Episode 15 Antiques Road Trip

The nation's favourite antiques experts, £200 each

and one big challenge!

I'm declaring war.

Why?

Who can make the most money buying and selling antiques as they scour the UK?

The aim is to trade up

and hope each antique turns a profit.

But it's not as easy as you might think, and things don't always go to plan.

Will they race off with a huge profit or come to a grinding halt?

Think I believe that?

This is the Antiques Road Trip!

Today, we're in Wales with, appropriately, the two Davids!

David Barby and David Harper. Although neither, of course, is a saint.

I think I'm lost.

-I'm lost without my sat nav.

-What do you call her?

-Harriet.

David Harper is a dealer with a taste for the finer things in life.

These can make thousands, can't they? I'll give you 200 quid for it.

While co-driver David Barby does the shopping and is an auctioneer.

There's nothing he likes more than to go for a song!

-#

-I want a dream lover so I don't have to dream alone.

-#

Ooh, flat!

David B has led the whole trip, but David H is catching up fast!

So how are you feeling, Mr Barby, still in the lead?

I feel very relaxed about it.

Well, don't feel too relaxed because somebody's nipping at your heels!

-Yapping, I would say!

-Yapping!

-Ruf! Ruf!

Hmm. They began with £200 each

and David Barby goes into today with a very respectable £726.05 to spend.

While the other David has almost as much with £674.98.

On this trip, we travelled from Northern Ireland, heading south towards the county of Meath

then across to the north coast of Wales

and once again heading south, ending our trip in Llanelli.

This leg starts out in Aberystwyth

and heads for an auction in Shrewsbury.

In the mid-19th century, a fine pier and a railway were built

making Aberystwyth a Victorian tourist boom town.

Back in the Middle Ages, though, when the English were much less popular,

Aberystwyth Castle was once the stronghold of the Welsh freedom fighter, Owain Glyn Dwr.

We have to try and mix and blend with the natives.

-You're ingratiating yourself?

-Yes, just like you do rather nicely.

So I have a Welsh phrase book.

I've written down one of your favourite phrases.

Please, just... Just for me cos I'd love to hear you say it.

In English, how do you do it?

"Is that your very, very best?"

Wonderful. Now, in Welsh,

you say, "Hoffet ti dawnsio?" Say that.

Hoffet ti dawnsio?

Not in a Chinese accent, a Welsh one. Try again.

Hoffet ti dawnsio?

-Dawnsio.

-Dancho.

Hoffet ti dawnsio.

-Hoffet ti dawnsio.

-Exactly.

I want you to look into the vendor's eyes and stare at them with that twinkle that only you have,

-and say...

-Hoffet ti dawnsio?

You naughty boy!

-Music to my ears.

-Knowing you, it's probably a swear word.

David Barby starts his shopping a few hundred yards from the sea front.

-This looks interesting! Hello. David Barby.

-Hello.

On a mission to find something unusual, idiosyncratic or even downright odd!

Let's see the quirky things.

Oh, what's this? Quirky and expensive too?

At £125, a fork.

I love the social history behind it.

You'd pass your bread roll on the end of this, rather than taint it with your fingers.

-That's rather nice. What's the very best you can do on that?

-I can do a lot on that. 85.

Ooh! Too much.

75, then.

Is that the very best you can do?

Go on. 25 quid.

-25.

-Yeah.

£100 off, a slap round the chops, and then...

-I think it's got a little fracture down the side.

-Really?

-Yeah.

It's a gaping hole!

Ah, here we go!

I've been told if I use a certain expression like...

Hoffet ti dawnsio? Um...

I don't think you'd get very far!

In other words, is that the very best price?

-Yes, I think 25 is...

-Even with that damage?

-You quoted that before the damage was noticed.

-Go on. 20 quid, then.

-20 quid.

-OK, it's a deal. Thank you very much indeed.

-Pleasure.

-Thank you.

And after finally forking out (ha!) David spies something that might go with his first buy.

That was from my attic, so that could be any price.

This would have been in a picnic hamper

and you might have taken this out with your Bentley.

In there, you would have a burner.

And then this little kettle would stand on that.

So that's ten pounds.

I'm really not sure where David got that from.

But it seems to have been OK'd, and now he's had another idea.

I like this, David, because it's the same period as the kettle.

I'd like to think that Mum and Dad had unpacked the picnic

and brought the baby's dish along.

-So they could make his rusks.

-Rusks, yes!

-Or porridge.

And feed him whilst on the picnic.

We have the alphabet round the edge which is rather nice.

And then this delightful golfing scene here.

Hmm. The Golly image,

which used to feature on a well-known brand of jam,

and in books by Enid Blyton, is now regarded as an offensive caricature.

But such items do have a value

as pieces of social history.

-I'd like to buy the two to go together.

-Right. OK.

-I think they should go together.

-I think it would be fun, yes.

-It would be fun.

-We paid 20 for that one.

-20?!

-It's been here ages!

-It hasn't been here ages.

I came on holiday when I was 12 and saw that!

And wanted it ever since!

We could do a deal perhaps with the kettle. How about that?

And the...

Hmm. How about 30 quid for the kettle?

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

-You mentioned ten on it originally.

-20 quid with the kettle.

15.

15 with the kettle.

-Yeah, go on, then. 15.

-£15.

-You waited all those years to buy it!

And while David Barby is busy buying...

-How's my Welsh?

-I think... Keep at it. Keep at it!

Thank you very much!

Iechyd da!

..David Harper has meanwhile taken the Triumph inland

through the spectacular scenery

of the Ystwyth Valley, where they used to mine lead, zinc and silver,

travelling from Aberystwyth to Rhayader.

The oldest town in mid-Wales dates back to the fifth century

but the place really got on the map when, in 1843,

the locals rioted over road tolls.

Many were dressed up in drag and became known as Rebeccaites.

Although he likes his ladies, David's only interested in shopping

and spending his money here at Court House Antiques.

-So, what's this building?

-This is the old courthouse.

-The magistrates' bench used to be there.

-Magistrate, eh?

-Through where the books are there's two holding cells.

-No.

Is that where you put customers that don't pay?

I do!

The courthouse holds many of the usual suspects,

and for the right price, any of these items can get an early release. But which ones?

So, what have you got?

Gin, Bourbon, sherry, Scotch, brandy and vodka.

-Are they all the same?

-They are.

So probably 1960s, but you've got that Victorian shape.

It's very 1880s in its shape, a classical thing.

I can tell you, if they were in silver, they would be hundreds of pounds.

But they're in pewter.

But the thing is, on six liquor bottles, they'd look the biz.

-Yeah.

-What kind of money are they?

Lots of money. £20 for the six.

Ooh, Robin.

Robin, honestly.

It's a bargain, isn't it?

-20 quid.

-It can be more.

I don't know I if I dare ask if they can be less?

-No, they couldn't be less.

-I'll have to have them.

-I think so.

Good man. Thank you. I'll have those.

Six labels later and Harper is in the hunt.

That's a cracking thing, Robin.

I think that's 1835, 1840, with a later top.

-Can I take the glasses off?

-Certainly can.

This symbol was first used in 3000 BC

and has been associated with everything from religion and magic to politics.

What kind of money is it?

To you, about £80.

80 quid.

-That couldn't be 50, could it?

-No, it couldn't be 50.

-It couldn't?

-It couldn't.

-Under any circumstances?

-Under any circumstances.

All right. What could it be under any circumstances?

70.

It's a good thing. 60?

No. It's pushing it at 60.

-I couldn't replace it for that.

-65?

65 is there.

-Yeah, OK.

-Shall we do a deal at 65?

-It's a deal at 65.

-Thank goodness. I love spending money here.

Not content with table and labels,

David goes looking for more.

Look at that!

That is a Japanese Satsuma ware.

What a grand, impressive thing!

Robin, what money is the Satsuma?

-It's got some damage on it, unfortunately.

-Has it?

Yeah, on the lions. This one here.

Oh, yeah, missing its tail. Yeah.

There you go. There's the male version. That's the Dog of Fo, or Shishi dog.

The Dogs of Fo are there to protect the owner.

-Yeah.

-You own it and they're scaring me away!

What would it cost for me to own it?

-£40. There you are.

-40 quid.

-Yes.

Blimey, that is a gift.

Tell you what, if you dress that up, put it in someone's living room

or dining room or hallway, and it would look £4,000-worth.

-It can be!

-Really, Robin? Can it?

Do you mind? I do want to spend big(!)

-Take 30 quid for it.

-No, come on!

-I'll spin you a coin, 30 or 40.

-Go on, then.

-Good man.

I love spinning coins. You call.

Heads.

Yes!

-Marvellous!

-It's not a fix?

So, £30 to David Harper. Meanwhile, back in Aberystwyth,

there's a museum dedicated to the history of Ceredigion,

or Cardiganshire.

David Barby has come to the beautiful old Coliseum theatre to take a look.

-Hello, David, welcome to Ceredigion Museum. I'm Michael, the curator.

-Pleased to meet you.

The theatre was built for Variety in 1905

and later converted to a cinema.

It became a museum in 1984.

-That's the piano that was used during silent films.

-My mother, in Rugby,

played the piano at the cinema where they showed silent movies.

But to keep us quiet at home, she would play Hearts and Flowers,

which was often the one she'd employ during love scenes or melodramatic scenes when looking at the screen.

The festivals of music and literature known as Eisteddfod

first took place in the 12th century

and their revival in the 19th coincided with the rise in Welsh nationalism.

-What does Eisteddfod mean?

-It's a meeting place, really.

-It's where everybody meets to share their skills and enthusiasm...

-It's a gathering.

-Yes.

That's a lovely concept.

All that talk of music and the old theatre seems to have had quite an effect on David Barby,

someone never likely to suffer from stage fright.

-#

-Keep the home fires burning

-#

-Though your hearts are yearning

-#

-Though your lads are far away

-#

-They dream of home...

-#

I do believe he's had a glass of sherry!

-#

-..through the clouds are shining

-#

-Till the dark clouds inside out

-#

-Till the boys come home!

-#

Hmm. And on that bum note...

David Barby has left Aberystwyth and has arrived

in Rhayader to get back to shopping.

But, keeping one step ahead, David Harper is also on the road again

-Hello!

-Good morning.

-David Barby. What's your name?

-David Carnan.

-Another David! Good, we have something in common!

David Barby's found one antique already and hopes to buy big today and so stretch his lead.

And I think he's found something that could fly.

There's a nice First World War propeller.

This is a patent.

One that was manufactured as an example.

It's actually never been on a plane.

How much is that?

50 quid.

The very, very, very best.

That started at the very best. That's a bargain!

Oh, he's...

He's from my neck of the woods, as well. Birmingham.

-I'm a Scouser, from Liverpool.

-Well, that's close enough!

That is a possibility.

But I'd like it much reduced on that.

-How much?

-30.

-Go ahead. Seeing as it's you.

-OK.

-Seeing as it's a sale.

Meanwhile, David H has arrived at his final shop,

having made the journey from Rhayader to Llanidloes.

Hi, I'm David Harper.

-Mark. Nice to meet you.

-Nice to meet you, too.

-So how a browse round and...

-I will. OK, Mark.

I'll give you a shout if we can do something. OK.

-What about the recumbent Buddha? Is it modern?

-He's the good luck Buddha of the shop.

The first thing I look at, I can't buy?

That's a great start!

Stumped again. Ah, well, as the Buddha says,

"To the one who endures, the final victory comes."

Nothing about nice things in cabinets, though!

OK. Think of the man who has absolutely everything.

He wants for nothing. What do you buy him for Christmas?

Well, the perfect gentleman's accessory, a really good pen.

He may not actually use it,

but a Parker pen with a 14-carat gold nib.

16 quid.

It's actually really cheap.

If you were to go to a vintage pen shop, I think that would make 50 quid, possibly?

-That's a really nice pen, Mark, isn't it?

-It is.

Could that be devastatingly cheap? Help me out.

-I'd go down to 12 on that.

-12.

I bet we could make it ten.

-I haven't got any change. Couldn't we?

-Let's have a look.

-I bet we could.

-Seeing as it's you.

-Good man. Thanks, Mark. Deal done. Thank you.

Come on, David, own up. These are just the sort of toys

you'd like to have yourself!

Let's have a look at this watch.

That's a really good quality, Swiss-made small manufacturer Roamer watch.

My first good watch, bought for me when I was 18, was a Roamer.

How much is it, Mark?

28 quid.

And so while David comes over all nostalgic,

the dealer himself arrives to hear his offer.

-Hello.

-Hello, I'm Clive. I'm the owner of the items in the cabinet.

-So if you're looking for a deal...

-You've called him, have you?

Good man. Right, let's have a look at this little watch.

What kind of money could that be?

-I could do that at £20.

-Could you?

-Yeah.

20 quid, eh?

Do you want to say 15 and be really happy?

Would that make you happy, Clive?

-Yes, go on, then.

-Sure?

-Yes.

-Good man. Thank you very much.

-The pen was yours, I believe?

-Yes.

So I owe you 25 quid.

-That's fine.

-There's 20 and five.

That's it. I've hardly spent any money!

And with that less than tactful comment, we shift our gaze to David Barby,

who's struggling to spend his cash.

David has travelled from Rhayader to Newbridge-on-Wye, in search of that big purchase.

But despite a huge choice, things are not looking good.

Hmm.

I haven't seen anything yet

that will be suitable for the auction.

Eventually, David finds something to ponder upon.

But he's still not happy.

Well, it's a 1930s Jacobean revival cabinet, very fashionable at that time.

It's a floor-standing gramophone.

In the lower section you have storage for gramophones. It's got the original uprights.

And then you have the sound box, which is here.

It normally has a silk-lined screen. We haven't got that.

Then you've got the actual turntable here.

It's nicely dusty but not in particularly good working order.

Which is a shame, because he could have played something to suit his mood!

Gloomy!

HEART-RENDING VIOLIN SOLO

I'm quite, quite disappointed

that there is nothing there that I can buy and make a profit on at auction.

Moving on, David Barby, has travelled from Newbridge-on-Wye

to Llangurig, where he arrives, a desperate man.

-Hello?

-Hello!

-David Barby.

-Hi, Dave. Mike Elliott.

-Hello, Michael, how are you?

-How are you?

This is a privilege. Thank you. To come into somebody's house that's also the dealer.

-There's few left.

-There's hidden treasures.

There are certainly plenty of treasures in Mike's crowded house.

The palpitations subside as David begins to feel at home.

This is so encouraging because there are things I feel I can actually buy.

-What's this little piece?

-That's only just come in.

I think it's for cigarettes or something, if you lift it up.

-Cigarettes, cuff-links.

-I think it's 1900 or something.

-Yes.

-That can be 35 quid.

Oh, sugars!

Why did I buy that kettle?

Come on, David. No regrets about the kettle.

A little box to think about, and next door, a slightly bigger box!

What is that, on its own, the small cabinet?

It's rosewood, but I can be £45.

It's a good bit of wood.

-I think that's got potential.

-Yes.

-This is the base of an etagere which is, in ordinary terms, a what-not.

-A what-not.

So above here, you'd have probably one, maybe three shelves.

It was intended for ornamental items, clocks, bijouterie, something like that.

-I'm going to have that one.

-Good.

-Thank you very much.

-Good. Pleasure.

-That's an interesting little clock, yes.

-Yes. Yeah.

-What price range are we looking at?

-Two and a half.

I think he means hundreds.

-That's the very best you can do?

-Yes, it does owe me more, I promise you.

Seriously.

Is that the very, very best you can do?

Well, the very best

would be £230.

Right.

-I saw that little box that you quoted, was it 30?

-35.

-£35 on it.

I think that is exquisite.

-It is.

-Absolutely exquisite.

-Super.

Well, at 250 quid, you might be able to marry the two.

-That is very tempting.

-Well.

That's cheap.

Tempting and cheap!

DRUM ROLL

Ooh, what have I done?

What a relief! David's finally splashed that cash.

And now he's discovered something Mike will probably never sell,

his karaoke machine!

-#

-I want a dream lover, cos I don't wanna dream alone.

-#

Keep singing like that and you'll always be alone!

So, with the shopping over, let's recap on what the boy have bought.

David Harper has spent £140 on five lots,

comprising six liqueur labels,

a parquetry table,

a fountain pen, a watch, and a piece of Satsuma ware.

While David Barby has, as promised,

lavished a whopping £355 also on five lots.

The 19th-century time-piece,

plus the little box.

A fork, the picnic collection,

a rosewood cabinet and a propeller.

But what do the boys think of each other's items?

David does have that ability

of embellishing and making his objects sound absolutely wonderful

when in fact they're not.

I dislike intensely the late Japanese Satsuma pieces

because they are gaudy and fairground like.

I'm not being awful. It's just that it's a risky one.

So we're both going to be hoping on that one, in opposite directions.

After starting out on the Welsh coast at Aberystwyth,

this leg of our tour will conclude just over the English border

in Shrewsbury. That's the way I pronounce it.

The English and the Welsh have fought over the place for years,

but the county town of Shropshire escaped the bombs of World War II

and currently has well over 600 listed buildings.

Street names such as Bear Steps, Dog Pole and Grope Lane

have remained unchanged for centuries, too.

David B and David H are crossing the River Severn

for a general sale at Hall's auctioneers.

I'm fearful that I shall make a loss today.

-David, think lucky.

-I'll think lucky.

David Barby's fork.

With a crack.

£30. 30.

20, anywhere?

20? Ten. £10 bid. At 12 now.

At ten. Should be 12. £12.

12. 14. 16.

-18. 20. 22. £22. Four anywhere?

-It's so cheap.

At 22.

I'm surprised.

That tiny profit will be a loss after commission.

I'm concerned about the other lots.

David Harper's nice piece of parquetry.

Start the bidding. 50. 30 to start me. £30. 35.

-40. Five. 50. £50. Take the five.

-Come on!

£50 in the room now. At 50.

-Five now? We are selling at £50.

-No, David, no!

226.

Another loss. This ain't boding well.

That's a very bad start for me.

-You've got your Satsuma coming up.

-Yeah. Thank you very much(!)

Now, David B's picnic collection with child's bowl.

10 bid. £10 bid. Take the 12.

-At £10. Is there a 12? At £10. £12?

-Oh, God, this is terrible!

At £10.

-£10.

-What did that owe you? 15?

A familiar outcome today.

-You're smiling.

-I'm trying not to.

-I wish you wouldn't!

Now, what will Shrewsbury make of David H's prized Satsuma?

Start the bidding. Should be straightaway £40. 40. 40 bid.

£40. Take the five now. At £40. 45.

50. Five.

-55.

-Come on.

-£55 bid. 60?

At £55. Selling at £55.

-You've made a profit.

-It's a profit.

-It's a profit.

Yes. Be very grateful!

They may be rare, today.

I'm happy with that, just to make a profit.

The auctioneer likes David's propeller, but will anybody else?

30 bid. £30 I'm bid.

30. Five now. At £30.

Who's got the five? At 30. Starter's bid. 35.

40. Five.

50. £50 at the back there.

At 50. We shall sell. Make no mistakes.

-Oh, well.

-How do you feel about that?

-It's OK.

Another profit, minus commission.

Give me a smile.

Neck and neck. What can these do?

30. £30. There we go.

-Label your bottles. 30 bid.

-Come on, baby.

32 now? At 30. Who's got the two?

Bid's in front at £30. Maiden bid.

At 30.

-Ten quid.

-£10. That's all right.

No matter who made them. They made a profit.

That's the spirit!

Next, David Barby's what-not bottom bit.

Straightaway 10, 25, £30.

At £30. Take the five. At £30. Five now.

At £30. And five. 35.

At 35. 40. Five.

50. £50. Where's the five? Five.

-60. Five. £65 in the back.

-Should be worth more than that.

At 65.

-That made a profit.

-A profit, yes.

I think today's going to be who-gets-away-with-it day.

Next, David Harper's fountain pen.

20? No? Ten. Give me a start. Ten bid. 12. 15.

18 at the back? £18, gentleman's bid. 20 now.

At 18. Should be 20.

At £18.

-You've made a profit.

-At £18.

-Come on.

-Now selling at £18.

You've made a profit.

I made a profit. I know!

Yes, he has. Just.

I'm trying to tell myself, "Be happy."

But it's not a great profit, is it?

Now for David Barby's big risk.

The time-piece and the box.

Start the bidding straightaway with me. Commission bid. 180 I'm bid.

180.

190. At £190. Do I see 200?

At 190.

200. At £200. Commission bid against you now.

At £200, commission bid.

200.

Could that loss give David Harper an overall lead?

Very disappointing. But it's what I thought.

Finally the watch that reminded David Harper of his misspent youth.

20. Where are you? £20.

No? £20.

Ten to start it. Ten bid. £10 bid.

Take the 12. At £10.

At £10. Should be a 12.

-At £10.

-Should be 12.

-12 to sell.

-Come on!

At £10.

At £10.

-I'm trying! At £10.

-Try harder!

At ten. It's in Australia, though, it's upside-down.

-£10.

-It works.

£10.

For God's sake, I can't believe it.

David, don't worry. Don't worry.

I can't believe it.

That Swiss miss means a loss

but nothing like what David Barby suffered on his time-piece.

Somebody is one or two pounds ahead,

but I don't know who because my maths is so poor!

Good news, David Harper, because after a so-so day in Shropshire for both of them,

he's just crept into the lead.

David Barby began with £726.05

and made a loss of £70.46 after auction costs today.

So he has just £655.59 to spend going forward.

While David Harper started this round with £674.98,

and made a loss of £6.34 after auction costs,

leaving him today with £668.64 to spend on the final leg.

A lead of little more than £10.

-I am so relieved.

-You're so relieved.

-Absolutely.

-A victory for me, but not a great victory. A weak victory.

-£10!

It could have been substantially more, David Barby,

if you had failed on that clock and I had won on my Satsuma or my pen.

Quality will out!

On this trip, we've travelled in a Triumph TR3 through Ireland, north and south,

and then across Wales.

The winner will be crowned at an auction in Llanelli.

But we start out in England, at Hereford.

The cathedral city of Hereford is famous for cattle and cider,

Composer Edward Elgar was a resident

and wrote several of his most famous works here.

This is a very well-dressed Edwardian gentleman.

-This is Elgar.

-Is it Elgar.

-He's got a little notepad. They're the musical scores.

-I see!

-Getting inspiration from this wonderful building.

-As you would.

-Which way do we go? Over there? OK. Come on, let's go shopping!

-Oh!

I love antique centres. There's always lots of stock. That's what I like.

But as with most antique centres, the choice can be a little overwhelming.

It's one of these occasions when there's just too much to look at. You get bedazzled.

And with £668 to spend, David Harper's been bedazzled by something special.

I've never handled anything quite like this,

described as a "treen carved Brazil nut shell".

That's exactly what it is. "Treen" meaning any small piece of hand-carved wood.

For £28, you can have that on your side table.

-But, Richard...

-Yes?

What do you think...of that?

-Have you seen anything quite like it before?

-No, I haven't.

-No.

-It is quite interesting.

-It is. So the Brazil nuts are on the inside?

This is like the husk. That's how it grows, I believe.

What could that be for me?

-Erm, we could do that for £20 for you.

-20.

-Yes.

20 quid...

-I think I'm going to have to have it, don't you?

-Yes?

-Good man. Thank you very much.

Elsewhere, David Barby is less decisive. With £663 to spend,

he knows what he likes, but will it sell at auction?

But at £185, this inkstand is a bit pricey.

I think... It's not flavour of the month,

but it's quirky enough, because it's tall, to be of interest.

-But they've gone off the boil.

-Yes.

So it's got to be at a very reasonable figure.

OK.

-I'll try!

-HE LAUGHS

-Go on, Richard, you tell him all that.

-Hello.

This is quite nice. It's late Victorian.

It's the sort of thing that a gentleman would have on his desk.

The pens would rest either side.

That would be for red ink, the other would be for blue ink.

And it could be taken from one room to another.

You'd put nibs in there, maybe sealing wax in that one,

and then you'd have envelopes.

At auction, that would sell for somewhere in the region of £80-90.

So, it's got to be at a fairly reasonable price.

OK. Thank you.

125.

I think I'm going to bomb on it.

Step aside, Richard. Let's see the master at work.

I'm concerned if I buy it at the figure that you mentioned,

I don't stand a chance at auction.

Well, I was hoping round about 80.

That is very, very encouraging.

Would you split the difference at 90, sir?

I'm actually on my knees. Yes.

OK, they're going to film me going on my knees now.

So, I'm on my knees and will be filmed!

£90. OK. You've got a deal. Thank you very much. Bye-bye.

And that is how the master does it.

So, while David and inkstand part to see more of historic Hereford...

-Can I have a look at that little lacquered box there?

-..other David tries his skills.

-It's a tea caddy...

-Yes.

-..which is quite nice.

How old do you think this one is?

-18...80?

-It's got to be, hasn't it?

It's got that pagoda top, which is very Chinese, isn't it?

Inlaid with mother-of-pearl, which is gorgeous.

-Let's have a look at the caddy box.

-Let's get hold of that.

So that should slide, shouldn't it?

-Can you smell anything?

-It smells beautiful. Smell that.

-No. I still can't smell anything.

-For goodness, sake! Really?

-No. I can't, really.

-Can you smell my aftershave?

-Slightly.

-Poo!

-I poured loads on! I'm covered in aftershave!

-That's enough of that, thank you.

What's that going to sell for? Is it £30?

-I doubt it very much.

-No?

-I doubt it.

-Is it 20, then?

-No.

-Oh.

-No. No.

Er, it's got to be, I don't know,

-85?

-Ohh! Really?

-Mm.

-Really?

-Mm.

Could it be 40?

50 and you've got a deal.

I'll make it 45. And I'll buy you a cup of tea.

-You're a hard man!

-A lovely cup of tea!

I'll make it myself. I'll mix it and blend it and everything.

-OK.

-Marvellous. You're an absolutely dreamboat. Thank you very much.

-That's a beautiful...

-It is a beautiful piece.

I'm not sure you'll ever get that cuppa!

But while David H has been getting keen on that caddy, giving it a sniff,

poor old David B's had a drama. He's been involved in an accident!

You should've seen the other guy!

It's nothing like that! I tripped! I tripped!

I fell over a step no bigger than that

and wham! straight into one of those garden benches!

It split my eye just down there and my eyelid just down there.

Marvellous staff! Marvellous staff!

They patched it up and made it look rather attractive, rather like a sort of mosaic.

It looks rather nice, doesn't it?

So, David Harper has headed off

through the Brecon Beacons,

making his way from Hereford to Trecastle.

-CAR WHISTLES

-Not sure about that fan belt, David!

The shop includes the mysterious Kingdom of Rust,

and there's plenty here that you won't find in the usual antiques outlet.

-Hello, I'm David.

-I'm Margaret.

-Hello, Margaret. Lovely to meet you.

-And you.

-This looks nice.

-I hope there's something you'll be interested in.

I'm sure there will be, Margaret! Give him time...

Tucked away behind the wardrobe, opportunity lurks.

These... You grab that one.

Let me grab that one.

I would imagine, then, that these things,

-they're obviously copper plates for printing, aren't they?

-They are.

How many have you got? About 15.

Margaret, I think these are probably from a metal manufacturer

who's created a catalogue, circa 1880.

What have we got there? It's some kind of range.

But look at the plate. It's so beautifully done.

-I've just seen something really quite important there.

-Right.

I don't know whether it'll make a difference to the price.

Can you read backwards?

I've got a job reading forwards, let alone backwards!

Look at that there. If you were to print that...

"Coalbrookdale".

-Wonderful.

-One of the best manufacturers

-of mainly cast iron wares.

-Absolutely.

-Hold that, Margaret.

-You grip fast, Margaret.

-What else have we got here? It's a footman, isn't it?

-It is.

That's the kind of thing, in 1880, you would put in front of the fire

and you'd put your slippers on. How much are they?

-They're cheap.

-Are they?

-Very cheap for what they are.

How much each could they be?

Well, they should be about £8 each.

-No, they shouldn't!

-They should! Absolutely! Look at the quality -

Er, hello! It's says £4 each.

-You asked how much

-should

-they be!

-Oh, right! OK!

Hey, she's good. She's very good.

They are unique.

Do them for £2 each

and I'll have every single one you can throw at me.

-Don't tempt her.

-Every one, I'll have.

-No!

I mean, that's... It'd break my heart.

-CLANG!

-Whoops!

Margaret, I think... Was that you that dropped that or was it me?

It's definitely you, so they're worth £3 each now!

-She's good, isn't she?

-I'll give you £2 each, all done.

-Margaret, take my money.

-I can't!

-Take my money.

-I can't. I can't! No!

-DRAMATIC MUSIC

-I'll meet you halfway.

-Stick to your guns, Margaret.

Don't do it, Margaret!

This is really painful, you know that? It's grieving me to have to do this.

-It's great fun, you know it is.

-I know. Well...

It's what we get out of bed on a morning for. Come on!

It doesn't make any difference whether it's £2.50 or £250,000, it's the same feeling.

We love it!

-No!

-Marvellous. Marvellous.

As the proud owner of some old blocks,

his colleague has also moved on,

making his way from Hereford to Brecon...

..a traditional mid-Wales market town,

which also has a not-so-traditional jazz festival

and some antique shops.

-Hello?

-Hello?

-Hello!

-Hello!

Don't let my appearance shock you. I'm David Barby.

-Hi. I'm Martha.

-Hello, Martha.

-Do you know what I'm here for?

-Yes!

-To get bargains!

Have a look around, if your eye allows you, that is.

I noticed in the window,

you've got a little sort of, erm, pink heart resting on some tiles.

-What are the tiles?

-I can get them out of the window if you want to have a look at them.

-Yes. How much are they?

-They're £6 each.

-Oh!

-Oh, no!

-I've come over all faint!

-Could I have a look at them, please?

-Of course.

-Thank you.

-Where do these come from?

-Are they off an old wash stand or maybe a fire surround?

-Yes. How much are they?

-£6 each.

Ooh! Come on! What's the very best you can do?

-The very, very best?

-Make me an offer.

HE SIGHS

-£2 each.

-Ooh!

-How many are you going to take?

-The lot.

-The lot.

-OK.

-£2.

-£4 each.

Two pounds! Two pounds!

-£4 each. That's 24, down from 36.

-Let's split the difference.

-£3 each. Please.

-No, 20, the lot.

-18.

-Oh, no!

-18. I'm going to buy something else!

-Are you?

-Yes!

If you buy something else, I may consider it.

OK, right.

There was a designer for Midwinter Pottery called Jessie Tait,

and she moved over to Meakin,

and this is one of her designs from the 1950s.

I think that's quite good. That's £22. That's quite a lot.

The, erm, Meakin...

-..coffee set...

-Mm.

22 on that.

-What did we agree on the tiles? 20?

-No, 18.

-18.

35 on the lot?

-Is that the very best you can do?

-Yes, it is.

I think that's a good little bundle. Don't you?

HE SIGHS

All right, £30 and that's it. I can't do any more.

-Go on then.

-£30.

-30.

-Martha, the coffee pot's chipped!

-Oh, no!

-Yes.

That's why it was priced cheap.

-Do you see it there?

-Yes, I can see it.

1960s... £22. Oh, no!

-It's chipped.

-I know, but you've knocked me so far down.

-It's priced accordingly.

-It's chipped.

-I said 28 originally and you said no.

-OK.

-Do you want it for 28 then?

-Yes, please.

-Right!

So he's got that coffee set for a tenner.

-There we are!

-Thank you very much!

Meanwhile David Harper is taking time out from shopping as he makes his way to the barracks

to see the South Wales Borderers Museum in Brecon.

-Bill.

-David.

-David Harper. Nice to meet you.

The regiment, which has been based in the town for over 120 years, has a fascinating history.

But it will be for ever associated with just one word - Zulu.

This was the Anglo-Zulu War.

-My goodness me. There's some colour in here, isn't there?

-It certainly is.

The British invasion of Zululand in 1879

would be forgotten today were it not the Battle of Rorke's Drift,

where a tiny number of South Wales Borderers

defended a mission station against massive Zulu forces.

A much larger British force was defeated in the battle before Rorke's Drift,

but as anyone who's seen the movie starring Michael Caine and Stanley Baker will know,

it was the way the Welsh regiment bravely marshalled their resources that saved them.

What I've got here, this is the Mark II Martini-Henry.

This is a real one from the period of the Zulu War.

-I fixed a 22-inch bayonet on it.

-Nice.

-The weight is about 8.5 pounds.

-Yes.

The thing you notice first is the long reach with the bayonet.

-It is a long reach.

-Yes, absolutely.

-Keep them at bay.

-It's a single-shot weapon and it's cocked by pulling this handle down.

-I know it.

-A single round goes into the breach.

-Lock it.

You then pull the trigger and it fires. There is no safety catch.

After eight hours of battle, the Zulu forces withdrew,

honouring the Borderers in song.

A record number of Victoria Crosses were awarded, with seven going to the 24th.

Although those on show are copies, David Harper is about to have a treat.

You are kidding, surely?

These are two of the actual Victoria Crosses.

-Oh, no. Bill, please.

-If I could ask you just to hold...

That's Henry Hook's Victoria Cross.

-You're joking?

-Which is the man on the right there.

-Made famous in the film.

-Indeed, by James Booth, who played him.

And this is Bromhead's Victoria Cross,

-which is the Michael Caine character.

-You are joking?

You're probably looking at over one million pounds there, in terms of value.

My goodness me! I've never handled anything

-quite as emotional and powerful as two Victoria Crosses.

-Indeed.

My goodness me!

It's an amazing, amazing feeling to hold those two.

Now, what about our own brave little soldier,

forcing on...

-Hello.

-Hello.

-David Barby.

-Tim Nelson.

-Hello, Tim.

David Barby has decided that as he's in Wales,

and has spent more time there than anyone else this week in A&E, he's going to buy something Welsh.

-There's a little salt box.

-That's nice. How much is that?

-Well, it's marked up at £120.

-Ooh!

-But I could do that for £90.

-That's what I like to hear.

-Was that made in Central Wales?

-Probably Carmarthenshire.

That would mount on the wall, preferably close to the fire,

and the salt would go in there,

and if you had a cauldron or a cooking range close to the fire, you'd take the salt out,

put it in your cooking to flavour it and it would keep dry.

The other thing I like, this little concession all the way along here, we call that chip carving.

I like that. I like that immensely.

-We're selling at...

-Where are you going?

-"Cllanelli".

-TIM'S PRONUNCIATION:

-Cllanethli.

-Is it... It's on the coast!

-Yes.

-Is it "Cllanethli"?

-Cllanethli.

-That's a possibility.

-Righto.

-That's a possibility.

-And what is that? Is that a chopping block?

-I think it's a chopping block.

-That's not particularly old, is it?

-I think it probably is, yes.

It's got a nice iron bar band round it.

I could do that for you for £90, that one.

It's a chopping block of some description.

-Can I just have a look underneath it?

-Yes, of course.

-And the legs look to be made of ash. The whole thing could be made of ash, couldn't it?

-Yes.

Is that the very best you can do? What happens if I took two pieces?

I couldn't do a great deal. But, er...

I'd do 160 for the two.

Right. What else have you got that is quirky?

-Let's have a look.

-You can have a look.

-I'm looking for that wow factor.

-Yes.

-I like the stool, actually.

-The stool's nice.

-What's the price on that?

-That's 55.

Why 55?

Why not? It just came into my head at the time!

THEY LAUGH

-I think that's quite high, actually.

-Do you?

-Yes.

-That's another possibility.

-Yes?

-Ohh!

Once more around the block...

It's such a weighty piece.

That means if somebody sat at it, it's not going to move.

And I love this sort of worn air,

and you can see the chop marks all the way across the top where it's been used.

Right.

-Tim! Can you believe I've made up my mind?

-Yes?

-I'm going for the salt box.

-Yes.

-And I'm going for the...

-..chopping block!

-Righto.

-And that was at 160.

-Yes. For the two, yes. Yes.

-I'm going to say something to you.

-Yes?

Could you just knock it down to 150? Please?

-OK.

-150.

-Yes.

Thank you very much. I hope I made the right choice.

So whilst one David staggers off, the other one nips in.

Now it's David Harper's turn to see what he can unearth.

Something stunning or sloppy seconds? We'll see.

-That carving on the wall...

-That's sold.

-Is it?

-Mm.

Then guess what. The shopkeeper says he has something David might be interested in.

-Now then. That's Aesthetic Movement, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Let me have a look at that material.

-Could be a bit of mileage in that.

-That's original material, isn't it?

-Yes.

-That's a lovely thing.

-So that is Japanese inspired. 1880?

-Yes, probably.

-No marks on it.

-No.

-Oh. There is something there, actually.

-Is there?

-Mm.

-That's good. What kind of money?

-£50.

-Is it?

-Yes.

-It couldn't be 30, Tim?

-No. 50 is the absolute...

-Is that the death?

-It is.

-Did Barby look at this?

-He did.

-Did he really?

-Yes.

-What did he say about it?

-He liked it very much.

Not enough to buy it, though.

-Just treat me a bit, Tim. Give me a chance.

-45.

-40, I'll have it.

-No. I can't. 45, it's a deal.

At this stage of the game, every fiver counts, I promise you.

-Go on, then. 40 quid.

-Good man! Top man! Thank you very much!

Barby didn't spot these bottles, though.

-Are these Welsh?

-Probably not, no.

They're obviously just fruitwood, or...

What's that there? It smells like an ointment Barby should put in his eye.

-It's TCP.

-It does smell like that, doesn't it?

-Does that say "chloroform"?

-Yes. You could use that on him, as well.

-We could sedate him, couldn't we?

-TIM LAUGHS

I daren't smell that too much. I might faint!

-Amazing. Where do these come from?

-They came out of a house of a chap whose father was a country GP.

They're lovely. What sort of money? Are they cheap?

-It depends what you call cheap.

-I call cheap very cheap. What do you call cheap?

-I would want... How many is there? Six of them.

-Yes.

I would want £45.

-£45?

-For the six.

How about a fiver each? That's 30.

-TIM SIGHS

-Ooh!

I'll split the difference, but that would be the death on them. 35.

-35. I have to have them.

-Righto.

Thank you very much. Marvellous. I absolutely love them.

Marvellous.

So, shopping's done. Let's recap what the boys have bought.

David Harper has spent £177.50 on five lots.

The medicine collection, a Chinese tea caddy,

some treen,

the copper printing plates and a stool.

While David Barby, also with five lots,

has spent £268 on a salt box,

a vintage coffee set,

six tube-lined tiles,

an inkstand and a chopping block.

But what do they think of each other's buys?

The highlight was the stool.

It was the one that I rejected and I'm wondering whether I've made the right choice.

He fancies that in a big way and, I've got to say,

that thing really could fly.

It is absolutely just right. I love it to death!

I wish I'd have bought it now. What have I done?

After starting out in England at Hereford,

the final leg of our road trip will be decided in Wales

at Llanelli.

-I hope you fare well.

-How are you feeling?

-Apprehensive.

-Happy?

-I'm always happy with you.

-I'm always happy with you. That's why I feel slightly sad.

-Why?

Sad that our journey is coming to an end.

-This is it!

-I feel that.

-The finale.

-I'm going to miss you.

-I shall miss you, as well. Waking up to breakfast with you...

-It's marvellous.

-Evening meal... BOTH: Yes.

Now, come on, Davids. Just £13 between them.

I feel more nervous today than any of our previous auctions.

I think because this is it... Here we go. You're on.

What will they think of David Barby's proper Welsh antique?

At 50 for the salt box. At 50. £50.

-It should make a bit more.

-55. 60?

At 60. And five.

-70.

-Ooh.

-At £70. And five?

All done, then, at £70? 70.

An even bigger loss after commission.

It's not the end of the world.

Now the David Harper medicine collection.

£20. At 20. Five. At 25. 30. Five.

And 40. At 45.

Back of the room at 45. 50 now?

-At £45.

-Get in!

The hard bargaining pays off.

£10, minus commission. So it's a tiny profit.

Vintage coffee set, anyone?

At 10. Pretty coffee set at 10. £10. 15.

At 15. 20? At 20 for the coffee set.

At 20. Going to sell it, then, at £20 for the set.

20.

Twice what David B paid.

-I'm quite pleased about that.

-Good.

David Harper's treen now. Nutty or nice?

10, I'm bid. At 10. Back of the room at 10.

Unusual piece. 15.

-20.

-Oh.

-Five. At 25?

Is it 30 now? At £25.

-Oh, God!

-You've made a profit.

-A tiny profit!

Tinier still after commission.

David Barby's tube-lined tiles...

10, I'm bid. 15. 20. Five. 30.

Five. Is that a bid? 40. Five.

50. And five. 60. Five?

70. Five. 80.

At £80.

Lady's bid, back of the room then, at 80 for the tiles.

210.

Those tiles have put David Barby back into the lead.

Well done! Well done!

-What did you pay for those?

-Er, 18.

Good margin!

Now, who can small the lapsang souchong?

30, I'm bid. At 30. £30. At 30.

Five. 40.

And five. At £45 for the tea caddy? No more? 45.

A loss after commission.

How much did you pay for it?

-Was it 40?

-45, actually, David.

David B's half-price inkstand...

I'm bid 50 and 60 to start. Rostrum bids.

£60. 70. At 70. 80, rostrum bid here with us. 90.

100. At £100. At 100.

And ten, is it? At £100. And ten.

At 110. At 120.

At £120.

His biggest spend, too.

-That lead looks firm.

-120. That was good.

-Will these make an impression?!

-10, I'm bid. Back of the room.

15. At £15.

At 15. 20. Centre of the room at 20.

-£20 for the copper plates?

-Come on!

-20.

-It's slipping away for David Harper.

Horrified!

Bids on the old block or just chips?

40, I'm bid. At £40. At 40.

50. At £50. 60?

70. 80. At 80?

-Unusual piece. At £80.

-Rare!

-At 80.

-Going to sell. 90. At 90. 100.

-Ohh!

-Last call at £100 for the block.

-Sorry!

-100.

-DAVID HARPER CLAPS

Ooh, sorry!

Another solid profit for David Barby.

-David, give me your hand!

-That's good!

This stool has got to sell for more than £80

if David Harper is going to grab the lead back.

20, I'm bid. Back of the room at 20. £20.

At 20 for the stool. At £20. And five, is it? At £20?

-Last call.

-No!

-25. At 25. At 25. Is it 30?

-Go on!

-All done at £25. 25.

That's it. I think David B has it.

Well played, the victor of the road trip.

How sweet!

David Harper started this round with £668.64

and made a loss of £46.30 after auction costs,

leaving him with the final sum of £622.34.

While David Barby began with £655.59

and made a profit of £51.80 after action costs.

And so, he's finished with a grand total of £707.39.

Somebody had to win. It's a nice change for it to be me and not you!

I'm not bothered.

It's been the most wonderful, magical journey. It really has.

-It has for me. And to celebrate, I've got something fizzy.

-Whay-hey!

Disgusting! And so concludes the tale of two Davids!

Only one winner. No, of course not!

-They're both champs!

-Come on, baby!

# We're the princes of the universe! #

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd