0:00:02 > 0:00:09- The nation's favourite antiques experts, £200 each and one big challenge.- I'll declare war.- Why?
0:00:09 > 0:00:15- Who can make the most money buying and selling antiques as they scour the UK?- Can you make it...?- No.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- The aim is to trade up and hope each antique turns a profit.- Ouch!
0:00:19 > 0:00:24- But it's not as easy as you might think 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- Ooh! - This is the Antiques Road Trip.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Yeah!
0:00:37 > 0:00:42We're on the road with intrepid antiques hunters Thomas Plant and Paul Laidlaw,
0:00:42 > 0:00:48battling it out on the field of shopping and cruising in their suave Alfa Romeo.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- I'm all wet! - LAUGHTER
0:00:52 > 0:00:57They're in high spirits, especially Thomas after his auction glory.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00£200...
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Everything now is all gravy for me.
0:01:02 > 0:01:08Our fine art auctioneer is now loaded with £383.56 to spend today.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Paul, our military enthusiast, fared less well.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20He bought wisely, but the auction bidders shied away.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- I'm going to cry. - Paul, that is terrible.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27So, today, he's only got £213.78.
0:01:28 > 0:01:34Luckily, losses have not dampened Paul's enthusiasm to enlighten dear old Thomas.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- It's a braw day, I'll tell you that. - A braw day?- Braw.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- Fine, bonnie?- Yeah, a bonnie day.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Their long and winding road trip began in Skipton,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49heading through Derbyshire to Stamford, then Cambridgeshire,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53before switching south and facing a finale at Pewsey.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55We're kicking off in Huntingdon.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00On this leg, if all goes well, we'll end up at auction in Towcester.
0:02:00 > 0:02:06The first shop is Hunts Antiques & Collectables and what a welcome for our likely lads!
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Good morning. Hello, girls. What a lovely reception!
0:02:11 > 0:02:17Let's hope that there's lots of beautiful antiques like our beautiful reception!
0:02:17 > 0:02:21Oh, pass the sick bag! Apologies to the ladies of Huntingdon
0:02:21 > 0:02:26and perhaps our experts' eyes can seek some other items of beauty.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Paul starts with his own reflection.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Here we've got an over-mantel mirror, late Victorian.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Marquetry-inlaid rosewood.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Good quality turnings. Bevel-edged mirror plates.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41The mirror is not oxidised and the condition,
0:02:41 > 0:02:45apart from a repair to that little turned column there,
0:02:45 > 0:02:49which, frankly, doesn't worry me too much, is sharp enough.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53They've had problems selling that at 85 and are now down to 50.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56I want it for a fraction of that asking price.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Someone is keen to clinch the first sale of the day
0:03:00 > 0:03:03and I'm sure Paul won't be shy with his haggling.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- It was 85. Forget that. It's now 50.- OK.
0:03:07 > 0:03:13I'm hoping to God that the seller is going to give me a present with that.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- Are you going to have to make a phone call?- I'm going to have to make a phone call.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Julie, upstairs...
0:03:20 > 0:03:22your over-mantel.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25He's offering £10 or £15.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- No, but that was half. That wasn't...- I know. I thought it was funny as well.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- Just something off it.- Would you like to have a word with him?
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Hi. Look, I'm not taking the mickey.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40I think my estimate in an auction is £30 to £60 on that.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45Can we do it? Thank you very much indeed. I'll hand you back. All the best to you. Bye!
0:03:45 > 0:03:50Not quite the £15 he was hoping for, but still a good deal at £30,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53and with hardly a pause, he's on the hunt for more.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57There's not much of any age here apart from that clock.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Now he's spotted an American Ansonia clock.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05So we're looking at a clock that's now 110 years old.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09It looks like black marble, but it's lacquered cast iron.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11And it looks really smart,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13but it's the budget model.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15All that glitters...
0:04:15 > 0:04:21Knowing Paul, he'll want to slash that price tag down by half. Here we go again. Poor woman!
0:04:21 > 0:04:26- £65 on it, ever the optimist. I'd love to get it for £30 in all honesty.- Let's try.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- Oh, hello. Chris?- Ask her if there's any way it can be 35.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33£40, final, lowest.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- Sold at £40. Thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39Paul's off to a fighting start and has already bagged two items,
0:04:39 > 0:04:44but I'm slightly worried about Thomas as he's looking rather empty-handed.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I genuinely thought you'd gone. You've been quiet.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51What, abandoned you? I thought you'd gone because you were quiet.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Normally, I hear the dulcet tones of Laidlaw...
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- "Ooh!"- Yeah, yeah.- "We're doomed!"
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- You know, the Scottish lilt. - Have you bought anything?- No.
0:05:00 > 0:05:06Now Paul's done and dusted in this shop, Thomas needs to track down some bargains.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I don't think that's going to help, frankly.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13# Davy, Davy Crockett King of the Wild Frontier... #
0:05:13 > 0:05:19I'm looking for jewels. Even if it's costume, it's great. People love it.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21What it is, it's a piece of vintage jewellery.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Marcasite necklace.
0:05:24 > 0:05:30Marcasite is cut steel, cut in a triangle to make it look like a stone.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32It's ticketed at £7.50.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36I want to pay a fiver for it.
0:05:36 > 0:05:42With the owner away and not answering the phone, our blonde bombshell comes to the rescue.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- Paula says that you can have it for £6.- 6? Go on, £6.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Thank you very much.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54Well, it's not much of a dent in your £383, but it's a start, Thomas.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00Meanwhile, Paul's absconded from the shopping trip and gone looking for an unusual piece of local history.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05I don't recall the last time we saw a river.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10From Huntingdon, he drives seven miles east to the village of Hemingford Grey,
0:06:10 > 0:06:16a rather beautiful place right by the River Ouse, his destination, the Manor, a house set in four acres
0:06:16 > 0:06:21of flourishing gardens and with a fascinating past. Here to show him round is Diana Boston.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- Very nice to meet you. - Likewise.- Welcome.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- What are we looking at here?- Well, we're looking at either the oldest
0:06:28 > 0:06:32or continuously oldest inhabited house in Britain,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34but obviously, we're not looking...
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- Not from this prospect. - No, not from this prospect.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43No, the original front door is in the south wall of the house and this is the north wall.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48This beautiful house was built by the Normans in 1139
0:06:48 > 0:06:53and over its many centuries has been added on to by the Tudors and the Georgians,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56creating this amazing building.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00The Manor is Diana's private home, but she does open it to the public,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03so that they too can enjoy this wonderful piece of history.
0:07:03 > 0:07:09- Right, come in, Paul. - The house was also made famous by Diana's mother-in-law, Lucy Boston,
0:07:09 > 0:07:14a famous children's author who used the house and its contents as inspiration.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16And it's easy to see why.
0:07:17 > 0:07:25- What a cosy... I've got to say, my human reaction is, what a cosy room! - It is a cosy room, isn't it?
0:07:25 > 0:07:29The centrepiece must be this splendid Tudor chimney breast.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34It's huge and still has its bread oven and salt cupboard.
0:07:34 > 0:07:40And that chimney goes absolutely slap-bang straight up to the top of the house.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45And so sometimes when you're sitting here, it's the first time you know it's snowing
0:07:45 > 0:07:48because you see the flakes coming down.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53Right, Paul, now we're coming back into the old part of the house.
0:07:53 > 0:07:59- The light and again the views... - I know, the view. - They're postcards.- Yes.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Hand-made glass does something subliminal.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08So you've got the two centuries 600 years apart.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13You've got the Georgian and the good old Norman, solid stone arch.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16We've got a Victorian cheval mirror,
0:08:16 > 0:08:21then Victorian tub chair, Victorian, splendid brass and iron half tester bed.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25It's all in there, but it works!
0:08:25 > 0:08:31This really is a splendid home, but typically, Paul's eyes are drawn to the antiques.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36I can see you've spotted something else and you're not a bit interested in my house.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39This is wonderful, but is that an EMG?
0:08:39 > 0:08:43That is an EMG. HE LAUGHS EXCITEDLY
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Oh, my word!
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Steady, Paul. Take a tablet.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50EMG, otherwise known as Ellis Michael Ginn,
0:08:50 > 0:08:55were responsible for producing some of the best gramophones at the time in the world.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59These are now serious collectors' items. No wonder Paul is excited.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04For me, in the first instance, they are so sculptural.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Acoustically, in its day, this was it.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Somebody made it with love and it's extraordinary to think
0:09:11 > 0:09:16this huge great horn is made out of 1920s London telephone directories.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- It's papier-mache, isn't it? - The papier-mache goes right the way down to here
0:09:21 > 0:09:24and this then is brass to here.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29That is a magical instrument, I've got to say.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- Any chance of...? - You'd like to hear it?
0:09:32 > 0:09:34How about that? Yes, let's.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39The whole ceremony of winding it up, sharpening the needle and putting on a record
0:09:39 > 0:09:45is part of the gramophone's fascination, but for Paul, I think we've lost him to the music.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Oh, Lordy!
0:09:48 > 0:09:50WOMAN SINGING ROMANTIC SONG
0:09:53 > 0:09:56While Paul is away with the wee fairies,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Thomas is keen to keep spending.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03It's just a small town,
0:10:03 > 0:10:08but Ramsey has the remains of a very famous Benedictine abbey.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Missionary Thomas is still looking to convert his cash
0:10:13 > 0:10:15into auction profits.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Perhaps Abbey Antiques and shop owner Rita can help him.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- How long have you been here? - Over 30 years.- Really?
0:10:24 > 0:10:26I'm sure you're only 21.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Thomas, stop the charm offensive and start hunting, will you?
0:10:30 > 0:10:36Basically, because there's some silver and jewellery in here, I'm just going to have a look at it.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41It's a Georgian silver spoon which has had this bright cut design to it.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43It's quite sweet, really.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47There's another spoon here. This is fiddle pattern.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49And you can see the fiddle here.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53And again this is a Victorian spoon.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58These two spoons are priced at £54 for the pair,
0:10:58 > 0:11:01but I'm sure Thomas can work his magic.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05I've had a word with my husband and he said yes, they can both be...
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- £18?- Each.- Really? - Yes.- OK, wonderful.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- I will buy those, but can I look at other things?- Yes.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19This is a nurse's belt. The silver is malleable. It bends. This is plated.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23It's quite a nice nurse's belt, though, isn't it?
0:11:23 > 0:11:26It wouldn't go round my waist. Look at that.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30No, Thomas, it's for a lady if you haven't noticed.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Not for a beast like me.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- I know it doesn't fit me... - SHE LAUGHS
0:11:36 > 0:11:41But I quite like it. I know it's silver plate, but that doesn't matter. It's rather delightful.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43What's the very, very best on that?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46As I like you...
0:11:46 > 0:11:48I'll do you a special price of 15.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53Yeah, I think I'll go for that as well if that's all right. So 15 for this...
0:11:53 > 0:11:55and then we've got 36 for those.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- So that's 51.- 51.- £51. Shall we call it a cool 50?
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- After knocking all that off for you? - I know, I know, I know.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Would you mind? - Well, you do smile nicely.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Please, Rita, don't encourage him!
0:12:09 > 0:12:15- That's very sweet.- Thomas pockets his three pieces, a nice addition to his necklace.- Thank you very much.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19And another good day's treasure hunting draws to an end.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Night-night, chaps.
0:12:22 > 0:12:28As the sun shines across Cambridgeshire, our intrepid experts are on the road again.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35So far, Paul has two buys under his belt for £70.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43Thomas played safe and only spent £56, leaving a ripe £383 still in his pocket.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46That's very sweet. Thank you very much.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Let's hope he digs deeper as our chaps head west,
0:12:49 > 0:12:55leaving Cambridgeshire, entering Northamptonshire and on to the town of Finedon.
0:12:59 > 0:13:05With two antique shops bang next door to each other, I wonder what our dynamic duo will come up with?
0:13:05 > 0:13:08See you in a minute.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13- Hello.- Hello.- I'm Thomas.- Hi, Thomas. It's Sean.- Sean, very nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I'm going to enjoy having a good look round.
0:13:18 > 0:13:24Thomas wastes no time in letting owner Sean know what he's looking for.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Are you sure you haven't got any jewels floating about?
0:13:28 > 0:13:32Um...I've possibly got some things and also some silver.
0:13:32 > 0:13:39I only live down the road. I was going to bring it in the shop, but we don't tend to keep valuable silver.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43So Thomas is off to see a secret bit of silver down at Sean's.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- Are we going to walk or drive? - Walk.- It's only down the road, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54There's a few items over there. Look, a nice scent bottle.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56A small Russian icon.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Yeah, that's nice. The scent bottle is sweet.
0:13:59 > 0:14:05You've got a silver top there, Edwardiana. That's quite nice.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10This heart-shaped scent bottle would certainly please the ladies at the auction or how about the clock?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- Lever escapement, Swiss, bit of ormolu.- Yeah.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- Bit of fun.- Lovely condition and a good movement.- Yeah.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Meanwhile, Paul is making good use of his time
0:14:20 > 0:14:25and spotted a quirky Edwardian shelf or screen...in mahogany.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- Let's just cut to the chase.- Yes.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- It's got 48 on it.- Yeah.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37- Don't mind me being shockingly cheeky. You'd have to want to get rid of it at 20-odd quid.- Oh!
0:14:37 > 0:14:41The best I can really do for you on it would be 30.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Should we get it out and have a look at it?
0:14:44 > 0:14:48It's just the quirkiest little screen you've seen in a long time.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- No way on God's Earth that's going to be a £20 job.- 28. Now we must be getting there now.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55We are getting close, aren't we?
0:14:55 > 0:15:01I hate these rubbish numbers because 28, I always round up. At 25, I'll shake your hand and we'll do a deal.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03You've squeezed me, but we'll do it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08Forever squeezing, Paul clinches the deal and heads off to see what's in Thomas's shop.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Little does he know Mr Plant has done a runner,
0:15:11 > 0:15:17but what a wonderful opportunity to sweep in and find something that Thomas has missed!
0:15:17 > 0:15:21Laidlaw in a desperate moment dares to ask the price
0:15:21 > 0:15:25of a swivel toilet mirror that couldn't be further from fashionable.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28I'll do that for £20 to give you a fighting chance.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33These should be easy sellers all day long because they're such good things in houses.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38And the problem with these is, you and I appreciate them, and no-one wants to know.
0:15:38 > 0:15:44They're just unloved and I'm not going to take the mickey at £20. Thanks very much.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47Oh, no, Paul's buying flurry isn't over yet.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49He's off to find yet another shop
0:15:49 > 0:15:54while Thomas is still deliberating over the scent bottle and clock over at Sean's.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56What could you do that for?
0:15:56 > 0:16:03I tell you what, as we've had such a good day, this is a crucifying price at £90.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- You said 220 for the clock.- Yeah.
0:16:05 > 0:16:11What would be your uber-best on that one if I went with these two?
0:16:11 > 0:16:14190 would be the cheapest on that clock.
0:16:14 > 0:16:21Back to the shop and, after a lot of thought, Thomas has yet another fine item to consider.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26If you like that style of French clock...
0:16:27 > 0:16:31..I personally think that's a better quality one.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33That one can be 210.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37Actually, you're right. That is a little boudoir clock.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42It's titchy. This is the boy! Can I have a 1 in front of this somewhere along the line?
0:16:42 > 0:16:45You're really, really pushing...
0:16:45 > 0:16:47I know I'm pushing, but I'm asking.
0:16:47 > 0:16:53190 is the absolute death and that's, in my view, giving it away, but it's...
0:16:53 > 0:16:57180? I'm thinking as an auctioneer.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- 180.- Yeah? - As I'm feeling worn down.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Thomas, you've got your reduction. At least make up your mind now.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06You just hate parting with any cash.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- Can we make it...?- No. - No?- No, don't even ask.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12If you ask, the price is going up.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Right, OK, OK. I get where we are.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20Thomas finally opts for the scent bottle and the rather expensive French clock
0:17:20 > 0:17:22at £270 for the two.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Let me see if I can throw something in to ease the pain.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I think that might give you a chance.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- What is it?- I think it's an American high school fraternity ring, silver.
0:17:35 > 0:17:41- Bit of fun.- "Central High." Thank you very much. I can't look a gift horse in the mouth.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48While Paul decides, with £100 still to spend, he will explore another tempting shop.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- Hello. I'm Paul.- I'm Nick. - Nick, good to see you. I'll be back in a mo.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57This is a palace of retro.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Look, there you go. There's a little wrist watch in there.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05In a little lenticular... what may be a silver case.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09And looking at it from here, it will date to the 1910s or 1920s.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13These are commonly called today trench watches.
0:18:13 > 0:18:20These are red-hot at the moment. In the watch market, military watches of all periods on fire!
0:18:20 > 0:18:25As long as it's assayed before 1918, you can call it a "trench watch".
0:18:27 > 0:18:32It's temptingly priced at £25, but Paul needs to check two things.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37Was it made before 1918 to be a bona-fide trench watch
0:18:37 > 0:18:39and is it still working?
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Bear with me while I look at my little bible here.
0:18:43 > 0:18:451918...
0:18:45 > 0:18:48What I do is give these a little shake.
0:18:48 > 0:18:55And the balance wheel there, if it's been dropped, the arbor that the balance wheel rotates on can snap,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59and in a trench situation, it could take a knock and that could happen.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03It's running. Is the mainspring any good? No. That's where it falls down.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08I'm going to try and buy that, but not at £25.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- Hi.- Nick, how are you doing?- All right.- The wee watch you got for me,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15if you try winding it, the winding pinion's shot.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- I need it for a tenner.- I think if we said 15, we'd shake hands.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24You would shake hands, but I can't.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Any chance of that being a tenner?
0:19:26 > 0:19:28£12?
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- I've got you on the run now. - PAUL LAUGHS
0:19:31 > 0:19:33It's a tenner, isn't it?
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- £11.- Och, it's 11 quid. Nick, you're a good man.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41As Paul emerges from the trenches of antique shopping,
0:19:41 > 0:19:46it's time for our veterans to lay down their arms and go to auction.
0:19:48 > 0:19:55Thomas took his £383.56 and spent a whopping £326 on six auction lots.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00The pair of 19th century silver spoons...
0:20:02 > 0:20:05..the silver/porcelain perfume bottle,
0:20:05 > 0:20:07the Deco metal necklace,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10the silver/onyx fraternity ring,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13the Edwardian nurse's belt
0:20:13 > 0:20:18and the gorgeous, but risky French rococo wall clock. Go, Thomas!
0:20:21 > 0:20:25Paul had £213.78
0:20:25 > 0:20:28and spent £126 on five lots -
0:20:28 > 0:20:30the Ansonia mantel clock,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33the Victorian mantel mirror,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35the Victorian swivel mirror,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38the Edwardian mahogany screen
0:20:38 > 0:20:40and the silver-cased trench watch.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45Now, has either of our chaps impressed their travelling companion?
0:20:45 > 0:20:50I can't say anything derogatory about any of his stuff because it's all good, clean stuff.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53It's a little bit... "I might be a bit bored."
0:20:53 > 0:20:57The diamante is junk and has no place in a catalogued auction.
0:20:57 > 0:21:04The belt, I'm sorry to say, ditto. It may have some age, but it's junk.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Well, there's confidence for you(!)
0:21:07 > 0:21:12Yeah, this leg of their journey started in Huntingdon and our boys travelled to Finedon
0:21:12 > 0:21:16and now their fabulous finds will go under a hopeful hammer in Towcester.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Well, I've given you a trump card.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26I spent so much money.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Do you want to go up? I think I should go up. I could be the loser on this one.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Holding the fort today is auctioneer Jonathan Humbert.
0:21:34 > 0:21:40- I bought the really nice ormolu clock.- We like that - sexy, small. I think that's going to do all right.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44How about Paul's really interesting clock, the cast-iron one?
0:21:44 > 0:21:50- I think that's got a niche market. There are people that enjoy that sort of thing.- Scrappers?- Maybe.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55This auction is split into jewellery and silver at the beginning and furniture at the end.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58It's looking rather quiet, but let's hope it picks up.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00First up, Thomas's silver spoons.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05£30 bid. 5 online. At 40 if you like. 5 online, please?
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- What did you buy these for?- 36. - You're in the money.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10£50 here and I'm selling at £50. Are we all out?
0:22:10 > 0:22:13The hammer's up at £50...
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- £50.- Bang on the money. - That's a good start, Thomas.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22The next item is much riskier - the expensive perfume bottle.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26Heart-shaped, good thing too. Who is going to start me at £30?
0:22:26 > 0:22:29£30 online. At £30 bid now.
0:22:29 > 0:22:325 online also. 40 anywhere else? It's up to you.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36£35 bid becomes 40. £40 here. 5 anywhere else? At £40 bid.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Take 5, it's up to you. At £40.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42£45. 50. 50 here now. 60 anywhere, surely?
0:22:42 > 0:22:45£50 and what a pretty thing it is!
0:22:45 > 0:22:49At £50 here and I'm selling at £50...
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Ouch!
0:22:52 > 0:22:57I couldn't agree more. Now it's Thomas's necklace.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Come on, who's going to go? £20 surely?
0:23:00 > 0:23:03£20 would be a miracle. How did you get away with that?
0:23:03 > 0:23:0635 here. At £35 bid. Who's going to go to 40?
0:23:06 > 0:23:11£40. At £40, are we all out and selling? At £40.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14At 40 only then. Sold then at 40...
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- That's all right, isn't it? - You jammy... What?
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Considering he only paid £6, that's a massive profit for Thomas.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26Since the next item was his free ring, surely his luck must continue.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29If this ring makes 50 quid, I'll buy you a drink.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- A fiver away, surely?- No!
0:23:32 > 0:23:35A fiver away. Hurrah!
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- 5 now. I'll take £6, if you will? - Go on.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41£5 bid. 6 we have. 7 upstairs?
0:23:41 > 0:23:46It's up to you at £7. Make no mistake. £6 it is downstairs. At £6.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48It's all money for nothing, isn't it?
0:23:48 > 0:23:51I know. It's hardly worth it though, is it?
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I'm relieved to say...not!
0:23:54 > 0:23:58At 6... £7! My goodness me! Here we are at £7 bid. 8 if you like?
0:23:58 > 0:24:03- Give him half an hour and we'll get to 50 quid.- No need to be nasty!
0:24:03 > 0:24:08Are you all done then? Sold upstairs at seven...pounds!
0:24:09 > 0:24:13Wow! Time for the nurse's belt. Fingers crossed!
0:24:14 > 0:24:18I don't know. £30 surely? £30 surely? Bid me 20 now to clear.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20£20 in. £20 bid then. 5 here.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23At £25 bid. 30 surely?
0:24:23 > 0:24:2725 here. 30 anywhere? It's up to you.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30The hammer's up. Last chance at 25 before me.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- Go on, one more.- Sold then at £25.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36It's a pretty tight audience, isn't it?
0:24:36 > 0:24:38I don't know. It's a belter.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43Moving quickly along, at last, one of Paul's pieces, the trench watch.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47A little bit on the rare side. Start me now, easy money, £40?
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- Oh, 40...- £40? £40 in, sir. Thank you.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53£40 bid then. 5 online. £50, sir?
0:24:54 > 0:24:56£50 in.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58£50, at £50, at £50 bid. 60 surely?
0:24:58 > 0:25:02At £50 bid. £50, at £50, at £50 before me and I'm selling.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05At £50, are we all out?
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Well done. That's a really good profit.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12Well done, Paul. Next up is Thomas's very expensive clock.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18£100. 110? 110 bid. 120?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20120 bid. 120 bid then. 130.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25The hammer's up now. Last chance. At £130...
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Oh, unfortunately, the right buyers are just not here tonight.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33That was a £50 loss. Ouch! And it's Paul's turn.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38- It's the battle of the clocks! - At £40 I've got. 45 online will buy.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42- Oh, get in!- At £40 in the room. Selling at £40...- You've got 40.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44£40 bid then. At £40, are we all out?
0:25:44 > 0:25:47At £40 only, here selling...
0:25:49 > 0:25:54Oh, dear! Hopefully, Paul's Victorian mirror will make a profit.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57£30 bid then. 5 upstairs and 40 downstairs, I go.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59£40 bid then. 5 if you like?
0:25:59 > 0:26:02At £40 bid. At £40, at £40 bid.
0:26:02 > 0:26:045. 45 then, at 45.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08At £45. 45 and sold at four-five...
0:26:09 > 0:26:12That's a nice £25 profit for Paul.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- It should have made 75. - Stop it!- Show me the money.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20Paul's large rosewood mirror is next, bought for just £30.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Bid me £40 if you will? It's a good example. £40 if you will, please?
0:26:24 > 0:26:29£40, please? £40 in. £40 bid then. 5 upstairs.
0:26:29 > 0:26:3150 downstairs? £50 here.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Sold in the room then at £50...
0:26:33 > 0:26:35What did you pay for it?
0:26:35 > 0:26:3950, not bad. That's £20 profit before auction costs.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- Little nibbles. - I wanted more than 20.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Next, another of Paul's lots
0:26:44 > 0:26:47and his last - the slightly ambiguous stand.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50I've not seen another one of the like before.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Who's going to go to £30 on it? £30, please?
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- £20 if you will?- There's no way this is making a loss.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01£20 in. At £20 only. 5 if you like anywhere else?
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- That's not great.- The hammer's up. - No way!- Last chance at £20 only.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Are we all out at £20 only?
0:27:10 > 0:27:15Don't worry, Paul. This item maybe flopped, but it's still your day.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18I didn't think I'd claw it back so soon, if at all.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22- No, of course.- Let's go and celebrate.- Let's have a drink.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25That is an extremely good idea. Mine's a Scotch.
0:27:25 > 0:27:30Thomas started today on top with £383.56,
0:27:30 > 0:27:36but after auction costs, he's made a horrific loss of £78.36,
0:27:36 > 0:27:40leaving him with £305.20 in the piggy bank.
0:27:41 > 0:27:48Paul, on the other hand, was trailing behind with £213.78 after auction costs,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51though today, he's made a profit of £42.10,
0:27:51 > 0:27:57so with £255.88 to spend, Mr Laidlaw is catching up. Oink!
0:27:58 > 0:28:01You're driving. Don't make me feel sick.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Are we off?
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Red sky at night, shepherd's delight.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning. Huh!
0:28:12 > 0:28:17Our dashing duo are heading east where Tom, also known as Cruise, is flying high.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19Ready for take-off. A bit nervous.
0:28:23 > 0:28:24Huh!
0:28:24 > 0:28:27And Paul has a mountain to climb. Yeugh!
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Know what I need? One of those big, long poles. That's what I need. Tightrope.
0:28:34 > 0:28:40That's all coming up later, but first it's back on the road with Thomas Plant and Paul Laidlaw.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44They both bring a touch of their wisdom to the trip.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49I think my modus operandi is to buy tat again!
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- And turn it into gold! - It's clearly working for you!
0:28:53 > 0:28:56You've got the Midas touch!
0:28:56 > 0:29:01Thomas Plant is an auctioneer and jewel expert, but when it comes to making decisions...
0:29:01 > 0:29:04it can take some time.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08I need something to come out and grab me. Hmm.
0:29:08 > 0:29:14Paul Laidlaw is a serious collector with a passion for militaria, a love for bargains
0:29:14 > 0:29:16and a gift for negotiation.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21I think my estimate in an auction is £30-£60 on that.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Can we do it? Thank you very much.
0:29:23 > 0:29:29From a slow start, he's now on the up with £255.88,
0:29:29 > 0:29:33but can he catch his fearsome competitor?
0:29:33 > 0:29:38Thomas is still out in front with £305.20,
0:29:38 > 0:29:42but needs to keep a keen eye on the rear-view mirror.
0:29:44 > 0:29:49Still, keeping our chaps on track is the sporty Alfa Romeo Spider.
0:29:50 > 0:29:57- Lovely day, isn't it? - Laidlaw and Plant in their lovely little Italian hairdryer.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05From Skipton, Thomas and Paul are travelling south through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales,
0:30:05 > 0:30:11on through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire before arriving in Pewsey for the final auction.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18On this leg, they're leaving Towcester behind and heading for auction in Watlington.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22First stop is the beautiful market town of Olney.
0:30:24 > 0:30:30Splitting up, Paul heads for Dodo Antiques with proprietor Owen in attendance.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35Who knows what gorgeous items will catch Mr Laidlaw's eye?
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Do you own this material?
0:30:37 > 0:30:39It's a dinner gong.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43It's missing a cord, but let's do the business.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Lovely tone. Very oriental.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47That's a shell case.
0:30:47 > 0:30:52So Paul's found some military gear already.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57The markings on this naval shell date it to January, 1898.
0:30:58 > 0:31:04This is kept as a souvenir. Doesn't it make a handsome gong? What's it on?
0:31:04 > 0:31:07A whopping great big piece of mahogany.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11So far as they go, it's a superior example.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16It's a pretty unique item and I'm sensing Paul has fallen for its charm.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19I can't see a price on it!
0:31:19 > 0:31:21We could do that for £45 for you.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- Could you think harder about that? - I'm thinking pretty hard!
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- I think that's not expensive... - It's not.- But it's not a bargain.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- So what is a bargain?- 20 quid's a bargain!- 20 quid's scrap!
0:31:36 > 0:31:40See if you can find a few things and we'll do a deal.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Why don't we? I like that.
0:31:42 > 0:31:49While Paul hunts for potential bargains, Thomas is across the road in Leo's Place.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- And he's feeling the pressure. - The thing is...I just know what sells,
0:31:54 > 0:32:00especially in that jewellery world. All he knows about is military things. More military stuff(!)
0:32:01 > 0:32:07Well, Paul's found his feet with military gear. Can manager Di help you back onto yours?
0:32:08 > 0:32:14- Is it all right if I just pick out things I'm interested in? - Not at all, Martin.- Thomas.- Thomas!
0:32:14 > 0:32:19- LAUGHTER - Where does Martin come from? - I don't know!
0:32:19 > 0:32:25I've never been called a Martin. Robert I get a lot of because of Robert Plant, but Martin...?
0:32:25 > 0:32:30Hmm. I think you might have to enlighten Di on that one.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32The singer. Led Zeppelin singer.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36- I'll just put them over there. - Glad you cleared that up, Martin.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Now back to business, Thomas.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41See, I am drawn to this.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47But this looks like it could have been in there a long time.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51I'll put these two to one side. 38 and 9.50.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54It's German, 1920s,
0:32:54 > 0:33:011930s. That sort of fashion for that Egyptian-style jewellery. I don't even think it's silver.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04This is too rich for me at £38.
0:33:04 > 0:33:10- Would you be interested in it? - Well, I would be, but it's a real low figure.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- Real low figure.- How low?
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- I mean, it's so low, I don't expect people to accept it.- 20?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19No, it's too much, I'm afraid.
0:33:20 > 0:33:26- How much too much? - If it was a tenner, I'd have it. And then there's this brooch,
0:33:26 > 0:33:32which I'm interested in. I like these because they're smoky quartz.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37- Yes.- Which isn't the greatest stone to walk the Earth, but... I tell you what.
0:33:37 > 0:33:45You see, I've got this £20 sitting here. I'd give you that for those two. So that's 15 and that's 5.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Because it's you, Tom,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51I'll accept 20.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53- Oh, brilliant.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:33:53 > 0:33:59A great buy for Thomas and time for Paul to show us his mettle.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04All, some or none of these could all end up worth buying,
0:34:04 > 0:34:09but let's see what we've got. Lovely little pocket notepad.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10Nice.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Pocket fruit knife. This is a bit of decadence.
0:34:14 > 0:34:20A cocktail swizzle stick. Isn't it so tiresome when one's champagne is a tad too effervescent?
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Like those.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27He's also found an English silver cigar cutter,
0:34:27 > 0:34:31a silver penknife as well as a lorgnette.
0:34:32 > 0:34:38I say! Isn't Mrs Smith's behaviour scandalous in the village at the moment?
0:34:38 > 0:34:41It's a great collection of silver,
0:34:41 > 0:34:47but at £171 it would only leave him with £84.88 to spend.
0:34:47 > 0:34:53- How are you getting on, Paul? - If there's any way you can look at what can be squeezed on all of that.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57OK. I'll go and give the dealer a ring, see what I can do.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02Be warned, Owen. Our Mr Laidlaw loves a good haggle.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04Is that the best?
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Thank you. See you later.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13She's saying really the best she could do would be 145 on the lot.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18- What did we start at? I never even added them up.- You've got 15% off.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- 15?!- Yeah.- She's not even trying!
0:35:20 > 0:35:24OK, I could throw something else into the deal to try to sweeten it.
0:35:24 > 0:35:30- Liking the sound of that. - Over here.- This kind of negotiation is right up Paul's street.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32We've had this little lot.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Owen has two classic mirrors.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38They're priced at £95 and £80.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Reproduction, late-Georgian style. Oval-framed.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Satinwood stringing to the edges. There's nothing the matter with it.
0:35:46 > 0:35:52- And the Victorian one is like a tombstone. - I could do them for a tenner each.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54What a bargain! How can you refuse?
0:35:54 > 0:36:00My fear at the moment is I'm shooting all my bolts, but I'm still talking to you.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05- Where were we with the gong? 40? - I'll go to 30 on the gong.
0:36:05 > 0:36:11Now we're talking about gong, a couple of mirrors and a handful of silver and plate. Add it up
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- and give me the last price.- 190.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15170.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23- You're teetering. You want to do it. - Go on, then.- What a result! How do you manage it, Paul?
0:36:23 > 0:36:30One shop down and he's bought four lots. The pressure's back on you, Thomas.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33But Alan's here to help Thomas find an Albert.
0:36:33 > 0:36:38- That's a lovely Albert. - It's a gorgeous fob as well.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Beautifully enamelled centre.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44Named for Queen Victoria's beloved Albert,
0:36:44 > 0:36:48this is a decorative chain for a gentleman's waistcoat.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50That's rather handsome.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55So is that something you're willing to sell to me at a deal?
0:36:55 > 0:37:00- I'd always be willing to sell you something.- Well, I know, but...
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- You mean at the right price? - At a good price.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Would you consider £90 a reasonable price?
0:37:08 > 0:37:12Well, that's OK. I had another figure in mind.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14A bit less.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18But I know I'm being sort of...pushing.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22I'll take another five off. 85, which is very reasonable.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25You wouldn't go as low as 70?
0:37:25 > 0:37:26No.
0:37:26 > 0:37:32- You said you'd take a fiver. Would you take a bit more off?- Not really. - Go on.- No.- No?
0:37:34 > 0:37:39- I'll do it for 80, but that's it. All right?- £80?- Yeah, that's it.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44- Well, I like you. I'm going to say yes.- OK.- You've got a deal. Thank you very much.
0:37:44 > 0:37:50- It's a very nice thing.- Good. - I hope it's not the undoing of me!
0:37:50 > 0:37:54Another good, but possibly risky purchase for Thomas.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01But on a roll we follow our frontrunner down the road to Woburn
0:38:01 > 0:38:06with its hallowed place in the dramatic Thomas Plant story.
0:38:08 > 0:38:14This was the venue for my wedding. Woburn Abbey. A few years down the line, here I am back again.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18It brings back very happy memories. So what a lucky boy.
0:38:18 > 0:38:24Hopefully, your luck will continue as you head to the old town hall and Town Hall Antiques
0:38:24 > 0:38:27where owner Alvin is on hand to help.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31I wouldn't mind looking in your friend's cabinet.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34A Viennese bronze of a swallow.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40It's well done. Just tap it with your ring.
0:38:40 > 0:38:45Obviously, if it's another metal, it doesn't ring as well as a bronze.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49That's got a really nice ring to it. That's got 125 on it.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- I could squeeze to 110.- Really?
0:38:52 > 0:38:54I love that swallow.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59She wouldn't come down any more on that if you gave her a call?
0:38:59 > 0:39:03I'll take another five, but not a penny less.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07105. I think that's quite a good buy.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10You're being very mean if you're not happy to pay 105.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14- What about 100? - No. No. Not at all.
0:39:14 > 0:39:21- 105.- Hard to argue with that, so Thomas looks to partner the swallow statue with another item
0:39:21 > 0:39:29- to get a better deal. - These are cultured pearls. The bead is implanted inside the oyster.
0:39:33 > 0:39:39And you've got this sort of creamy colour to them, but look how they change colour.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Creamy colour against my skin. See?
0:39:41 > 0:39:48But put pearls against white and look what happens - they come alive. Isn't that amazing?
0:39:48 > 0:39:52Do you think she would do me a deal
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- on these two items? - On that and the swallow?
0:39:55 > 0:40:01We've got these at 59. And I've got the swallow at 125.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04That's 184.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07If I say 150 for the two items.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14- Are you sure not 140? - Definitely not. 150.- Meet halfway?
0:40:14 > 0:40:19- Nope, 150 is the deal. - Do it for 145.- No. No, 150.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23God, that means I would have spent £250 on my first day.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- Go on, let's do it.- Well done.
0:40:27 > 0:40:33Who'd have thought it? Thomas has bought five lots in the first day.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38The competition is heating up, but for now our antique hunters need their beauty sleep.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49It's a new day and our chaps are on the road again.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53What are you going to buy? You've bought four already.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Yeah, I'm on a roll. I can't help myself.
0:40:56 > 0:41:02- You haven't bought one item over three figures yet. - #- Not a single item!- #
0:41:03 > 0:41:08So far, Paul's spent £170 on four lots,
0:41:08 > 0:41:10leaving £85.88.
0:41:12 > 0:41:18Thomas, meanwhile, hit the shopping hard, spending a colossal £250 on five lots.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22He has just £55.20 left to spend.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25They come alive. Isn't that amazing?
0:41:25 > 0:41:29They're leaving Woburn behind and chauffeur Paul drops Thomas off
0:41:29 > 0:41:32at the Shuttleworth Airdrome.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39- Good luck buying. Spend all your money.- Yeah. Enjoy!
0:41:39 > 0:41:43The Shuttleworth collection is an assortment of working aircraft and automobiles
0:41:43 > 0:41:47founded by the young aviator Richard Shuttleworth.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51- Showing Thomas around is Tony Podmore.- Come on in.
0:41:51 > 0:41:57I'm fascinated by the collection and how it came to be.
0:41:57 > 0:42:03- Obviously, there was a Mr Shuttleworth.- Richard Shuttleworth was born in 1909.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07He had inherited his grandfather's and father's flair for all things mechanical.
0:42:07 > 0:42:12Richard Shuttleworth was passionate about cars and became a motor racing driver,
0:42:12 > 0:42:16taking part in the first ever British Grand Prix in 1935.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20But after a nasty accident his career was cut short.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25He decided, though, however, to take an interest in flying
0:42:25 > 0:42:31- because he thought it was so much safer!- This never give up attitude, this never die attitude.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33It's terribly British.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37And Richard's gung-ho attitude didn't stop there.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41When war broke out, he volunteered as a pilot for the Royal Air Force.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46It was during, very sadly, a night flying sortie
0:42:46 > 0:42:53- at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire that he suffered a fatal crash. - So he was only 31.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58In 1944, Richard's mother set up a trust in his memory
0:42:58 > 0:43:03and today the collection houses some of Richard's most prized possessions.
0:43:03 > 0:43:08There she is. The world's oldest airworthy aeroplane.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12- My!- A 1909 Bleriot.- 1909.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- Isn't she amazing? - It IS amazing.
0:43:15 > 0:43:22Richard believed that the very best form of preservation was to keep everything in working order.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- Has this ever been up, really? - Oh, yes.- Really?- Absolutely, yes.
0:43:25 > 0:43:30- It goes up in the air?- What we do, in view of the rarity value of it,
0:43:30 > 0:43:34it is the only one of its kind in the world,
0:43:34 > 0:43:38- we restrict it to what we affectionately call hops.- OK.
0:43:38 > 0:43:43This is where it goes down our runway, the aircraft comes off the ground,
0:43:43 > 0:43:46and just hops along.
0:43:49 > 0:43:54Wow. It looks like one of those model aero engines I sell at auctions.
0:43:54 > 0:44:00- There's no chance it can hop today? - No, but I'll tell you what we can do. We can fly one for real.
0:44:00 > 0:44:05- Not one of these!- Not a Bleriot. A vintage 1931 De Havilland Tiger Moth.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08- Yes!- Come this way.
0:44:10 > 0:44:12While Thomas gets kitted out,
0:44:12 > 0:44:17Paul's taking his £88.55 south to Hemel Hempstead.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22That looks the part, doesn't it?
0:44:22 > 0:44:26Off The Wall - Eccentric European Collectables.
0:44:26 > 0:44:33- That's got Laidlaw written all over it. But closed.- Never one to be defeated, Laidlaw's on the phone.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36Why not? In for a penny, give it a try.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39Michelle, where are you?
0:44:39 > 0:44:42When I need you!
0:44:42 > 0:44:46'I can't answer your call right now. If you leave your message...'
0:44:46 > 0:44:51As he patiently waits for news, Thomas is ready for action.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57# Highway to the danger zone
0:44:58 > 0:45:04# Take a ride into the danger zone... #
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- That's fabulous. You look great. How do you feel?- Ready.
0:45:13 > 0:45:14Contact.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23MUSIC: "The Dam Busters" THEME
0:45:25 > 0:45:30Up, up and away! Hold on tight, Biggles!
0:45:30 > 0:45:36The De Havilland Tiger Moth is a 1930s biplane designed by Geoffrey De Havilland
0:45:36 > 0:45:40and was operated by the RAF as a primary trainer.
0:45:40 > 0:45:45The Tiger Moth remained in service with the RAF until 1952.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52Thomas, it looks as if you're having a ball.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57Oh, that was just awesome.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59Absolutely awesome.
0:45:59 > 0:46:07Absolutely wonderful. Very honoured and as you can tell by my big smile it's been a wonderful trip up.
0:46:10 > 0:46:16Mm, "awesome". While Thomas is on cloud nine, Paul's prayers have been answered.
0:46:18 > 0:46:24Shop owner Michelle opened up, but in order to get in he needs to help move stuff out!
0:46:27 > 0:46:30This is like I'm in the auction room again!
0:46:32 > 0:46:35Michelle has owned the shop for 11 years
0:46:35 > 0:46:40and it's bursting at the seams. Good luck, Paul!
0:46:40 > 0:46:44This place is like an antiques TARDIS! Have you seen round here?
0:46:45 > 0:46:47Look at this.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53That... is a Georgian cribbage board.
0:46:53 > 0:47:00This is just a score-keeping board. People played crib round this maybe 150 or even 200 years ago.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02In a tavern.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06Smoking a clay pipe.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10I think it's charming. It is...£3.
0:47:16 > 0:47:18Now what have you spotted?
0:47:18 > 0:47:21It is a Chinese armchair here.
0:47:21 > 0:47:27A striking piece of furniture, but I don't know if there is any tremendous age to it.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31Never mind the quality, feel the weight!
0:47:31 > 0:47:36I'd like it to be 18th or 19th century, brought back in some tea clipper
0:47:36 > 0:47:41or in someone's military baggage train. What I don't want
0:47:41 > 0:47:46is it to have been brought over 30 years ago in a shipping container with a load of looky-likies.
0:47:47 > 0:47:52After his antique assault course, it's time to talk numbers.
0:47:52 > 0:47:56I think I paid about £90 for it about 15 years ago.
0:47:56 > 0:48:02- Wow. Wow. Ouch. - How about 50 for the chair and you've got a deal for the chair?
0:48:02 > 0:48:08- OK, you might have seen me looking at this wee cribbage board. - Is it a buy one get one free moment?
0:48:08 > 0:48:12- You didn't tell me you could read minds as well!- I'm psychic.
0:48:12 > 0:48:18- I'm sticking my neck out with the chair. That is a gamble. It could work for me.- Yeah.
0:48:18 > 0:48:24You give me the chair for 45, throw that in as a wee freebie, and I'll take a punt at the chair.
0:48:24 > 0:48:25OK.
0:48:25 > 0:48:30The chair takes up more room in this very overcrowded shop!
0:48:30 > 0:48:35- It's empty! - With his last two lots secured,
0:48:35 > 0:48:39our chaps can delay their auction showdown no longer.
0:48:42 > 0:48:46Paul began this leg with £255.88
0:48:46 > 0:48:50and spent a proud £215 on six auction lots.
0:48:50 > 0:48:58The silver collection, the Chinese armchair, the Victorian dressing mirror, Sheraton dressing mirror,
0:48:58 > 0:49:03the shell case gong and the freebie cribbage board.
0:49:04 > 0:49:09As for Thomas, he took his £305.20 and threw caution to the wind,
0:49:09 > 0:49:12spending £250 on five lots.
0:49:13 > 0:49:16The bronze swallow figurine,
0:49:16 > 0:49:20the pearl necklace, the double Albert watch chain,
0:49:20 > 0:49:25the Art Deco brooch and the smoky quartz brooch.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29But who has impressed most with their shopping prowess?
0:49:29 > 0:49:33I am really nervous because he's bought really well.
0:49:33 > 0:49:38And although I've bought well, that silver lot is going to eclipse everything.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40As soon as that came out, I went, "Oh!"
0:49:40 > 0:49:46I think this is the auction where it turns in my favour again.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50Well, maybe. It's been a fabulous jaunt, though,
0:49:50 > 0:49:54from delightful Olney via Woburn and Hemel Hempstead
0:49:54 > 0:49:58with the auction house in Watlington firmly in their sights.
0:49:58 > 0:50:03I feel pretty confident, Paul. You've got some great lots.
0:50:03 > 0:50:08Reputedly England's smallest town, nestling in the shadows of the Chiltern Hills,
0:50:08 > 0:50:15Watlington offers a traditional market town welcome. Just what our cheeky chaps need on auction day.
0:50:16 > 0:50:20Kicking things off today is auctioneer Simon Jones,
0:50:20 > 0:50:24but first what does he think of their choices?
0:50:24 > 0:50:29There's a good cross-section. The little bronze bird will do well. It's a pretty little thing.
0:50:29 > 0:50:36My favourite item will be the chair, simply because you don't see many and it's just a lovely object.
0:50:36 > 0:50:40It's the moment of truth. Let the auction begin!
0:50:40 > 0:50:43First up, it's Paul's dressing mirror.
0:50:43 > 0:50:4640, then, to start me. 40 I'm bid.
0:50:46 > 0:50:5042 anywhere? All done, then, at 40?
0:50:53 > 0:50:55Excellent start.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58But will the dinner gong strike the right note?
0:50:58 > 0:51:01£50, £60 for it? £50?
0:51:01 > 0:51:0650 I'm bid. 55 before I go to the phone? Coming to you at 55.
0:51:07 > 0:51:1255 I'm bid. 60 anywhere? At 55, then... 60. 65?
0:51:14 > 0:51:1765. 70? 70 I'm bid. 75?
0:51:17 > 0:51:20Come to daddy.
0:51:20 > 0:51:2275. 80? 80 I'm bid. 85?
0:51:25 > 0:51:28- At £80 in the room...- £80!
0:51:28 > 0:51:31All done at 80? 619.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33Well done.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35Read it and weep, Plant.
0:51:35 > 0:51:42Well done, Paul. Off to a flying start and it can only get better as your next lot was a freebie.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44Lot 110.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47The little cribbage board. Sweet little chap, this.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49What can you say for that? £40, £50?
0:51:49 > 0:51:54- That would do. - 20 to start me. 15 to go.
0:51:54 > 0:51:59- Nobody want a cribbage board? 10? 10 I'm bid.- Dirt cheap!
0:51:59 > 0:52:02- £10, then.- I'd give you more.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05At £10. All done at 10.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09- Oh, well, it was a tenner. - It cost you nothing, so it's £10.
0:52:09 > 0:52:14Three lots down and Paul's hot on your heels, Thomas.
0:52:14 > 0:52:18- Let's hope your figurine pays off. - 50 I'm bid. 55 anywhere?
0:52:18 > 0:52:21At £50. 55? Yes, 55.
0:52:21 > 0:52:2560. 65? At £60, then. Right at the back of the room.
0:52:25 > 0:52:30Somebody got a bargain there. You were unlucky there.
0:52:30 > 0:52:35- Somebody got a bargain. - Oh, dear. It was always risky. Now for Paul's second mirror.
0:52:35 > 0:52:40128 is the Sheraton string inlaid dressing mirror.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42£40, £50 for this?
0:52:42 > 0:52:4630, then, to start me. 20 for the dressing mirror?
0:52:46 > 0:52:48The little Sheraton one.
0:52:48 > 0:52:52£20 I'm bid. At 20. All done at 20.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55- Thank you, auctioneer.- £10 profit.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57Back to Thomas for his pearls.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59Fingers crossed.
0:52:59 > 0:53:03£40, £50 for it? 30 to start me?
0:53:03 > 0:53:05The necklace.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08Don't tell me pearls are out of fashion. £20 I'm bid. 22?
0:53:08 > 0:53:12At £20. All done at 20.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15- Ouch. - Oh, go on! Give him a hug!
0:53:15 > 0:53:20- A hug?- No. - You want a hug?- No.- Later.
0:53:20 > 0:53:22No hugs later.
0:53:22 > 0:53:27Surely his silver double Albert chain and fob will get him back?
0:53:27 > 0:53:3140, then, to start me. 40 I'm bid. 42. 44? At £42 seated.
0:53:31 > 0:53:3544 anywhere? At £42. All done at 42.
0:53:35 > 0:53:36667.
0:53:38 > 0:53:43- Do you want me to start bidding on your stuff? I've got money to burn.- Yes.
0:53:43 > 0:53:47Keep positive, Thomas. Things can only get better.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51350 is an enamel 1930s Egyptian brooch.
0:53:51 > 0:53:5420, then, to start me? £20 I'm bid. 22 anywhere?
0:53:54 > 0:53:5722. 24. 26. 28.
0:53:57 > 0:54:0030. 32. 34.
0:54:00 > 0:54:0336. 38. 40. 42?
0:54:03 > 0:54:06At £40. All done at 40?
0:54:06 > 0:54:08- 126.- Sweet.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11That's more like it! Now Thomas' last stand.
0:54:11 > 0:54:15The double smoky quartz brooch.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18£30 for it?
0:54:18 > 0:54:2125 I'm bid. 28?
0:54:21 > 0:54:25£25, then, for the smoky quartz. £25. All done at 25.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27- With Alan.- Fair enough.
0:54:27 > 0:54:33The brooches were your saving grace. Now for Paul's collection of silver.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36I'm nervous about this. Here it comes.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39£100 to start me. £100 I'm bid.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42110 anywhere? 110. 120.
0:54:42 > 0:54:48- 130. 140. 150? 140, then.- Oh, dear. - Standing at the back of the room at 140. 150 anywhere?
0:54:48 > 0:54:52- That's cheap for a lot of stuff. - 664.
0:54:54 > 0:54:59- It's Paul's last stab at a big profit.- A Chinese chair.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02£100 I'm bid. 110?
0:55:02 > 0:55:06At £100. Are you all happy? At the maiden bid of £100, all done.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09- 627.- Can you lend me some money?
0:55:10 > 0:55:12Can you lend me some money?
0:55:12 > 0:55:17In spectacular fashion, Mr Laidlaw wins the day.
0:55:20 > 0:55:24Thomas started this leg in the lead with £305.20,
0:55:24 > 0:55:29but after commission he's made a hideous loss of £96.66,
0:55:29 > 0:55:34giving him a meagre £208.54 to carry forward.
0:55:37 > 0:55:42Paul, meanwhile, started this leg with £255.88.
0:55:42 > 0:55:46He made a fabulous profit of £104.80,
0:55:46 > 0:55:51so with a whopping £360.68 in the kitty, he's firmly in the lead.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56- What a rollercoaster!- Tell me!
0:55:56 > 0:56:00I feel like I've been on the helter skelter, you know.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04It's going to make for an interesting shop in the last leg.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07All to play for for me. I'm going for it.
0:56:07 > 0:56:11We've heard that before! Next time, it's the grand finale.
0:56:11 > 0:56:16- Thomas is playing catch up. - My shop closes in three quarters of an hour.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20Time is against me. I've got the devil chasing me on my back.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24And has Mr Laidlaw met his match?
0:56:24 > 0:56:29- Make it £28 and I will buy it. - I can't!- Oh!
0:56:29 > 0:56:31You're good.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd