0:00:02 > 0:00:04It's the nation's favourite antiques experts.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06With £200 each, a classic car
0:00:06 > 0:00:09and a goal to scour Britain for antiques.
0:00:09 > 0:00:10That hurts.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13My sap is rising.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17The aim, to make the biggest profit at auction, but it's no mean feat.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.
0:00:21 > 0:00:22Could you do 50 quid on that?
0:00:22 > 0:00:27So, will it be the high road to glory or the slow road to disaster?
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Your steering is a bit lamentable.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31This is the Antiques Road Trip.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Yeah!
0:00:38 > 0:00:41We're out on the road with a right pair of rascals,
0:00:41 > 0:00:44auctioneers James Braxton and Charles Hanson.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49James Braxton is the grown-up one, well, sort of,
0:00:49 > 0:00:51and keeps young Charles in check.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- Don't say sorry, just do it.- Sorry.
0:00:53 > 0:00:54- Don't say sorry.- Sorry.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- Don't say sorry!- OK, OK, OK.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Once he sniffs out antiques there's no stopping him.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Oh, smells of antiques.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09This is Charles Hanson. He's having a bit of trouble with his helmet.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10Can't get it on.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13And he's a right scaredy-cat too.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14If you turn the handle...
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- Will it hurt me or not?- No.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- Is it a trick? Is it a trick?- No.
0:01:19 > 0:01:26From his original £200, James now has £246.80 to flash about.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Meanwhile, young Charles Hanson is ahead.
0:01:33 > 0:01:39He's managed to add to his £200 kitty with a wondrous £373.10.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Ha-ha!
0:01:41 > 0:01:46And James's pride and joy, the stylish 1952 MG, will ferry them about.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49He's slightly nervous because Charles is at the wheel.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51And quite rightly.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54And with no hood they're at the mercy of the weather.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- Now, Charles, are you getting to grips with this?- Yes.
0:01:58 > 0:02:04- Oh!- Exactly. Your steering is a bit lamentable.- Sorry.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- Concentrate.- I think it's some grease on the road.- No, it isn't.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12On this Road Trip James and Charles
0:02:12 > 0:02:15will travel 400 miles from Dulverton, West Somerset
0:02:15 > 0:02:18via the Isle of Wight to the land of golden beaches,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Truro in Cornwall.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25On this leg, they're starting at the Dorset coastal town of Poole
0:02:25 > 0:02:29and heading for auction two in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33This is young Charles's first stop where he hopes to splash the cash.
0:02:37 > 0:02:38Hello, sir.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- Nice to see you.- What a wonderful shop. Charles Hanson.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- Brian, Ethan. - Good to see you as well.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48This drinks decanter was made to stop the servants
0:02:48 > 0:02:49from having a quick snifter.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54It's unusual because it's also a games compendium.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58The evergreen, the fairly boring, but the fairly attractive
0:02:58 > 0:03:02oak and brass mounted three-glass Tantalus.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07495 is a bit steep even for "have-a-go Hanson".
0:03:09 > 0:03:14The name Tantalus comes from a Greek mythological figure who was tantalised by objects
0:03:14 > 0:03:15that he could never reach.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20We've also got inside a chess set, the draughts,
0:03:20 > 0:03:25the cribbage board, the pack of cards, the die,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28and everything else.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32The really important matter is to check the condition of the decanters, Brian.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37- Are they OK?- They're OK. - These are OK, nice Tantalus.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Oops, goodness me. No, it's OK.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46- There's a few chips. There's a chip there.- Is there a chip?
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Brian, there's a chip there, mate.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- There's a chip there. - Let me have a look.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53They could be cheaper. They could be cheaper.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Do you know, I never knew that.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58I'll drop it to 150 then. I'll lose money on it.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Well, Brian, that's good of you. It's just the chips.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05We've dropped another tenner, to 140.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Would you take 120?
0:04:07 > 0:04:09I'll take 130, I'll meet you halfway.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- 130...- Is that OK with you, Ethan? Is that all right?- Yeah.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- 130.- 130.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19It certainly pays to be thorough, Charles. Excellent work.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Meanwhile, James has tootled forth, nine miles away,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26to the village of Lytchett Minster.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27Ooh.
0:04:27 > 0:04:28Running.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Button Shop Antiques is the first on his list
0:04:31 > 0:04:33and, by Jove, he's certainly keen.
0:04:33 > 0:04:34Hello.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35Hello.
0:04:35 > 0:04:36Hello!
0:04:36 > 0:04:37Hello, I'm James.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Hello, James, I'm Thelma.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- Hello, Thelma, how are you? - Nice to meet you.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- Hello, young man.- This is Matthew.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48Ooh, there's a lot of little helpers here in Dorset.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49This is rather nice, isn't it?
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Poole Pottery.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55I love the glaze of them. It's like an eggshell.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58It's a sort of beaker, I'd imagine, isn't it?
0:04:58 > 0:04:59Yes, it is, really, yes.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02And the plate, also, is Poole Pottery.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04Poole Pottery, that's lovely.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08The price on the beaker is £6 and the plate is £12.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12And here's a pottery tray, also £12.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Now, this... What is this?
0:05:15 > 0:05:16This is Devon Ware.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17Devon Ware.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21"A place for everything and everything in its place."
0:05:21 > 0:05:23It's not very well done.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26And, hold on, something's winking at me.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28I like it, I like that stiff leaf pattern.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32When buying antiques, it pays to have a few tricks up your sleeve.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36It's so beautiful.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- It is cracked. - Oh, I see what you mean.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40Dead as a dodo, isn't it?
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- Terrible shame!- I know.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46One little crack makes the whole of it sound dead.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49It does, doesn't it? That's what happens when anything's cracked.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Um, Thelma, is this very cheap?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Yeah, it is about £20, I would think.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56Has somebody tried to restore it?
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Well, it might be, because the jug that goes with it
0:06:00 > 0:06:07has had some horrible gold bits put on the top of it.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- Somebody's had a go... - Somebody's had a...- They have.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- There's a little amateur restorer out there, isn't there?- Yeah.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17I'm just going to do a little test if you don't mind.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20It looks very vicious, but I promise it's not very vicious
0:06:20 > 0:06:22because I'm going to do it very lightly.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24The coin test is pretty nifty
0:06:24 > 0:06:28because it highlights any lumps and bumps of repair work.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Now, I'm not doing it on the paint, just on the glaze.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- Yes, I know. - And it's not sticking at all.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- So it hasn't been restored. - I don't think it has.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43No, it's just that crack there.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46What do you have on the jug, Thelma?
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- £10.- £10.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50I like the Motto Ware as well.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Yes, it's nice, isn't it?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54And I like these two.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Could you do the whole lot for 40?
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Yes, all right.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- It's being a bit mean on that one... - Well, say 45, then.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03But quite realistic on the others.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04Say 45.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06I shouldn't have opened my big mouth!
0:07:06 > 0:07:08You said it!
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Well, you know, I've got to eat. - Can you do 40?
0:07:11 > 0:07:15I'll tell you what, shall we break the difference?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- OK.- Do you want to do, what, 42?
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- 42.- 42. I'm very happy with that, Thelma.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26To clarify, James paid £30 for the Royal Worcester jug and bowl,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29£7 for the Branscombe Ware pottery tray,
0:07:29 > 0:07:33and a fiver for the Poole Pottery Coronation plate and beaker.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37The big wheels are moving once more.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40The chaps are together again and it's dry.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43The boys are heading to Christchurch,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47the most easterly coastal town in Dorset.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Charles is taking some time out from shopping.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56He's off to visit one of the most intriguing museums in the country.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57This is it, Jim.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Looks good, doesn't it?
0:07:59 > 0:08:01The museum of leccy.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- I'll see you later. - Good luck.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06Bzzzzzzz!
0:08:06 > 0:08:08See you later, OK?
0:08:10 > 0:08:11Housed within an old power station,
0:08:11 > 0:08:16the museum provides a potted history of the world of electricity.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23Bright spark Charles is meeting with Ian Peterson to find out more.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27The power station was originally built in 1903
0:08:27 > 0:08:32to supply the trams that ran directly from Poole to Christchurch.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37The museum's pride and joy is the electric number 85 tram.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39She was built in 1914
0:08:39 > 0:08:44and is the last complete surviving Bournemouth tram in existence.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47This tram's reasonably unique,
0:08:47 > 0:08:51because in this part of the world, one of the main industries was holidaymaking.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54So you could afford to have nice, luxuriant seating inside.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55Yes.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59It's the beginning of affordable commuting.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03You could live in Christchurch and easily work in one of the hotels in Bournemouth, for example.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06So trams like this were quite revolutionary.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08DING
0:09:08 > 0:09:12I can see over here it says that we're on the number 85,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14"Please do not spit in the car."
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- Yes, well, it's an unhealthy thing, isn't it?- I think so!
0:09:18 > 0:09:20I should jolly well think so, Charles!
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Not only did electricity have a huge impact on the commuter,
0:09:23 > 0:09:27it also revolutionised the 20th-century household.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33Domestic appliances were rare in postwar Britain.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36The freezer was almost unknown
0:09:36 > 0:09:41and in 1957 only 15% of the population owned a fridge.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- Obviously, electricity has changed people's lives.- Yes.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Electricity has made life easier.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50Things like washing machines have had such a fundamental social effect.
0:09:50 > 0:09:56And this is what people actually forget about electricity, because everybody's used to having a fridge.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Everybody's used to having a washing machine.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04At one time people used to talk about washing day and it was complicated and everything else.
0:10:04 > 0:10:10But it's also given us all sorts of things which would have been luxuries, which we take for granted.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13This is a Morphy Richards toaster here.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14What, 1980s?
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- No, it's 1950s. - Oh, I'm sorry!
0:10:16 > 0:10:19That is a design classic.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22That is still being emulated today. I can't say copied,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25but it certainly inspires a lot of the modern toasters.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29But the one I really like, which I think you'll like as well,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33this is an American toaster. It was made in about 1935.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36You put it in the centre of the table
0:10:36 > 0:10:38and you put a slice of bread in each...
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- Yes.- And then you just closed it up,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43and when you wanted to do the other side, you carefully did that.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Isn't that wonderful?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- And it's just brilliant, isn't it? - Isn't it?
0:10:47 > 0:10:48Yeah, wonderful.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51This is our representation
0:10:51 > 0:10:55of a 1950s, early '60s kitchen.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58You've got all sorts of mod cons that we take for granted.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02We've got a beautiful cooker, a washing machine,
0:11:02 > 0:11:04we've got a fridge.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08A lot of these things you'd have to be earning a fair bit of money
0:11:08 > 0:11:09for something like this.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14All these items, all these things that we rely on today,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17they became possible because of electricity.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21And they really did change people's lives.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25So, without electricity, we would certainly have a very different world.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Time to say cheerio to Charles
0:11:27 > 0:11:30and find out what live-wire James is up to.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36He's on his way to sunny Lymington, in Hampshire.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40The good weather is definitely raising his spirits.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43And for the first time the sun has come out!
0:11:43 > 0:11:45I'm feeling rather jolly about this.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49This is glorious.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53He's very sprightly today, isn't he? Running everywhere.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Hello. James.- Hello. Frank. - Hello. Nice to meet you.- And you.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- May I have a good look round? - Certainly.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Frankly Frank is the owner of Browse, in Lymington.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05And already something has caught James's eye.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I like this. It looks like a tea caddy, doesn't it?
0:12:08 > 0:12:10It's a biscuit tin.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12I think it's rather fun.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Huntley & Palmers were very famous for these
0:12:15 > 0:12:19and they produced a range for Christmas and other occasions.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24There would have been custard creams in there, Hobnobs and whatever.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27But they were packaged in different boxes
0:12:27 > 0:12:30and people started collecting them.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35William Crawford & Sons Ltd was founded in Leith in 1813
0:12:35 > 0:12:36as the local bakery.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38And like many biscuit manufacturers,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41they produced an array of novelty tins
0:12:41 > 0:12:43which can be rather popular at auction.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45I can't see a price tag on it.
0:12:45 > 0:12:52- Can that be a cheap fella?- It can be a cheap fella.- Ah-ha.- Erm...- Tenner?
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- Tenner... Say 15.- 15?
0:12:55 > 0:12:58You've got yourself a deal, Frank. Thanks a lot.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Now, James, this is it. This is glorious, isn't it?
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- The Isle of Wight.- Amongst the yachters.- We're like pirates!
0:13:06 > 0:13:08THEY LAUGH
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- Pirates are like this! - Yeah, exactly.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Let's go and make our fortune, mate.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16It's been a packed day for the boys
0:13:16 > 0:13:19and now it's on to the ferry and off to the Isle Of Wight.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26Heading along the coast, their first stop is the village of Chale.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34James and Charles have adventured over the Solent to the largest
0:13:34 > 0:13:36island in England.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41From east to west, the Isle of Wight measures just over 20 miles.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45The village of Chale is situated on the south coast of the island
0:13:45 > 0:13:48and is in the area known as "the back of the Wight".
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Don't you know?
0:13:52 > 0:13:55The fellows will both be shopping in Chale Antiques
0:13:55 > 0:13:57and with three barns crammed full,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01they should hopefully find something to tickle their fancy.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03We've got a vice.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07We've got two metal... two metal winders here
0:14:07 > 0:14:13and two huge mahogany...
0:14:13 > 0:14:16mahogany cheeks here,
0:14:16 > 0:14:20which are bound here, but on a very sturdy table.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25That is the objet trouve - the found object.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28An object of practical use that has aesthetic beauty.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Maybe, you know, we're near the coast,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33maybe something to do with the ship.
0:14:33 > 0:14:34Rather nice.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Meanwhile, I'm going to find out a little more about that fellow.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Do you have names for these barns?
0:14:41 > 0:14:46He's tracked down the owner Michael, who thinks he knows what it is.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- Out of there. Out of there!- What's up? What's up, mate? Excuse me.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- Out of there.- It's first come first served!- Out of there.- Michael...
0:14:53 > 0:14:58- Out of there.- Can I go in this barn, Michael? Ow!
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Oh, steady! He's serious about defending his patch, you know!
0:15:02 > 0:15:06This is a 19th-century bookbinder's vice.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- Bookbinder? I thought it had a purpose.- Volume in there.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13It's a very unusual thing, but now it's very sculptural
0:15:13 > 0:15:17and decorative and could be used in all sorts of places.
0:15:17 > 0:15:18And how much is that?
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Oh, it's got to make around about 150...
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- I think that will be worth...- It's great fun, isn't it?- Very unusual.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Michael, could you do 100 on that? - HE GASPS
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- I could do a little bit off that but not a great deal.- A little off 100?
0:15:35 > 0:15:39Off the 150. I would take...
0:15:40 > 0:15:45..squeezed, 120. I think that's a good buy.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Michael, you have a deal.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53Crikey, James. No flies on you! That's his fifth buy of the day.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55No wonder he's looking so pleased with himself.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58But no luck for young Charles, and if he doesn't hurry up,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- he'll miss his lift.- Wait! James!
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Next stop for our excitable road trippers
0:16:11 > 0:16:12is the fair town of Shanklin.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- And the sun's so nearly got his hat on!- So nearly?- And now...
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- The sun has got his hat on.- Almost! Hip, hip, hip, hooray!
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- The sun has got his hat on and he's coming out to...- Play!
0:16:28 > 0:16:30With us! With us!
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Don't give up the day job, chaps!
0:16:35 > 0:16:39Shanklin is a charming seaside town lined with thatched cottages
0:16:39 > 0:16:42and is usually famed for its glorious weather.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47Sadly, the sun doesn't have her hat on today as the boys roar into town.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52But let's hope the prospects are brighter for Charles
0:16:52 > 0:16:55because, so far, he has only bought one item.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57Eeks!
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- Hello. Good afternoon. Charles, nice to meet you. Your name is?- John.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Hi, John. And you are?- Sally. - Able assistant? Hello, Sally.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10That's the spirit, Charles. Go get 'em!
0:17:10 > 0:17:14I'm not going to hang around, I've got to really pull it out of the bag.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22And it's not long before he spies some old treasure.
0:17:22 > 0:17:28I love Roman coins and here you've got a wonderful hoard of Roman coins.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32This could be the Hanson hoard of Roman coins going to auction.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37If only these coins could talk, you wonder how many hands have patinated
0:17:37 > 0:17:40the coins and given them real pedigree.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44And John, have they come from one hoard or have they come from...
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- They were found on the mainland. - On the Isle of Wight?
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- No, on the mainland. - Were they really?- Yes.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- These were all found in one place? - Yes.- That's wonderful.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54See, I would happily...
0:17:54 > 0:18:02All of these coins were dug out of the ground and this is real treasure.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05If I said, "John, I'll buy the whole lot..."
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- Right.- How much would they cost me? - That lot there?- Tell me. One price.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- John, think about it.- 50 quid. - £50. There we are.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18A Hanson hoard of Roman coins for £50.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20I'm very tempted to buy these.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24What do I think? I've done quite well, John.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27I've done quite well, but sometimes...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29If I gave you them for 40 quid you'd double your money.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Oh, don't say that, John. Don't say that. Don't say that, John!
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Go on then, £30.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- Come on, £30. - The Hanson hoard is going, going...
0:18:43 > 0:18:48I told James I wanted treasure and Pirate Hanson has found his loot.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Sold! You're a good man. £30. Isn't that wonderful?
0:18:51 > 0:18:54£30 for a hoard of Roman coins.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Ah-har, me hearties!
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Finally, more booty for Pirate Hanson.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05Booty in hand, Charles now heads eight miles north to Ryde,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07the largest town on the island.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10The sun's shining, we're happy.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Hello, sir.- Hello, my friend, how you doing?- How's life?
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Island Antiques is Charles' last shop.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20He's only got two items, but is he worried? Nah, not our boy.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25This is quite nice. This is a very novel
0:19:25 > 0:19:30little oak stationary desk-stand. Probably pewter.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Over the years it has tarnished, but look at that really stylish design.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38It's 1910 and it could be yours for £30.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39That's quite nice.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Think, Hanson, you've got to get thinking now,
0:19:49 > 0:19:51what's going to take your fancy?
0:19:55 > 0:20:00Got a whole array of plate and silver and jewellery.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03And the best price, Anthony, on this little...
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- ..envelope stand?- 20 quid.- 20 quid.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Sometimes on your road trip, you need a stocking filler.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21That one item which is a stocking filler. Merry Christmas.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- I'll take it, OK? £20. I'm going to take it.- Christmas? Moving on...
0:20:28 > 0:20:33James Braxton started this leg with £246.80 and spent
0:20:33 > 0:20:38£177 on a Branscombe tray, a novelty biscuit tin,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42a Royal Worcester jug and bowl, a coronation plate and beaker
0:20:42 > 0:20:44and French oak book binders.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52Charles Hanson began with £373.10 and spent £180
0:20:52 > 0:20:56on just three auction lots - a Victorian tantalus,
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Roman coins and a pewter mounted envelope letter stand.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07Right, time to find out what they think of each other's wares.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11I firmly believe James is a dapper guy from the south
0:21:11 > 0:21:13who has a certain swagger.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17And, at the moment, my mate, he's just buying a bit of tat.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22He is massively in the lead. He has got clear water between us. £100.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25But I think I've got him on this one.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28It's been an exciting second leg travelling from Poole
0:21:28 > 0:21:32via Lytchett Minster, Christchurch, Lymington
0:21:32 > 0:21:34and then a voyage to the Isle of Wight,
0:21:34 > 0:21:38where we popped into Chale, Shanklin and Ryde.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42And the boys love the Isle of Wight so much,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45today's auction will take place in Shanklin.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- James, this is it.- Into the auction. Yes, stop. That would be good.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- Where dreams are made. The Hanson hoard comes good.- Let's see.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Squeeze a small profit. OK?
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- After you.- Great. - "Children not permitted."
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Island Auction Rooms has been established since 1850
0:22:05 > 0:22:07and holds two auctions per month.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Today, we have two auctioneers in charge of proceedings -
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Tim Smith and Warren Riches.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Quiet, please! The auction is about to begin.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20First up, it's Charles's magnificent but nibbled tantalus
0:22:20 > 0:22:22and games compendium.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Someone start me at £100.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- Anywhere? 100 in the middle.- Yes!
0:22:28 > 0:22:31We've got 100 right in the middle. 110 anywhere?
0:22:31 > 0:22:34110. 120. 130.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38140. 150. 160. 170.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42180. 190. 200.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45210. 200 in the middle. 210 anywhere?
0:22:45 > 0:22:47210, the phone?
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- On the phone?- 210 on the phone. 220.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- 230.- I can't believe it, Jim.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54240. 250. 260.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55270.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00We're going to sell at 270, all done at 270 on the phone.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- Yes!- Well done.- Thank you. He's over there. Good man.- That's very good.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- I can't believe it. I can't believe it.- 140?!- I'm cooking gas, Jim.
0:23:10 > 0:23:11I'm cooking gas.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14So, next up on the road trip roller coaster
0:23:14 > 0:23:17is James's Branscombe pottery tray.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- 20 is on my right. - Brilliant.- Two anywhere?
0:23:19 > 0:23:2122. 24.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- 24. 26. 28.- That is brilliant.
0:23:24 > 0:23:2726 then, we're selling in the room at 26.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- Well played, buddy. Good profit. - That's good. 19.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36You more than trebled. That is a result.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Keep it going, Jim.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43And now for Charles's treasure. The hoard of Roman coins.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- Coming in at 55.- Great.
0:23:45 > 0:23:5065. That takes him straight out. 70, he's back in. And five?
0:23:50 > 0:23:5375? 75 on the net. 80?
0:23:53 > 0:23:57- I am delighted, Jim.- We're going to sell at 75 to the internet.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- Well done, well done. That's great. - I'm delighted, Jim. I am.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- Doubling your money.- I can't grumble. I'm delighted, buddy.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I think you'll get a job at JP Morgan.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08You're a great generator of wealth. Just what you need.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11It's James's novelty biscuit tin next.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Can it give him a much-needed lift?
0:24:13 > 0:24:1620, I am bid. Two anywhere?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19At £20 at the back of the room. At 20.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- 22. 24. 26. 30.- Here we go, James.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- 32. 34. - Yeah, go on.- £34 then, all finished at 34?- Oh.
0:24:27 > 0:24:34- 34. That's all right. That's double. - That's still £19 profit. Happy?
0:24:34 > 0:24:35Sort of!
0:24:38 > 0:24:41This Royal Worcester jug and bowl may be damaged,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44but can it catapult James into the lead?
0:24:44 > 0:24:5032 on the net. 34 in the room? 32 on the net. 34 anywhere?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52The net has it at 32.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Oh, yippy-do(!)
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- Jim, it's a profit. - It's just not happening.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59It's just not working for me.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03I don't know what's gone wrong. The wheels are coming off, chief.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06It's Charles's Art Deco letter stand now.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Will it put him even further in the lead?
0:25:08 > 0:25:1120 bid. Two, can I say? I've got 20.
0:25:11 > 0:25:1522 in the middle. 24. 26. 28.
0:25:15 > 0:25:16And 30. And two.
0:25:16 > 0:25:2030 in the middle. Two anywhere? I've got £30. Right in the middle.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Going to sell at 32 in time. 34.
0:25:22 > 0:25:2536, will you say?
0:25:25 > 0:25:2934 right in the middle, we're going to sell at £34.
0:25:29 > 0:25:30Delighted.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35- I'm happy, Jim.- 34. That's good. - Thank you.- Well done.- I'm delighted.
0:25:35 > 0:25:36Small profit.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- Small profit.- Working profit, I always like to say.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Jim, every pound is a winner, OK?
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Fingers crossed for James.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47He's hoping for a right royal profit with his Poole pottery plate
0:25:47 > 0:25:49and beaker.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50£20 I'm bid. 20.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Two anywhere? £20 on my left at 20. 22. 24.
0:25:54 > 0:25:5726. 26. 28. They're cheap
0:25:57 > 0:25:59at £26, below me at £26.
0:25:59 > 0:26:0128 anywhere? 28.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- Well done.- 30. 32. 34.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Go on, keep going.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08All finished, 32 then.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11I sell in the middle of the room at £32.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16- Brilliant.- Well done. You got a good buy there.- Fantastic.- Steady work.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Yeah, you're grinding it out. You're grinding.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23So now it is James's last stab at the lead.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Will that big lump of a bookbinder's vice be the winning ticket?
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- Nice lot, this one. Someone start me at £100.- Commission's at 100.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- £100 I'm bid on commissions. - Brilliant!- And 10. 120.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40- 120, a good thing. 130. 130. 140. - I'd never have thought...
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- One more.- 140. 150. 160.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Away, buddy. Heck.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49160. 170.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54At 160, then. It goes at 160.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58- Jim, I am in admiration, buddy. - I'm pleased.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- Well done, that man.- I would never
0:27:01 > 0:27:05in my wildest dreams have thought that. I commend you, buddy.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Who would have thought that? Well done, James.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11So, has James done enough to win?
0:27:14 > 0:27:17He started with £246.80
0:27:17 > 0:27:22and, after paying auction costs, made a small profit of £55.88,
0:27:22 > 0:27:27giving him a respectable £302.68 to carry forward.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Well done.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35But there's no stopping Charles.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39He started with a delightful £373.10
0:27:39 > 0:27:43and accumulated a bumper profit of £130.78,
0:27:43 > 0:27:48making him today's clear winner with a whopping £503.88 going forward.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Didn't you have faith in young Hanson?
0:27:53 > 0:27:56I did, but I just didn't think that compendium was going
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- to make so much money.- I know. I'm delighted. I can't believe it, Jim.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- But listen, we're going back now... - I think almost indecent,
0:28:03 > 0:28:05if not vulgar profits!
0:28:05 > 0:28:10- Vulgar!- Jim, you make your own luck. I got lucky.- You did get lucky.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14It's full steam ahead for James and Charles,
0:28:14 > 0:28:16who are both competing for the winner's crown.
0:28:21 > 0:28:27I compare and contrast you and I and, for some reason, I'm on top so far. I don't understand it.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Lady Luck is favouring you.
0:28:31 > 0:28:36James and Charles are travelling 400 miles from Dulverton, West Somerset,
0:28:36 > 0:28:42via the Isle of Wight to the county town of Truro in Cornwall.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47On this leg, they're beginning in Dorset's ancient market town of Dorchester
0:28:47 > 0:28:51and will auction in the Devon town of Torquay.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01Dorchester has been the county town of Dorset since the 12th century.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06Founded by the Romans, the town was also the inspiration for Thomas Hardy's novels,
0:29:06 > 0:29:11the world-famous author being born just a few miles from here.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17But back to the present day, our antique hunters are ready to spend, spend, spend.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- This could be your comeback. - Do you think?- On one condition.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26- What?- Buy big.- I will, I will. No ceramics for me.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Don't nobble those knick-knacks!
0:29:28 > 0:29:33Let's start with James as he goes for a good old nosey
0:29:33 > 0:29:36with £302.68p weighing down his wallet.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41A pretty chair.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Look. Nice needlework back.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Let's see what it feels like.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Acid test with upholstery is to sit in it.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54What you don't want when you sit in something is the front seat rail to dig into your thighs.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59And even with a large Braxton bottom it's not digging into my thighs.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02It's a comfortable occasional chair for a sitting room.
0:30:02 > 0:30:07Rather nice. What have they got on it? 50 quid. Doesn't seem a lot of money.
0:30:08 > 0:30:09Yeah, it's nice.
0:30:09 > 0:30:15I like that. A definite candidate. Have to keep it away from Mr Hanson!
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- Don't want him hovering.- I'm over here, James!- Oh, there he is!
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- I'll leave you.- Get thee hence! - Sorry.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Hello. Is this your stall?- It is. - Hello. James.- Gillian.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33Can you come over? I saw... Something caught my eye here.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34Your rather nice chair.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- Have you got a price on it? - It says £50. Total bargain.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43Well, very often I find sellers always say total bargain!
0:30:43 > 0:30:45This time I mean it!
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Now I'd love to buy it for less.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50How much less?
0:30:50 > 0:30:54If I could buy this for 40, it would be splendid.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57OK.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Gillian, thank you. That's very kind of you. Thank you.
0:31:00 > 0:31:05Yeah, that's good. Solid as a rock. Just slipped it down there. Good.
0:31:05 > 0:31:10And just when you think it's all over, James spies something else.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15Talking about chairs, just look at this fella.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18We've got a nice little bench here.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23It suddenly caught my eye. We've got nice metal, wrought iron bits here.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28We've got the wooden bits here. Must be valuable. It's chained up.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30The backs are fine.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35The acid test is sitting in the fellow. It's got a nice... It's nice and flexible.
0:31:35 > 0:31:41This might be the quirky, profit-winning lot I need.
0:31:44 > 0:31:49Looks like there's plenty of room for the Braxton bottom on there.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51John, the owner, arrives.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- Could this be cheap, John? - It can be £40.- £40, John?
0:31:55 > 0:31:57You chancer, you!
0:31:57 > 0:32:01I wasn't going to shake your hand then!
0:32:01 > 0:32:07- John, could you do it for 30? It would really help me out.- Yeah.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10That's really kind. Thank you very much indeed.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- Well done.- That's it.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17We're in! We're in!
0:32:17 > 0:32:22While James works out how he's going to fit his furniture in the car,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Charles has nipped away to another shop.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27And he's got £503.88p cash to splash
0:32:27 > 0:32:30and it's still burning a hole in his pocket.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Wow. This place is huge.
0:32:37 > 0:32:43Now Charles might be a bit silly sometimes, but there's no mistaking his love for antiques.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46There is so much here, I can't believe it. I'm in heaven.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50# Heaven, I'm in heaven
0:32:50 > 0:32:56# And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak... #
0:32:56 > 0:33:01Quality is improving and my sap is rising.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Oh, steady, Charles.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08I need something to inspire me at the moment.
0:33:08 > 0:33:14Finally, after that soliloquy, he's found something to fire the imagination.
0:33:14 > 0:33:15Gosh.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17This is a really stunning box.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21In terms of quality, you won't beat it.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25You've got this rosewood...veneer, over mahogany.
0:33:25 > 0:33:34And what makes this box really interesting is one has this little crest or family armorial.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39Sadly, it's...on opening, it's really in pieces.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41You've got the old full front,
0:33:41 > 0:33:45which would support your letters, your stationery,
0:33:45 > 0:33:48your envelopes. The nice thing is...
0:33:50 > 0:33:55It's inscribed, "Green. Maker 163. Oxford Street.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57"To the Royal Family."
0:33:57 > 0:34:02So I would have thought this box was early Victorian, circa 1840.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06And probably made for an upmarket family.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08It's definitely spiked his interest.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11Dealer Martin moves in to talk money.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Martin, what's the best price?
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- 25 quid.- Oh, really?
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Tempting. But it's the condition.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Very tempting, actually.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Would 20 be even more tempting?
0:34:29 > 0:34:34Oh, come on, Charles! The man's named his price. Stop dilly-dallying.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38For £20, I will. Thanks, Martin. £20, yes. Why not?
0:34:38 > 0:34:45It has a pedigree. I can do some homework. And sometimes you buy an object for its pedigree.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49Thank goodness he's managed to buy something.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Meanwhile, James is heading 20 miles north to Ilchester in Somerset.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13The Fleet Air Arm Museum represents the flying arm of the Royal Navy.
0:35:13 > 0:35:20With four exhibition halls, over 90 aircraft and over 2 million records and 30,000 artefacts,
0:35:20 > 0:35:25it's the second-largest naval aviation museum in the world.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33And wannabe Biggles Braxton is like a big kid in a sweetie shop
0:35:33 > 0:35:37as he meets up with curator and aircraft restorer David Morris.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41He's in for a remarkable treat.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45What's this fascinating room containing?
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Well, very much behind the scenes.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52This is the museum's restoration facility and engineering department.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57It's in here that we deal with conservation work and restoration work on all of the major objects.
0:35:57 > 0:36:03David and his team are like detectives, piecing together the life story of a plane.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07The Grumman Martlet is the museum's current project.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09What are we looking at here, David?
0:36:09 > 0:36:16Well, this is a very good example of just how we're discovering so many different layers of paint
0:36:16 > 0:36:20from many different dates and years. We understand them fully now.
0:36:20 > 0:36:26The dark blue we know is the most recent colour in the 1960s.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29This colour comes from late 1940s, early 1950s.
0:36:29 > 0:36:36This colour is particularly interesting. We now have it dated to being April, 1941.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41And is that somebody keeping scrupulous accounts?
0:36:41 > 0:36:44No, this is all done by analysing
0:36:44 > 0:36:48and deducing all of the information that we've found
0:36:48 > 0:36:49on the aeroplane itself.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54There are very, very few written documentary records concerning this.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58All of our evidence has been built up just by studying the object.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01It's forensic science and archaeology.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03The Martlet is a work in progress,
0:37:03 > 0:37:08but the real success story is the restoration of the Corsair KD431.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12It was in service from 1944-1945.
0:37:14 > 0:37:20During WWII, Goodyear built more than 4,000 Corsairs for the Navy and Marine Corps.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24In a meticulous inch-by-inch process,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26workers removed the 1963 paint layer
0:37:26 > 0:37:31and restored the plane's original finish.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Lucky James climbs aboard.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40- So this is the start of this mechanical archaeology.- It is.
0:37:40 > 0:37:47It's that blend of paint archaeology, forensic science, fine art restoration,
0:37:47 > 0:37:54all rolled in together as a new package of how we restore a 20th-century mechanical object.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- And was this a successful aircraft? - Absolutely.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03The Corsair at the time was pretty well the Top Gun fighter of its day.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07It was one of, if not the fastest single-engine fighter.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11Very heavily armed, very manoeuvrable, very long range.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14A very good aeroplane indeed.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17David, it's been really fascinating.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21Every success with the Martlet and what goes on beyond that.
0:38:21 > 0:38:27But my most pressing problem now is to lever my frame out of this fella.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Time flies when you're having fun,
0:38:32 > 0:38:36but that's enough excitement. The boys are back together.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- What is Somerset famous for?- Cheese.
0:38:39 > 0:38:45- Cheese?!- Cheese and also... - Scrumpy!- ..cider!
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- Scrumpy, lad.- Scrumpy, lad, yeah.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49So it's onwards for the lads,
0:38:49 > 0:38:53south to the ancient town of Honiton in Devon.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57And Charles is raring to go.
0:38:57 > 0:38:58Honiton...
0:38:58 > 0:39:03Honiton, Honiton. Is it a haven for antiques shops?
0:39:03 > 0:39:06It is. It's a long, long street.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10The town is world famous for lace products.
0:39:10 > 0:39:11In the 19th century,
0:39:11 > 0:39:16Queen Victoria had her wedding dress made of prestigious Honiton lace.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20And it's crammed full of antique shops.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25Shouldn't be too difficult to find some local treasures,
0:39:25 > 0:39:27but then Charles is navigating.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Oh, lord.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Antiques over there.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35- Any one. Are you having that one? - I'm over there.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38He's not much better on foot.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43I'm sure I saw an antiques shop up here, but... Hello.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47This is crucial.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- Oh, watch out!- Oh, hell...
0:39:50 > 0:39:53How does he get through the day, eh?
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Thank goodness he's found a shop!
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- This looks great. Antique "Chick".- Chic.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Hello, sir. And your name is...?
0:40:04 > 0:40:08- Charles.- I'm a Charles! - Well remembered.- I recognise you.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12I'm not really a Charlie. Are you a Charlie?
0:40:12 > 0:40:15- Sometimes. Some people call me Charlie.- Likewise.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- Depends how good friends they are. - Exactly.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27This is a little plated...
0:40:27 > 0:40:34Plated is what it's described as, but I think it's probably silver.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38It's a small little Indian tumbler,
0:40:38 > 0:40:44but it's called plated. That's quite sweet and it could be yours for £18.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46I think it's silver.
0:40:46 > 0:40:51- Charles, how much is this little tumbler?- We've got £18 on it.- Yeah.
0:40:51 > 0:40:56- It's rather nice. Not had it too long.- No.- Doesn't take up any room.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- I know somebody who will pay 15 quid.- £15.- Tops.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05- There you are. - OK, thanks, Charles.- 15.
0:41:05 > 0:41:11£15. Well...it's a sweet little tumbler and it might get me started.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16I'm going to say, Charles, at £15 it's strike two. It's a sale at £15.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21Last of the big spenders, eh, Charles? Meanwhile...
0:41:22 > 0:41:26..the debonair Mr Braxton is a man in control.
0:41:26 > 0:41:34He's striding down the streets of Honiton hunting down some more treasures to add to his cache.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- Sometimes he gets a little distracted and peckish.- Oh, pasties.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41And he's great with road safety.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46Remember, only cross the road when the green man's there, OK?
0:41:46 > 0:41:48In another life, he was a lollipop man.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52Let's join him as he checks out the goods in Grove Antiques.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57The first non-antique item he's found is owner Lesley.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59What about over here, Lesley?
0:41:59 > 0:42:03They're quite sweet, the birds. Who's done these?
0:42:03 > 0:42:08Colin Clements, who's a member of Somerset Guild of Craftsmen.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11Can I have a look at the blackbird?
0:42:12 > 0:42:15He does them big scale as well?
0:42:15 > 0:42:20- All in different fossil woods, generally.- Very dense woods, yeah.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21What could that...?
0:42:21 > 0:42:26Is there a low price on that? Or is it just a high price on it?
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- Em, I could do it for 50. - You could do it for 50.- For 50.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- I could.- I like this, Lesley.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39It's very nice. It has a very nice sculptural quality, which I like.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43Lesley, I will give you £50. That would be very kind.
0:42:43 > 0:42:44Thank you very much indeed.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49Meanwhile, Charles is still wandering about in historic Honiton.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54- Hello?- And it seems that Charles has visited Lombard Antiques before.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58- Hi!- Hello, Charles!- Good to see you again.- Long time no see.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- It is.- How are you?- Very well.
0:43:01 > 0:43:07Great friends. With only two items in his clutches, Charles needs to buy. Is he feeling the pressure?
0:43:07 > 0:43:13- I would like to buy a really iconic piece of furniture.- Here we go.
0:43:13 > 0:43:20- Which has a look about it that could race away.- I've got a lovely Liberty stool.- Where?
0:43:20 > 0:43:26- Through the back here.- Is it marked Liberty or you just know?- Not marked, but Liberty did do this.
0:43:26 > 0:43:31It's an Anglo-Moorish range that they did from about 1880.
0:43:31 > 0:43:37- Yes.- It's got really tightly turned panels, which are here.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- Yes.- Which have all been separately hand-turned.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45- This decoration on the top is very unusual.- Yes. Nice, isn't it?
0:43:45 > 0:43:52- Shame about the upholstery. But a definite Liberty example? - Definitely.- Yeah.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56I was hoping for about 650 for it, Charles.
0:43:56 > 0:44:01And I would probably part with my entire budget.
0:44:01 > 0:44:03That's £468...
0:44:03 > 0:44:0588 pence.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- Barry, you're a piece of work! - Thank you!- You've got me going.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15But I might take it downstairs into the light.
0:44:15 > 0:44:20Hang on. £650? It's a gamble for you, Charles,
0:44:20 > 0:44:23but it's a huge drop in price for Barry.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26I just don't know about this.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30- Life's a struggle, innit, Charles? - Innit?
0:44:30 > 0:44:36Blow it. You've got to speculate and at £468.88, that wipes me out.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39- Are you ready for a sale? - Charles...
0:44:39 > 0:44:43It takes all my profit down to the bare bones of nothing.
0:44:43 > 0:44:49I'm going to say something which is your favourite saying, "Is it between friends?"
0:44:49 > 0:44:53- Is it between friends? Yes. - OK, Charles.- Happy with that?- Done.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55Money going, money up in smoke.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59Let's hope that stool turns a wee profit in Torquay.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03- Sold.- Sold.- We've done it! That's my entire money gone.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06What have I done? Life is too short.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10If you don't make money on that, I'll turn this into a sweet shop.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13Did you hear that? A sweet shop if we make a loss.
0:45:13 > 0:45:17Back inside, Charles is emptying his purse.
0:45:17 > 0:45:22You know what, sometimes you carry money around and you get sick of it.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25That's me out. I'm completely out of pocket, Barry. Thank you.
0:45:25 > 0:45:29- I tell you what I'm going to do. - Yes?- I'll give you 1p for luck.
0:45:29 > 0:45:35- Really?- All right? A lucky penny. You can't spend that.- OK, OK.
0:45:35 > 0:45:41I'll look at this on the day of the auction and I'll say, "Barry, look at me. Bring me some luck."
0:45:43 > 0:45:48Time will tell at auction whether your boldness pays off.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52While Charles frets about blowing his budget to kingdom come,
0:45:52 > 0:45:56James is travelling 30 miles away to Bovey Tracey,
0:45:56 > 0:45:58a small town in Devon.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02For the final time today, let's get shopping with Mr Braxton.
0:46:02 > 0:46:07- Good. Hello.- Hello. Hello, James.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11- Hello. And your name is...?- Tina. - Very nice to meet you.
0:46:11 > 0:46:16Now while Charles only has a penny to spend - let's not go there -
0:46:16 > 0:46:20James is playing safe with some £200 still unspent.
0:46:21 > 0:46:26I like this. That's a nice box. A rather fun carved box.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30What's that made out of? Oak. With a pine bottom.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34That has very much a look of the amateur craftsman about it.
0:46:34 > 0:46:35Rather fun, isn't it?
0:46:35 > 0:46:39It doesn't really sit very happily, the lock.
0:46:39 > 0:46:43Or maybe it's just the fact that the key's gone.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45Maybe it does sit happily.
0:46:45 > 0:46:50That's rather nice. That's a possibility.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55- Tina, how much is this fella? - 48.- 48.
0:46:55 > 0:46:59Any chance of... How negotiable...? Has it been here for years?
0:46:59 > 0:47:03Em, a couple of years. I'll be honest. I'm not dishonest.
0:47:03 > 0:47:08Well, if it's been here for a couple of years, do you think it's possibly
0:47:08 > 0:47:13- the price that is stopping it from being sold?- Em...could be.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18- You want a price off of me?- Yeah. - 28.- 28.
0:47:21 > 0:47:25It's quite fun. It's quite fun, Tina.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29It's been fiddled around. It's quite a nice box.
0:47:29 > 0:47:33Top price I will give you is £20, Tina.
0:47:33 > 0:47:38- No, come on. Go up a little bit. 23.- 23? You have a deal, Tina.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45The gents are now all shopped out.
0:47:45 > 0:47:52James Braxton started with £302.68 and spent £143 on a framed armchair,
0:47:52 > 0:47:54an ebony blackbird,
0:47:54 > 0:47:55a deed box
0:47:55 > 0:47:57and a Victorian garden seat.
0:47:57 > 0:48:02Charles Hanson began with £503.88p and spent the lot
0:48:02 > 0:48:05on a lady's jewellery box,
0:48:05 > 0:48:07an Indian silver tumbler
0:48:07 > 0:48:09and a fine Liberty and Co stool,
0:48:09 > 0:48:12leaving him with only a penny in change.
0:48:12 > 0:48:16Now, what do our experts really think of each other's purchases?
0:48:16 > 0:48:19Charles Hanson is full of surprises, isn't he?
0:48:19 > 0:48:22What an amazing buy. He's got the conviction about it.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25Believes it's Liberty,
0:48:25 > 0:48:27it has the style.
0:48:27 > 0:48:28Huge risk with that.
0:48:28 > 0:48:32He's really playing the game and he has to be admired for that.
0:48:32 > 0:48:36I like James's objects. He's bought very, very well.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39Nothing stands out because they're all good knobbly, knobbly furnishings.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41Not knick-knacks this time!
0:48:44 > 0:48:47Let's get back on the road and head to auction.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49I brought a flag along for a bit of luck.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52I need the whole country behind me now.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57It's been a competitive leg
0:48:57 > 0:49:01starting in Dorchester via Ilchester, Honiton, Bovey Tracey
0:49:01 > 0:49:04with the final destination of Torquay on the horizon.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09Well, look at this.
0:49:11 > 0:49:12Oh!
0:49:12 > 0:49:16Torquay in South Devon is hailed as the English Riviera.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20This was the home town of the queen of whodunnit novels, Agatha Christie.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25- It's a small auction house. - Small auction house.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29- But you know what they say. - Small auction house, big profits.
0:49:29 > 0:49:30Acorns can grow.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34Maybe my stool can become evergreen.
0:49:34 > 0:49:39- Well, good luck, Charles. - Thank you. Whatever happens, James, it doesn't matter.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43- You're going to need it. - Thanks very much. Be careful!
0:49:43 > 0:49:47- It's that way.- Let's go. - Up we go, James.- Profit all the way.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49Going, going, gone.
0:49:52 > 0:49:58West of England Auctions is a long-established business with proprietor Warren Hunt in charge.
0:49:58 > 0:50:03Now then, are we sitting comfortably? Let the auction commence.
0:50:03 > 0:50:08- There's a crowd here. - There is a crowd, isn't there?
0:50:08 > 0:50:13- Good luck today.- Good luck. Battle of the boxes, and the stool.
0:50:15 > 0:50:19First up, it's Charles's rosewood box with aristocratic connections.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21- Start me at £10?- Come on.
0:50:21 > 0:50:2610 is bid. Thank you, sir. Can I see 12? 12 bid. 14. 16.
0:50:26 > 0:50:3018. 20. 2. 24.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32- 26.- You're in profit.- 28.
0:50:32 > 0:50:3430. 2.
0:50:34 > 0:50:36- 34.- I'm away.
0:50:36 > 0:50:3938. 40. 2. 42?
0:50:39 > 0:50:4344. 46. 48. 50.
0:50:43 > 0:50:455, sir? 60.
0:50:45 > 0:50:495? £60. Can I see 65?
0:50:49 > 0:50:51New bidder at 65.
0:50:51 > 0:50:5370. 75?
0:50:53 > 0:50:57£70 in the front here. Can I see 75?
0:50:59 > 0:51:02£70. If we're all done at 70.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05That's a good profit.
0:51:05 > 0:51:11Charles is off to a flying start. Speculative buys really can pay off!
0:51:11 > 0:51:14£70. That's a good price.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16Next up, it's the needleworked chair
0:51:16 > 0:51:19that's strong enough to hold the Braxton bottom.
0:51:19 > 0:51:23Start me at 20.
0:51:23 > 0:51:2710 is bid. Can I see 12? I've got a £10 opening bid.
0:51:27 > 0:51:29Can I see 12? It's bid.
0:51:29 > 0:51:3414. 16? £14. Can I see 16?
0:51:34 > 0:51:38- We're not faltering, are we? - 18. 20?
0:51:38 > 0:51:43- At 18.- All done. - If you're all done at 18.
0:51:43 > 0:51:45Very cheap chair.
0:51:45 > 0:51:46It's early days,
0:51:46 > 0:51:51but James's chair certainly hasn't interested the bidders of Torquay.
0:51:51 > 0:51:55I thought that was a dead cert. Nice light colours, light wood.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58- £18?!- £18.
0:51:58 > 0:52:03Oh, dear. Maybe the little ebony blackbird will swoop in
0:52:03 > 0:52:06- with a lovely profit, eh? - Start me at 20.
0:52:06 > 0:52:11It's a quality little item. 10 to be off. Thank you. 12?
0:52:13 > 0:52:1512 is bid. 14. 16.
0:52:15 > 0:52:1918. 20. 2?
0:52:19 > 0:52:22£20. Can I see 22?
0:52:22 > 0:52:24At £20.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27- Ah, 20. There we are.- Cheap.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30Sadly, it fell off its perch.
0:52:30 > 0:52:35The thing is, though, if my stool makes a huge loss, you're in the lead.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39- Hm.- Hm.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42Cheer up, James. It's the Victorian carved box
0:52:42 > 0:52:46that didn't close properly next. Oh, dear.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48Start me at £20?
0:52:48 > 0:52:51Let's get there quickly. 20's bid.
0:52:51 > 0:52:55- Can I see 22?- Yes! - Sorry? I've got a 25 bid.
0:52:55 > 0:53:0026. 28? 26. Can I see 28? New bidder at 28.
0:53:00 > 0:53:0530. 32. 34. 36?
0:53:05 > 0:53:09£34. Can I see 36? Back in at 36. 38.
0:53:09 > 0:53:1240? £38.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15- Can I see 40?- Go on!
0:53:15 > 0:53:17£38.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21You made a profit.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23Third time lucky, James. Phew!
0:53:23 > 0:53:27Thank goodness for that much-needed profit.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31Now it's Charles's Indian silver tumbler next.
0:53:31 > 0:53:33That's if the porter can find it.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37- On the bench.- On the bench, Scott.
0:53:39 > 0:53:41Start me at £20?
0:53:41 > 0:53:4310 to be off?
0:53:45 > 0:53:5110 is bid. I've got a 10 bid. Can I see 12? 14. 16. 18.
0:53:51 > 0:53:5620. 2. 24. 26. 28.
0:53:56 > 0:53:5830. 2? £30.
0:53:58 > 0:54:04- You're spot on.- Yeah. - £30. Are you all done at 30?
0:54:05 > 0:54:09Good man. That's great. I'm happy with that. Very happy.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11Another success, Charles.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14The profits are coming thick and fast, old boy.
0:54:14 > 0:54:18- It's double up day today! - It's very good.
0:54:18 > 0:54:22Next up, James is hoping to tempt the hoteliers of Torquay
0:54:22 > 0:54:25with his wrought-iron garden bench.
0:54:25 > 0:54:29A lick of paint, you're ready to go. 10 to start me?
0:54:29 > 0:54:3110 straight away. Can I see 12?
0:54:31 > 0:54:3412. 14.
0:54:34 > 0:54:3816. 18. 20. 2. 24.
0:54:38 > 0:54:4126. 28. 30?
0:54:41 > 0:54:45- £28. Can I see 30?- Come on.
0:54:45 > 0:54:49Are you all...? 30 is bid, thank you. 32.
0:54:49 > 0:54:5134?
0:54:51 > 0:54:55- Go on.- 32. Are you all finished at 32?
0:54:57 > 0:54:59Uh! Yeah.
0:54:59 > 0:55:04Oh, dear, James. Not a brilliant way to end.
0:55:04 > 0:55:06Not my day, is it?
0:55:06 > 0:55:10But finally it's Charles's Liberty stool,
0:55:10 > 0:55:15the one that he blew the remainder of his dosh on. A high-risk gamble.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18Will it pay off for the cavalier Charles?
0:55:18 > 0:55:22I've got a couple of small commission bids. I'll start at £80.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24Can I see 90? Is bid.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26100. And 10.
0:55:26 > 0:55:28120. 130.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31150. 160? 150 with my buyer.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34Can I see 160? 160's bid.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37- 170. 180.- We're starting low.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39190. 200.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42- And 20.- Don't worry.- 240.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45260. 280.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49300. And 20. 340. 360.
0:55:49 > 0:55:51380?
0:55:51 > 0:55:56- 360. Can I see 380? - He hasn't started to bid.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58- 380.- Ah! A bidder on the telephone.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00400.
0:56:00 > 0:56:02And 20.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06440. 460.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09480?
0:56:09 > 0:56:12- No.- 460. Can I see 480?
0:56:12 > 0:56:16480. 500. >
0:56:17 > 0:56:19Asking 500.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21And 20. >
0:56:22 > 0:56:24540?
0:56:24 > 0:56:27540. 560.
0:56:27 > 0:56:31- Profit, profit.- Oh! And another. The battle of the telephone bids.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33- 600?- 600?
0:56:34 > 0:56:36620.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41- 640.- 640?
0:56:42 > 0:56:44640?
0:56:46 > 0:56:48660?
0:56:48 > 0:56:50- Well done.- 680?
0:56:50 > 0:56:51680?
0:56:51 > 0:56:53It's really hotting up.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56700? 700.
0:56:56 > 0:56:58- 800?- 800?
0:56:58 > 0:57:02You're going to make a thousand.
0:57:02 > 0:57:05- 1,000?- 1,000! Has he got it?
0:57:05 > 0:57:08- And 50.- Yes!
0:57:08 > 0:57:101,100?
0:57:10 > 0:57:12Unbelievable!
0:57:13 > 0:57:15No.
0:57:15 > 0:57:18At 1,050. Can I see 1,100?
0:57:18 > 0:57:20I'm over the moon.
0:57:20 > 0:57:24- Over the moon. Yes! - Well done, well done!
0:57:24 > 0:57:26Thank you.
0:57:26 > 0:57:29- Thank you.- Well done.- Wonderful.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31- Well done.- Oh!
0:57:31 > 0:57:35Well done, Charles. A very brave purchase
0:57:35 > 0:57:38giving you a thoroughly deserved profit.
0:57:38 > 0:57:41You are today's winner by a mile.
0:57:41 > 0:57:45- Come on. You can buy me a bottle of champagne.- You're on.
0:57:47 > 0:57:52James started this leg with £302.68
0:57:52 > 0:57:55and, after paying auction costs,
0:57:55 > 0:57:58made a loss, sadly, of £54.44,
0:57:58 > 0:58:03leaving him with just £248.24 to carry forward.
0:58:05 > 0:58:10Charles, meanwhile, started with £503.88
0:58:10 > 0:58:14and made a bumper profit of £439.13.
0:58:14 > 0:58:20So Charles has a whopping £943.01 to take forward.
0:58:24 > 0:58:28- James, I am in dreamland. - You've done very well. Well done.
0:58:43 > 0:58:46Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd