Episode 6 Antiques Road Trip

It's the nation's favourite antiques experts, with £200 each,

a classic car

and a goal to scour Britain for antiques.

That hurts.

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

There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

So much!

So, will it be the high road to glory or slow road to disaster?

This is the Antiques Road Trip!

Yeah.

It's the start of a new road trip, so let's meet our treasure hunters.

David Barby first became interested in antiques at the age of 12!

And now he'll do anything for a bargain.

-I say!

-That's

-£2. Thank you.

He's known by his colleagues as The Master.

Beryl, look in my eyes. 22.

And here's his travelling companion, Margie Cooper.

Afternoon.

Margie comes from a long line of antique dealers.

She loves a bargain but she doesn't always have a plan.

I've absolutely no idea what his game plan is. I'm just worrying about mine.

David and Margie both have £200 each to spend

and they're cruising along in a retro 1979 Mercedes 350 SL.

Margie has fond memories of the classic car.

So, do you remember Dallas, David?

I remember Dallas with Joan Collins.

No, she was in Dinasty.

Don't you mean Dynasty?

This was the iconic car that Bobby owned.

-Bobby was JR's brother.

-Right, right.

So, as our very own Sue Ellen and JR hit the open road,

let's hope oil's well that ends well!

The route for the road trip takes our intrepid travellers

from Alnwick in Northumberland

through the beautiful English countryside

to the final destination of Lincoln, 200 miles away.

This leg begins in Alnwick

and ends up 90 miles due south in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

So, first up is historic Alnwick.

This picturesque market town dates back to 600AD

and was a staging post on the Great North Road between London and Edinburgh.

But taking centre stage is the magical Alnwick Castle,

star of the Harry Potter films.

-I always thought it was a mock-up, but it isn't, is it? It's here.

-No, no, no.

-That's incredible.

-Just look at it. Splendid.

-It really is very good.

It's certainly cast a spell on our experts.

The first stop for Margie is nearby Alnwick Lodge.

What a fabulous place!

Now this looks the sort of place where there's hidden treasures.

-Do you think so?

-Don't forget your handbag with all that money.

-See you!

-Bye.

-Bye.

Now, this looks interesting. I'm excited.

This exquisite emporium has been owned by Peter Smith since 1978.

-Hi!

-Good morning.

-Peter, good morning.

I quite like that. It isn't Worcester, but it looks just like Worcester.

I think it's, sort of, like 1900, isn't it?

1900s, 1920?

I'm just impressed by the quality of the painting.

I like that. It would be nice if that was a little Worcester cup,

because that would go for, like, £20 or £30. And it's only a fiver.

What's David going to say if I show him that? Is he going to laugh?

He probably is.

Stop worrying about what David might say. It's only a fiver.

But it could be cheaper, couldn't it? £5.

£4? £4.

I can't argue with you, can I?

-It's very beautiful.

-But it's not going to set the world on fire.

So you've said four, yeah?

£3.50. My final offer.

Look, I'm not going to argue with you. £3.50's fine.

Just up the road at the antiques centre,

David also has his eye on a rather special mug.

This is a political election victory mug,

which is quite rare.

The great contest at Alnwick, which is interesting, this is where we are.

"The choice of the people and Northumberlands."

But what an interesting piece.

How much is that? £38.

Mm. I like that.

I feel a deal coming on.

-What's the value on that? What's your very best price?

-Oh, gosh.

But will David be able to work his magic on Beryl?

-It's got to be quite cheap, actually.

-Yeah. 20?

I think the condition goes against it, really,

but it's an interesting piece because of its local history.

-Oh...15. And that's it.

-That's the lowest, is it?

-Yeah.

-OK.

-Because I've only put it in this morning.

-Have you really?

-Yes, yeah.

Well, no point in rushing a decision when there's some enticing pieces of Staffordshire nearby.

Is that £15 the pair?

Well, I suppose to you, yes.

But anybody else, no.

They don't sell, do they?

That's the trouble with Staffordshire at the moment.

-Such a shame.

-Well, we seem to sell them.

-Do you really?

-We've only got those. We haven't got any more cos we've sold the rest.

So, these are the rejects?

Cheeky.

Well, no, those are something else that's come in this morning.

Do you want to think about it? I'll put them aside.

-OK.

-Right.

-I'll put them in the office.

-Lovely. Thank you very much.

Well, he's not the only one getting excited.

See, that catches my eye. I really like Imari porcelain.

You know, the blues and the lovely colours.

Let's just have a look. Really pretty.

Imari porcelain was made in Japan and extensively exported

via the port of Imari between the 17th and 20th centuries.

It's £10?

You said £8 on it.

It's going to have to be five.

Otherwise, I don't think there's any point in me trying.

5.50?

You love your 50ps, don't you?

5.50, you're on.

Thank you.

Right. After all that, I owe you £9.

£9. Not bad for a cracked plate and a teacup.

So, off to find David.

I hardly dare tell him what I've bought.

He'd better not laugh.

Laugh? David's far too busy for that.

He's now got his eye on a copper coal scuttle

and has stallholder Annie in his sights.

-75.

-Ooph!

Can you go down to 40?

No, no. No way, no.

-50. Sorry.

-Could you split the difference between 40 and 50? 45.

-Go on then, 45.

-45, yeah.

-Thank you.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Thank you.

Looks like he's not finished yet, though.

Here comes that cracked tankard and the Staffordshire figures.

You've told me I can have those at 15. I hoped for ten but...

No, it's got to be... They've got to be 15 each.

Those for 15 and that for 15, that's 30.

That's the worrying one, actually.

-I think you're...

-Could you do them for 20, please?

Well, I think that's a bit...

-25, OK?

-Can we split the difference at 22?

-No.

-22.

-25.

Beryl, look in my eyes. 22, 22.

25.

Go on then, being as it's you, yeah.

The master of seduction. That hypnotic stare has worked a charm.

Meanwhile, back in the old jalopy,

Margie has driven 30 miles south to Newcastle.

Right. We're here.

Margie's next shop is the Fern Avenue Antique Centre,

run by Giuseppe Anthony.

What's this?

These do well.

-It's a dough bowl.

-Yeah.

-Eastern European, for mixing the dough,

come in various sizes.

Made out of a single piece of wood, in this case sycamore,

and, after being hollowed out, the giant bowls were used to mix dough in.

That's cheap and cheerful. £38, which doesn't sound very dear.

35 quid and it's for nothing.

-35. You've knocked three quid off.

-Yeah.

You've put sycamore there.

I'm syca-you!

-I don't blame you. I'm sick of myself.

-No.

Come on, can it be, like...?

-Can it be what?

-Can it be 25 quid?

No, it can't be 25.

£32, but that is the bottom line.

-Don't even think about bidding me.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-Cos I'd offend you?

-I wouldn't be offended but you'll just get a "no".

£32, it's not a lot of money.

-We'll have it.

-Right?

-Yeah.

So that's one, two, three, £40.

-Thank you very much.

-Lovely. Great.

-The strategy's not working.

-You're not wrong there.

Wasn't the idea to buy boldly?

Never mind, there's still time.

Sunderland beckons.

Founded in 1179 at the mouth of the River Wear,

Sunderland grew from a humble fishing village

to become a thriving port, trading coal and salt.

SPOOKY MOAN

Oh, my goodness. It's the head of a giraffe, isn't it?

It says, "Please do not touch".

Oi, can't you read?

Yeah, it is.

A weird and wonderful shop. Right, let's have a look round.

-I'm a bit fascinated by your giraffe.

-Hello.

This strange curiosity shop belongs to David Whitfield,

who is giraffe-daft.

Have a look round. Just help yourself. Feel free.

Right. That's an interesting piece of wood, isn't it, your baluster here?

Er, newel post.

-So what did you say, darling?

-£60.

And that's the least?

-£40.

-Oh, done it.

-OK.

-That's terrific. Oh, I love it. Love it, love it, love it.

I think we got the message.

-Thank you so much.

-Thank you, Margie. Lovely meeting you.

-And you, too.

Time for our experts to head south and it's David in the driving seat.

The thing that I'm worried about is it's automatic.

I have never driven an automatic before.

-Now he tells us.

-I feel as though I should be doing something with the left leg.

Just leave your left leg alone. Give it a rest.

These two are turning into a right old married couple.

Before he gets down to more shopping,

David is making a detour to Weardale in County Durham

to drop Margie off for a royal appointment.

-Well, here we are.

-Now, you have a good day.

-I will do so.

-Don't buy anything special.

-That's a good start.

-Margie is here to meet Anita Atkinson.

Union Jack mad.

A loyal subject with a right royal passion.

-Anita!

-Hello. You made it. Margie Cooper.

-I have made it.

-Pleased to meet you. Come on in.

Would you please be upstanding

for Anita's enormous collection of royal memorabilia.

Oh, my goodness me.

This is some of it.

Gosh, so when did you start all this?

I think my collection really took off in Silver Jubilee year

because that was the first big occasion of my lifetime.

I've now got over 5,000.

Anita used to be the world record holder for the largest collection but she recently lost her crown.

I'm not bothered about it at all.

In fact, I'm over the moon that there's someone else as daft as me.

-I can show you my oldest piece, if you'd like to see that.

-I'd particularly like to see that.

Because the collection starts at Queen Victoria's coronation.

This is actually an original newspaper

and it's the coronation edition of the Sun,

-June 28th 1838.

-That is a lovely thing to have.

The whole country was rejoicing, of course, because, you know,

this young queen, 18 years old, she was a teenager and the first female monarch for 100 years.

-Yeah.

-And I think they had been a bit fed up with old men.

That's a really fabulous piece of memorabilia.

And from the oldest piece in the collection to one of the newest.

What's going on with this, then?

Well spotted!

A mug celebrating the wedding of Kate Middleton and, er...

Prince Harry?

So who got this wrong then?

Well, the manufacturers.

Off with their heads!

I had to pay £10 for that mug.

-Oh, that's funny, isn't it?

-I had to get it imported from China.

-See, in 30, 40, 50 years' time...

-Yeah. That is unusual.

That is the royal wedding mug to collect.

That'll be on the Antiques Road Trip.

Anita's collection is so big that most of it isn't even on display.

-So, here we go.

-Yeah, well, there's more up here.

This is where most of the collection is.

-Right.

-Up here, in the loft.

With 36 boxes full, Anita has royals coming out of the rafters.

Don't you find it frustrating to have a lot of your stuff up here?

-Oh, it is, yeah.

-Cos you've probably forgotten half the things that are in here.

-Yeah.

-You haven't got the room.

-Isn't that awful, Edward VII in the loft?

-Yeah, I know.

-And there's not many folk can say that.

I've got to get back to my shopping.

I've got to beat this David Barby.

And he's out now, shopping, and I'm here, up this ladder.

-Mind how you go down the ladder.

-I certainly will.

Cos that would be an easy win, wouldn't it, if I fell?

-Bye!

-Bye.

With a right royal wave to Weardale,

David has driven on to Durham.

In Durham's indoor market, it seems David has also caught the royal bug.

-Oh, dear.

-Now, isn't that fun?

Isn't that fun?

This is a cameo portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh and Elizabeth.

Now, this was made by Crown Devon, a very good company.

So there's loads of local history there.

That's a very nice pot. I quite like that.

That's £16. A little bit on the high side but we can come back to that.

Have a look at these. They're two sailor dolls and they were produced as sort of souvenirs.

£12.50 each.

A little bit on the top side.

Sylvia, are these yours?

Yes. Yes, they are.

What's the best price you could do on the little dolls?

What's the best price you could do on them?

Oh, that's asking me to be both buyer and seller.

£10 each.

That's still too much, that's £20 for two.

-Are you going to stare at me for ages then?

-No, I'm not.

I wouldn't bet on it.

-15, final, final offer.

-For the two?

Yes.

They're jolly cheeky chappies, aren't they?

Will you take £10 for the two?

£12.50, that's it.

(£10.)

Oh, go on, £10.

Whoever would have guessed that David had a thing for sailors?

I think they're great fun. Thank you very much indeed.

With another purchase under his belt, David rejoins Margie

for their final shopping spree in Richmond.

Situated on the River Swale, this beautiful little market town

is dominated by the 11th-century castle, a Mecca for tourists.

Time's running out now. We've only got another few hours.

Well, that's right. I'm getting into a panic situation, very apprehensive,

I just don't know what I'm going to find here.

Richmond has been described as the most romantic town in the North of England.

But will our experts fall in love with anything else to make them part with their cash?

-Best of luck.

-And you, too.

-See you.

-Bye.

-Bye.

Don't worry about parking the car, guys, we'll take care of that.

David has found his way to Harry Thompson's shop

and immediately spies a lovely piece of Prattware.

Oh, my God. This, basically, is a paste pot.

And, around about sort of 1845, 1850...

they used to present gentlemen's hair grease ointment

in plain, white pottery boxes.

And then somebody suggested, if we put a coloured picture on the top,

they'd sell more of the product.

-You've got 50 on it.

-Well, I know.

But that doesn't mean it's 50, does it?

What sort of price would it be?

Do I go up or down?

No. You go down, you go down.

Can you do it at 20 quid for us?

-Would you rob an old pensioner?

-Yes.

Look how weary and tired I look like, you know.

22, Harry, please?

23.

Or 53, I aren't bothered. 53 or 23.

-23.

-Oh.

-Thank you very much.

-Are you going home now?

Oh, no. No, there might be something else lurking around.

I know. That's what's worrying me.

Not something, David, someone.

Look who's lurking at the door.

-Am I allowed to, or have you finished?

-Yes, come on in.

-Let me introduce you to 'Arry.

-Oh, right, have you finished?

-Almost, yes.

-Hello, Harry. Well, I don't want to disturb you.

It's all right. I just want him out.

-You got rid of him.

-He's robbed me summat rotten.

Has he robbed you? That means he's bought something.

Well, if I stay up here... I'll stay out of your way. I'll just go in here.

David, he's bought something. Bully for him.

Oh, she's not bitter, that girl.

Come on, Margie, you're in happy Harry's emporium now,

where there really is something for everyone.

That's quite interesting. Shelley. Collectable.

1930s.

You know, it's not amazing, but I think it would sell.

Well, you'd better not dally then cos, down the road,

David is scenting success with a perfume bottle.

-I like that.

-It is nice, that, isn't it?

So we've got a hinge-top section there,

with the cork, which I think has been replaced, actually.

And then this end, which is a screw end...

..that would have been... Again, you've got a cork stopper.

And I think that would have been for smelling salts.

That's got 95 on it, which is a little bit high.

What's the very best you can do on that?

Right, well, I'm saying I'm not going to go any lower than 65.

That's a good drop, a really good drop. 65.

What about £50?

No. I'll do you 55.

Can we split the difference at 52, please?

-(Go on, then.)

-52.

-52, that's it.

And that's why some people call him The Master.

This is mild hysteria now because we're on the last knockings.

What's this? This footman's quite nice, isn't it?

-Ooh, God, it's so heavy.

-Oh, aye, that's nice.

Brass footman.

Interesting detail on the top.

I don't know enough about it but I quite like it.

In the early 19th century, fireside stools, or footmen like this,

were used to keep kettles and pans on.

How much is it?

65 quid.

Right, so, if I buy that for a fiver...

It's that pretty little Shelley bowl.

-..What would you want for the...

-50.

-50 quid.

Right, because I want to spend my money and because I'm fed up

and it's too late now to go anywhere else, it's the end of the day.

-I'll tell you what I'll do.

-Yeah.

If you look at it all, give me 45.

-And go.

-45.

Bless you. Harry, you're a star.

So that's £45 for the bowl and the footman. Deal done.

Well done, happy Harry.

I'm sorry if I've tested your patience.

You haven't tested my patience. As long as I'm taking some money, I don't care.

-Charming young ladies like you.

-Young ladies? Here's another tenner.

No, my eyesight's going!

That's cheered them both up and the shopping's all done.

David began this leg with £200 and spent £152 on a Prattware pot,

a scent bottle, two pottery figures together with a tankard,

two sailor-boy dolls and a copper coal hod.

Margie also started with £200 but only spent £126 on a footman,

a porcelain cup paired with an Imari plate,

a Shelley bowl, a mahogany newel post

and a sycamore dough bowl, as you do.

So, let's see what the experts really think of each other's swag.

I think Margie's got quite an eclectic mix there.

The newel post, if anybody is restoring a house, that is an ideal piece of Victoriana.

Out of the two of us, it is level pegging.

I think it is old, commemorative.

It will be really interesting to see what that does.

Because it is so old and it is so damaged,

that could be a disaster.

I think I might just have the edge.

From Alnwick it has been an eventful leg of the road trip, but now

it is on to the auction in Leyburn in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

-Moment of truth.

-Oh, can be told!

-Well, all I can say, Margie, is best of luck.

-Thank you very much.

Our experts are doing battle at Tennants,

one of Yorkshire's most highly regarded auction houses.

It attracts buyers from around the world, but will David

and Margie's items have a global appeal?

First up is David with this pretty, if unfashionable,

little piece of Prattware.

£20 I am bid. 30. 30 and you're in.

Any more bidders on this? For the pot, got to sell.

Any more bidders? 40. Against you, sir.

£40, the lady's bid.

On my right for the last time, 40'll take it, thank you.

Well done, mate, you've got a profit.

Very nice indeed. Not a big profit but a profit nevertheless.

-I'm always happy once we've made a start.

-I know.

Don't worry, you'll make a profit on your footman.

Lot number 73, this 19th-century footman.

£20 to start me. Bid, 20 at the back.

30, 40, 50, 60.

Any more bids? Don't want you to lose it for one bid.

£60'll take it.

Well done.

That's 20 quid profit, Marjorie.

So, Margie takes an early lead with a profit on her first piece.

I'm getting worried now, I'm really getting panicky.

Which is more than can be said for some in this auction room.

Wakey-wakey then, it's time for the next lot,

David's Victorian glass scent bottle.

-Here we go.

-Isn't that lovely?

What am I going to say, £50 to start for that, 50?

30, bid. £30. Good scent bottle this.

40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90.

£90 back row, lady's bid.

-100 if you wish anywhere? £90 right at the back row.

-So cheap.

Don't miss it for one bid. With the lady at 90'll take it.

I told you you'd get 80, you got 90.

-Well done.

-Thank you very much.

Next, Margie's two pieces of porcelain.

£20 the starting bid.

Any advance on this? 20. 30. 30 to the lady.

At £30 at the back. 40 new bidder.

50. 50 on the back row against you, sir.

£50 at the moment. Any more bids on that? Going to sell.

All finished at 50.

I'm coming to this room again!

I am going to give him a kiss after this. He's brilliant.

Well, what a result, eh?

-Oh, dear. Oh, dear. Oh, dear.

-My nerves are going.

So are mine.

Now, can David do any better with his Staffordshire pottery figures

and that cracked commemorative tankard?

50 bid, thank you, sir.

50 straight in, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,

110, 120, 30, 140,

150, 160, 170, 180, 190.

Two bid, 220, 240. 240 I am bid.

All finished at 240.

Well done!

Well, who would have thought that? A £218 profit on £22 of outlay.

Well done.

Flipping heck, what am I congratulating you for?

Oh, here's me bowl.

So can the auctioneer wield his magic

with Margie's pretty £5 Shelley bowl?

-£10 bid on this one, 20, you're in.

-It's worth more than that.

£20 I am bid on the Shelley bowl.

-30 anywhere? 1930s example as well.

-Oh, no.

Bid's there, all finished on the gent's bid, £20.

Well, it's still a tidy profit for such little outlay.

This interesting newel post.

The next item could be the answer to Margie's prayers.

But only if she can salvage a profit from it.

I'm not sure where the rest of the staircase is.

-Have I come late?

-You cheeky monkey.

We'll see anyway. £10 starts me.

£10 in the room. Shall I sell this? At 10 only.

15 bid. £20 you're in, sir.

-20 against, madam.

-Keep going.

-Don't miss it for one bid.

-All finished for the post.

-Oh, no.

-£20'll take it.

Well done, sir. Do you want to take it now?

Thanks.

Well, he's got an absolute bargain.

Would you believe it? It posted a loss!

All aboard for David's next lot

and his slightly scary-looking sailor boys.

Start me at 20, sir. Bid. £20 at the back.

30, 40.

-40. Bid's at the back now with 40.

-Come on.

Take the five if you want, sir. All finished at £40.

-40 quid, well, who would've...

-Any advance at 40 for the two?

-Thank you. £40.

-You can't go wrong.

-£40.

Who would've thought?

David's riding on the crest of a wave

with his two sailor boys and that profit.

So, if you make a profit on your next lot,

you've scored on every single one.

Here we are, here we are.

David's final item is this

decorative 19th-century copper coal hod.

But will it set the auction room ablaze?

£20 bid. Thank you, sir. £20, got a commission bid on this.

20. Any more bids on this? 20, 30, 40.

On commission, it's my bid at the moment. One more.

Any advance? £40 and going.

-Commission bid.

-Oh, what a shame. You've not swept the boards!

I've lost.

No need to be a drama queen, David. It's only £5.

Margie may yet have the last laugh.

She's still got her European dough bowl,

but will it rise to the occasion

and give her the bread she needs to win?

£20 for a good piece of country furniture there.

£20 surely. Bid, thank you, sir. 20 starting bid.

-20, 30. 30 front row, 40, 50.

-You're in profit.

-Frank, one more, sir. £50 I am bid.

-It's not enough.

-60 anywhere for that large bowl?

-You're in profit.

-You are in profit.

-Don't be condescending.

Aw.

-That's disappointing again.

-No, it's not. It's a profit.

Sadly, Margie's dough bowl hasn't risen enough.

David Barby has triumphed.

-Well, congratulations, do you want to shake my hand?

-Yes.

Margie started with £200 and after auction costs

has increased her spending power to £238.

David also started with 200

and with some canny buys he's more than doubled his cash.

So, after auction costs,

he has an impressive £417 going into the next leg.

-Oh, Margie, wasn't that good? I really, really enjoyed that.

-It certainly was.

-Excuse me.

-What?

-I thought I was driving?

I'm a little bit concerned in your present state.

Are you going to be in control emotionally?

-Of course. I'm driving.

-Oh, dear. Right, there we go.

Why do I always give way to women?

Ah, well, David might be in the lead

but it looks like Margie's in charge.

Eager to be crowned winner of this road trip, David and Margie

are pressing on with the next leg of their journey in the 1979 Mercedes.

-I'm anxious to get shopping now.

-Yeah.

I'm really excited, I've got money to spend.

The route is taking them from Alnwick in Northumberland

through the beautiful English countryside

to their final destination of Lincoln, 200 miles away.

But on this leg, they start off in Barnard Castle, County Durham,

before winding their way across country

to the delightful seaside town of Scarborough.

-I'm not going to say good luck.

-Why not?

-Because I don't mean it.

Margie has £238 burning a hole in her pocket.

Her first shop is Robson's Antiques, to meet owner Dale.

-Margie.

-Hello, Margie, nice to meet you.

-You too.

There's something here to suit all tastes. It's a real Aladdin's cave.

-My word, an Aladdin's cave.

-I just said that.

-I'm going to have a look round, if I may.

-Yeah, look away.

-So, I'll see you later.

-See you in a little bit.

-So, what's the plan of action?

-I'm going to start up here...

Yes?

If I haven't got much money,

I buy better than when I've got loads of money.

You're at an advantage today then,

since you've only got half as much cash as David.

Ooh, whatever is that?

Gosh, never seen one of them before.

Must be a hearth brush...

..with a brass horrible face...

..and another horrible face.

-I've never seen one of those.

-Well, you have now.

It's £45 but is that going to, if I get it really much cheaper,

I wonder is that going to be a saleable thing?

Is somebody going to want to buy that?

While Margie dithers over the hearth brush,

David steams ahead to the Mission Hall Antiques Centre

with a mighty £417 burning a hole in his pocket.

-Hello there!

-Good morning.

-We have something in common, haven't we?

-We have.

-Your name's David.

-It is.

-Mine's David as well. That's a good start.

It's a good start.

And so, the Barby charm offensive begins. Watch this...

There's a little piece of toleware.

Toleware is a French term describing tin or steel-made objects

often enamelled and with decorative designs.

Inside there...

you'd have a compartment.

Ah! Isn't that lovely?

You put your spices in there.

Included in that circular section, that's the little nutmeg grater.

Isn't that good? So it's complete.

And I remember my grandmother having one of these.

That's quite nice, I like that.

I like that - good social history there. Mm.

Mm, I feel a deal coming on.

-I'd say £40.

-£40...

-35?

-Could we say 30?

35 would be better.

HE LAUGHS

-32. I'll do it for 32, go on.

-Hallelujah!

-Thank you very much, sir.

-Thank you very much.

I haven't got the two pounds, unfortunately.

That is the oldest trick in the book, David!

I saw you look! I saw you look!

Nice try!

Oh, dear, oh, dear - you're such a hard man.

That's rich coming from you!

Back up the road, Margie is surveying the silverware.

That's a little card case, look.

She's eyeing up an Edwardian business card holder

and is considering a job lot of silver.

I need to compile a few bits.

I do actually have a set of sorts that's come in,

and that could be reasonable.

-An Edwardian manicure set.

-How much is it, then?

-25.

-What, for the whole lot?

-Yeah.

-Hmm.

-So, you've said 20 for that.

-25 for that.

-Yeah.

There's probably weight in that one!

I always laugh when I'm bidding!

-I don't know why, I should be more serious.

-Yeah, yeah.

So what's your best offer...

-It's got to be that really.

-Is it?

-45.

-It couldn't be 38?

Oh, God, no!

-I'm a bit...

-£40 for the two.

And I don't think you can go wrong with that.

-OK.

-OK.

-We'll do it.

-Will we do that?

-We'll do it.

-Thank you very much.

With the silver sorted, Margie turns her attention

back to the hearth brush.

I've never seen one before.

I just think I like it, I like the heart, I like the wood.

-£30, it can be.

-I've just spent 40!

-Very, very best.

-I've just spent 40!

I know, I know, but...

We have to make a bit of money.

I know you do.

So, 65 wouldn't do the deal?

-40, 50, 65... OK, we'll do that.

-Go on then.

-Thank you very much.

-It's a bit of a laugh!

-I'll polish it.

-I'll even polish it for you, yeah?

-That's great.

So, £65 for the manicure set and hearth brush.

Oh, look who's here!

Oh, no, quick! Excuse me!

-Have you bought something?

-Yeah, I just have.

-I'll just go through to the back room.

-Right, go on then.

-OK.

-Go on then.

-Yes, all right.

-You're not to look.

-I won't, no.

-Have you bought anything?

-Yes.

-He has!

-In my bag.

Ooh, I wonder what she's found?

He's such a nosy parker!

All will be revealed, David, but not just yet.

-Six, and that's seven. Just check it, will you, Dale?

-Lovely.

Bye!

Ah, two lots.

With Margie out of the way, David has free rein.

Goodness me, this IS an Aladdin's cave!

Yes, we've already said that, David, twice!

Oh! It's got its cover!

Registration mark on the bottom, so that's a good sign.

This charming piece of Prattware is a hot-water jug produced in 1851.

I really like that.

Particularly since it's got its original lid.

Prepare to witness The Master at work as he engages his powers

of flattery, charm and Jedi mind tricks.

It's £48. I'd like you to do your very, very best, please.

£35.

Is that the silent treatment?

I would like it at a much less figure than you've quoted.

A much less figure? Well, you're very persuasive.

And it really should be the figure I've quoted.

-But if you'll give us £25 for it, I would accept that.

-OK.

The incredible Mr Barby does it again.

At the same time, you've got in the window a pudding basin.

-Yes, yeah.

-With a green transfer on. How much is that?

-Off the top of my head, I think that's about £80.

-80?!

-Yeah.

I can get it out and we can have a look at it,

but it is a decent amount of money.

£80! £80!

Well, I have to start high with you! You're a hard bargainer.

I think it's got to be around £30.

Just say no, Dale!

It's got to be £50. Maybe do it for 45, but...

It's a nice object. Somebody else will buy that.

-Could we split the difference at 35?

-Oh, no, no, no way.

-Good for you.

I tell you what, £40, but that's absolutely it, and that's cheap.

38 would be very, very kind to me.

Don't give in!

HE SIGHS

You've had one good deal,

I think you should give me a good deal on that!

Here he goes again. Don't look into his eyes, Dale!

(Please.)

HE SIGHS

-Go on, then, we'll do that.

-OK, thank you very much indeed.

Some people just never learn!

With another two items under his belt,

David leaves Barnard Castle behind and heads east to Yarm.

The name of the town is derived from the old Norse word "yarum",

meaning "an enclosure to catch fish."

I wonder what David will manage to reel in here?

-Hello. David.

-Oh, hello.

-Hello, how are you?

-Sandy Welsh.

-And you're Sandy?

-Yes, I am.

-What a lovely name.

I recognise that face. We've been here before with Philip Serrell.

-70 quid for the two.

-How much?!

She's a feisty one.

Could David Barby finally have met his match?

This is a Victorian scrap screen,

where it was a hobby to cut out of magazines or use greeting cards

and stick them onto a screen.

-This is a possibility.

-Oh, not cheap! Anything else?

That's £80, it's a little bit too much for me.

How much could it go for?

You might be able to take advantage of me today,

because I had a late night last night.

Oh, I say! Frisky!

This is a Walter Moorcroft vase of cylindrical form

and I suppose probably made to hold spills

used for lighting fires or candles.

-Right, it's nice.

-So, what sort of figure?

-Oh...

When I said you could take advantage I didn't mean the whole way!

-Well, halfway?

-Well, erm...

-80?

-Oh!

You're taking advantage of ME!

-80? Oh, come on!

-Well...

-Sandy!

75.

These two started off so well together,

but I sense it could all end in tears.

-Absolutely.

-Let me put that out there.

-Put it to one side.

I'll put that to one side. Because I trust you...

Brace yourself, Sandy.

..I'm going to ask you the best price that you can do for me on that.

I trust your honesty and your kindness.

I'll tell you what, you're good.

-You're good.

-You what?

Finally, someone has rumbled the silver-tongued charmer!

In your heart of hearts,

what do you think would be a good price on that for me and you?

A good price? I'd say half the price you're asking.

You're making me head ache. 55.

-48.

-You have worn me to a frazzle.

-So, it's 48?

-I'll let you have it for 48 if you buy something else.

-Where are your postcards?

-You've worn me out!

David won over the battle of the Moorcroft,

but can Sandy triumph over the Victorian scrap screen,

price - £168?

You'll make a fortune on that screen.

Sandy, I don't think it's in good condition, darling.

No, but that's it, shabby chic.

Not that shabby.

There's plenty of chic.

There is plenty of cheek!

-Can you tuck it just under the £100, please?

-No.

If I said to you 115, that would be it. Otherwise, we can't do it.

-Could we split the difference at 100?

-Oh!

-That's splitting the difference.

Go on, then.

What have I done? What have I done?

-That's £148 you owe me.

-Oh, so much!

Yes...

My husband will say to me, "You're losing your touch."

You're not losing your touch at all.

Sandy, thank you very much.

So, no hard feelings. Time to kiss and make up.

-Made in heaven!

-Thank you.

-£2, thank you.

-Thank you.

-Bye.

-Bye-bye.

Was that Sandy crying?

Well, perhaps she'll have the last laugh

when the scrap screen goes to auction.

With five items already in the bag, David joins Margie back on the road

for the next leg of their road trip.

Their destination - a mystery location,

deep in the suburbs of Middlesbrough,

where Margie is embarking on a very hush-hush mission

to secure her next purchase.

I think it's a business run from a house.

-Oh, right?

-It's a bit of a mystery.

-Well, Margie, I think we're here.

Yeah. So, it's all very intriguing.

Margie has arranged to meet the owner, Jim.

I think it's over there somewhere.

-Good morning.

-Good morning, Margie. Pleasure to meet you.

Welcome to Appleton Antiques, Middlesbrough.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Pleasure.

Jim's antiques shop is actually an extension of his home

and only select buyers get to visit,

so Margie had better make the most of it!

My eye's suddenly gone to this.

£59, so where's it distressed?

-It's quite heavy.

-Distressed? I call it cracked!

Do you want to see on the bottom? It's got a nice crack on the base.

Yeah, yeah, lovely!

-But it's got a presence.

-It certainly has.

And no wonder - it's a classic piece of Linthorpe pottery

by influential designer Christopher Dresser.

Linthorpe was only produced over a ten-year period from 1879,

so it's now highly collectable.

I've never seen anything quite like it. £59...

-40's the rock bottom.

-Rock bottom.

I'm going to be brave and I'm going to say,

I would have been really happy at 35, but you're not going to go down?

-40's the best, yeah.

-OK, Jim.

-Good, thank you.

Back on the road, David has driven 30 miles across to Whitby

on the east coast of Yorkshire.

The fishing port emerged during the Middle Ages.

It's where Captain Cook learned seamanship.

Known for its fish and chips, Whitby is also famous for something else.

I'm on the way to meet a young lady

who's going to tell me about Whitby jet.

It's going to be quite a fascinating lesson.

The jet found in Whitby is unrivalled

to that found anywhere else in the world.

The semiprecious gemstone

comes from ancient fossilised monkey puzzle trees

formed when trees decomposed under extreme pressure

182 million years ago.

Much of the raw material is found here at Boggle Hole

in Robin Hood Bay.

-What a romantic place!

-It's gorgeous, isn't it?

-I'm David, what's your name?

-Rebecca.

-You come here often, do you?

-Yeah, on days off.

What do I look for, is it all black?

It is black, but it's quite difficult to actually find it.

Because of coastal erosion, it's illegal to mine the jet,

which can make it difficult to find.

Jet comes in two different ways, really.

There's either sea-washed jet or cliff jet.

So, that's the sea-washed yet. You can feel how light it is.

-It is, it would almost float.

-Yeah, it's not what you expect.

You look at it, it looks quite a dark, heavy material,

but it's incredibly light. It's also warm to the touch as well.

-And it's been polished by the sand, hasn't it, and the sea?

-Yeah, yeah.

We actually prefer it sea-washed

-as opposed to out of the cliff like this.

-Why's that?

When it's sea-washed, it tumbles against the rocks in the waves

-and it gets off any shale or impurities.

-Right, I follow that.

So you're literally left with the best stuff.

It's easier for us to work with as a product.

Why don't I take you to the shop

and you can see various different designs in the antiques section,

and you can also have a go at cutting some yourself if you like?

-And maybe a cup of tea?

-Oh, definitely a cup of tea!

Thank you very much.

Queen Victoria loved Whitby jet and made the jewellery popular

during her 40-year period of mourning.

Back at Rebecca's workshop, David is about to get a lesson

in working with the semiprecious stone.

This is the ring that I'm going to get you to work on.

I've got a piece of jet that's roughly cut and polished,

so what I want you to do is grind that into that exact shape

so that it fits in perfectly.

That's it.

-You have to have a good eye.

-You do.

-Where did you train?

I trained doing jewellery, like the silversmithing side,

at Birmingham City University in the Jewellery Quarter.

It's the best place I could have trained,

but I didn't know anything about working jet

until I came to work for this company.

Of course, you can't go anywhere else, can you?

-Because there's no jet anywhere else.

-Well, no.

That's very good for your first try, I have to say. You're almost there.

This is one that I've done earlier.

That's what it's going to look like when it's done,

when the piece of jet is set in place.

I think it's wonderful.

I hope you have loads of people come and have a look at this,

-because it's fantastic.

-Oh, we do, yeah.

-Thank you very much.

-You're quite welcome.

-And thanks for letting me have a go.

-That's OK. You did very well.

I'm going to have a shower.

Make it a cold one.

While David cleans up,

Margie has travelled four miles south to the village of Sleights.

Located in the Esk Valley,

Sleights is a charming little village where time passes slowly -

unless you're Margie Cooper hunting down a bargain, that is.

As usual, we're in a bit of a rush.

Let's have a look in here.

-Hello. You must be Phil?

-Hello, pleased to meet you.

-I'm Margie.

-Hi.

-Hi.

Eskdale Antiques is quite literally a barn of a shop

based in an old farmyard.

Let's hope Margie doesn't end up

buying a pile of you-know-what by mistake!

-Do you like advertising?

-Oh!

One and nine with three gallons,

so it's got a slight motoring association.

How much is that?

45.

How low could it go?

If I said 35 to you...

-35?

-It must give you 15 or 20 quid at least, maybe a bit more?

-That's not going to go for 50 quid, is it?

-Yeah, I think it will.

Oh, I don't think so.

It's just all guesswork with something like that, isn't it?

Yeah, but that's what makes it fun, isn't it?

-It'd make it fun if it was 25 quid.

-How about going halfway?

-Meet me in the middle.

-Oh, gosh, 30 still sounds dear, Phil, doesn't it?

-We'll make a deal if you like.

-25?

Yeah, we'll make a deal at 25 quid, OK? Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. Let's give you some money.

-We've got 20, 30. There you go.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you very much.

-There we go, just a fiver.

That's great, thanks, Phil. Oh, what have I done?

With time running out, Margie legs it across to Whitby...

Here goes - nothing ventured...!

..where David is looking for his last shop of the day.

Gosh, it's getting rather late now.

I'll just nip down there and see if there's a shop open,

because I haven't shopped today and I need to get one more item.

Well, you know what they say, David? He who shops last shops longest.

Looks like Margie's stolen his thunder.

She's beaten you to the last shop.

-Hi, hello.

-Hello, how do you do?

-Margie Cooper, and you are?

-Frank.

Frank. Hi, Frank. I'm just going to have a quick look round,

-is that all right?

-You're quite welcome, yes.

You've got all sorts in here.

-Yeah, there's a bit of everything.

-Yeah.

-That's nice.

-Yeah, it is.

Not that easy to... Where's the other one?

THEY LAUGH

-There's not two, is there?

-I think there might be!

Yes, some antiques come in matching pairs, just like our experts.

Where there's Margie, David's usually not far behind.

Oh, I can't believe it, Margie's in there! Oh, no!

-I see what you mean about the barometers, they're quite nice.

-They're lovely.

-What sort of money can they be? What's the middle one?

-The rope one?

-Yeah.

-Has it got £60 on it? £40.

-Not 20?

-No, can't do it at 20.

Oh, now what? Oh, it is him!

What? I'm going now, I'm nearly finished.

Are you buying a pair of shoes?

SHE LAUGHS

35 and that's it, right?

You've got to buy something otherwise...

You'll kick me out of the shop.

You're fed up with me now, aren't you? I can feel it.

He's not the only one!

I've had enough.

I'm going back to the hotel.

And just like that, David Barby becomes Diva Barby.

SHE LAUGHS

-Thank you so much.

-OK, my dear.

And I hope it makes a profit.

-You'll be all right.

-Thanks a lot.

-OK then.

Our experts are now all shopped out.

David began this leg with a mighty £417

and has spent £243 on a vase, a spice box,

a Grimwade's Quick Cooker, a hot-water jug

and a Victorian scrap screen.

Margie started out with a meagre £238 and has bought

a Linthorpe planter, an oak-cased aneroid barometer,

a 1960s advertising board, a hearth brush and a collection of silver.

Let's see what the experts think of each other's buys.

I thought her Linthorpe pot - oh, such a dream!

I don't know whether she knows a Christopher Dresser design,

and even though it's cracked, there's going to be demand for it,

so she's bought exceedingly well.

I just hate those screens.

I think they're everything that's bad about Victoriana.

He's going to be very lucky if he gets a profit.

From wonderful Whitby,

it's now on to the seaside town of Scarborough for auction.

Seeing Scarborough at its very best.

-Elegant town, isn't it?

-That's enough of the sightseeing.

It's time to get down to business!

Not a cloud in the sky!

-What a lovely day!

-Yeah.

Our experts are doing battle at David Duggleby's auction house,

a family-run business with over 40 years' experience.

-Here we go.

-Right, lot number 13 then.

So, kicking things off is David's 1930s Moorcroft vase.

At 40, five, 50, five, at 60.

Five, 70. Five, 80.

Five, 90. Five, 100.

110, 120.

130, fresh bid.

130. 140.

150. 160. 170.

At £170, then, at 170.

It's in the room, it's selling at 170. All done, 170.

Oh, no, defeated before I start!

Oh, my goodness me, that was amazing.

Maybe Margie can catch up

with her badly cracked Linthorpe jardiniere.

50 with me. At £50 then? At 50. At £50, and five.

-At 60. £60. Selling at 60, then.

-60 quid!

All done.

-You've made a profit, Margie.

-£60!

-Yeah, but it's £20.

Yeah, but it should have rolled on a bit more.

Will David's toleware spice tin curry favour with the bidders?

With me at £25. At 25, at 30. At 30.

35. At 40, 45?

At 50, £50 in the room, at 50.

At £50, then, it's selling. All done at £50?

Going at 50, all done? 50.

A nice price for the spice

and another tasty little profit for David.

That's good.

The pressure is on for the next item -

Margie's 1930s oak barometer.

20 bid. At 20.

At £20 at the back there, £20. 25, 25.

At £25 on this side? Selling at 25. Are you all done at £25? £25.

Uh-oh, I can see the storm clouds brewing for Marjorie.

-It's not my day.

-You've got other things coming up, Margie.

Here we are, all you need for your tea today.

David's next lot is the Grimwade pudding basin.

But will it turn out to be a duff purchase?

With me at £25. At 25, at 30.

£30. 35 with me. 35. At 40?

£40 on this side, at 40.

Got to go. All done? It's going at 40.

-You've made a profit. Or have you?

-Yes.

The proof was in the pudding, but only just.

Still, at least it's profit - I'm not making a loss.

Another of David Barby's items next -

the Felix Pratt hot-water jug.

At £20 with me. At £20, then, at 20.

Five, 30. Five, at 40. At £40.

-It's worth more than that.

-On commission, then, at £40, at 40.

-You won't get a better example.

-He's right!

It's selling, are we all done at 40?

It's profit. It's profit.

A lukewarm response to the hot-water jug,

but David still profits to the tune of £15.

-Disappointing.

-It is disappointing.

-It is disappointing.

-Very surprised.

Oh, no!

Disappointing for David, but it gives Margie a chance to catch up.

-Just tell me when it's over.

-Have faith in your taste.

Let's hope there are no snags with this 1960s advertising board.

At 20, and five. At 30, and five.

At 40. And five, at 50.

-And five, £55 in the room, at £55.

-£55!

It's here to sell, it's going at 55. Are we all done at £55?

-Wonderful!

-Hooray!

Suspend your disbelief - Margie is quids-in with her saucy stocking ad.

That was good.

Margie's luck has turned, but can she clean up

with her Arts and Crafts hearth brush?

20, at £20. At 20. In the room at £20 then, it's here to sell.

It's going at 20 then. Are we all done at £20? And five. £25, 25.

30, £30 here. 35.

At 40, £40. At 40. Selling at 40, then.

Are we all done at £40? It's got to go, we all done at 40?

That's OK. You're not losing.

A tidy little profit nevertheless.

We can't all make large profits.

Let's see if David's still smiling

when his tatty old Victorian scrap screen comes up next.

There we are, lot 120, the modesty screen there.

A modesty screen! I love the description.

You can put your 1960s stockings on behind this one.

-£40 I have bid, at 40.

-40, is that all?!

-At £40, at 40.

At £40, at 40 for the screen there, 40.

-Come on!

-At 40, and five.

45, and 50. Five, 60.

-Five, 70.

-It's going!

-Come on!

-£70 with me then, at 70.

-It's going!

-Five, 80.

-It's going.

-£80 with me, at 80.

It's on commission, it's here to sell.

It's going at 80 then. Are we all done at £80? Selling at 80, £80.

-Oh!

-Ouch! That scrap screen is scrap value. Oh, dear.

Still, no need to cry, David.

Margie's last hope lies with her silver collection,

which she needs to sell for at least £110 to stand any chance of winning.

No pressure, then.

35, 40. 45, at 50.

55, at 60.

-Keep going.

-65, at 70. 75, at £75.

-That's good. You were bang on.

-75, 75. £80 on the phone, at 80.

-80 on the phone.

-At 90.

-We were on the phone.

At £90 here, at 90. Selling at 90, then.

All done at £90? Going at 90, all done at 90?

Well done!

Well, it's a sterling profit but sadly, not enough.

That's it. You're a bit of a wily old fox, aren't you?

You're a crafty vixen, aren't you? Ooh!

Margie started this leg with £238, and after auction costs,

she's made a profit of £56.40,

increasing her spending power for the next round to £294.40.

David started with £417,

but even after costs, he's made a profit of £68.60,

increasing his stash of cash to a mighty £485.60,

making him top dog.

-You happy?

-I'm very happy. What about you?

-I'm quite happy.

-You made a profit.

-I know, but you had a really good flyer there.

-That's auctions for you.

-I know.

I can't wait for the next sale.

Off we go! This is a lovely, lovely place.

-I think we need to go for a paddle.

-Well, you can.

Come on, Barby, let's go party! The ice creams are on you.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd