakespeare who
0:44:08 > 0:44:12put this together were wandering round all the play rooms, getting the play scripts,
0:44:12 > 0:44:16putting it together, arguing "He meant this," "No, he said this,"
0:44:16 > 0:44:18"And you remember we did this," "No, we changed that."
0:44:18 > 0:44:21This was then going off to the printer and five minutes later
0:44:21 > 0:44:23they'd come back and say
0:44:23 > 0:44:29"When we said this, we really meant this" and the printer would tear his hair out and reset the page,
0:44:29 > 0:44:32until you get to Hamlet where they just thought
0:44:32 > 0:44:35"Stuff this, we're just going to score it out and write the word in."
0:44:35 > 0:44:38The perfume gone.
0:44:38 > 0:44:44For something like this, it's in the perfect surroundings and amazingly important, historically.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47And much loved as well.
0:44:47 > 0:44:53The collection is constantly evolving as former pupils continue to make donations.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57- It's a living museum. It's wonderful.- It's a continuation of a tradition, yes.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59Well, thank you very, very much.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01No, it's a pleasure.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03And perhaps you could...
0:45:03 > 0:45:08before I get lost... in this labyrinth.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11As Jonathan struggles to find his way out,
0:45:11 > 0:45:15Charles is on his way to the Preston Antiques Centre.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20Hanson has a serious problem in that he's only spent £32.
0:45:20 > 0:45:24That's lame. Two days shopping, £32. What's going on? Can you believe it?
0:45:24 > 0:45:28Well, hurry up then and spend some more money!
0:45:33 > 0:45:35Charles, pay attention.
0:45:39 > 0:45:40See, I do want to spend big.
0:45:46 > 0:45:49The antiques centre is roomy enough for our two experts.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54So Jonathan's come to have a poke around, too.
0:45:56 > 0:45:57Look at that.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00I remember when televisions were made out of wood.
0:46:00 > 0:46:02I had one in the front room when I was a kid.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04Enough reminiscing, Grandpa!
0:46:05 > 0:46:12Finally, Charles spots something that might just give him the edge over his rival.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15Here we've got a very, very nice George V
0:46:15 > 0:46:19carved oak plate-mounted tantalus
0:46:19 > 0:46:23and, of course, in the hey day, during the reign of George V,
0:46:23 > 0:46:29these were all the rage and was to keep your sherries and spirits in.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33'Tis nice. I like it very much but it's £150.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37And there is a concern, I've just noticed these little collars
0:46:37 > 0:46:42of the decanters have a certain degree of chips, nibbles, damage.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46My biggest problem is I don't mind damage
0:46:46 > 0:46:50because to me it tells a story about the items.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54If they could talk, what could they tell us?
0:46:54 > 0:46:56And this chap's saying to me...
0:46:59 > 0:47:04"Don't buy me, because my condition is far too bad and if you buy me,
0:47:04 > 0:47:11"Charles Hanson, I might make £100, you lose 50 and you're further behind JP."
0:47:13 > 0:47:16In the meanwhile, Jonathan is drawn to one of his passions.
0:47:20 > 0:47:23Hamadan, Persia, West Persia.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27It's quite pretty. £150.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31It is from the Hamadan region which is a bit like calling a piece of furniture Georgian.
0:47:31 > 0:47:36It's not that specific but basically if Persia's this big,
0:47:36 > 0:47:38if you're looking at it that way,
0:47:38 > 0:47:42Hamadan region is over here like this, and basically it's a
0:47:42 > 0:47:44few hundred villages weaving in different styles
0:47:44 > 0:47:48but they all use the same method of construction.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52And this rug is an early 20th century example.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55The other thing is with these you can tell the age by the wool
0:47:55 > 0:47:57it gets rotten by...
0:47:57 > 0:48:00When they're dyed, the dye becomes quite corrosive
0:48:00 > 0:48:03and so this green has gone quite a lot
0:48:03 > 0:48:07and it's because the dye they use is oxidising and rotting the wool.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10You can feel it when you run your fingers across it.
0:48:10 > 0:48:14If you discuss 150, normally it'd be about 10%
0:48:14 > 0:48:17plus five for the chair, so that's 130.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19- 130.- What were you thinking?
0:48:19 > 0:48:22I would say about £80. That would be quite a lot less.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26- Do you want me to give them a ring? - Yeah. Go on.- OK.- Yeah, please.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28It stands a good chance.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30The man from Wales said yes.
0:48:30 > 0:48:34Oh, OK! Well, then I'd be rude not to say thank you. Thanks very much.
0:48:37 > 0:48:39That's me done. Four items.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41I'm very happy with this. It's a nice decorative thing.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44It's not a lot of money, £80, but who knows,
0:48:44 > 0:48:48I'm hoping some privates will like this, some private clients.
0:48:48 > 0:48:49Stick it in the car,
0:48:49 > 0:48:51show it to Charlie later.
0:48:53 > 0:48:57Jonathan spent a whopping £315.
0:48:59 > 0:49:03While Charles has spent a measly £32 and there's not long to go.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09So here we've got, Sue, a very nice celery vase,
0:49:09 > 0:49:12or glass, which I like very much.
0:49:12 > 0:49:16The chasing is ever so nice. This would date to around 1870.
0:49:16 > 0:49:22At the time, celery was considered a luxury, something to be enjoyed
0:49:22 > 0:49:27only by the wealthy which is why it's often served in fine cut glass.
0:49:27 > 0:49:33This is priced at £25 but Sue kindly reduces it to a more reasonable £15
0:49:33 > 0:49:37which is symptomatic of the generosity on this programme.
0:49:37 > 0:49:38I will take this for £15
0:49:38 > 0:49:43because that's nice and although it's got a chip...
0:49:43 > 0:49:45Ooh.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47Maybe £10, then.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52- Yes.- You're a sport!- I honestly didn't know about the chip.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54Thank you. That'd be great. There you go, £10.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58Charles, you haven't even spent £50 on this trip.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01Whatever's happened to spending big bit?
0:50:04 > 0:50:07And that's it, gentlemen - time's up, shopping's over.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11Jonathan started this leg ahead of Charles with £397.68
0:50:11 > 0:50:13and spent a colossal £315 on four items.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19He bought a late Victorian papier-mache chair,
0:50:19 > 0:50:23a silver-plated siphon stand, a silver cigar lighter
0:50:23 > 0:50:25and a Persian Hamadan rug.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28Charles started with a rather less impressive £239.58
0:50:28 > 0:50:31and spent a paltry £42 on three items.
0:50:34 > 0:50:39A George IV candle box, four early 20th century autograph albums
0:50:39 > 0:50:42and a Victorian etched glass celery vase.
0:50:42 > 0:50:46But what do our chaps think of each other's purchases?
0:50:46 > 0:50:49I think the rug, I wouldn't touch.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52And I feel it's worth between £30 and £40.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55I mean, a carved oak box wall pocket, a candle box,
0:50:55 > 0:50:56whatever you want to call it,
0:50:56 > 0:51:00I mean, it's dreadful, it really is dreadful.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02JP, on a good day, your chair might make £50
0:51:02 > 0:51:06or 60 with the wind blowing a good force 14 gale.
0:51:06 > 0:51:07That celery vase...
0:51:09 > 0:51:13I mean, if it makes him a profit, I will cry.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16Who's going to win this auction round? Me.
0:51:16 > 0:51:17Enough said.
0:51:17 > 0:51:23Confident words, Charles. But have you spoken too soon?
0:51:23 > 0:51:25It's been a marvellous road trip.
0:51:25 > 0:51:29Our two chaps started off in picturesque Chorley
0:51:29 > 0:51:34and stopped off in Leyland, Eccleston, and Preston.
0:51:34 > 0:51:38They're heading into the gentile seaside resort
0:51:38 > 0:51:40of Lytham St Anne's.
0:51:40 > 0:51:41Dead posh, this place,
0:51:41 > 0:51:44just down the coast from Blackpool, for auction day.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47And there's just time first for a quick kick around on the beach.
0:51:57 > 0:51:58That's a goal.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01And that's Hanson one, Pratt nil.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05- He's won that but will he win at the auction?- Best of five.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11If you're right and I actually do come a cropper here,
0:52:11 > 0:52:14it's gloves off for the last race. Honestly, Charlie.
0:52:14 > 0:52:21Gerrards Auction Rooms is based in a gorgeous Art Deco building.
0:52:21 > 0:52:27It's a family-run business selling everything from antiques and collectables to fine art.
0:52:30 > 0:52:36As the competition between our two chaps intensifies, both are feeling the strain.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39The tension is massive.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43I've got pins and needles and I'm just, like...
0:52:44 > 0:52:46First up is the candle box
0:52:46 > 0:52:50which Charles paid £10 for.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53Jonathan doesn't like it but what will the bidders think?
0:52:53 > 0:52:54Tension.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57Nice thing, this. Start us off on commission at £40.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59Any advance on 46 on the net?
0:52:59 > 0:53:0248 with me. £48. 50 now.
0:53:02 > 0:53:0555 at the back. Any advance on 55?
0:53:05 > 0:53:0760 now. Any advance on £60?
0:53:07 > 0:53:10£60. Any advance on £60?
0:53:10 > 0:53:14- All done.- It could be yours, really.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17That's very good. I'm very happy. Thank you. Well, played.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20- Good start, Hanson.- Well, that's a staggering £50 profit.
0:53:20 > 0:53:22Well, played, Charles.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24Well, played, indeed.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26Charles' candle box has done well.
0:53:26 > 0:53:31Let's see how Jonathan's £130 papier-mache chair does.
0:53:33 > 0:53:3580 on the net. Any advance on £80?
0:53:35 > 0:53:37- 80 on the net. Good. - That's a very good price for it.
0:53:37 > 0:53:4085. Any advance on £85?
0:53:40 > 0:53:43- Come on, guys.- 90 on the net.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45- 90 on the net.- Any advance on 90?
0:53:45 > 0:53:47- Oh, well played, JP. - Any advance on £90? 95?
0:53:47 > 0:53:49Come on, net.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52100. Any advance on £100? 110.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55110. Cheap at the price.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58My heart is racing. Come on, net. Come on, net.
0:53:58 > 0:53:59- All sure?- No, they're not.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02- £110. In the middle at 110. - That's a good price.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05- 120 on the internet.- Oh, thank you!
0:54:05 > 0:54:07£120.
0:54:09 > 0:54:14And that's a loss, Jonathan, even if it's only a small one.
0:54:17 > 0:54:21Item number three is Charles' is last minute buy,
0:54:21 > 0:54:24the Victorian etched glass celery vase.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26What's it going to make?
0:54:26 > 0:54:28A tenner if you're lucky.
0:54:28 > 0:54:31£10, surely. Give me £10 for it.
0:54:31 > 0:54:33- It's very, very nice. - A tenner, surely.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35On the internet. Any advance on ten?
0:54:35 > 0:54:3712, front row. Any advance on 12?
0:54:37 > 0:54:39Gent's bid at £12. 14.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41- Oh, for goodness sake!- 16.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43Any advance on £16? 18.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46£18. Are we all done at £18?
0:54:49 > 0:54:51- £18. I'm happy.- Clearly mad.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54And that's another profit for Charles.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56Right, here we go.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58Jonathan's hoping to redeem himself
0:54:58 > 0:55:03with the Art Nouveau silver-plated siphon stand he bought for £30.
0:55:03 > 0:55:08Bids on the books of £30. Any advance on 30 to start?
0:55:08 > 0:55:11£30. Any advance on 30. 32. 34.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14Any advance on £34? 36. 38 with me.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16£40 bid. Any advance on £40?
0:55:16 > 0:55:18All done at £40? £40.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20That's a good price.
0:55:20 > 0:55:21It's a small profit
0:55:21 > 0:55:25but it's cancelled out by the loss on the chair.
0:55:25 > 0:55:26It's not looking good for Jonathan.
0:55:28 > 0:55:32With a £58 profit so far,
0:55:32 > 0:55:34Charles is on a winning streak,
0:55:34 > 0:55:38but will these four autograph books which cost £22
0:55:38 > 0:55:41help him stay in the lead?
0:55:41 > 0:55:44£30. Who'll give me 30 for them?
0:55:44 > 0:55:46Very, very nice. They're well worth buying, these.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48- They're a good investment. - £30, surely.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51- Come on.- Any interest at all?
0:55:51 > 0:55:53- Come on.- £20. Any interest at 20?
0:55:53 > 0:55:56£20. £20.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59Despite a loss, Charles is still in the lead
0:55:59 > 0:56:01but Jonathan's got two items left
0:56:01 > 0:56:04and anything could happen.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07Next up, Jonathan's Persian Hamadan rug.
0:56:09 > 0:56:13Let's hope it's not pulled from under his feet.
0:56:13 > 0:56:15Bids on the books of £40.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17Any advance on 40?
0:56:17 > 0:56:19- Some at the back. - 42. 44.- It's a good thing, this.
0:56:19 > 0:56:24- 48. 50. 55. 60.- Well, played.
0:56:24 > 0:56:27£65. Any advance on £65?
0:56:27 > 0:56:2970 on the internet.
0:56:29 > 0:56:33£70. On the net at 70.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36And that's not good news for Jonathan.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38You lost a tenner. HE SIGHS HEAVILY
0:56:38 > 0:56:43Finally, it's Jonathan's silver grenade-shaped cigar lighter
0:56:43 > 0:56:45which he paid £75 for.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47He's got high hopes for it
0:56:47 > 0:56:50and he needs to make a profit to stay in the race.
0:56:50 > 0:56:55I can start this on commissions at £80 on commission. 85. 90.
0:56:55 > 0:56:5895. 100. Now with me at £100.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00Any advance on 100? 110. 120.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02- Any advance on 120? - We're getting there.
0:57:02 > 0:57:06130. I'm out now. £130.
0:57:06 > 0:57:09All sure. £130.
0:57:10 > 0:57:12- Yes!- Well, played.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14Well, played, Jonathan, indeed.
0:57:14 > 0:57:18A splendid £55 profit before commission.
0:57:18 > 0:57:21The profit from the lighter has helped Jonathan maintain his lead.
0:57:21 > 0:57:27He started today with £397.68.
0:57:27 > 0:57:32Even though he made a loss of £18.45 after paying the auctioneer's commission,
0:57:32 > 0:57:37he still takes £379.23 forward to the next road trip.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40Charles did better at the auction than Jonathan.
0:57:40 > 0:57:44He started the day with £239.58.
0:57:44 > 0:57:50He made a small profit of £38.74 after auction costs
0:57:50 > 0:57:54so takes £278.32 forward to the next leg.
0:57:54 > 0:57:58JP, there's everything to play for.
0:57:58 > 0:58:01And this game gets better and better.
0:58:01 > 0:58:03And better.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05Down to the last minute.
0:58:27 > 0:58:30Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd