0:00:02 > 0:00:05The nation's favourite antiques experts, £200 each,
0:00:05 > 0:00:06and one big challenge.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09- I'm here to declare war.- Why?
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Who can make the most money buying and selling antiques as they scour the UK?
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- It really is very good! - The aim is to trade up
0:00:16 > 0:00:19and hope each antique turns a profit.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21But it's not as easy as you might think
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- and things don't always go to plan. - Push!
0:00:24 > 0:00:28Will they race off with a huge profit or come to a grinding halt?
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Do you think I'd believe that? - This is the Antiques Road Trip!
0:00:37 > 0:00:41We're in the Republic of Ireland with the two Davids,
0:00:41 > 0:00:43David Harper and David Barby.
0:00:47 > 0:00:53Together, they're touring the Emerald Isle in a Triumph TR3.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Oh, David!
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- You're getting all fired up here! - I'm doing 50 miles an hour. - Come on, baby!
0:01:00 > 0:01:05David Harper is a dealer with an infinite knowledge of antiques.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07What on earth is that?
0:01:07 > 0:01:10While co-driver David Barby is an auctioneer,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13well-known for his tact and charm!
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- Is that collectable in England? - HE GASPS
0:01:15 > 0:01:17It is here.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20There's no doubt who's had the best start on this trip.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25Yesterday's auction in Northern Ireland was a great success for David Barby...
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- I'm getting anxious about these. - All finished at 240.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30Someone's got taste.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33..but a calamity for David Harper.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- No, don't.- Yes.- Come on!
0:01:38 > 0:01:40They began with £200 each,
0:01:40 > 0:01:46but David B goes into today with a whopping £417.10.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50The other David has made just £6.80
0:01:50 > 0:01:52to add to his starting cash.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Both of these piles have been converted into euros today
0:01:57 > 0:02:02as the road trip heads south of the border and into new territory.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05This week we're travelling from Northern Ireland,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08heading south towards the county of Meath,
0:02:08 > 0:02:10then across to the north coast of Wales
0:02:10 > 0:02:16and once again heading south, ending our road trip in Llanelli.
0:02:16 > 0:02:22Today's show starts out in Athlone and heads for an auction at Kells.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28# Half a mile from the county fair And the rain came pouring down...
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Slap-bang in the geographical centre of Ireland,
0:02:31 > 0:02:37Athlone is famous for its castle and its very strategic bridge over the River Shannon.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42Reasons why, over 300 years ago, the city was besieged twice.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44# We just stood there getting wet. #
0:02:44 > 0:02:50Ireland is apparently also noted for its precipitation. That's rain.
0:02:50 > 0:02:56This warm and dry shop, though, is packed with top-quality stuff at prices that match.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Brianna and Thomas are keen to help.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- Who gives the best discounts? - I most certainly do.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- Really? - THEY LAUGH
0:03:05 > 0:03:07OK, I'll have the good-looking one!
0:03:07 > 0:03:12Ahh, the David Harper charm, tried before but with mixed results.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14Do you want to come for a ride in my car?
0:03:14 > 0:03:17I'm sure I've heard that line, too.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Now, what's David B up to?
0:03:20 > 0:03:23A Victorian... What's a pod saw?
0:03:23 > 0:03:25No! Pad saw!
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Well, it's all the way through here.
0:03:30 > 0:03:36That's a retractable blade that was the forerunner of the Stanley knife, perhaps.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38I'd like to know what it is before I buy it.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Finding out what it is after you've bought it is more fun.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45There's that blarney again. But David is a bit of a stickler.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Brian, we have a query here from a customer.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53Perhaps the shop owner can shave a few of the 48 euros off the price.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57Oh, right. So there's a hole in the actual handle,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59so you pass the blade all the way through?
0:03:59 > 0:04:03So you could adjust it accordingly.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Can you do it at 20?
0:04:06 > 0:04:10I'm not tough at all. OK, that's very kind.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14I'll put you back to Thomas to confirm the price in case he doesn't believe me.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16Hello, Brian. Is that really you that's there
0:04:16 > 0:04:20and we're not just talking to a recording?
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Oh, you drive such a hard bargain. I can't believe he took so much off!
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- He said 20.- He said 20 on that.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32So while David B reflects on his first purchase, David H, with plenty to prove,
0:04:32 > 0:04:37has finally found something which, at 40 euros, is in his bracket.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- That's an unusual thing. I think it's alabaster.- Yes.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Three naked ladies climbing up a...
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- Is it some sort of...- A cliff or...?
0:04:47 > 0:04:51What is it? Has it got a religious significance?
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- It's a very unusual thing.- It is. - I like that.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58I'd love to know what's going on. Whoever carved it carved it for a reason,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00he didn't think of this scene and think,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04"I'm just going to carve three women climbing up a mountain."
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Actually, David, it's inspired by a detail
0:05:06 > 0:05:11from Rodin's huge unfinished masterpiece the Gates of Hell.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13The original measured six metres by four
0:05:13 > 0:05:16and features 186 figures.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21That, though, is in the Musee Rodin and is definitely not for sale.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24I'd take a chance on that at 20 euros.
0:05:24 > 0:05:2720 euros...
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- OK, let's make a deal.- Are you sure? - Yes.- Marvellous! Marvellous!
0:05:32 > 0:05:35While David Barby dodges the Athlone showers...
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Hold on, it's raining. Just thinking of my perm!
0:05:40 > 0:05:42..his friend, that's the one in the cap,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45has grabbed the keys to the Triumph,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48travelling from Athlone to Barley Harbour.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52David's making his way through the lowlands
0:05:52 > 0:05:56to visit the studio of bog oak artist Michael Casey.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Hello there. David Harper. Nice to meet you. Can I come in?
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Oh, my gosh! This is amazing.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13Tell me about bog oak. How do we get to that?
0:06:13 > 0:06:16When we lift it out, it's covered with clay and peat.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19And it's been buried under the earth for six or 7,000 years.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22The forests were growing at that time.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25They fell, and the bogs have grown on them 30 feet.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28When the wood first comes out of the ground,
0:06:28 > 0:06:32it's very soggy and needs to be seasoned for a few more years
0:06:32 > 0:06:34before Michael can begin his work.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Oh, my goodness me! Michael, what is that?
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- This is absolutely as it comes out - of the ground? More or less, yes.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47How long has this been weathering for?
0:06:47 > 0:06:51Some of the pieces are here 10 or 15 years.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56So you might get an inspiration that you want to make a sculpture based on a subject
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- and then you would root through looking for something to grab you. - Yes.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04You can almost see the human head and the shoulder.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06OK. I can see that.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09And then other pieces are sitting for years and years
0:07:09 > 0:07:12and you might come out with a drink at night or something
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- and sit down with it...- Yes. - ..and then it suggests itself.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22I help it along, you know, the suggestion, just maybe the head and the arms.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27When you say you help it along, it's got your direct input, hasn't it?
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Things struggled in the bog off of nature
0:07:30 > 0:07:34and the handy human hand adds a little to it.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Eventually, the supply of oak
0:07:39 > 0:07:42and the rarer yew and pine will run out,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44but not any day soon,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48because several thousand years ago Ireland was one huge forest.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53A monkey could swing from tree to tree.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- This is the River Shannon out here. Now, you only had to swim the Shannon...- You're kidding?
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- ..and you could go the whole way to Galway. - Without touching the ground?- Yes.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09David is fortunate enough to have a lesson in sculpture from the master himself.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16So, you're not afraid of the wood at all? I mean, that is serious stuff.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17That'll take the skin off.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- Don't go backwards. - Don't go backwards?
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Forwards.- Always forwards? - Yes.- Tell me why.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- Why would you always go forwards? - The teeth are facing that way.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31Yes!
0:08:33 > 0:08:35I see. I'm getting with it now, Michael.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38I think it might take me some time to become like you.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42I suppose if you were to make what you might think of as a mistake,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- you'd just work around that?- Yes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- There's no mistakes in this. - No mistakes.- No.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51It's nature telling you exactly what she wants to be.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Whilst David Harper goes with the grain,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57David Barby has carried on shopping...
0:08:58 > 0:09:02..making his way from Athlone to Mullingar.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06The biggest city in the Irish Midlands,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Mullingar was once a great cattle-trading centre and is still famous for its pewter.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- Hello, I'm David Barby. - Dermot Holmes. Pleased to meet you.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- And you own this store? - Yes. Delighted it could bring you to Mullingar.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27If David was a bit taken aback by the prices in Athlone this morning,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30by Mullingar, he's getting seriously worried.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33That's well over what I have to spend.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Well over.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37How much is that? Oh, it's coming round. Ohh!
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- Er, 495. - HE GASPS
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Yes. You pay for the frame.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47HE GASPS
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- I used to collect Doulton.- Ah, right.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- This is a little Doulton piece.- Yes.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- Salt glaze.- It would've originally had corks in it.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- Yes. Those are gone. You'd have a spigot there.- Yes.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04But the very fact it is Doulton indicates that it's quality.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08And I love the barrel shape! I think that's quite good.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12I see you've got 35 on there. What's the best you can do?
0:10:12 > 0:10:16That's the best I can do. We had 45.
0:10:16 > 0:10:1830?
0:10:20 > 0:10:2425, then. That's the best. Because it's a piece of Doulton.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Ha! But it hasn't got its spigot. And it hasn't got its cork.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- And it hasn't got its proper stand. - No, it hasn't got its proper stand.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36You make me an offer.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- I'll say 15.- I'll say 20.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- 18.- Right, you're done.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- What have I done?- What have you done? - Yes.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Too late to change your mind now, David.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51What else is there to wax lyrical about?
0:10:51 > 0:10:53These are Georgian brass candlesticks.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56They're out of fashion to a certain extent in England
0:10:56 > 0:10:59because people don't like polishing brass.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05I remember seeing two of these up at that auction in the north, I think they went for about £12.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08So those have got to be round about 10 euro.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12I'm saying 12 euro. I'm matching 12 pounds with 12 euro.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- I can't do it.- You can't do it? - No. I know how much the other ones went for.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20At the moment, the euro is at parity with the pound!
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Near enough. When you go to buy, it's different.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26We'll introduce you to these two
0:11:26 > 0:11:29and let you make a decision.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- Do we throw the cat among the pigeons?- You have.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Slightly smaller. - I like those, as well.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40Right, so, if I bought those, that would be 20 euro for four?
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- For the four?- Yes.- OK.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Deal done?- Yes.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49Their triumphal trail will conclude today at an auction in Kells,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52but first stop for hot-to-shop Harper
0:11:52 > 0:11:54is the little town of Knockdrin.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02No mention yet of the prices, but where he finds this sort of eclectic mix,
0:12:02 > 0:12:06it behoves him to find a bargain, big or small.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10What is that? It's a miniature drum. A metal miniature drum.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Hand-painted. The Gordon Highlanders.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Anything to do with militaria,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19there are collectors out there worldwide for things like this.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Hand-painted. Quality.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26Let me find Mary and see what she can do on this one.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Mary?- Yes, David?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Can I just talk to you about this? - Yes. The drum.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35What's it used for? Do you think it's been a box?
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- Or is it just a novelty thing? - I think it's a novelty thing.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- What sort of money is it to me? - 10 euros to you.
0:12:42 > 0:12:4510? 20 euro?
0:12:45 > 0:12:48You don't say ten and then 20. I'm not likely to give you 20!
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- 10 euros! Right.- 10 euros.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- It's a little buy. A good start. I'll have it. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07These things are not quite what they used to be, but there's a pair,
0:13:07 > 0:13:12one there and one in there. Typical green glass. Victorian.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16They're good. All hand-painted. Nice bubbles in the glass.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Let me see what she can do on this one.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21On the vases, 15 euros.
0:13:21 > 0:13:2515 euros for a pair of 120 year old
0:13:25 > 0:13:28or 130-year-old glass vases,
0:13:28 > 0:13:30absolutely a stonking bargain!
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- 15 euros?- 15 euros.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38Goodness me! Cheap enough, isn't it? I mean, it's just crazy.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Why tell her that? I think he thinks they're cheap.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- Do you want 10 euros for them? - No. Not cheap enough, apparently.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Yes. I'll take 10 euros.
0:13:48 > 0:13:54It's absolutely pathetic! I am ridiculous. Thank you. That's another one.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56That's all very well, but come on, David,
0:13:56 > 0:14:01you need to think bigger than that if you're going to catch up with the great David Barby.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- Mary, what on earth is that? - It's a wool winder.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- What do you do with a wool winder? - Wind wool from the spinning wheel.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11You might've guessed that, David.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14I thought it was a light fitting at first.
0:14:14 > 0:14:19- What would you do with it? Could you make it into something? - I honestly don't know.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23It works just beautifully. Look at that.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28Small wooden items, hand-made, there's a market for it, isn't there?
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- I've no idea how to value that. What's that worth? - Make me an offer on it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:3315 euros?
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Go 20.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- Go 15.- Go 20.- Go 15.- Go 20.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- I'll have it for 20. Do I get another kiss?- You do.- Marvellous.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Oh, not again. He'll wear his lips out!
0:14:48 > 0:14:51David is on his way to join David Harper,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54who has gone ahead to their final shop at Portlaoise.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02No, this isn't another Irish country house,
0:15:02 > 0:15:06but an out-of-town industrial unit with a modest exterior
0:15:06 > 0:15:08that's been fully furnished inside.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10What a place!
0:15:10 > 0:15:14David didn't start this leg with much cash,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17but most of what he did have is still in his pocket.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20That seems surprisingly cheap,
0:15:20 > 0:15:22a little desk set made out of papier mache.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27But it's not going to fly. I really need a flier to catch up with David Barby.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29While he continues his desperate search,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32who should arrive but David Barby...
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- Hello.- Hello. - What a fabulous place!- Thanks.
0:15:37 > 0:15:43..equally keen to get the bargain which will trump his rival.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48- I can see immediately that hat box. - Certainly.- Can I have a quick look? - Absolutely.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- Have you polished this up?- We have. Just a little bit of cream.- OK.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56"Dublin Retail", which is good.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59"Charles McDonald. Saddler."
0:15:59 > 0:16:04This is nice. People use these to decorate a bedroom.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08They use them as waste paper, jardinieres,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10er, a multitude of uses.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- What sort of price range are we looking at?- 60.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Could you take less than 60? Is that the best you can do?
0:16:18 > 0:16:19No, probably not.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23I can do it for 50, if you really pressure me.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Can I pressure you even more to 40?
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Meet you in the middle. - IN UNISON: 45. 42.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33THEY LAUGH
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- 45 any good?- 42.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- 42.- Thank you very much.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Well, that was fast work.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Five minutes after entering the shop, he's the owner of a hat box.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50That's lovely. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56I like that. This is a late 19th-century oil lamp.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01It's such a nice piece. It's in onyx and gilt metal.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04This would've been in an important house.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08This is not a cottage piece. These would've gone out of fashion
0:17:08 > 0:17:10certainly by 1920
0:17:10 > 0:17:14when they would've installed electric lights in the average home.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16But that is such a lovely example.
0:17:16 > 0:17:22- This little lamp, missing so much of its originality. - It is, unfortunately.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- Yes.- So we haven't got the shade and we haven't got the chimney. - That's right.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- What sort of price are we looking at?- It's probably pretty much intact after that.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- You can get the globes. Is there a price on it?- Not that I can see.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40I suppose since you've bought the top hat...box,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42we could...
0:17:42 > 0:17:45do it for 75 euros.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Is that the very best?
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Close to it.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Is that the very, very best you can do - 75?
0:17:55 > 0:17:58HE SIGHS
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- 60 OK for you?- 50's better.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Give me a little small bit. - A little.
0:18:07 > 0:18:0958.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Let's split the difference at 52.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18- BELL RINGS IN BACKGROUND OK.- 52.- 52.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- TIM WHISTLES - That was tense.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Now, with David B satisfied,
0:18:22 > 0:18:26David H has finally uncovered something to spend big on.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31A good marble carving can command several hundreds of pounds, even when new,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34and several thousands from a known artist.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38That is a flier, but all subject to price.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42It's not an antique, maybe only 20 years old,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44but it may sell well.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- She's not too badly priced. - What sort of money?
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- 180.- 180.- Euros.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Now, she's not dear, but could she be a bit better?
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- How much better? - She couldn't be 60 euros less?
0:18:58 > 0:19:03Less. Not 60 euros to buy. Sorry! You almost collapsed!
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Can she be 120?
0:19:05 > 0:19:11- She could be 120 cash.- Done deal. - Yep.- Good man. Thanks, David.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15At last, those two have done with shopping.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19David Barby has spent 152 euros on five lots,
0:19:19 > 0:19:24including a leather hat box, a Doulton drinks barrel,
0:19:24 > 0:19:30a Victorian pad saw, two pairs of brass candlesticks and an oil lamp.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33David Harper has spent 180 euros also on five lots,
0:19:33 > 0:19:37including a carving based on Rodin's Gates of Hell,
0:19:37 > 0:19:42a wool winder, a pair of green vases, a miniature drum
0:19:42 > 0:19:43and a marble nude.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47Let's find out what they really think of each other's purchases.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50I am recovering from shock!
0:19:50 > 0:19:54I thought I'd done well, but I think David has done brilliantly.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59The Corinthian column lamp is absolutely gorgeous. That's a real antique.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03What else did he buy? Nothing really memorable, as far as I'm concerned.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07The piece I find fascinating is the little piece of alabaster,
0:20:07 > 0:20:11from Auguste Rodin's Gates of Hell.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15I don't think it's well carved, but he paid so little, it's bound to make a profit.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18I think he's the winner. He's the winner on this round
0:20:18 > 0:20:21and I think he'll overtake me.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25Turn out the lights! I'm going to sleep.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28After starting out in the rain at Athlone,
0:20:28 > 0:20:32this leg of our road trip will be decided at an auction
0:20:32 > 0:20:34in the historic town of Kells.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- It'll be interesting to see if that little Rodin-type alabaster piece... - What?
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- What did you call it? You know what that's after, don't you?- Yes!
0:20:45 > 0:20:50Who is it, Barby? I want the information so I can pass it on to the auctioneer.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- You little horror!- Yes!
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Kells has several early-Christian associations,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59like the abbey founded by St Columba,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02where the famous manuscript of the New Testament,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05known as the Book of Kells, was once kept.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09The Gaelic translation of the town's name means "Great Chief Abode",
0:21:09 > 0:21:13which makes sense when you consider that Jim Connell,
0:21:13 > 0:21:15the writer of The Red Flag, was born here.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19There you go, Mr Barbers.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20OK, eyes down, everyone.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Here we go. You're on. You're on. You're on.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26First, the Victorian pad saw.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- Look at the way it's made, ladies and gentlemen.- It's a bit of wood.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- 20 bid straight off.- That's good.
0:21:32 > 0:21:3430 bid. 30 bid now.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- 40 over here. - 40? I can't believe it!
0:21:38 > 0:21:4240 bid. 45 there. 45. 50 back here.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- 50 bid now. 55 out here. - They know what they're buying.
0:21:47 > 0:21:5055. 60 over there. 60 bid now.
0:21:50 > 0:21:5270 bid now. At 70...
0:21:52 > 0:21:54All out now at 70.
0:21:54 > 0:21:5880. Just in time. 80 bid now. 80 bid over here.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Stop it!- 90.- No!- 90 bid.
0:22:00 > 0:22:0295. 100.
0:22:02 > 0:22:08- Yes!- At 100. 110.- Ah, for... - 110. 120 now.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12120 on this side. All out? All done.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- That was really good. - That was fantastic.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Phew! Pad-saw fever! Who saw that coming?
0:22:20 > 0:22:24Now, what do they make of David Harper's mini Rodin?
0:22:24 > 0:22:2630 bid. 40 bid. 40 bid.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- 40 in front. 50 back there. 50 bid now. 60.- Come on!
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- 70 down here.- Yes!- 70 now.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- Don't get overexcited.- Don't touch.
0:22:34 > 0:22:3790 up here. 90 bid.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- At 90... 100.- Ohh!
0:22:40 > 0:22:45110. At 110 now. Selling at... 120.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- Yes!- 120. 130.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- 130. 140.- Yes!
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- 150 here. At 150. - Get a load of that!- 160.- Yes!
0:22:54 > 0:22:58All out now at 160. All out? All done.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02160. Dear, oh, dear!
0:23:03 > 0:23:06This is shaping up nicely.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- Is that a cracking result? Give me that pen!- No.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Give me the pen!
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- Now for all that brass. - 50 for the pair.
0:23:16 > 0:23:1850 down here. 50 bid.
0:23:18 > 0:23:2050 bid. 60 bid.
0:23:20 > 0:23:2360 bid. 60 bid. 70 bid. 70 bid
0:23:23 > 0:23:25I'm in shock. I'm in shock. I'm in shock.
0:23:25 > 0:23:2980 bid. 80 straight down. 80 bid now. 80 bid.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Selling at 80. All out?
0:23:32 > 0:23:34All done.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38That was way beyond the auctioneer's estimate.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41I sell those for £25 a pair.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- Now you've got to up your price. - I'm going to double the price!
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Could the drum beat the stakes?
0:23:48 > 0:23:5140 bid. 50 bid. 60 bid.
0:23:51 > 0:23:5270 bid.
0:23:52 > 0:23:5770 bid at the end. 70 bid now. All finished... 80. New blood.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- 80 now. 80 on the right. - Come on, baby!
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- At 80. 90 on the other side. - Yes, baby!- 90 bid now.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06At 90, all out now at 90.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- That's very good.- Marvellous.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13Everything is making a profit, especially Harper's lots.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- That's fantastic, isn't it? - It's very good.- We're on a roll!
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Roll out Barby's barrel!
0:24:20 > 0:24:2340 bid. 40 bid. 50 back there.
0:24:23 > 0:24:2550 bid now. 60 we have.
0:24:25 > 0:24:2860 bid now. 60 bid.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30A unique piece. At 60. All out.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35- All done.- Well done. That's amazing!
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Will anything fail to make a profit here, I wonder?
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- This is a fantastic auction. - It's our best so far.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Next, the wall-mounted wool-winder.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49I'm bid 50 with me. 60. 70. 70.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54- 70 bid.- That's enough.- No, it isn't. - 80 bid. 90 bid.
0:24:54 > 0:24:5890 bid. 100 all the way. 100 we have. 110.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03- 110. At 110. Are you coming in? 120 over here.- Ohh!
0:25:03 > 0:25:08- 120. 120 back this side. 130 we have.- Yes!- 130.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- 130. 140. 140 now.- Yes, baby!
0:25:12 > 0:25:14140 back this way. At 140...
0:25:14 > 0:25:16All out? All done.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21- Well done.- Well, congratulations. - Thank you!
0:25:21 > 0:25:26120 euros profit! I think he's catching up.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- We should do this for a living. Don't you think? - I couldn't stand the strain!
0:25:32 > 0:25:34A very sumptuous box.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37100 bid straightaway. 100 bid.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41110. 120. 130. 140.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43140 we have. 150 out here.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45160 with me.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50160. 170 over there. 170. 180 now.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51190 over here.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- I knew it was a good one. - 190 on the right-hand side.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56All out? All done.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- Cheap, wasn't it? - So cheap! David, well done.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03David B's still ahead!
0:26:03 > 0:26:07Surely David H's vases can't hurt him.
0:26:07 > 0:26:0950. 40. 30. 20.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Even 10 to start?
0:26:11 > 0:26:1510 bid. 15 bid. 15 bid. 20 bid. At 20, seated here.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Selling at 20 now. 25. 30 bid.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- 30 bid now.- What have I done?!
0:26:21 > 0:26:2530 bid over here. Selling at 30 now.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29- At 30 only. 35.- Yes!- 35. 40.
0:26:29 > 0:26:3440 bid now. Shaking his head firmly there! 40 bid at this end!
0:26:34 > 0:26:36All out? All done.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- 40! Get in there! - That was good going.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Four times what he paid!
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Now, a Barby favourite.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49150 for it. 120. 100 to get it going?
0:26:49 > 0:26:50Come on!
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- 50!- Oh! She's hard, this woman!
0:26:53 > 0:26:5650 bid 50 bid. 60 bid.
0:26:56 > 0:27:0070 bid now. 70 bid. 80 down here. 90 on the left.
0:27:00 > 0:27:06Selling at 90. 100. 110. 120. 120 now. Telephone bid.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- 120.- Yes!- No.- 120 now.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- All finished.- I can't believe this! - All done.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14I'll take the telephone bid.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- At least it started at 20. - Thanks for that(!)
0:27:19 > 0:27:23Cor! Strike a light! Even with quite a bit missing...
0:27:23 > 0:27:26You've got to be happy with that.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Yes!
0:27:28 > 0:27:30It's neck and neck.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35But David Harper's biggest spend may well decide who's victorious.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37300? 200? Get at 100.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- Start me at 100.- 20.- 20?!- 100. - Thank you!
0:27:41 > 0:27:44100 I'm bid. 100 offered.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- I sell at 120!- No, you don't! There's bidding over there!
0:27:48 > 0:27:53- 140. 160.- Get it going!
0:27:53 > 0:27:58180. 180 there. 200. 220. 220.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- At 220.- Bang!- 240.- Yes!- 240!
0:28:02 > 0:28:05250. 260. 260 here.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- One more!- 270. 270.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13- 270. 280.- Whoa!- 280. 280 now.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- Don't sell it at...- 290.- Yes! - Make it to three.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21- 300! - LAUGHTER
0:28:21 > 0:28:23300 in front.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28- At 300. Thanks very much, lads. - Well done!
0:28:28 > 0:28:30Well done!
0:28:32 > 0:28:34She's a beauty!
0:28:34 > 0:28:39She certainly is. And she's made him 180 euros profit!
0:28:39 > 0:28:44- David.- Well done. - Thank you very much.- Well done. - Thank you. Beautiful.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48A great day in Kells, especially for David Harper
0:28:48 > 0:28:51who's gained on his rival, winning the battle if not the war.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55He began today with 224 euros and 25 cents
0:28:55 > 0:29:01and made 418 euros and 60 cents, after auction costs.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04So after conversion back to sterling,
0:29:04 > 0:29:08he has £592.82 to spend tomorrow.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13David Barby started this round with 452 euros and 30 cents
0:29:13 > 0:29:18and made 315 euros and 40 cents, after auction costs.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20So in sterling, he still leads,
0:29:20 > 0:29:25with £707.95 to spend tomorrow.
0:29:25 > 0:29:31There they go, no doubt for a well-earned pint of the dark stuff.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36On this roadtrip, we're travelling through Ireland, north and south,
0:29:36 > 0:29:40and have now crossed over to Wales, ending our roadtrip in Llanelli.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45Today we kick off in Prestatyn, gateway to the coast of north Wales.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50And our journey concludes with auction number three in the town of Criccieth.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55Popular with holiday-makers over the last two centuries,
0:29:55 > 0:30:01sunny Prestatyn became famous for its beach, clean seas and promenade entertainers.
0:30:01 > 0:30:07In fact, visiting for a cheeky bathe was considered a must for good health by city-dwelling Victorians.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11David Harper's at his first shop,
0:30:11 > 0:30:16Presents With A Difference, with £592.82p to spend. that?
0:30:16 > 0:30:20- Hello.- Hello.- Hi. My gosh, this is a bit of an Aladdin's cave.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25A mixture of all sorts. A bit of nostalgia, a bit of mod.
0:30:25 > 0:30:26That's quite bonny.
0:30:26 > 0:30:33This is quite interesting. The first item I'm drawn to is an attractive woman.
0:30:33 > 0:30:38I've got a problem with attractive women. I can't help myself.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- Is there a cure? - Oh, please. Somebody stop him.
0:30:42 > 0:30:49- If there is a pill for it, I don't want it.- How about an injection, then?- She's lovely.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54Almost looks like an ancient cameo behind some sort of glass. It's got a 3-D feel.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Birmingham, 1937.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00So just at the tail end of Art Deco.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Geoff...talk to me. About that.
0:31:04 > 0:31:10- Could that be horrifically cheap? - Not horrifically, but I could do you 27.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Really? 20 quid?
0:31:13 > 0:31:18- OK, I'll squeeze to 20. That's dead tight.- Good man. OK.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23Thank you very much. My first purchase of this leg.
0:31:23 > 0:31:31You need luck to beat Barby. He's slowly making the short journey south to Rhuddlan,
0:31:31 > 0:31:36a rather peaceful town with a very turbulent past,
0:31:36 > 0:31:40but that's because continual battles between the Britons and the Saxons
0:31:40 > 0:31:45made plundering, pillaging and razing to the ground rather common.
0:31:45 > 0:31:52It's also here at Rhuddlan Castle where constitutional power over Wales was given to the English
0:31:52 > 0:31:54in 1284.
0:31:54 > 0:32:00And speaking of Englishmen, one more has just arrived at Downsby Antiques
0:32:00 > 0:32:03and is trying to strike a deal with young Philip.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06I love a bit of Macintyre pottery.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09It's beautiful, but it's damaged.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11That...
0:32:11 > 0:32:14is a firing crack underneath.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Cos when I take the lid off...
0:32:19 > 0:32:22..it's not through to the base.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26If it's been repaired and they've used a silicon-type glaze on it,
0:32:26 > 0:32:32it's not a fired glaze. It's an artificial one, false one.
0:32:32 > 0:32:38- You can actually feel it on your teeth or with your tongue.- Yeuch!
0:32:38 > 0:32:44- Let's go with the gnashers. - Watch your teeth. - Don't worry, they're false.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46No, they're not!
0:32:46 > 0:32:49With the damage, what's the best you can do?
0:32:49 > 0:32:5230. And that's a deal.
0:32:52 > 0:32:5320.
0:32:54 > 0:33:00- You've knocked me right down. 30.- 20. 20. It's been here a long, long time.
0:33:00 > 0:33:06- You want rid of this. - No, I don't.- Can we split the difference at 25?- Go on, then.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10It's my first buy in Wales. That's good, I like that.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Looking to retain his lead,
0:33:13 > 0:33:19David Barby's now putting together what he fancifully is calling his collection of curiosities.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24You put matchsticks or toothpicks there and put them on the table.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27These are typical German sort of 1930s,
0:33:27 > 0:33:32that sort of period. Great wood carvers, particularly in Bavaria.
0:33:32 > 0:33:38All those figures that come out of Oberammergau. This is all part and parcel of that. What's the price?
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- 35 for the pair. - Oh. That's a fortune.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Time to wheel out the Barby stare.
0:33:45 > 0:33:51- We can deal on that. They've been here a while. - See what I mean? Scary.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55- We can deal on that. 25. - Works every time!
0:33:57 > 0:34:01David Harper, meanwhile, has found a Chinese incense burner
0:34:01 > 0:34:08and is employing his trademark tactic - talk the dealer into submission. Any old tripe will do.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12Oh, Geoff, look. She's had her ear bitten off.
0:34:12 > 0:34:18- Can you see? - I didn't even notice that. - That's a good and a bad thing.
0:34:18 > 0:34:23Looking at the patination, it has aged, so that isn't recent.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26That indicates it has got some age.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Can it be 25 quid?
0:34:30 > 0:34:34Make it my bottom line of 35, only because you've seen that break.
0:34:34 > 0:34:40- I'll do what every good dealer should do and that's compromise. Meet in the middle.- 32, innit?
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- All right, I'll stand for 30. - Good man. Thank you very much.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50I think this just might be the item to watch. Well done, Harper.
0:34:50 > 0:34:56Marvellous. Thanks again. Absolute delight, thank you. And your very glamorous assistant.
0:34:56 > 0:35:03Down, boy, down! As for Barby's collection of curiosities, he now has a Victorian gaming ball
0:35:03 > 0:35:07and he's not finished yet.
0:35:07 > 0:35:14Often biscuit manufacturers, and this is a McVitie and Price of Edinburgh biscuit box,
0:35:14 > 0:35:20would sell biscuits in novelty containers that often had a dual purpose.
0:35:20 > 0:35:28This one here looks like a French commode. You take the biscuits out, you eat them and it's a jewel box.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30So it has a multiplicity of uses.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33It's really an oddity.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38We all love an oddity, don't we? But this means more haggling.
0:35:39 > 0:35:45- 28.- Oh, Lord. - Here we go. Thus far, for the toothpick holders and gaming ball,
0:35:45 > 0:35:51the lads have agree £26, so let the battle of the biscuit tin begin.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- Come down on that one, please. - 26 and 20, that's 46.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- For the three.- Come down to 40, please.- I can't.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04- Yes, you can.- No...- Just one little word.- You're getting cheeky.
0:36:04 > 0:36:09- Just say "yes".- No. A nicer word is "no".
0:36:09 > 0:36:14- It's not.- 46. And you get a bargain for those.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19- Let's go for 42, please. And it's a deal.- 45 and it's a deal.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- 42.- No, 45.- 42.- 45.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Goodness me, we'll be here all day!
0:36:24 > 0:36:2843. Please...43. Thank you very much indeed.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32- God, you strike a hard bargain! - You're the hard one.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Nice dealing with you.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- Is it really?!- Yes!
0:36:40 > 0:36:46David Barby's en route to Colwyn Bay, the second of our seaside resorts on this leg.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51Also popular with the Victorians, its calling card is its pier,
0:36:51 > 0:36:56built in 1900, and currently undergoing a little work.
0:36:56 > 0:37:01But that's not important right now as David's found a treasure trove.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07And Frank has plenty to show our man Barby,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11such as this gorgeous Burmese table. Ticket price £500.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15- It's Burmese.- Is that the best you can do on that?
0:37:17 > 0:37:23- I'd do it for 450.- I can't see me getting that back in auction, can you? In a rural auction?
0:37:23 > 0:37:28You... You'd have to have just that kind of customer there.
0:37:28 > 0:37:34Well, David does have a wallet stuffed full of cash and it is such a fascinating piece.
0:37:35 > 0:37:41Well, this is the sort of furniture that would have been brought back, late-19th, early-20th century,
0:37:41 > 0:37:45by people in colonial service.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49And it's more of a conventional 19th-century table,
0:37:49 > 0:37:54but it's embellished in a sort of Anglo-Burmese style.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57If you want different, it's there.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00That's perfectly true. I want to cogitate.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05Though just a few moments of cogitation later...
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- I like that.- Yes.- That's useful.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Right. Let's talk about the two objects.
0:38:11 > 0:38:19So as well as the table we also have one Arts and Crafts magazine stand. Your move, Frank.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23The very best price for the two is 500 for the two.
0:38:23 > 0:38:31I must confess, I'm worried about the table, whether it's going to achieve the price I pay for it.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36And I think that is... It's doubtful. Frank, could you do the two for 430.
0:38:36 > 0:38:43I couldn't do that, sir. As much as I'd love to sell them to you and see what they bring, I couldn't do that.
0:38:43 > 0:38:49I really couldn't. 475 for the two. I'll do you a deal. And I think it'll do well.
0:38:49 > 0:38:55Well, as the old adage goes, if in doubt, go without. Or go with.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Go for it.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Not an adage I know.
0:38:59 > 0:39:05- Good luck to you.- Could I have your name and address, telephone number...- I'll buy it back off you!
0:39:05 > 0:39:09But for now Frank's offering a discount -
0:39:09 > 0:39:17both the table and the magazine stand for £450. I'd say old Barby must be rather pleased.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23What have I done?! What have I done?
0:39:23 > 0:39:25I spent £450!
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Oh, dear.
0:39:27 > 0:39:34Our next stop is Llandudno, widely known as the queen of the Welsh resorts.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39That's because it was yet another seaside favourite of the Victorians
0:39:39 > 0:39:46and even now the traditions of the day are alive and well - Punch and Judy are still performing
0:39:46 > 0:39:51and there's been continuous donkey rides for more than 125 years.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54And yes, I know, that's a seagull.
0:39:56 > 0:40:02Travelling at a similar speed is David Harper, who is keen to explore Trinity Trove Antiques,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05which has just recently opened for business.
0:40:05 > 0:40:12- Hello. Peter Wright.- Lovely to meet you. This is your place?- A new shop, open about seven or eight weeks.
0:40:12 > 0:40:19- Have you?- So it's a new venture. Thoroughly enjoying it so far. - Brave man!- Everybody's said that!
0:40:19 > 0:40:25Now being a newbie, Peter's probably never dealt with the likes of David Harper before,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28so I sincerely wish him all the best.
0:40:28 > 0:40:34- Nice plate. It's quite basically painted. Nice butterfly there.- Yeah.
0:40:34 > 0:40:40Great potential age. Lovely colour. It has damage, but it's got the yellow painted in there.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Yellow paint on any Chinese porcelain is always quite exciting.
0:40:44 > 0:40:52There are periods in Chinese history where yellow was only set aside for the Emperor or his entourage.
0:40:52 > 0:40:59It was illegal to use yellow during certain periods in China. That's always a bit exciting.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02I'm very confident that is at least 19th century.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05It could even be 1750.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Ha! But now for the moment of truth.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13Can Peter hold his own in the dog eat cat world of negotiation?
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- What kind of money...? - That's 15.- 15 quid, eh?
0:41:17 > 0:41:21It's a good-looking thing. That has got a bit of mileage.
0:41:21 > 0:41:27- Could that be a tenner?- It can. - Well, I'll have that first of all, Peter. Thank you very much.
0:41:27 > 0:41:33- But we won't stop there. - You've got that to go with it. - I think Peter needs to toughen up,
0:41:33 > 0:41:37preferably before David finds something else he wants to buy.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39It looks the biz.
0:41:39 > 0:41:45Backtracking just a little, David Barby's headed in the opposite direction on this road trip
0:41:45 > 0:41:50in order to visit the fabulous Bodelwyddan Castle.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56While there's been a house on this site since the 1460s,
0:41:56 > 0:42:02the current residence is most famous for its association with the Williams family,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05proud owners for more than 200 years.
0:42:05 > 0:42:11- Hello.- Hello, David. Welcome to Bodelwyddan Castle. - And you're...?- Kevin Mason.
0:42:11 > 0:42:18- I'm so impressed, first by the exterior and then this hall. - It's a wonderful entrance.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23- And what about this floor? - That is the coat of arms of the Williams family.
0:42:23 > 0:42:29- The two foxes crossing. Something about cunning comes to mind. - "Strength and cunning" is the motto.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31That's the family motto.
0:42:31 > 0:42:38By the late 1920s, the upkeep on such a grand house became too much for the Williams family
0:42:38 > 0:42:45and finally they were forced to sell. So for the next 60 years it was a girls' boarding school.
0:42:45 > 0:42:51And when they moved on in the 1980s, restoration began and the castle was transformed into a museum.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Here we are in the sculpture gallery.
0:42:58 > 0:43:04Originally it was a drawing room that was created by the Williams family in the 1830s.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08In the fashionable Gothic style. Ladies coming into this room
0:43:08 > 0:43:13- would look at those curtains. They're absolutely incredible. - Amazing.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17They're actually reproduction from the 1980s
0:43:17 > 0:43:23as part of the whole reconstruction, to act as a backdrop for the collections.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27- No expense was spared.- How much would they have cost in the 1980s?
0:43:27 > 0:43:33Well, I understand that the curtains on the ground floor cost in the region of £160,000.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38£160,000?! How much now? An unbelievable amount!
0:43:38 > 0:43:42Well, today it would be closer to half a million pounds
0:43:42 > 0:43:48and if you think that's over the top, just wait until you see the family silver.
0:43:48 > 0:43:53- Here is the Williams centrepiece. - Hence the gloves.- Very much so.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55What date is this? Mid-18th century?
0:43:55 > 0:44:02This dates from 1730. It is the oldest extant example of a table centrepiece.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06Oh, this is wonderful. So if I was at a dining table,
0:44:06 > 0:44:12round about 1730 onwards, and they didn't have electricity or gas at that time,
0:44:12 > 0:44:18the candles would have lit whatever was on offer. So piles of fruit here.
0:44:18 > 0:44:23- What about these little salvers? Would they have sweet meats? - Sweet meats...- Candied fruits.
0:44:23 > 0:44:28- And then we have condiments there. - Mm.- Right.
0:44:28 > 0:44:34- I would point out the coat of arms in the centre.- It matches the tile - the crossed foxes.
0:44:34 > 0:44:40- Very much a family heirloom, passed from generation to generation. - I think I could afford 150.
0:44:40 > 0:44:46- Well, you might have to come forward with a little more than that. - Kevin, thank you very much indeed.
0:44:46 > 0:44:53Worth a go, I suppose. And Barby's not our only expert trying it on.
0:44:53 > 0:44:59- You know who has found himself a little bit of local history. - Welsh costumes. How interesting.
0:44:59 > 0:45:04That's early 19th century, that shape. Mid-19th century.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08- It looks very Puritan. So made in England.- Yes.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11But made for the tourist market in Wales.
0:45:11 > 0:45:17So probably bought, under normal circumstances, by someone who might live in Staffordshire.
0:45:17 > 0:45:25Goes to Wales on his holidays, circa 1850, comes back with a novelty piece to show his friends
0:45:25 > 0:45:29what the Welsh look like in that far-off land.
0:45:29 > 0:45:35- And he takes it to probably a mile away from where it was first made! Brilliant!- Yes.
0:45:35 > 0:45:41- What I love about these novelty things is you often see spelling mistakes.- Yes, costumes wrong...
0:45:41 > 0:45:45- Loads of things are wrong! Can I make you an offer?- You can.
0:45:45 > 0:45:50- Bear in mind the ticket price is £25.- A tenner?
0:45:50 > 0:45:55- Can you do a little bit more? - £10.50?- Can you do 20?
0:45:55 > 0:45:59Peter's catching on. He's got Harper on the ropes.
0:45:59 > 0:46:05- That's a lot more, Peter. That's 100% more!- But I'm trying to come out in a profit as well.
0:46:07 > 0:46:12- Are we nearly there? - I'll meet you halfway. 15 quid.- OK. - Good man. Thank you very much.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- That's two. Two pieces. - That's a nice piece.
0:46:16 > 0:46:22- We know it's 1850. - I think Peter's going to be all right in this business.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26Our next destination, the village of Penmaenmawr.
0:46:26 > 0:46:31Try saying that three times fast. Penmaenmawr, Penmaenmawr...
0:46:31 > 0:46:38Unlike the other seaside resorts in north Wales, Victorian tourists holidaying here shared the landscape
0:46:38 > 0:46:44with the mining industry. In this small hamlet, the hardest granite in the kingdom was produced,
0:46:44 > 0:46:48though today we're just here for the shopping.
0:46:50 > 0:46:55This is a little child's chair. Mid-19th century.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58Nice social history. Elm construction.
0:46:58 > 0:47:04And some poor little chap's botty has worn away that and on the arms where he's been gripping.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08And there's the little hole there. The pot was put underneath.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12- There the child could "deef"-ecate. - Oh. I thought it was "def"-ecate.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16And there we have a repair, unfortunately.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19But a nice little object. I like that.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23£85. Well, I think it's expensive.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27Now wash your hands. It's three times what Barby wants to pay.
0:47:27 > 0:47:33Time to find Mick, the unsuspecting owner. You down there? No.
0:47:35 > 0:47:41You've got a child's potty chair with the most terrible repair. What's the best you can do on that?
0:47:41 > 0:47:45- What were you thinking? - I'd like to see it around 40 quid.
0:47:45 > 0:47:4640?
0:47:46 > 0:47:49Don't think I can do it for that.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53- Are you a gambling man?- Why? - I'll tell you what we'll do.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55We'll do £60 or nothing for a toss.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57Ohh...
0:47:59 > 0:48:01I can't bear to look.
0:48:10 > 0:48:12- What are you calling?- Heads!
0:48:12 > 0:48:14Oh, dear.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17It's heads!
0:48:17 > 0:48:21Dear, oh, dear! Mick, that is so good!
0:48:21 > 0:48:23- Oh, my God.- There we are.
0:48:23 > 0:48:25Another satisfied customer!
0:48:25 > 0:48:28I'll say.
0:48:28 > 0:48:31That's one child's chair free of charge.
0:48:31 > 0:48:38- I can't take it for nothing. I shall have to give you a... - Very kind. I hope it's luckier!
0:48:38 > 0:48:42- Do you want me to spit on it? - Please. Thank you.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44How disgusting!
0:48:44 > 0:48:51Whilst poor old Mick isn't having the best of days, there's more bad news - here comes Harper!
0:48:51 > 0:48:53He's in already!
0:48:53 > 0:48:57- How did you do that?- Welcome. - Oh, are you the owner?
0:48:57 > 0:49:01I am, indeed. I just bought the whole lot.
0:49:01 > 0:49:07But not wasting any time, David Harper soon comes across this little gem.
0:49:07 > 0:49:13There are a number of reasons why these miniature pieces were made, but the one I like the best is
0:49:13 > 0:49:19when you get married, your father will give you a miniature chest of drawers on your wedding day.
0:49:19 > 0:49:27The idea is that you go off on your honeymoon and when you get back that is replaced by a full-size one.
0:49:27 > 0:49:32- What kind of money is that for me? - What were you thinking of?
0:49:32 > 0:49:34Horribly cheap would be 20 quid.
0:49:34 > 0:49:39- That is silly ridiculous. - Is it? Really ridiculous?- Mm.
0:49:39 > 0:49:44- Oh, David. Hang your head in shame, boy.- £40.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47- Put your hand...- 35.
0:49:49 > 0:49:5138. Two pound for luck.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53- 38. Done.- Good man.- Thank you.
0:49:56 > 0:50:01David Barby started this leg with £707.95
0:50:01 > 0:50:06and seems to have gone quite mad, spending £519 on five auction lots -
0:50:06 > 0:50:11a magazine stand, a Moorcroft jug, a rather expensive Burmese table,
0:50:11 > 0:50:16a child's chair, and a job lot containing toothpick holders,
0:50:16 > 0:50:20a gaming ball and a novelty biscuit tin.
0:50:20 > 0:50:26As for David Harper, he began with £592.82 and parted with the more moderate sum of £113,
0:50:26 > 0:50:29also for five lots -
0:50:29 > 0:50:33a cameo pendant, the Chinese incense burner, the porcelain plate,
0:50:33 > 0:50:37the Staffordshire mug and the miniature chest.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40What do the boys really think of each other's buys?
0:50:42 > 0:50:48The stress of buying something is unbelievable. I had a sleepless night after I bought the table.
0:50:48 > 0:50:54I do think he's potentially dug himself into an incredibly big pit.
0:50:54 > 0:50:58He could have created a black hole of Calcutta.
0:50:58 > 0:51:02As regards David's items, I think they're very ordinary
0:51:02 > 0:51:07except for the little bronze, which I particularly like.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11I wouldn't be at all surprised if that doesn't make £300-£400.
0:51:11 > 0:51:17Because I spent low, I've got every opportunity in not only winning this next leg,
0:51:17 > 0:51:22but overtaking the Barby machine. I think the Barby machine is in big trouble.
0:51:22 > 0:51:29After kicking off in Prestatyn, David Harper and David Barby conclude the third leg
0:51:29 > 0:51:31in Criccieth.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34Yes, it's another seaside resort,
0:51:34 > 0:51:39though when Criccieth officially became a borough in 1284,
0:51:39 > 0:51:43only Englishmen were allowed to settle within its boundaries.
0:51:43 > 0:51:48Welshmen did infiltrate and in 1337 alone, three had to be evicted.
0:51:50 > 0:51:57Today their immigration policy is much more liberal - after all, they let these two geezers in.
0:51:57 > 0:52:03Look at that scenery! Have you got your Speedos with you? Cos we're going for a swim.
0:52:03 > 0:52:08- I don't think so.- First things first. We have an auction to go to,
0:52:08 > 0:52:15making our next stop Rousell's, where auctioneer Stewart Davies is ready to get this party started.
0:52:16 > 0:52:21First up, it's David Harper's 19th century Chinese enamel plate.
0:52:21 > 0:52:26Here we go. Anything Chinese is millions.
0:52:26 > 0:52:29What have you got? 6. 8. 10. 12.
0:52:29 > 0:52:3315. £15 with the hat here. I've got 16.
0:52:33 > 0:52:3518. 20. 22.
0:52:35 > 0:52:3725. 28.
0:52:37 > 0:52:41£28. Are you all sure at 28? Number 69.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44There goes David's plans for an early retirement.
0:52:44 > 0:52:50- I'd have bought it, if that's some consolation. - Great consolation(!)
0:52:50 > 0:52:53Chin up, Harper. It's not millions, but a profit.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56The joys of auctions.
0:52:56 > 0:53:01Next it's Barby's Arts and Crafts magazine stand.
0:53:01 > 0:53:0430 I have. At £30. And 5.
0:53:04 > 0:53:0740. £40. 5. 50. 55.
0:53:07 > 0:53:1160. 5. 70. £70 on the back.
0:53:11 > 0:53:17- Am I missing anybody now? £70 up the back. Sold at 70. - It's a trickle.
0:53:17 > 0:53:22Well, perhaps more of a spurt than a trickle.
0:53:22 > 0:53:26Meanwhile, David Harper's gambling on Chinese collectables.
0:53:26 > 0:53:30His next lot, this rather ornate incense burner.
0:53:30 > 0:53:3320 I'm bid. £20 I have. 25.
0:53:33 > 0:53:3630. At £30 only. This is a bargain!
0:53:36 > 0:53:39I'll take 2. 32. 35.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43- Come on!- At £35 only and going at 35.- No, no...
0:53:43 > 0:53:45What happened there, David?
0:53:45 > 0:53:48David, what happened?
0:53:48 > 0:53:54Oh, dearie me. After commission, that's all hope of a profit up in smoke.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56Thank you. Thank you very much.
0:53:56 > 0:54:01Time now for David Barby's collection of curiosities,
0:54:01 > 0:54:08which includes this novelty biscuit tin, one gaming ball and a pair of grotesque toothpick holders.
0:54:08 > 0:54:10Have we got 50 to start? £50.
0:54:10 > 0:54:15- Oh, no!- 55. 60. The toothpick holders are worth more! 65. 70.
0:54:15 > 0:54:19£70. £70 only. 75. At £75.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22- This is so cheap.- Sold at £75.
0:54:22 > 0:54:26Not a bad return, though I think Barby was hoping for more. As usual.
0:54:26 > 0:54:31- Don't smile.- Why would I...? I'd be smiling if it sold for 20!
0:54:31 > 0:54:35So far china hasn't done David Harper any favours,
0:54:35 > 0:54:40but perhaps this Staffordshire mug can finally excite the locals.
0:54:40 > 0:54:44At £10. 12. 15. 18. 20. 22. 25.
0:54:44 > 0:54:4728. 30. £30 up there. At £30.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50£30. I'm selling it, then, at £30.
0:54:50 > 0:54:54Well done, David! You've doubled your money.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58David Barby's Moorcroft jug is next. It's a quality piece.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02Let's hope he gets a price to match.
0:55:02 > 0:55:07- Should be in excess of £100.- Yes! - Have you got 80? 50 I'm bid.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10£50. 60. 70. £80 I've got.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14- At £80. £80. I think it's a bargain. - So do I!- 85. 90.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17- 95.- Oh...- 100.
0:55:17 > 0:55:23- £100 I've got. - That's a fabulous £75 profit before commission
0:55:23 > 0:55:26and puts Barby firmly in the lead.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29David Barby, well found. Well found.
0:55:29 > 0:55:34Looking to catapult himself into first place,
0:55:34 > 0:55:39- David H's next great hope is this miniature walnut chest.- £50? 30 bid.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43At £30. 5. 40. 5. 50. 5. 60.
0:55:43 > 0:55:475. 70. 5. 80. 5. 90.
0:55:47 > 0:55:51- 100. And 10. Any more? - Come on...- £110.
0:55:51 > 0:55:56Heavens above! That's £72 profit before commission. Someone's happy.
0:55:56 > 0:56:00- That's good.- Thank you very much.
0:56:00 > 0:56:05Now this HAS to clear a profit. A child's chair with somewhere to put the botty.
0:56:05 > 0:56:10- 264.- That really is lovely. - You only paid a pound.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13No need to make an announcement!
0:56:13 > 0:56:16£20 I'm bid. At £20. 25. 28.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20- 30. £30. 32. 35. - No, stop...- At £35.
0:56:20 > 0:56:25Bargain basement. £35 and sold at 35. 102.
0:56:25 > 0:56:2738 million per cent profit!
0:56:27 > 0:56:31Mm, someone's good at mathematics(!)
0:56:32 > 0:56:36Moving on to David Harper's 1937 hologram pendant,
0:56:36 > 0:56:42all I have to say is...holograms were invented 10 years later.
0:56:42 > 0:56:4720 I'm bid. At £20. Take me to 5. 25. 30.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50At £35, fresh bidding. The ladies are out. £35.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53- Come on.- Sold at £35.
0:56:53 > 0:56:57And there's a wee bit of profit in that, too.
0:56:57 > 0:57:04Last, but by no means least, it's David Barby's Burmese table.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07Though he did spend a staggering £400 on it.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10No wonder he's looking so worried.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13I can't bear the suspense.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17- Yes, and neither can we. - I have got various bids here.
0:57:17 > 0:57:22I can start at £350. 350. I've got 360.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25370. At £370, it's here. At 370.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28- I think this is cheap.- It IS cheap.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31Are you sure? I'll take 5. 375.
0:57:31 > 0:57:34At 375. It's like drawing teeth. At 375.
0:57:34 > 0:57:38- Any more? At 375.- Ohh!
0:57:38 > 0:57:43- How do you feel?- Scorched. - It could have been worse.
0:57:43 > 0:57:48Well, not much worse. That's a £25 loss, even before commission.
0:57:49 > 0:57:54Well, David Barby, that's it. Another one done, dusted.
0:57:54 > 0:58:00- We now need to do some figures. - I have learnt my lesson.- You were very brave. It's the best item.
0:58:00 > 0:58:04- Well done, you. A cup of tea, on me. - Something stronger!
0:58:04 > 0:58:06So, "Who's won?" you ask.
0:58:06 > 0:58:10Well, Harper thinks it's him. Obviously.
0:58:10 > 0:58:16He started this leg with £592.82
0:58:16 > 0:58:19and made a profit of £82.16,
0:58:19 > 0:58:24giving him a new total of £674.98.
0:58:25 > 0:58:30David Barby started with £707.95
0:58:30 > 0:58:33and made a mere £18.10 profit,
0:58:33 > 0:58:39but even though he's lost on this round, he hangs narrowly onto his lead
0:58:39 > 0:58:42with £726.05.
0:58:42 > 0:58:47You escaped by the skin of your teeth, David Barby!
0:58:47 > 0:58:49But it was good fun!