0:00:02 > 0:00:05The nation's favourite antiques experts, £200 each and one big challenge.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Testing, testing!
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Who can make the most money buying and selling antiques as they scour the UK?
0:00:12 > 0:00:17- I don't mean to drive a hard bargain! - The aim is, trade up and hope each antique turns a profit.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20But it's not as easy as it sounds and there can only be one winner.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Punching the air!
0:00:22 > 0:00:25Will it be the highway to success or the B-road to bankruptcy?
0:00:25 > 0:00:28I will be like Rocky - I'm going to come from behind.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32This is the Antiques Road Trip. Yeah!
0:00:36 > 0:00:41Our two antiques experts this week, looking like bandits, are James Braxton and Thomas Plant.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- Glorious day, isn't it? - So where are we off to today?
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- Corbridge.- More buying?- More buying.
0:00:47 > 0:00:53Auctioneer and surveyor James Braxton loves handsome little items and knows how to get what he wants.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57I'm not a hard man, I'm a desperate man.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Art Deco and Art Nouveau expert Thomas Plant has a great eye for objects,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04even when they're a bit out of his league.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07That's why it's good, that's why it's £350!
0:01:07 > 0:01:12And, relatively new to the Road Trip, he's already started tormenting antiques dealers.
0:01:12 > 0:01:18- You're a hard man.- I'm not a hard man, I'm quite a nice man.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Both experts started the week with their £200 starter-packs
0:01:21 > 0:01:27and we separated the men from the boys at auction in East Boldon on yesterday's show.
0:01:27 > 0:01:34James had a strong start and proudly walked away with £318.48 to spend. Not bad!
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Thomas, however, made a couple of schoolboy errors.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Well, you'll probably take that to your grave, Thomas, there we are.
0:01:41 > 0:01:47So Thomas starts today's show a bit down, with £195.15.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Well, I'm very happy with my strategy because I had a good day.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Do you think it's going to continue? Your roll you're on?
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Oh, I very much doubt it!
0:01:56 > 0:02:00This week's Road Trip is around England's gorgeous North East.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04On today's show, James and Thomas are leaving East Boldon
0:02:04 > 0:02:06and hitting the antiques trail,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09heading for auction in Darlington, County Durham.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14First pin in the map today is Corbridge, Northumberland,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16along Hadrian's Roman Wall.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Corbridge is a pretty old town all right,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22growing from the original Roman town of Corstopitum.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27But most of what we see today is 13th century. Lovely, isn't it?
0:02:27 > 0:02:32Just like our experts, really. The shops are open. Time to split up and get spending.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Cor, it's cold out there.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Well, it's British summertime, isn't it? What did you expect, Thomas?
0:02:38 > 0:02:39Arts and Crafts copper casket.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44Firm attribution, because of the fish. £325.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47That sort of money, I'm going to leave it.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50I must revert back to type and look at silver and jewellery.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Wise choice, Thomas. Stick to what you know!
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Today's shopping has only just begun and you're leading the charge.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01These are military bugles for a military bugler but the problem is it's missing its mouthpiece.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- There's no... - AIR RUSHES THROUGH - ..piece in it.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09On the subject of blowing your own trumpet, how's James getting on?
0:03:09 > 0:03:11He's fun.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13A little Dachshund.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17Running on the success of my mercury resting on a rock yesterday,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20this is me, non-ferrous metals.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Lovely bronze fellow, good weight to it.
0:03:22 > 0:03:28James clearly wants to emulate his great success with a bronze statue on yesterday's show.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33But I don't think this little dog will be coming to the rescue.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Meanwhile, across the road, Thomas is making friends.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39Hello, I'm Thomas. Bill?
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- Margaret? Nice to meet you. - Harry.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Could I have a look at something?
0:03:44 > 0:03:49That's the great thing about the Antiques Road Trip - our experts get to travel around, meet lovely people
0:03:49 > 0:03:52and then ruthlessly haggle with them till they drop.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Just have a look at this little funny thing.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57This is probably a needle case actually,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59a needle bucket, 19th century.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02I quite like this bucket, it's quite sweet.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06It is ivory. You can see the cross hatching within the grain.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09It's a nice bit of work of art, really, isn't it?
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Thomas, you really do like some strange little things.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17A needle pot, designed as a bucket, made in France from ivory!
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Ivory is technically legal to buy and sell
0:04:20 > 0:04:23if it's of an appropriate age.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Only items made before 1947, when the conservation of elephants
0:04:26 > 0:04:30quite rightly became an issue, are legally tradable.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32What's your very best on that?
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I've got a figure in mind so you tell me and then I'll tell you.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Um...20?- No.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42A rather interesting new tactic emerging here.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Make them guess what your terribly low offer's going to be.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Very sneaky, Thomas, and I like it!
0:04:48 > 0:04:49- 25?- Oooh!
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- Less.- 18?- Less.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53Go on - 14?
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- £14?- Yes.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01It's very nicely done, and 14's a steal, isn't it?
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Well, if it's a "steal" then Thomas will definitely take it.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08In the meanwhile, any interesting purchases from James?
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Nope, doesn't look like it.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Back to you, Thomas!
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I'll have a look at that brooch in there if it's possible.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19This is like an enamel.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22You've got little flowers just there, and silver back.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Brooches are probably the oldest jewellery items known to man,
0:05:27 > 0:05:28or indeed woman.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Dating way back to the Bronze Age as fasteners for smocks and cloaks,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35they've come a long way to reach the design pinnacle
0:05:35 > 0:05:38of a pretty lapel accessory such as this.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41And according to Thomas they've got a big future at auction.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- If you don't buy it you'll regret it.- You're right.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49Simply because if you walk away, decide to come back and it's gone...
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- Yeah, it's gone. - Can't argue with that logic!
0:05:52 > 0:05:55It's a thing of beauty. They're getting harder to come by.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58They are, absolutely.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00You've got 45, what would your best be?
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- I would like 30.- Right...
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Would you take 25 for it?
0:06:07 > 0:06:09I'll take 28.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Not 25?
0:06:11 > 0:06:16Well, obviously not, if Margaret's saying "28". Thomas!
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Go on then, 25.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- So it's 39 for the two items?- Yes. - Thank you very much.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Another steal! Thomas clearly knows his jewellery and smalls.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28He also knows how to pay very little for them.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30James had better watch his back today.
0:06:30 > 0:06:36Although it looks like he's now wandered into Thomas' marked territory. Risky!
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- Have you come to have a look round? - I'm going to have a look round.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- Really? Muscling in on my territory? - Yeah, definitely.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Rather nice Japanese Imari plate - very decorative.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54Brings a bit of colour to a room, that. Or you have it on a table.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58What's nice about it, you've got this scallop...this low border,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02but the nice thing about it, it's a very asymmetric design.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Imari is a generic name for Japanese imported porcelain,
0:07:06 > 0:07:12exported from, believe it or not, the port of Imari in Japan.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16And Kakeimon is a style of enamel decoration on porcelain
0:07:16 > 0:07:18dating from the early 17th century.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22There was a lot of this asymmetry stuff first came over
0:07:22 > 0:07:24and it wasn't selling terribly well in Europe.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29And what they said is, "Look can you tell all your decorators
0:07:29 > 0:07:32"to decorate similar to the silk panels that were selling well?"
0:07:32 > 0:07:33And that's what they did,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36so they influenced what was being manufactured.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41I think I'm in a buying mood.
0:07:41 > 0:07:47Good. Well, that's a relief. It would certainly help the competition if you did buy something, James.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49I always love these.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51These funny little newspaper, magazine Canterburys.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Way back in the 20th century, when people read printed periodicals,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57these Canterbury magazine racks were very popular
0:07:57 > 0:08:00for keeping the house tidy between reads.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Lovely to look at,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05and much more fun than a double click on a desktop document.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07A-ha, the good old days!
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Would you take 20 for that?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- You want to pay how much?- 20.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- Too cheap.- No, can't do it for that, no.- No budging there, James.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21See if you can distract proceedings with another item.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25I want to try and improve on that Imari dish.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Could you do 35 on that?
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Yeah, and I'll do 60 on the two, but I can't do any less than that, really.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- I'm just being cheeky.- Yeah.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35We expected nothing less, James.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39But, remember, Margaret's just been brutally handbagged by Thomas.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41So be kind to her.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Would you do 50 for the two?
0:08:44 > 0:08:50- 55.- 55, OK, come on. That's very kind, thank you very much indeed.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Well, that's about as kind as you get from Mr Braxton.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58You'd better leave the shop quickly, James, and let's hope Thomas has the engine running.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01How many items have you bought now?
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- Eh, two.- Two? Oh.- Every one a winner.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09There's confidence for you. Now, quick! Get out of town!
0:09:09 > 0:09:14New towns, new shops and even new adventures await our two experts.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- How about you?- Two as well.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- Winners?- Yeah, definite winners.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24James' car is a vintage British treasure.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30But sadly completely useless in British summer weather.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33The soft top doesn't allow for passenger comfort
0:09:33 > 0:09:36and the local trees don't provide much cover either.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- It is quite chilly.- It is chilly, isn't it? Brrrr.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45The shower lightens, the decks are swabbed,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48and SOMEONE needs to give the car a push.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Going to put my back into it, sir!
0:09:50 > 0:09:54Well, at least we now know who wears the trousers in this relationship.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Albeit a rather large, pink pair.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06All antiques roads lead to Rome, or thereabouts.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10In fact they lead a mere three and a half miles from Corbridge
0:10:10 > 0:10:13to the former empire border town of Hexham.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19NARRATOR SPEAKS ITALIAN
0:10:22 > 0:10:24It's a cheeky break from shopping.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29Thomas has come to view some really, really old antiques
0:10:29 > 0:10:31that make our antiques look modern.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36Almost two millennia ago, in the days of the Romans, this fort was part of Hadrian's Wall,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39the northernmost frontier of the Empire,
0:10:39 > 0:10:43built to keep out the barbarian Picts or defiant Scots.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48Today, this borderland has a healthy mix of Scottish and English culture.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- Hello, I'm Thomas.- Nice to meet you Thomas, I'm Barbara. - Barbara, very nice to meet you!
0:10:53 > 0:10:58The Vindolanda Trust - this is not a restaurant - has been running since 1970
0:10:58 > 0:11:02to research the wonderful ruins of this former outpost.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Barbara, the assistant curator, has been here since 1999.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07Wow, it looks pretty ordered.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12Yes, yes, it was. What you can see here is the actual fort itself,
0:11:12 > 0:11:17but we have evidence that basically women and children and everyone are living pretty much all together.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22Lovely! The Romans ran this part of the world, and many other parts, for centuries.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27They kept order in a time before the Scots and English began fighting over borders.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29We've got the Vindolanda writing tablets,
0:11:29 > 0:11:33small slivers of wood that actually have the writings from the Romans,
0:11:33 > 0:11:38and we find out all sorts of fabulous things, like soldiers sending socks and underpants.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- What, being sent?- Yes.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Well, I can understand that because here I am standing.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- I'm wearing a jumper. It is cold. Can you imagine?- Yeah.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Ooh, lovely warm socks. How modern!
0:11:51 > 0:11:54The Roman Empire really was terribly advanced and terribly organised.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58Some would say terribly civilised.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00But did they take care of their pots?
0:12:00 > 0:12:03This is our collection of the Samian dinner service.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08It's actually from southern Gaul, from a place called La Graufesenque,
0:12:08 > 0:12:10modern town of Millau,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13and it's interesting with this collection,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15because it was broken in transit.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18So, like sometimes some antiques are broken in transit.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- Exactly, exactly.- It happened then.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26So for thousands of years clumsy delivery men have plagued this land.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Amazingly, this dinnerware was ordered from a manufacturer
0:12:29 > 0:12:31in France, a thousand miles away,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33but 2,000 years ago.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38Not so different, when you think about it, from import/export today.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Possibly a commanding officer, one of the other head officers,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45would have had the money to buy this whole dinner set.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49So I'm just imagining, 1,900 years ago,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51the officer is waiting for this,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54or the lady of the house, his wife,
0:12:54 > 0:12:59and it nearly gets here and then it gets broken. Bad day.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Bad day, very, very dark day for that person.
0:13:01 > 0:13:07So it gets chucked in there, or he probably lied, "Oh, I never got it, it never came off the boat."
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- We have evidence that they're fixing it.- Really? I'd love to see that.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Here it is - quite a good one to show
0:13:15 > 0:13:18because it would have held these two bits together.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Wow. So some sort of soul got some lead...
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- Was lead mined around here? - Probably.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28That was one of the main reasons the Romans came, for our minerals.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33And so they got the lead and they melted it and made a little bracket
0:13:33 > 0:13:38and then as the lead cooled and tightened it would pull the pot together to make it strong again.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- Exactly, yes. - Well, like brackets, like staples.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45At least this Roman home-delivery customer tried to put
0:13:45 > 0:13:49his broken pots back together before he chucked them out.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52This is some of the pieces from the actual dinner service.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Wow, look at this. Oh, it's absolutely wonderful.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I can't believe I'm handling a 1,900-year-old piece of pottery.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Yeah, broken, but still.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- It's been a pleasure. I could spend all day here. Thank you very much. - Wonderful to meet you.- And you.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08What a fascinating find, eh?
0:14:08 > 0:14:13Course, all that damage would never happen on the Road Trip.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Not much!
0:14:15 > 0:14:18But seriously, there are some more modern antiques
0:14:18 > 0:14:21waiting to be unearthed by James and Thomas around the corner.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26So, James, my one request out of all of this, these antiques shops had better be worth it!
0:14:29 > 0:14:33The Road Trip is taking our experts 22 miles from Hexham.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Destination, Alston.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Alston's old town dates back to the late 17th century,
0:14:43 > 0:14:47with this handsome square surrounding its troubled Market Cross.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50First built in 1765 and rebuilt in 1880,
0:14:50 > 0:14:55the cross tragically fell victim to a runaway lorry in 1968,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58and then another one in 1980.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02So, keeping his foot firmly on the clutch is James Braxton
0:15:02 > 0:15:04as our experts arrive in town.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09Straight away, our boys find a companion four-wheeled antique
0:15:09 > 0:15:11to match James' vintage car.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15But the owner scoots before they can put in a cheeky low offer on it.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16Hello.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Good afternoon. I'm Thomas.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- Hi, I'm Gary.- Nice to meet you, Gary.- Nice to meet you.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23A big eclectic mix, it looks like.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- Everything interesting and unusual. - Oh, right.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29My old friend, Sunderland lustre.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Nope, I'm not buying you.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37Good call, Thomas. No more Sunderland lustre ware for you.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40We all remember the awful events of yesterday's show
0:15:40 > 0:15:43as if it was...well, yesterday.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48I'm not laughing, I'm really not.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Look at this. Ypres.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55This is what we call trench art.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59And this was made by a soldier in Ypres in 1917,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02and that's also where we had the miners who mined underneath
0:16:02 > 0:16:04the German trenches and blew them up.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06This would have been a shell case,
0:16:06 > 0:16:11and this is just a bullet from a .303 Lee Enfield rifle.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15I imagine what it was, it might have been he made it as a letter opener, or...
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Amazing thing.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21There's me complaining that I'm getting wet and hailed on
0:16:21 > 0:16:22in James' car with no roof,
0:16:22 > 0:16:26and these boys were stuck out in the trenches,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28no way of knowing when it would all end, really.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Fine words, Thomas. Well said.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35I think I might have to give JB a call, Mr Braxton.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38He was complaining that he was getting very wet.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Well, that does look nice and warm.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Could it be useful in bad weather?
0:16:43 > 0:16:46There's no such thing as bad weather. It's bad clothing.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48And James has experienced that today.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Well, poor old James was feeling cold and miserable.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Let's get him into a nice cosy antiques shop for a bit of a warm-up.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Out of the rain and hail! HE CHUCKLES
0:17:00 > 0:17:04But then a strange-looking antique catches his eye.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06Oh, dear. I'll just quickly do my hair.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10I generally walk around looking like the man from the Hamlet advert.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14I suggest you stay away from mirrors today, James.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16No-one needs the awful truth.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Cast your eyes over some lovely objects instead.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24This Chinese, made of black wood, rosewood, bit damaged,
0:17:24 > 0:17:28typical sort of thing that was made in the 19th century,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30was exported over to the UK.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32They were just stands for planters.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35They make great occasional tables.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Very stylish. 265.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42I wonder if she would do that for 150. That would be worth a punt.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46It's quite interesting - they've got a lot of oriental stuff in this shop
0:17:46 > 0:17:53and it might just reflect stuff that is locally, you know,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55people did colonial service.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Went off, worked for international companies, came home,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01brought loads of souvenirs with them.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07- You've got a pink, marble-topped Chinese table upstairs.- Yes.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08With, er...
0:18:09 > 0:18:11..quite a princely sum on it.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Yes. You pay for quality, yes.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19If I offer an outrageous £150,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22is that tempting? Or are you going to chuck me out of the shop?
0:18:22 > 0:18:26Sorry, it's not tempting. I paid more than that.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- We don't do losses.- No, no.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34Brave attempt, James. But you're not going to get the help you need in this shop, I fear!
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- MOBILE PHONE RINGS - Suddenly, an important call.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Could it be advice from the auction house?
0:18:38 > 0:18:42Or a fantastic offer on a fine antique treasure to take there?
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- Hello, Thomas.- 'Hi, James.'
0:18:44 > 0:18:46You know you got a bit wet?
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- 'Yeah, yeah.' - I've found something for you.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Oh, fabulous. I'm standing here like a sort of limp rag.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Are you like a limp piece of lettuce?
0:18:55 > 0:18:58What I need is something slightly warmer.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Why don't you pop down and have a look?
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Yeah, brilliant stuff. OK, I'll be down.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Whilst Thomas waits for James to arrive,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08something handsome and useful catches his eye.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11So, what I've got here is some pens,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15a Parker, a lady's one. But it's got no nib.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19The fountain pen was perfected by the American school teacher George Safford Parker
0:19:19 > 0:19:20in the 1880s,
0:19:20 > 0:19:26fed up with constantly repairing his students' old pens.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30The Parker Pen Company then became a strong success in the 1890s
0:19:30 > 0:19:34and the pens are still highly desirable as new and antique today.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Pens are collectable. You know, people like pens
0:19:37 > 0:19:40and they're a great thing to collect because they're small
0:19:40 > 0:19:43and they're easy to send in the post.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45This one here, another gents' pen.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47It says Swan.
0:19:47 > 0:19:53Made in Britain by the American company Mabie, Todd and Bard from 1909,
0:19:53 > 0:19:57these Swan fountain pens were advertised as the pen of the British Empire.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02The company ceased production in the 1950s, a victim of the ballpoint era.
0:20:02 > 0:20:03This is a Parker Duofold.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06It's a big, heavy gents' pen.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08What have you got on the Parker?
0:20:08 > 0:20:10I could do the Parker pen for £12.
0:20:10 > 0:20:11Oh...
0:20:11 > 0:20:16But if you were interested in buying a collection of pens I could do you a deal on a job lot.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21Oh, really? See what you can do the lot for, and then I'll go and get the other one for you.
0:20:21 > 0:20:27We've got a Conway, we've got a Swan and then you've got another Parker without a thing.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- 35 for the lot.- For the lot?
0:20:32 > 0:20:34How about...
0:20:34 > 0:20:3528?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- OK.- Yeah?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Well done, 28. Awesome. A collection of pens.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49I said I was going to buy silver and jewellery and I'm buying pens and ivory buckets.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- What am I doing that for? - Well, I'll tell you, Thomas.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56You're making rules for yourself and not sticking to them.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59You just keep getting distracted by everything that you like.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- What do you think of that? - Sure it's not a bit big?
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Yeah, with room to grow into.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09Something to accommodate the wine barrel.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- Gary, come on, let's go and talk price.- No problem.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Well, third item bought today.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22You may think I'm being completely bonkers.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27Why would a Parker pen like this one be worth me buying, huh?
0:21:27 > 0:21:32I tell you, I sell these Parker pens for at least £20 a piece.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34If you went to buy that in a stationers today
0:21:34 > 0:21:36you'd be looking at 50 plus.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Truly mightier than the sword, the Parker Duofold fountain pen
0:21:40 > 0:21:45was famously used by General Douglas MacArthur in 1946,
0:21:45 > 0:21:49to end the American war in the Pacific by signing the peace treaty.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55I reckon we'll make at least £10 profit. 38, 40 at least.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Yes, they're a great purchase Thomas, if slightly off-plan.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03Could they be your silver bullet to go with the bucket at auction in Darlington?
0:22:03 > 0:22:07Meanwhile back in the shop, James has dipped into his personal money
0:22:07 > 0:22:09and bought the vintage coat.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14Now he's taking a butchers at a few items for his antiques arsenal.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18I like this bit. Again, hardwood. Chinese.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Rather nice.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22Another jardiniere stand?
0:22:22 > 0:22:24And from China again?
0:22:24 > 0:22:29James is right about antiques in this area - there's certainly an ex-colonial theme here.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32We've got this rather nice sprays of bamboo here.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36It's been extended. I doubt the Chinese ever had things this high
0:22:36 > 0:22:42so it's evolved from their low opium tables and the like,
0:22:42 > 0:22:47to a table that the Victorians would have loved to have had
0:22:47 > 0:22:52with an aspidistra coming off or some sort of torchere, candle branch.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56So, a very keen observation from the man who would be King of the Auction.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Ah, this is more my sort of thing.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Do you think it can bear the weight of a Braxton?
0:23:03 > 0:23:07That is fabulous, isn't it?
0:23:07 > 0:23:11All I need is some sort of native sceptre of office.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16Oh dear, James. Are you sure that little stool is strong enough for you?
0:23:17 > 0:23:20You see, James, you have to be careful with antiques.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Or perhaps the chiefs of this particular African tribe
0:23:23 > 0:23:25were possibly a little lighter in build?
0:23:25 > 0:23:26African basketwork,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29receiving a new lease of life.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34Luckily, Cathleen is on hand in the back room for a rapid repair.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Fabulous! Thank you very much indeed, you see? Done in a trice.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39You broke it, James!
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Now I think you should buy it.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44And how about that lovely, tall jardiniere stand?
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- How much on this one, Gary? - Could do that for 20.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53Would you do this and the nice basketwork stool for 30?
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Wow, haggling on the stool YOU broke, eh?
0:23:56 > 0:23:58You have the cunning charm, James.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- No problem.- Excellent.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- Clothing me... Now you're furnishing me.- Another excellent deal!
0:24:06 > 0:24:09And James did the decent thing, buying the African stool.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13But is it something he can sell at auction in County Durham?
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Time will tell. And it's time to be moving on again.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Let's go.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20HE BEEPS HORN
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Oh dear. Get a move on.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26No roof, no roof?
0:24:26 > 0:24:27James, where's the roof?
0:24:32 > 0:24:35The next morning, James and Thomas are up with the lark
0:24:35 > 0:24:38for a full day's hunting and gathering.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42Beautiful cloudless day. Looking forward to getting a bit of wind rushing through my locks.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44A bit of wind, yeah.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47James has had a cracking first day's foraging.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50So far he's spent £85 on four items.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54The brass oak Canterbury, the Imari dish,
0:24:54 > 0:24:57the African leather stool and the Chinese jardiniere stand.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02And he's still got a whopping £233.48 left to play with.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- Steady work, I haven't dropped yet, just sort of steady jabs. - Steady jabs!
0:25:06 > 0:25:10Thomas has also shopped whole-heartedly and bought three items.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13The controversial ivory bucket,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16the enamel bar brooch and the set of fountain pens.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21He launches into the day with a sturdy £128.15,
0:25:21 > 0:25:26but needs to work hard to catch up with James' success on yesterday's show.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Looking good, feeling good.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34The unstoppable antiques juggernaut continues on.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Alston is but a blur in the mind as our experts take a sharp turn
0:25:38 > 0:25:41towards Bishop Auckland.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46That bounder Braxton is feeling rather comfortable in his current financial lead over Thomas.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49So he's decided to give himself a little treat.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Well, it's all right for some, isn't it?
0:25:51 > 0:25:53This is my stop, Tom.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Is it your stop? That's the way to do it!
0:25:58 > 0:26:03Right on time, our man arrives at Killhope Lead Mining Museum.
0:26:06 > 0:26:13Killhope was the setting for WH Auden's famous 1927 poem, The Watershed.
0:26:13 > 0:26:19The mine opened in 1853 and closed in 1910 as demand for lead fell away
0:26:19 > 0:26:24but restoration began in 1980 to turn the site into this wonderful museum.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Today, it's an account of the historical pleasures and pains
0:26:28 > 0:26:32of this heavy industry, and a fascinating glimpse into Britain's past.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Hello Liz, lead me on.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Liz has been an information assistant here for nine years
0:26:38 > 0:26:41and she's our guide for the day.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43In the beginning there'd only be about 10 people
0:26:43 > 0:26:48- working on the surface to one man working underground.- Really?
0:26:48 > 0:26:52And the other thing was that they would be miners/farmers,
0:26:52 > 0:26:58- so again they would go home and do more work at the end of their working day in the mines.- I see.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01So this is the entrance to the mine?
0:27:01 > 0:27:04How far away would the workings be? 100 metres?
0:27:04 > 0:27:09- The furthest fain was a mile underground.- Really?
0:27:09 > 0:27:12It took them 20 years to reach it.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17This is very well done. This wouldn't look out of place on the facade of a house, would it?
0:27:17 > 0:27:21No, the men were incredibly skilled.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Take me to your crystals, Liz!
0:27:23 > 0:27:28The British miner is a rare breed today, but they do exist.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32This was once a very hard and very proud industry.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34But life was not without its art and pleasure.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Right Liz, what have you got in here?
0:27:36 > 0:27:40Well, this is some of the spar boxes from our biggest collection.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45Spar boxes are one of Britain's most fascinating artistic phenomena
0:27:45 > 0:27:47and yet almost entirely unknown.
0:27:47 > 0:27:53Strange, coral-like, mineral constructions housed in Victorian specimen cases.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56As this was a lead mine, the mining company
0:27:56 > 0:27:58just didn't want the other minerals it unearthed
0:27:58 > 0:27:59and threw them away.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01There was this tradition
0:28:01 > 0:28:04of collecting minerals and swapping them.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07This was going on between the working man,
0:28:07 > 0:28:11but it was introducing people to the world of minerals.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16Amazingly, these Victorian oddities were not created by artists.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19It was the men and women working the mine in the 19th century
0:28:19 > 0:28:22who produced these peculiar and dazzling displays
0:28:22 > 0:28:24in their short, precious leisure time.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27What about this magnificent fellow?
0:28:27 > 0:28:28I love the idea
0:28:28 > 0:28:32that it's this sort of Victorian tableau tradition, isn't it?
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Here we see an architectural tableau.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40- The cabinet always reminds me of a bit of a fairground with all the bright colours.- It does, doesn't it?
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- Garish colours, yeah.- Again you've got your curiosities.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48You've got a bird from north Africa, your roller bird,
0:28:48 > 0:28:49you've got your nightjar,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53and you sort of think, where did the men come across these things?
0:28:53 > 0:28:58It's just the detail of little pot plants at the windows,
0:28:58 > 0:29:03you know, and some of the curtains open, some with the blinds drawn.
0:29:03 > 0:29:09This small array at Killhope is the nearest Britain has to a national collection of spar boxes.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13There were a few recorded local competitions in the 1880s and 90s.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Other than that, these are a lost art form.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21The mystery is that not many people know the history of the spar boxes
0:29:21 > 0:29:26and however much we try and research the history we don't come up with many answers.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31It looks like James is utterly captivated by these mysterious mineral structures.
0:29:31 > 0:29:36He's forgotten all about the rather important search for great antiques.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Thankfully, there's a great man out there.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44He is serious about antiques shopping. He wants to buy more.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47His name is Thomas Plant.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51Thomas has gone on ahead and is en route to Bishop Auckland.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54James has clearly given up on the shopping
0:29:54 > 0:29:56and settled with his four items from yesterday.
0:29:56 > 0:30:01So you're our last hope, Thomas, and time is pushing on.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03In fact, where is Thomas?
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- He's out there, shopping, somewhere.- Wow!
0:30:07 > 0:30:10Ah, there he is. He's found lovely Yvonne in this antiques shop
0:30:10 > 0:30:14and has taken a fancy to something quite close to her heart.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17I love your Lalique, I love that.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19This is a piece of jewellery.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21This is by Rene Lalique.
0:30:21 > 0:30:30Legendary French designer Rene Jules Lalique pushed the envelope of glass design in the late 19th century.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34He returned to his first love of jewellery during the Art Nouveau period,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36and made stunning items such as this.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39You've got this beautiful sort of exotic fish around it
0:30:39 > 0:30:42against that frosted glass, and it's just lovely.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44If I could find something like that...
0:30:44 > 0:30:46A lovely item, Thomas.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49But hands off - she's wearing it! I'm guessing it's not for sale.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Come along, there really is no time to waste.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55What is it? That is the big question.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59Well, it looks like it's going to be a preserve, a mustard.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- Yeah, it could be, couldn't it?- Have you been using it for your sausages?
0:31:02 > 0:31:07It's these classy little items again, and Thomas really can unearth them.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12This late-19th-century Dutch mustard pot has a solid silver frame, so it
0:31:12 > 0:31:15could be the auction heavyweight that Thomas is searching for.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20But it's pricey, £125. Risky!
0:31:20 > 0:31:22What is your very, very best on that?
0:31:22 > 0:31:24I could do 90 on it.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- That's quite a lot of money, isn't it?- It is.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31I'd like that for a bit less, to be candid!
0:31:31 > 0:31:33I'm sure you would, Thomas.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36"A bit less" is kind of the name of the game here, isn't it?
0:31:36 > 0:31:39If you could go to 80 on that.
0:31:39 > 0:31:4175?
0:31:41 > 0:31:43That's pushing the boat a bit.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45I know, but, you know...
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- I don't mean to be... - No, 75 sounds good to me.- OK.- Yeah.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55I'm pleased. I hope the auction house likes it.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58I hope there's people out there to buy it. What's it going to make?
0:31:58 > 0:32:01It could make £120, it could make 150, it could bomb and make 40.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Good old Thomas, he sneaks in one last purchase,
0:32:05 > 0:32:08and not a moment too soon. It's show and tell time again.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13- So, James, bit like golf, as you were the winner. - OK, am I teeing off first?- Yah.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18So an Imari plate, 1920s.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21£35 as well, bought it for that.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Go on, match it. Oh, very nice!
0:32:25 > 0:32:30Practical for pins, and bought for pin money.
0:32:30 > 0:32:31I think that's very pretty.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35I think you paid somewhere in the region of £50.
0:32:35 > 0:32:36No, £14.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Ooh, that is a winner, Thomas.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42I am going to try and expunge that from my memory.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- A magazine...- I think you're being a bit cute here.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48It's a pretty one, quite fashionable.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Now, let me guess, £28.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Nearly, nearly. 20.
0:32:53 > 0:32:54- Really?- See some growth there.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56- I'm a bit disappointed.- Come on.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59You've got something even smaller than the bucket.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02It's quite titchy witch, a little brooch.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Plant the brooch!
0:33:04 > 0:33:06I know, it's another brooch.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11Silver and enamel, marked at £45, I got it for £25.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13- With a rather chintzy design. - Chintzy, no!
0:33:13 > 0:33:16It's roses. It's lovely.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- That is chintzy. Right, I'm going to have to get up for this one.- Are you?
0:33:19 > 0:33:22OK. You're breaking a little bit of it there.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- Breaking a little bit there. - Well, it broke a whole lot more, earlier!
0:33:26 > 0:33:29It bore my weight, unfortunately with some consequence, so
0:33:29 > 0:33:34I think its future is bearing wine glasses and coffee cups.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- I hope you paid less than £20 for it.- I did.- Er, 10?- 10.
0:33:38 > 0:33:43I think we're going to see five, five, five.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46I must say, I hope it finds a purchaser before it falls apart!
0:33:46 > 0:33:52- Falls apart, James? Maybe just keep off it till the auction!- So.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Ah, Mr Pen Man.
0:33:55 > 0:33:56This is the lot I bought it for.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01It was the Parker Duofold, and it's a 14-carat gold nib, and then we've got a swan.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04- That's rather nice.- Well, it's quite stylish, gold nib as well.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- What do you think I paid for these here? Eight pens.- 50.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09No, less.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- 25. - £28.- Really? Very nice, well done.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- OK, come on. - You're taking my smile away.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- Really?- Fourth and final, probably best viewed from the top.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Yes, I can see that, mother of pearl, bamboo, bit of teak.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Just your kind of thing, isn't it?
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Hopefully Chinese. It's very pretty.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28£25?
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- 20.- Really?- 20.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33I hope somebody's building a Chinese room.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Oooh.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Looks very tasty, this.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40I have spent some money on that. Considering I lost money...
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- Ivory again?- Ivory again, Thomas? Bit of a theme going on here.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46That looks a rather nice item.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- 80 to 120.- Right, I paid 75 for it.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52That's good, you're playing the game, it's a bullish item.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57You're making me look like a bit of a wimp with my little selection there.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- Do you think I might be teeing off? - You could be, you could be.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02LAUGHTER
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Oh, James, don't get too wrapped up in this now.
0:35:07 > 0:35:08May the best man win.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Thank you, Thomas.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Whatever has he bought that stool for?
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I mean, it is a piece of rubbish.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18It's bonfire material.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21The whole thing's fallen to bits at the bottom. I mean, it's wonky.
0:35:21 > 0:35:27Lovely little novelty bucket, and that was no money, £14.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32Imari plate, well, yeah, OK, £35, I think that's about its level, really.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35As for the brooch, I'm not convinced.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37It's like an old lady's bathroom, really.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39How terribly rude, James...
0:35:39 > 0:35:41But I know what you mean!
0:35:41 > 0:35:48Destiny awaits our two experts as this leg of the road trip draws to its inevitable finale.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52It's been an inspiring journey from East Boldon, through Corbridge,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Hexham, Alston and Bishop Auckland.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Auction day is here and our experts arrive at Darlington, County Durham.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- Now, Thomas, how are you feeling? - Quietly confident.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07However, you know how these things can end up, they can go completely wrong.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10£220, 230. 240.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14Thomas Watson Auctions opened their doors in 1840,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17and Peter has been whacking wood on wood here since 1974.
0:36:17 > 0:36:22He has his own thoughts on our experts' shopping prowess.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26African stools probably came over 40, 50 years ago, but they do sell.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30Hardwood lamp stands, not the most popular, I must admit,
0:36:30 > 0:36:34and the brooch, it could be a bit of a sticker, this one, but we'll see.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40James started this leg of the road trip with £318.48,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43and spent a thoroughly decent £185.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Nice work, James.
0:36:45 > 0:36:51Thomas took his £195.15 and spent a wholly decadent £142.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Fidgets, stop fidgeting, natterers stop nattering.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02A respectful quiet awaits the commencement of competitive nodding and winking.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04The auction is about to begin.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Good luck, Thomas.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Well, that's a nice object to start off with.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14James' handsome magazine rack from Corbridge.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17And I can open this one at £35.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19£15 profit.
0:37:19 > 0:37:2340, 5, 50, the lady has it at £50.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24£50.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27£50. All done.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31- Punching the air! - And a tidy profit to kick off with.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33- Steady work.- Steady work.
0:37:33 > 0:37:38Now it's Thomas' turn, as the French pin bucket is next.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40- Feeling comfortable? - Yeah, I think so.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42I mean, they put a good estimate,
0:37:42 > 0:37:4440-80. I hope that doesn't scare anybody off.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46And you only paid £14 for it.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48£14.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52Good for you, Thomas. But maybe keep your voice down.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54And I can start this away at £20,
0:37:54 > 0:38:00at 20 and 5, at 20 and 5, surely now for this at £20 are we all done at
0:38:00 > 0:38:015 at the back, 30 to the side,
0:38:01 > 0:38:0730 standing in the door for the bucket, are we all done?
0:38:07 > 0:38:11Double your money, then, for the ivory pin bucket.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14I rather thought this would do well.
0:38:14 > 0:38:19James' Chinese lampstand is now taking the stage.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Just understated quality and design,
0:38:22 > 0:38:27bit of a quirk, country house feel, you know, look around you,
0:38:27 > 0:38:28it's all T-shirts and singlets
0:38:28 > 0:38:31but they live in country house interiors, I know it.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34And I can open this one at £30. £30.
0:38:34 > 0:38:3945... Same lady, then, at 45, are we all done?
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Double your money and a little bit more.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45James' eye is not just for the object, but for the market.
0:38:45 > 0:38:46Clever boy!
0:38:46 > 0:38:50Do you know, I honestly thought you had dropped one on this one.
0:38:50 > 0:38:56I thought, James has made a mistake, but so far, now I'm being proved wrong.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Coming out smelling of roses again.
0:38:59 > 0:39:00Now something small and pretty.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Thomas' silver enamel brooch.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07I can start this one at £15, at 15.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- Who's bidding?- At 25, 30,
0:39:10 > 0:39:15at 25 for the brooch, are we all done at £25? All done.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Oh, dear, Thomas seems to be buying what he likes,
0:39:20 > 0:39:23and not playing to the crowds.
0:39:23 > 0:39:24Like a roller coaster.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30I always should remind myself every morning, pride before a fall,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- and that's what I had. - James, meanwhile,
0:39:33 > 0:39:37is playing to please the local crowd with his decorative Imari plate.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41And I can open this one at £25.
0:39:41 > 0:39:49At 25 for the plate there, 30, at 40, the lady has it 5, at £55, all done.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52And another profit for James.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53Surely Thomas can't catch him now.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Steady work again from Mr Braxton.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Or will the pen be mightier than the...plate?
0:39:59 > 0:40:02You've done well on the first lot. I can feel you on my heels.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Yeah, chasing you down.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- Chasing me down. - And I can start this at £60.
0:40:07 > 0:40:0960, straight in there.
0:40:09 > 0:40:1370, 80, 90, 100, 110,
0:40:13 > 0:40:15at 100 and permission to bid at £100 and 10...
0:40:17 > 0:40:19- Well done. - Ooh, that's not bad!
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Well done, Thomas. When you get it right, you sure get it right.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25I say buy more pens.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28James still has the edge, but another hit like that for Thomas
0:40:28 > 0:40:31could see him close on the Braxton heels.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34108, your African stool.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Yeah, 30-50 pounds.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I think that could have killed any possible interest in it.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43James only spent a tenner on this African stool and, even though he
0:40:43 > 0:40:47broke it, there's a certain kooky, decorative appeal.
0:40:47 > 0:40:53£25 for the African stool, at 25, 30, 5, 40, at 35 with me,
0:40:53 > 0:40:58still the bid at 35, at 35, are we all done at £35?
0:40:58 > 0:41:02So the profits keep coming, and James' savvy pays off.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- Steady Eddie.- Steady Eddie Braxton.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07I buy nice quality items,
0:41:07 > 0:41:13quality, good condition... You buy some moth eaten broken wicker stool!
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Yes, but I'm going for a sort of country-house style the whole time.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22Yes, but one man's tat is another man's shabby chic!
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Well, here's your last chance, Thomas.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30You went with your heart with this unusual silver mustard pot.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33You're coming from a position of strength, if I might say so.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Well, I'll just have to wait and see with this lot.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39And I can open this lot at £40, at 40, 50 now,
0:41:39 > 0:41:44at £50, 60, at 50 only, no further interest then at £50.
0:41:44 > 0:41:45- Is that all?- No, don't worry.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47No, that's it.
0:41:47 > 0:41:53Oh, dear. A terrible end for poor Thomas, and the gap is widening.
0:41:53 > 0:41:54- Oh, dear, Thomas.- That's a loss.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57The thing I thought was going to make all the money!
0:41:57 > 0:41:59It's disappointing.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02After paying commission to the auction house,
0:42:02 > 0:42:06James made a fair-to-middling profit of £67.40,
0:42:06 > 0:42:12and has a proud £385.88 to fight on with.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16Ever hopeful, Thomas made a smaller profit of just £35.10.
0:42:16 > 0:42:24He's lagging further behind with £230.25 to start the next show.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27So our boys have learned lessons today,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29and there's a lot to think about for the shopping trip ahead.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- Very disappointed.- Why disappointed?
0:42:32 > 0:42:37Well, I buy an antique - you buy tat, I buy an antique,
0:42:37 > 0:42:40you buy tat, I lose money on it.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Where is the justice?
0:42:42 > 0:42:44The market is a cruel place sometimes.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46There's no justice, sadly.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Just buying the right items at the right price.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52And so far, Thomas, James has you on the ropes!
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- I need to walk with giants. - Walk with giants, and are you going to, "come on, bring it on"?
0:42:56 > 0:42:59I'm going to be like Rocky. I'm going to come from behind.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01- Are you?- I'm going to be battered and bruised,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04and then at the last minute, I'm going to sweep in, victorious.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09- That's the spirit. You'll need the eye of the tiger for round three! - Life is cruel, isn't it?
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Next time on the Antiques Road Trip,
0:43:12 > 0:43:17James and Thomas head for auction showdown in Bedale, North Yorkshire.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20James goes for a new tactic.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24I'm keeping my powder dry. There's another day, and there's another shop.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26Thomas goes off-piste.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30You know, I could finish that and almost have another one, and then finish that one and
0:43:30 > 0:43:33think about another one, but then think, actually, I've got some antiques to buy.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37And they both get going up the antiques highway.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:56 > 0:43:59E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk